Observer Ethical Award winners announced
Following a five month public vote and input from a team of celebrity environmentalists, the results of the third Observer Ethical Awards are in. So what did we make of the choices?
Some of the winners did not surprise: Natural Collection scooped best online retailer once again, while Divine Chocolate picked up the ethical business award for its empowering trade model in Ghana. Perhaps more surprising was the appearence of Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, who knocked Al Gore off the 'campaigner of the year' spot...
I'm a big fan of Hugh's organic fare, and applaud the way he has transformed the public perception of chicken farming. But does this really compare with Gore's groundbreaking work on bringing the realities of climate change to the world's attention? Perhaps the guys at the Obs felt Gore was a little too focused these days on his newfound calling as an opera impresario.
Another surprise was seeing sustainable footwear gurus Terra Plana disappear from the list altogether as best fashion product, to be replaced by eco surfwear label Finisterre. The judges have clearly opted for substance over style in making this decision, since Finisterres wetsuits and jackets are only going to appeal to a very specialist market. The label's ethical record, however, is exemplary; its founders opting to 'pull out' of China, a decision described as 'commercial suicide' for most sportswear brands, and runs its mail order service through a tiny local post office near to its HQ in Cornwall.
Politician of the year was awarded to recently ousted London Mayor Ken Livingston, who can take some comfort in the prize which awards his commitment to a green vision for the capital. It recognises his plans for a £25 congestion charge to the most polluting vehicles, a free cycle hire system and dreams of a low-carbon city.
