Taken from todays edition of the Redditch Standard http://redditch.standardtoday.co.uk/   

Eco-fair has UN stamp of approval

WIND-UP radios and electric assisted cycles are just some of the things being showcased by a selection of local 'green' groups at the annual Redditch Green Fair tomorrow (Saturday).

The event is being organised by the Redditch Alliance of Greens, which includes Redditch Friends of the Earth (FoE), Redditch Trade Justice Network, Redditch Vegetarian & Vegan Society and Redditch Freecycle, and will see stalls set up in and around St Stephen's Church in the town centre.

Organisers are predicting this year's event to be the best ever and will be promoting the use of environmentally-friendly items including natural Aloe Vera products, electric cycles, organic produce, wind-up radios, ethical stationary, Fair Trade goods and eco-friendly cleaning products.

Paul Roberts of Redditch FoE said: "The fair will perhaps be twice as big as last year, so there will be a far greater variety of eco-friendly products on sale and more issues covered on the campaign stalls."

As well as being free, there will also be lots of freebies available on various stalls, including eco-books, car stickers and veggie food samples.

Kevin White, also of Redditch FoE, added: "The aim of the fair is quite simply to promote sustainable, eco-friendly ways of living whilst showcasing the town's ever-increasing network of 'green' organisations and companies.

"We all worry about how global warming will affect our children's future, but we can massively reduce our impact on the planet by making a few simple changes to our daily lives."

The fair has been timed to coincide with World Environment Day on June 5 which has been celebrated since 1972, and is aimed at raising awareness of important environmental issues.

The United Nations has also officially endorsed the Redditch event and will be promoting it via its website.

Mr White added: "We believe this is the first time an official World Environment Day event has been staged in Redditch - we're delighted the United Nations are supporting us."

The event runs from 10.30am until 3pm and further information on stallholders can be found on the Green Fair website at www.redditchgreenfair.org.uk.