What are you doing to tackle the Climate Emergency?

• Share How Volunteering can Inspire you to make a Difference on Facebook Share How Volunteering can Inspire you to make a Difference on Twitter Share How Volunteering can Inspire you to make a Difference on Linkedin Email How Volunteering can Inspire you to make a Difference link

  How Volunteering can Inspire you to make a Difference

  by Eco Communities, about 4 years ago
  

  
  Volunteering means giving your time and abilities to aid others (usually a non-profit organisation like Eco Communities) without reward. Giving to others can also help protect your mental and physical health. It can reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose. While it’s true that the more you volunteer, the more benefits you’ll experience, volunteering doesn’t have to involve a long-term commitment or take a huge amount of time out of your busy day. Giving in even simple ways can help those in need and improve your health and happiness. Want to do something... Continue reading

  
  Volunteering means giving your time and abilities to aid others (usually a non-profit organisation like Eco Communities) without reward. Giving to others can also help protect your mental and physical health. It can reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose. While it’s true that the more you volunteer, the more benefits you’ll experience, volunteering doesn’t have to involve a long-term commitment or take a huge amount of time out of your busy day. Giving in even simple ways can help those in need and improve your health and happiness. Want to do something about climate change and the climate emergency why not volunteer with us at Eco Communities - read full blog - LINK
• Share Fighting food waste on Facebook Share Fighting food waste on Twitter Share Fighting food waste on Linkedin Email Fighting food waste link

  Fighting food waste

  about 4 years ago
  

  Wednesday 27 April is ‘Stop food waste’ day. A time to be grateful for the good food we eat and reflect on how much we buy and waste.

  WRAP, a global sustainability charity, communicates the importance of reducing food waste on their Love Food Hate Waste website. They highlight how your food is at its best when it’s on your plate, ready to be enjoyed. It’s perfect in your fridge, ready to be used, or stored in the freezer for another time. It’s at its worst when it’s in your bin.

  Saving food can also help us save money... Continue reading

  Wednesday 27 April is ‘Stop food waste’ day. A time to be grateful for the good food we eat and reflect on how much we buy and waste.

  WRAP, a global sustainability charity, communicates the importance of reducing food waste on their Love Food Hate Waste website. They highlight how your food is at its best when it’s on your plate, ready to be enjoyed. It’s perfect in your fridge, ready to be used, or stored in the freezer for another time. It’s at its worst when it’s in your bin.

  Saving food can also help us save money, and it is good for the planet too, helping to slow down global warming.

  WRAP states that, if global food waste were a country, it would be third largest emitter of greenhouse gases after China and the US.
  
  In the UK alone, households waste around 6.5 million tonnes of food every year. What’s worse is that 4.5 million of that is still edible (enough to fill 90 Royal Albert Halls). This includes food left on plates and bread crusts, waste that can be avoided if we think and act a little smarter.

  By making some small changes and using up every edible bit of your food, you will be playing your part in looking after the environment.
  
  

  How to cut down on food waste

  Plan and be super organised

  • Check the contents of your fridge, freezer, and store cupboard once a week. This will help you with your next shopping list.
  • Plan your meals each week. Don’t forget to use what you have in your cupboards.
  • Make a list before you go shopping. Have a pad and pen handy or use your smartphone.
  • Look for the longest use-by date.
  • Try to buy foods that can be frozen.
  • Save money by buying what you need, not what you want.
  • Avoid going to the supermarket when you feel hungry. You end up buying more than you need.
  • Buy loose when you can. Packaging only adds to the cost of your shopping.
  • Avoid ‘Buy one, get one free’ offers if you are not likely to eat it all.

  Embrace your inner chef

  • Cook the right amount and reduce waste. Need help, try using a portion planner Portion Planner | Love Food Hate Waste
  • Create your own recipes with what you have in your cupboards and fridge.
  • If in doubt, make soup. Vegetables, chicken and even cheese taste great in soup.
  • For inspiration check out Recipes | Love Food Hate Waste

  Chill out with your fridge and freezer

  • If you have a busy time ahead, cook extra portions and freeze for a later date.
  • Freeze leftovers for another time.
  • Bread is one of the most likely foods to be wasted. This can be avoided by putting it in the freezer and using it for toast.
  • Don’t forget to label tubs and bags bound for the freezer with a date so that you can use them in order.
  • Make sure your fridge temperature is below 5 degrees Celcius
  • Too much milk? This can be frozen. Pour a little out for a hot drink before you freeze. This allows room in the bottle for the milk to freeze without spilling.
  • Not sure how to store something. Check out this handy A to Z Food Storage A to Z | Love Food Hate Waste

  
  

  
  
