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Interface Chairman Named "Hero of the Environment"

Ray Anderson joins the likes of Al Gore, Mikhail Gorbachev, and Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales.

Mairi Beautyman -- Interior Design, 10/31/2007 12:00:00 AM

Ray Anderson, chairman and founder of carpet manufacturer Interface, is one of 43 Heroes of the Environment, says Time Magazine. The prestigious awards program, now in its fifth year, recognizes individuals around the world. The recipients were announced at a ceremony held October 25.

This is the first year that the program focuses on the environment. Individuals were named in categories including Leaders and Visionaries, Scientists and Innovators, Activists, and Moguls and Entrepreneurs. Ray garnered the accolade in the Moguls and Entrepreneurs category. Additional honorees include Al Gore, Mikhail Gorbachev, and Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales.

"If a single, $1 billion company can make a difference, imagine the impact if everyone did it," says Anderson.

William McDonough, founder of William McDonough + Partners and MBDC, and co-author of Cradle to Cradle, wrote the tribute to Anderson, praising his very public commitment to change. "He put Interface and his reputation on the line and set the goal of eradicating the company's environmental footprint by 2020," says McDonough.

For a complete list of winners, visit Time Magazine.