Make a green pledge for London Sustainability Weeks

Series of events to build more sustainable local communities

Hounslow Council is calling on residents to bury bad habits and make a green pledge to mark London Sustainability Weeks (5-19 June 2004).  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 as part of the London-wide event with the aim of promoting the need to protect the local environment.

Events kick off on 5th June (World Environment Day) with Stand Up For Recycling where members of Brentford Recycling Action Group (BRAG) are available to give advice to local residents on recycling at Somerfield Supermarket, Brentford High Street.

The local activities continue on Sunday 6th June at Duke’s Meadows Farmer’s Market, with attractions including:

·       “Mr. Bees and Trees” nature activities for children, including making whistles from apples with his apple-twirling machine. There are also activities to show how animals and plants are linked in nature, and how they depend on each other to live.
·       Help to make an authentic “wattle and daub” house.
·       Dr. Bike Surgery offering expert help and advice on cycle maintenance and road safety.
·       Chiswick Recycling Action Group will provide recycling activities and information.
·       Chiswick Horticultural Society will be on hand to provide expert advice on gardening and growing food. There will also be a chance to visit the nearby allotment plots to see how organic gardening is put in to practice.

Kathleen Healy, from Friends of Duke’s Meadows, said: “Friends of Duke’s Meadows have always cared about their local environment, and are pleased to be able to get involved with London Sustainability Weeks.”

Highlights of the local events taking place over the two weeks include Primary Pledge Week, with over 1500 schoolchildren signing up to make a green pledge to improve the environment.

Lucy Griffiths, Hounslow’s Environmental Strategy Officer, promoted the ‘green’ fortnight as an opportunity for everyone to get to know the diversity and creativity of local action.  She said: “It’s a great way to get involved in environmental activities, meet new people and find out more about a whole range of environmental projects that are happening in Hounslow.  There are a host of community projects taking place which will go a long way towards making London's communities greener, healthier and more sustainable places to live.”

June 3, 2004