Are you convinced you're the world's greenest individual? If you truly are, you could find yourself the proud owner of your very own pod of Arctic beluga whales. Try whipping that gem out the next time your friend brags about their new 42" plasma TV.

Boyd Cohen, a professor from Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, launched the website 3rdwhale.com, as well as his search for people who are making a profound effort to lead an an earth-conscious lifestyle. The winner will be awarded the adoption papers to the pod of whales, as well as bragging rights at their next eco-activist meeting ("Yeah, nice new hybrid buddy, but did you know I've just been named the world's greenest person? Ha! Trump that!").

Cohen hopes the contest will inspire others to consider their footprint and bring about global awareness, and went so far as to compare his efforts to those of a certain Fox karaoke television show.

"Given the trajectory of the planet, we need to make stars out of people who are going above and beyond to really live a green lifestyle," Cohen said from Bolivia, where he's working with local university faculty to develop sustainable communities. "While American Idol tries to make stars out of mediocre singers, I try to make stars out of people who are living a truly green life, so they can be role models for other people."

The initial entry requires applicants to complete a multiple choice survey and write a short essay, and finalists will be required to produce a five-minute video demonstrating what makes their lifestyle eco-friendly.

Visit 3rdwhale.com to learn more about the contest, as well as Cohen's other green projects in the works.

** Please note, employees and family members of Simon Fraser University staff and personnel are not eligible to compete for the prize. Same goes for Ed Begley Jr., Al Gore and Leonardo DiCaprio.

» The Canadian Press