Up to $10,000 Available for Local Projects that Improve Yonkers Environmental Health and Sustainability
Nomination Applications Available at www.YonkersNY.gov
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced the creation and launch of the first-ever Yonkers Green City Leadership Awards, recognizing local community organizations and students for their contributions towards improving the environmental health and sustainability of the City. The Community Leadership Award provides a grant of up to $10,000 to a local community organization or small business for a new or existing environmental project in Yonkers and a $1,000 award to one student for the Student Leadership Award to support a new or existing Yonkers Public School environmental program or project.
“Yonkers has led the charge in sustainability for the last decade, working with our non-for-profits, schools, city agencies, businesses and residents,” said Mayor Spano. “It is time our partners are rightfully recognized for their vision, action and commitment to our environment and continue to build a cleaner, greener Yonkers.”
“Many of our students are enthusiastic environmentalists,” noted Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin M. Quezada, “who understand that the actions they take today will improve and sustain their future living and work environments. By recognizing the commitment and leadership of a young person who embraces a greener city and a greener future encourages other students to join in this important work.”
All award applications received will be reviewed and evaluated by members of the Yonkers Green City Advisory Committee. Awards will be presented to applicants who best exhibit local leadership in at least one of the categories included in the Award Criteria, and demonstrate how the proposed project will improve environmental, social and/or economic conditions within Yonkers:
Natural Resource Protection – including, but not limited to air/water quality improvement, habitat preservation, land conservation, and/or tree canopy improvement.
Waste Reduction – including, but not limited to recycling, composting, diversion and/or public education and awareness efforts.
Environmentally Preferable Practices – use of green products or processes in organizational operations.
Green Energy/Energy Efficiency – use of renewable energy, energy efficient building design, or other innovative green building features that minimize building emissions.
Green Transportation – advancing use and access to zero-emission transportation alternatives; supporting improvements to pedestrian infrastructure.
Community Health and Wellness – Improving community access to healthy food, recreation, and/or economic opportunity.
Nomination submission applications and eligibility criteria are available at www.yonkersny.gov/greencityawards.
Deadline for submissions is Friday, March 11 at 4pm.
