For Release: Monday, September 20, 2004
DEC Honors Pollution Prevention Week Poster Contest Winners
Governor Pataki Designates September 20-26 As Pollution Prevention Week in New York State
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today 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."
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 the development of an Environmental Leaders Program to promote and acknowledge the outstanding leadership of companies developing and implementing environmental management systems at their facilities.
The 2004 DEC poster contest theme was "Pollution Prevention" and 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 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."
This year's poster contest winners are:
- 5 to 7 year-olds:
- First Place: Emily Nosworthy, Maria Regina School, Seaford, NY; and
- 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; and
- Second Place: Julie Schneider, Maplewood School, South Huntington, NY;
- 11 to 14 year-olds:
- First Place: Vitaliy Levitskity, McGraw Elementary School, McGraw, NY; and
- 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; and
- Second Place: Amanda Newton, West Genesee High School, West Genesee, NY.
For information about New York State's pollution prevention initiatives, contact the DEC's Pollution Prevention Unit at (518) 402-9469 or visit us online.
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