Contests Reward Eco-Friendly Living

Yes, we should all live more eco-friendly lives. But, as my children have taught me, sometimes it's easier to do the things you should do when the possibility of a prize awaits.

Good news: Several organizations are hosting eco-themed contests, so going green has never been so tempting. Here are some of the latest environmental contests:

1. Win a camping trip. In an effort to promote the great outdoors, the New York State Parks Department is hosting an outdoor photo contest. Submit your best shot and winners will be chosen in six categories, including camping setup, water sports, campfire, sunrise/sunset, seasons and nature. Winners will receive a week-long stay at any state-owned campground, and runners-up will receive weekend stays. The contest runs through Nov. 30.

2. Win an organic garden. If you "like" Mother Nature Network on Facebook, you'll be entered to win a family-size organic garden designed by master gardener Frank Tozer and planted in your backyard by professional landscapers. The garden will be full of heirloom seeds and plants that will become a year-round source of food for your family. The winner will be randomly selected Nov. 23 from MNN's Facebook followers.

3. Win an iPhone 4 or an iPad 2. Industrial designers, this one's for you. Design software company ZW3D is hosting an environmental design contest in celebration of Clean Up the World Weekend. Just use the software to design something that highlights the vision and mission of Clean Up the World, such as an industrial or home sweeper, computer cleaning device or an effective mop or wringing bucket. One winner will receive an iPhone 4, and two winners will receive an iPad 2. The entry deadline is December 15.

4. Make (and eat) an eco-conscious gingerbread house. The Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center in Atlanta is hosting its second-annual Sustainable Gingerbread House Competition, and every entrant must include three sustainable building elements, such as solar panels, rain barrels, green roof or windmills. The awards for this contest are just recognition and bragging rights, but you'll also get to snack on your winning entry throughout the holiday season. Entries must be delivered between Nov. 30 and Dec. 5.

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