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Guest Blog – Clare James, Climate Cymru – Great Big Green Week

 

Great Big Green Week is the UK’s largest event dedicated to climate action, taking place from 10th to 18th June 2023. Led by Climate Cymru it’s a week-long celebration of climate action, and a chance for individuals and organisations to come together to take action, combatting climate change.

As the impact of climate change becomes increasingly clear, it’s more important than ever for everyone to do their bit to reduce carbon emissions and protect the planet.  By getting involved in Great Big Green Week, housing associations can take an important step towards building a greener, more sustainable future for Wales.

Last year, Sustainable Llanfairfechan organised a clothes swap at their eco fair, working with around 30 partners, including Cartrefi Conwy, including local environmental groups, volunteer led organisations, eco businesses and startups. MP Robin Millar visited to chat with stall holders.

Laura Fielding, one of the organisers said:

 

“The Clothes Swap was super successful, and we have been asked to do another one this year. We invited Debra Drake from the Great British Sewing Bee to give a talk about her experience on the show to kick off the event and she brought along some of the garments she had made. There was also a bar and our local Town Twinning group provided crepes for donations to raise money for future trips. The atmosphere was wonderful, with everyone mingling and chatting and we are very excited about running another one as part of this year's Great Big Green Week!”

Here are some ways in which housing associations can involve their tenants in their activities related to Great Big Green Week:

 

1. Organise Community Clean-Ups to provide tenants and communities with the right tools and equipment to clean their surroundings, plant trees, or help to maintain the local environment. 2. Host workshops about sustainable living practices, such as composting, water conservation, energy efficiency, and sustainable food choices. 3. Share resources and information with tenants about the importance of climate action and how to take practical steps to reduce their carbon footprint. 4. Share the progress on positive initiatives to reduce emissions like decarbonisation of housing stock, retro fitting and new builds.

 

As we face the climate crisis, it’s important for everyone to come together and take action to protect our planet. By getting involved in Great Big Green Week, Housing associations can make a significant contribution towards creating a sustainable future for all.

Let’s work together towards a greener, more sustainable future for Wales!

For further information and bilingual resources, visit The Great Big Green Week website here or email clare@climate.cymru

 

 

Clare James 

Great Big Green Week Coordinator

Twitter – @clarecjJames 

 

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