Money for London green schemes

Green schemes to help Londoners become more environmentally friendly have been backed by more than £2 million in grants from London Councils.

The money approved includes £1.24 million towards projects to promote energy efficiency, water conservation and the use of renewable energy. Another £828,000 will go towards initiatives helping to minimise waste and for reuse and recycling projects.

This money will, in particular, help disadvantaged Londoners to find cheap ways of making their homes greener. Chairman of London Councils Grants Committee, Cllr Paul McCannah, said: "We want to make it as simple and affordable for as many Londoners as possible to be able to play their part in helping the capital become even more environmentally friendly. As well as protecting the planet, these initiatives will also help save people money."

The Forest Recycling Project is one scheme that will benefit from the grants. It aims to refurbish up to 500 computers a year and distribute them to 120 community groups. It will also expand its Give or Take webpage, which allows for the exchange of unwanted goods.

The grants will allow Creative Environment Networks to raise awareness of the need to conserve energy and water. They plan to create 400 'beacon' organisations that others can use as examples of best practice.