'Green' idea challenge launched

A nationwide challenge to come up with the best new 'green' idea that helps save or make money has been launched as part of the Climate Week.

The initiative comes after a survey found more than four in 10 Britons would be willing to adopt green measures if it helped them save cash.

Tens of thousands of schoolchildren and office staff are expected to participate in the challenge as Britain marks Climate Week to raise environmental awareness and devise practical solutions to tackle global warming.

Climate Week chief executive Kevin Steele, said: "These are tough economic times and climate change can seem like 'someone else's problem', but the right ideas can save money and help combat climate change.

"We need to apply our collective brain power to come up with creative ideas that really make a difference before it's too late."

A host of organisations, businesses and charities are backing the event, including the Met Office, the NHS and the National Trust.

Private firms sponsoring event include Tesco, Aviva, EDF Energy, Kellogg's and RBS. But RBS's involvement has drawn criticism from environmental campaigners who point out that the bank provides finance to the coal industry.

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