Raleigh - The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources today announced the start of the nomination process for the 1997 Governor's Awards for Excellence in Waste Reduction.

"Responsible waste management is becoming increasingly important in doing business in North Carolina," Governor Jim Hunt said. "The awards will honor those organizations that have gone the extra mile to prevent, reduce and reuse waste."

Gary Hunt, director of the state's Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance (DPPEA), said a new category of awards for state government institutions has been added this year. He also is hoping to involve more small businesses in the process.

Awards are presented annually to small businesses, large businesses and federal and state government institutions, but are not open to individuals or local governments. The deadline for completed nominations is April 17.

Representatives of former winners and citizens involved in environmental issues will comprise the judging panel. The awards will be presented in late summer of 1998.

Application forms are accessible from the Internet at http://www.p2pays.org/main/govaward.pdf. For more information contact Sharron Rogers of DPPEA at P.O. Box 29569, Raleigh, NC 27626-9569, telephone at (919) 715-6526, or email at sharron_rogers@p2pays.org.

Date Posted: February 18