• Share Save the earth one litter pick at a time on Facebook Share Save the earth one litter pick at a time on Twitter Share Save the earth one litter pick at a time on Linkedin Email Save the earth one litter pick at a time link

  Save the earth one litter pick at a time

  by Eco Communities, about 4 years ago
  

  Eco Communities ask you to act as part of ‘A Billion Acts of Green’ this Earth Day and become a volunteer

  Today April 22nd it’s Earth Day, Earth Day started in 1970 and now has more than a billion people taking part to protect the planet from things like pollution and deforestation. By taking part in activities like picking up litter and planting trees, we’re making our world a happier, healthier place to live. Read full story- CLICK

  
  

  Eco Communities ask you to act as part of ‘A Billion Acts of Green’ this Earth Day and become a volunteer

  Today April 22nd it’s Earth Day, Earth Day started in 1970 and now has more than a billion people taking part to protect the planet from things like pollution and deforestation. By taking part in activities like picking up litter and planting trees, we’re making our world a happier, healthier place to live. Read full story- CLICK

  
  
• Share Watch our free webinars about the climate and nature emergencies on Facebook Share Watch our free webinars about the climate and nature emergencies on Twitter Share Watch our free webinars about the climate and nature emergencies on Linkedin Email Watch our free webinars about the climate and nature emergencies link

  Watch our free webinars about the climate and nature emergencies

  about 4 years ago
  

  Earlier this year the Council hosted a series of free webinars, working with local partners to provide advice on the actions we can all take to address the climate and nature emergencies.
  
  If you missed attending the sessions live you can view the webinars on the recordings below.
  
  

  Working with nature to tackle the climate emergency
  
  The Mersey Forest discuss the important role land plays, from producing food, and sequestering carbon, to keeping us cooler, and managing water.
  
  Watch a recording of the webinar
  
  

  For peats sake: A webinar by the Cheshire Wildlife Trust discussing alternatives to using peat compost

  ... Continue reading

  Earlier this year the Council hosted a series of free webinars, working with local partners to provide advice on the actions we can all take to address the climate and nature emergencies.
  
  If you missed attending the sessions live you can view the webinars on the recordings below.
  
  

  Working with nature to tackle the climate emergency
  
  The Mersey Forest discuss the important role land plays, from producing food, and sequestering carbon, to keeping us cooler, and managing water.
  
  Watch a recording of the webinar
  
  

  For peats sake: A webinar by the Cheshire Wildlife Trust discussing alternatives to using peat compost

  Cheshire Wildlife Trust hosted a webinar in March 2022 showing ways you can care for both your garden and the planet by using alternatives to peat compost in your green space.
  
  Watch a recording of the webinar
  
  View the 'For peats sake' presentation

  Free for all: A webinar by the Cheshire Wildlife Trust discussing upcycling and recycling to reduce consumption in your garden

  Experts from Cheshire Wildlife Trust share tips and advice about upcycling and recycling items from around your home to reduce consumption in your garden in this webinar.

  Watch a recording of the webinar

  View the 'Free for all' presentation

  View the Cheshire Wildlife Trust's upcycling toolkit

  Climate proof your garden: A webinar by the Cheshire Wildlife Trust focusing on adapting your garden to extreme weather

  As extreme weather becomes more common in our country, there are ways that we can modify our gardens to help us adapt to the impact of climate change. Cheshire Wildlife Trust provide tips and advice in this webinar about saving water, keeping cool and helping reduce the impacts of flooding.
  
  Watch a recording of the webinar

  View the 'Climate proof your garden' presentation

  
  

  Some residents asked questions at the webinars which could not all be answered in the live sessions. Answers to the questions can be viewed online.
• Share Chester Wetland Centre Public Consultation on Facebook Share Chester Wetland Centre Public Consultation on Twitter Share Chester Wetland Centre Public Consultation on Linkedin Email Chester Wetland Centre Public Consultation link

  Chester Wetland Centre Public Consultation

  about 4 years ago
  

  Taking place at The Friendly Bench®

  Saturday 19th March 11:00am – 2:30pm

  The Friends of the Countess of Chester Country Park are hosting a public consultation about the Chester Wetland Centre Project. Come and find out about, and give us your views, on our exciting new plans to create a unique wetland habitat in the Country Park.

  
  

  
  

  There will also be two FREE community events at the same time as part of our involvement with the National Nature Recovery Strategy. Join the TCV Park Ranger planting trees in the morning and sowing wildflower sees on our new grassland area in... Continue reading

  Taking place at The Friendly Bench®

  Saturday 19th March 11:00am – 2:30pm

  The Friends of the Countess of Chester Country Park are hosting a public consultation about the Chester Wetland Centre Project. Come and find out about, and give us your views, on our exciting new plans to create a unique wetland habitat in the Country Park.

