MY PLANET
CO-EDITOR LIBBY DAWSON
On the 3rd September, My Life were invited to East Suffolk Council’s Headquarters in Melton to meet with representatives on East Suffolk Council’s Environmental Task group. We took with us young people with a particular interest in environmental issues, politics as well as journalism. We met with:
CLLR RACHEL SMITH-LY TE
CLLR JAMES MALLINDER
An East Suffolk native, I attended Farlingaye High school and have since worked in London and the Far East teaching street kids for free and for an environmental conservation charity in Norwich and Ipswich as well as the RSPB and in HR for a local authority. A long-time green activist with Greenpeace and later Extinction Rebellion, I realised that with the looming climate and biodiversity crisis I needed to get involved politically also and there has only ever been one party who takes these issues seriously. I joined the Green Party in 2011 and have stood three times in local elections including in the 2015 General Election gaining 6% of the vote share. This May I secured my first seat on the new East Suffolk Council – the first Green to be elected in the old Suffolk Coastal district. I am passionate about protecting the area’s natural environment from inappropriate development and the links between sustainable transport and improved air quality. My other interests include localism and ‘passiv haus’ affordable housing as part of a post-growth society.
After relocating from London a number of years ago, a change in lifestyle included a greater commitment to volunteering in the local community. As an active Parish Councillor in Hollesley, volunteer for Meet up Mondays and treasurer of a local Good Neighbour Scheme I know first hand the importance of volunteering and community improvements. 2019 saw me enter local politics as local councillor for the Deben ward and with my enthusiasm for the Environment I now hold the Environment portfolio and vice chair of the local AONB steering committee. Relaxation involves running and bell ringing at the local church.
41 • M Y P LA N E T • MY LIFE
