Green glamour

Jun 1 2009 by Anna Heywood, The Journal

Environmental campaigner and Journal blogger Anna Heywood takes to the green carpet this week at the Observer Ethical Awards in London. Francesca Craggs gives her an environmentally-friendly makeover.

LAST year’s Observer Ethical Awards in London are firmly etched in Anna Heywood’s mind.

Not least for the fact that the successful environmental consultant scooped the award for Environmental Campaigner of Year, shared with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, no less. But she also got to rub shoulders with the brooding Mr Darcy, aka actor Colin Firth.

Anna will be attending the event for the third year running, and although not nominated for an award, she still hopes to turn heads on the green carpet.

This year’s star-studded judging panel includes Mr Firth, Dragons’ Den star Deborah Meaden, former Mayor of London Ken Livingstone, model Erin O’Connor, Jo Wood of Jo Wood Organics, and geologist and broadcaster Professor Iain Stewart. Jamie Oliver is shortlisted for an award and there’s a rumour Leonardo di Caprio may attend.

Anna is being “dressed” by Fair Trade fashion pioneer People Tree and will wear a stunning satin weave organic cotton poplin dress with ruffle neckline. People Tree, which works with 50 Fair Trade groups in 15 countries, will also be dressing Jo Wood, eco-columnist Lucy Siegle and Colin Firth’s wife Livia.

Anna said: “I do like to look nice, but always consider the environment when I purchase something. When people spend money, they want to know that nobody has suffered in the production process. People Tree not only help improve the lives and environment of people in developing countries, they also create some fantastic clothes which are high fashion and great quality. I can wear great clothes safe in the knowledge that the planet hasn’t been harmed.”