Manchester has a New Wave of Sustainable Activists

Changing the way we produce, consume and use food for a sustainable future.

3 minute read

If every person was to make a few small changes to their daily lives, the place we all call home suddenly starts to look brighter for years to come. In Manchester, a new wave of young activists are leading the charge towards a more sustainable future, encouraging others to join a global community of climate champions.

For climate scientists, the covid-19 pandemic opened a small window of hope for a collective reflection in the way we live, consume, and interact with our natural environment. This, so they hoped, might lead to the decline in the greenhouse gas emissions so desperately needed, but how much of a role does food consumption play as our climate changes, and connectively, the role of those campaigning for a sustainable future?


A quarter of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions can be seen as a direct result of food production, with red meat and dairy having the biggest impact.

According to The planetary health diet, launched by The EAT Lacet commission on food, planet and health, we must cut our global red meat and sugar consumption in half, at the same time doubling our intake of vegetables, nuts and fruit. The proposition is the first of its kind in a scientific sense, providing flexible guidelines that supply the ‘optimum’ diet for a healthy planet and those that live on it.

Whilst the old saying ‘an apple a day will keep the doctor away’ might not necessarily be true, only one in three people in the UK eat the five recommended portions of fruit and vegetables each day, reflecting a society that hasn’t got healthy food as a front-running priority.

I am learning that activists don’t have to fight every battle, just the ones that break their heart, and do it with such authenticity and love for their cause that others are energised to join.

Hannah Temme, Food Wave activist, Manchester

Food Wave, an EU funded project from Development Education and Awareness-Raising (DEAR), is elevating awareness around sustainable approaches to consuming and producing food in our cities in support of climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, whilst having a voice of influence within institutional decisions. The project will amplify the voices of young people within 16 EU cities, including Manchester, to translate the effects of food production, consumption and waste to a wider audience.

Manchester has completed its first winter school, with participants now developing campaign actions plans with their new found knowledge and peers.

I believe that the benefits of getting our young people in the garden as part of their conventional learning could be instrumental in changing the way we live for the better.

Hattie Thomas, Food Wave activist, Manchester.
So how do we achieve a fair and sustainable global food system by 2030?

Waste Less
Here in the UK, 2019 saw supermarkets produce 896,853 tonnes of plastic packaging, (the equivalent of 9,000 blue whales). However, global readings are yet to show the required silver cloud of optimism either; it is estimated that around 30% of the world’s food goes to waste each year. Find sustainable ways to use left-over food, only buy what you need and only cook what you’ll eat.

Aldi’s pasta sauce jars have the measurements under the sticker to help you reduce waste!

Adopt a more plant based diet
Sudden change to our daily routines can seem daunting and quite frankly overwhelming, so it’s always best to introduce rather than eliminate. Meat is frequently at the centre stage of our plates, but by cutting back on your meat consumption, or choosing chicken and fish over beef, you’re slowly but surely reducing your carbon footprint and its impact on the world. If you apply some thought to how this might be possible in your life, you will still meet your nutritional needs!

Shop Locally
Not only is it within walking distance, but your local grocers is a wonderful insight into what fresh produce is available in that particular season, and how you can introduce new ingredients to your plate. The European Food Information Council (EUFIC) has launched a climactic regional map, which allows you to explore seasonal fruit and vegetables from across Europe, filtered through months and weather conditions. Support local business and explore what is available right now at your local shop!

[The] knowledge that we are connected to a much larger Food Wave network in numerous cities throughout Europe is also really powerful. It feels like we are at the start of a steep upwards curve for food system change over the coming years and decades.

Raddon Stephenson, Food Wave Activist, Manchester.

Taking measures on an individual level is a smart start, but to accomplish a fair and sustainable food system, you too can become part of a wider movement to raise awareness. Follow the Food Wave movement online and share your thoughts by using the hashtags #FoodWave and #CatchTheWave.