Get Green Or Dance Trying
June 3rd, 2007
"Croissant Neuf", Amnesty International, the Labour Party and the LibDems joined a multitude of other environmental activists at the Camden Green Fair Festival and Bikefest this weekend. From solar energy suppliers to Caribbean cooks, green issues campaigners plied their philosophies from multicoloured stalls in Regent's Park. An enthusiastic crowd joined the party to support London's largest showcase of sustainable products and lifestyle choices in hopes of turning it into a world-class "green city". The event, traditionally held on the first Sunday in June, coincides with World Environment Day and London Sustainability Week.
I had to pick my way across legions of sleepers relaxing lazily on the grass but as soon as they were behind me, music - live bands powered by renewable energy - wafted through the air and I found myself surrounded by cyclists of all ages under the Bikefest banner: "Cycling is easier than you think".
Stefano Casalotti, coordinator of the Camden Cycling campaign, was on hand to repair bicycles for free. He said Camden Cycling lobbied for better biking facilities across London in addition to producing maps and giving safety tips. He was especially delighted by a group that had cycled from Brant to the festival and hoped they would serve as an example for others.
"I wish London could become like Amsterdam," he said, "with people more respectful of the environment."
All around him, people put the philosophy into practice by test driving go-karting bikes and scaling a climbing wall set up in a park passage.
Situated at the entrance to the fair, the BikeFest was a good introduction to the huge party on the adjoining field. The conversations, however, changed radically as I stepped onto the festival green.
"We should compost, Paul," said Sheila to her husband as he looked at a compost bin for recycling kitchen and garden waste.
Across from the compost bin was Oxfam's booth, where local coordinator Peter Hulme, 27, campaigned for a petition entitled "The World Can't Wait". Hulme encouraged members of the public to hold the government to account for the promises made in 2005 to increase health and education funds to Africa. He also advertised a fair trade film called "Black Gold" that denounces multinational coffee companies.
"Today people are very open to fair trade concerns," he said.
"They realise it is connected to greater concerns about the actions of our governments towards developing countries."
Next was the main attraction, Camden Borough Council's "Green House". The model home showed how ordinary household items could be used with less environmental impact - for example, by running less water or using solar power - and decorated with eco-friendly art.
Quentin Given, local coordinator at the Camden's council, said the goal was to demonstarte how little changes can have a big green impact. Under his amused eye, new volunteer Fabia Pennington discovered several eco-tips in the kitchen.
"The further your food has travelled, the greater the reduction of quality and nutrition," read a plate.
"Good to know," read two others at the table.
Mother of two Felicity Found admitted she didn't learn much.
"I was aware of most of the initiatives presented here," she said.
"But it's really great to spend time among the stands. It makes people talk to each other - I've been here for three hours and may stay until the end."
Wizards, witches and yoga practitioners provided an interesting contrast to the trendy eco-design models as attendees danced to Empire Leisure, a ska-dance band. Although the booths began closing at 18:30, the party was just getting started.
I guess you'd call that eco-fun.
pictures by Marika Mathieu
