As Climate Change Week gets underway, Hackney Council is planning a number of environmentally friendly activities to raise awareness. Hackney is one of many areas across the country that will be showcasing practical ways to combat climate change in order to create a more sustainable, low-carbon future.
 
Most of the events have been arranged by the Council s Green Liaison Officers (GLO) - staff who commit a regular amount of time during their working week to champion environmental issues around the Council. They have joined local community organisations to create a programme of events for Climate Change Week.
 
The activities kick off on Monday 12 March when GLOs will be on hand at Hackney Service Centre between 12pm and 2pm giving advice on how residents and business owners can use less energy.

On Wednesday 14 March there s an open invitation for anyone that wants to increase the amount they walk and in turn reduce their dependence on motorised transport - meet outside Hackney Town Hall at 12pm for a walk to London Fields.

On Thursday 15 March between the Hackney Service Centre and 2 Hillman Street between 8am and 10.30am, Dr Bike will be holding a free cycle maintenance workshop to give your cycle a once over and fix any simple repairs. Also on Thursday between 12pm and 2pm London Fields park user group and Council staff will be helping to plant a community orchard using traditional fruit varieties.

The week s events culminate on Friday 16 March with another session by GLOs at Hackney Service Centre, where they will be explaining how individuals can reduce waste and improve the amount the recycle, and the positive benefits this can have on the environment.
 
Cllr Sophie Linden, Cabinet Member for Crime, Sustainability and Customer Services says: "There are lots of simple steps we can take to save energy and save money. We are working hard within the Council to change the way we live and work to reduce the impact we have on the environment and reduce our energy consumption. The staff who volunteer as Green Liaison Officers (GLOs) are making a real difference.”

The Council s current sustainable initiatives include:

·Continuing to invest in Hackney Homes properties to improve their energy efficiency and help residents save on their heating bills.
·Reducing emissions from council activities, including using recycled oil in our fleet. 
·Exploring ways that Hackney can support the government’s new scheme for energy efficiency, the Green Deal, which will come into place towards the end of 2012.
·Offering energy advice to all residents – the team can be contacted on energy.advice@hackney.gov.uk or 0800 281 768.

For more information about Greener Living in Hackney, visit: www.hackney.gov.uk/greenerliving.htm