Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) teamed up with Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation (IFCF) to launch the Plastic Free Awards.
In November 2019, the Plastic Free Awards will give well-deserved recognition to ten UK eco-warriors.
Using six criteria, including originality, future expansion, and social benefit, the shortlisted nominees will have their work acknowledged by a judging panel.
The first-ever Plastic Free Awards will name winners in the following categories:
Best Plastic Campaign
What is the best campaign for raising awareness of and tackling plastic pollution? What battle has inspired people the most? What campaign are you, your organization or community group most proud of?
Plastic-Free Hero
Who has inspired the UK to tackle plastic pollution and change the way we view single-use plastics? Do you know a champion that you'd like to nominate? Are you that person?
Youth Plastic Pioneer
Do you know someone under 16 who is taking radical action on plastic pollution? Which young voice is winning hearts and minds, and taking the nation by storm?
Reduce & Reuse Award
Have you seen any awesome ideas to help reduce our plastic footprint or reuse existing plastics? From toy-swaps to recycled wrapping paper and wetsuit recycling systems to water fountain networks, this is their category.
Plastic-Free Community
Communities in villages, towns, and cities are coming together to take action on plastic. Where is the most active plastic-free community in the United Kingdom? Which community has been the most successful in uniting to reduce the use of plastic?
Plastic-Free Venues & Events
Music venues, farmers' markets, pubs, and even tourist attractions are doing their bit. Do you know anywhere that is making great strides to remove plastic and become more sustainable?
Plastic Production Re-Innovation
Whether it's up-cycling old bouncy castles into bags or converting ghost fishing gear into sunglasses, do you know someone who is giving used plastics a new life? This category is for inventors, entrepreneurs, designers, big-thinkers, and everyone that knows them.
Small Business Award
Have you got a high street full of plastic-free options? Refill stores, greengrocers, ironmongers, butchers, bakers - this category is all about knowing who's doing an outstanding job of freeing your high street from single-use plastics.
Schools Champion
We all know that children are the future, but it's important to hear about their unusual actions. If you know of a school or student flying the flag for plastic-free living, this category is for them.
Sports Champion
Is your local surf school, athletics group or football club making the switch to plastic-free alternatives? Everything and everyone from individual sports stars to ace sports clubs can be in with a shot at winning an award.
The organization has already received over 300 nominations.
The deadline for submitting entries is September 27, 2019, and the awards will be announced on November 21, 2019.
The Judging Panel
The full list of judges, who will be casting their eyes over the nominations and ultimately deciding on ten Plastic Free Awards winners, has been unveiled.
Bringing knowledge and experience from a wide range of sectors they are all passionate about the plastic pollution crisis:
Hugo Tagholm: CEO of Surfers Against Sewage
Helen Glover: Double Olympic Champion, three-times World Champion, twice European Champion and multiple World Cup gold-medal winner
Richard Walker: Managing Director of Iceland Foods
Gillian Burke: BBC wildlife presenter and Biologist
Lucy Siegle: British journalist and writer
Dr. Paula Owen: Environmental campaigner and eco-innovator
Ben Fogle: Award-winning broadcaster and adventurer
Liz Bonnin: Wildlife Biologist
Sian Sutherland: Co-founder of campaign group A Plastic Planet