We're sponsoring the 2012 Observer Ethical Awards
The 2012 Observer Ethical Awards have been launched in association with Ecover. This is the Observer's seventh successive year celebrating the projects, ideas, campaigns and activists making sustainable change a reality. Since the launch we’ve been able to rely on a remarkable panel of international experts and well-known names with a passion for social and environmental justice, among them Colin and Livia Firth, Deborah Meaden and Ben Okri.
This year they are launching two exciting new categories. The arts and culture category acknowledges the major role played by the arts in ecological and social-justice innovation, from the greening of venues and music festivals to the theatrical treatments of the climate-change debate.
And as it’s Olympic year, they’re also including a sports category, to celebrate people and companies who have made an ethical difference on the sports field. At their heart, the Ethical Awards celebrate grassroot initiatives. Over the years you, the readers, have taken the time to vote for impassioned community-conservation initiatives and uncompromising ecological campaigns. Aside from a number of generous bursaries up for grabs, winners tell us that your endorsement through the awards helps raise both their profile and their confidence.
The Community of Arran Seabed Trust, whose award was presented to them by Annie Lennox in 2008, went on to bring about a change in the law on no-take marine reserves. And readers' involvement doesn’t have to end with voting or entering. During the 2012 awards we’d like to harness the enthusiasm you’ve shown for ethical concerns to encourage you to become citizen scientists. In the Observer’s brilliant new project, launched today, you can help provide crucial data on invasive species in partnership with scientists from Hull University and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology. Your involvement will help inform conservation decisions for generations to come.
The reader-nominated category 'Arts and Culture' will be sponsored by Festival Republic. Have you seen a play, documentary, film or dance performance that has particularly inspired you? Or perhaps there’s a book or song which you feel prompts you to behave more ethically and puts the spotlight on sustainability? Send in your nominations for the best ethical art you’ve experienced this year.
And that's not all.... Break out the gløgg and herring!
With every Observer Ethical Awards nomination you make, you will be automatically entered into the prize draw for the chance to win an
environmentally friendly trip for two to Denmark. The adventure begins with an overnight sail from Harwich, Essex, on the DFDS Seaways ferry to Esbjerg, followed by a picturesque train journey to Copenhagen – voted “Europe’s coolest green city”. Make like a local and cycle your way
through the city, before relaxing at the Scandic hotel of your choice – the Scandic chain has just been awarded the Nordic Council’s Environment
Prize. You’ll see for yourself why the people of Copenhagen are among the happiest in the world.
See website for terms and conditions.
To nominate or enter the awards please visit observer.co.uk/ethicalawards
