[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 81 (Monday, May 15, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E438]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





        RECOGNIZING MS. TINA MATTHIAS, CONSTITUENT OF THE MONTH

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                            HON. JUAN VARGAS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 15, 2023

  Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Tina Matthias, 
outstanding sustainability advocate and community member in the 52nd 
Congressional District.
  Ms. Matthias is being honored for her long-time advocacy for the 
sustainability of our planet and commitment to environmental issues. 
She created the nonprofit organization, South Bay Sustainable 
Communities Network.
  Ms. Matthias originally founded the South Bay Sustainable Communities 
Network in 2020 and in 2022 established the ``Youth 4 Sustainable 
Future'' program at local high schools, providing students and youth 
with environmental education and tools to take action to reduce the 
impact of climate change. As Founder and Executive Director, she works 
directly with the South Bay community advocating for the importance of 
how to lead a sustainable lifestyle through composting, organizes 
community clean-ups, hikes and hosts monthly educational zero waste 
workshops. The nonprofit organization has worked directly with 16 local 
neighborhoods to compost 49,800 pounds of food waste which prevented 
1,992 gallons of gas used in waste transportation, and 33,665 pounds of 
Carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gas emissions from landfills.
  Ms. Matthias began her career at the Living Coast Discovery Center as 
the Volunteer and Programs Manager, serving for more than 32 years. For 
her dedication, Tina Matthias was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellow Award 
for Dedicated Humanitarian Services from the Lions Club International 
Foundation and her nonprofit received the Organization Award for 
Sustainable Champion from the City of Chula Vista.
  Ms. Matthias is being honored as the 52nd District Constituent of the 
Month in April 2023, during the month of Earth Day. She is recognized 
for her decades-long commitment to bring awareness of long-term 
solutions to address climate change, as well as education about 
sustainable practices to use in our everyday lives.

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