Early in my career I enjoyed opportunities to work to enact major environmental initiatives including “The NYC Recycling Law,” the “Spill Bill,” mandating cleanup of accidental releases of hazardous substances or assessing three times the cost of any cleanup performed by the City of New York (The Hazardous Substance Emergency Response Law - 1987 Local Law 42), “The Right to Know Law” mandating the disclosure of toxic chemicals (1988 Local Law 26) and the 1989 ban on apartment house incinerators (Local Law 39).  This explains my  involvement in GOtham GREEN®  which last week continued its tradition of recognizing worthy initiatives, products and people.

Gotham continued its recent pre-Thanksgiving holiday tradition when it announced its Gotham Green Awards® last week. Since November 2020 GOtham GREEN® heralds worthy initiatives, products and people ahead of Thanksgiving. Earlier awards took place at various times including the end of each year and around Earth Day. This timing fits best and just before we gather with family, and in many cases with friends as well, the Gotham tribe again recognized recipients – this year five – of its Gotham Green Awards®, last Tuesday, November 26, 2024.

Gotham Green Awards® recognize three categories:

1. Green Business or Green Initiative  – For businesses whose core message and products are green in concept and/or sustainable.

2. Green product, program or building  – For businesses that have produced, planned or created a singular item that is green and sustainable.

3. Green/Sustainable non-profit organization  – For non-profit organizations that focus on or have created a program or product that they believe contributes to the global sustainability effort.

Please join me in congratulating the winners for 2024 (I note the nominators in parentheses after each description):

Our Temenos: Since 2018, this women-owned and operated landscaping firm has offered ecologically centered landscape design, installation and maintenance services across New York City and in the surrounding environs. It works in the public and private context with specialization in native, edible and educational gardens that build climate

resilience while offering clients a space for rest and respite. Rosemarie Miner, Founding Principal accepted the award. (Brian Timpe)

Arrow Transfer and Storage: Eco Crates was Arrow’s first step to embracing eco-friendly practices; it provides clients with durable, reusable crates made from ecycled materials to pack and move their items. This heavily reduces the need and waste of traditional cartons and tape.  Over the last 15 years Arrow also expanded into paper and electronic recycling. Frank Meurer accepted the award. (Shelley Simpson)

The Mentor Project: This 501c(3) non-profit based in Long Island, NY is a beacon of global mentorship, connecting top experts from diverse fields (astrophysics, cybersecurity, and film to

name a few) with students worldwide. Its virtual platform enables us to operate sustainably, reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional mentorship models that require extensive travel. promotes eco-friendly practices within our virtual operations. It prioritizes digital communication and document sharing, reducing paper waste. Its mentorship programs also emphasize sustainable practices and environmental awareness. Founder Deborah Heiser, PhD accepted the award. (Fred Klein)

GOtham GREEN® plans to showcase each winner at meetings throughout 2025 so plan to come and meet them or reach out.  

Watch the Gotham website for more information on each meeting date

Wednesday, January 29, 2025 – 12:00 noon*

Wednesday, February 26, 2025 – 12:00 noon

Wednesday, April 9, 2025 – 12:00 noon

Wednesday, June 18, 2025 – 12:00 noon

Wednesday, September 10, 2025 – 12:00 noon

Tuesday, November 25, 2025 – 4:00 p.m. 2025 Gotham Green Awards Announcement.

[*Note: January 22 date changed this afternoon to January 29.]

If you know someone worthy, GOtham GREEN®  accepts nominations throughout the year. If you know of any business, initiative, or individual that solves both environmental and social problems, adopts principles, policies, and practices that improve the quality of life for their customers, their employees, communities, and the environment, nominating them provides a great way to show your appreciation to a client, customer or colleague. 

P.S. Enjoy my fave Poco fave song on this topic (this one live), which found its way by reference in several statements and testimonies prepared by this correspondent.