Many environmental challenges can be tackled by individuals and organisations making relatively small changes to their behaviour so it is important that everyone can access clear and accurate information about the environment, their impact on it and how they can adopt more sustainable practices. The Environment Centre provides a useful initial point of contact for environmental information and produces an informative free monthly newsletter that is distributed quite widely and posted on its website. SEEF publishes an attractive annual environmental events leaflet to promote community learning and action through the many talks and activities linked to the environment that are organised by a wide range of local organisations.

SEEF also regularly brings together partners to present environmental issues to the general public at major events such as Swansea Show and the Gower Show, and to organise youth activities. The way people shop is one of the most significant issues that determine the impact they have on the environment. Much of what we consume is transported from all around the world contributing significantly to environmental pollution and climate change. Many modern and cheap convenience foods can be the result of intensive farming, involve mass processing and excessive packaging, and can also be nutritionally poor. It is widely considered more environmentally friendly and potentially healthier to buy food from local sources, such as local produce markets, or to grow food in allotments and gardens. We often depend on the reliability of information and accurate labelling to help us determine the impact that a product has on the environment, for example, whether it uses recycled material or has been grown organically without the use of damaging chemicals. The Swansea Fairtrade Directory, which lists shops and cafes that stock fairtrade products, is a good example of a useful local consumer guide.

The Swansea Green Map, the first of its kind in Wales, also provides information on a wide range of local services, projects and sites that contribute to sustainability.

If access to information and educational materials relating to environmental issues and sustainability is to be made available to all Swansea residents, it has to be provided in a range of languages and formats.

Community consultation and public engagement play a key role in building sustainable communities. All citizens in Swansea should be encouraged to get involved in decision-making processes, and take a more active role in determining the future of Swansea and its environment.

Citizenship is included in the school curriculum but opportunities need to be sought to help all members of our communities engage more fully. Community leaders and officials could be offered training in governance, consultation and sustainable development in order to support community engagement and active citizenship. Active citizenship is also about volunteering and helping to build a strong civil society. Local environmental improvement schemes and conservation management projects can offer useful experiences to participants and help to cultivate community pride.