A unique coalition of Australian community based green groups – including Eco Voice, Eco Chick and Carbon Market- are today launching a global search to find the next Voice of the Earth.

While governments dither and climate scientists press for urgent action, the groundswell of community action gathers pace, with Australians everywhere grasping the nettle and taking the future of the planet into their own hands.

“Rather than sit around waiting for governments and the big end of town, we think that positive environmental change can be driven by everyday people on a simple, everyday scale,” says Voice of the Earth 2015 spokesperson and television personality Lara Shannon.

Which is why VOE15 is calling for all people to submit their practical tips and join them in creating the ultimate eco-friendly, self-help listicle: 15 things for a greener 2015. As Shannon says, “Sometimes we all get a bit daunted by the size of the problem but when you break it down into simple, affordable, practical things you can do around the home, in the garden and in your shopping trolley, suddenly you start to feel that there’s a lot more hope.”

In addition to getting their ’15 Things’ listicle published on ecovoice.com.au the Judges will award a $5,000 promotional package across VOE15’s various media platforms, a two night stay at Langdons of St Kilda in Melbourne and a $500 voucher from The Native Shop to help them grow a truly sustainable Aussie garden.

However, this prestigious award is not so much about receiving; it is more about inspiring everyday Australians to do what their leaders are struggling with: taking action on climate, environment and creating a sustainable society for our children and grandchildren.

“We’re expanding the old adage about having a green thumb to take in the whole gamut of green initiatives,” Lara Shannon explains. “It’s about growing a better future from the ground up.”

VOE15 opens on Monday, December 8th 2014 and runs until World Environment Day on June 5th 2015, with the winner announced in the July edition of Eco Voice – www.ecovoice.com.au.

Because VOE15 is all about practical, do-able solutions the team behind the newest global eco initiative have compiled their very own top 15 for a green 2015.

1. Limit consumption. Consider what you purchase. Do you really need it?

2. Reward businesses that embrace sustainability by shopping at their store or by purchasing their services.

3. Reduce energy & water use – or consider switching to renewables where viable.

4. Walk, run, ride or take public transport. (Get fitter and meet new people)

5. Buy indigenous native plants to enhance your garden and provide habitat for native birds, animals and insects.

6. Save trees by placing a ‘No Junk Mail’ sticker on your mail box. Buy one for your friends and family for Christmas.

7. Be informed. Subscribe to free online publications such as: ecovoice.com.au & econews.com.au & ecotv.com.au

8. Download free & paid apps for your smart devices that provide knowledge and solutions; such as barcode scanners that let you know if palm oil is present in the product.

9. Support and/or join your local environment group(s). Even if you can’t physically help your membership will provide much needed financial and emotional support.

10. Send comments, suggestions & ideas to your local MPs. Let them know you care and will allocate your vote accordingly.

11. Think local and global.

12. Embrace sustainability; because the notion of sustainability takes into account all stake holders – people, profit & planet.

13. Respect, nurture & restore the natural environment in any way that you can – even if it’s only in your own backyard.

14. Continual review- do my actions harm others? (Human or animal, born or unborn).

15. Take time to THINK and share your ideas. Utilise the power of social media.

To enter the Voice of the Earth 2015 Award, submit ’15 Things’ listicles to:

https://www.ecovoice.com.au/submit/

ABOUT THE VOE15 TEAM:

Together the Eco Voice of the Earth 2015 team create green media content online and on TV and have decades of combined experience and networks in the green space and in the world of international finance.

Lara Shannon: Spokesperson

Founder of ecochick.com.au and host/producer of Eco TV, Lara is an experienced and passionate environmental campaigner and media personality. She has fronted a wide range of environmental campaigns in Australia and the UK, and worked with groups including WWF, Planet Ark, Keep Australia Beautiful, Wildlife Asia, Jane Goodall Institute and others. Lara also runs her own media communications consultancy and is a freelance writer on environmental and social change issues.

Tim Langdon: Principal

One of the Founders of Carbon Market Pty Ltd and Southbank Trading, Tim is a judge of The Banksia Awards (national environmental awards) and media supporter/partner of many not-for-profits and events in the environment space. With a background in international finance, Tim has turned his attention to creating viable business opportunities for eco products and services as well as being a passionate advocate and partner in a variety of sustainable arenas.

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Category: Awards & Events, Environment News, Featured