Ruth Potter, Labour's environment spokesperson, said the day was one for people and organisations to come together, and show what is possible. She said:

"World Environment Day is on 5th June, and it presents an opportunity for people to change the way they live in some way to benefit the planet. Pleasingly all parties agreed that the council sign up to the 10:10 campaign to reduce carbon emissions by 10% by the end of 2010.

"The 10:10 campaign has some great ideas that people might want to think about for World Environment Day, in terms of how they shop. Whether it be buying second hand clothes from charity shops, ensuring the wood they buy is Forest Stewardship Council accredited, or buying energy efficient appliances, there is a lot that can be achieved with very little effort. How people get around is perhaps once of the easiest changes people can make. And there is the added incentive of saving money in the long run too".

World Environment Day is a global day of action to focus attention on issues and what can be done to tackle them. Its agenda is to:

· Give a human face to environmental issues;

· Empower people to become active agents of sustainable and equitable development;

· Promote an understanding that communities are pivotal to changing attitudes towards environmental issues;

· Advocate partnership which will ensure all nations and peoples enjoy a safer and more prosperous future.

"It is at the local level that people can really make a difference", says Coun. Potter. "There is a lot of good work going on in York, such as the Green Streets Challenge, but also other work going on all the time to effect change in our city. What I hope though is that behavioural change can take place in every home, rather than just amongst activist groups. That is the only way make a significant difference long-term".