Sutton-based sustainability charity BioRegional recently launched a major competition for great ideas from local people to improve their neighbourhood or school. Two winning projects will get support and coaching to take their projects off the drawing board and into reality.

Speaking at the launch, Carshalton and Wallington MP Tom Brake said: “Sutton’s residents are bristling with ideas  – this is their chance to put them into practice. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get the support and advice needed to implement them.”

The One Planet Sutton Community Challenge is being run by BioRegional, based in the BedZED eco-village, with funding from the City Bridge Trust. It aims to reach hundreds of Sutton’s community groups, schools and local activists, seeking their ideas for projects which boost their surroundings and communities while protecting the planet we share.

Stephen Edwards of BioRegional said: “Winning ideas might include a neighbourhood scheme to cut household energy bills, a cycle training and bike maintenance project or a community shop supporting local crafts or local food. But really it’s all up to local people, who we’re sure will think up some really inspiring ideas. And it’s also local people who will decide on the winners.”

Entries need to improve Sutton’s environment and green spaces, help residents reduce their ecological footprint and contribute to at least one of the ten principles of One Planet Living. Together, these principles aim to secure a sustainable future that people find attractive, affordable and achievable within their fair share of the earth’s resources. This grass roots challenge is part of the borough and BioRegional’s goal for a One Planet Sutton.

The competition will involve a big communications campaign with a roadshow and a dedicated website.  Ten silver award winners will be chosen from the project ideas submitted. These ten will receive free advice to help improve their plans and present them for a public vote. Then in the summer of 2013 two gold award winners will be chosen by public vote. These two finalists will be given extensive, expert advice on project development and fundraising with mentoring support continuing  until March 2014.

The application deadline is noon on Monday, April 29, either via the One Planet Sutton website (oneplanetsutton.org/communitychallenge) or using a print application form obtainable from BioRegional. Further information can be obtained from Stephen Edwards on 020 8404 4896.

The challenge was launched at Wallington’s Holy Trinity Centre, during a One Planet Sutton workshop attended by dozens of representatives of local groups, organisations and businesses and Sutton Council. The workshop celebrated progress since 2009, when the borough became the first One Planet Council, and considered future targets for the ten one planet principles.