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Reduce Your Impact on the Planet
Kinston Council is leading the way in promoting sustainable living with the launch of an Ecological Footprint Calculator.
The site, www.kingstonfootprint.co.uk, asks you about your habits relating to different aspects of your life, from grocery shopping to transport, and then calculates what impact this is having on the planet.
After calculating your Ecological Footprint the calculator provides a personalised Action Plan packed with practical advice on how to reduce it.
The calculator was launched at this year’s Green Guardian Awards, held at the Rose Theatre on Monday 25 January.
Councillor Bob Steed, Executive Member for Environment, Sustainability & Climate Change, said: “The Green Guardian Awards celebrate those who are blazing a trail in reducing our impact on the environment. We can all do more and this is another fine example of the Borough providing the tools to produce individual plans so residents can reduce their Ecological Footprint in the way they want to.
“We are lucky to have so many Ecological innovators in the Borough, and I’d like to congratulate all those who were recognised at the Green Guardian Awards, but with the use of this calculator we hope to see even more groups and individuals honoured at next year’s event.”
The evening, which was supported by more than 150 members of the community, included an entertaining and motivating talk from sustainable inventor Trevor Baylis OBE and saw a variety of organisations and individuals applauded for their green efforts.
All winners (as well as nominees who were commended or highly commended) received a mature traditional apple tree (Cox Pippin Orange) to plant in their garden or community, in order to support and encourage local produce.
Carlos Queremel, Climate Change & Sustainable Travel Officer leading on Community Engagement and organiser of the event, said: “The success of the Kingston Green Guardian awards 2009 was a fantastic demonstration of the valuable contribution Kingston’s residents, businesses, schools, community groups and organisations have to offer in order to move towards a more sustainable lifestyle. If others follow these commendable examples it can only result in a happier and healthier community.”
Winners from the borough led awards are put forward to regional awards where they compete against each other to win the overall regional award for their specific category.
This year’s awards ceremony will be held on Friday 26th February at the south London based five star Wyndham Grand hotel, Chelsea Harbour.
The outstanding nominees were:
Green Building
Winner - Greenworld Constructon Limited
Highly Commended The Rotunda
Green Business
Winner- Kingston First
Highly Commended - Riverside Vegetaria
Highly Commended - Straker Eco carpet clean
Green Champion
Winner - Shaun Chamberlin
Highly Commended - Marilyn Mason
Green Concept
Winner - Development of an Electric Commuter Motorbike Winner
Highly Commended - Kingston University 'Sustainability Hub'
Green Household
Winner - Chris Hine Winner
Highly Commended - Martin & Mary Bates Highly Commended
Green Primary School
Winner - Burlington Junior School
Highly Commended - Grand Avenue Primary School
Green Project or Group
Winner - Transition Town Kingston Winner
Highly Commended - Eco-op
Highly Commended - Sustainable Living and the Older Community
Commended - Kingston Green Radio