Frankfort, Ky. (Oct. 9, 2012) – The Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection honored the six recipients of its 2012 Environmental Excellence Awards during an awards luncheon at the Governor’s Conference on Energy and the Environment at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Louisville.

Through this awards program, the department recognized the efforts and activities of individuals, businesses or organizations that are committed to protecting and improving Kentucky’s environment.

“With this awards program, part of the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection’s mission to protect and enhance Kentucky’s environment, the department recognizes some of the environmental leaders in the Commonwealth and highlights their achievements,” said R. Bruce Scott, DEP commissioner. “Their efforts are an inspiration and encouragement to others to protect and conserve our precious resources.”

The awards recipients are as follows:

KY EXCEL Champion Award: Leggett & Platt-Winchester Spring–Winchester

Leggett & Platt-Winchester Spring has implemented a variety of programs, emphasizing recycling, energy efficiency, employee input in environmental issues, waste reduction, composting, reusing parts and decreasing water usage.

Community Environmental Luminary Award: The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky–Lexington

The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky, programmed over 100 environmental events, offered adult and children’s environmental education programs and provided The Children’s Garden, a 1.85-acre outdoor learning environment designed for children ages 2–10.

Resource Caretaker Award: Matthew Addison–Louisville

Trinity High School Student Matthew Addison has spent the past 10 summers picking up and properly disposing trash and tires along a two-mile stretch of the Little Barren River. Matthew has received numerous awards for his efforts, including the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet’s first Young Environmentalist Award, and been the subject of many newspaper and magazine articles.

Environmental Pacesetter Award for an Individual/Organization: Meg Hancock–Paducah

Three years ago as a sixth-grader, Meg Hancock proposed that Paducah Middle School begin a recycling program. Through her efforts, the school recycles plastic, cardboard, aluminum, glass and paper. She was named Kentucky’s top middle school volunteer of 2012 by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.

Environmental Pacesetter Award for a Small Business: The Bread Box–Lexington

The Bread Box is a former brownfield that was cleaned, renovated and now houses companies and nonprofit organizations that share the developers’ commitment to the community, environment and neighborhood. West Sixth Brewing is the anchor of the complex and shares space with the Broke Spoke Community Bike Shop, Food Chain, Cricket Press, artist studios and Roller Girls of Central Kentucky.

Environmental Pacesetter Award for a Medium to Large Business: G & J Pepsi-Cola South Division–Lexington

G & J Pepsi-Cola South Division has implemented an outstanding sustainability program in its Kentucky operations, concentrating on recycling and energy efficiency.