EPA announces winners of their Pollution Prevention challenge

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the winners of the “Pollution Prevention Works: A Storytelling Challenge for Students.”

The winning stories include essays, infographics, videos, and a mock newspaper article and highlight how pollution prevention practices that were implemented at businesses benefitted communities, the environment, and the businesses themselves. More than 50 high school and college students from across the nation submitted stories for consideration.

“It is exciting to celebrate these students that will help shape our future.  With their stories, we are increasing awareness of the benefits and practice of pollution prevention,” said EPA Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Deputy Assistant Administrator Jennie Romer. “I congratulate these talented students for their creativity in highlighting innovative pollution prevention solutions that can help protect human health and the environment.”

The winners of the challenge include Baldwin students. Annaliese Persaud, Francisco Suriel, Jasmin Tiong-Smith, Samaya Lindo-Smellie, and Jordyn Faria, from Baldwin created a mock newscast that highlights P2 practices implemented at the Ravenswood Generating Station in Long Island City, New York. In the video, a mock news reporter interviews students playing a host of characters including local residents and a scientist about how the P2 improvements positively impacted the public and environmental health in nearby neighborhoods. They won first place and $5,000.

— Ben Fiebert