Rolling out the Green Carpet for the Best Green International Celebrity

This year, the INTERNATIONAL GREEN AWARDS™ has introduced the ‘Best Green International Celebrity Award’ to identify an individual who has used his/her media prominence to promote positive environmental behaviour. This Award will be adjudicated through a public vote here with a shortlist which has been selected by our steering group featuring fifteen noteworthy individuals.

Background to the ‘greening ‘ of Celebrities internationally

Hollywood’s grandest celebration this year featured a distinct ‘eco-conscious’ leaning – the Academy Awards featured no less than four environment-themed productions across the two documentary categories. What made the green grade though, was in the open endorsement of the environment by celebrities.

The Oscars are no doubt the biggest celebrity event in Hollywood, and certainly illustrious and a pinnacle of inspiration on fashion and other cues for the world over. Leonardo di Caprio made headlines when he drove to the Oscars in a Prius a few years back, and has now been joined by the likes of Cameron Diaz, Penelope Cruz and Orlando Bloom. This year, Livia Firth held media attention through her ‘upcycled’ gown and choice of Fair Trade jewellery.

In one night, eco-fashion and all things green became desirable.

Celebrities have historically been able to garner audience attention and interest – a facet that has only been intensified by the paparazzi and now, social networks. Celebrities can be powerful in influencing trends, beliefs and behaviour; as exhibited by the power of celebrity product endorsement. Through their media stature and public interest, celebrities are also in the unique position of promoting positive environmental messages, merely through their own example. Celebrities’ advocacy of ‘green’ lifestyles and vocalised support to the environment can generate widespread change, if even through audience’s imitation.

Your chance to have your say and Vote in this years competition

The INTERNATIONAL GREEN AWARDS™ wants to showcase an advocate of environmental issues and sustainability, who has adopted and promoted responsible lifestyle choices. The Best Green Celebrity Award is not just for individuals who have given their time or wealth to charitable institutions, but who has inspired others by example. The INTERNATIONAL GREEN AWARDS™ researched a global list of green celebrities and their lifestyles to find a true exemplar in the public eye, who has demonstrated true commitment to environment.

We are now looking to applaud a celebrity, who has used the limelight to be a true change-agent. He/she would have exhibited desirable environmental behaviours in the publics eye, including efforts to minimise his/her carbon footprint. It should also be an individual who has demonstrated knowledge of environmental and sustainability issues with a pan-global outlook.

The 2011 INTERNATIONAL GREEN AWARDS™ Steering Group have created a shortlist for the Best Green International Celebrity Award and it’s your turn to vote as to  who you think deserves to win this international accolade. This Award gives you the chance to decide who and how popular figures influence wider audiences and who we should recognise for their contribution to date to promote the climate agenda, biodiversity and sustainable development issues.

If you have suggestions for a celebrity who deserves this accolade if they’re not  in this years list of nominees so we can include them next year then send a tweet to @GreenAwards with the hash tag #GreenAwardsCelebrity and we’ll include them in the nominations for 2012.

But to vote for this year go to our polls page and have your say.