The City of Brampton awards those making real change in our community
Gurleen Rangi
They say those with a green thumb can plant a seed, and make it grow. If so, those with a green award must truly be individuals that have planted a seed of hope in their communities and the world outside it… bad joke.
In the last month of February, Brampton approved “The Grow Green Environmental Awards”, a bi-annual recognition of individuals, businesses and organizations who, according to a Committee of Council meeting, “[are] environmental champions, promote environmental initiatives taking place in the city, foster a sense of community, provide education and engagement on environmental initiatives, and encourage others to take action.” It will be allotted in the categories of “The Climate Change Award”, awarded for efforts in climate change mitigation and/or adaptation; “Stewardship Award”, awarded for the advancement of environmental sustainability initiatives and/or the enhancement of natural systems; “Environmental Youth Award”, provided specifically to an outstanding youth/youth group; and “Environmental Legacy Award”, given to an individual or group that demonstrates the “Grow Green Vision”.
This comes as a part of the city’s 10-year goal to increase the number of environmental initiatives in Brampton, enacted as a reaction to the climate emergency declaration.
Along with the announcement of “The Grow Green Environmental Awards”, the city’s website also features other Brampton residents and businesses that are “taking responsibility for our environment, community and future”, hoping to highlight the every-day advocates in our community. Among these include Devika, a single mom who is an active member of Brampton Environment Advisory Committee; Akeem, who focuses on using agricultural products as a natural solution against climate change; and Rajbalinder, a student working on ways to improve waste diversion.
Nominations have now closed and participants look with anticipation for the awarding. With the first awards ceremony set to be held in April of this year as a part of Brampton’s Earth Day Environmental Celebration, it seems the city is taking strides to acknowledge its environmentalists, create a further sense of community and encourage a more sustainable Brampton.
If the city continues to place focus on the fostering of the environmentalists of today and of the future, we may possibly find the next recipient of a Grow Green Award at our very own Central Peel. In fact, it appears that certain students are already headed in that direction.
We got word from Avneet Kaur, a grade 11 student and executive director in CPSS Interact, who is interested in environmental law and marine biology. Her reaction to the Grow Green Awards? “It is truly through initiatives like this that individuals feel encouraged to try. It is in these times, more than ever, that we need people who give their all for the betterment of our city and our planet.”
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