BALTIMORE, MD (July 11, 2003) – Nominations are currently being accepted to recognize businesses and government entities involved in exceptional pollution prevention efforts.

The Chesapeake Bay Program and the Maryland Department of the Environment are seeking businesses that have voluntarily implemented pollution prevention projects to receive this year’s Businesses for the Bay Excellence Award. Awards are granted to small, medium, and large businesses as well as government facilities. The deadline for nominations is July 31. Awards will be presented at the Businesses for the Bay Annual Meeting being held October 1 at the National Wildlife Visitor Center in Laurel. World-renowned sustainability expert Paul Hawken is the meeting’s featured speaker. High-level state government officials are also expected to participate.

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. Since the program's inception in 1996, program participants throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed have reported the reduction and recycling of 5.8 billion pounds of waste and materials at a cost savings of $54 million. These wastes ranged from specific chemicals to air emissions and solid waste.

For more information on the awards criteria and annual meeting, go to www.b4bay.org or call 1-800-968-7229, ext. 719 for information.

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