Illinois EPA to recognize environmental projects by Illinois youth

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Environmental Protection Director Doug Scott is encouraging Illinois youth to apply for the annual Governor's Green Youth Awards.  The Award recognizes outstanding environmental protection and conservation projects created and developed by Illinois students.

Classes or individual students currently enrolled in K - 12 school, scouts, 4-H or others, and who have participated in an environmental project started no earlier than 2008 are eligible for the award.

The project must involve one or more of the following categories:  waste reduction; prevention/reduction of pollution in the air (climate change/global warming), land or water; restoration, preservation or enhancement of natural areas; and energy or water efficiency. 

"If you have recently participated in an environmental or conservation project, I encourage you to apply for a Governor's Green Youth Award to receive recognition," said Director Scott.  "I appreciate teachers who support these projects, as they reinforce to Illinois' youth the value of helping to protect Illinois' environment."

An application and additional information about the program are available from the Illinois EPA web site at:  http://www.epa.state.il.us/green-youth/index.html, or by calling Deirdre McQuillen at 217-558-0073 or email Deirdre.McQuillen@illinois.gov.  The deadline for applications is Friday, March 19, 2010. 

The Awards ceremony will be held on Earth Day, Thursday, April 22 at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield.  Winners will receive a ticket to the Museum, in addition to their award.

Examples of past winning projects include:
• Waste Reduction:  a school-wide recycling program that encouraged not only recycling but also waste reduction and environmental education
• Reducing Water Pollution:  a storm sewer stenciling project
• Restoration/Preservation:  the creation of a wetland area
• Energy Efficiency:  school-wide energy audit and facilitation guide