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Cox Enterprises Celebrates Environmental Heroes Driving Change

Cox Enterprises recently honored three remarkable individuals and one inspiring nonprofit organization at the 2026 Cox Conserves Heroes awards ceremony held on October 14, 2026. The event, which was part of the company's ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, showcased the impactful efforts of David Schick, Nithya Tammana, and Detroit Hives to inspire community-driven environmental change.

Since its inception in 2008, the Cox Conserves Heroes initiative has recognized over 200 individuals and nonprofits, emphasizing their contributions towards reducing waste, conserving resources, and restoring natural habitats. Amit Vyas, the Vice President of Environmental Sustainability at Cox Enterprises, expressed pride in the award winners, stating, "This year's recipients show the powerful role individuals and organizations play in advancing environmental sustainability in their communities. Their actions resonate strongly with our mission to inspire meaningful change."

Meet the 2026 Heroes

David Schick took home the Groundbreaker Award for adults. His work with Precious Plastics Monterey Bay in California has led significant initiatives to recycle plastic waste into durable products. Schick has trained numerous volunteers, students, and nonprofits, educating them on transforming plastic debris into new items such as furniture. His efforts extend globally, sharing knowledge and sustainable practices through collaborations with over 450 Precious Plastics teams worldwide.

Nithya Tammana, the winner of the Planet Protector Award for youth, founded Save Drop at just nine years old in Monroe Township, New Jersey. Her organization tackles the escalating global water crisis with innovative, nature-inspired solutions that not only reduce water waste but also enhance water quality. Her invention, BioLayer, is an award-winning, affordable water filter designed to reduce lead contamination. Reach more than one million people, she has formed over 100 student clubs and collaborates with several restaurants to promote clean water advocacy.

Detroit Hives, the recipient of the Jim Kennedy Conservation Award, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming vacant lots in Detroit into vibrant green spaces that support local pollinators while engaging the community. They manage urban beehives, educating thousands of children each year about pollinator health while cultivating over 1,000 pounds of honey each season. This initiative has revitalized over 38 vacant lots, creating environments where community stewardship can thrive.

Alongside recognition, the winners received significant financial grants—from the James M. Cox Foundation—to further empower their environmental missions. Each hero was awarded $30,000 to support a nonprofit of their choice, while the second- and third-place winners received $15,000 and $5,000, respectively.

A Legacy of Commitment to Environmental Action

Cox Enterprises has long been a champion of the belief that environmental responsibility goes hand in hand with business success. With significant investments in cleantech ventures, the company has allocated $3 billion towards these endeavors, in addition to contributing over $800 million to various philanthropic efforts. In 2026, Cox announced a comprehensive expansion of its environmental goals, aiming to enhance efforts on habitat and species protection. This strategy underscores an initiative to not only reduce their ecological footprint but to actively restore and preserve ecosystems that are vital for public health and resilience against climate change.

Among its ambitious objectives for 2034, Cox aims to protect and restore ecosystems reflecting its operational footprint, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly, and divert one billion pounds of waste from entering landfills.

The 2026 Cox Conserves Heroes initiative has highlighted the essential role of grassroots efforts in fostering sustainable practices and nurturing environmental stewardship. To learn more about the impactful work of this year's heroes and Cox Enterprises' extensive environmental initiatives, visit CoxEnterprises.com/our-impact.

About Cox Enterprises

Founded in 1898, Cox Enterprises is a major player in diverse industries, emphasizing innovation and social responsibility. With a philanthropic commitment to addressing critical global challenges, the company continues to shape a better future for generations to come through its various businesses, including automotive and cleantech.

About the James M. Cox Foundation

A tribute to the founder of Cox Enterprises, the James M. Cox Foundation funds community initiatives focusing on biodiversity and environmental conservation, among other areas, nurturing a legacy of commitment toward sustainable practices.