A greener Lewisham

Global warming and a looming energy crisis are no longer distant possibilities. They are realities that will change our lives to live for the future. Government and businesses have their part to play - my part is to make sure we, in Lewisham, try harder to make a difference.

Since 2002 we have made real progress in two key areas - improving the amount of waste material that is recycled and having a sustainable approach to energy.

The council meets much of its own energy needs from renewable sources and I have commissioned work on using wind power locally. More importantly I will make it easier to improve energy use and efficiency of your own homes as well as making it easier to install green and sustainable energy generators.

Lewisham deals with its own refuse - it is one of very few London councils that does not have to transport its waste to landfill sites - we turn 90% of our waste into energy without the environmental impact and nuisance of transporting it to be buried in someone else's ground.

I cannot allow any of us to become complacent. We are producing more waste every year and we must both reduce the amount we create and recycle more.

I am going to invest more in recycling, introduce wheelie bins and green bags for garden waste as well as a food waste scheme. I will also offer more support to businesses and make it easier for them to recycle.

Together we can make a difference