At the Tring Climate Event on the 26th October, Sally Symington, Liberal Democrat Candidate for the Southwest Hertfordshire Constituency, met with members of the Transitition Town Movement as her Parliamentary Campaign got into gear. The purpose of the Climate Event, which was organised by Lib Dem Controlled Tring Town Council, was to explain how small towns can make big contributions in reducing carbon dioxide emissions and helping to mitigate Global Heating.
The Victoria Hall was filled with stands from a variety of groups and organisations eager to promote sustainable business practices and lifestyles.
Sally was particularly impressed by , a thriving refill business in Tring that sells organic, local products that are plastic and packaging free. She was also impressed by Tring Allotments Association, in particular their creation of a new community garden near Duckmore Lane. Tring Brewery was also of great interest to Sally, especially for their continued support for school fundraising events in the local area and for the help they give to local charities.
Sally Symington said, “It was really inspiring to see a community that pulls together and works collectively to tackle the Climate Emergency. This is clearly an issue that requires action at grass roots, national and supranational levels. The Liberal Democrats have set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030. They will accelerate the development of renewable power, reaching 80% of all electricity generation’.
Nick Hollinghurst, Herts County Councillor for Tring added, “The County Council recently passed a Climate Emergency Resolution and I think all of the county councillors recognise that we can’t achieve effective change to save future generations from the effects of Global Heating without practical and immediate action at all levels. Communities and individuals, local authorities and governments, NGOs and supranational organisations like the UN and the EU for the common good.
Nick concluded, “I’m trying to encourage pollution saving measures such as better house insulation, cycling, public transport, rail electrification and so on. We don’t have to go around banning things or making life difficult – just a little bit of thought and a small reduction in certain activities will do – fly less, drive a bit less, eat a bit less meat,