By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
A local council is to hold a free festival for residents to raise awareness of climate change.
Broxtowe Borough Council has planned the ‘Green Festival’ event in Stapleford this summer to encourage people to make lifestyle changes to reduce their carbon footprint.
The event, which is the third of its kind this year, will include environmentally friendly themed stalls as well as nature activities for people of all ages.
Portfolio Holder for Environment, Councillor Helen Skinner (Lab) told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “To me, this is the most important thing [for the council to focus on].
“Everything else pails into insignificance if we don’t survive.
“If we look at the weather this minute it’s clear we have got to do something drastic.”
Cllr Skinner added that the festivals have already been held in Chilwell and Eastwood this year.
At the Stapleford event, there will be advice on topics including recycling, composting, climate change, wildflowers and biodiversity.
There will also be opportunities to discuss subjects such as switching to an electric vehicle, sustainable clothing, upcycling and allotments.
Cllr Skinner added: “We are trying to become carbon neutral by 2027 which is sooner than any other authority I know.
“We can achieve that in our own buildings and operations but we have got to involve the wider public.
“We had a green festival to coincide with Cop 26 and it was so successful we decided to go back and repeat it.
“We are having four different festivals in 2022 and the third one is in Stapleford.
“It has been amazing seeing how committed residents are to reducing their carbon footprint and how invested they are in these events.
“There will be food, opportunities to go around the allotments, talks about energy and recycling, and wildlife.”
The event will take place on Saturday August 6 at Pasture Road Recreation Ground, Stapleford, between 12 and 3pm.
