A school in Orangeville is among 168 in Ontario that have won $1,000 environmental awards through the Metro grocery chain's Green Apple School Program, launched in September.

Students from across Ontario submitted proposals for environmental projects that focus on conservation and healthy living practices.

Metro has announced grants to 168 schools that have planned green initiatives including recycling, tree planting, garden growing and composting projects that will positively impact the environment in their schools and communities.

Among the 168 were 11 schools in Peel Region and one in Dufferin, Princess Elizabeth Public School in Orangeville. Each school will receive $1,000 to use toward the implementation of their environmental initiatives.

Princess Elizabeth P.S. will use their Green Apple Grant to improve their existing vermin-composting program

The Green Apple School Program began on September 10, 2009 and all publicly funded or privately registered elementary or secondary schools in Ontario are eligible to apply. Early entries will have the best chance of being chosen, based on a first come, first served approach.

Submissions will be accepted until March 1, 2010, with grants being awarded throughout the year. For more information or to register online, visit www.greenapplegrants. ca