EarthShare New Jersey’s 9th annual celebration features a photography exhibition showcasing NJ’s wildlife, landscapes and waterways; ecofriendly auction prizes of unique experiences such as wildlife releases and art work; tastings of beverages and specialty dishes served by chefs from across the state; and live jazz music presented by Stringzville.
Voting is now complete and the winners will be announced at
EarthShare Celebrates NJ on April 17!
This annual contest celebrates the Beauty in wildlife across New Jersey and the Bounty of open space, waterways and more that the state’s environment provides each of us. 98 submissions were received and a jury narrowed down the applicants to 15 Beauty finalists and 20 Bounty finalists. The public was invited to vote for the winner in each category between March 1 and 31. Voting is now over and the winner will be announced at EarthShare Celebrates NJ on April 17.
These awards are reserved for the individual and business that have epitomized what environmental responsibility is all about. Learn more about each nominee below.
In 1958, Morris Pesin rowed a canoe from Jersey City waterfront to Liberty Island in an effort to nstrate why the land had such value to the citizens of Jersey City and New Jersey. While it took until Flag Day 1976 to open Liberty State Park as a bicentennial gift to the country, Sam Pesin has worked tirelessly to keep it that way and currently serves as president of the Friends of Liberty State Park. This valuable open space has been threatened by commercialization and development proposals for projects such as golf courses, water parks and more. Through Sam’s leadership, this grassroots organization has lead advocacy and beautification efforts through their Saturday gardening program, corporate volunteer efforts, remediation of park land and awareness campaigns. Sam has worked to keep the park open and safe for guests to enjoy. This has involved fighting for remediation of polluted land/waterways, standing up against developers, negotiating with authorities, and advocating to protect this historic open space for the health and enjoyment of our citizens. His work is far from over with the passing of recent legislation. He is one of a fleeting breed of environmental activists and his efforts are deeply appreciated.
Valerie Montecalvo conceived and built Bayshore Recycling Corp, (Bayshore) now considered one of the most dynamic and vertically-integrated recycling facilities in the United States. Bayshore has been coined as the “Mega-Mall of Recycling” by Lisa Jackson, former Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and current Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency under President Obama. At the facility just about everything is recycled–including concrete, asphalt, brick and block from roads, parking lots and buildings; contaminated soils, metals, construction and lition debris, dredge material and even consumer electronics like computers and televisions. Valerie is also an ardent proponent of renewable energy as the site gets 40 percent of its energy for its soil operation from an approximate 10,000 panel rooftop solar array. But that’s just part of the reason why they are being recognized as an environmental leader. The environment IS the center of why they do what they do. Bayshore Recycling not only works to protect the future of our air, water and land through sound business practices and sharing those practices with others, but they give back to the environmental community to help them achieve their missions as well. Whether it is through financial support, recycling facilities or speaking at conferences and seminars, the leadership exhibited to the non-profit community is greatly admired and appreciated. Environmental leadership through corporate action, philanthropic support and community awareness is essential in this day and age. Bayshore Recycling epitomizes those actions.
Event Sponsors:
“Beauty & Bounty of NJ” Photo Contest Sponsor:
Exclusive Wine Sponsor:
There are opportunities for anyone who wants to get involved and be a part of this special celebration.
Sponsorship
Auction
Celebration Book
Would you like to be part of the celebration or recognize the accomplishments of our honorees? Here’s your opportunity! Celebration Journal submissions are due no later than March 31.