Climate Emergency

What are you doing to tackle the Climate Emergency?

• Share Free Dr Bike Check - Chester Townhall Square on Saturday 20th April 2024 on Facebook Share Free Dr Bike Check - Chester Townhall Square on Saturday 20th April 2024 on Twitter Share Free Dr Bike Check - Chester Townhall Square on Saturday 20th April 2024 on Linkedin Email Free Dr Bike Check - Chester Townhall Square on Saturday 20th April 2024 link

  Free Dr Bike Check - Chester Townhall Square on Saturday 20th April 2024

  about 2 years ago
  

  Chester Cycling Campaign, with the Bike Factory, will be offering a Dr Bike service at the Taste Cheshire Farmers Market in Chester Town Hall Square on Saturday, 20 April.

  Services are available between 9am - 4pm.

  Please book online: Free Dr Bike Check - Chester Townhall Square Saturday 20th April 2024 Tickets, Sat, Apr 20, 2024 at 9:00 AM | Eventbrite

  Please arrive with your bicycle at the allotted booking time to avoid delay and disappointment. Please be prepared to wait while you bicycle is attended to, so that it can be taken away once the Dr Bike check has... Continue reading

  Chester Cycling Campaign, with the Bike Factory, will be offering a Dr Bike service at the Taste Cheshire Farmers Market in Chester Town Hall Square on Saturday, 20 April.

  Services are available between 9am - 4pm.

  Please book online: Free Dr Bike Check - Chester Townhall Square Saturday 20th April 2024 Tickets, Sat, Apr 20, 2024 at 9:00 AM | Eventbrite

  Please arrive with your bicycle at the allotted booking time to avoid delay and disappointment. Please be prepared to wait while you bicycle is attended to, so that it can be taken away once the Dr Bike check has been completed. There will be no bicycle storage space.
• Share Get involved in Chester Green Weekend on Facebook Share Get involved in Chester Green Weekend on Twitter Share Get involved in Chester Green Weekend on Linkedin Email Get involved in Chester Green Weekend link

  Get involved in Chester Green Weekend

  by Eco Communities, about 2 years ago
  

  
  

  
  

  Helen Tandy, Director, Eco Communities

  As an Ambassador for Chester Great and Small, we decided to bring some existing events together under ‘Chester Green Weekend’ as part of the national Great Big Green Week (GBGW), something we have supported since its launch by The Climate Coalition.

  Our event brings together various sustainable activities, including AT Fest, Green Expo and our Sustainable Cheshire Fair which has moved with GBGW to June from September. With the fantastic help of We love Good Times and Reasonably Good.

  You still have time to take part, we are looking for activities, workshops, walks... Continue reading

  
  

  
  

  Helen Tandy, Director, Eco Communities

  As an Ambassador for Chester Great and Small, we decided to bring some existing events together under ‘Chester Green Weekend’ as part of the national Great Big Green Week (GBGW), something we have supported since its launch by The Climate Coalition.

  Our event brings together various sustainable activities, including AT Fest, Green Expo and our Sustainable Cheshire Fair which has moved with GBGW to June from September. With the fantastic help of We love Good Times and Reasonably Good.

  You still have time to take part, we are looking for activities, workshops, walks, stalls, food and entertainment to take place all within the walkable City of Chester. The weekend event we want to be free to attend, although some special activities can include a charge, such as work shops.

  Many people are becoming more conscious of their impact on the environment and are looking for ways to live more sustainably. One way to do this is by buying and selling second-hand items, which not only reduces waste but also saves resource and energy that would be used to create new products.

  One way to do this is by buying and selling second-hand items, which not only reduces waste but also saves resource and energy that would be used to create new products.

  Do you have any pre loved items at home you want to pass on? Why not take part in our first Luggage Rummage… A great push for a bit of a home declutter as well…

  We will be distributing 10,000 copies of a special Chester Green Weekend Map. See example of an existing We Love Good Times Map. to promote the event in the run up.

  We are fully committed to promoting and bringing more people into Chester, engaging them with the Climate Emergency and the fantastic sustainable businesses, projects and organisations in our region.

  With activities in Grosvenor Park, Town Hall Square and at the Oh Design Foundation we have so much going on.

  We have space for more businesses and organisations. It would be great if you would get involved:

  – Financially (support our Crowdfunder )

  – Organising an activity whether in your business premises or in Grosvenor Park (BOOK A STALL)

  – Promoting the event to your contacts.

