back to menuHave you ever heard of it? No, neither had the Editor. But we should be aware of it. While the Government’s ‘Doing Your Bit’ campaign encourages individuals and households to take action that reduces impact on the environment and to try to consume sustainably, there are many obstacles to such action, such as lack of knowledge and lack of the means to put ideals into action.
The Consumer Environment Forum, on which Bob Gale serves as NfCG representative, with Sue Payne as his deputy, aims to develop policies that overcome these obstacles and encourage consumers to take into account environmental concerns in their choice and use of products and services.
It has now been awarded a Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions Environmental Action Fund grant for 1999/ 2000. ‘[his will enable it to continue with its work of developing the consumer’s contribution to sustainable development and consumption. It also establishes the Forum as financially independent (it was set up and financed by the National Consumer Council). It will be able to continue the dialogue with manufacturers and retailers already established, particularly concerning packaging and waste issues.
The grant, of £15,616 for the year 1999/ 2000, has to be matched by funding from other sources and the Forum is now a subscription organisation.
Sue Payne describes the organisation as ‘an information gathering’ one. It examines and comments on many aspects of environmental policy and action and shares information provided by members by means of a monthly Information Bulletin. It has examined and commented on the energy efficiency aspects of the Social Action Plan and helped to shape the Green Claims Code and the DETR approach to market transformation and consumer products. Discussions have been held about transport and alternative energy possibilities. Its programme includes forums and workshops and seminars with manufacturers and retailers, culminating in a conference in February or March 2000.
In June, Teresa Smallbone, a member of the Forum, spoke at the Parliamentary Sustainable Waste Group attended by about 100 people from the packaging industry and Parliamentarians. Ludwig Kraemer, a high ranking EU official involved with packaging issues, referred to several points made by Teresa Smallbone in his talk that followed, and said how refreshing it was to have the consumer viewpoint put so well at a basically industry event. He wished that the consumer voice could be more effectively represented on the issues at EU level.
You may obtain details about The Consumer Environment Forum from the Secretary, Sean Creighton, Agenda Services, 18 Ridge Rd., Mitcham, CR4 2ET - (0181 640 1814) or on the internet: agenda870@ aol.com.
Bob Gale serves as NfCG representative, with Sue Payne as his deputy.
back to menu