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Museum project champions older people who are shaping a sustainable future

01 Oct 2021

To mark International Day of Older People 2021 (1 October), Manchester Museum and Southway Housing Trust have launched a new year-long project, ‘Grey on Green’, that will highlight the contributions older people make to a sustainable world

Grey on Green

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. In fact, a new UK study has found that the generational divide over climate change is a myth.

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.

Esme Ward, Director of Manchester Museum, said: “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.”

Cathy Ayrton, Age Friendly Neighbourhoods Manager for Southway Housing Trust, said: "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.”

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