Trafford Council has awarded environmental charity Action for Sustainable Living funding totalling £47,000.
The money will be spent on tackling transport emissions and fuel poverty by developing school projects and increasing the number of local project managers.
The local project managers will help to develop community action groups and raise awareness about environmental issues and climate change. Local groups supported by Action for Sustainable Living in the Trafford area already include a Real Nappy Group, Fair Trade groups and “Trees for Old Trafford”.
The initial funding is part of a 3 year plan that could eventually see Action for Sustainable Living recruit local project managers to all 22 wards in the borough of Trafford. Prior to the funding Action for Sustainable Living had 1 local project manager in the area, it now has 6. Trafford Council itself employs just two sustainability co-ordinators for all 22 wards with a further 12 staff in different departments involved in green projects. Further funding will be made available to Action for sustainable living based on the results and a new tender process will be held in 2009.
One of the new volunteers is Laura Gaither, an antique furniture dealer and Trafford resident. She has been a local project manager for a couple of months and is really enjoying working in the community. She said: “The response from people is really positive because AFSL want to help and support people rather than telling them to do this or that.” She has just helped residents set up a War on Waste website to encourage recycling and reduce plastic bag use and fly tipping.
Action For Sustainable Living also works with six primary schools in Trafford and Stretford Grammar School. Together they recently launched a poster campaign fronted by Snowy the energy efficient polar bear to encourage pupils, parents and teachers to save energy in the home and in the class room.
Last year Trafford’s Woodheys Primary School in Sale won a national award for energy efficiency, that was presented by presidential candidate-turned global warming activist Al Gore. The council aims to implement strategies undertaken at this school in all Trafford schools. This would involve greening the curriculum and making energy efficiency improvements to the schools such as better insulation. Action For Sustainable Living will provide the volunteers to work alongside teaching staff and carry out green projects.
Action for Sustainable Living are still recruiting local project managers and schools volunteers. If you are interested call Helen on 0161 227 0377 or visit their website
Action for a Sustainable Old Trafford!
