HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 10-07-2025; 12-7 - Information Item - Memorandum - New Environmental Recognition Awards Program (RIPPLE) 1
INFORMATION ITEM
ORANGE COUNTY
COUNTY MANAGER'S OFFICE
Memorandum
To: Board of County Commissioners
Travis Myren, County Manager
From: Amy Eckberg, Sustainability Programs Manager
Date: October 7, 2025
Subject: New Environmental Recognition Awards Program (RIPPLE)
Background:
The Orange County Commission for the Environment (CFE) is launching a new
environmental recognition program called RIPPLE — Recognizing Inspiring People
Protecting Local Environments. The Orange County RIPPLE Award honors individuals,
businesses, and community groups who are helping the environment. This includes
taking action on climate change, protecting nature, and promoting sustainability. The
goal is to recognize and celebrate outstanding efforts that are making a meaningful
impact within Orange County.
Award recipients will be formally recognized at the County's annual Earth Evening
event, offering public acknowledgment of leadership in climate action, environmental
stewardship, and sustainability.
Key Features:
Recognition of Impactful Efforts — Celebrates contributions that address pressing
environmental issues, promote sustainability, or reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Open Eligibility — Nominees may be individuals, businesses, or community
groups located in Orange County. Nominees may also be employed by Orange
County or its municipalities.
• Award Categories:
1. Sustainable Business Impact Award — Recognizing a business or
enterprise that advances environmental sustainability through innovative
practices, measurable impact and long-term community or ecological
benefit.
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2. Community Environmental Excellence Award — Celebrating a community
group or nonprofit organization that demonstrates exceptional leadership,
innovation, and sustainable action for environmental betterment.
3. Individual Environmental Impact Award — Acknowledging a neighbor,
educator or community member whose personal actions have
meaningfully contributed to environmental improvement and awareness.
4. Next Generation Environmental Leadership Award — Recognizing youth or
emerging leaders whose creativity, innovation and passion are shaping a
more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.
• Award Criteria: Nominations will be evaluated in these areas:
1. Environmental Impact— How actions address local environmental issues
and provide replicable models.
2. Innovation and Creativity — Use of original or forward-thinking approaches
to inspire change.
3. Sustainability and Long-Term Benefit — Demonstrated potential for
enduring positive impact.
4. Leadership and Influence —Ability to engage, mobilize, and inspire others.
Next Steps for Orange County:
1. CFE will develop and distribute a public call for nominations.
2. CFE will review and select award recipients based on the established criteria.
3. Awardees will be honored during the annual Earth Evening event in April.
The RIPPLE Awards will be a valuable complement to Orange County's strategic
priorities by honoring exemplary environmental leadership, inspiring wider community
participation, and reinforcing the County's commitment to environmental protection,
sustainability, and public engagement.
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