The world is facing major environmental challenges – our planet is so precious we should do all we can to protect it. This requires action at a local, national, and international level. As Bristol’s representative on the world stage, a Labour Mayor in Marvin Rees will fight for our environment nationally and internationally. But there is much we can do locally too, especially recognising that environmental and social justice are inseparable. If elected in two weeks’ time, Bristol Labour is pledging to:

• Work to make Bristol carbon neutral by 2050.
• Ensure all Council-owned buildings are run on renewable energy by 2020.
• Increase recycling. We will set a target of 55% of all of the city’s waste to be recycled by 2020, and will increase provision of recycling facilities across the city;
• Promote reuse. We will ensure that the Council plays a leading role in the Bristol reuse network, and will implement a reuse strategy for both household and commercial waste.
• Maintain a frack-free Bristol.
• Stop using harmful pesticides and help pollinators. We will eliminate the use of harmful substances, ensure proper safety for workers, and create a Bee Action Plan for the city.
• Protect green spaces. We will ensure that all parks are served by a park keeper and will work with community groups, such as the Friends of Horfield Common and Friends of Ashley Down Green, to ensure that parks are accessible, clean and friendly.
• Promote sustainable food networks. We will promote community gardening and allotments, and will build on the “Who Feeds Bristol” report to develop a strategy for a long-term sustainable food network.
• Tackle fuel poverty. This will be through improving home insulation with grants and loans, and by working with the Bristol Energy Company and others to ensure that customers get the cheapest possible tariffs.
• Combat dog waste, litter and fly-tipping. We will launch a Clean Streets Campaign against litter and fly-tipping, and will invest in better equipment to keep parks and pavements free of dog waste.

Of course, these pledges are only the tip of the iceberg, as everything a Labour Bristol Council and Mayor will do will have sustainability running through it (for example transport, which you can read about by clicking here). You can read more about our manifesto pledges in this and other areas by clicking here.

Image copyright Linda Bailey and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.