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"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has" - Margaret Mead, Anthropologist (1901-1978)
Charities, Voluntary and Community Groups are increasingly being encouraged to improve their environmental efficiency, in terms of reducing energy consumption and waste. The following national and local information may assist in achieving that aim:
- How to go Carbon Neutral
- Every Action Counts
- Cut Your Carbon
- The Carbon Trust
- Greener Events - A Guide to reducing Environmental Impacts
- Things to do
How to go Carbon Neutral
REDUCE: by doing fewer things that use up energy supplies and by using more efficient supplies and vehicles.
RENEW: by getting the electricity that you still need either by generating it yourself, by using low carbon sources or purchasing from renewable suppliers. And you should switch to using alternate fuel cars if at all possible.
REPLACE: by offsetting the remaining carbon emissions by investing in tree planting or other projects that replace carbon dioxide.
Find out how Ashton Hayes is aiming to England's first Carbon Neutral Village at www.goingcarbonneutral.co.uk and download 'A Practical Toolkit for Communities Aiming for Carbon Neutrality'
Also find out how locally the residents in the Castle Ward East, Bedford are striving to become a zero carbon community through the Zero Carbon Castle Project
Every Action Counts (EAC)
www.everyactioncounts.org.uk
Funded by Defra, Every Action Counts (EAC) aims to engage national and local voluntary and community sector organisations in work to protect and improve our environment, and to deliver sustainable development solutions. It provides support and resources for voluntary and community groups and community development workers, focusing on five sustainable development themes:
- Save Our Resources
- Shop Ethically
- Save Energy
- Travel Wisely
- Care For Your Area
The site contains lots of useful information, such as easy actions that groups can take to improve their environment; success stories; and FAQs. There is an online evaluator that leads groups through a process of self evaluation and guides them through actions they can take to improve their situation.
Taking part
EAC’s message is that any group, however small, can make a difference. Groups can register with EAC to receive access to online toolkits and other resources; evaluate how future-friendly the group currently is; log actions taken to become more sustainable; and track their progress. Groups that register receive a bumper 'Community Pack' containing useful resources to get started on the road to sustainable development, and a fun game to begin the process of self evaluation. EAC aims to involve some 14,000 community groups over the lifetime of the project.
Community champions
EAC is looking for over 1,000 local community activists to lead change in their neighbourhoods. Community champions will help community groups in their area to take stock of their current environmental impact, and to create their own sustainable development action plans.
Prospective champions will receive two days of free, accredited, training. After training, champions will commit to meeting with a small number of local community groups/clubs or societies and help them take stock of their current environmental impact and produce an action plan. Champions will have access to resources including toolkits and a regular newsletter.
Support is also available via the EAC website, and travel and reasonable expenses will be covered.
Register your interest in becoming an Every Action Counts Community Champion by contacting BTCV 01302 388 841 or email to everyactioncounts@btcv.org.uk. or through the on-line registration form
Every Action Counts Fundraising Guide for Environmental Projects
Every Action Counts have issued a short guide that aims to help organisations who wish to raise money for environmental projects. The 25 page guide can be downloaded from their website and in addition to identifying potential funders also covers how to develop a successful bid. The guide can be downloaded from:
The Third Sector Delaration on Climate Change
Every Action Counts (EAC) have launched the Third Sector Declaration on Climate Change. The declaration has two main sections. The first section recognises the crucial role of the third sector and the importance of understanding the link between social justice and climate change reduction. The second section deals with the commitment of tackling climate change and provides a plan of action to be taken by those signing up to the declaration.
- You can join other organisations in committing your organisation to face this challenge by:
- Recognising the need for urgent action at all levels to combat climate change
- Adopting public plans to reduce carbon emissions
- Enabling members, service users and clients to meet this challenge and reduce their
- own carbon emissions
- Supporting national legal targets for greenhouse gas emissions
- Working in partnership with government and others to reach or exceed these targets
- Working together as a sector to inspire and encourage action on this issue
Visit www.everyactioncounts.org.uk/declaration to find out more.
Cut Your Carbon
Cut your Carbon is an exciting regional initiative, led by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA), with the goal of helping communities respond to climate change by reducing their carbon emissions.
Groups taking part will be able to:
Website: www.cutyourcarbon.org.uk
Locally Jemma McLean of Beds Rural Community Charity can advise you on putting a local project together. Contact Jemma on 01234 832617 or email jemmam@bedsrcc.org.uk
The Carbon Trust - Energy Saving Opportunities for Charitable Organisations
The Carbon Trust have produced the guide 'Charities - Energy Saving Opportunities for Charitable Organisations' (CTV036), which can be downloaded or your can request a free paper copy from their website at www.carbontrust.co.uk. You will need to register your details with the website to do this and you can locate the report by searching for 'Charities sector overview'. Additionally the website allows you to download useful posters that remind staff and volunteers to turn off lights, switch off computers etc. All in all there are some really useful resources on this website, that help your organisation to do your bit for the planet, whilst at the same time potentially saving you money!
Greener Events -
A guide to reducing the
environmental impacts of
conferences and seminars
Government Office for the South West, Envirowise, Sustainable Development Commission have produced a really useful guide on reducing the environmental impacts of events voluntary groups may stage. The guide includes a useful checklist that cover venue choice, travel considerations, catering and reducing waste. The guide can be downloaded from:
Things to Do
Want to do something to help stop global warming?
Here are some simple things you can do and how much carbon dioxide you’ll save doing them:
Change a light
Replacing one regular light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb will save 150 pounds of carbon dioxide a year & save you money on your electricity bills.
Drive less
Walk, bike, car share or use public transport more often. You’ll save one pound for every mile you don’t drive!
Recycle more
You can save 2400 pounds of carbon dioxide per year by recycling just half of your household waste.
Check your tyres
Keeping your tyres inflated properly can improve petrol consumption by more than 3%. Every gallon of petrol saved keeps 20 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.
Use less hot water
It takes a lot of energy to heat water. Use less hot water. With a kettle only fill it with the amount you are going to use for your cup of coffee or tea!
Avoid products with lots of packaging
You can save 1200 pounds of carbon dioxide if you cut down on your rubbish by 10%
Adjust your thermostat
Moving your thermostat just 2 degrees in winter and up 2 degrees in the summer. You could save about 2000 pounds of carbon a year with this simple adjustment.
Plant a tree
A single tree will absorb one ton of carbon dioxide over its lifetime.
Turn off electronic devices
Simply turning your computer off & not leaving electronic devices on stand by when you are not using them will save you thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide a year
For more tips visit:
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