Starting this week, futureMANCHESTER, the city’s festival of all things sustainable and environmentally friendly, has returned for a second year with a jam-packed schedule of events, talks and workshops for everyone to enjoy. Please see full schedule here (PDF)

The festival, organised by MERCI, showcases the work of Manchester organisations who are working together to make the city a greener, healthier, fairer and more sustainable place to live, work and play. Many of these organisations are also involved in delivering the city’s climate change action plan, Manchester: A Certain Future, and the festival is just one way of publicising Manchester’s ambitious plan and of getting the whole city involved in realising our targets.

With over 30 events across the week there’s something for everyone, from urban gardening workshops to bike maintenance classes, eco-house tours and even a chance to learn how to make your own herbal remedies. The vast majority of events are free so  there’s no excuse not to get involved and learn some exciting new skills.

“We are very excited about this year’s festival and are really pleased with the inspiring programme that’s been put together. 2011 is a landmark year for us as it marks the 10th birthday of Bridge 5 Mill, MERCi’s home and Manchester’s first (and only) Centre for Sustainable Living, so we’re looking forward to celebrating in style at futureMANCHESTER.”

Caroline Downey, Executive Director of MERCi.

This is the second time the festival has run after the inaugural event last year, and it is hoped that it will now become an annual event. MERCi, one of Manchester’s leading sustainability charities, is again coordinating the event with funding from Manchester City Council.

South Manchester Environmental Future

South Manchester Environmental Forum (SMEF for short) is an exciting space for you to meet like minded people from around South Manchester and be inspired to improve sustainability in your community. SMEF is a ‘roaming forum’ for the people of South Manchester to come together and promote sustainable living. Come along to explore ideas about green issues in your area and beyond, find out about local activities, skill-share and make sure that local priorities are reflected. Free event, all welcome. To book a place call 0161 237 3357

Related Links

• Action For Sustainable Living (afsl.org.uk)
• Manchester Beacon (manchesterbeacon.org)
• UN Document – Report of the World Commission on Environment & Development (un-documents.net)
• Biospheric Foundation (biosphericfoundation.com)