2003 Department of the Interior
Environmental Achievement Awards Recipients

Mr. Roger Lobato,
Dedication Makes a Difference for Green Purchasing
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks,
National Park Service, Three Rivers, California
roger_lobato@nps.gov
Environmentally Preferable Procurement

Left to Right: Dick Martin (accepting the award for Roger Lobato), Gale Norton

In charge of purchasing and warehousing operations that serve five hundred employees at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Roger Lobato aggressively and continually seeks ways to prevent pollution and waste generation through environmentally preferable purchasing. Not an environmental professional by training, Mr. Lobato on his own initiative researches and purchases environmentally preferable products. He diligently reviews the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) of hazardous products within his care. He then finds and purchases safer and more environmentally preferable products. Examples of such products include re-refined oil, low-mercury fluorescent light bulbs, 100% post-consumer recycled paper, less toxic antifreeze, and peppermint oil (a natural way to deter rodents). He also takes the time to share his acquired knowledge with fellow employees and is always willing to help other members of the Park. Mr. Lobato demonstrates how one person can have a positive impact on the environment and inspire the people around him to do so as well.

Accepting the Award:
Richard Martin, Superintendent Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Left to Right: Fran Mainella, Dick Martin (accepting the award for Roger Lobato), Steven Griles