We have had a busy Summer campaigning on air pollution and developing the next stage of our plastics campaign, along with hosting a couple of events (which I’m pleased to say were a huge success!). Campaigners have also been hard at work decorating the last few rooms at the Warehouse and after a vote we have now named our three meeting rooms! The winning names are In this issue, we will take a look at the work we have been doing on air pollution and waste. There is also an update from our heritage project team who have brought our history to life this year by delving into the archives at Birmingham Central Library, conducting oral history interviews and putting together a booklet. Take a look at Bernard’s article to find out more.
Air Pollution
The long-awaited consultation on Birmingham City Councils proposed Clean Air Zone kept us busy over the summer. The consultation ran for 6 weeks from 4 July until 17 August. The air pollution team sprang into action to put together our response. We also attended a stakeholder meeting, council run drop in sessions and hosted two campaigns meetings. Alongside this we ran a petition calling on Birmingham City Council to support our call to improve public transport, cycling and walking which will be essential in reducing congestion and improving our air quality and health. Read all about our response and petition in Martin’s article.
Energy and Climate Change
The Climate Refugee campaign has been a little quiet lately whilst we plan the next phase our climate change campaign. Keep an eye out for an update over the next couple of months.
Nature
Our nature campaigning has been quieter this year compared to the last few years. We have continued to campaign for a ban on pollinator harming pesticides and continued to care for our beehive in Digbeth Community Garden. In this issue Jake looks at what we can do to help hedgehogs this autumn.
Transport
Our campaigning on air pollution has been heavily linked to transport and the future of our campaign will have a focus on pollution caused by road traffic. In this issue Martin, takes a look at how the campaign to reopen Kings Heath Station is progressing and how important it is to keep the pressure on.
Waste
Our plastic campaign is currently evolving and we have some exciting plans coming up. At the time of writing we are planning to hand in our Don’t Lose Your Bottle! petition and have teamed up with the Birmingham Film Coop to host a film Screening of A Plastic Ocean. Check out Jodie’s article to find out about how we are expanding the campaign.
How you can get involved
We always welcome new people and there are many different ways you can get involved with our campaigns. Whether you have an hour or two to spare or a whole day, please get in touch or come along to any of our weekly Monday meetings (contact and meeting details on the diary page).
Follow us on Twitter (@Bham_FOE) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/birminghamfoe) to keep up to date with our latest campaigns news. For more in-depth information on our campaigns take a look at our website (www.birminghamfoe.org.uk)
