The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has just announced its second annual Growing Green Awards for 2010.
Do you know someone who has made extraordinary contributions to the sustainable food world? (And, I’m not sure being a good eater meets any of the criteria.) If you do, nominate them to be honored for their excellent work in sustainability.
Through this national award, NRDC will recognize extraordinary contributions that advance ecologically integrated farming practices, climate stewardship, water stewardship, farmland preservation, and social responsibility from farm to fork.
But hurry! Nominations are due by December 4th, 2009.
The Growing Green Awards panel will consider candidates from across the country 
(candidates operating outside of the United States will not be considered). Individuals in the following four categories are eligible:
- Food Producer: Farmers or other food producers, including aquaculture, who employ innovative techniques to sustain agriculture, the natural environment, workers and community;
- Business Leader: Entrepreneurs who effectively use the marketplace to promote sustainable food systems, develop infrastructure that enables producers to be more sustainable, or advance sustainable innovations anywhere along the supply chain from farm to fork;
- Thought Leader: Visionaries who advance sustainability as it relates to food through creative research, public education, and outreach.
- Water Steward: Farmers or other food producers who have made extraordinary contributions in demonstrating water efficiency, sustainable water use and the protection of water quality.
Some wonderful sustainable food leaders make up the Growing Green Awards selection panel including Michael Pollan, author of The Omnivore’s Dilemma and Nora Pouillon, Chef and founder of Restaurant Nora the nation’s first certified organic restaurant.
Even if you’re not eligible for any of the categories, you can make a difference every day by making smart, sustainable choices at the grocery store, by frequenting your local farmer’s market and by asking questions at your local restaurants. If you need some help finding sustainable food in your area consult the Eat Well Guide.
For all the details about The Growing Green Awards 2010, visit NRDC’s website. And, while you’re there, check out the Growing Green Awards 2009 winners. They provide inspiration to us all.
Wendy Gabriel is a green living freelance writer, her work has been published by the Chicago Sun-Times, Atlanta Journal Constitution, Reuters and Fox News. She is the owner of My Green Side.org, a columnist for Examiner.com and a weekly on-air contributor to The Christopher Gabriel Program. You can listen to her Wednesdays on AM970 WDAY where she talks about Simple Tips for Green Living.
photo credit: mckaysavage
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