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Melanie runs The Green Centre, an environment information centre based in the heart of the East Brighton community. Their work is based on respect and a belief that at all times we must be mindful of our impact on the planet.

Melanie says: "It all started on the streets of Brighton and Hove. For three long years, supported by a committed group of volunteers, I led the Green Workshop."

"We roamed the city listening to the public's views on the environment. We gathered ideas and spare change and in May 2009 opened the Green Centre. Supported by the East Brighton Trust and local residents the centre is buzzing with environmental activity.”

"We are working with the community to raise awareness and encourage action on climate change. This includes web resources such as the Green A - Z, which highlighting all the reduce-re-use-recycle opportunities in the city, and our Green Diary which contains activities and events in the city which have an environmental theme."

"At our premises on Manor Hill we offer advice and information, run a small shop selling second hand goods, offer basic recycling facilities and run a community garden space, growing food and teaching people how to do the same."

"We offer volunteer opportunities and encourage the local community to contribute their ideas to the project. Come and see!"

An update from Mel:

Involving people in a project takes time and passion. With a dedicated group of volunteers and Mel's persistance the Green Centre has now became a focus for residents of East Brighton, including Manor Farm, Whitehawk and the Bristol Estate.

The Community Bee Garden - our lovely bees are still struggling under the weight of responsibility. We expect them to pollinate our food, provide us with an array of amazing products and all this under the strain of pollution, pesticides and an ever decreasing supply of food. The least we can do is provide them with some yummy flowers for lunch. We have a small Bee garden in the Green Centre - now we are going for another bigger one on a traffic island in East Brighton. Kind of like a "soup kitchen" for bees! To get involved give us a Buzz on 01273 687700.

The Brighton Mile of Potatoes - during the war the Land Army girls of Sussex grew a lot of food throughout the county. There is in fact a map showing this. It refers to a Mile of Potatoes grown in Brighton. We invite you to grow potatoes in 2012 and for each potato plant we will add 1 foot to our total. There are 5,280 feet in a mile so we need 5,280 potato plants to recreate the Brighton Mile of Potatoes. Craven Vale Children's Allotment in East Brighton will launch the project. To add your spuds give us a shout on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Eco Tour - it would be true to say that Brighton is a pretty "green" city. Caroline Lucas has given us the first elected Green MP while the city council is the first ever Green led council. Beyond these 2 great achievements is an even greater environmental landscape being quietly nurtured by a group of committed people who are working hard to support our planet. The Eco Tour will introduce you to the environmental community and in doing so we hope you feel inspired to begin your own environmental journey. You can begin this journey by being part of the team which brings the tour to life. To get involved e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

There are many community groups you can get involved with, find out more on .

There are many places where you can volunteer on .

Not sure about where to recycle stuff? Then you need to go to .

If what you are after is more information on growing food, why don't you try ?