"Clean air and clean water" is the theme of a contest being sponsored by the Caldwell Environmental Commission for Earth Day/Arbor Day 2012. The contest is open to students in Caldwell and West Caldwell. 

Idling is a major contributor to polluted air and polluted water. By turning off car engines, the Caldwell area can become a healthier place to live, according to the Environmental Commission.

Contest entries may be a poster, an essay, a video, a diorama, etc. Entries will be judged in multiple categories. For grades K-2, 3-5 and 6-8 the topic is: Why are clean air and clean water important? Winner in each level will receive $25. For students in grades 9-12 and college the topic is: How can you encourage anti-idling? Winner in each level will receive $50. 

All entrants will also receive a tree seedling (with a parent’s permission for younger students).

Entries should be identified with name, grade, school and home phone number on the back.

All entries should be submitted on Friday, April 20, at Caldwell Borough Hall before 4:30 p.m. or on Saturday, April 21, at the Caldwell Public Library, between 9 a.m. and noon. 

The Caldwell Environmental Commission is partnering with the Caldwell Public Library and the Caldwell Board of Health to make this contest possible.

Earth Day is April 22 and National Arbor Day is April 27.