Who has done the most to safeguard the planet in the past 12 months? The shortlist has been revealed for the third Observer Ethical Awards. The announcement follows the success and integrity of the 2006 and 2007 awards, which saw Make Poverty History win Campaign of the Year and Al Gore win Campaigner of the Year.

The awards are instrumental in progressing ethical thinking and ideas in the UK. The aim is to reward those pioneering a sustainable future for the country and to recognise the very best products, innovations and schemes that make living ethically achievable. The awards will also bring to light those who give ethical living a mainstream and practical appeal.

What started as a vague notion of highlighting efforts to progress social and environmental justice in the UK, seems to have somehow become a dynamic, growing, three-year-old fixture on the eco social calendar.

Green awards are no longer an anomaly. Since they started, quite a few green gongs have begun to be handed out – predominantly in the corporate and marketing worlds. But the Observer Ethical Awards are not just about attaching a green tag; they also examine transparent environmental and social agendas. The awards break across sectors and communities, acknowledging everyone from campaigning kids to fashion designers.

Cornwall’s own, Finisterre, the first action sports company to specialise in quality technical apparel with a groundbreaking manufacturing and environmental ethic has been nominated for Fashion Brand of the Year. Finisterre will be alongside some of the most progressive ethical thinking politicians, businesses and campaigns this year. “We don’t push environmental and social issues to turn a profit, or achieve greater market share, it has always been at the core of what we do, since day one. We’re honoured to have been noticed for this and loads of thanks to all those who voted – we’re stoked”, said Tom Kay, Finisterre founder.

The winners will be announced in London on June 5th.