Why Green Events are So Important

In recent years there has been an exponential growth of green events - everything from festivals to film screenings have been proposed, funded and managed by a wealth of different people and organisations. These events are a wonderful means by which to increase awareness of green issues and engage with members of the population who are not predisposed to reading or learning about climate change. Teaching consumers about the impact their purchase habits can have on the environment is a wonderful way to give them the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. By doing this you are offering them the opportunity to make their own judgement and even if only a few are swayed by the arguments posed then this can go a long way to helping ethical suppliers maintain and grow their businesses.

There is such a variety of green events around the world that you would be hard done by to ignore them. The organisers range from individuals to large corporations that want to highlight their social responsibility and emphasise the importance of becoming aware of the ways in which our actions affect the planet. These events occur up and down the country (sometimes in your own living room!) and require a varying level of engagement, dedication and money. If you fancy taking the whole family on a day out, enjoying a camping and music experience with your other half, learning about the food choices you make or simply turning your lights off for an hour to show you care, then these events are for you.

Green festivals promote the awareness of ecological concerns whilst engaging with entertainment - particularly that of music. This can motivate the younger consumer generation to get involved and provides positive role models that have an affirmative influence on the public. Festivals such as Chorlton's Big Green Festival (27th March), the Real Food Festival (7th-10th May), The Green Festival (22nd May) and Fiddler's Green International Festival (18th-25th July) promote positive change whilst providing fun, interesting and thought provoking days out for the whole family. The Big Tent (23rd-24th July) is Scotland's biggest eco festival and has been a phenomenal success in the past providing a format that everyone can benefit from. The Croissant Neuf Party (13th-15th August) won the Greenest Festival of the Year award in 2009 and combines exceptionally great music with renowned street theatre, workshops, open mic sessions and sports activities. Perhaps one of the best known green events comes in the shape of the Big Green Gathering (dates tbc) which is a wonderful five day camping event in Somerset. Grown out of the Green Gatherings and Glastonbury Music Festival events it is definitely not one to be missed.

However, festivals are not the only green event to get excited about. One of the most fantastic ways of promoting the green agenda is by getting involved with some of the action days set up charities and non-governmental organisations all over the world (and it costs you nothing!). Fairtrade Fortnight is currently underway and Walk to School Week will commence on the 17th of May - a great way to get the kids involved! World Environment Day takes place on the 5th June, recycle week begins on the 21st of June, World Water Week on the 5th of September and Buy Nothing Day takes place on the 27th of November. The most famous action day comes in the form of Earth Day which celebrates its 40th anniversary on the 22nd of April. These days provide an opportunity to show your support for a great cause and teach your family about the impact of their actions on the environment at large.

However, if these ideas don't quite appeal to you then how about the EcoBuild exhibit (2nd-4th of March) where sustainable designers, innovators and constructors come together to provide more than 100 free conference and seminar sessions? Or One Life Live (18th-21st March) which provides inspiration and advice to those who feel they want to make more of their lives? These fantastic events combine volunteering opportunities, seminars, career advice and business acumen to help you make a difference. If you're still not convinced then check out UK Aware (16th-17th April) which brings together 200 exhibitors, 15,000 visitors, 100 low carbon vehicles and over 50 world guest speakers or Sustainabilitylive! (20th-22nd May) which is the UK's largest forum for excellence and innovation in environment, water, energy and land and is guaranteed to have something for everyone.

Whether you are an environment enthusiast, an eco-warrior, a music devotee or simply looking for a great day out, these green events are the perfect forum for education, inspiration and fun. Whatever you do in 2010, make sure you check out the green events in your area, as they more than deserve the support of their local communities in a time which requires great chance and action. Get involved today.