Ecology Action Center, located in Normal, is recognizing local residents, businesses, and organizations for their efforts in protecting the environment. (Photo courtesy of the Ecology Action Center)

By Sarah Beckman

NORMAL - The Ecology Action Center wants to know who in the county is making a difference for the environment.

The center is now accepting nominations for the World of Differnce Awards and the Recycling and Waste Reduction Awards.

Director Michael Brown said the center has been offering these awards for several years, and he anticipates numerous local businesses to apply for the awards.

"This community is very interested in being good stewards of our home and of our local environment," said Brown.

But Brown also added that there is room for improvement.

"There are always environmental issues," said Brown. "We have a lot of solid waste issues, and if you look at our consumer-based society, that's not surprising."

Last year, the center recognized the ISU Student Biodiesel Project for its efforts to turn waste into energy. The project takes waste and vegetable oil from campus dining centers and turns it into a biodiesel product that is used by the ISU fleet vehicles.

Recipients of these awards will be announced on April 13 at the Illinois Sustainable Living and Wellness Expo. The event is held at the Shirk Center at Illinois Wesleyan University.

Applications are available online at ecologycenter.org.