Five Whatcom County businesses have been honored as sustainability champions by the nonprofit Sustainable Connections.

John Blethen, owner of New Whatcom Interiors, received the organization’s lifetime achievement award. A news release from Sustainable Connections noted Blethen’s long-term commitment to open space through parks and greenways and environmental and community volunteerism, as well as his work organizing the Creekside Solar Project.

The other winners, and their categories, include: Whatcom Educational Credit Union, strong community; Terra Organica, healthy environment; Bellingham Bay Builders, meaningful employment; and Ciao Thyme, buying local first.