Going Green for Sustainability Weeks

Syon Park bike rides and much more

Hounslow Council is calling on residents to bury bad habits and make a green pledge to mark London Sustainability Weeks (5-19 June 2005). The emphasis will be on encouraging community groups and schools to carry out projects to build more sustainable local communities.

The borough will host a range of activities throughout the fortnight, which kicks off on World Environment Day (Sunday 5 June) as part of the London-wide event, with the aim of promoting the need to protect the local environment.

Local activities will be launched on Sunday 5 June with a “Give or Take Day” at Feltham Assembly Hall (12pm-3pm), where residents can get rid of items that might be cluttering their homes and perhaps pick up something else. There will also be information on recycling and composting, water saving tips, and a chance to meet the Green Boxer!

Lucy Griffiths, Hounslow’s Principal Environmental Strategy Officer, promoted the ‘green’ fortnight as an opportunity for everyone to get to know the diversity and creativity of local action:

“It’s a great way to get involved in environmental activities, meet new people and find out more on a range of environmental projects happening in Hounslow. There are lots of community projects taking place which will go a long way towards making London's communities greener, healthier and more sustainable places to live.”

Highlights of the local events taking place over the two weeks include:
· Energy Efficiency Day (8 June) at the Treaty Centre, Hounslow, with advice on saving energy and money in your home. Including Home energy checks and free energy efficient lightbulbs for residents;

· A Father’s Day Bike Ride (19 June) set in the gorgeous surroundings of Syon Park, promoting green transport, with Dr Bike on hand for bike maintenance advice;

· A half-day Healthy Business Seminar for West London Businesses (7 June) including speakers on Green Travel planning, smoke-free workplaces, promoting healthy eating and mental health in the workplace;

· Isleworth Ait open afternoon (12 June), with guided walks on the London Wildlife Trust reserve;
· A Nature Day (19 June) including an early morning bird walk, bird ringing, meet the animals from urban farm, pond dipping, nature walks and a bat walk in the evening;

· Recycling roadshows across the borough during the first week (6-10 June) with information on recycling, composting, and real nappies, plus great offers and competitions.

As well as being fun, events will demonstrate some of the many ways we can make a difference to the world we live in.

Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, said: “London is home to 7.4 million people and we need to make sure that we grow and develop in a way that improves the quality of life of all Londoners, whilst protecting and enhancing the environment, if we are to keep this a vital world city for future generations.”

A full list of local events is available at www.lsw2005.org