  
  

  
  

  There will also be two FREE community events at the same time as part of our involvement with the National Nature Recovery Strategy. Join the TCV Park Ranger planting trees in the morning and sowing wildflower sees on our new grassland area in the afternoon.

  11:00 – 12:30 | Community Tree Planting

  13:00 – 14:30 | Community Wildflower Seed Sowing
  
  Contact Neil on 07740 899716 or n.mcmahon@tcv.org.uk to find out more.
• Share Youngsters learn about sustainability at Blacon Adventure Playground on Facebook Share Youngsters learn about sustainability at Blacon Adventure Playground on Twitter Share Youngsters learn about sustainability at Blacon Adventure Playground on Linkedin Email Youngsters learn about sustainability at Blacon Adventure Playground link

  Youngsters learn about sustainability at Blacon Adventure Playground

  by Avenue Services, about 4 years ago
  

  CHILDREN in Blacon are discovering more about the environment thanks to a new hands-on learning experience at Blacon Adventure Playground.

  Youngsters visiting the playground can have a go at building their own eco-friendly houses, while learning about some of the key factors that make homes more energy-efficient, such as heat pumps and better glazing and insulation.

  The learning materials are part of a wider project to improve sustainability at the playground, with the long-term goal of it becoming carbon free. This has seen a host of upgrades installed, including solar panels, an air source heat pump and energy efficient lighting.

  ... Continue reading

  CHILDREN in Blacon are discovering more about the environment thanks to a new hands-on learning experience at Blacon Adventure Playground.

  Youngsters visiting the playground can have a go at building their own eco-friendly houses, while learning about some of the key factors that make homes more energy-efficient, such as heat pumps and better glazing and insulation.

  The learning materials are part of a wider project to improve sustainability at the playground, with the long-term goal of it becoming carbon free. This has seen a host of upgrades installed, including solar panels, an air source heat pump and energy efficient lighting.

  The improvements have been funded by national housing provider Sanctuary as part of its own commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions, and were designed by sustainability consultancy Anthesis and installed by Hewer FM.

  Paul Knight, head of Avenue Services, which manages Blacon Adventure Playground, said: “The work we’ve carried out has already reduced our CO2 emissions by around five tonnes a year, which is a fantastic result.

  “But while our own numbers are important, a big part of this project is about involving the local community and engaging with them about the impact of climate change and how we can all make a difference.

  “It’s been great to see so many children enjoying our new materials and showing a real enthusiasm for learning about sustainability.”

  The educational materials will be based at the adventure playground, but Avenue Services is also hoping to take them into local schools and community venues later in the year.

  Kian Spencer, age nine, said: “I really enjoyed learning about the environment and all the different ways that we can make the places where we live more sustainable. I’ll definitely be doing my bit to help the planet wherever I can.”

  Avenue Services, which is a not-for-profit organisation, is a joint venture between Sanctuary and Cheshire West and Chester Council.

  
  
• Share Environmental works at Blacon Adventure Playground on Facebook Share Environmental works at Blacon Adventure Playground on Twitter Share Environmental works at Blacon Adventure Playground on Linkedin Email Environmental works at Blacon Adventure Playground link

  Environmental works at Blacon Adventure Playground

  by Avenue Services, about 4 years ago

  We’re committed to protecting the environment and playing our part to combat climate change.

  As part of that commitment, we’ve carried out significant work at Blacon Adventure Playground to make the site more environmentally friendly.

  As well as fitting solar panels, we’ve also installed air source heat pumps and smart LED lighting systems.

  The improvements were funded by national housing provider Sanctuary as part of its own commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions, and were designed by sustainability consultancy Anthesis and installed by Hewer FM.

  As a result of the work, we’ve already reduced our CO2 emissions... Continue reading

  We’re committed to protecting the environment and playing our part to combat climate change.

  As part of that commitment, we’ve carried out significant work at Blacon Adventure Playground to make the site more environmentally friendly.

  As well as fitting solar panels, we’ve also installed air source heat pumps and smart LED lighting systems.

  The improvements were funded by national housing provider Sanctuary as part of its own commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions, and were designed by sustainability consultancy Anthesis and installed by Hewer FM.

  As a result of the work, we’ve already reduced our CO2 emissions by around five tonnes each year, and our long-term goal is for the playground to become a net carbon zero site.

  Watch our video to find out more about the work and why we’re committed to tackling climate change.
• Share River Sunday Litter Pick - by Welsh Dee Trust and Eco Communities on Facebook Share River Sunday Litter Pick - by Welsh Dee Trust and Eco Communities on Twitter Share River Sunday Litter Pick - by Welsh Dee Trust and Eco Communities on Linkedin Email River Sunday Litter Pick - by Welsh Dee Trust and Eco Communities link

  River Sunday Litter Pick - by Welsh Dee Trust and Eco Communities

  by Eco Communities, about 4 years ago
  

  
  

  Welsh Dee Trust and Eco Communities are working together to organise regular clean ups and litter picks to help keep the river clear of plastic and other rubbish. Please volunteer if you would like to help clean up the bank-side, numbers are limited to 20 for this event.

