sustain habitat Habitat announces the winners of its second annual SustainIt! Awards, voted on by the residents of the Wood River Valley. By Jennifer Tuohy. Photos by Roland Lane.
AWA R DS 1st FAVORITE GREEN SERVICE PROVIDER
MOUNTAIN RIDES
1st FAVORITE LOCALLY MADE PRODUCT EDIBLE
1st PHOTO BY JOSHUA WELLS
FAVORITE LOCALLY MADE NON PRODUCT EDIBLE
SUN VALLEY MUSTARD
SUN VALLEY CANDLES
The valley’s signature spicy condiment, Sun Valley Mustard has been handmade in town for nearly 30 years. In 2012, Joshua Wells took over what was then a struggling company and has spent the last 12 months transforming the much-loved brand into a true regional success story.
Sun Valley Candles began in 2011 as a personal project for Hailey residents Codrin Iorga and Cristiana Cristorean. Their mission was to create an all natural, 100 percent soy candle that from the cotton wick to the product packaging was fully biodegradable and made from recyclable or recycled material.
After opening a new production facility in Hailey and making a big push toward getting the mustard into gourmet stores, restaurants and delis throughout the Mountain West, Wells has turned the company into a profitable business that makes a significant contribution toward the long-term sustainability of the Wood River Valley. “As our company continues to grow, we hope to create even more quality jobs and perhaps stimulate investment in related industries,” Wells said.
The result is an environmentally friendly product, manufactured and sold exclusively in the Wood River Valley, a perfect example of community sustainability. “Sun Valley Candles is proud to contribute to strengthening the local economy,” said Iorga.
Runners-Up Runners-Up 2nd Sawtooth Brewery Beer—Ketchum’s only brewery serves locally inspired brews such as Off Trail Belgo Pale Ale. 3rd Bigwood Bread—Homemade, handmade loaves baked right here in Ketchum. 10
Runners-Up Runners-Up Three-Way Tie
Operating and advocating for sustainable alternative transportation options in the Wood River Valley, Mountain Rides served close to 500,000 passengers last year. By saving energy, reducing the valley’s carbon footprint, improving air quality and reducing traffic, the organization is making a significant contribution towards creating a more pleasant environment for all. Combined with its aggressive education campaign to encourage people of all ages to walk and bike, it’s no surprise the community picked Mountain Rides as its favorite green service provider. The organization is constantly searching for new ways to make green transport a more attractive option. “We are looking at alternative fuel types and the addition of solar options to our facilities,” said Kim MacPherson, the administrative support coordinator. “We have used an oil recycling program and are ordering smaller, lower emission buses for use on neighborhood routes. We are also constantly evaluating cleaner technology for our buses and building better bus stops, sidewalks and bike access so that the built environment better supports a more balanced transport system.” Runners-Up Runners-Up Two-Way Tie 2nd Environmental Resource Center—An organization dedicated to promoting a more sustainable environment through education, awareness and participation.
2nd Boulder Mountain Clayworks—A nonprofit space in Ketchum where artists, and the not-so-artistic, create precious pottery.
2nd Idaho’s Bounty—A food co-op and online marketplace supporting local producers.
2nd Jytte Hats—Jytte (You-tay) makes her fabulous merino wool beanies in her factory in Hailey.
3rd Clear Creek Disposal—Clearing up the valley’s trash and helping us all recycle.
2nd Rocky Mountain Hardware—Exquisite SCScertified, hand-cast bronze hardware manufactured in Hailey.
3rd Community School—An independent pre-k through 12th grade school in Sun Valley.
Two-Way Tie
habitat 2013 • sun valley guide