Green News
Green Blue Conference
over 100 delegates assemble on SS Great Britain
David Fell, a BBC nature correspondent
The sell-out second annual conference of The Green Blue - the joint BMF and RYA initiative that promotes the sustainable use of coastal and inland waters - inspired and motivated its 110 delegates at the SS Great Britain, Bristol.
Representatives from sailing clubs, marine businesses, port authorities, colleges and other water-interested organisations heard a stirring call to action by broadcaster and environmentalist Chris Packham. In his passionate keynote address he said: "Other than humans, nothing in nature entertains waste. In nature, from producing pollen to the striking colours of a cuttle fish, everything has a purpose. We'll have to adapt to climate change, and look after the environment. The single most important thing is that you, as an individual, can make a difference."
Chris was followed by David Fell, of Brook Lyndhurst Ltd, who discussed research into behaviour change, pointing out that where 15 years ago, recycling was considered "pretty weird", it's now normal. In the same way, living a low-carbon life is still considered unusual, but it will soon become normal. David's excellent talk also offered advice on how to encourage environmental behaviour change in clubs and on the water.
Workshops provided a wealth of information, including the money-saving advantages of recycling and a new online toolkit (www.marinetoolkit.co.uk) that helps clubs and organisations to think about the impact of their activities, and what they can do to avoid them. Delegates were also able to discuss ways of making their clubs, and their events, greener, as well as learning about the latest advances in antifoul wash-down systems and marine paints. A final workshop offered crucial information and advice about the sourcing of funding to achieve environmental improvements in clubs and businesses.
Delegate Lesley Moorley, of the John Lewis Partnership Sailing Club, felt very positive at the end of the event: "I needed to know how to train people to recycle. The session on behaviour change was very good, and I will now start using my monthly newsletter to encourage people."
Rachel and Simon McEvoy, of Nottingham County Sailing Club, attended specifically to learn about recycling. Rachel said: "We're looking at a new waste management contract when our current one expires in March, and having taken part in the workshop today, we'd like to get The Green Blue's recycling officer to come down and assess the club."
Denise Robinson, of Stone Sailing Club, said: "The biggest challenge is to get all this information out to the members. But with what I've learnt today, I will be able to document things more clearly, and make new things not weird, but normal!"
The conference brought together people from all areas of boating, and Sarah Black, The Green Blue's project manager, appealed for action: "The last 4 years of The Green Blue we have seen people take some great steps into the unknown, changing behaviour and becoming more environmentally friendly while out on the water. For me the next four years is about bringing our strap line to life, we want to make that sort of behaviour ‘second nature!"
The RYA's CEO Rod Carr concluded that The Green Blue has proved itself: "The reality is, this is not a flash in the pan, but a long-term education process, and I'm personally proud of that."
