Award worth the paper it's printed on

A SCHEME to cut the amount of paper and printer cartridges used by a Lothian council has scooped a prize.

East Lothian Council's Print-Smart project was "highly commended" at the National Ewell-Being Awards in Leeds.

The awards, run by the UK Centre for Economic and Environmental Development, recognise organisations using information and communication technology for social and environmental improvement.

The PrintSmart project is being rolled out across all East Lothian Council offices and schools, with the aim of a 40 per cent reduction in paper use, a 30 per cent reduction in photocopying, and a 50 per cent reduction in printer cartridge use.

The council said it intends to save 1,440 trees through the reduced use of paper this year.

Councillor Peter MacKenzie, cabinet member for education and children's services, said: "PrintSmart gives schools the ability to plan and control print and copying, and has benefits for the environment. This award is very well-deserved."