Edward Norton Judges Green Living Contest
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Edward Norton has long been considered a green celebrity and supporter of environmental causes like renewable energy. He recently acted as one of 5 judges for the ‘Green Effect’ contest. The Green Effect contest from National Geographic and SunChips awards 5 winners with a $20,000 grant to help implement their green ideas.
One of the Green Effect winners that Norton helped choose was for eco-friendly kids party kits which they labeled Green Classroom Party Kits. This submission was from Julian Elementary School in Julian, CA. They recognized that they have over 25 birthday or holiday celebrations per year per classroom and always resorted to disposable plates, utensils and cups for the parties. With their 20K they will create Green Classroom Party Kits (washable white plates, clear cups, and silverware, in a rolling storage container) for each classroom at their school. Kids learn to scrape plates, pack them in the rolling cooler, transport them to wash, and then re-set for the next party or food activity. The kit stays in the classroom, for repeated use again and again. A sustainable school kids party!
Click here for a complete list of winners of the Green Effect contest. This is what Norton said about the submissions he reviewed when he helped decide the winners:
“These ideas were all inspiring to read and it was difficult to choose between them. I was particularly glad to see that so many focused on how to educate and engage young people in changing our basic approach to how we live and on training people to think sustainably so they will carry the lessons and come up with their own ideas. This was my main criteria in selecting the winners. Simple individual actions are important and inspiring, but clearly we need a radical re-education of our society to effect change at the speed we need it.”
Interesting side note, the SunChips brand has gone green and now uses solar energy instead of fossil fuels to make their snacks. And in 2010, they plan to introduce the first compostable chip bag of its kind.
It’s always a pleasure to read something about a celebrity that you already admire for his good looks and acting ability. Norton’s involvement in the green community in addition to other high profile celebrities takes the green living movement to the next level. It’s nice to see celebrities putting their fame to good use. I know I’ll always watch Norton’s movies and marvel at his work on screen, but this makes me appreciate him even more.
