An environmental charter will be launched in Wanstead to bring about a cleaner way of living.

Those living in the area are being asked to “buy into the process” to ensure its success.

The charter includes signing up to five collective actions: cleaner journeys, planting more trees, cutting plastic, waste and litter, making homes and developments sustainable and living more sustainably as individuals.

The charter seeks to address the “triple threat” of climate change, increasing pollution and loss of biodiversity.

The council, businesses, schools, civil society and individuals all have a role to play as part of the charter.

Some progress has already been made with Redbridge Council launching a consultation over pollution, with a commitment to put vehicle exclusion zones around schools.

Cycle hangars are being made available, when requested, in streets and at stations. A total of £3.3 million has come from the London Mayor to improve cycling and pedestrian routes.

Councillors have been leading monthly litter picks and local schools have been getting involved with planting food in their school gardens.

A petition calling for a ban on single use plastic is also gathering names in Wanstead.

But campaigners say much more needs to be done if targets like carbon neutrality by 2030, more biodiversity and significant cuts in pollution are to be reached.

Cllr Paul Donovan, who represents Wanstead Village ward, said: “We really do need all parts of the community to come together and play a part if the environmental charter is really to attain its goal of creating a cleaner, greener Wanstead.

“One of the striking things about the Extinction Rebellion protests was the intergenerational nature of those taking part, from school children to grandparents. We need to bring all of these groups together in the charter process – the success of this venture depends on how much we are able to reduce the carbon footprint of Wanstead, cut pollution and increase biodiversity. But this will only happen if a critical mass of people take part.

“The response so far has been good but now the real work begins, with lives needing to change if the real goal of saving the planet is to be achieved.”

Susannah Knox, an environmental charter organiser who has joined Extinction Rebellion protesters in central London, said: “The next few years are probably the most important in our history. If we don’t act urgently to address climate change, pollution and loss of biodiversity, the implications are pretty awful.

“This isn’t just a global problem, it’s affecting us here in Wanstead too, with poor air quality, more extreme weather, and habitat loss as gardens disappear. But it’s not difficult to start making a personal difference, and by acting together, small changes can have a big impact.

“The charter focusing on a cleaner, greener Wanstead aims to encourage the Council and everyone who lives and works locally to think about steps they can take, focusing on five priorities; cleaner journeys, more vegetation, reduced waste, sustainable buildings, and lower-impact living.”

The launch event on May 2 at Stow Brothers in Wanstead High Street will bring together backers of the charter, including council leader Cllr Jas Athwal and cabinet member for civic pride John Howard, representatives from Stow Brothers, Parker Dairies, Christchurch, the London Wildlife Trust, the Wren Group, RSPB NE London branch, Friends of Wanstead Parklands, Wild Wanstead and the Community Gardeners plus local schools.

The website for the charter will also go live on Thursday May 2: www.cleanergreenerwanstead.org.