darkness

Last year was capital of culture year here in Liverpool. This year it is the year of the environment. The city council published details of the initiative in November last year (more details here) and current plans for 2009 include:

* The introduction of a Green ambassadors programme which will ask everyone, old and young, to sign a pledge committing them to completing tasks to reduce their carbon footprint. These will range from reducing the amount of electricity used at home to planting at least one tree or shrub during the year.
* Hosting special events in each of Liverpool's five neighbourhoods to promote debate about all things environmental.
* Launching the city's very own designer bag for life.
* Dedicating one school day for primary and secondary schools which will focus on green issues and the role young people can play in shaping our future world.
* A celebration event to mark the completion of the £14m regeneration of Stanley Park.
* Events which will encourage residents to get out into their local green spaces and learn more about the environmental wonders of the city's parks and gardens, their history and the impact climate change could have on them.
* A major environmental conference to be held in the city.
* Green Fayres selling organic, locally sourced products to be held across the city throughout the year.
* Encouraging residents to get involved in conservation and become volunteers for their local nature reserves.
* A green pantomime which will get the environmental message across in a fun way.
* Making all city council vehicles, such as waste collection lorries, low-carbon to reduce emissions.

One story that caught my eye this week was that a school in Garston went back in time to see what it was like to live without electricity for a day. The North West tonight report (here) shows how they experienced school like Victorian School children for the day.

We have been looking at the story of creation in our Genesis series of sermons and bible studies over the last few weeks and it has certainly provided me with a lot to reflect on in terms of our responsibilities as stewards of God's creation. It may seem like a small step but I hope that the year of the environment has an impact on the way in which we view the environmental impact of our lives in the city.