Pedal power and walkers have boosted environmental initiatives on the Island through a $20,000 grant to sustainable development group Greenrock.

Bermuda End-to-End organisers announced Greenrock would be the first recipient for a grant under its new 20th Anniversary Fund. The group will now use the funds for its 'Bring Your Own Bottle or Bag' Public Service Advertising (PSA) campaign, which focuses on the importance of carrying reusable bottles and bags rather disposable ones.

End-to-End chairwoman Anne Mello said: "As a group that actively encourages thousands of people to use the trails, roadways and waterways of Bermuda for our event, we are keenly aware of the importance of our Island's environment and the issues surrounding it.

"We know the participants in the End-to-End event appreciate every opportunity to be in Bermuda's natural surroundings, and we believe that supporting Greenrock is the most fitting way to mark our 20th anniversary, given their commitment to sustainable development initiatives on the Island."

Greenrock founder and President Erin Moran said: "We are honoured to have been chosen to receive this generous grant from the Bermuda End-to-End organisers.

"Our goal is to encourage and empower individuals and companies to do their part to make Bermuda socially, economically and environmentally sustainable for future generations. This grant will allow us to invest in our PSA campaign, that will use radio, newspaper, e-mail and our website to educate residents of Bermuda on why the use of paper or plastic disposable bags, and the use of plastic disposable bottles, is dramatically contributing to environmental, financial and health problems in Bermuda and elsewhere."

The funds from End-to-End will also enable Greenrock to showcase its own reusable shopping bag, which has been sold through the organisation's website since September. For more information visit: www.greenrock.org.

The End-to-End is Bermuda's largest annual fundraising event. It began in 1987 as a wager among three friends and now attracts thousands of walkers, cyclists, rowers and horseriders, journeying the 22 miles from one end of the Island to the other.

This year's event — the 20th — raised more than $250,000 for charities Bermuda Autism Support and Education, Keep Bermuda Beautiful, Meals on Wheels, Open Airways, and Raleigh International.

The 2008 Bermuda End-to-End will be held on Saturday, May 3. Charities interested in applying for funding should submit an application form to the organisation by Wednesday.

For more information, log onto: www.bermudaendtoend.bm, e-mail ete[AT]logic.bm or call 292-6992.