Third green fair hailed a big hit

From the Redditch Advertiser, first published Tuesday 10th Jun 2008.

By Helen Clarke A SUNNY day on Saturday helped ensure the third annual Redditch Green Fair was a success.

A total of 26 stallholders filled St Stephen's Church Green and the church hall itself.

Eco-friendly products on display included electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, ethical clothing, recycled stationery, fair trade goods, eco-friendly cleaning products, natural cosmetics and more. There were an equal number of stalls raising awareness of a variety of issues.

Redditch-based group Talking Drums invited residents to join their "drumming circle" and children amused themselves making Green Man masks on the activity table.

The fair was held two days after World Environment Day (WED), a global day of awareness raising, organised annually by the United Nations, who officially endorsed the fair in Redditch. Hundreds of similar events took place globally to mark the biggest date in the "green" calendar.

Groups represented included Redditch Friends of the Earth, Redditch Trade Justice Network, Redditch Vegetarian & Vegan Society and Redditch Freecycle. These group joined forces to organise the fair, under the banner of the Redditch Alliance of Greens (RAG).

Kevin White of RAG said: "We only have one planet earth. Sadly, most people in the western world currently live as though we have the use of resources from several planets and if we continue, environmental catastrophe looms. The good news is that one planet living' is easily achievable and that's the main message we wanted to get across at the fair.

"While government action is vital, it's equally important for us all to take personal action. Saving the planet doesn't mean we have to change our lives beyond recognition.

"The fair showed that by making just a few simple changes to our daily lives, we can protect the planet for future generations."

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