Annual Ceremony Highlights Community Efforts in Sustainability and Conservation
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins and the Department of Environmental Facilities hosted the 7th Annual Eco Awards at Tibbetts Brook Park in recognition of Earth Month, honoring residents, students, schools, municipalities, businesses and organizations for their contributions to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The annual awards ceremony highlights efforts across the County to reduce waste, promote conservation and advance environmental initiatives at the local level.
Jenkins said: “This year’s Eco Award recipients reflect the kind of commitment that continues to move Westchester forward. Their work shows how local action, whether through reducing waste, protecting natural resources or educating others, can lead to meaningful results. Sustainability is built through consistent effort, and across the County, we are seeing individuals and organizations step up in ways that are making a real impact. We are proud to recognize their contributions and remain committed to supporting efforts that help build a cleaner, more sustainable Westchester for all.”
Department of Environmental Facilities Commissioner Vincent Kopicki said: “The Department of Environmental Facilities is honored to host the Seventh Annual Eco Awards. The wide-ranging initiatives undertaken by schools, local governments, businesses, environmentally conscious organizations, and individuals exhibit an admirable sense of environmental responsibility that reminds us of our duty to protect our natural resources and the planet.”
Department of Environmental Facilities First Deputy Commissioner Louis Vetrone said: “The Eco Awards provide a great opportunity to recognize exceptional achievements toward creating a brighter and more environmentally friendly future. Those receiving awards have demonstrated commendable devotion to the sustainability of our local community and are an inspiration to all of us to do our part to protect the environment.”
Westchester County Director of Energy Conservation and Sustainability Peter McCartt said: “These awards reflect the wide range of people contributing to sustainability efforts across Westchester, from students and educators to local governments and community organizations. It shows that protecting our environment is a responsibility we all share and one that continues to gain momentum. The work being recognized here is making a significant impact, and we are proud to support initiatives that help move these efforts forward.”
This year’s honorees were recognized for achievements in recycling, waste reduction, environmental education and sustainability initiatives. Awardees include municipalities, nonprofits, educational institutions and community leaders who have demonstrated measurable impact in advancing environmental goals.
2026 Eco Award Winners
The Town of Lewisboro: For achieving the highest municipal curbside recycling rate in Westchester County in 2025.
The Town of Somers: For achieving the highest municipal waste reduction (by percentage) in Westchester County in 2025.
The New Rochelle Youth Bureau Eco-Ambassadors: For empowering local youth to protect the Long Island Sound through hands-on environmental research, education, and stewardship.
The Children’s Environmental Literacy Foundation (CELF): For advancing environmental literacy by engaging students in hands-on civic science related to waste reduction and real-world sustainability solutions.
Iona University: For reducing campus food waste through a comprehensive composting program that transforms organic material into resources for a greener campus.
The Nicholas Center: For raising awareness about plastic pollution and the importance of protecting marine environments through inclusive art that inspires environmental action.
New Rochelle Parks & Recreation Department (Vincent Parise, Commissioner): For hosting the Hands & Hooves Festival, advancing sustainability, saving landscaping costs, and reducing equipment emissions through innovative vegetation management.
YWCA ‘Water Wise’: For promoting water conservation and reducing single-use plastics through youth-led sustainability initiatives.
YMCA of Central and Northern Westchester (Francis Fokoue-Nkoutche, Charis Choi, Nathan Beck): For launching the PureBin project, reducing pollution in the Bronx River, and raising awareness about pollution in our waterways.
Hudson Park Children’s Greenhouse: For inspiring environmental literacy and stewardship through hands-on green education for youth.
Root2RiseNY: For reducing waste and promoting sustainable dining practices through composting, recycling, and environmentally responsible sourcing.
Plastiless (Shawn Wei) (Rye Country Day School): For developing an innovative solution to microplastic pollution and advancing environmental sustainability through impactful scientific research.
Healthy Home Academy and Sustainable Westchester: For spearheading a new multi-year clean energy workforce initiative designed to support disadvantaged communities in Westchester County.
Kids Upcycling Club PWR (Plastic Waste Reduction) (Hajeong Lee and Ella Cajigao): For transforming plastic waste into community-driven solutions that reduce pollution, educate youth, and support global ocean cleanup efforts.
Frank DiMarco: For spearheading numerous sustainability, environmental, and resilience initiatives.
Noam Bramson: For championing initiatives promoting sustainability through zoning reform, clean energy programs, and targeted resilience funding.
The Village of Croton-on-Hudson: For transitioning the Village’s diesel-powered heavy-duty vehicles to Renewable Diesel (RD).
Westchester County’s continued commitment to green initiatives and eco-friendly practices demonstrate why the County remains a regional leader in environmental sustainability. DEF will continue seeking ways to bolster its robust recycling program through public outreach to raise awareness of available recycling and waste reduction opportunities and by strengthening its current programs to ensure resources are accessible to all residents.
Two Household Recycling Days (HRDs), one in northern Westchester at FDR State Park, and one in southern Westchester at Sprain Ridge Park are planned for April 25 and May 2, respectively. In addition to the three Compost Giveaway events in April, DEF will host three additional events throughout May at various locations, offering residents an opportunity to register to pick up free compost produced on-site at the CompostED facility in Valhalla.
For more information on these events and more, please visit Environment.WestchesterCountyNY.gov, Facebook.com/WestchesterCountyDEF, or call the Recycling HelpLine (914)813-5425.
