May Fair launches summer of climate change action

8.29.19pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 11th May 2007

Armed with top tips, advice and information, Richmond Council staff will be on hand at events across the borough this summer, urging residents to join the fight against climate change.

Members of the recycling team and new sustainability unit will kick start five months of action at the May Fair on Richmond Green this Saturday, 12 May, where visitors will have the chance to check out a Green Energy Machine with a wind turbine and solar demonstrations, including a fountain and solar bikes. Richmond's energy-efficiency service will join Council staff to issue advice about how residents can combat climate change and promote sustainable development by altering their behaviour. This will include tips on reducing and recycling rubbish, saving energy and how to reduce your carbon footprint. Stilt-walking Green Policemen will also be on the beat. Council staff will appear at further events in Kingston, Twickenham, Strawberry Hill and Barnes between May and September.

Cllr Martin Elengorn, Cabinet Member for Environment on Richmond Council, said:

"This Council has pledged to put climate change at the heart of its policies and we are determined to raise awareness of the problems caused by global warming and give advice to local people about what they can do to reduce its harmful effects. The new sustainability unit is working to reduce the Council's own carbon emissions and also informing residents of the environmental and financial benefits of cutting the amount of energy they use. I hope everyone has the chance to meet Council staff this summer and talk about how small changes in behaviour can contribute to reducing emissions."