• Matthew Harris
• Matthew Harris
• Jim Sheehan *winner*

Champion: Matthew Harris
(Nominated by: Sherie Renee – Cosmic Bobbins)
I would like to nominate Matthew Harris as the ideal representation of a Sustainable Champion. Matthew has gone through great lengths and traveled many distances sharing his knowledge and passion for fuel and energy alternatives.
Matthew`s participation in the sustainable community, whether it be one of his many workshops with biodiesl, solar cooking, or green building with straw bale has shown great leadership and accomplishment. He continually expands his own knowledge and works to educate the community at large on the importance and viability of a sustainable lifestyle.
The old ambulance that Matthew recently purchased and converted into the biodiesl, `The Earthwise Traveller,` stands as an icon for the potential that our society can reach with alternative fuels and energy; a living-classroom of our sustainable possibilities.
Endlessly traveling and teaching, always giving of himself, Matthew never tires, as he spreads his "good word" with nothing but a cloud of French fry grease behind him; leaving us to bask in the sweet smell of sustainability.

Champion: Matthew Harris
(Nominated by: Suzanne DeGaetano - Mac`s Backs Books)
I am nominating Matt Harris for a Champion of Sustainability Award. I witnessed Matt`s effort to get his van outfitted for veggie oil and I know that a tremendous amount of work, love and belief has gone into that project. He successfully took it on the road to spread the word & educate anyone who would listen to the potential of alternative fuels. Matt and the van create a lot of interest wherever it goes and this sparks imaginative conversations and connections.
Matt has also been a mainstay at area farmer`s markets demonstrating solar ovens and solar cooking. Once, during a very busy day when I did not have time to make or buy dinner, Matt shared some vegetarian chili he had made using the solar oven at the Coventry Farmer`s Market. It was delicious and sustained me through an equally busy evening!
I believe Matt combines a vision of a better ecological future with wonderful people skills that help promote ideas in a fun, friendly and educational manner.

*winner* Champion: Jim Sheehan – Ohio City Bicycle Co-op *winner*
(Nominated by: Ryan McKenzie - EcoCity Cleveland)
I would like to nominate Jim Sheehan from the Ohio City Bicycle Co-op for the Fuel Effective Transportation award.
Jim is the co-founder and leader of OCBC, a non-profit cooperative that encourages bicycling for daily transportation. Through his tireless efforts, Jim has developed dozens of committed community volunteers, and has established a vibrant center for the celebration of bicycle culture.
OCBC’s Earn a Bike program takes donations of used bikes and helps kids earn one for themselves while they learn bike repair and safe cycling. Surplus bikes are fully refurbished for sale at affordable prices to support the program. Leftovers are recycled into unique and practical bike-part arts and crafts, which are also for sale.
The co-op’s shop in the Flats provides members with access to a full range of tools and a wealth of bicycle maintenance education, all run by volunteers. Regularly scheduled group rides and special events teach novices everyday riding skills and build their commuting confidence.
This June, OCBC organized and hosted a multi-day “bicycle safety educator” training course, adding 15 certified bicycle safety instructors to our region. They plan to offer fee-based, professional safety instruction to kids and adults through partnerships with school districts, municipal recreation centers and other community hosts.
Jim’s efforts have supported and inspired hundreds of Clevelanders to use non-polluting bicycles for their daily transportation needs, creating social, economic and environmental benefits. He deserves recognition as a Champion of Sustainability.