Jason Metzger and Oak Avenue Landscaping are recognized for their dedication, service, and leadership in sustainable practices.
Dunwoody, GA – April 30, 2024 – The City of Dunwoody is pleased to recognize Jason Metzger and Oak Avenue Landscaping as recipients of the 2023 Sustainability Hero Awards. Initiated in 2012, the Sustainability Hero Award program celebrates exemplary individuals and organizations to recognize their dedication, service, and leadership in sustainable practices. Nominations for the awards were open to the community; the winners were selected by members of the Dunwoody Sustainability Committee and honored during Monday night’s City Council meeting.
“Earth is not just our home; it’s our shared responsibility,” said Michael Pray, Chair of the Dunwoody Sustainability Committee. “Sustainability heroes lead the way. This recognition reinforces their importance and impact.”
Jason Metzger was selected as the individual recipient of the Sustainability Hero Award for supporting recycling and alternate transportation efforts, serving as the Solarize Dunwoody liaison, and working to strengthen the City’s Sustainability Plan as a member of the Dunwoody Sustainability Committee. He lives and models sustainable principles by composting, growing an organic lawn and garden irrigated with captured rainwater and using a push-reel mower to care for this lawn. Jason also uses bike and public transit to commute to work in all kinds of weather, inspiring bicyclists of all ages in the Dunwoody community and beyond. He even works as a public servant in the green sector.
“The words sustainability and climate change can make people feel uncomfortable and overwhelmed. However, even seemingly minor individual actions like trading a car trip for a bicycle ride, eating less meat, or buying less can have a tremendous impact in aggregate,” explained Jason Metzger. “Whatever you do to conserve, no matter how large or small, our planet thanks you. I am honored to be Dunwoody’s 2023 Sustainability Hero, and I hope to continue to shed light on this increasingly pressing issue.”
Oak Avenue Landscaping was selected as the business recipient of the Sustainability Hero Award for making Dunwoody more eco-friendly. Oak Avenue Landscaping is a completely electric landscaping business, that uses solar-charged batteries to run equipment. The resulting work is quieter and less intrusive than it would be with gas-powered equipment. In addition, the company focuses on using native plants for landscaping installation projects.
“I’m honored that Oak Avenue was recognized for this award,” said Lloyd Fisher, owner of Oak Avenue Landscaping. “Using gas equipment is often seen as an easier route in landscaping. Fortunately, there are solutions available to keep our natural environment looking great, but also ensure we aren’t damaging it in the process. The noise reduction is a nice benefit for the community too!”
The City of Dunwoody Sustainability Committee meets monthly and serves to encourage the city and the community to reduce its environmental impact by improving resource efficiency. Public education and outreach on sustainability are central to this mission.
PHOTOS: 1) Jason Metzger (center) accepts the Sustainability Hero Award with his wife Paige, members of the Dunwoody Sustainability Committee, and members of the Dunwoody City Council. 2) Lloyd Fisher (center), owner of Oak Avenue Landscaping, accepts the Sustainability Hero Award with his wife and children. Members of the Dunwoody Sustainability Committee and members of the Dunwoody City Council.