Sailing clubs and marine businesses interested in making environmental changes are being urged to take advantage of the grants on offer from the Green Blue and Volvo.

Sailing and boating clubs seeking funds to make environmental improvements now have two options for small grants.

The RYA/BMF Green Blue is offering a limited number of £500 grants to fund proposals for greening events, saving electricity or reducing waste and encouraging recycling.

Clubs with more ambitious projects, however, may also consider entering the Volvo Eco Challenge for a chance to win up to £5,000 towards an environmental scheme. The deadline for Volvo entries is 1 October, 2010, and the form is available from www.volvocars.com.

Marine businesses looking to make environmental improvements should contact The Green Blue for best practice advice as well as possible funding.

The Green Blue offers best practice advice and practical solutions with quick win solutions from installing low energy light bulbs and placing water saving bags in toilet cisterns, to fitting water and light sensors and increasing recycling.

Bigger projects such as renewable technologies or rainwater harvesting may be eligible to receive a contribution towards the cost of getting started. There is also advice on how to access other sources of funding.

Contact Sustainable Facilities Officer dan.reading@thegreenblue.org.uk or Regional Advisor sarah.brown@thegreenblue.org.uk for BMF members in Scotland, Wales and N. Ireland.