Community

Going for a green 2015!

One organisation is looking to use Peterborough as a blueprint for creating cleaner, greener, and more sustainable cities nationwide – Laura Fanthorpe investigates...

People’s perceptions of Peterborough are changing. Bit by bit, there’s a social revolution taking place. Aided by inspirational volunteers and working in collaboration with cultural and community groups throughout the city, there’s a network of people coming together to improve the quality of life for Peterborough residents and visitors.

Playing an integral part in proceedings is Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT), which has recently celebrated its 20th birthday. This independent charity is working for a cleaner, greener, healthier city of Peterborough and beyond. Here in the UK we’re currently using resources at such a rate that we need three planets to support us. But of course, we’ve just the one. Things need to change in order to enjoy a better quality of life for ourselves, our families and future generations.

To say PECT’s work is wide-ranging is an understatement. The organisation delivers a range of projects working with communities, schools, businesses, local authorities and voluntary groups. In addition to running the city’s annual Green Festival, the organisation delivers environmental education in schools, which has enabled Peterborough to become number two in England for its percentage of Eco Schools.

PECT also helps businesses, both locally and nationally, become greener through its Investors in the Environment (iiE) accreditation scheme. In addition to this, PECT has teamed up with City College Peterborough to deliver the Love Local project in hostels throughout the city. This scheme teaches residents the benefits of using locally-sourced, healthy ingredients to produce low-cost, tasty and nutritious meals – revolutionising the way people view their food. The key ingredient for PECT however, is positive action, in order to achieve a happier and healthier future.

Get involved!

■ PECT is always looking for volunteers to get involved with its projects, and this is just a snapshot of some of the projects currently taking place. For more information, visit the website at www.pect.org.uk, email or call 01733 568408. Plus find PECT on Twitter @SustainableCity #SustainableCity

■ As a not-for-profit organisation, PECT delivers projects which make a real difference to local communities. Support PECT’s work by donating: simply text PECT20 and the amount you want to donate to 70070 (texts are free and 100% of your donation goes directly to PECT).

■ Plus support PECT every time you shop online in thousands of stores through Give as You Live! Every time you make a purchase, a percentage will be donated on your behalf. And it won’t cost you a penny extra. Visit www.giveasyoulive.com/charity/pect

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