[vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”55px”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”4\/6″][vc_raw_html css=””]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[\/vc_raw_html][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”55px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”mt-2″][vc_column][breadcrumb-shortcode][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/5″][vc_column_text css=””]<\/i> Categories<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/5″][vc_column_text css=””]<\/i> Eligibility<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/5″][vc_column_text css=””]<\/i> Judging Criteria<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/5″][vc_column_text]<\/i> Scoring<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/5″][vc_column_text]<\/i> Deadline<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]Questions or Comments? One award will be presented in each of the categories listed below. You must identify the category of your nomination on the application.[\/info-box-shortcode][vc_tta_accordion title_tag=”h3″ section_title_tag=”h5″ color=”white” spacing=”2″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”-1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”Climate Resilience” tab_id=”1649870006153-9fc7d91c-5a61″][vc_column_text css=””]Nominees in this category should demonstrate a commitment to and experience in helping communities and natural areas prepare for and recover from the effects of climate change. Their work should help create a stronger, safer and more sustainable future. Achievements could have been made through:<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Climate Change Mitigation” tab_id=”1668093018986-b921713a-9b40″][vc_column_text css=””]Nominees in this category should demonstrate a commitment to and experience in programs or techniques that have resulted in reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. These efforts should contribute to mitigating climate change and promoting a sustainable future. Achievements could have been made through:<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Watershed Management and Water Resources” tab_id=”1649870385748-31983ff7-166f”][vc_column_text css=””]Nominees in this category should demonstrate a commitment to and experience in one or more of the following areas and activities:<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Healthy Ecosystems and Habitats” tab_id=”1649873123329-8b55c700-f684″][vc_column_text css=””]This category honors individuals, organizations, or programs dedicated to the conservation, restoration, and protection of New Jersey\u2019s natural ecosystems. Nominees should demonstrate a strong commitment to improving the health and function of ecological resources\u2014such as forests, wetlands, estuaries, grasslands, and coastal areas\u2014as well as habitats for nongame, threatened, and endangered species. Their efforts help ensure that wildlife will remain part of New Jersey\u2019s future while delivering important benefits to people, such as cleaner air and water, flood protection, and spaces for recreation and learning.<\/p>\n Projects recognized in this category may involve:<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Healthy Communities” tab_id=”1668093076634-bd92b752-c1d0″][vc_column_text css=””]Nominees in this category should demonstrate a commitment to and experience in one or more of the following areas:<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Sustainability and Waste Reduction” tab_id=”1649873679045-5c48fc53-c0cd”][vc_column_text css=””]Nominees, such as businesses, community organizations, or municipalities, should demonstrate a commitment to and experience in one or more of the following areas and activities:<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Environmental Justice” tab_id=”1649873913810-01187e26-af38″][vc_column_text css=””]Nominees in this category should demonstrate a commitment to and experience in one or more of the following areas and activities:<\/p>\n Environmental Equity<\/strong> \u2013 Deliver improved environmental quality, public health, and access to natural resources in historically disadvantaged and overburdened communities by reducing pollution and increasing environmental benefits like trees and open space.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Community Empowerment<\/strong> \u2013 Empower residents of disadvantaged and overburdened communities to actively participate in decision-making related to their health and environment.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Innovative Cleanup<\/strong> \u2013 Develop and apply innovative practices or technologies for the cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated or brownfield sites in overburdened communities.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Environmental Educator” tab_id=”1649874392519-609135b6-d7ee”][vc_column_text css=””]Nominees in this category should demonstrate a commitment to and experience in one or more of the following areas and activities:<\/p>\n Climate Education<\/strong> \u2013 Incorporate solutions-based climate change education into lessons with students. Peer Mentorship<\/strong> \u2013 Mentor other colleagues in environmental education and\/or climate change. Public Engagement<\/strong> \u2013 Promote environmental education to the public and provide opportunities for collective action. Experiential Learning<\/strong> \u2013 Incorporate experiential and\/or place-based environmental education into lessons. Addressing Eco-Anxiety<\/strong> \u2013 Use teaching strategies that help students process and manage eco-anxiety. Environmental Justice Education<\/strong> \u2013 Include environmental justice topics in lessons. <\/p>\n Please note if your school district participates in an environmental program such as the Sustainable Jersey for Schools program, Eco-Schools USA, the U.S. Green Ribbon Schools program, or another environmental program.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”James J. Florio Emerging Environmental Leader (24 years or younger)” tab_id=”1669215371587-38fd516b-5452″][vc_column_text css=””]This award honors a young New Jersey resident who demonstrates exceptional leadership and outstanding accomplishments in environmental protection.<\/p>\n Nominees for this award should be 24 years or younger. Students are welcome to apply. Nominees should demonstrate a commitment to and have experience in one or more of the following:<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_accordion][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”eligibility” el_class=”mb-5″][vc_column][vc_separator color=”blue” border_width=”4″][info-box-shortcode]<\/p>\n Who is eligible<\/strong> Awardees include:<\/strong><\/p>\n Projects and nominees must:<\/strong><\/p>\n Nominating a third-party<\/strong><\/p>\n The nominee must agree to the nomination before you submit the application.<\/p>\n Not eligible<\/strong><\/p>\n The DEP, other executive branch<\/a> NJ departments and agencies, as well as executive branch NJ employees are ineligible for awards and cannot submit award applications.