Just 12 months ago, as we began development of WhatTheyThink Going Green, the team envisioned a way to recognize graphic arts service providers who have put in place a particularly innovative program or project. That vision has become the "WhatTheyThink Environmental Innovation Awards," a series of 5 awards to be given to service providers who are making real and concrete contributions to innovation, implementation, and communication of environmental solutions. Large or small, companies in our industry are going beyond certification and compliance to implementation of some very creative solutions when it comes to sustainability initiatives. We want to pat a few backs, shake a few hands, and name a few names! You may apply for one - or all - of four categories:

• Environmental Sustainability and Your Community - Given for an environmentally progressive community program; i.e., someone who is doing something specific for either their staff or the community at large.
• Environmental Sustainability and Your Plant - Recognizing a company that is “walking the talk” in their own plant; for example, lean/green manufacturing, unique lighting or ventilation, using production equipment (hardware and/or software) in unique ways.
• Environmental Sustainability and Your Processes - Presented to a company that is implementing environmentally sensitive processes incorporating inks, papers, consumables, waste management, or recycling in new and different ways.
• Beyond Environmental Sustainability - Honoring a leading-edge solution or initiative involving unique creativity; for example, a biodiesel “still” to create alternative power sources.

The fifth award? That's a special "Thought Leader" award which will recognize a company that best represents the "new green graphic arts company” among all applicants. OK, building a bee hive on one of the medians in your parking lot may not be your thing, but you may have something just as interesting in the works. Share it with us and - who knows? - we may be announcing you as a winner of one of our awards on April 22, Earth Day 2009. Download your application form and return it by 5:00 PM (Eastern time) on March 20,2009.