A Recycling Star is Born?

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is sponsoring a video contest asking filmmakers to produce short, creative videos that highlight the “three Rs:” reduce, reuse and recycle.

In a news release, the agency says it is accepting submissions for the contest, called “Our Planet, Our Stuff, Our Choice,” through Feb. 16.

Entries should be either 30 or 60 seconds in length. The video should “creatively promote steps individuals and organizations can take to minimize negative environmental impacts within their communities.” EPA says videos should emphasize the following topics:
• Reducing and reusing;
• Recycling;
• Composting; and
• Consumption and its effect on environmental footprints.

The winning submissions will be announced in April 2010 in time for the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. Awards will be given to the top three videos in three monetary amount categories, as well as a special “Student Winner” category exclusively for submissions by persons 13 to 18 years old at the time of entry.

Winning videos submitted by adults can win amounts from $1,000 to $2,500 while two student winners (13 to 18 years old) will receive $500 each.

More information on the contest can be found at www.epa.gov/waste/wycd/video .