Submission Deadline: April 25, 2025

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Submission Deadline: April 25, 2025 +

Houston Teens Care About Clean Air Video Contest

We all love our city, but let’s be honest - Houston, we have some problems!

Our city is hot. Sometimes it’s underwater. Sometimes it even smells. Too many cars. Too much plastic. Not enough parks. Too many facilities pollute our air. 

But what if YOU were in charge?

How would you clean up our city? Carpooling and recycling just aren’t enough!

We are looking for students to THINK BIG about Houston’s problems and solutions.

What is the challenge?

EDF wants to hear your ideas for creating a cleaner, healthier city for us all.

Tell us about a specific environmental issue in the Houston area. Then tell us your creative solution. Think outside of the box! Recycling and carpooling are great, but we have heard that story many times before. We want creative solutions!

Be original! We want to see it all - animation, comedy, music, documentary-style.

What are the rules?

Read official contest rules HERE.

  • Videos must be no longer than two minutes.

  • Students may work individually or in teams of up to four.

  • All participants must be currently enrolled as high school students in the Houston area.

  • All submissions must be original creations, never submitted in other contests.

  • Winning video must include a specific environmental problem and an innovative solution.

What are the prizes?

1st Place: $2,500 Visa gift card

2nd Place: $1,250 Visa gift card

3rd Place: $750 Visa gift card

+ Additional prizes awarded

for Honorable Mention

& the YouTube Viewer’s Choice Contest

(more details TBA).

When are videos due?

11:59pm on Friday, April 25, 2025

What is the judging criteria?

  • Is your video a breath of fresh air or just another “same-old-same-old”? Judges are looking for originality that stands out! Show off your creativity—make your video fun, entertaining, and informative all at once! Think outside the box and bring a unique perspective.

  • Facts matter! Your video needs to be based on solid, credible information about environmental issues like air pollution, climate change, and their effects on health. Make sure your sources are trustworthy, and your message is spot-on. This is your chance to educate and inform with the power of science!

  • Does your video make people feel something? Whether it makes them laugh, cry, or feel fired up about change, storytelling is key. Judges want to see something that grabs viewers from the very beginning and keeps them hooked. Storytelling should pack an emotional punch and keep viewers engaged all the way through.

  • No one wants to watch a blurry, hard-to-hear video! Judges will be looking for videos that are sharp, clear, and easy to follow. Focus on good lighting, clear sound, and smooth editing to make your video stand out as polished and professional—because even the best ideas deserve a great presentation!

  • Is your video addressing a real problem and offering a practical solution? Judges want to see a specific environmental issue, like pollution caused by fast fashion or poor water quality in Houston, and a clear solution to tackle it. Think about what you would do if you were in charge—your solution should be both creative and feasible, making a real impact in the real world!

Questions?

Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for topic suggestions, tips, and tricks!

@enviroyouthcouncil

Contact Shannon Thomas at sthomas@edf.org

View Previous Winners

2024 Winning Video Playlist

2022 Winning Video Playlist

2023 Winning Video Playlist