Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria, sponsor of the Environmental Protection Award in the 2018 Victorian Premier’s Sustainability Awards, has congratulated its three category finalists, describing them as ‘outstanding’.
The Environmental Protection category celebrates leadership and excellence by an organisation, community group or individual to proactively prevent harm to Victoria’s environment and people from pollution or waste.
“We congratulate each of the three finalists in the Environmental Protection category. They have all demonstrated unique ingenuity in solving a major sustainability issue that affects not only Victorians, but people all over the developed world,” says EPA Chief Executive Officer, Nial Finegan.
The first finalist is a Zoos Victoria/Philip Island Nature Parks campaign called When Balloons Fly that encourages the use of bubbles to replace balloons at outdoor events, reducing plastic pollution and saving marine life.
The second finalist is an Australian-first mobile vehicle damage repair centre the RepairPOD, developed by repairer Extreme Dents, which filters ozone forming Volatile Organic Compounds from its processing.
The third finalist in the Environmental Protection category is Yume Food – an online marketplace for quality surplus food products that connects suppliers with buyers to help mitigate the 9.5 million tonnes of food that annually goes to landfill in Australia.
CEO of Sustainability Victoria, Stan Krpan, said that the sponsors of the Premier’s Sustainability Awards are showing leadership through supporting local sustainability initiatives.
“Environmental issues impact communities everywhere. It’s important we recognise and celebrate the commendable initiatives happening at a local level. Sponsorship of the Premier’s Sustainability Awards is crucial to ensuring we continue to showcase this work at a state level,” said Mr Krpan.
Finalists have been chosen in each of ten categories. They will be invited to the Premier’s Sustainability Awards on Thursday 11 October at The Forum in Melbourne, where winners will be announced.
The ceremony will also announce two overall winners personally chosen by the Premier – the Premier’s Regional Recognition Award and the top prize of the night, the Premier’s Recognition Award.
Media enquiries:
Premier’s Sustainability Awards: Cath Newell : 0423 587 478
Environment Protection Authority Victoria: EPA Media Unit 03 9695 2704