RESIDENTS are being encouraged to do their bit to protect the environment for future generations.

North Yorkshire County Council has agreed a new policy to ensure that all areas of council activity focus on saving energy and preventing pollution.

The council is using green electricity at its headquarters at County Hall, Northallerton, and to power street lights. It is also cutting down on the use of vehicles by its staff.

Members of the public are also being encouraged to protect the environment by saving energy wherever possible, whether it is by turning down the central heating or using energy efficient light bulbs.

The county council's environment and heritage overview and scrutiny committee is responsible for making sure that the policy is adhered to and will monitor progress on its implementation.

One of its main aims is to help people to understand what is meant by sustainable development and how important it is to protect the environment.

Councillor Heather Garnett, chairwoman of the scrutiny committee, said: "Adopting this new policy shows that the county council is committed to protecting and enhancing the environment and working towards a sustainable future for everyone.

"In particular, the county council is working hard to reduce its use of electricity, gas and oil and to reduce the use of vehicles by its staff.

"This will help to reduce production of the gases that result in climate change, which is a major threat to all life on Earth."

Information on ways to help to protect the environment is on the council's web site at www.northyorks.gov.uk/ chiefexec/sustdev

The website can be accessed free at any North Yorkshire County Council library.

Neil Dodson, the council's principal corporate policy and performance officer, said: "This is a major development in the way this organisation will be addressing sustainable development.

"Whenever we buy anything, from a box of pencils to the highways services, we are looking at the sustainable development implications.

"We look at where it is coming from, how it is going to be packaged, is it recyclable and what happens at the end of its life?"