Soon, You Can Choose a Green Effect Winner

As environmentalism has become a bigger part of everyday living, people are coming up with novel ideas to help the environment. SunChips has partnered with National Geographic to celebrate those ideas, creating the Green Effect.

Americans were asked to send in original ideas for saving the Earth and more than 2,500 ideas were submitted, many of which are on the Green Effect website now. Beginning this Tuesday, July 7, 10 finalists will be revealed on the website and you can vote for one of the five winners. No, not you specifically. All of you, as a collective group, as long as you're 18 years of age or older and a resident of any of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia.

The 10 finalists are being chosen by five judges, including actor Edward Norton and "National Geographic Weekend" host Boyd Matson. Criteria they have to take into account include alignment with SunChips' philosophy of "Small steps add up to meaningful progress and positive change," environmental benefit and the idea's impact on the local community.

Each of the winners will get a $20,000 grant, be profiled in National Geographic and have the chance to present their projects to environmental leaders in Washington, D.C.

Voting will end on Monday, July 20, so don't forget to make your voice heard, because you never know what these ideas could lead to.