FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

County Still Seeking Earth Day Award Nominations

Port Orchard, WA — Residents, organizations, and businesses are reminded there is still time to nominate themselves or someone they know for an Earth Day Award. Submissions should be sent so that they are received by end of business on March 10, 2006 .  For information on how to nominate please go to www.kitsapgov.com/sw. or call The Open Line at 360-337-5777.  

Awards will be presented in the following categories:

Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability
Recognizes an individual, organization, or business that exemplifies the concept of sustainability: the process of keeping the earth livable by preserving resources for future generations. This may include elements of waste reduction, recycling, the use of resource and energy-efficient products, and/or resource conservation.  

Outstanding Achievement in Environmental Education
Recognizes an individual or organization integrating the concepts of sustainability, resource conservation, waste reduction, recycling, and/or general ecology into basic curriculum in a public or private school setting or youth organization, or in a program educating the Kitsap County community.

Clean Kitsap Award
Recognizes an individual, team, or organization whose exceptional commitment has decreased litter and/or illegal dumping, or whose efforts have significantly helped clean up Kitsap County.

Green Building  
Recognizes a construction project or company which has made exemplary use of environmentally friendly techniques such as:

·        Protecting natural resources through project design and management.

·        Reducing waste in construction methods.

·        Recycling at job site.

·        Using resource-efficient construction materials.

·        Promoting energy efficiency by building beyond the energy code requirements.

·        Reducing the amount of hazardous waste generated from the project.

Best Hazardous Waste Reduction Program 
Recognizes an individual, business, or organization whose pollution prevention program has:

·        Made commendable use of safer alternatives to and reduced the amount of hazardous products in their home or facility by changing practices or processes.

·        Created a safer work environment by changing handling/storage methods and training employees.

·        Shared information and successes with customers, community and industry.

Environmental Leadership (Youth and Adult Category)
Recognizes two individuals (youth and adult) exemplifying leadership qualities in programs or projects emphasizing sustainability, resource conservation, waste reduction, recycling, hazardous waste management, or green building.  Besides making a difference with their choices, they lead the way for others and strive to make others aware of environmental issues. 

Important Links:

Earth Day Nomination Information

Kitsap County Public Works
The Open Line
(360) 337-5777 or (800) 825-4940
openline@co.kitsap.wa.us