McQuade’s Marketplace and Terra Firma Farm Win Sustainability Awards from Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center

 

Mystic, CT (July 30, 2010) The Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center delivered its first annual sustainability awards to McQuade’s Marketplace and Terra Firma Farm during a presentation at the Center’s Eco-Evening Garden Party.  The sustainability awards honor a local company or organization that has successfully incorporated environmentally-friendly practices into its day-to-day operations.

“Michael McQuade has set a fine example for the business community by making a clear commitment to environmental sustainability,” said Maggie Jones, Executive Director of the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center. “The McQuade’s Marketplace store in Mystic has the largest solar electric system of any grocery store in Connecticut, and generates about 168,200 kilowatt hours of clean energy a year – roughly the same amount required to power more than 10 average-sized New England houses.  The refrigeration units in their Westerly store reduce emissions by more than 95% compared to those used by most grocery stores.  McQuade’s has also converted two diesel delivery trucks to run on discarded fryolater oil from their stores.  McQuade’s continues to look for innovative ways to conserve energy while maintaining a top-notch level of service to their customers and the community. They also support t

he local economies by offering organic, locally grown and produced foods.”

“Terra Firma Farm’s focus on education is very much aligned with our own,” continued Jones.  “They have a beautiful mission to ‘teach our children to grow through growing, to care by caring for, and to nurture by nurturing.’  They produce delicious, healthy food for the community, and help our children learn important lessons about food production and nutrition.”

Since 1946, the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center has provided visitors and the community with experiential science programs that further the Center’s mission:  to inspire and nurture appreciation and scientific understanding of the natural world and foster a personal environmental ethic.  DPNC serves 50,000 people each year with environmental science programs. Originally made possible through the long-term support and commitment of the Denison Society, the Nature Center is a private, not-for-profit organization funded by admission fees, memberships and contributions.  The Nature Center provides many rewarding recreational and educational opportunities on site and at nature preserves and parks throughout the region. More information about the DPNC and its programs can be found at: www.dpnc.org.