A partnership between leading environmental organisations and consumer brands launched in London today, promoting sustainability in everyday life as a way to combat climate change.
The Future Friendly initiative, backed by Global Cool as well as the Energy Saving Trust, Waste Watch and Waterwise, means that consumers can save energy, water and unnecessary waste simply by choosing products displaying the Future Friendly logo. And the Future Friendly Awards, a national search for local planet savers changing their own lifestyles and inspiring others to do the same, will showcase and celebrate sustainability at the grassroots.
Sir Trevor McDonald, who attended the launch at sustainable restaurant Acorn House in London’s King’s Cross, delivered a speech on what he called “a new sense of citizenship” in the UK that places environmental awareness at its heart. The acclaimed anchorman based his sentiment on new research by Future Laboratories, which polled British attitudes towards the environment.
The Futures Report, released today, concluded that three quarters of people in the UK care about saving the environment, while 47% believe environmental awareness distinguishes a good citizen from a bad one. As for sustainable behaviour, 85% say they currently recycle, eight out of ten switch off lights, over two thirds claim to use less water and the same number take a stand against standby, unplugging electrical equipment at the mains.
The report suggested that British men lag behind, with just 13% agreeing that small steps can make a real difference compared to twice as many women. Nevertheless, only 4% of men say they have made no environmental changes to their own lifestyle.
And the overall picture is positive, with two thirds of adults in agreement that what we consider ‘green’ behaviour today will be considered normal behaviour in 2027.
Matthew Wright of the Energy Saving Trust added: “These awards are not for grandiose schemes but for that one person who despite all the doom and gloom decides to do what he or she can on a local personal level to do something different. Things do have to change, and they’ll only change one person at a time.”
For more information and to enter the Future Friendly Awards click here.
[…] Waterwise is also a key player in Future Friendly – a partnership between Ariel, Lenor, Fairy and Flash, and sustainability experts including Waterwise, our good selves, the Energy Saving Trust and Waste Watch, to promote sustainability in everyday life. […]
Pingback by Global Cool » Cool Projects: Waterwise — November 27, 2007 @ 7:02 pm
[…] And the organization is also a key partner in the Future Friendly initiative, a consumer campaign to promote sustainability in the UK. In the Future Friendly Awards, due to take place next year, Waste Watch will judge the ‘Local Champion’ category, which recognises one individual who has gone beyond the call of duty in inspiring others to take local action to improve the environment. […]
Pingback by Global Cool » Cool Projects: Waste Watch — December 12, 2007 @ 6:31 pm