The New Jersey Clean Communities Council (NJCCC), which manages the state’s litter abatement program, presented the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) with the prestigious 2025 “Excellence in Education” Award.
The DRBA was honored for its highly successful “2025 annual World Environment Day” event, which was held on June 5 at Veterans Memorial Park in New Castle, DE. DRBA representatives accepted the statewide award at the 20th annual Clean Communities Expo and Awards Celebration on Oct. 8.
The fourth-annual public event drew a record attendance of 1,800 people, including 200 students and teachers from the Atlantic County Institute of Technology (ACIT). The event centered on the United Nation’s theme: “Beat Plastic Pollution.”
“DRBA appreciates this recognition by the NJ Clean Communities Council,” Silvana Dominioni, director of Environmental, Health & Safety for the DRBA, said. “Beyond just running our bridges, ferries, and airports, we want to showcase our sincere commitment to environmental initiatives, environmental education and sustainability, and our World Environment Day event has been that vehicle.”
The four-hour event featured 85 exhibitors and actively promoted the reduction of plastic litter and waste. Attendees received reusable bags upon entry as a direct message against single-use plastic. According to Dominioni, the goal was to help people “realize how easy it is to make small changes to reduce plastic, understanding that little bits from many people add up.”
The event also facilitated collaboration among regional clean-up efforts. NJ Clean Community Coordinators from Salem, Atlantic, Cumberland, and Cape May counties all exhibited to promote their local litter abatement messages.
“Through partnerships… the event sparked meaningful conversations, inspired young people, and strengthened community action,” NJCCC Executive Director JoAnn Gemenden, said. “It was a pleasure to celebrate the ongoing work of the DRBA.”
