A note from the editor Vanessa Byrne / Managing Director
Wow September has been a busy month with so many important events creating focus on such an important dilemma . Car free day , Zero-Emissions Day , Clean up the World Day , Green Consumer Day and so many others .
This year the local annual Clean Up the World event saw about 500 volunteers work across 26 sites , clearing debris and picking up litter . Organizations throughout our community worked together to tackle shorelines , revetments , underwater sites , open water and various green habitats throughout our Nature Reserve . They removed plastics and other non-biodegradable waste . This annual event has driven the need for clean up the world in a very large scale and is celebrated worldwide .
Green Consumer Day is observed globally on September 28th . This year The Nautilus Project set up an awareness stall at the entrance of the ICC . The main goal for Green Consumer Day is to promote the many sustainable products readily available and perhaps plant the seed in our green living journey . TNP are always there to help encourage Gibraltar to reduce its plastic and carbon footprint . A true inspiration .
World Carfree Day / Emissions Free Day takes place yearly on 22nd September . Celebrated since 1970 , this is annual celebration of cities and public life , free from the noise , stress and pollution of cars . Motor vehicles emit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases , which are major causes of global warming . Events like these bring awareness of what we can all do to help . On this day countries worldwide encourage everyone to give up their cars for a day and consider alternative ways of travelling like walking and cycling to school / work more often .
In London , Car Free Day celebrations provide a unique chance to “ reimagine ” the city , by walking or cycling through 20km ( 12 miles ) within closed roads in central London , with live performances and other activities along the way .
Since 2008 , Car Free Vancouver Society has hosted Car Free Days along many roads to nurture and grow the car free culture by blocking off major roads . People are allowed the chance to experience what cities could be like with more space for pedestrians , not cars .
Every Sunday in Jakarta from 6:00 to 11:00am many streets are closed to all private cars . Allowing locals and visitors to enjoy the streets for jogging , running , cycling or just to stroll at their leisure while enjoying the street food , circus-like displays and occasional public events . Originally started as a government initiative to help reduce pollution , Car Free Day has become a well-loved Jakarta tradition .
It is so motivating to see so many countries embracing these changes and promoting clean sustainable living , I only hope Gibraltar will follow suit soon . We will certainly be pushing .
An article I must highlight in this month ’ s edition is Active Cities from Jose Antonio Duarte . This embodies exactly what Car Free , and Zero Emissions days are trying to promote . Healthy lifestyles . And this can only be achieved if we change our ways and move away from the car . A real eye opener with many ideas from different areas worldwide . At the end of the day we are advocating that we all look after ourselves better - that ’ s all – simple as that .
This month also saw a televised show by Global Citizen Live – Music Festival for the planet . An incredible festival from so many artists all around the world bringing focus on our plant ’ s needs . This was done in preparation for COP 26 . It is so encouraging to see huge names like Ed Sheeran , Shawn Mendez , Billie Eilish , Hugh jackman , Black Eyed Peas and so many more huge stars highlight the importance and need for change and action ! We are forever grateful for our contributors , supporters , followers , and subscribers for your continued support . Peace and Love to all always
10 OTWO 27 / OCTOBER 2021