5th Annual Eco Awards Held On Glen Island To Celebrate Earth Month

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — Mother Nature cooperated with a break in the weather allowing a ceremony honoring outstanding contributions to the environment to proceed under gray skies.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer and Westchester County’s Department of Environmental Facilities celebrated Earth Day Month hosting the 5th Annual Eco Awards at Glen Island Park. The Eco Awards were conceived to recognize outstanding contributions to the environment and sustainability made by residents, students, schools, municipalities, businesses and other organizations.

"The initiatives and projects led by the recipients of this year’s Eco Awards have made a significant impact on Westchester County’s environment," Westchester County Executive George Latimer said. "These winners range from students to municipalities and organizations that epitomize a dedication to sustainability and community well-being. These achievements inspire all of us to continue to help make Westchester County, and our planet, the best it can be."

2024 Eco Award Winners

• Greystone Food Scrap Program: For developing a food scrap recycling program at The Greystone Co-op, which resulted in diverting 8 tons of food scraps from the waste stream in 2023.
• Melanie Tucker: For a Capstone Project that educates on the importance of recycling not only for people but also for animals and our shared natural environment.
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated - Zeta Nu Omega Chapter: For the Chapter’s instrumental role in A Love Letter to Nature, an interdisciplinary garden project designed to educate the community on composting and greenhouse gardening.
• The City of White Plains: For the development of a local composting site at the Gedney Way Recycling Center.
• Hilltop Hanover Farm: For developing and hosting the first Community Work Day for Native Plants Care.
• Balaboste: For emphasizing zero waste and sustainability principles in offering space organization services.
• City of Rye: For achieving the highest municipal curbside recycling rate in Westchester County in 2023.
• Village of Irvington: For achieving the highest waste percent reduction in Westchester County in 2023.
• Brightcore Energy: For offering clients environmentally friendly options for meeting energy needs, while providing cost savings, limiting waste and reducing carbon footprint.
• David Tonjes - Stony Brook University: For research designed to improve the management of solid waste in New York State.
• Mom’s Organic Market in Dobbs Ferry: For an emphasis on environmental sustainability and locally sourced options, and providing customers with an extensive recycling take-back program.
• New Rochelle Parks Department – Green and Sustainable Operations Program: For implementing green practices that emphasize sustainability in operations, achieving a "Green Marina" designation, and donating produce to feed the food insecure.

"The Department of Environmental Facilities is privileged to host the Eco Awards and recognize the contributions made by this year’s class of exceptional winners," Department of Environmental Facilities Deputy Commissioner Louis Vetrone said. "Westchester County continues to be a leader in environmental efforts in large part because of the contributions of the people here today."

The department will continue to celebrate Earth Month with more public programs focused on making recycling accessible. Two Household Recycling Days (HRDs), one in northern Westchester at FDR State Park, and one in southern Westchester at Sprain Ridge Park are planned for April 20 and 27, respectively. A second Compost Giveback event on Sunday, April 28, will give residents an opportunity to obtain free compost produced on-site at the CompostED facility in Valhalla.

More information on these Earth Month events can be found here or by calling the Recycling Help Line at 914-813-5425.

The full awards ceremony can be watched here.