ABBOTTS PLEDGES COMMITMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENT

8.11.11pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 5th Jun 2006

Lib Dem campaigner Ben Abbotts signs online pledge on World Environment Day

Local Liberal Democrat Campaigner Ben Abbotts has pledged his commitment to help safeguard the future of the planet on World Environment Day. Ben who is championing the environment for the Liberal Democrats on Bromley Council has signed up to the Liberal Democrats environmental 'pledge tree' on one of Bromley's I-boxes in Bromley Town Centre.

Local Liberal Democrat Campaigner Ben Abbotts said:

"The future of our planet is one of the most important issues facing all of us today. Our actions now will help shape the environment that our children grow up in. The most important thing you can do on World Environment Day is participate. Even a small step like taking showers instead of a bath can make a big difference to preserving precious water reserves.

"I would urge all local residents to do their bit. The message of World Environment Day is simple if we all play our part we can take great steps towards securing a greener and cleaner planet for future generations."

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, Chris Huhne MP, said:

"The role of the Government is to set a consistent market-friendly framework, such as the emissions trading scheme and green taxes, that helps to shape activity in a sustainable way. The Liberal Democrats do not want higher taxes, but fairer and greener taxes to change our behaviour and safeguard our planet for our children.

"However, as individuals we should not need to wait for Government carrots and sticks to change the way we live our lives. That is why on World Environment Day the Liberal Democrats are inviting individuals across the country to join our 'Pledge Tree' and make a promise to make a green switch in behaviour.

"Small actions, such as saving water switching off the lights can, when taken together, make a big difference."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Councillor Ben Abbotts is the Liberal Democrat Environment Spokesperson on Bromley Council.

Monday 5th June 2006 is World Environment Day. See: http://www.unep.org/wed/2006/english/

You are invited to join the Liberal Democrats' Green Pledge Tree, hosted by through the Environment Agency, to make one or more promise to the earth for World Environment Day

You can make a small promise like turning off the tap when you brush your teeth or using a 'bag for life', or you could go further and promise to organise a green project in your community, or to offset your carbon emissions when you take a flight.

To make your promise to carry out any of the ten pledges listed below please visit:

http://snipurl.com/rbxl and you will automatically be added to the Lib Dem pledge tree.

1. I promise I will take a shower instead of a bath.

2. I promise I will put a water saving device in my toilet.

3. I promise I will turn the tap off when I brush my teeth

4. I promise to use rechargeable batteries instead of disposable ones.

5. I promise to use a reusable bag when I shop, rather than plastic carriers.

6. I promise to air my washing in public - not in the tumble dryer

7. I promise I will boil only the water I need, rather than filling the kettle every time.

8. I promise I will share my car journeys to work with a colleague, cycle or replace those car journeys with public transport at least once a week.

9. I promise that I will pay back the environmental impact of any air travel I take

10. I promise I will organise or volunteer for an environmental project in my local community.

For details of what the Liberal Democrat promise tree has achieved so far, when you have registered your pledge click on the "Promise Pyramid" link on-screen.