The
Greening Campaign started as a local initiative in Petersfield
Terena Plowright, feeling frustrated that everybody seemed to be waiting for "them" (The Government, the EU, The UN, Other people...) to take action on climate change decided to start in her own back yard, by encouraging people in Petersfield to adopt simple, commonsense habits that make a real difference to the amount of Carbon Dioxide we generate. All were small action things...things that anyone can do and all are free or , after a small investment save you money in the long run. The aim was to get as many people in Petersfield as possible not only taking these positive small actions, but demonstrating publically that they'd done them , thus encouraging others to join in.
Terena Plowright
It takes just one person in a community to raise their hand and say they want to reduce the effects of climate change. That one hand will be joined by other hands and together those hands will (re)build a community that is more sustainable, will reduce its effect on climate change, and will create a plan for adapting to a future with a changed climate.
It's now a huge movement, spreading to village and town communities throughout the
wider South East and now nationally too.
Over 50 villages and towns are now involved. Local communities who've successfully embraced the Greening campaign include Headley, Alton, Liss, Hindhead, Badshot Lea, Basingstoke, Clanfield, Hartley Wintney South Harting and Fleet, among many others.
Clanfield (L) and South Harting
What's Happened So Far?
To launch the Campaign in any community someone has to decide to get the get the ball rolling, as it has to be a "ground up" initiative. In this case it was Robert Simpson, with a lot of help from Bentley Parish Councillor Dave Darrah
An initial public meeting is held (this happened on March 12th at the Memorial Hall and was pretty well attended. Terena spoke very inspirationally, and the meeting divided up into small groups to discuss which "challenges" were most appropriate for Bentley to take.
Ten challenges were chosen by discussion & voting.
A date has been set for the launch event (July 4th)
Robert is busy drumming up support from community groups. All those interested in supporting and helping to organise the launch are invited to attend a meeting on Monday 18th May in the Kingsmill Pavillion on Bentley Recreation Ground at 8.00pm
Robert Simpson
What Happens Next?
After the meeting, the hard work of organising the launch event will occur. This is set for Saturday 4th July in the Memorial Hall from 10am -12noon
What Do I Have to Do to Support this Campaign?
Pop into the launch event at the Memorial Hall on the morning of 4th July
Learn about the "10 Challenges"
Pick up a Green Card which details the 10 challenges
Complete at least 5 of the 10 Challenges
To show you've completed your Challenges, display the Green Card in the window of your home or business.
What Are The Ten Challenges?
Turn off lights when you leave a room
Turn off all standbys
Walk if journey is less than a mile
Top up loft insulation to depth of 270mm
Boil only the amount of water needed
Turn the thermostat down by 1deg.C
Buy Energy Saving Recommended appliances
Reduce toilet flush by putting a brick or a "hippo" in the cistern
Turn off taps when brushing teeth
Draught proof around doors, windows, letterboxes, keyhole.
How Will That Make a Difference?
If a typical household did all Ten Challenges it would reduce the emission of CO2 by well over a tonne per year! Think about it....Carbon dioxide is a gas: it's literally as light as air so one tonne of it is a helluva lot! And that's only the start. Communities who reach the desired target of the percentage of all households who complete five of the ten Challenges can go on to tackle other, more ambitious challenges aimed at becoming more sustainable at home, and helping other communities around the world to reduce their impact on Global Climate, and to become more prepared for some of the adverse effects of Climate Change that are already starting to happen
Imagine what a TONNE of CO2 looks like! That's how much you'd save if you took all Ten Challenges
Contacts and Further Information
Robert Simpson 01420 22094 rfsimpson@talk21.com
Greening Campaign page on Bentley Parish Council Website (Click here)
Main Greening Campaign national website www.greening-campaign.co.uk (Click here)