General Mills Corporate Communications

Reinforcing its legacy of environmental stewardship, Green Giant awarded “The Green Awards” to honor eco-innovators who are making a difference in communities across the United States. 
 
Earlier this year, pioneering leaders, communities and everyday families were encouraged to submit short videos and essays that described their green initiatives.

The awards ceremony highlighted Green Giant's long-standing interest in sustainability, which has been part of its heritage for more than 100 years. That heritage includes the ongoing promotion of sustainable agricultural practices.

Finalists in four award categories were selected through a combination of consumer voting and a judging panel of environmental experts from The Green Awards board. Entries were judged on three criteria: creativity and inspiration, impact on the community and beyond, and rationale for additional funding.

The grand prize winners are:

• Green Civic Leader: Caden Hare of Rohnert Park, Calif., for The F.A.B. Project, which treats wastewater using less energy and increases bio-gas production by combining local organic wastes.
• Green Entrepreneur: Will Allen of Milwaukee, Wis., for teaching kids and community members how to grow healthy food in small, unconventional urban spaces.
• Green Local Organizer: Cate Arnold of Boston, Mass., for Giant Youth Leaders, a model for greening schools and curriculum.
• Green Parent: Bea Johnson of Mill Valley, Calif., for Zero Waste Families, a blog about living simply and waste-free.

Finalists were flown to Los Angeles for the awards program May 13, where the four grand prize winners each received $25,000 – and the remaining eight finalists were awarded $2,500 apiece.

The awards program was emceed by actress Amy Smart and HGTV star Carter Oosterhouse. Attendees included “green” celebrities and entertainers, and several members of The Green Awards board.

The project was supported by a coalition of 19 leading environmental organizations that constitute The Green Awards board – including The Environmental Defense Fund, Rainforest Alliance, The Nature Conservancy and Bioneers.