To mark International Day of Older People 2021 (1 October), Southway and Manchester Museum have launched a new year-long project, ‘Grey on Green’, that will highlight the contributions older people make to a sustainable world.
The project will be led by older people who will share their wisdom for a sustainable lifestyle and discuss their experience and observations of the climate and ecological emergency.
The aim is also to change the common misconception that this demographic cares less about the environment than younger people.
Older people often embrace more sustainable habits, such as shopping locally, wasting less, and consuming seasonal food. These are some of the ways to ensure our impact on the environment is kept to a minimum.
A number of events and activities will take place during this year-long project and a Grey on Green guidebook filled with advice and tips will be produced.
We're now calling out for older people (50+) who would like to be involved in Grey on Green. If you, or someone that you know, is interested, please contact:
Email j.dean@southwayhousing.co.uk Tel 0161 448 4227/ Mob 07860 758346 or maria.ramosacevedo@manchester.ac.uk Tel 07818 578474
“The contributions and needs of older people are often overlooked when talking about sustainability, and there is a common misconception that this group cares less about the environment than younger generations. Grey on Green aims to challenge and change this. It champions older people, their knowledge and experience with an urgent focus on working together to build a more sustainable world.”
Esme Ward, Director of Manchester Museum
“If we think about our parents or grandparents, they often shop locally, only buy what they can carry, waste less, and many consume seasonal food. There is so much we can learn from older people about sustainable living. If you, or someone that you know, would like to be involved in this project, please email or call us. We’d love to hear from you.”
Cathy Ayrton, Age Friendly Neighbourhoods Manager, Southway Housing