Meet environmental heroes at a Hall of Fame ceremony

It was bound to happen: We now have an Environmental Hall of Fame, which will hold its first awards ceremony next month.

While really anyone can create their own Hall of Fame (I just found the Ecology Hall of Fame and the Assault on Science Hall of Fame -- both basically on-line lists created by teensy nonprofits), the Environmental Hall of Fame is a somewhat bigger deal -- if for no other reason than the fact that its awards ceremony will mark its existence in real life, beyond the Internet.

The ceremony honors 20 environmentalists over three nights -- and some very cool people have already signed up to attend! Among them are Van Jones, an environmental and social justice activist, and Rainforest Action Network founder Randy Hayes. If you want to rub elbows with them, all you have to do is buy an $8 ticket.

When: June 5-7, 7 p.m.
Where: Westin LAX Theater,  5400 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles
Cost: $8 for general admission. Purchase tickets on-line here.

The Environmental Hall of Fame could actually be seen as part of an elaborate book promo. It came to be through the research of Allen Rubin and Catherine Corbin, two life coaches who decided to write a book that "recognizes individuals, companies and organizations that have made the most significant impact on environmental issues." Before that book, titled "The Environmental Hall of Fame, 2008 Edition," comes out this summer, the authors are recognizing the people they wrote about in this awards ceremony.

Unfortunately for those hoping to see the really big names, neither Al Gore nor Bill Clinton are expected to attend -- though organizers are hopeful that the two men will send people to participate in the ceremony on their behalf.

(Thanks to Geoff for the tip)