One Montgomery Green (OMG) celebrated the winners of its inaugural Green Inventors Challenge, a contest aimed at fostering innovation and addressing critical environmental issues. The award ceremony was held on Friday, March 1, 2024, at the offices of the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection, located in Wheaton, MD.
The Green Inventors Challenge, sponsored by One Montgomery Green and Forbright Bank, was open to all students in grades 9-12 residing in Montgomery County. Participants were tasked with creating an invention, product, or service that tackles pressing environmental challenges.
Joining OMG to present the awards were Natali Fani-Gonzalez, Councilmember District 6, Montgomery County Council; Natalie Chapman, Director of Community Impact at Forbright Bank; and Jon Monger, Director of the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
The first-place team, Team Eutrotracker from Poolesville High School, developed a buoy designed to measure nutrient run-off in water, aiding in addressing water pollution. Team KROPS from Richard Montgomery High School and Team Savured from Walt Whitman High School tied for second place. Team KROPS created an alternative fertilizer from food waste, while Team Savured designed an app to reduce food waste at home. Additionally, an honorable mention was awarded to Team Twang from Poolesville High School for their innovative method of electrodialytic recycling of phosphogypsum, a harmful water pollutant.
This year’s Green Inventors Challenge saw participation from eleven teams representing nine high schools in Montgomery County. Judges from One Montgomery Green, Forbright Bank, Montgomery County Public Schools, and the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection evaluated the projects based on criteria developed by the SAPPlings (Student Advocates Protecting the Planet) program. “OMG is so proud of all the students who participated in the challenge for they are truly the change makers” says Wendy Howard Executive Director of One Montgomery Green.
The winners’ presentations can be viewed on our YouTube playlist at https://bit.ly/42XIhhD. For media inquiries or additional information, please contact Liz Torres at 240-424-0317 or info@onemontgomerygreen.org