THE ISLE of Wight Council is set to trailblaze a number of key Eco-Island initiatives to make the county a beacon of excellence for green issues.
A number of One Island initiatives outlined by IW Council leader Cllr David Pugh on Wednesday will help the county towards its goal of having the lowest carbon footprint in England — and, in doing so, be a fully sustainable, prosperous and healthy community.
Two high-profile events are being organised to engage the whole Island community, from public sector organisations and large companies through to individuals and families.
For its part, the council has already approved a carbon management plan which sets out a broad strategy for carbon management across a range of council activities and areas of influence. The plan will see carbon emissions reduced by four per cent per year amounting to a reduction of 6,240 tonnes over five years.
The council also aims to convert 13 of its vehicles to run on biofuel — pure vegetable oil — this year, dramatically cutting its emissions of greenhouse gasses.
Five new charging points for electric vehicles will also be built in council car parks — encouraging drivers to switch to more eco-friendly forms of motoring.
The first of the two major eco events will be a top-level Eco Island conference at Cowes Yacht Haven on March 26 where business leaders, public sector organisations and pressure groups will exchange information about how to transform the Island’s Eco-Island vision into reality and, just as importantly, commit themselves to helping make the vision a reality. During the event, the council will also launch its sustainable community strategy.
In Church Litten Park on May 24 and 25, the “Big Green Picnic” will be staged. This is a high profile public gathering where low carbon and sustainable lifestyles will be highlighted. The aim is to inspire people and families to lead a green lifestyle, demonstrate what steps they can take to achieve that and what products and services are available to help them.
There will be plenty of fun activities for people to take part in during the day with a series of themed marquees and areas representing the following categories. They will include food and local produce; arts and crafts; construction and the natural environment.
The council is due this year to launch a Green Awards scheme rewarding companies and organisations for eco-friendly work.
Also on the cards is a “zero plastic bag” initiative where, following the lead set in Ventnor, the council will encourage the use of renewable bags instead of plastic ones across the Island.
Other aims to develop Eco Island, such as offering financial aid to help people insulate their homes and ensuring green principals are incorporated into new developments have also been announced
IW Council leader Cllr David Pugh said: “These exciting schemes fit in with our vision of making the Island a green and sustainable place to live, work and visit.
“We are committed to doing our bit to help the environment by lowering greenhouse gasses and reducing our impact on the planet.
“The Isle of Wight is a beautiful place and we aim through these initiatives to help to preserve it’s natural beauty for future generations. We all have a part to play if we are to achieve our Eco Island aims and these One Island projects will enable all sections of the community to do just that.”
