BALTIMORE, MD (August 29, 2002) - The Chesapeake Bay Program and the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) are seeking businesses that have voluntarily implemented pollution prevention projects to receive this year's Businesses for the Bay Excellence Award for reducing toxics, nutrients or waste. The deadline for nomination is September 16.

Awards will be presented by Governor Parris Glendening and MDE Acting Secretary Merrylin Zaw-Mon at the Businesses for the Bay Annual Meeting November 12-13 at the Embassy Suites - BWI Airport. World-renowned sustainability expert, William McDonough, will be the keynote speaker.

Businesses for the Bay is a voluntary program that encourages and recognizes pollution prevention practices at businesses, government facilities, and other organizations located within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. More than 500 organizations throughout the watershed are participating members. Over the past four years, the reduction and recycling of 5.3 billion pounds of wastes and materials have been reported at a cost savings of $25 million. These wastes ranged from specific chemicals to air emissions and solid waste.

Maryland-based participants reported the reduction and recycling of over 1.1 billion pounds of materials, saving these companies $15.8 million in operating and waste disposal costs.

Businesses for the Bay offers annual awards to small, medium, and large businesses and government facilities that have successfully implemented pollution prevention measures. For more information on the award criteria, to download the awards instructions, or to find out how to join Businesses for the Bay, go to www.b4bay.org or call 1-800-968-7229, ext. 719 for information.

Please direct questions or comments to MDE.WEBMASTER@maryland.gov

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