Newcastle University marks Environment Day with free trees

Jun 4 2009 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

A FREE tree giveaway will mark World Environment Day in Newcastle tomorrow.

Newcastle University is staging an event at which students and staff can place an order for a free tree sapling.

The giveaway is in support of UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Seven Billion Tree Campaign which aims to plant a tree for every person alive to tackle climate change.

Tony Stevenson, university pro vice chancellor and executive board portfolio holder for sustainable development, said: “We are committed to planting trees to replace those that have been removed to allow us to build our campus for the future, and we have planted over 100 within the past month alone. The UNEP Plant for the Planet campaign strongly encourages the planting of trees that are appropriate to the local environment in four key areas, one of which is urban environments.

“The tree giveaway is to encourage our staff and students to do their bit. Our chosen trees are all native trees that have been sourced locally.”

The event will showcase what the university is doing in practical terms to reduce its impact on the environment and exhibit the teaching and research it is undertaking aimed at sustaining the planet for future generations.

At the event from 11am-3pm will be the Energy Saving Trust, WhipBikes bike hire, Riverford Organic Veg, Revolution Bike Couriers, Electsoot electric scooters and Newcastle City Council which will be promoting its Be Air Aware campaign.