Praise for World Environment Day success

Released: 13 June 2007

World Environment Day events across the city last week (Wednesday, June 5th) have been hailed a major success by Wolverhampton City Council Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Barry Findlay.

“The response from citizens to the many environmentally themed activities in Wolverhampton and Bilston was very encouraging and we need to build on that commitment from local people to ensure our city’s future sustainability”, explained Councillor Findlay.

”We all need to do our bit to address the very real problems of climate change – not just on World Environment Day.

“A great many people visited 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 learn what they can do to help combat it”, he added.

During the event over 100 carbon footprints were calculated and 800 low energy light bulbs and 80 Powerdown units for computers plus 200 water saving devices were distributed.

The highest carbon footprint calculated from people taking part in Wolverhampton was 13600 kgCO2 and the lowest was 6953 kgCO2.The highest carbon footprint calculated from people taking part in Bilston was 12922 kgCO2 and the lowest was 6433 kgCO2. The UK national average is 9300 kgCO2, Wolverhampton average is 6700 kgCO2

The theme ‘Kick the CO2 Habit’ was reflected in the exhibitions and activities which focused on encouraging residents to lessen their impact on climate change and featured advice on how to calculate and reduce your carbon footprint, increase energy efficiency and save money.

A number of council departments participated, with Environmental Services giving away saplings – planting trees improves air quality – while Waste and Recycling Services gave away re-usable Hessian shopping bags. Specialist officers from the Transportation team, Neighbourhood Renewal and Wolverhampton Homes also took part.

Anyone attending could also check their eligibility for free home insulation, take home free energy-efficient light-bulbs and purchase Fair Trade eco-products.

Organisations taking part in the environmental awareness events included: Travelwise, Natural Curriculum (Wildlife Trust), Eco Schools, Wolverhampton Fairtrade Partnership, Npower, Energy Efficiency Advice Centre, MGC Insulations and Marches Energy Agency.

Issued by the press office.