Have a Better Life

Guest Post by Lucille Groutadge

Becoming more environmentally active is a mere vision for many of us, but it easier to put into reality than you may believe. There isn’t just one way to become “green” in your day-to-day life – it’s more a combination of lots of things; and this can be seen in towns throughout the UK. We’ve found some of the leading environmentally friendly towns, so if you don’t see yours listed here, why not become proactive and get your neighbours to become eco-warriors alongside you too!

Brighton

Source: Green Party

Okay, so Brighton may be a place adorned with fairground attractions, lights, and music, but it is also the place bookies believe will have a Green Party MP after the 2010 election[1]. Caroline Lucas is the MEP for the Brighton Pavilion constituency, and is also the leader of the party. Caroline is the first Green Party MP in parliament, which is a major boost for the political group and also the credentials of this seaside resort.

Ashton Hayes

Source: Going Carbon Neutral

In Cheshire, one village is aiming to become England’s first carbon neutral village. Ashton Hayes is a rural community of around 1,000 people, and has cut carbon emissions by 23 per cent since 2006. The residents will be benefitting from cheap gas and electricity bills since making a few lifestyle choices, including using energy efficient light bulbs and turning down their thermostats.

Chorlton

Source: ASFL

On the outskirts of Manchester, Chorlton has just had its second annual Big Green Festival, which celebrates all things green! The highlight of the festival is the bike parade, where residents dress up and ride their bikes proudly. The festival also includes eco-friendly food, workshops, and talks[2].

Eco Towns

Source: Eco-Towns

There are due to be a spate of eco-towns to be built around the UK, so before you know it, a development like this may be headed your way. You may not know which factors are most important to you yet, but you can figure this out on the eco-homes site[3] and see what other people have to say as well. The four locations that were proposed in July 2009 include Whitehill-Bordon, St Austell, Rackheath, and North West Bicester.

[2] Green Chorlton. (2010). Workshops and info. http://greenchorlton.org.uk/workshops.php

[3] Eco-Towns. (2010). Your Say. http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/campaigns/ecotowns/DG_171328