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I’d just been thinking that we could use the restrictions we’re all living under to prepare for action when we are able to get out and about again when I came across the really inspirational website which is full of really good news stories Carbon Copy - (www.carbon.copy.eco) Many of us are concerned that the government aren’t doing enough to bring about the changes we need to avoid catastrophic climate change but the good news is that at the grassroots action is taking off big time. Throughout the UK (indeed all over the world!) people are getting together in their local communities to work on projects ranging from tree planting to repairing, recycling and generally living a more ‘green’ lifestyle. Of course it’s a good idea not to ‘reinvent the wheel’ so instead of leaping in with an idea without experience it’s always worth seeing what other people have done, what has worked and what hasn’t. So it was that I came across a gold-mine of information at Carbon Copy who say they are … ‘ … a hub that connects local communities, councils and companies who share the goal of a carbon zero future. We are a non-political, non-profit organisation. Our aim is to help more people in taking local climate action and collectively in building something better.’ So, as we in CPCA group get ready to go out and make things happen as soon as restrictions allow, a look at what people in other parts of the country have successfully done will be a good start. I’ve made my selection from the website below but you might like to take a look yourself. . You might feel you have the time & interest to get involved in something similar in Castle Point. If so, please do get in touch with us. We’d be really pleased to hear from you. CropDrop in Bath & N Somerset is increasing the local supply of fruit and vegetables from bountiful allotments and food growers to community projects and organisations. Volunteer drivers transport food from growing sites to alleviate food shortage. Allotments and food projects are connected within the same area to help strengthen communities and minimise the ‘food miles’ of the produce. https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/cropdrop Plastic Shed in Stockport work closely with the community to reuse plastic waste that isn't currently recycled by the council. They work with people in the community to turn plastic waste into new useful things. https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/plastic-shed Upcycle Fashion started in 2010 by a student of sustainable fashion at the London College of Fashion and allows for creative collaboration with schools, businesses and community groups to explore the potential for reusing, reshaping and repurposing garments, to engage citizens with sewing skills and variation: To see that their clothes have more than one single use, shape or style. By using skills to extend the life of clothing we are more likely to become emotionally attached to that item and place value in its longevity. Through this approach, Julia hopes to slow down the disposable culture of fast fashion. https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/upcycle-fashion ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A Library of Things is a social enterprise based on a franchise model which is fully insured taking on the majority of risk and responsibility in the first two years while locals establish a new Library. Members of the community host and run the space. Things are borrowed at affordable (daily) rental rates, and items vary by each Library of Things location - from drills to gazebos to carpet cleaners. https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/library-of-things Food Connect aims to redistribute food that is perfectly good to eat but would otherwise go to waste. Food Connect helps to bridge the ‘final mile’ between food retailers and the community, as the vehicles will be a super-efficient redistribution service to retailers and help deliver great food to community fridges. https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/food-connect The Edible Garden Project is all about engaging young children and their parents in growing and eating healthy food, as well as providing training and local employment. Projects are based in schools https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/the-edible-garden-project A bee corridor - The decline in the bee population is becoming a real problem so some Councils have decided to manage their green areas differently. A mix of wldflower meadows across parks and open spaces create a “bee corridor” and encourages a host of different pollinators to return. Could we see if our Council is doing this? https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/brent-bee-corridor Tree planting - Many acres of our woodlands have disappeared over the last few centuries. This trend is continuing with the current development of our green belt. This is disastrous for many reasons but perhaps most pressingly because trees are essential for tackling climate change. Tree planting groups are taking off across the country. https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/avon-needs-trees ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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We in CPCA group are always looking for ways we can help to bring about the changes we urgently need to prevent catastrophic climate change. We welcome anyone interested in joining us and as soon as we are able to get out and about we will be back in action. Recently come to our attention is an on-line event describing how to set up a community repair project. Mending something instead of throwing it away and buying new is just one way in which we can move forward to a more sustainable way of living. If repairing is up your street you might like to look at - https://www.facebook.com/events/824255161724455
Please get in touch if it is something you might be interested in helping with. |
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