World Environment Day to be marked
Released: 2 June 2008
Wolverhampton is marking World Environment Day this week (Thursday, June 5), with a range of activities at two main locations focused on encouraging residents to lessen their impact on climate change.
The theme this year is ‘Kick the CO2 Habit’ – and this is reflected in the exhibitions and activities being held at the Wulfrun Centre (in the Piazza near T K Maxx) and in Bilston High Street. These will feature advice on how to calculate and reduce your carbon footprint, increase energy efficiency and save money.
A number of council departments are participating. Environmental Services are giving away saplings – planting trees improves air quality – while Waste and Recycling Services have information and re-usable Hessian shopping bags to give away. Specialist officers from the Transportation team, Neighbourhood Renewal and Wolverhampton Homes are also taking part.
Anyone attending can also check their eligibility for free home insulation, take home free energy-efficient light-bulbs and purchase Fair Trade eco-products.
Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Barry Findlay, said:” We all need to do our bit to address the very real problems of climate change – not just on June 5th but every day.
“I hope as many people as possible will visit the events to get helpful energy saving advice, pick up useful tips on how to incorporate awareness of climate change issues into their everyday lives, and what they can do to help combat it”, he added.
Organisations taking part in the environmental awareness events include:
Travelwise - with a stand in the Wulfrun Centre giving advice on how to cut carbon emissions by using public transport, walking, cycling etc
Natural Curriculum (Wildlife Trust) - promoting the work they do in schools, Eco Schools, featuring a display of children’s artwork.
Wolverhampton Fairtrade Partnership - display on Fairtrade and sale of Fairtrade goods.
Npower - distributing energy efficiency literature and surveys, energy saving light bulbs, and an awareness raising exercise featuring real-time energy displays for electric consumption so people can actually see exactly what they are using.
Energy Efficiency Advice Centre – with stands in both Bilston and at the Wulfrun Centre, providing energy efficiency and insulation advice, home energy checks (survey) and giving away energy saving light bulbs, power downs for computers and an eco kettle.
MGC Insulations - with helpful advice about insulating your home and being energy efficient, giving away energy efficient radiator reflector panels.
Marches Energy Agency - with stands in both Bilston and at the Wulfrun Centre, calculating carbon footprints, info on climate change, CO2 and the actions people can take to reduce their CO2. Lowest carbon footprint for the day will be sent a wind-up radio as a prize, highest footprint sent package of low energy light bulbs. All participants will be given eco-action pack to take home. They will feature a 'Bash the bulb' game - winning children get organic/Fairtrade sweet, winning adults get low energy light bulb. Eco vehicles will also be on display (Honda Insight Hybrid in Wulfrun Centre and a VW Caddy at Bilston).
Further information on the council’s contribution to World Environment Day, is available on the www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/climatechange website or by calling the council’s sustainability unit on Wolverhampton 01902 555627.
Issed by the press office.