Are you an eco-champion?

Entries are now open for the 10th annual Eco-Logic Awards hosted by the Enviropaedia. Each year the awards recognise and celebrate South Africa’s eco-champions.

These include small businesses, large corporate organisations, non-governmental and community-based organisations, municipalities, and individuals – all who are working toward a greener future through sustainable practice and innovation.

Free to enter, all submissions must be in by the end of May, and the event itself will take place virtually on September 21 on World Peace Day.

“This year is when our support is going to be needed the most. Sadly, many environmental organisations have been badly knocked by the Covid-19 pandemic and we are in danger of losing their valuable services. “They have endured the loss of funding, resources, staff and volunteers, as well as cancellations of mass green activities like beach clean-ups and tree planting events,” said David Parry-Davies, director of The Enviropaedia and the Eco-Logic Awards. But all is not lost.

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2021 is the start of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030), and according to Parry-Davies, the disruption of the pandemic has allowed people to re-set the way they live, work and socialise in a more compassionate and environmentally sustainable manner. Further to this, he believes there is an opportunity to build more sustainable, purpose-based, and profitable businesses whilst improving the quality of life for all inhabitants of this planet.

“The Covid-19 virus has entirely disrupted our self-destructive ‘business as usual’ discourse and we must use this time wisely. We now have the chance to re-think what we prioritise and value.”

In celebration of their 10th anniversary, the awards have introduced three new categories this year namely, Eco-fashion and Lifestyle, Eco-health and Wellness, and Eco-hospitality and Tourism.

“We are excited about these categories as they will showcase everyday products and services that consumers use and highlight how they can best exercise their spending power. “The retail, leisure and tourism industries have suffered greatly during the lockdown, so we hope to help boost sales and assist with business recovery by generating awareness around their contributions to the health of our planet,” said Parry-Davies.

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The winners in each of the 11 official categories will be announced on the evening of the virtual awards ceremony. Usually an in-person event, the awards went virtual last year in response to Covid-19. Given its success, will enjoy the virtual company again of environmental movers and shakers, thought leaders and celebrities, corporate sponsors, business executives, government representatives as well as members of the public.

The full category list for this year’s Eco-Logic Awards includes Nature Conservation (previously Biodiversity), Climate Change, Eco-Innovation, Recycling and Circular Economy, Water Conservation, Eco-Fashion and Lifestyle, Eco-Health and Wellness, Eco-Community, Eco-Hospitality and Tourism, Eco-Angel and Eco-Warrior.

The closing date for entry submission is May 31. To enter or nominate an individual or organisation, visit the website.

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