Illinois EPA seeks applications from Illinois students for Governor's Green Youth Award

Springfield—Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director Doug Scott is encouraging Illinois students to apply for the annual Governor's Green Youth Awards.  The award recognizes the outstanding and inventive efforts of Illinois youth who are working on environmental protection and conservation projects.
 
Students currently enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade at an Illinois public, private, or home school, who have participated in an environmental project started no earlier than January 2006, are eligible to submit their project for the Green Youth Award.  Clubs and other organizations such as Scouts and 4-H are also encouraged to apply.

"If an Illinois student has recently been involved in an environmental or conservation project, I encourage them to apply for a Governor's Green Youth Award," said Director Scott. "The Illinois EPA also appreciates teachers and youth leaders who promote these projects in their classrooms, as they reinforce the value of protecting the environment to their students."

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

This spring, awards will be presented at a special ceremony in Springfield hosted by the Illinois EPA and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.  Winners will also receive tickets to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield. 

An application and additional information about the program are available at http://www.epa.state.il.us/green-youth/, or by calling 217-557-7826.  Applications are due Monday, March 17, 2008.