Sure, more people talk about it than ever before. Sure, more people than ever before translate those words into actions. But what we witness is just the smallest and most modest of starts.

What we see is the first skirmishes in a battle that will be waged forever. We cannot afford people to think, for the briefest of moments, that all is in hand. It isn’t. It is up to all of us to continue to make as much noise as possible to keep this crucial issue at the forefront of everyone’s consciousness and conscience.

That’s where we at The ECHO feel we have a huge part to play. We are the number one news medium on Merseyside. In print, online, on mobile, our audience is growing by the day. So this message will get louder and louder and these awards will become more and more significant. The audience grows but the goals remain the same:

• To RECOGNISE the best environmental businesses, schools, community projects and individuals
• To THANK those who are making a difference, be they winners or nominees
• To FEATURE the green heroes in the Liverpool ECHO in print and online
• To CELEBRATE their magnificent achievements at our fantastic Awards Night.

Join the battle. Make a noise. 

Alastair Machrary Editor,

Liverpool Echo Editor-in-chief, Reach Plc, Merseyside, Cheshire and North Wales