Greener and wiser: an older people's manifesto on the environment



Published in May 2009 by the Greener and wiser task force, this manifesto gives positive recommendations on transport, energy and climate change, and waste and recycling.

"Age should not be a barrier to being green.

There are 20 million people in the UK aged 50 and over, including many who are actively involved in their community and in promoting green issues. Yet the environment is often seen as an issue for young people, with green imagery centred around children and a focus on environmental education in schools. The environmental views and concerns of older people, and their ability to contribute, are in danger of being ignored. The Greener and Wiser Taskforce, made up of 10 older people from around the UK, has been supported by Age Concern and Help the Aged, Green Alliance and Natural England. They have developed a set of clear and positive recommendations for change that will give older people a greater say on environmental issues, make greener choices easier and capitalise on their potential to help build more sustainable communities.
Their manifesto sets out what they expect of government, of businesses and of each other."


More information on the Green Alliance's website

The 4th IMAGINE seminar will take place in Arc-et-Senans (FR) from 17th to 19th November 2009. A first preview of the content of the seminar is already available.

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US electricity company GE advances the concept of ecoimagination: 'Ecomagination is a business strategy designed to drive innovation and the growth of profitable environmental solutions while engaging stakeholders. We invest in innovation through both our own R&D efforts and outside venture capital investments. The resulting products enable GE and our customers to reduce emissions while generating revenue from their sale. Combining profits and energy savings, we continue to invest in environmental solutions, perpetuating the cycle. Specific targets have been established for each of three target years: 2008, 2010, and 2012. We have already exceeded our 2008 commitment, reducing GHG intensity by 30%.'

Concerning energy, GE acknowledges that 'the need to make smarter and more efficient use of the world’s energy resources has never been greater'. In this light, GE is particularly aware of using energy more efficiently to deliver benefits to its customers and the environment.

More informations on specific projects concerning energy and climate are to be found on GE's website.