Retail giant Walmart Canada is reaching out and getting the next generation involved in the green movement with their Green Student Challenge.  Through the Green Student Challenge, Walmart Canada is asking post-secondary students to submit their proposals for how to conduct business in an environmental and sustainable way. This is in an effort to come up with the next big sustainable business idea, and expand on what companies are currently doing.

With the tagline “today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders, how will you change the world?” Walmart is encouraging student participation and inspiring sustainable ideas.  The Green Student Challenge will award one hundred thousand dollars in prizes. Both the winner and their school will receive thirty thousand dollars each. The remaining forty thousand will be distributed between the second through fifth place winners.

According to Walmart’s Green Student Challenge the winning idea will:

• Present a new way of doing business
• Have a significant sustainability benefit
• Have a strong business case to back it up (it saves money or creates new revenue)

The deadline for submitting sustainable business ideas is January 20, 2012. To be eligible, green students must be at least eighteen, and currently enrolled as a part-time or full-time student at educational institution in Canada. The proposals should be no more than four pages and participants may work individually or in groups consisting of up to four members. The five finalists will have to pitch their plan to a panel of CEO’s in Toronto in March 2012.

Walmart’s Green Student Challenge is gaining considerable attention as schools across Canada including Wilfrid Laurier University and the Schulich School Of Business at York University have publicized it to their students. Even 100% green energy provider Bullfrog Power is encouraging students to get involved.

Walmart issued this challenge to post-secondary students because of their ability to think creatively, learn, and dream big. This is a chance for the next generation of business moguls and entrepreneurs to make an impact and push the corporate environmental movement forward. It’s gratifying that Walmart recognizes Canada’s youth has the potential to revolutionize sustainable business practices.  Check out the video below.

______________________________________________________________________________

Planet Forward is an online retailer of ethically-made, earth-friendly products designed for everyday use with a distinctly urban feel. Products include reusable stainless steel bottles, stainless steel thermal travel mugs, waste-free lunch bags, reusable shopping bags, Make-it-Yourself toxin-free Green Cleaning kits, organic fashions and other accessories. SALE 50% OFF ALL PRODUCTS – SHOP NOW !