Green fashion show to promote environmental health in St Albans

A green fashion contest featuring clothes made from thrown-away materials is among the exciting events being held during the first ever Sustainable St Albans Week.

Young designers and school children from the District will show how recycled products can be turned into stylish, eye-catching outfits.

The competition is one of many activities being held during the week, running from Saturday 21 to Saturday 28 November, to promote the cause of environmental sustainability.

St Albans City and District Council is backing the campaign coordinated by Transition St Albans (TSA) and St Albans Friends of the Earth.

A host of concerned individuals, schools, businesses, faith groups and other community organisations will also join in.

Families are also being encouraged to participate at home by taking a series of measures to cut down on their carbon emissions during the week and beyond.

Councillor Daniel Chichester-Miles, Portfolio Holder for the Environment for St Albans City and District Council, said: "This is an exciting week that we hope will capture the attention of everyone in the District.

"The organisers have arranged many interesting events with a strong educational element and we are giving it our full support.

"The cause of environmental sustainability is of ever increasing importance. It is encouraging that so many people in St Albans are committed to it."

Key activities during Sustainable St Albans Week include:

• Green Jobs Fair and Sustainable Fashion Competition – run by the University of Hertfordshire, Youth Connexions and St AlbansYouth Council, on Wednesday 25 November, 5pm – 8.15pm at the Council Chamber, the Civic Centre, St Peter’s Street;

• Celebration Morning and Visioning Afternoon - hosted by TSA - on Saturday 28 November, between 9am and 5pm, also at the Council Chamber;

• Green Spaces, Trees and Woodlands stalls – Philip Bruce-Green, the Council’s Allotments and District In Bloom Officer, and David Curry, Tree Warden Scheme Coordinator, will be showcasing their teams’ sustainable practices. This will be part of the TSA’s opening event on Saturday 21 November, near St Albans Clock Tower; and

• Repair Workshop - Louise Palmer, Recycling Officer, is hosting a workshop in the Council Offices between 10am and 1pm on Saturday 28 November, with experts in electronics, bicycles, clothing and furniture repair.

Organisers have timed the week to take place just before the United Nations Climate Change Conference opens in Paris on November 30.

The conference is bringing together almost all the world’s nations in pursuit of a legally binding agreement on climate policy.

To see a full programme of events and learn how to cut down on your carbon footprint, see: http://www.sustainablestalbans.org/

Written by Isaac Ouro