What's your wish for Earth Day 2009?

The Daily Journal has a grand to lend a hand to Mother Earth in San Mateo County. Help us use it!

Going green may be the latest buzz word, but many great ideas begin with the smallest of efforts at home. Why not apply those ideas right here in San Mateo County when it comes to saving the planet?

By starting at the local level, we can each take one small step toward the greater good -- and have fun doing it too!

That's why County of San Mateo-RecycleWorks and the San Mateo Daily Journal are partnering to implement the two best green wishes at the local level, and that begins with you, right here in our own backyard.

We are looking for members of the community to come up with interesting, creative, provocative, exciting, out-of-the-box ideas that will benefit the environment. You have a budget of $500, so make sure the idea is feasible both financially and logistically and the idea will be implemented in San Mateo County.

Please submit your ideas in 200 words or less, by Earth Day (April 22) to info@smdailyjournal.com or mail typed, double spaced, to: 800 S. Claremont St. #210, San Mateo CA 94402. There are two categories for entries: Youth (under 18) and Adult (over 18). All submissions will be judged by a committee representing RecycleWorks and the Daily Journal. One winner from each category will be selected, and the Daily Journal will grant each winner's wish by contributing up to $500 for the winner's idea. The winner is expected to use the prize to implement their idea.

Winners as well as notable runner-ups will be announced by May 8th in the Daily Journal, to celebrate National County Government Week: "Greening Our Future."