Launch of Challenge Manchester 2008, 100 days to a cleaner, greener city

Joanna Yarrow, Environmental consultant, broadcaster and writer will launch the fifth Challenge Manchester 100 Days campaign in Manchester, on Thursday 14th February at Manchester Town Hall.

Residents, businesses and community groups from around Manchester are meeting in the Great Hall to discuss what differences we can make to our lifestyles and working that will help to create a more sustainable future for Manchester. To help get these messages across Manchester, the council is asking people for their input into a 'Manchester Little Book of Green Tips' where all creative ideas on helping to reduce energy, reuse, recycle and improve our local areas are being welcomed.

This year's campaign and is very much about a cleaner and greener Manchester, with an emphasis on improving recycling. With climate change high on everyone's agenda, the campaign will see a number of new projects launched during the first 50 days. These will include helping people to understand hot topics or green issues, with climate change 'clinics' and the popular 'Bloom' and 'Wildabout Manchester" events - putting the bright and beautiful back into the city's streets and green spaces.

There will also be a wide reaching consultation (of both residents and businesses) to find out people's views on what the council can do to help us increase the amount of rubbish we recycle.

Councillor Eddy Newman, Manchester City Council's Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services said:

"Challenge Manchester 2008 is our most ambitious campaign yet. I urge the people of Manchester to get on board and help us help you improve our environment. The community is vital to the success of the 100 Days campaign; last year a staggering 12,000 people got involved in events all over the city and this year we are hoping for even more people to join in and make a real difference to their area."

Manchester City Council launches Challenge Manchester - 100 Days to a cleaner, greener city 2008 on February 14 2008 at Manchester Town Hall.

The campaign will run until 24 May 2008, featuring 100 days of intense activity all over Manchester with the first 50 days focussing on green issues - primarily waste minimisation, recycling and climate change - and the next 50 days focussing on community clean-ups, local environmental improvements and planting schemes.

The council will also be asking residents and businesses about what they want the council to do to help them minimise waste and recycle more.

Challenge Manchester began in 2004 with "Challenge Manchester: 100 Days to a Clean City", and in its fifth successful year the campaign returns to its core aim to "clean up" the city.

To find out more about how to get involved, what you can do to join in or what help there is for your local group, or if you have a suggestion for an event or activity in your area, contact the Campaigns Team by email: mailto:campaigns.team@manchester.gov.uk Tel: 0161 954 9005 Textphone: 0161 957 8402 Text: 86099

Media contact:

Helena Davison, tel: 0161 234 4027