A GROUP of environmentalists who have returned from the climate change summit in Copenhagen said the trip was “inspirational”.

The group of ten campaigners, many of whom are involved with Organiclea, a local food-growing co-operative, attended events and protests in the city last week, scheduled to coincide with the world leaders' summit.

Sue Wheat, who is involved with Organiclea, Friends of Lloyd Park, and is chair of the Waltham Forest Local Exchange Trading Scheme (LETS), said the event was possibly more fruitful for the 10,000 plus environmentalists visiting the “alternative” Klima Forum, than for the world leaders who had difficulty reaching an agreement.

The mum-of-two said: “It was a really amazing opportunity for meeting people, making connections and being inspired. Obviously the talks were not going well, so this was about people getting together and being positive and taking things forward ourselves.”

She continued: “We have become disconnected from our communities and that has had a damaging effect on our lives. Climate change has shown us we need to travel less, learn how to do things ourselves and not rely on buying everything.

“That is a really positive thing. We just need to get used to changing our mind set and be proactive about it.”

An informal meeting is being held this evening (December 21) for people to share reflections on the Copenhagen event.

It is at 7.30pm at the Hornbeam Centre, in Hoe Street, Walthamstow.