  REGISTRATION VIA EVENTBRITE IS REQUIRED.

  MORE INFO and BOOK HERE

  
  

  Welsh Dee Trust and Eco Communities are working together to organise regular clean ups and litter picks to help keep the river clear of plastic and other rubbish. Please volunteer if you would like to help clean up the bank-side, numbers are limited to 20 for this event.

  REGISTRATION VIA EVENTBRITE IS REQUIRED.

  MORE INFO and BOOK HERE
• Share Tellus Magazine - by Eco Communities Community Interest Company on Facebook Share Tellus Magazine - by Eco Communities Community Interest Company on Twitter Share Tellus Magazine - by Eco Communities Community Interest Company on Linkedin Email Tellus Magazine - by Eco Communities Community Interest Company link

  Tellus Magazine - by Eco Communities Community Interest Company

  by Eco Communities, about 4 years ago
  

  Supported by some friendly Councillors we are able to create a sustainably printed copy of this magazine but here is our E-version.

  Written for businesses, individuals and families wanting to do more about sustainability.

  LINK TO MAGAZINE

  Supported by some friendly Councillors we are able to create a sustainably printed copy of this magazine but here is our E-version.

  Written for businesses, individuals and families wanting to do more about sustainability.

  LINK TO MAGAZINE
• Share Free climate and nature emergencies webinars on Facebook Share Free climate and nature emergencies webinars on Twitter Share Free climate and nature emergencies webinars on Linkedin Email Free climate and nature emergencies webinars link

  Free climate and nature emergencies webinars

  about 4 years ago
  

  
  Throughout March and April the Council is hosting a series of free webinars, working with local partners to provide advice on the actions we can all take to address the climate and nature emergencies.

  Monday 21 March, 12.30pm - Working with nature to tackle the climate emergency
  All land has an important role to play as part of wider action to tackle the climate and nature emergencies. This includes woodlands, peatlands, saltmarshes, rivers, and agricultural land, as well as parks, allotments, school or business grounds, street trees, road verges, pockets of derelict or neglected spaces, green roofs and walls, and... Continue reading

  
  Throughout March and April the Council is hosting a series of free webinars, working with local partners to provide advice on the actions we can all take to address the climate and nature emergencies.

  Monday 21 March, 12.30pm - Working with nature to tackle the climate emergency
  All land has an important role to play as part of wider action to tackle the climate and nature emergencies. This includes woodlands, peatlands, saltmarshes, rivers, and agricultural land, as well as parks, allotments, school or business grounds, street trees, road verges, pockets of derelict or neglected spaces, green roofs and walls, and domestic gardens. The Mersey Forest team will be discussing the different roles this “green infrastructure” can play, from producing food, and sequestering carbon, to keeping us cooler, and managing water. There will also be a section exploring how residents in west Cheshire can help and some resources available for this.
  
  Friday 25 March, 12.30pm – For peats sake: Alternatives to using peat compost
  Peat has been a major ingredient of the compost used in gardening for many years. This peat is taken from rare wildlife habitats, damaging some of the last remaining peatlands in both the UK and overseas in places like Eastern Europe. This process also releases carbon into the atmosphere, accelerating climate change. Cheshire Wildlife Trust will be sharing ways you can care for both your garden and the planet by using alternatives to peat compost in your green space.
  
  Wednesday 30 March, 12.30pm – Free for all: Upcycling and recycling to reduce consumption in your garden
  Experts from Cheshire Wildlife Trust will be sharing tips and advice about upcycling and recycling items from around your home to reduce consumption in your garden in this lunchtime webinar. Find out how to make a planter out of just about anything as well as getting some creative tips on how to garden on a budget.
  
  Friday 1 April, 12.30pm – Climate proof your garden: Adapting your garden to extreme weather
  As extreme weather becomes more common in our country, there are ways that we can modify our gardens to help us adapt to the impact of climate change. Cheshire Wildlife Trust will be providing tips and advice in this webinar about saving water, keeping cool and helping reduce the impacts of flooding.
  
  

  How to register
  
  To attend any of these short lunchtime webinars, please register online. The instructions for joining the online sessions will be emailed to you a few days before the webinar takes place.
  
  There is also an opportunity to ask the experts a question related to the webinar topic. Please complete the question section on the online registration form. If there is time, some of the questions will be answered as part of the webinar or responses will be emailed out after the event.