Painting the town green

Emma Fowler gives her tips for green nights out.

''As usual the Netherlands is bang on the green issue and there are plans for a Sustainable Dance Club in Rotterdam.'' ''Transport has a massive impact on the environment, so when enjoying a night out on the razz, try to cab-share with mates.'' ''When it comes to the après blowout kebab, check out the packaging. Try to avoid places that provide only polystyrene containers.''

Up until recently I’d never really considered the impact of a night out upon the environment. Shockingly, I’ve discovered I’m leading a double life. Recycling, charity-supporting, human rights defender by day; self-indulgent, drunken, cab-taking, fast-food ingesting hypocrite by night. Oh the horror! So what to do to remedy my dual personality revelation?

As usual the Netherlands is bang on the green issue and there are plans for a Sustainable Dance Club in Rotterdam. They intend to have rainwater toilets and biological beer, as well as powering the club via the punters’ dancing by converting the movement into electricity.

Something this sophisticated could be light years away from hitting the UK. But once you start thinking about what small changes you could make on your night out, the ideas start flowing.

Transport has a massive impact on the environment, so when enjoying a night out on the razz, try to cab-share with mates. It’ll save you money, be more eco- efficient and safer. Or even better, get a night bus.

Do a bit of digging amongst your mates. Does anyone else get bothered by the environmental impact of a Friday night? Brainstorm ideas and present them to local entertainment venues as suggestions for improving their “green” reputation.

It’s very now, don’t you know - things like finding ways to make a club more energy-efficient, providing some Fairtrade and organic alcohol options, and asking the club to encourage people to share transport – these are all valid ideas worth suggesting.

When it comes to the après blowout kebab, check out the packaging. Try to avoid places that provide only polystyrene containers. If your grease is wrapped in paper and cardboard, you’re good to go. This sort of research may be best conducted in the daylight hours without crippling blood-alcohol levels.

Also if you see what you’re eating without the Vodka-fuelled hunger-monster on your back, you may not even want one next time you go out. That’s a little health tip I’ve thrown in for free.

So if anyone has any further great ideas on painting the town green, get active and tell your local venues it’s what the people want. Then tell us at Generation Why so we can spread the eco- love.