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ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP AWARDS Our awards go to an individual for his/her outstanding contribution to making an environmental difference and to a group who has done much to foster environmental awareness/activism. In 2005, a business award was added to recognize those whose actions positively impact the health of our planet and local communities. 2009 Environmental Leadership Award Winners Individual Award David B. Cohen  Mayor David B. Cohen accepts the Individual award. Our mayor is one of the most articulate local climate protection leaders in the Northeast. He has contributed financial support and leverage, political will and solid commitment to reducing the emissions that affect climate change. Through his organizational leadership he supported joining Cities for Climate Protection Campaign. He established the Newton Sunergy Committee, known as the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Solar Energy and joined the Million Solar Roofs Partnership. He also revitalized the Newton Citizens Commission on Energy, which prepared a citywide energy plan considering efficiency and alternative energy sources. He hired energy interns, to assist with the writing and evaluation of the Commission’s Energy Action Plan. He completed many specific projects over his term in office to move Newton into a leadership position in the state. Group Award Silent Spring Institute  Dr. Julia Brody accepted the award. The Silent Spring Institute program, based in Newtonville, builds on a unique partnership of scientists, physicians, public health advocates, and community activists to identify and break the links between the environment and women’s health, especially breast cancer. Their collaboration began in 1994, after members of the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition called for a scientifically sound investigation into elevated breast cancer rates on Cape Cod. To ensure action, they founded a laboratory of their own and named it Silent Spring Institute in tribute to Rachel Carson, whose landmark book, Silent Spring, launched the modern environmental movement.
Business Award Unidine Corporation  David Chechik, Regional Director of Business Development, accepts the Business Award from Peter Smith. Unidine, headquartered in Newton Corner, provides food and dining management services to businesses, hospitals, and senior services with more than 100 clients throughout the US. The company provides a "Green" food service that incorporates sustainable agriculture through local suppliers, the use of organics, and incorporates eco-friendly recycling and packaging. One example of this is their program at the new Milford Hospital where they work with local farmers to plant and grow specific vegetables and supply locally produced cheese and a local cattle farm where cattle are pasture-raised and grass-fed. Previous Winners
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