There is less than three weeks to go until the Co-operative Eco-Fund closes for 2018.

The Channel Islands Co-operative Society’s Eco-Fund for 2018 is open for applications. Applicants can apply for a donation to go towards local projects that aim to protect and regenerate the environment in the Channel Islands.

The Channel Islands Co-operative Society’s Membership & Community Manager, Katey White said: ‘We have seen first-hand what a difference the funding provided by the Eco-Fund can make and we are thrilled to be able to continue to support these environmental projects. We always look forward to receiving the various applications and the selection process is never an easy task, as each project does such great work in the Channel Islands.’  

Last year, the Eco-Fund provided £16,000 for 15 environmental projects in the Channel Islands.Some examples of the projects that received donations in Jersey include a squirrel rope bridge project, St Peter’s School Eco Gardeners, National Trust Volunteers, Oakwood Gardens and Birds on the Edge.In Guernsey, the fund has helped the Guernsey Blind Association, Alderney Wildlife Trust, St Martin’s Community Wildlife Playground and Guernsey Beekeeper Association.

‘Each year we see an increase in applications from environmental projects for the Eco-Fund and we can’t thank our local communities enough for their continued support. As a community retailer, we are committed to protecting and preserving our beautiful Channel Island environments,’ added Katey.

Protection and regeneration of the environment reflects the Society’s long-term ambition for all of its product packaging to be recyclable, which includes looking at opportunities to reduce hard-to-recycle plastic packaging and include more recycled content. The Co-op’s initial target is for 80% of its products to be more environmentally friendly by 2020.

The deadline for applications for the Eco-Fund is Saturday 30^thJune 2018. If you would like to find out more about how to apply or about the previous projects which received funding, please visit: https://www.channelislands.coop/je/your-society/what-we-do-together/eco-fund/