On Wednesday (19 November) - Green Day - our fair city will formally announce its ambition to create the UK's Environment Capital.

Chief executive of PECT Hugh Cripps said: "This year marks 15 years of Peterborough as an Environment City. We have achieved a great deal during this time, however we now want to take the next step.

"Therefore, on Wednesday, city leaders will come together to formally launch Peterborough's ambition to create the UK's Environment Capital. This ambition is all about making Peterborough a better place to live, work and play."

Environment capital officer for the Greater Peterborough Partnership Nick Goodman added: "Put very simply, creating the UK's Environment Capital is about being the best we can possibly be.

"It's about providing an example to others on what is possible, being innovative and, above all, it's about having a common vision.

"That common vision has been agreed by organisations and individuals across the city, now is the time for action. So whether it's reducing carbon, increasing walking and cycling or reducing our waste, we can all do our bit."

The formal launch will take place at an invitation-only event at the Bull Hotel, where 200 people, including city leaders, members of PECT, Opportunity Peterborough, the Greater Peterborough Partnership and a host of city businesses will sign a cardboard tree to pledge their support for the bid.

But one thing we all want to know is what this hard work is leading to – what would it be like to live in the UK's Environment Capital?

Mr Cripps said: "A green lifestyle in a green city isn't about what we can't do. It is not 'you can't drive your car' or 'it will cost us all a fortune to heat our homes' but rather 'the alternatives to driving are so much more convenient and cheaper that I choose not to drive into the city today' and 'being energy smart will mean my home and appliances don't need to use so much energy'.

"An Environment Capital is a place where the environment comes first, where children enjoy clean air and healthy lifestyles. People will have more access to locally grown food, and restaurants will serve locally sourced produce.

"We will produce less rubbish, and, at the same time, increase what we can recycle.