Theodore Roosevelt aptly stated, “Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children’s children.”
This ethos resonates with the efforts recognized by the Aquarion Environmental Champion Awards. The awards, now in their 14th year, have highlighted a diverse array of conservation achievements, ranging from preserving waterways and forests to innovative sustainable practices in businesses and communities.
This is exemplified by the Aquarion Environmental Champion Awards, an initiative that not only acknowledges but also inspires conservation endeavors across Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. These awards bring to light the extraordinary work being done by individuals, businesses, and organizations in the realm of environmental conservation.
In 2022, for instance, the award recipients included Pratt & Whitney for their recycling initiatives and commitment to minimizing resource consumption in the large business category, and Nod Hill Brewery, which operates entirely on solar power, in the small business category. The non-profit category celebrated the Housatonic Valley Association’s extensive efforts in protecting the Housatonic Watershed. Additionally, Mary Ellen Lemay from Trumbul, and Izzy Kaufman from New Canaan were honored in the adult and student categories, respectively, for their local environmental initiatives (Aquarion Water).
These awards highlight the crucial role of conservation in our society.
In New Canaan, the community’s engagement with conservation efforts is truly extraordinary.
New Canaan understands more than most communities that conservation creates long lasting value and beauty that extends far beyond what is readily visible. From Bristow Bird Sanctuary to Grace Farms, New Canaan sets an example for others to follow.
For residents of New Canaan, participation in this initiative offers a chance to contribute to a legacy of environmental stewardship. Nominating a local individual, business, or non-profit for the Aquarion Environmental Champion Awards is more than a recognition of their efforts; it is a celebration of a commitment to conservation that benefits not only our community but the planet as a whole.
As the nomination period for the 2024 Aquarion Environmental Champion Awards approaches its close on May 3, with the awards ceremony slated for June 1 at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, it’s a moment for New Canaan residents to reflect on their own contributions to conservation. Whether it’s through supporting local initiatives, participating in sustainable practices, or nominating a deserving individual or group, every action contributes to a larger movement toward a sustainable future.
The Aquarion Environmental Champion Awards is a call to action for each of us to consider what role we can play in this vital endeavor.
So nominate someone New Canaan!
The 2024 awards will acknowledge notable environmental efforts in various categories, including Adult, Non-Profit Organization, Business, and Student (Grades 9-12). The winners in the Adult, Non-Prof it Organization, and Business categories will be given the opportunity to select an environmental non-profit to receive a $5,000 grant in their honor. In contrast, the winner in the Student category will receive a $1,000 prize.
Detailed information and nomination guidelines are available at www.aquarionwater.com/awards
