Photo by Rene Passet via Flickr

In 1980, Ecover set out to change the world.  We’ve done this by creating safer, smarter and more sustainable cleaning products that respect the environment and the needs of our customers.

Now, 30 years later, we’d like to celebrate our own success by showcasing a new generation of environmental innovators – namely, all the eco-driven men and women who weren’t even born when we launched our first products.

Starting on September 1^st (tomorrow), we’re having a 30 Under 30 contest, and we need you to submit your nomination or help us find the people worth celebrating!

How the Contest Works

Starting September 1^st, you can submit yourself or someone else to be considered for the contest.  To do so, visit our special contest page or our Facebook fan page.

A submission must include:

• a brief bio of the nominee
• a statement about the contest entrant’s contribution to the world’s green living space, including a description of how they have committed at least one act of environmental responsibility
• (optional) a photo, if desired

To be eligible, a person must be:

• 29 years old or younger at the time of the submission
• actively involved in sustaining and improving his/her local, national or global environment

When we say “actively involved,” we’re looking for young people who are stepping up, inciting change and making a difference in their communities.  Their actions can be as direct as initiating a recycling program at their school, or as complex as researching and developing new solutions to the world’s environmental challenges.

Students, scientists, parents, teachers, employees and business owners alike are all eligible for Ecover’s 30 Under 30 Awards, as long as they demonstrate the ability to convert their environmental concerns into ecological actions.

How the Submissions Will Be Judged

A team of pre-selected judges, including professionals from the environmental field, will choose 30 finalists from the pool of all submissions received.  On October 30, those 30 finalists will be displayed on the Ecover blog and Facebook page, where the public can vote for the individuals they believe to best embody the spirit of the contest.  (Voters will be allowed to vote once per 24 hours, from November 1^st through November 5th.)

Once all the votes have been received, and all the judges have made their own independent assessments, the numbers will be tallied.  In the final count, the public’s votes will account for 40% of the overall tally, and the judges’ votes will account for the remaining 60%.

The grand prize winner of the 30 Under 30 Contest will be announced at a live Ecover 30^th anniversary event on November 10^th in New York City.

Prizes, Prizes, Prizes…

The top 30 finalists will receive a year’s worth of products from Ecover.  The grand prize winner will receive a brand new bedroom or dining room set from Environment, which is a leading source of furniture made from materials that are either reclaimed, recycled or repurposed wood and canvas  – because change begins at home, and we at Ecover believe that your home should be as inspiring as possible!

Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized for working to improve her world?

Do you know someone who converted his ecological frustration into positive change?

On September 1^st, let us – and the world – know all about them.