<\/p>\n Applying for Multiple Awards<\/strong><\/p>\n Only one application per nominee will be accepted for consideration each year. Previous award recipients are invited to apply again, provided they choose an award category for which they have not been recognized in the past five years and the activities in the nomination do not include those already recognized.[\/info-box-shortcode][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”criteria” el_class=”mb-5″][vc_column][vc_separator color=”blue” border_width=”4″][info-box-shortcode]<\/p>\n All applicants must address the following four judging criteria.<\/p>\n Download the application questions<\/a> to plan your answers. NOT FOR SUBMITTING. Examples of environmental benefits:<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Addressing the Needs of New Jersey – 25 Points” tab_id=”1649881880165-743a7b41-348b”][vc_column_text css=””]Describe how this program\/project or individual accomplishment addresses the environmental needs or challenges of New Jersey.<\/p>\n Examples:<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Leadership\/Innovation – 30 Points” tab_id=”1649882164234-7fe180c0-5733″][vc_column_text css=””]Describe how this program\/project or individual accomplishment shows originality and leadership in the environmental field.<\/p>\n Examples:<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Education, Outreach and Impact on Community – 25 Points” tab_id=”1649882204692-4f657d34-1b52″][vc_column_text css=””]Describe what education and\/or outreach activities were undertaken to reach or educate affected individuals, employees, students\/faculty, stakeholders, contractors, consultants, community members, etc. \u00a0Also, describe the impact of the outreach\/education on the target community.<\/p>\n Outreach\/Education Examples:<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_accordion][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”mb-5″][vc_column][vc_tta_accordion section_title_tag=”h5″ color=”white” spacing=”2″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”-1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-star” add_icon=”true” title=”Up to 5 Additional Points for Environmental Justice” tab_id=”1717518749445-9e700633-b93a”][vc_column_text css=””]To boost awareness and encourage future projects, up to five additional points may be awarded to projects that are located within or are easily accessible from an Overburdened Community (OBC), and, based on the review by the judges, show measurable environmental improvements within the project community\/communities. Not all award nominations may fit the criteria to apply for these extra points.<\/p>\n Background<\/strong>: Central to the Department\u2019s mission is protecting environmental quality and public health, and creating vibrant, sustainable communities. Historically, New Jersey\u2019s low-income communities and communities of color face a disproportionately high number of environmental and public health stressors and, as a result, suffer from increased adverse health effects. New Jersey seeks to correct these outcomes by furthering the promise of environmental justice.<\/p>\n Instructions<\/strong>: Note whether the project site is located within an OBC. If the project site is not located within OBC but is easily accessible from (see definitions) and will directly benefit residents of a nearby OBC, describe the project site\u2019s relative location and benefits to the OBC.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Contact us<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”blue” border_width=”4″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”categories” el_class=”mb-5″][vc_column][info-box-shortcode]<\/p>\n<\/i> Categories<\/h2>\n
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Example: A sustainable fashion brand might create a clothing line from upcycled textile scraps and returned garments, and offer a take-back program to reduce landfill waste.<\/em><\/li>\n
Example: A local coffee shop might incentivize customers to bring their own cups and serve drinks in glassware for dine-in guests.<\/em><\/li>\n
Example: A caf\u00e9 offers a \u201cRescued Food\u201d menu featuring items made from ingredients that would otherwise go to waste, such as juicing pulp used in baked goods or surplus produce turned into smoothies, crackers, or quiches.<\/em><\/li>\n
Example: A furniture manufacturer uses sustainably sourced wood and manages its own forestland to prevent deforestation, restore native ecosystems, and support biodiversity through mindful harvesting.<\/em><\/li>\n
Example: A municipality converts all its buildings to 100% renewable electricity through a mix of solar, clean power purchase agreements, and community solar participation.<\/em><\/li>\n
Example: A catering company switches to electric delivery vehicles, installs energy-efficient kitchen appliances, and adds advanced air filtration systems to reduce emissions and improve air quality.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
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Example: A health teacher guides students through air quality experiments tied to exercise, leading to a student-led anti-idling campaign and deeper understanding of climate change\u2019s impact on health.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Example: A librarian shares climate education resources during staff meetings, encouraging integration into school curricula.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Example: A Scout leader organizes a native plant project that engages families and educates the community on pollinator pathways.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Example: A social studies class grows a \u201c3 Sisters Garden\u201d while comparing Lenape environmental laws to modern land use and climate strategies.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Example: Art camp students research and draw climate activists, expressing their climate emotions through personal letters.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Example: A math teacher leads a project analyzing urban heat islands and inequities in green space, leading students to advocate for change.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
<\/i> Eligibility<\/h2>\n
\nNominations will be accepted from individuals, organizations, institutions or businesses. You may nominate yourself or your employer as well as another company, individual, institution, or organization that you believe is worthy of recognition.<\/p>\n\n
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<\/i> Judging Criteria<\/h2>\n
\nYou must submit via online form<\/a>.[\/info-box-shortcode][vc_tta_accordion section_title_tag=”h5″ color=”white” spacing=”2″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”-1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”Impact on Environment – 20 points” tab_id=”1649881880150-3741000d-97d5″][vc_column_text css=””]Describe the overall environmental benefits of this program\/project or individual accomplishment over the past 12 months. (If available, you are welcome to include information or data from previous years to bolster the application.)<\/p>\n\n
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