Big Green Challenge offers £1m prize

A UK science foundation has launched a £1m competition to find new ways of saving the planet.

The Big Green Challenge was unveiled by the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (Nesta).

A recent survey found that eight out of 10 people in the UK believe they have had an idea that could have a positive impact on problems like climate change.

However, the vast majority never explore their ideas owing to a lack of funds or confidence, a fear of ridicule or not knowing where to start.

Nesta hopes that the Big Green Challenge will encourage groups of people and not-for-profit organisations to think of new ways to reduce the carbon emissions of a community.

Participants have until the end of February to submit ideas, after which the top 100 will be whittled down to a shortlist of 10. Each finalist will receive £20,000, along with mentoring and support to put their ideas into practice.

The group with the most imaginative and successful approach at the end of the competition will win the remainder of the £1m pot.

"The findings suggest that many of the potentially great ideas that could have a real impact on our big social problems are going to waste," said Jonathan Kestenbaum, chief executive of Nesta.

"The new year offers an opportunity to bring these ideas to the surface. By providing a financial incentive and expert support we hope to encourage communities to come together to find new ways to tackle climate change."

The survey also found that many ideas go down the plughole; the shower or bath was rated the top place for inspiring creativity.

Interestingly, the study suggests that men are around twice as likely as women to have ideas over a pint down the pub, while a quarter of women claim to have their flash of inspiration while doing household chores.