  - Get your ticket early -- (BOOK)

  Read more on our Crowdfunding Page, any questions email the team office@sustainablecheshire.uk

  
  

  
  
• Share Navigating Net Zero event - Thursday, 28 March 2024 on Facebook Share Navigating Net Zero event - Thursday, 28 March 2024 on Twitter Share Navigating Net Zero event - Thursday, 28 March 2024 on Linkedin Email Navigating Net Zero event - Thursday, 28 March 2024 link

  Navigating Net Zero event - Thursday, 28 March 2024

  about 2 years ago
  

  Groundwork, in partnership with Cheshire West & Chester Council, is hosting a "Navigating Net Zero" event in Ellesmere Port. Join us to learn about Net Zero, carbon reduction solutions, and available Grant support.

  
  

  When: Thursday, 28th March 2024

  Where: Sustainability House, Cheshire College, Ellesmere Port Campus

  Achieving Net Zero is an important step for the future of businesses to align with global efforts to address climate change. Businesses that embrace sustainability are likely to be better positioned for success in a rapidly changing and environmentally conscious global landscape. But what does that mean for you and your business, how can... Continue reading

  Groundwork, in partnership with Cheshire West & Chester Council, is hosting a "Navigating Net Zero" event in Ellesmere Port. Join us to learn about Net Zero, carbon reduction solutions, and available Grant support.

  
  

  When: Thursday, 28th March 2024

  Where: Sustainability House, Cheshire College, Ellesmere Port Campus

  Achieving Net Zero is an important step for the future of businesses to align with global efforts to address climate change. Businesses that embrace sustainability are likely to be better positioned for success in a rapidly changing and environmentally conscious global landscape. But what does that mean for you and your business, how can you make a positive action plan and what support is available to achieve Net Zero goals?
  
  Join us for our bite-sized breakfast event available for local businesses to learn how to navigate the Net Zero landscape and future-proof your business through sustainability actions. Through the Race to Zero project with Cheshire West & Chester Council Groundwork’s Sustainable Business Consultants will dive into detail of what Net Zero means for businesses, solutions and technologies available to reduce carbon emissions and what financial support is available to help.
  
  In addition to Groundwork Consultants, we’ll also be hearing from our hosts at Cheshire College who will be talking us through their sustainability journey. They will be taking us through what they have done so far, including the creation of their Sustainability House, and their plans for the future.
  
  We look forward to seeing you there.
  
  Event agenda:
  
  Attendee Arrival: 9 – 9:30am
  
  Welcome: Cheshire West and Chester Council (9:30am)
  
  Session 1: Understanding Net Zero (9:35am)
  
  Session 2: Low and zero carbon technologies to tackle scope 1 & 2 emissions (9:50am).
  
  Session 3: Importance of Science-Based Targets (10am)
  
  Session 4: Cheshire College – Journey towards their sustainability (10:10am)
  
  Session 5: Grants for Net Zero Investment (10:20am)
  
  Session 6: Audience Q&A Session 10:30am
  
  Attendee departure 10:45 – 11am

  Limited spaces available. RSVP now:

  https://groundworksbs.org.uk/join-us-navigating-net-zero-event-cheshire/

  Don't miss out on this opportunity to drive sustainability in your business!
• Share Take part in Earth Hour 2024 on Facebook Share Take part in Earth Hour 2024 on Twitter Share Take part in Earth Hour 2024 on Linkedin Email Take part in Earth Hour 2024 link

  Take part in Earth Hour 2024

  about 2 years ago
  

  Every year, millions of people around the world come together, at 8.30pm local time on the a Saturday in March, to observe Earth Hour, a symbolic event that highlights the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable living.

  Since its creation in 2007, Earth Hour, which is organised by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), has been known for its “lights off” moment. As landmarks and homes across the world switch off, supporters are also invited to symbolically switch off and 'Give an hour for Earth’, spending 60 minutes doing something - anything - positive for our planet. In 2023, over 410,000... Continue reading

  Every year, millions of people around the world come together, at 8.30pm local time on the a Saturday in March, to observe Earth Hour, a symbolic event that highlights the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable living.

  Since its creation in 2007, Earth Hour, which is organised by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), has been known for its “lights off” moment. As landmarks and homes across the world switch off, supporters are also invited to symbolically switch off and 'Give an hour for Earth’, spending 60 minutes doing something - anything - positive for our planet. In 2023, over 410,000 hours were given to our planet by supporters in 190 countries and territories, representing 90% of the planet, making it the Biggest Hour for Earth.
  
  This year Earth Hour takes place on Saturday, 23 March. Cheshire West and Chester Council will be participating in this year’s event by turning off the lights on a number of landmarks and buildings across the area, including the lights on the Eastgate Clock in Chester.
  
