To effectively tackle the climate and nature emergencies, change is needed across our society. Global leadership is vital, but we must also empower communities to change the ways in which they live and work.
Without embracing real community action, we are at risk of slowing down progress towards the UK’s environmental commitments.
We’ve put together 26 actions that you can take to help reduce your impact on the environment:
- Grow a wildflower meadow in your neighbourhood this Autumn. It’s the perfect time to sow seeds that need a cold spell to encourage germination. Find how to bring your wildflower meadow to life.
- Create a seed bomb
- Create a Green Roof in your neighbourhood!
- Turn the tap off! Don’t leave it running whilst brushing your teeth or washing up
- Make your own bug hotel and add to own garden, communal garden, school ground.
- Make your own wax wrap – use instead of clingfilm and foil
- Cut your grass less in your garden. (this could be a school garden, communal garden or allotment)
- If you can, create a small pond in your garden. This could be a school garden, communal garden or allotment, or even on a balcony using a bucket, tub or old sink!
- Try making own cleaning productions, better for the environment as less chemicals and cheaper than eco products
- If you can, plant pollinating flowers in your garden. This could be a school garden, communal garden or allotment
- Upcycle clothes and furniture. Make welly or a teapot into a planter!
- Get crafty this October and create a Living Pallet Wall in your neighbourhood!
- Where possible, car share as much as you can!
- Start a litter picking, plogging (litter picks while running) group in the community
- Make your own hedgehog motel and add to own garden, communal garden, school ground.
- Don’t throw it, re-grow it! Plant seeds, pips, bulbs of leftover fruit and veg.
- Always carry a reusable bag, water bottle, and hot drinks mug
- It’s England: rain is inevitable. Make the most of it by creating a Rain Garden planter in your neighbourhood!
- Before you recycle or throw something in the bin, think if it can be repurposed.
- If you can, plant a small tree in your garden. This could be a school garden, communal garden or allotment
- Make your own bird house and add to own garden, communal garden, school ground.
- Find your local refill shop – refill products rather than buying new
- Ditch the tumble dryer and use solar and wind power! If you can, use a washing line, or you could put an airer on a balcony or near an open window
- Buy loose produce at the supermarket. Lots of fresh veg and fruit is available loose in the supermarket (or find a local market) it’s often cheaper than plastic wrapped too as you only buy what you need
- Switch to LED light bulbs to save energy (and money!)
- If you can, create a wood pile in your garden. This could be a school garden, communal garden or allotment