According to a press release, the City of Encinitas Environmental Commission has announced the opening of nominations to its prestigious Environmental Award Program. This program is now in its seventh consecutive year. The EAP is designed to recognize deserving individuals and businesses for outstanding environmental achievements.
Encinitas sign
(Karen Billing)
Since the 2014 programs’ inception by Environmental Commissioners Jim Wang & Joy Lyndes, two Excellence in Environmental Stewardship Awards have been given to a for profit business and a non-profit business. Christian Adams and Inge bisconer, Environmental Commissioners, added a new Environmental Hero category to recognize both adults and youth not necessarily associated with businesses.
The deadline for nominations for the award program 2021 is Monday, February 28, 2022 by 11:59 pm.
Mayor Catherine Blakespear announced the 2020 Environmental Award Program winners at the April 28th, 2021, City Council meeting via ZOOM. The meeting began with awardees being invited to speak and display their recycled glass trophies. Winners Awards presented the awards.
Environmental Hero Award, Adult category Torrey Neel
Torrey Neel is involved with the California Native Plants Society. She has a greater awareness of the importance native plants have to the California ecosystem. Neel used to start seeds and then give them away for members of Encinitas to plant. She has volunteered at San Diego Botanic garden and her inspiration has meant so much to both peoples and the environment.
Danny Sheehan, Environmental Hero Award, Youth (under-18) category
Danny Sheehan volunteers with the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program, (SWPPP), at Paul Ecke Primary School. He is also an active monitor of the local Marine Protection Act. He is an accomplished surfer who is passionate about protecting the ocean environment and reverseing the damage done by humans. He has often confronted and convinced older youth to stop their destructive actions towards sea life. Sheehan’s environmental consciousness has been demonstrated well beyond his youth.
Excellence in Environmental Stewardship, For Profit Business BCK Programs
BCK instructors teach elementary school students, starting in kindergarten, how to sort their lunchtime trash and compost food scraps. They also run programs in recycling and energy conservation. BCK has worked hard with middle school students to create a 75% diversion. Students in 5th-12th grade can also participate in BCK’s SWPPP (Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan). This program has helped thousands of Encinitas high school students to become passionate environmentalists.
Excellence in Environmental Stewardship, San Diego Botanic Garden
San Diego Botanic Garden celebrates its 50th birthday. It is the premier plant conservation institution in the region and one the most important botanic garden in the country. The San Diego Botanic Garden has over 1,000 students each year. Its formal programs include field trips and classroom support for Title 1 or other underserved schools throughout Encinitas County. The Garden is a leading plant conservation and education institution in Encinitas. They also work with the city to preserve the natural areas surrounding Cottonwood Creek Park.
The Encinitas Environmental Award Program was the first of its kind in San Diego County, and it is one of very few in the United States.
Use the 2021 Environmental Award Program Nomination form to nominate Encinitas residents or businesses. Go to bit.ly/3nRmvZE