It's not very often you get a bunch of celebs, campaigners, experts, enthusiasts and everyday folk together in one place, chatting, hanging out and generally having a good time. But that's what happened at The Observer Ethical Awards last Thursday night (5th June).

One collective interest had brought us all to The Hempel Hotel Gardens in London; a genuine concern and consideration for people and planet. Ok, so as far as award ceremonies go, it wasn't an Oscar red carpet kind of performance but size isn't everything. What it did have was bags of substance, style and spirit. If I can call it EcoChic without trivialising its social standing and merit, then I will. It was relaxed and fun. Just a (very stunning) garden, handmade eco tables, bar and centre stage Tee-Pee, plus plenty of champagne and organic cocktails to help the night along. With not a herbal tea or hemp dress in sight.

Apart from my own excitement over talking to Colin Firth and Annie Lennox, the night was free from theatrics. No eco-warriors preaching from their pedestals. It was simply about recognising and rewarding the companies and individuals who are actively doing their bit and more. It's their innovations, products, schemes and campaigns that are helping all of us live more ethically and they deserve praise for their efforts and hard work.

Now in their third year, the awards have become a key fixture in the eco social calendar. Though this isn't some affair for the scene to be green crowd. These awards carry weight; campaigning for social and environmental justice and promoting a more sustainable and responsible way of living. Proof that this whole ethical thing isn't just a passing fad. It's gaining ground.

Voted for by both readers and a jaw droppingly impressive panel of judges - headed up by The Observer's very own champion of ethics Lucy Siegle - including celebrity campaigners Elle McPherson, Colin Firth and Natalie Umbruglia, inventor Trevor Bayliss, Deborah Meadon (Dragon's Den) and Clare Harris (Editor of New Consumer Magazine). These are top notch people deliberating over a shortlist of the best of eco's best. This means something; for the ethical movement and individually to the winner's.

Even to be nominated is a hefty deal. Too many of those who work tiresomely in the ethical arena are overlooked. And this is there chance to shine. Which will explain why winners of the ethical fashion industry, surf-wear brand Finisterre, were so chuffed. And boy did they deserve it. This was well-earned recognition for 6 years of hard slog. What I love about them (and like many of the shortlisted) they've been on a journey and have a story to tell. That's what makes these awards just a little more special. I'd only just met them but they're such a lovely, down-to-earth, genuine group guys, I felt and shared their joy. They love what they do. For them, this is what life's all about.

And isn't that the way it should be? Being ethical - caring about our environmental and social impact - to be an accepted part of life and a given. To be the norm and not a niche in mainstream mentality. Here's hoping that with awards like these and all the people out there actioning what they stand for, we can get the majority on board and on track, in helping to create a world that's a nicer and healthier place to live.

And the worthy winners are:

Ethical Fashion: Finisterre surfwear brand
Runners-up:Izzy Lane,From Somewhere

Ecover Award for Ethical Kids: Balfour Junior School for its students' environmental short-films
Runners-up: Isle of Man Tree Planting Project, Munnaan Mohammed

Politician: Ken Livingstone
Runners-up: David Cameron MP, Caroline Lucas MEP Conservation

Project: Coast (Community of Arran Seabed Trust)
Runners-up: Camley Street Natural Park, St Jude's Park Public Awareness

Project Campaigner: Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall
Runners-up: Jamie Oliver, George Monbiot

Jupiter Big Idea Award: Ewgeco, Tanya Ewing
Runners-up: Unpackaged, Moixa Energy USBCELL

Grassroots Campaigner: Anna Heywood
Runners-up: Tricia Barnett, hardi Baktiantoro

Online Retailer:Natural Collection
Runners-up:Abel & Cole,Traidcraft

Ethical Business:Divine Chocolate
Runners-up:Walkit.com,Equal Exchange

Local Retailer:Warren Evans
Runners-up:Entrading,Better Food Company

DIY Project: Russell Smith (www.parityecosolutions.com)
Runner-up: Martin Peck

written by Sarah Eden, freelance writer. Sarah worked for the ethical marketing agency, Feel, and is now a freelance writer specialising in the ethical arena