Scottish Government
Printable version E-mail this to a friend

Scottish Environment Week

Scottish Ministers will take part in a series of events to mark Environment Week and urge even more Scots to 'Go Greener' in 2009.

Events taking place over the next five days include:

  • A series of projects across Scotland are to receive substantial funding to deal with waste creatively at community level
  • Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop will open Galston Primary School in East Ayrshire - one of the greenest school buildings anywhere in Scotland (Monday)
  • New Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham speaks at the Scottish Environment Week reception (Wednesday)
  • Ms Cunningham gives keynote address at Keep Scotland Beautiful's 'People & Places' Conference in Dunblane (Wednesday)
  • Parliamentary debate on the Marine Bill (Thursday)
  • More details of the Scottish Government's new catering contract will be unveiled - addressing environmental issues such the use of recyclable products, minimising waste and improving energy and fuel efficiency

Rural Affairs and Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said:

"We want more Scots than ever before to go greener in 2009. This can be through recycling, using public transport more often or making other simple lifestyle changes that will help preserve our breathtaking surroundings for future generations.

"Our 'Go Greener' campaign already encourages more households and businesses to reduce their energy use and save money and in the process.

"Environment Week is a welcome opportunity to raise awareness of the benefits, both to the planet and to people's pockets, of taking decisive action before it's too late.

"Much has been achieved in relation to the environment but many challenges remain. We have already improved recycling rates and reduced the amount of waste going to landfill, the waste provisions in the Scottish Climate Change Bill could help us increase this performance even more."

Minister for Environment Roseanna Cunningham said:

"I am looking forward to speaking at the Scottish Environment Week reception - one of my first public engagements since becoming a Minister.

"This year promises to be a pivotal one for Scotland's environment and we are looking forward to the passage of the Marine, Flooding and Climate Change Bills through Parliament.

"We recently launched the Scottish Government's ten energy pledges - action as part of our economic recovery programme - to create new jobs, tackle climate change and save households and businesses money.

"We must lead by example and do even more to drive down our carbon footprint and remain at the forefront of global efforts to tackle climate change."

Scottish Environment Week brings together politicians and environmental groups to celebrate Scotland's Environment. Since it's inception in 2003, the week has become a popular fixture in the parliamentary calendar.

'INCREASE III' (Investment in Community Recycling and Social Enterprise) funding is distributed through Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) Scotland. This is funded by the Scottish Government to undertake a range of programmes to help individuals, businesses and local authorities reduce waste and recycle more. More details to follow next week.

Scotland is leading the field in the development of the Eco Schools programme which is seen as a model for other countries throughout Europe. Over 93 per cent of schools in Scotland have now registered in the Eco Schools Programme and are working towards gaining Green Flag status.

Reducing food waste is one of the simple yet effective actions the Scottish Government is promoting as part of its 'Go Greener' campaign.

Related Information

http://www.scotlink.org/LINK_action/SEW/SEW09Programme.php

Spotlight on women at Serco – Anita’s story