San Francisco Commission honors Julia Rosaschi with Environmental Service Award

The San Francisco Commission on the Environment held a significant meeting on July 4, 2025, where they honored Julia Brzezinski with the Environmental Service Award for her outstanding contributions to environmental initiatives through her work at Cole Hardware. This award, the seventh and final one for the year, recognizes individuals who have made a substantial impact on the environment and community health.

Brzezinski has been a pivotal figure in promoting sustainable practices at Cole Hardware for over 15 years. Her leadership has facilitated numerous environmental programs, including the household hazardous waste collection initiative, which allows residents to dispose of items like batteries and paint safely. This program has successfully collected over 17,000 gallons of household batteries and nearly 160,000 mercury-containing fluorescent lights since its inception.

During the meeting, various commissioners praised Brzezinski's proactive approach and her ability to engage the community in environmental efforts. They highlighted her commitment to educating customers about safer cleaning products during the COVID-19 pandemic and her willingness to pilot innovative programs aimed at reducing environmental risks.

Brzezinski expressed gratitude for the recognition and reflected on her experiences in San Francisco, noting the stark contrast in environmental practices compared to her new home in Pennsylvania. She emphasized the importance of community involvement in environmental stewardship and pledged to continue her advocacy in her new location.

The meeting concluded with a call for public comments, underscoring the community's appreciation for Brzezinski's work and the ongoing commitment of Cole Hardware to environmental initiatives. The recognition of individual contributions like Brzezinski's serves as a reminder of the impact that dedicated community members can have on broader environmental goals.