The MSU Extension Service's "EcoStar" Program presented 25 pollution-prevention awards recently.

The EcoStar awards are presented to Montana businesses and organizations that surpass state and federal requirements to reduce waste, conserve resources and energy, and keep the air clean.

For nine years the program has recognized award winners as role models for the state.

Jill Owen, Mountain Front Market owner and EcoStar 2008 Recipient, said, "Energy is such a big issue right now that I think that any conservation we do now will help us and give us more time to develop more resources for the future."

The 2008 EcoStar award winners come from communities around the state.

EcoStar 2008 Recipients

- Amaltheia Organic Dairy, LLC - Belgrade

- Blanchford Landscape Contractors - Bozeman

- Boulder Hot Springs Inn, Spa & Retreat Center - Boulder

- Cafe Regis - Red Lodge

- Construction Site Services - Missoula

- Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts at Yellowstone - Bozeman

- Engineered Solutions, Inc - Belgrade

- GetN'Green - Bozeman

- Green Directory Montana - Billings

- Moonlight Basin Ranch, L.P. - Ennis

- Moss Mountain Inn - Columbia Falls

- Mountain Front Market - Choteau

- OASIS Environmental, Inc. - Livingston

- Penny Lane Home Builders, LLC - Bozeman

- Riverworks, Inc. - Missoula

- Rocky Mountain WoodWright, Inc. - Bozeman

- Sabo Family Ranch, LLC - Harrison

- Sage Spa Living - Bozeman

- St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center - Missoula

- St. Vincent Healthcare - Billings

- Transbas, Inc. - Billings

- V2 Design, Inc. - Bozeman

- West Paw Design - Bozeman

- WW Industries & Mountain States Environmental - Billings