A challenge to "green up its act and help save the planet" has gone out to Brentwood Borough Council.

The call comes from Warley councillor Michael Taylor, who says he will be pressing for a greener approach by the council across all its activities.

It follows the council's formal adoption of its Local Agenda 21 document, which sets out a comprehensive strategy to protect and enhance the local environment.

Cllr Taylor welcomed the new strategy but said the council could take the initiative and do better. Although it currently recycles much of its waste paper, at present it does not buy recycled paper and Cllr Taylor urged it to do so in order to help stimulate demand.

He said the council could also purchase electricity, through the national grid, which is generated by renewable methods such as wind, wave, solar or hydro power, and consideration should be given to supplying 'green power' in council owned buildings.

After the meeting earlier this month at which the Local Agenda 21 document was adopted, Cllr Taylor said he would be meeting council officers to seek ways of improving 'green purchasing,' particularly of energy.

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