A winning “Small Idea” that could change our world.

Toronto, ON March 14, 2006 – Zerofootprint and Net Impact are thrilled to announce Brendan Biddlecom as winner of the Zerofootprint and Net Impact Challenge: Connecting with Future Business Leaders. The winner was revealed on March 2, 2006 at the closing ceremonies for Sustainability Week at York University. Dr. Ron Dembo, Founder and CEO of Zerofootprint, was on hand to present Brendan with the $500 award.

The contest, open to students at the Schulich School of Business and York University, was co-hosted by Zerofootprint and Net Impact. The challenge was to come up with a “Small Idea that Could Change the World”. Small Ideas that Can Change Our World is a concept developed by Zerofootprint. It is based on the theory that simple ideas can empower individuals to create massive change, which could dramatically reduce our ecological footprint. Every Small Idea must meet five criteria – be simple; reproducible; scaleable; incorporate an incentive structure; and make an impact.

Brendan’s winning Small Idea entitled “Eco-Lawn Initiative and Low Maintenance Landscape Design Competition”, promotes the design of Eco-Lawns, which are low maintenance and minimize the need for mowing, pesticides, fertilizers and water. As an extra incentive, Brendan suggested holding a yearly contest to reward homeowners and landscape professionals with cash prizes and national recognition. To view Brendan’s full submission, please see www.zerofootprint.net/ideas/idea_eco.asp

“Each year, we spend millions to maintain our lush patches of grass, damaging the environment in the process,” Brendan states. “…in California alone (it’s estimated that) the annual emissions from lawn care equipment is equivalent to the emissions produced by 3.5 million automobiles, driven 16,00 miles each.”

Zerofootprint and Brendan are now working together to transform his winning idea into reality. The Eco-Lawn Challenge will be piloted in Toronto this summer, with a roll out to cities and communities across the country by next year. If you would like more information about how to participate in the Eco-Lawn Challenge, please contact info@zerofootprint.net.

In addition to Brendan’s winning entry, Zerofootprint and Net Impact are also pleased to acknowledge the great ideas submitted by the following individuals:

• Dana Kerchowicz – Ecological Footprint Reporting to Households • Myles O’Brien – The Local Diet: Eat Local to Create Local Partnerships that Benefit the Local Economy and the Environment • Annette Dubreuil – Made from Scratch – Encouraging People to Make Meals from Scratch to Save Money and Packaging • Jerry Chwang – Digital Course Kit – to Digitize and Save the Environment

For more information on Small Ideas, please visit www.zerofootprint.net/ideas/default.asp.>

Zerofootprint connects people worldwide who care about the environment. Our website, Zerofootprint.net is a global green lifestyle hub that brings together green people, products, stories and events.