KGIB Recognized with Coastal Sustainability Award

 BRUNSWICK, GA (October 30, 2025) – Keep Golden Isles Beautiful has been recognized with a Coastal Sustainability Award from the Savannah Sustainability Council. Founded in 2024 by PSC Commissioner Tim Echols, Savannah Alderman Nick Palumbo, and Chatham County Commissioner Adot Whitely, the awards contest was created by the Savannah Sustainability Council to highlight sustainability work along the Georgia Coast.

KGIB is recognized as “a model community program of environmental stewardship, public education, diverse recycling initiatives, and litter control in this eco-sensitive and fragile area of the Georgia Coast that includes miles of marshland and waterways.” Award verbiage continued, “This small but mighty organization’s work is never done, and the Golden Isles is a much healthier and beautiful place because of Keep Golden Isles Beautiful.” 

“We are beyond thrilled to be recognized with such an incredible regional honor,” said Keep Golden Isles Beautiful executive director Lea King-Badyna. “With just a two-person staff, KGIB’s ambitious goals are realized thanks to dedicated volunteers, committed community partners and faithful supporters.”

The 2025 award recipients include: Tybee Island Marine Science Center; Plant Riverside District; Tybee Island Butt-Free Beach; City of Savannah Fleet Electrification; Bryan County School System; North Atlanta Right Whale Protection; Repurpose Savannah; Sustainable Fleetwood; SeaPoint Industrial Terminal Complex; Sapelo Sea Farms; Keep Golden Isles Beautiful; and Powering the Future: McIntosh Schools Solar Project.

Awards were presented in Savannah and Darien with Commissioner Tim Echols of the Georgia Public Service Commission presiding over both ceremonies.

Photo Caption: (L-R) Savannah Sustainability Council member Timothy Karsten, KGIB’s Heather Riviera and Lea King-Badyna, Georgia Public Service Commissioner Tim Echols and Savannah Sustainability Council member Karinna Karsten.