The Port of Long Beach is launching the “Green Port Hero Awards” to recognize and celebrate businesses, nonprofits and individuals who have made significant contributions to environmental sustainability in the spirit of the Green Port Policy over the last 20 years.

The Port is now accepting nominations for the Neighborhood Leader Green Port Hero. This is a person in your community who has committed a significant part of their life to making Long Beach a cleaner, greener place to live, truly embodying the spirit of the Green Port Policy. Achievements might include starting and tending a community garden, leading or organizing beach, park or neighborhood cleanups, or spending time volunteering for an environmental organization.

The awards will recognize leaders in five categories: supply chain, industry, nonprofits, youth and neighborhood. Supply chain, industry and nonprofit leaders will be nominated by Port staff. These organizations will have shown a commitment to environmental stewardship through their work and operations over the last 20 years. The youth category will highlight students from Long Beach-area schools and will be nominated by Long Beach teachers, administrators and staff. The neighborhood leader will be nominated by community members. One winner from each category will be chosen by an independent panel of environmental and supply chain industry leaders to be honored at an awards ceremony later this year.

The program is part of the Port’s marking of the 20th anniversary of its Green Port Policy, the landmark commitment to aggressively pursue environmental sustainability. The Green Port Policy set the framework for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to reduce the negative impacts of Port operations. Adopted in 2005, it continues to serve as the guide for decision-making and environmentally friendly Port operations.

Nominate your Neighborhood Leader Green Port Hero – they could be your neighbor, your aunt, your best friend from high school, or your son, daughter, niece or nephew. Nominations are now open and will be accepted until Sept. 2.

“We are pleased to honor our industry and community partners for their commitment to making the Port and the City of Long Beach as environmentally friendly as possible,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “The Port could not be a leader in environmental sustainability for the last 20 years without the help of these green heroes.”

“We are proud of our green legacy and are grateful for our businesses and neighbors who share our vision for a greener future,” said Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners President Bonnie Lowenthal. “The Green Port Hero Awards is a way for the Port to show its appreciation for our partners’ dedication over the last 20 years and into the future.”