The Power is in your hands…
…through your choices made on a daily basis. Small changes can make a big difference, if we all do it together. Changing our daily habits is easy, it just requires a little time and research, so here’s a few tips to get you started…
Time
Truth in 10
On June 28, 2017, Al Gore gave an initial presentation of his “Truth in 10” slideshow to a workshop in Seattle, Washington. He created this 10-minute presentation to help spread a simple message to communities: “the climate crisis is urgent, but the solutions are at hand”. The slideshow materials for similar live presentations are available at the following website: https://www.climaterealityproject.org/truth Download the materials, create your own presentation, and show it to your community. This video was extracted from a livestream at climaterealityproject.org. http://www.350Montana.org
MONEY
Reuse + Repurpose
We are the only species to create waste on this planet. The good news is that the waste we’re sending to landfill in the UK has been falling nearly every year since 2010. There were 12.9 million tonnes of biodegradable municipal waste sent to landfill in 2010. By 2020, that had fallen to 6.1 million tonnes, but we still have a long way to go. See more facts below…
What if we looked for ways to reuse or repurpose items instead of throwing them in the bin. There are so many ideas out there, on sites such as pinterest. Be creative. Have fun! Try and fix things before replacing, or sell to someone that has the know-how. If you really have to get rid, recycle at your local centre.
Plastic free
You may have already seen a shop near you. If you’re over 40 you will thoroughly enjoy the nostalgia of going in and filling your jars with all kinds of goodies.
Most plastic free stores stock organic produce too, so every mouthful is loaded with more nutrients and pesticide free, so worth every penny and you’ll even find you won’t need to shop as often as those jars seem to last so much longer than the smaller portioned plastic packaged items in the regular supermarket. Start with stocking a few staples and in time you’ll easily transition your whole shop over, finding better replacements every time.
Food Choices & food waste
Food production and consumption are responsible for around 30% of global carbon emissions.
1.3 billion tonnes of food that is wasted globally each year. Try and only buy what you need and maybe start a compost any scraps.
70% of global freshwater is used for agriculture. Choose plant based options like lentils and non-dairy alternatives.
Join a community farm near you and not only get to go and collect your share, within the correct season, but you can usually volunteer and help with the harvesting and really see where your food is coming from. Here’s a fantastic local community farm based near Leamington Spa…
Wrap are working from farm to fork to transform the global food system. Click below to see more…
grow your own + for nature
Converting your garden into a little ecosystem of its own, a haven for birds and other wildlife is so wonderfully rewarding, whilst growing some food for your plate too. You’ll be amazed at who turns up! What better way to reconnect with nature than in your own back yard.
Even if you’ve never grown anything before it’s easy to just start with a few pots, ask on local Facebook groups to see if anyone is getting rid before heading to the local garden centre. Or sign up to Pot Gang who send you all you need monthly. See below…
Also consider buying heritage seeds to increase biodiversity and for a more unique garden.
avoid fast fashion
The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of annual global carbon emissions. In the UK, we buy more clothes per person than any other country in Europe. Click below for some more facts from Oxfam…
Buying pre-owned items allows us to add a new look to our homes without using additional resources in the manufacturing process. The novelty of charity shops and second hand shopping apps like vinted add so much more colour and quirkiness to your life. Click below on a few online alternatives too.
use green energy
Help replace fossil fuels with green electiricy and gas by choosing a green energy company for your energy. Leading this industry is Ecotricity, but there are many more.
Also consider leaving your car at home, walking or cycling locally or taking public transport, when possible, or perhaps sharing a lift to work.
support Ethical Banks
Something you may not have considered is the bank you support and how they invest your money.
Top 5 ethical banks in the UK are: Co-op, Triodos, Monzo, Starling and Nationwide.
The Top 5 most unethical banks in the UK are: Barclays, HSBC, NatWest, Lloyds and Santander. Click here for more information…
share the knowledge
We all need to work together to make the changes that are needed. Share your knowledge with others and educate family and friends.
Why not add in some fun to your more ethical approach to life, have a swap party with friends, get creative with repurposing things together or form a community repair club. If we all champion something we can all make a difference.
How are your skills best used?
COMMUNITY
Community Workshops
Our community workshops are in full swing for the run up to our performance at Art in the Park. Each week we are working with local community groups including these beautiful people currently living in a hotel nearby, waiting to be given sanctuary in our country.
We have been making friendship bracelets from recycled old T-shirts and banners with messages of hope, to contribute to our installation that comes at the end of our show.
Also, Charlotte has been doing some creative writing with a group of young adults with autism, who meet every week at SYDNI centre, expressing their opinions and feelings on the climate crisis and the power of the community.
We care about giving a voice to those who are often unheard or ignored. We have got loads more workshops happening over the next few months and we look forward to sharing them with you.
Community Workshop
Foundry Wood, Leamington Spa
What a morning! We delivered our first morning at Foundry Wood and it was super fun.
