Those who go green, will stay green

Let’s face it, most of us get a kick out doing something good for the environment.

Whether it is sorting out your empty beer and wine bottles from green and brown coloured glass, or planting native trees to stop erosion, there’s always a good feeling about doing it.

On a larger scale, every two years the Cawthron Institute’s Marlborough Environment Awards seek to raise the standard of caring for the environment to a higher level.

For the past 22 years, 77 individuals and companies have been chosen from 248 entrants as winners in their respective categories.

Cawthron Marlborough Environment Awards coordinator Bev Doole says the awards ‘‘create their own ecosystem’’.

Individuals and companies may enter after being inspired by an awards field day, she says.

Later, flushed with success from their own win, they come back to judge the next intake of entries.

Often they go on to forge business links with other entrants and build networks along the way, Bev says.

In spite of the accolades that come from winning a category, would-be entrants still need some encouragement to convince them they are worthy of showcasing their environmental talents, she says.

This year’s awards feature a new category to showcase the sustainable use and care of the marine environment.

The marine category joins the six existing categories: farming, forestry, wine industry innovation, landscape and habitat enhancement, community innovation and business innovation.

Cawthron Marlborough Environment Awards Trust chairman Peter Jerram says the awards help spread the word about good environmental practice in Marlborough.

This year, the 22 finalists range from areas as diverse as organic sheep and beef farming, to crayfish resource management, grass grub control, and collecting and redistributing food to the needy.

An awards dinner on March 31 will name the supreme winner, chosen from the seven category winners.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED Cramac5 executive officer Larnce Wichman, left, discusses crayfish management with Cawthron Marlborough Environment Awards judges Paul Gillespie and Jim Jessep during judging of the new marine category of the awards.