For Immediate Release
Local Green Initiatives Recognized
Lanark, ON, Friday July 25, 2008 – Public education and awareness of environmental and energy sustainability issues and practices are key to the ongoing success of the Art of Being Green Festival, held annually in Lanark in mid-July. Each year, nominations are sought from the general public of individuals, businesses or organizations who have “Taken the Leap” to a greener lifestyle.
Each of us has a different perception of what that leap might be. The Art of Being Green looks for those who have made a change to their operation (personal, commercial or otherwise) that represents a change in their behaviour having a positive effect on our environment and sustainability. We are particularly interested if this initiative has the potential for making an impact on the greater community.
For 2008, we received numerous nominations that were evaluated prior to four winners being selected. This year’s winners were recognized by Township of Lanark Highlands Mayor Bob Fletcher at the Official Opening of the Art of Being Green on July 13th. Award winners for 2008 included Ballygiblin’s Restaurant, Mario Caya, Sylvania Lodge and the County of Lanark.
Mario Caya is a Perth resident who teaches in Merrickville and has initiated several environmental projects with his students. Mario has received an award for Creative Environmental Projects in the Private Sector. In his spare time, Mario has developed an innovative product that will help your golf game while being kind to the environment. His new golf tee system, called BIRTEE® is produced using recyclable plastic materials. The set of tees come in 8 heights that sit above the ground, instead of pushing into the turf and creating holes that need to be repaired. Also, the BIRTEE® has withstood over 500 hard tee shots without breakage, eliminating broken tees littering the golf course. This invention is manufactured in Canada reducing transportation costs and when they finally wear out, the tees can be recycled in your blue box. Watch for the BIRTEE® at your favourite golf course.
The Art of Being Green congratulates the 2008 Take the Leap winners and appreciates all those who took the time to make nominations. A full list of winners from previous years is available on the festival website at www.artofbeinggreen.com. For more information about the festival, you may contact the Township of Lanark Highlands office at 613-259-2398 or 1-800-239-4695 ext 227.
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For more information:
Beth Peterkin
Community Services Coordinator
Township of Lanark Highlands
613-259-2398 ext 227
bpeterkin@lanarkhighlands.ca
OR
Bobby Clarke
Chair, Art of Being Green Committee
jclarker@sympatico.ca
