The week, which starts on Monday, aims to encourage residents to be more environmentally-friendly in their daily lives while showcasing the events taking place across the borough to help save the environment.

Coun Michael Clare, the council's lead member for environment, housing and transport, said: "Climate change is happening here and now, so we all need to do our bit to help the environment.

"During the week we hope to get people thinking about how they can help to reduce their carbon footprint, while shouting out about the excellent work which is being done in the borough to protect and preserve our environment.

"We are committed to protecting our environment for our local community. We already have a fantastic track record in going green, from our successful Do Your Bit...More environmental campaign to our award-winning Recycling Village. But we all need to do more."

A whole host of events has been organised across to mark Environment Week.

One of the main events is South Tyneside playing host to a regional event on climate change at the Customs House, South Shields, on Tuesday.

'Winning Hearts and Minds: Inspiring our Communities to Act on Climate Change' is expected to attract scores of elected members and senior officers from local authorities across the North East of England.

Keynote speaker Phil Downing, head of environmental research for Ipsos Mori, will be encouraging councils to 'think global' but 'act local' and use the regional advice and support available to inspire their communities to help tackle climate change. Delegates will also be given the opportunity to learn from South Tyneside Council, which earned Beacon Status for successful community engagement through hands-on councillor involvement.

The week kicks off with the launch of a seven-day environmental challenge where council teams will be giving streets a 'deep clean' by removing graffiti and chewing gum, painting litter bins, tackling litter and increasing recycling.

Staff will be giving out 'stubbies' to smokers, issuing fixed penalties to people caught dropping litter, increasing mechanical sweeping and visiting businesses with information about the council's Tidy Trader initiative.

Coun Clare said: "The state of the environment affects all of us and national events such as this, are an excellent opportunity to highlight what work is being done to reduce climate change and raise awareness of how our residents can help – not just during Environment Week but all year round.

"There are so many ways residents can do their bit for the environment, from recycling to energy saving. Together we can make South Tyneside a cleaner, greener and safer Borough for future generations."

For more information about Environment Week or to find out how to do that little bit extra for the environment visit www.southtyneside.info/environmentweek.