Keep Martin Beautiful Seeks Environmental Stewards

Did you know there are people all over the world spearheading remarkable environmental initiatives? Everything from creating products out of seaweed and plant-based materials as alternatives to plastic, powering solar cells through the photosynthesis of succulent plants, and building houses using a 3D printer made entirely from the leftover wood fibers from sawmills.

Right here in Martin County, we are known for our commitment to protecting the environment. That’s why Keep Martin Beautiful is looking to the readers of Friends & Neighbors to help us identify people and projects in our community that are worthy of recognition. Is there a beautification or community improvement project your civic group, youth group, or government agency completed.

Has your company made improvements to be more energy efficient, use green technologies, or improve its recycling practices? Is there a nonprofit that has had success preserving our natural environment and educating the next generation? Now’s your chance to give them some kudos!

Keep Martin Beautiful is currently seeking nominations for these types of activities so we can shine a spotlight on outstanding people and projects during our Environmental Stewardship Awards event. Last year a few of our honorees included:

• River Kidz for their dedication to advocacy, youth education and awareness for the health of the Indian River Lagoon and St Lucie River.
• House of Hope for using the latest hydroponic and aeroponic techniques to grow 7,368 plants at its Growing Hope Farm to improve the quality of life for thousands of low-income residents in Martin County.
• Project LIFT for keeping old cars out of the landfill and accepting them instead into its vocational training program, teaching students how to repair them, and then donating them back to community members in need or teens who have graduated from the program.

We’re always on the lookout for the next environmental stewardship award winners, but many of the people we recognize are unsung heroes that are busy making a difference without any fanfare. That’s why we need the help of the community to give these humble people the credit they deserve.

Nominations for the 2024 Environmental Stewardship Awards are now open. The application is simple – describe the project, who is doing it, and why it matters. An independent group of judges evaluates the entries and determines the winners. At our celebration in the spring, Keep Martin Beautiful will have the honor of introducing the awardees and their projects to the entire community.  For more information and to submit a nomination, visit keepmartinbeautiful.org/environmental-stewardship-awards.

We know you have more columns to read, but we hope you’ll take a few minutes to think about a possible nomination.  If you have questions or want to email me your idea, send them to tiffany@keepmartinbeautiful.org.