Zeftron nylon, a premium branded nylon 6 fiber for the commercial interiors marketplace, announces Julie Kelly as the grand prize winner of its second annual Sustainable Practices Award. Kelly, an interior designer at Chicago Design Network, was chosen for her variety of innovative green practices. Sheri Gorman, director of business development and marketing at RD Weis Companies, was selected as this year’s runner-up. The award honors commercial architecture, interior design and facility professionals who incorporate sustainable practices at home, at work and in their communities.

“Zeftron nylon recognizes that the key to a sustainable future is not just developing green products; it is also important to encourage and support comprehensive lifestyle choices that make a difference,” said Timothy Blount, business leader at Zeftron. “Honoring professionals like Julie and Sheri who live green at home, at work and in their communities is a key part of our ongoing environmental awareness efforts.”

To further encourage sustainability, award winners are asked to choose an environmentally-focused charity to receive a donation on their behalf. Kelly selected Greensburg GreenTown, a non-profit that provides inspiration and leadership to help residents of Greensburg, Kan., achieve sustainability in their everyday lives. The organization received a $1,000 donation in her name. A $250 donation was made on Gorman’s behalf to City Parks Foundation, a non-profit that offers a variety of free arts, sports and education programs for New York City residents.

“Living a sustainable lifestyle comes naturally to me because I recognize the importance of being environmentally responsible so that we preserve our world for future generations to enjoy,” Kelly said. “I also appreciate what Zeftron is doing to acknowledge professionals who make sustainability an integral part of how they live so that we collectively continue to foster environmental stewardship within our industry.”

Kelly was selected among numerous entrants to this year’s award for her various eco-friendly lifestyle practices, which include reselling technology equipment and recycling materials at work as well as collecting rainwater for her small garden and using energy efficient solutions at home. Kelly also leverages her sewing talents to create T-shirt quilts and aprons in an effort to keep these frequently used items out of landfills. Her creative way of reusing clothing and then donating these handmade items to a community organization is a distinguishing factor that embodies the spirit of the award program.

Gorman’s noteworthy sustainability efforts include coordinating reclamation activities for her customers, forgoing car ownership to reduce her carbon footprint and recycling clothes through involvement with Wearable Collections, a New York-based clothing recycling charity.

Entries for the 2011 Zeftron nylon Sustainable Practices Award will be accepted on Earth Day 2011, April 22. For more information about Zeftron nylon and its environmentally responsible initiatives, as well as the Sustainable Practices Award, please visit www.zeftronnylon.com.