Walmart honors schools for environmental efforts

BENTONVILLE, Ark. Twenty schools from across the country that have made small, everyday changes to help the environment are being recognized for their efforts: they've been named finalists in the Walmart "Earth Day Every Day School Challenge."

Each finalist was selected by three independent judges (teachers and environmental experts) based on essays describing steps each school has taken to make the earth a greener, healthier place.

Finalists who chose to compete for the grand prize submitted a 3 to 5 minute video, showcasing the environmental projects described in their essays.

From June 9 through June 19, adults 18 years of age or older can visit http://www.earthdayeverydaychallenge.com to view the videos, read the essays, then vote for the school they believe should be awarded the grand prize, based on three criteria.

The school that receives the highest number of votes will be awarded the $20,000 grant.

Each of the 20 finalist schools will receive a $500 Walmart gift card to purchase items to enhance eco friendly activities.