Cumbria CVS Green – No4 June 2024
June 14, 2024
Welcome back to Cumbria CVS Green!
Read on for links to useful resources, information and news, updates on our own climate commitment, blog posts from colleagues about what they’re doing (in a work capacity and privately) to minimise environmental impact and more.
If you have any suggestions about what you’d like to see in our regular updates, let us know! Contact us by emailing info@cumbriacvs.org.uk
You can find our what we’re doing to minimise our environmental impact and find details of organisations supporting positive environmental action in Cumbria on our Climate Commitment page here
Catch up on our other blog posts here
In our fourth blog post Ali Phillips, Operations Manager, talks about reducing car use, catching the bus, and enjoying a day out for £4…..
On the buses (and out of the car)
So when Peter asked me to write about a Green issue, I silently went into panic mode. Then after some head scratching, I realised that my topic was staring me in the face – transport (I was looking at my car 😊).
Being the owner of a relatively new car (but old in terms of years), I have noticed that I do not drive as much as I used to and have naturally reduced my use of this vehicle in favour of more appropriate and sustainable means of transport – busses.
An example of this is when planning a day’s walking with my friend (to Helvellyn), it didn’t occur to me to take the car. I immediately checked bus times and advised her that I would meet her on the 508 bus from Penrith to Windermere at 10.20am (Saturday). Luckily she was fine with this.
True to our words, we found each other on the local Stagecoach bus and travelled onwards to Patterdale for an inexpensive £2 each 😊 – bargain!!
After a fantastic day walking on the fells (ticking off 5 Wainwright’s), we finished our walk at Glenridding and after a much needed ice cream, we then caught the 508 back to our respective homes. A fabulous day out for only £4 each – cheaper and much less stressful than driving, parking and paying for parking – which anyone who visits the Lake District will know is not cheap!!
You may think that this is the easy option as I live close to Helvellyn, but upon reflection, I have realised that I have also started using buses when going further afield. I may drive a short distance but then use buses to travel on/return or both! This started last year, and I am pleased to say has continued this year too.
The possibilities it opens are endless: journeys are simply and easy to plan; the buses are regular BUT most importantly, it is a very sustainable form of transport – more so than personal cars, plus more enjoyable and cheaper!!
So my message is simple – just think about your need to travel, how you may be able to travel and the costs. These should help you move towards a more sustainable option like me 😊.
Training and Events
Clean Air Day
Clean Air Day takes place on 20 June and is a moment for organisations and people across the country to come together and showcase the need for clean air. This year, Clean Air Day aims to engage the public in calling for action to tackle air pollution ahead of the UK general election. They are demanding action from the government to clean up air, via an online petition which you can sign here.
Organisations can also get involved by spreading awareness, encouraging staff to explore the Clean Air Hub and promoting sustainable travel options for employees.
You can find out more about Clean Air Day and why it matters through their 2023 Celebration and Insights Report here.
Zero Carbon Cumbria – What’s On
Find details of events by the Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership and the wide range of Zero Carbon Cumbria projects funded by the National Lottery.
Click here to see forthcoming events
Communicating Climate Action in Cumbria
18 June, online webinar. This free event, for communications professionals and volunteers will:
- Outline the concept of segmentation,
- Cover the seven segments from Britain Talks Climate,
- Show how segmentation and mapping can be used to engage people on climate action,
- Introduce the Cumbria maps and data.
The Great Big Green Week
8 – 16 June 2024. Whether you take part with your school, your family, your community, your place of worship or your business – there are so many ways to get involved in the Great Big Green Week!
Find out more about Great Big Green Week here
News and Information
Volunteer Opportunities Across Cumbria
Wherever you are in the county, there’s a sustainability group near you who would love to hear from you.
CAfS seeks Trustees
Cumbria Action for Sustainability are looking for dedicated, passionate individuals to join their board of trustees.
This exciting role will empower you to make a real difference for the planet while also allowing you to grow professionally, develop new skills and knowledge, expand your network, and enhance your leadership abilities.
Will you be a climate voter?
Ahead of the General Election on 4th July, Greenpeace are asking 50,000 to pledge to be climate voters, making a commitment to prioritise the climate when we vote.
They want to use this voting opportunity to influence politicians to be bold in their climate plans, and promise to deliver solutions that will improve our way of life and tackle the climate crisis.
Add your name to the pledge here
W&F Biodiversity in the Community toolkit
This document looks at the ways the Council can work collaboratively with and support town and parish councils, community groups and partner organisations, and shares some ideas and examples of biodiversity features.
W&F Green Enterprise Hub – Consultancy services from £99
Services on offer: Environmental Management Support, Carbon Audits and Building Energy & Renewables advice visits. These are available to not-for-profit organisations.
W&F Green Enterprise Hub – Success Stories
Discover how small businesses are using support from the Hub to reduce their carbon footprint and save money, including CANDO FM.
Click here to view case studies
Cumberland Council summer Environment and Climate Newsletter
The Council recently sent out a bumper summer newsletter, covering a huge range of topics affecting the area.
Click here to view the newsletter
Most adults believe charities must be environmentally sustainable, survey finds
The vast majority of UK adults believe that charities have a responsibility to be environmentally sustainable, according to new research.
Some 13 large charities including Alzheimer’s Research UK, Cancer Research UK (CRUK), Macmillan Cancer Support and Mind surveyed the public to find out what role it feels the charity sector should play in sustainability.
Entries open for the iiE Awards
Has your organisation cut down its resource use this year? Run an effective environmental campaign? Or made a considerable social impact?
Nominations are now open for this year’s Investors in the Environment (iiE) awards. Apply today and gain national recognition for your work on sustainability.
The deadline for submissions is 15th October with a workshop programme and awards ceremony on 21st November to celebrate and share the success of iiE membership, learn best practice and hear from inspirational speakers.
