Walt Breitinger began his career as an environmental activist while studying biology at Valparaiso University in the mid 1960’s.  While thinking globally,” Breitinger began to “act locally” by playing a key role in Eco-Vote and Save the Dunes Council in the 1970’s; Duneland Recycling and People Against Hazardous Landfill Sites in the 1980’s; Duneland Sierra Club, Shirley Heinz Environmental Fund and Lakes Area Concerned Citizens in the 1990’s and by inspiring youth environmentalism through coaching Valparaiso Science Olympiad teams and the Earth Awareness Club. Nationally known for his demonstrations of alternative fuels, Breitinger now serves on the board of the South Shore Clean Cities Program. His family’s environmental lifestyle has been featured in multiple news articles and inspired many to reduce consumption and pollution while increasing their commitment to health, education, and the environment. In 2003, Breitinger received the Indiana DNR Honorable Mention for Conservationist of the Year and in ’04 and ’06 the South Shore Clean Cities Alternative Fuel Champion Award. Breitinger has served as president of the Valparaiso Chain of Lakes Watershed Group for the past 10 years and as a founding member of the Friends of Silver Lake. He currently sits on the board of the Mayor’s Pathway Committee, the Energy Task Force, Woodland Savanna Land Conservancy, the Advisory Board of the Shirley Heinz Environmental Land Trust, serves as board member and V.P. of the Porter County Recycling and Waste Reduction District, is an active member of the Indiana Lakes Management Society and newly appointed council member of Hoosier Environmental Council. Breitinger’s national and international activities include rainforest preservation in Central America and lobbying for energy conservation initiatives.