Thanks to new friend David Neff at the American Cancer Society, who writes an awesome blog for nonprofits on utilizing new technologies, I just visited the NetSquared Mash-up competition where 21 finalist web application mash-ups for social change have just been announced. Do you ever land on a site to buy a hot new outfit and wonder if the company you are about to buy from pays fair wages to its garment workers? If so, KnowMore, a Firefox extension, will alert you to the issues associated with a company when you land on their site so you can make an informed purchase.

Another of my faves from the bunch, Ask Your Lawmaker, a widget that allows you to submit questions to lawmakers, hear their answers and follow the news on issues you care about. Finally being able to ask the questions that corporate media won’t? Priceless! Let’s hope lawmakers will respond…

How about My Green Map? I’m in downtown Austin and I’m wondering where the closest organic restaurant is? No problem, just pull out my mobile device, go to this Google map mash-up that shows where all kinds of sustainable business, bike routes, and whatever else the community developers can come up that promotes sustainable community, right there on my handset.

The finalists will attend the NetSquared conference over Memorial Day weekend where the top 3 will be chosen and take home cash prizes.