The Observer Ethical Awards: Shortlist Announced

After a hotly contested debate the shortlist for The 2010 Observer Ethical awards, in association with Ecover, is announced today. Now in their fifth year the awards pay tribute to those that have an innovative way of looking at ethical issues and those who create practical solutions to these problems. In previous years the awards have attracted a diverse selection of winners from famous figures such as Ken Livingstone and David Attenborough to community projects such as Ethical Kids winners, Lomeshaye Marsh Local Nature Reserve and Stockbridge Junior Rangers.

A record number of entries was whittled down in the last round by the esteemed panel of judges that included Colin Firth, actor; Ben Fogle, TV presenter; Sue Perkins, comedian; Kate Humble, TV presenter and Ben Okri, author, and was chaired by Lucy Siegle, ethical living correspondent, The Observer.

The full shortlist

Those selected by The Observer readers:

Best Local Retailer:
Infinity Foods Shop & Bakery
Local Roots and Wellie Boots
Growing Communities

Best Online Retailer:
Riverford Organic
Abel & Cole Ltd
Frugi

Politician of the year:
Caroline Lucas
David Cameron
Ed Miliband

Campaigner of the year:
Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall
Joanna Lumley
Jamie Oliver

Those selected by the judging panel:

Ecover Ethical Kids award:
Charlton Manor Primary School
The Green Team
The Recyclists

Jupiter Big Idea award:
The Wool Packaging Company Ltd (WoolCool).
Aquamarine Power
Resomation Limited

Ethical Business award:
Bettys & Taylors of Harrogate
Ecotricity
B & Q

Fashion and Accessories sponsored by Marie Claire:
Antiform – ReMade in Leeds
From Somewhere
Pachacuti

Conservation award sponsored by National Grid:
Echoes of Blackburn Meadows
Blue Ventures Community-Based Marine Conservation
Pestival

Grassroots Project:
Project Dirt
Liftshare
Abundance

For more information on The Observer Ethical awards and the shortlist visit: www.observer.co.uk/ethicalawards.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony, hosted by Colin Firth and Lucy Siegle, in June at a location in London.

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