Anyone who reads the paper, listens to the news, watches nature programmes on TV – or just looks out of the window at alternating storms and heatwaves, is well aware that, whatever the causes, Climate Change is REAL. While some people say its “too late - so why bother,” others are more optimistic that we can avoid catastrophe - but most of us are not sure what to do.
The Village Green Teams were set up in 2006 to help us learn more about the causes and impact of climate change and to start looking for practical ways to live in a more sustainable way.
Obviously none of us can change the world single-handedly. But we believe that if each of us starts to choose the eco-friendly option where we can, then collectively we could slow down the rate of damage to our local environment. If we can learn from each other how to reduce our consumption of fuel, chemicals, ready meals, endless new “things”, we could even start to save money and reclaim a healthier lifestyle. The only thing stopping us? Deciding WHAT TO DO and WHERE TO START and persuading ourselves that we have to DO IT NOW.
The starting point:
- Origin of idea - Diocesan workshop May 2005 suggested green partnerships between churches and wider community.
- Decision made to set up the Green Teams to interest and involve people from Leavenheath, Polstead and Stoke by Nayland – 3 very different villages linked by their churches, schools and community newsletter.
- A “core group” formed to move things forward. More help needed to keep us going!
- Constitution agreed which provides informal structure with focus on activities rather than committee meetings.
- Efforts made to build links with churches, schools, shops, parish councils and organisations in the 3 villages with the aim of sharing ideas and working together
- Wherever possible Green Teams activities are linked with existing groups or organisations. For instance the Say NO to Plastics campaign involved all the local shops and suppliers; the CRED Climate Change workshop was run in conjunction with local scouts and guides.
- Grants from Dedham Vale AONB Sustainable Development Fund have made it possible to provide a wide range of activities and campaigns. Small donations have also been given by local people wishing to offset their holiday flights. (MORE donations from guilty flyers would be very welcome!)
From the outset the Village Green Teams have been run on a shoestring and the bulk of the work has been done by a small core group. To make real progress we urgently need more hands on deck. We know that among our neighbours are people who have just the right experience, knowledge and skills to help us keep going. So the next task is encouraging them to help us build up the Green Teams and get to grips with real issues. If YOU are interested, if you can spare an hour or so, please phone Helen on 01206 262459 or Julia on 01206 265979
