Media Release

media release

everyone campaign

Santa pedals a greener future for everyone

Monday 18 December 2006

Santa Claus visits the Scottish Parliament this Tuesday with some special Christmas gifts and an important message for MSPs: reduce Scotland’s ecological footprint.

Adding his weight to the Everyone Campaign – Scotland’s environmental charities’ drive for a greener future – Santa will arrive by bicycle before distributing a selection of ‘green’ gifts to MSPs from all political parties. Each MSP will receive a Christmas stocking containing a range of gifts, including organic, locally-produced beer, organic chocolate, Scottish oatcakes and an ethically produced toy dolphin. The gifts are a reminder to MSPs of the campaign demands, in particular a Marine Bill for Scotland and healthy and sustainable food in Scotland's schools and hospitals.

‘Vote with your Feet,’ this year's election campaign by the Everyone Campaign asks people to put pressure on politicians to take action within four key areas:

Green networks for people and wildlife - Walking and cycling networks to all schools and public centres, with links to well-managed wildlife-rich places
Measures to tackle climate change and fuel poverty - Green technologies in all public buildings and in 40.000 Scottish homes by 2010
Better protection and management of Scotland's nature - A Marine Bill for Scotland, better protection for our landscape, species and habitats
Healthy sustainable food in Scotland's schools and hospitals - The Food for Life initiative to be rolled out across Scotland by 2017

Deputy Environment Minister Rhona Brankin said:

"At this time of year, we start to think about the challenges that a New Year brings. Scottish Environment LINK's Everyone campaign shows how we can all ensure a good quality of life now while safeguarding our children's' future and making Scotland a better, greener place to live."

David Davidson MSP, of the Scottish Conservative Party said:

"As a former farmer I would encourage people to shop locally and buy locally produced food whenever possible. Consumer power can force thelarger stores to stock what the public want and local food that has notbeen over-chilled or sent half way round the world is fresher and cutsout environmental damage through excessive transportation."

Nora Radcliffe MSP, spokesperson on the environment for the Scottish Liberal Democrats said:

“I support the everyone campaign because it is about encouragingeveryone to get involved in improving our environment by showingpoliticians it is an important issue for the public. It is essentialthat 'everyone' plays their part in order to reduce Scotland's carbonfootprint.”

Rob Gibson MSP, Scottish National Party said:
“’The work that LINK are doing to promote sustainable living is highly commendable, and I look forward to meeting with their staff at the Parliament tomorrow.
‘’At this time of year there is a lot we can do to reduce our impact on the environment. Shopping for locally produced food or recycling our cards and gift paper all helps.
‘’This winter we have already felt the effects of climate change with heavy rain sweeping the country causing flooding. We all have a part to play in safeguarding our environment. We must do more if future generation’s of Scots are to enjoy the environment that to many have taken for granted for too long.''

For further information please contact:
Ylva Haglund, Campaign Co-ordinator: ylva@scotlink.org , 0131-225 4345, 07752-381085
Jane Herbstritt, Parliamentary Officer: jane@scotlink.org, 0131-225 4345
Julia Harrison, Campaign Team Convenor: julia.harrison@rspb.org.uk, 0131-3116538

Notes to Editors

1. A photo opportunity will take place on Tuesday 19 December at 11am outside the Scottish Parliament (weather permitting). MSPs meeting Santa include Rhona Brankin (Labour), Nora Radcliffe (LibDems), Rob Gibson (SNP), David Davidson (Conservative), Rosemary Byrne (Solidarity).

2. The Everyone campaign, an initiative of Scottish Environment LINK, is a network of Scottish environmental charities dedicated to establishing the environment as a serious mainstream issue in Scotland, with political decisions taken in the interest of the environment, not simply social and economic considerations. The campaign focuses the activities of a combined membership of around 500,000 Scots on issues of common interest.

To find out more about the current ‘Vote with your feet’ campaign, and the environmental charities involved in the Scottish Environment LINK, visit www.everyonecan.org. There are also links to each charity’s own website.