News Releases - 2003

Second Annual Green Youth Awards On "America Recycles Day" Recognize Outstanding Environmental Projects By Illinois Young People

Elgin, Gurnee, River Grove, Minooka, Lawrenceville, Sherrard And Ava Youth Receive Awards

Chicago, Ill. — Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director Renee Cipriano today presented “Green Youth Awards” recognizing seven outstanding environmental protection and conservation projects by Illinois young people in a ceremony at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Chicago.

Today also marks the seventh annual America Recycles Day and in Illinois and across America people will celebrate recycling by pledging to increase their recycling activities and by purchasing more products made from recycled materials.

“This year's Green Youth Award winners are setting an example for all of us in making recycling a part of everyday life,” said Director Cipriano.

Director Cipriano noted the projects of four of this year's award winners had strong recycling components. One school alone diverted 52,000 pounds of electronics from going into the waste stream.

“On behalf of Governor Blagojevich, who has a strong commitment to encouraging community involvement by our youth, the projects recognized by these awards showcase creative efforts by our young people to make Illinois a safe and healthy place to live,” she added.

The projects must have involved one or more of the following categories: waste reduction, reduction of pollution in the air, water or land; restoration or preservation of natural areas; and energy or water efficiency.

Through the innovative Green Illinois Program supported by Governor Blagojevich, government and communities have been encouraged to make Illinois a safe and healthy place to live.

“Through the Green Youth Awards we hope to encourage youth to continue pursuing environmental projects now and in the future,” said Director Cipriano.

Winners for the 2003 Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's Director's Green Youth Awards are:

Additional Information

• Project Details
• Green Youth Awards Program