Whether it's scooting around Prince George on a bike, planting a garden or eliminating the use of a wood stove in her home, UNBC student Minetta Norrie always keeps the city's air quality in mind.
On Wednesday, the Prince George Air Improvement Roundtable (PGAIR) recognized her efforts by naming Norrie the city's first clean air champion.
The 22-year-old has advocated for the environment through her position as president of the Students for a Green University and by seeking signatures for a petition encouraging green energy options during the spring provincial election.
"Because air quality affects everyone, I think it is everyone's responsibility to work to keep it as clean as possible," Norrie said in a news release. "It is a perfect opportunity to think globally and act locally."
The award stemmed from the June 5 National Clean Air Day and is aimed at encouraging people to think about how their daily activities impact air quality in the city.
"It is our hope that recognizing a champion, such as Minetta, will motivate others within our community to follow her lead and think about air quality in the everyday decisions that they make," PGAIR education and awareness working group chairwoman Barb Oake said.
Oake said many strong applications were received, but Norrie was chosen as the winner because she's shown a commitment to clean air in her personal life but has also encouraged others to follow suit.
Norrie took home a new bike as a prize, sponsored by Koops Bike Shop, Columbia Bitulithic and Fraser Plumbing and Heating.
