Eurostar, the high-speed passenger rail service linking the UK with mainland Europe, has announced that its popular Have your say on sustainability competition is now open for entries, giving the future generation of voters the chance to share their views with MEPs in Brussels.
In partnership with the Young People’s Trust for the Environment (YPTE) the competition invites 11 – 18 year olds to create a short video clip sharing their views on the environment. Three lucky winners will be given the unique opportunity to travel to the European Parliament in Brussels to air their views in front of an audience of MEPs.
Since the annual competition launched two years ago, MEPs have been challenged by budding young politicians on a range of topics from marine fishing and fracking to recycling and public transport. A short film telling the story of the 2013 European Parliament visit can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03DAMeXesq0
In addition to the Brussels trip, winners will stand to receive £250 vouchers for their school to spend on technology equipment at Curry’s or PC World and return Eurostar tickets to Paris for four people.
Have your say on sustainability is part of a three-year collaboration between Eurostar and the Young People’s Trust for the Environment – a national charity that supports free, accessible education on environmental issues for young people and schools. The partnership with the YPTE forms part of Eurostar’s Tread Lightly programme, designed to encourage people to travel responsibly and reduce the impact of the business on the environment.
Luke Ervine, Head of Environment and Energy at Eurostar commented:
We are proud of this initiative to encourage young people to have their say on sustainability in the European Parliament, and very much look forward to watching this year’s video entries. Every year we are inspired by the quality of ideas that the winners share with us and their passion to safeguard their planet for future generations. “
Peter Littlewood, Director of the Young People’s Trust for the Environment said:
Our partnership with Eurostar has encouraged many young people who really care about the environment to pick up their camcorders and smartphones to give us their views. We are really excited to see the brilliant ideas ’Have Your Say on Sustainability’ will bring us in 2014. This is a great way for young people to have an impact and to discuss the environmental issues that matter to them with Europe’s key decision-makers. I hope that many will choose to take part.”
The competition runs from 25 June until 24 October. Individual and group entries are accepted. For more information on how to enter and hints and tips on what to include in an entry, visit: eurostar-ypte.com
(Source: Eurostar)
