The Observer Ethical Awards were held at the Kensington Roof Gardens yesterday night hosted by Lucy Siegel, Observer Columnist and Colin Firth. Colin spoke really well – sounded more like an activist or a new economist than an actor.
“Conventional wisdom seems to be obsolete, government are using old ideas to deal with a rapidly changing world. Unlike ideological collapses of the past, we don’t have a coherent alternative system in place on the opposite bench ready to assume power. If we believe there is a revolution taking place it is in initiatives like these…. We can see that people are not waiting for governments to catch up. They are getting on with it. If you are looking for a genuine reason for optimism in gloomy times, this is it.”
He presented me with the Fashion Award and I gave him a big hug. Well done to all the nominees and winners. You can read all about them on the Guardian website
The winners were:
- Lifetime achievement award: Sir David Attenborough
- Politician of the year: Caroline Lucas
- Campaigner of the year: Peter Tatchell
- Best local retailer: Warren Evans
- Best online retail initiative: The Good Energy Shop
- Best Ethical garden: Lower Shaw farm
- Jupiter Big Idea Award: Naturepaint
- Ecover ethical kid’s award: Lomeshaye Marsh Local Nature Reserve and Stockbridge Junior Rangers
- Ethical business award sponsored by Triodos Bank: Riverford Organic Vegetables
- Conservation award sponsored by National Grid: Fighting to Save West Thurrock Marshes
- Fashion and accessories sponsored by Marie Claire: People Tree
Left – Colin gives me a scary trophy and a hug. Right – Livia looking stunning and wearing People Tree of course!
The Firths are a handsome couple; Livia is one of the most gorgeous women alive and runs Ecoage where we’ll be doing an event in July.
David and me with our “Habbits”
The speeches and awards continued with Sir David Attenborough winning Lifetime Achievement Award and describing a new kind of morality that respects the natural world. He has been part of British culture of teaching appreciation of wildlife in the most fascinating and charming way. Going back to not wasting food was a value David grew up with – a morality we need to refind and reteach the basic values of appreciation and humility.
Lucy Siegel looking her usual glam self – laughs about my scary man – she tells me I have the second lowest carbon footprint of the award winners.
Left – The People Tree team. Sarah, Antony and Domenica with ice cream and scary man trophy. Right – Chris of Ecotricity – Great place to meet other friends and fellow activists.
