Environment DEC
From the October 2004 issue
DEC Honors Pollution Prevention Week Poster Contest Winners
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) presented awards to winners of DEC's annual Pollution Prevention Poster Contest as part of the celebration of Pollution Prevention Week in New York State. Governor George E. Pataki issued a proclamation designating September 20-26, 2004, as Pollution Prevention Week and encouraged government, businesses, organizations and individuals to reaffirm their commitment to reducing pollution and protecting our environment.
"Governor Pataki is committed to protecting public health and our natural resources by reducing pollution at its source," Commissioner Crotty said. "DEC looks forward to continuing to work with our partners in continuing to make significant strides in promoting a sustainable environment for New York's future."
Environmental Permits Director
Jeff Sama, presents an award to
Ashley Reese of Cortland, NY,
for her award-winning poster in
the 15-18 yr olds category
Ashley drew on her ative American
heritage. The raven represents her
sister and the tortoise represents her tribe
Pollution Prevention Initiatives
DEC's Pollution Prevention Unit is leading the state's effort in advancing pollution prevention awareness to business, industry and the public with programs and partnerships focusing on preventing pollution through source reduction. One example of DEC's many pollution prevention initiatives includes development of an environmental leaders program to promote and acknowledge the outstanding leadership of companies developing and implementing environmental management systems at their facilities.
Participants and Partnerships
The 2004 DEC poster contest theme was "Pollution Prevention," for which more than 700 posters were submitted. In addition to the contest, DEC joined other government and community partners in presenting displays exhibiting pollution prevention programs that exist for acid rain prevention, small business compliance assistance, and waste reduction and recycling.
DEC employee Gary Feinland
teaches about using worms to
compost garbage
"DEC congratulates and thanks all the participants in this year's contest for their creativity and commitment to pollution prevention," Commissioner Crotty said. "Every submission showed great talent and dedication to creating a healthier future for our state and nation by conserving energy and protecting our environment."
Poster Contest Winners
Prizes were awarded for first and second place in four age categories. This year's poster contest winners were as follows:
5 to 7 year-olds:
First Place: Emily Nosworthy, Maria Regina School, Seaford, NY
Second Place: John Accetta, Maria Regina School, Seaford, NY
8 to 10 year-olds:
First Place: Caroline Noce, St. Patrick's School, Staten Island, NY
Second Place: Julie Schneider, Maplewood School, South Huntington, NY
11 to 14 year-olds:
First Place: Vitaliy Levitskity, McGraw Elementary School, McGraw, NY
Second Place: Lindsey Novick, Our Lady of Mercy School, Rochester, NY
15 to 18 year-olds:
First Place: Ashley Reese, McGraw Central School, Cortland, NY
Second Place: Amanda Newton, West Genesee High School, West Genesee, NY
For information about New York State's pollution prevention initiatives, contact DEC's Pollution Prevention Unit at (518) 402-9469, or visit DEC's Web Site.
