Cambridge Environment Festival 2008

Cambridge’s 19th annual Environment Festival will run from Monday May 26 – Sunday June 8 this year. There are all kinds of events happening, and most of them are free, so why not go along to one of the ones listed below?

To find out more about these events, plus the full listing of events for the festival and how to take part, visit www.cambridge.gov.uk/environmentfestival2008

How Green Is Your House?

The winner of our Eco-Audit competition from last year’s Autumn issue was Penny Brown of Petersfield. At the end of November the editorial team descended upon her home to do a thorough inspection of her green credentials!

The Magnificent Revolutionary Cycling Cinema

The Magnificent Revolutionary Cycling Cinema (MRCC) is the only UK bicycle-powered cinema, uniting art, education and sustainability.

Food miles: How far has your Christmas meal travelled?

Ninety-five percent of the fruit and half of the vegetables bought in the UK are imported. Most of us are now aware of the environmental costs of air travel, but what about the costs of food travel? Helen Witherington gives some pointers.

Do you have a world-changing green idea but need money to get it off the ground?

The Anti-Apathy Fix World, Feel Good Award is a ‘get you started’ grant scheme (up to £1,000) made to people who can show that a small amount of money can be used to make a difference.

You can get money to make your home more energy efficient

Insulation grants are available to every homeowner and private tenant regardless of income. There are a variety of schemes - visit the Energy Saving Trust at www.est.org.uk or call 0800 512012. It’s also worth checking with your utility company as they often have offers available to their customers.

Case study: Sustainable City project grant

Volunteers Plus was awarded a Sustainable City Project Grant in Autumn 2006, to start a gardening group, The Garden Team, for some of their regular volunteers.

Win a solar hot water system

Are you keen to reduce your carbon footprint? Are you considering installing domestic renewable energy? If the answer is ‘YES’, then you should enter our free prize draw. Cambridge City Council is offering you the opportunity to have a solar hot water system fitted – for free!

Grow your own grub

It’s cheap, easy, fun and fresh, and it’s becoming the new rock and roll – apparently. Helen Witherington reports on her first year as an allotmenteer.