Keala Minna-Choe, a second place finalist in the Youth Volunteer category nationally for Cox Conserves Heroes. Courtesy of Cox.

There are only six days left for the public to nominate their favorite local environmentalist for a Cox Conserves Heroes award and a chance to receive up to $30,000 for their environmental nonprofit of choice.

The award is part of a national sustainability initiative by Cox Enterprises designed to recognize youth and adult volunteers, as well as nonprofits, doing good things for the environment.

The three categories include: Youth Volunteer (Under 18), Adult Volunteer, and Nonprofit. Each first-place winner will receive $30,000 to be donated to an environmental nonprofit of their choice courtesy of the James M. Cox Foundation. For second and third place finalists, they will receive $15,000 and $5,000 to also be donated to an environmental nonprofit of their choice.

Cox is looking for nominees taking steps to reduce carbon, energy or water use and minimize waste sent to landfills.

Since 2008, Cox has honored more than 200 volunteers across the nation who have helped make a significant impact on sustainability and environmental protection in communities. Last year, San Diego teen Keala Minna-Choe was second place finalist recognized for her  involvement in the SanDiego350’s Youth v. Oil campaign.

The campaign successfully passed several municipal resolutions calling on Governor Gavin Newsom to stop issuing new oil drilling permits and phase out current drilling sites while protecting fossil fuel workers.

To nominate a candidate, visit CoxConservesHeroes.com by Aug. 29. Winners will be chosen via public voting Oct. 7-13 and announced later that month. The program will honor a total of six volunteers and three nonprofits.