Raleigh is stepping up in the fight for sustainability. Residents and businesses are working together to create a stronger, more environmentally-friendly city. This year, during the Earth Day and Arbor Day celebration at Dix Park, the community applauded those making a difference.
The awards highlighted efforts in climate action, community involvement, and environmental care. Here’s what stood out in 2026.
Environmental Awards Winners
Capture It! Award Winners
The Capture It! contest encourages local students in grades 8-12 to showcase their creativity. They demonstrate ways to keep streams clean through videos or artwork. Here are the winning entries:
Still Art Winner
Lily Burnette and Reece Newman
Choking the Blue
This artwork illustrates the hidden dangers of ocean pollution. An oil spill twists through clear waters, trapping fish in a dark, toxic area.
Video Winner
Khloe Moye, Kaitlyn Gronotte, and Ben Borie
Capture It! How to Protect Your Watershed
Stormwater Smart Award
Alexandra van Dorsten
Exploris Middle School 8th Grade Science
Alexandra’s students engage in hands-on learning, monitoring local waterways and creating art that raises awareness of watershed sustainability. Their partnership with Pitstop for the Birds aims to redesign charging stations to support local bird habitats.
Did you know? According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, stormwater runoff is one of the top sources of water pollution. Projects like these are essential for cleaner waterways.
Raleigh Water Future of Water Stewardship
Amelia Hopkins
1%
Amelia created a bag that shows how only 1% of Earth’s water is usable. Her design emphasizes the importance of water conservation.
Trashion Fashion Winners
The annual Trashion Show, organized by Raleigh’s Solid Waste Services, features innovative fashion made from recycled materials. Here are the top entries:
Youth Category
1st place – An Nguyen for “The Paper Duchess”
2nd place – Charlie Gocmen Nordwell for “Actions Have Consequences”
3rd place – Abbigale Hoover for “Renewable Rose”
Adult Category
1st Place – Christina Mellott for “Colors of the Corset”
2nd Place – Rachael Thomas for “Conscious Craft Collection”
3rd Place – Amara Robinette for “Does This Dress Make Me Look Trashy?”
These creative projects show how art can inspire change. Social media trends reflect this shift, with hashtags like #Trashion and #SustainableFashion gaining popularity, encouraging more people to think about the impact of waste.
Night at the EnviroArt Gallery
Join us for the Night at the EnviroArt Gallery to celebrate student talent! Featuring the Capture It Arts Contest and Trashion Art Contest, it will be held on Thursday, May 14, at the Pullen Arts Center. The exhibition runs through May and June.
As Raleigh continues to show its commitment to sustainability, it’s clear that creativity and community spirit play vital roles. Together, we can build a better future for everyone.
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