THIS month sees the first-ever Green Week in Basingstoke and Deane – and The Gazette is proud to support the event as part of our Green Town, Green Borough campaign.

Since its launch in January, our campaign – which is seeking to make Basingstoke and Deane the green capital of Hampshire by 2020 – has put the spotlight on green issues and green initiatives.

A key event is now taking place this month as Basingstoke Transition Network and the Smart Future Centre, supported by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and The Gazette, are championing a special Green Week.

From September 14 to 21, workshops, pop-up stalls, film screenings, and business events will highlight green-related issues, and initiatives taking place in the town and borough, and they will aim to raise awareness of how local people can get involved and make a difference.

It is hoped the events will inspire yet more people to play a part in making Basingstoke and Deane a nationally-recognised beacon for sustainability.

Martin Heath, director of Basingstoke Energy Services Co-operative and founding member of the Basingstoke Transition Network, said: “Green Week is all about learning. There are great opportunities for all of us in the borough to make our town a greener, healthier place to live and bring up our children and grandchildren.

“Green Week brings together the people, businesses, charities, and voluntary organisations of our borough to see how we can all work together.”

Kicking off the week will be the Basingstoke Green Fair from 10am to 4pm in The Malls on September 14 which will have information and advice on everything from recycling, to what eco-friendly products are good to use.

And on September 17 there will be a free screening at the Basingstoke Discovery Centre of award-winning documentary Chasing Ice about the world’s melting glaciers and icecaps.

There are 15 different events in total being held as part of Green Week across the borough.

Backing Green Week, Councillor Robert Donnell, cabinet member for environment and climate change at the borough council, said: “It’s good to know that there is so much good work by voluntary groups going on around the borough to help people understand what they can do to protect our environment.

“The message is that it is not difficult to be greener, and it can often benefit residents – for example reducing energy bills, as well as reducing our borough’s carbon emissions.”

Tara Bowers, chairman of the Smart Future Centre Project said: “There is a growing presence of green groups in Basingstoke so what better way to highlight all the positive work they are doing.

“The green message for the future is more than just recycling and renewable energy. It’s about consumerism, local food, transport, and biodiversity.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the diverse range of activities planned for Green Week which will bring this sustainability cycle, and all of the green themes, under the spotlight.”

Gazette editor Mark Jones said: “Our Green Town, Green Borough campaign has succeeded in putting the spotlight on green issues and in raising awareness of how being green can be good for the local community.

“We are delighted to support Green Week, and would encourage residents to get involved as their support for green initiatives has the potential to benefit the community, the planet, and will help to put Basingstoke and Deane on the map as a beacon for sustainability.”