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Greener Scotland

The Scottish Government has as its overall purpose to focus government and public services on creating a more successful country, with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish, through increasing sustainable economic growth. Greener Scotland is one of the strategic objectives of the Scottish Government - to improve Scotland's natural and built environment and the sustainable use and enjoyment of it.

Work on this is directed by the Greener Scotland Programme Board, with delivery the responsibility of a number of theme based groups supported by the Greener Scotland Directorate.

CLIMATE CHALLENGE FUND NEWS

The Scottish Government announced a Climate Challenge Fund in its Scottish Budget and Spending Review 2007 (November 2007) and the funding level was amended during the passage of the Budget Bill early in 2008. At the end of March Richard Lochhead MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, said the fund would give communities across Scotland an unprecedented opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint: "We will open the Fund to applications and outline how communities can apply in the near future." Read news.

VIBES 2008

Applications should be made by July 18, 2008, for the Vision in Business for the Environment of Scotland awards scheme.

Sustainable Development

The goal of sustainable development is to enable all people throughout the world to satisfy their basic needs and enjoy a better quality of life without compromising the quality of life of future generations. In December 2005 Choosing our future: Scotland's Sustainable Development Strategy was published, setting out a vision and commitment to build a more sustainable Scotland. More information

This commitment to sustainable development is reflected in the new purpose and strategic objectives announced following the Scottish Parliament Elections in May 2007.

Go Greener in 2008

The Scottish Government has published 10 pledges, as part of its Greener Scotland 2008 campaign. You can do your bit for the environment and contribute to a Greener Scotland by signing up to one or more of these pledges.

The 10 greener pledges are part of the Government's drive to encourage people in Scotland to adopt more environmentally-friendly behaviour. Many of you will already be doing your bit whether it is recycling more, driving less or using energy-efficient light bulbs. But we can all do that little bit more.

The pledges are:

  • Recycle household waste using locally-provided facilities.
  • Turn the tap off when brushing your teeth
  • Switch to using energy-saving light bulbs
  • Leave the car at home at least once a week and cycle, walk, share a car or use public transport more often
  • Use rechargeable batteries instead of disposable ones
  • Reuse carrier bags when you shop
  • Buy more seasonal and unpackaged food
  • Hang your washing up to dry rather than using a tumbler dryer
  • Organise or volunteer in an environmental project in your local community
  • Pay back the environmental impact of any flights you take and choose not to fly when there's a suitable alternative

To sign up, and for more information, see the infoscotland website.

Page updated: Monday, May 12, 2008