In the wake of the Eco Island Conference http://www.eco-island.org.uk/ the IOW Council are continuing the roll-out of their Eco Island Vision by launching the Island's first Big Green Picnic.

The Big Green Picnic is a community-based event to encourage individuals of all ages and families to do their bit to create Eco Island. It is a high-profile public gathering on Church Litten Park on May 24 and 25 where low carbon and sustainable lifestyles will be highlighted. It aims to inspire people to lead a green lifestyle, demonstrate what steps they can take to achieve that and what products and services are available to help them.

The Big Green Picnic will also:

• Launch the Council's programme of work to reduce resident's carbon emissions
• Educate, inspire and entertain
• Provide practical examples of sustainability, including existing Council activities
• Showcase the best the Island has to offer
• Help residents, visitors and businesses act in ways that minimise their environmental impact

The event will also provide an opportunity for businesses and voluntary groups to highlight their green credentials and activities to thousands of people. Existing green organisations will also be invited to explain the work they are involved in. There will be a series of themed marquees and areas representing the following categories:

• Food (Local Produce)
• Transport
• Arts & Crafts
• Lifestyle / Home / Gardening
• Beauty & Health
• Energy & Water
• Construction
• Waste & Recycling
• Natural Environment

There will also be a central stage for music and performance, exhibitions of environmental art, possibly including school projects, a local heat of the solar car challenge, the promotion of healthy local food (people will also be encouraged to bring picnics), workshops using natural and recycled materials, particularly aimed at families and children and a cinema tent.

The event will practice what it preaches by minimising the use of resources in its promotion and delivery. Marketing and promotion will use viral techniques, a central location will reduce travel, recycling on site will reduce waste and local, healthy food will be available.

A biodiesel generator will provide power for the site.

The event offers numerous opportunities to promote Eco-products / associate with a really cool community based Eco Event / partner the organizers in supporting specific sections of the event / or carry your Eco-message. If you like the idea of becoming a partner in the event then 3greenlights.com would like to hear from you.

The template for this event will be passed on to other regions after the feedback from it has been gathered and assesed. It could offer a partner the opportunity to replicate this "type of event" elsewhere around the UK. It is rare that there is a chance to associate with such an "authentic" environmental event and in an attempt to protect the its integrity othere will be no "naming rights" as such - just partnerships for organisations and companies who have the right "green" credentials.