pressrelease

Contact: Ruth Meeke
Tel: 01527 597757

June 1, 2005

JOHN CRAVEN ENCOURAGES RECYCLING TO GROW TREES IN THE UK AND AFRICA!

Broadcaster and writer John Craven has launched a new appeal for the public to help plant trees in the UK and Africa, just by recycling their aluminium cans and foil.

A tree will be grown in the UK or Africa for every tonne of aluminium packaging recycled until September 2006. Local authorities which join in the campaign will be able to claim trees such as English oak, Scots pine and silver birch to be grown in their own area, as well as providing support for the African project. The trees in Africa will be grown from seed in nurseries at the Gabio Forest, Burkina Faso, as part of a sustainable forest management and bee-keeping project run with five village communities.

"The more aluminium cans and foil we recycle in the UK, the more trees will be grown, which is going to make a big difference. In rural Africa trees feed, house, provide energy and improve the environment for many poor families. So just by recycling we can help make life better. " John Craven commented.

The campaign has been developed by not for profit organisation Alupro to help drive up UK household recycling rates, which lag behind most other European countries. Cherry Hamson, Alupro's communications director commented, "Aluminium is the perfect material to focus public attention on what can be achieved through getting into the recycling habit. This is an appeal with simple messages and clear environmental aims."

Alupro is working with Bristol-based charity, Tree Aid, on the African project.

ENDS