They're making a difference to not only our lives, but the futures of others - and for that reason, the Echo Environment Awards 2022 gave Liverpool's eco-heroes a night to remember.
The exciting event lit up the stunning Isla Gladstone Conservatory in Liverpool on June 1, with host Emma Jesson telling us all about the inspiring work happening right on our doorstep.
The event came hot on the heels of last week's Liverpool Echo and BusinessLive Regional Business Awards as the Echo continues to highlight local business success.
Last night at the Echo Environment Awards, headline sponsored by United Utilities, businesses and organisations, teams and individuals joined together to find out who would be taking home one of the nine coveted awards.
Find out below who our winners are...
The Echo Environment Awards 2022 winners are:
New Green Business of the Year
Liverpool Tool Library makes DIY more accessible to the community by sharing tools to encourage creativity and skill-building. The resource aims to be a sustainable, long-term system integrated into the community by keeping memberships as low as possible.
Finalists: Gym+Coffee and The Vibe
Green Business of the Year
Waste Not Want Not was the first zero-waste refill shop to open in Merseyside, making sustainable products accessible. It has saved more than 15,000 carrier bags and 20,000 plastic bottles from landfill by allowing people to be more conscious consumers.
Finalists: E-Verve Energy Ltd and International Pheromone Systems
CSR Award
FRC Group is a collection of social enterprises and registered charities on a mission to eradicate furniture poverty. Its End Furniture Poverty campaign raises awareness and proposes solutions, while it also sells and distributes furniture not-for-profit and offers employment support.
Finalists: Liverpool Arab Arts Festival and Wilderness Hair
Healthy Living Award
HYPE Urban Bikes is a not-for-profit organisation which makes cycling accessible for everyone. Its mechanics upcycle bikes to donate or sell at affordable prices, as well as loan to commuters. HYPE Urban Bikes is also providing bike maintenance tuition to train unemployed young people.
Finalists: Liverpool Parks Friends Forum and Taking Root in Bootle
Community Impact Award
Liverpool SUP Co specialises in stand up paddleboarding, offering tuition and helping the community reconnect with the ocean and environment. Its Starboard in the City initiative includes free conservation education, clean-up events and support for local businesses.
Finalists: Perception Theatre and Your Voice Your Choice Ltd
Young Environmental Champion
Eco Emeralds is a group of environmental activists aged nine to 11 from All Saints Catholic Primary School. The group gained support from Iceland Foods’ charitable organisation and the Duchess of Cambridge, launching its ‘Backyard Nature’ campaign which has inspired more than 10,000 children to protect their environment.
Finalists: Community Ranger Service and Wirral Youth Zone
Carbon Champion
Livv Housing Group provides more than 13,000 homes across the North West and has reduced its carbon consumption by 53% in two years. Its environmental sustainability group creates impactful policies and programmes, and the company is passionate about fighting fuel poverty.
Finalists: THE PRINTROOM UK and Tusk
The Circular Economy Award
Sponsored by Merseyside Waste Authority in partnership with Veolia
Liverpool Tool Library makes fixing waste through DIY more accessible to the community. The resource shares hundreds of tools to encourage creativity and skill-building, aiming to be a sustainable, long-term system by keeping memberships as low as possible.
Finalists: CREATE UK and Farm Urban
Environmental Champion
Sponsored by United Utilities
A voice for more than 800 groups, One Knowsley is an independent, trusted body which provides expertise and support for not-for-profit organisations. It is investing in the refurbishment of two Court Hey Park buildings to improve the borough’s green credentials, creating a lasting legacy.
Finalists: The Formby & Freshfield Beach Litter Angels and Wirral Wombles
The Liverpool Echo would like to thank the finalists and winners for their hard work and contributions to Merseyside, as well as the event's sponsors for their support.