The Baglady returns!

Over the next two weeks she is asking schoolchildren to take the KIDS Pledge ASAP, at www.bagladyproductions.org to give up one thing and take up one thing for a better, cleaner and more sustainable environment. Baglady has already visited Limavady Central Primary School, St Anthony's Primary School in Bellarena and St Aidan's Primary School in Magilligan as part of her campaign to clean up Northern Ireland and the world. Environmental campaigner Shirley Lewis, has called on local school children in Limavady and the surrounding area to take a closer look at how their own lives impact the environment. She issued her controversial challenge at the launch of ASAP Pledge Fortnight that started this week, as she begins the final leg of her three-month dash to schools across Northern Ireland. On these Baglady school visits, children look at the environment in a fun and interactive way and are encouraged to do something personal and practical about it. By taking the KIDS Pledge ASAP, they can tell the world what one small thing they are going to do to live as sustainably as possible – or ASAP.

Shirley said: "What I have found on my dash to schools is that environmental awareness has increased hugely. Children and teachers seem to know more about the environment, but at the same time, this year Northern Ireland is more rubbishy than ever. We must all take responsibility for the place we live, which is why the Pledge is so important."

"The Pledge is a simple idea where children examine their individual lifestyles and see how a small commitment has the potential to make a big collective difference. It could mean giving up using plastic bags, dropping litter, or turning the tap off when they are brushing their teeth for example. Taking up could mean recycling more, switching things like Xboxes off when they're not being used, or taking a re-usable bag to the shops. It's up to them."

The dash will culminate in a special KIDS Pledge ASAP Day at Stormont on June 21. At Parliament Buildings children will share their pledges with MLAs, let them know what they have done as a school, class or individually to live ASAP and challenge their elected representatives by asking 'what are you going to give up and take up for a better environment?

The Baglady continued: "A number of MLAs and Mayors have already committed to take the Adult Pledge ASAP, but our children are way ahead of our politicians and we need to bridge the generation gap. The children will show their MLAs what they are doing, and challenge them to take the Adult ASAP Pledge," Baglady said. "By sharing in the simple responsibility of taking the Adult Pledge, MLAs can show them and their voting parents that they have some idea of the seriousness of the situation, the challenges that lie ahead and that they are committed to change. We have never wasted so much." "Northern Ireland is still mainly in denial about the environment and the Assembly and Executive must do more to protect it. I hope everyone, including MLAs, will use the next two weeks during ASAP Pledge Fortnight to look at their own lifestyles and see what difference they can make. Change can be infectious!" Baglady said.

You will be able to follow Baglady on Twitter and Facebook as she continues to sweep across Northern Ireland in the run up to Pledge Day.For more information, contact Mark Smith at Chambr Public Affairs on 07710 450 462 or 028 9067 2243.