Actor & Musician Jaden Smith to be Honored at EMA Awards

Actor and musician Jaden Smith will be presented with the Male EMA Futures Award for his leadership and action on environmental issues at the Environmental Media Association's (EMA) 26th Annual EMA Awards on Oct. 22 at Warner Bros. studios in Burbank, Calif. As a leader of a generation that understands the severity and consequences of pollution and global warming, Smith joins Shailene Woodley as the male counterpart of the 2016 EMA Futures Award recipient. The EMA Awards recognize and honor environmental PIONEERS who embody the commitment and leadership to raise awareness of environmental issues.

"We are so honored to be able to share with the global public this inspiring young voice for environmental issues and sustainability," said Debbie Levin, President of EMA. "Jaden is a true activist and role model that can authentically lead his generation to a more thoughtful and conscious future. Taking action and creating a movement sharing his vision of water stewardship, forestry and plant-based solutions with the goal to decrease the level of greenhouse gas emissions can influence billions. We couldn't be happier to present Jaden with the Male EMA Futures Award. We are so grateful for his innovation, for his commitment to preserving our earth and for the powerful example he is setting for not only his generation, but for all of us, to take action."

Jaden has been recognized in both the entertainment industry and eco community. Smith, who is 18 years old, is part of JUST water (http://www.justwater.com), an impact business venture that is changing the bottled water model by rethinking how it's sourced, delivered and consumed.

"It's important for everyone to know that you can make a difference no matter what obstacles you think are in your way," said Smith. "After seeing the amount of ocean pollution and the effect it was having on marine wildlife, I couldn't stand there and do nothing about it - I knew I had to take action. By packaging water in bottles made from paper and plant-based plastic, JUST water is reducing the amount of harmful greenhouse emissions while helping to preserve the environment. With the Male EMA Futures Award, our voices are being amplified and we're making a difference. Having the support from an organization that shares the same values as me makes the future more optimistic than ever."

JUST water is 100 percent spring water that is responsibly sourced from the Glens Falls watershed at the base of the Adirondack Mountains in New York and is packaged in paper-based bottles that is derived primarily of renewable resources. By using paper and plant-based plastic responsibly sourced from sugarcane, JUST water has accomplished a up to a 74 percent reduction in carbon emissions compared to an average plastic bottle.

This year's EMA Awards will celebrate the 26th anniversary by looking toward the future, honoring exciting and innovative new voices in the environmental world and platforming some of EMA's latest planet-positive programs. The evening will spotlight excellence in film/TV/digital and beyond, and usher in EMA's 2.0 mission of promoting environmental awareness through media and inspiring green innovation in technology and business. The 26th annual EMA Awards will be presented by Toyota & Lexus and Calvert Investments.

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