It was Margaret Mead who said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.  Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

That well-known quotation could apply to the next winners of the City of Airdrie's ECO Youth awards, only replace the word "citizens" with the word "kids" since the awards are open to ages six to 18 who are out to change the world by changing our environment for the better.  

Leanne Moreira, the Education Coordinator with Airdrie Waste and Recycling explains what the awards are all about.  "The program recognizes youth and provides financial aid to implement or enhance any projects with an environmental focus."

The project can be done by a school, as part of a class, a community group or individual.  Moreira says they're looking for any project that is environmentally focused.

"Anything that might cover climate change, water issues, air, waste and recycling, soil, transportation, food.  Really there's a wide breadth of topics that youth could apply for."

Moreira thinks that past winners have shown remarkable creativity and initiative.  "Last year we had a school apply for waste stations in their school as well as implementing aerogardens.  Past years have included Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation, and conservation initiatives.  I think we've had a few that covered healthy soil systems and how to grow plants."

Moreira explains that the interest in the ECO Youth Awards varies from year to year, saying that teachers and students are getting busier all the time which has led to a decline in entries.  They're hoping to reverse that trend this year.

Moreira believes that issues like climate change and greenhouse gases should make the environment everyone's concern and they are concerns to the youth of Airdrie.  "I'd say it's really important.  I think these awards give students a hands-on opportunity to learn more about our environment and all the different aspects of it, how all these things affect the environment.

The deadline for entries is December 14th.  Entries can be submitted through the city's website.  In January, members of the city's Environmental Advisory Board and City of Airdrie staff will meet to select the winners who will then have a chance to present to the Advisory Board at their March or April meeting.  

In 2017 the ECO Youth awards were won by the Grade Four Leadership Team from A.E. Bowers Elementary School, the Grade Four class from Our Lady Queen of Peace Elementary and Brooklyn Chadwick a student from Our Lady Queen of Peace School.  

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