Washington State Recycling Association Recycler of the Year 2025!

Big news! The Artist in Residence program with @cityoftacoma Environmental Services @enviroservices has won the 2025 Recycler of the Year – Education Award from the Washington State Recycling Association.

 At the heart of this recognition is Teruko Nimura, whose creative leadership has transformed how we talk about waste, sustainability, and reuse. Through her residency, she has used public art, storytelling, and community collaboration to spark environmental awareness in new and meaningful ways.

 From Upstream Together’s community made Koinobori and dragon sculptures with @sami.school, to Entangled’s giant spiderweb woven from plastic produce netting, Teruko’s work connects people, place, and purpose.

 Join us at the South Sound Sustainability Expo to experience her work in person and contribute to the next chapter of Upstream Together—a free, family-friendly workshop that celebrates creative reuse and sustainability.

Upstream Together Koinobori Workshop

Saturday, April 19, 2025
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Tacoma Public Library Main Branch, Olympic Room
Be sure to check out the Remaker Fair happening on the same day!

South Sound Sustainability Expo

Saturday, April 26, 2025
10:00 am – 3:00 pm Tollefson Plaza near UW Tacoma

This award highlights the power of Tacoma’s 1% for Art program and the lasting impact that creative, cross-departmental collaboration can have on our community.