By Sarah newstead

Last updated at 15:21, Thursday, 25 September 2008

CUMBRIA’S eco-champions are backing greener communities at the Cumbria Community Awards.

The awards recognise those not for profit groups or projects making a real difference to Cumbria’s sustainability.

Awards sponsor Resource Cumbria is a partnership between Cumbria's seven councils focusing on reducing, reusing and recycling waste.

They aim to exceed waste targets, provide facilities to dispose of waste in an environmentally sound way, and ensure the public stay satisfied, engaged and motivated to reduce their impact on the nature’s resources.

Recent schemes include offering discounted compost bins and the real nappy campaign – to help Cumbrian families reduce the eight million disposable nappies thrown away in Britain daily.

But with the future of the planet in everyone’s hands, the partnership believes getting behind the award is a great way to reward those going the extra mile to go green.

Do you know a group or project thinking globally and acting locally? Maybe there’s a car sharing pool in your neighbourhood working together to reduce the area’s carbon footprint.

Or perhaps there’s a community group which has put its green fingers to good use turning a local wasteland into a nature garden?

Do you know a group of eco-conscious people who have started up a clothes swapping group in a bid to reduce waste? Or maybe you know of a project helping your local community centre reduce, reuse and recycle?

Nomination is easy – simply fill out an online form.

For more information and the printer friendly online nomination form go to: www.cumberland-news.co.uk/communityawards.

The website also includes a look back at last year's winners and a question and answer section on the awards to help you nominate confidently.

If you are without internet access, forms can be posted out on request by calling 01228 612201.

Nominations close on Sunday, October 5.

First published at 05:32, Friday, 29 August 2008
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk