Defra has set up a £1m green fund for charities helping residents of the United Kingdom to live more sustainably.

Environment minister Dan Norris announced the Inspiring Sustainable Living fund earlier this week as part of Defra’s commitment to use the power of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games to inspire sustainable living.

Between four and eight separate projects will be funded anywhere in the United Kingdom, with the minimum award being £100,000 and the maximum award £200,000.

Civil society organisations that can demonstrate “waste less, recycle more” are more likely to be selected by promoting as many of the following: more active travel via cycling and walking; more efficient use of energy and water services; improved sustainable consumption through 'eco' and seasonal food products and greater greener spaces.

Charities must also be able to demonstrate that they have the ability to deliver initiatives that can create behavioural change within local communities to stand a chance at gaining part of the fund.

Norris said: “The London 2012 Games will no doubt inspire many people to think not only about their health but also the environment they live in.
 
“Government alone is not able to deliver change and embed greener living behaviours, so by working with the third sector and using their networks it enables greater reach and the potential for longer lasting pro-environmental behaviour change.”

The closing date for the first phase of applications is 21 May, while the ten-to-12 short-listed applicants will be notified by early July 2010.

The announcement comes after a report by the National Audit Office revealed that Defra is likely to return millions of pounds of unused EU money due to over-estimating uptake with its flagship English organic scheme.