EduTOX Video Challenge

Ottawa – The EduTOX Video Challenge is about giving young people a voice to promote awareness and action on toxins – and a chance to be nationally recognized for their leadership.

The video contest, which begins January 21, 2016, is a call-out for creative and compelling short videos that will get people thinking about and taking action on the toxins that we all encounter in our day-to-day lives.

What should the videos address?

Youth from across Canada are invited to make short videos (maximum two minutes) that outline the links between toxins and health and, most importantly, motivate action. The videos can highlight simple actions that people can take to reduce exposures to common toxins, such as reading product labels and learning what is in the products you use, changing the way we clean our homes, or reducing exposure to hazardous substances used in hobbies or at work. Videos can also encourage action at the societal level: for example, encouraging elected representatives to improve regulations, or asking manufacturers and retailers to offer less-toxic products.

To get you started, check out the EducTOX website for detailed instructions. The site also provides information about some toxins, what their health effects are, and some of the ways you can avoid them.

Who can participate?

The video challenge is open to anyone between the ages of 14 and 22 years who lives in Canada. Videos can be submitted by individuals or groups: as a class assignment, eco-organization/club project or as an activity with friends, colleagues or classmates. Videos can be in English or French (or any other language with subtitles).

When will the challenge begin?

The official launch of the EduTOX video challenge will take place at the Sandbox Project Conference on January 21, 2016, and via the networks of partner organizations. Deadline for submissions is March 21, 2016, and winners will be announced in May.

Any prizes?

There will be prizes of scholarships and merchandise for the top six winning videos, which will also be showcased on partner websites. The first place winners of the English and French categories will be invited to Ottawa in June to receive their prizes and present their video in-person at the annual World’s Largest Sandbox event.