People Urged to Have Their Say about Climate Change in Interactive Project

Residents in parts of Staffordshire are being asked to share their thoughts and suggestions on how to tackle climate change in the county.

Familiar objects including lamp posts and benches are ready to strike up friendly conversations, via SMS, to hear what people have to say.

The interactive project is taking place in Stafford and Newcastle-under-Lyme and is being run by Staffordshire County Council and Hello Lamp Post.

To have their say, people will need to look out for bright green signage where they will be prompted to either scan the QR code or text the dedicated number, using any mobile phone.

Taking part is free and standard messaging rates apply.

All conversations are anonymous and the feedback will go back to the county council to identify people’s attitudes towards climate change.

Simon Tagg, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Climate Change at Staffordshire County Council said:

“Climate change is a huge issue that is affecting us now and will continue to into the future.

“This is an important project that will help connect us with local communities to understand the barriers they face to living a more sustainable life. 

"The County Council has already made a commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

"Everyone can play their part in reducing emissions, which makes projects like this so important.

“We can all do our bit to reduce our impact on the environment by thinking differently about how we live our everyday lives.

"How we travel, how we heat our homes, how we work, what we buy and how we dispose of our waste are just some examples. 

"If everyone makes some small changes, we will create greener communities and make Staffordshire a healthier place to live and work.”

 Some of the questions in the interactive survey include:

•  What is stopping you from making changes that are greener?
• The biggest carbon emitter from residents is from travel. Can you think of anything we can do to change this?
• What would encourage you to recycle more of what you use?

 People can find out more about the project at http://staffordshire.hlp.city/.