STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

Cox Conserves is taking nominations for heroes in the area of conservation and sustainability through Aug. 29.

Winners will get up to $30,000 to donate to an environmental nonprofit of their choice. The James M. Cox Foundation will award $15,000 to nine non-profits all told.

The program recognizes youth and adult volunteers, as well as nonprofits that are making a positive impact on the environment.

An internal council will select finalists from the nominations submitted. Each finalist will have an image, bio and video sharing their story on https://www.cosenterprises.com/our-impact/cox-conserves-heroes/

The public will be able to vote between Oct. 7 and 13 for the nominee they feel most deserving.

Cox Conserves was founded in 2007 as part of Cox Enterprises’ national sustainability program.

The company’s goal is to send zero waste to landfill by the end of this year and be carbon and water neutral by 2034, said Guy Cherp, vice president with Cox Communications in Ketchum. With more than $100 million invested in sustainability and conservation projects, the company is on track.

The company, for instance, has solar fields in Southern Nevada that are producing power and reducing the amount of carbons released into the environment. Its innovative electronics recycling program in Arizona is keeping tons of material out of landfills.