Thanks to Vix for this roundup of Green party news from last week. Ed
Green Party leader Natalie Bennett visited Cowes and East Cowes last week – and was so impressed with the sustainable businesses and innovative technologies that she has vowed to return in the near future.
Entrepreneurship and a focus on sustainability
Island ethical clothing manufacturer Rapanui – who by coincidence have recently made T-shirts for the Green Party of Wales – led Ms Bennett and IW Green leader Vix Lowthion around their factory in Cowes, demonstrating their streamlined fulfilment process.
Vix remarked,
“Rapanui are an excellent example of a green business growing from scratch on the Island.
“Hard work and entrepreneurship in conjunction with a focus on sustainability has led to award winning success for Rapanui. But we must ensure that they have the right support on the Island and are able to grow further with the best accommodation and committed staff.”
Housing bubble threatening manufacturing
Ensuring that innovative manufacturing businesses remain on the Island was also the message across the water in East Cowes. The Green Party leader met tidal turbine engineers Sustainable Marine Energy and a group of concerned East Cowes residents on the busy quay side.
She heard how SME has recruited close to 30 members of staff in recent years, but that if Red Funnel’s ‘regeneration’ plans go ahead, the company will be forced to leave the town and even the Island.
Natalie stated,
“This is the perfect example of how the housing price bubble is threatening the manufacturing industry and the growth of employment on the Isle of Wight.
“We need to invest in green energy and the Island has renewable energy resources which can create hundreds of jobs.”
