Raleigh taking nominations for environmental awards

The City of Raleigh is now accepting applications for its 2010 Environmental Awards. Application forms, which are available online, are due by Jan. 15, 2010.

Among the awards given out is one that honors an individual or organization that has shown leadership in sustainable development. The other award categories recognize people and groups for raising environmental awareness, lifelong contributions to the environment, natural resource conservation, green design, regional efforts, pioneering work, youth accomplishments, urban stewardship and market transformation.

This year's winners included a 12-year-old who began making rain barrels in his garage during a drought, a high school student who launched a recycling program, and Builders of Hope, a project that diverts construction debris from landfills.

The 2010 awards will be given out at a ceremony to be held on April 22 -- Earth Day -- at Marbles Kids Museum. For more information, contact Cindy Holmes at 996-4285 or e-mail cindy.holmes@ci.raleigh.nc.us.