  
  Ideas for taking part
  
  As well as turning off non-essential lights at home WWF has developed the Hour Bank, a new online interactive tool, to help everyone, everywhere to find the most enjoyable ways to give an hour for Earth. Whether it is a mindful walk through the woods to bask in the smell of air, feel the earth, and take in the sounds or engaging in a home scavenger hunt to identify and swap out unsustainable products with eco-friendly alternatives, there are myriad options to choose from.
  
  The Hour Bank provides a list of activities and events based on participants' lifestyle interests and preferences, from food and fitness to art and entertainment.

  For inspiration visit the WWF Hour Bank.

  
  
  Playing our part every day

  While Earth Hour is a great event that shows global unity in the fight against climate change, it is important that we can continue this momentum to help protect the planet throughout the year. By incorporating eco-friendly actions into our daily lives, we can all contribute to building a more healthy and sustainable future for our planet. Whether it's reducing our energy use, minimising waste, or planting a tree, every action, no matter how small, has the potential to make a difference.

  Share what you are doing for Earth Hour and beyond on the ‘Your Story’ section of the Climate Emergency Inspire hub.
• Share Cheshire garage wins TotalEnergies ‘Fit for the Future’ award 2023 with solar and forestry initiatives on Facebook Share Cheshire garage wins TotalEnergies ‘Fit for the Future’ award 2023 with solar and forestry initiatives on Twitter Share Cheshire garage wins TotalEnergies ‘Fit for the Future’ award 2023 with solar and forestry initiatives on Linkedin Email Cheshire garage wins TotalEnergies ‘Fit for the Future’ award 2023 with solar and forestry initiatives link

  Cheshire garage wins TotalEnergies ‘Fit for the Future’ award 2023 with solar and forestry initiatives

  about 2 years ago

  TotalEnergies Marketing UK has announce that Mill Lane Garage in Frodsham has been named the winner of its inaugural Fit for the Future award.

  The award was launched in late 2023 to recognise and reward independent workshops who are evolving their businesses as part of the decarbonisation of the automotive industry and the transition to more sustainable mobility.

  Eligible garages could either enter themselves for the award, or be nominated by a customer or supplier.

  Entries were assessed by a panel of judges including automotive experts from TotalEnergies’ lubricants division and Adam Beswick, head of category for Lubricants and... Continue reading

  TotalEnergies Marketing UK has announce that Mill Lane Garage in Frodsham has been named the winner of its inaugural Fit for the Future award.

  The award was launched in late 2023 to recognise and reward independent workshops who are evolving their businesses as part of the decarbonisation of the automotive industry and the transition to more sustainable mobility.

  Eligible garages could either enter themselves for the award, or be nominated by a customer or supplier.

  Entries were assessed by a panel of judges including automotive experts from TotalEnergies’ lubricants division and Adam Beswick, head of category for Lubricants and Filtration at Alliance Automotive Group - the second largest distributor of passenger and commercial vehicle parts to the independent automotive aftermarket in Europe.

  Garages entering the award were judged against three core criteria:

  • Carbon saving (immediate / long term)
  • Biodiversity impact (Local or commercial)
  • Innovation, ambition, and inspiration

  Mill Lane Garage, located in Kingsley, near Frodsham impressed the panel with its investment in solar panels which has significantly reduced grid energy consumption and moved the business on to a more sustainable footing.

  At the same time, Mill Lane has made a major contribution to the local environment and carbon capture by working with The Mersey Forest to plant 4,000 trees on land adjacent to the garage – which proprietor PJ Starkey notes has been particularly well received by customers.

  Winning the Fit for the Future award, Mill Lane was provided a £5,000 prize bundle by TotalEnergies to help the business continue on its journey towards net zero.

  David Valentyne, Business Development Manager at TotalEnergies Marketing UK, said:

  “First and foremost a big thank you to all of the workshops who submitted or were nominated for the TotalEnergies UK Fit for the Future Award. We saw some brilliant examples of practical sustainability in action and choosing a winner was not at all straightforward.

  “Mill Lane Garage is a shining example of an independent workshop committed to sustainability, demonstrating dedication to reducing its environmental impact and embracing good practices to support decarbonisation.

  "In today's challenging economic and political climate, it is inspiring to see independent workshops like Mill Lane Garage taking proactive measures to become more sustainable. Their commitment to reducing their environmental footprint is not only commendable but also essential for the future of the automotive industry, with bold steps needed to mitigate and manage the environmental impact of motoring as we transition towards decarbonised mobility. We are proud to recognize Mill Lane Garage's leadership and applaud their efforts in inspiring others to follow suit."

  PJ Starkey, owner of Mill Lane Garage said:

  “We wanted to do anything we could to improve sustainability especially as we’re in a trade which by its nature is a hostile environment for the planet and nature. Customers comment on the trees all the time as they are very visible and a big project. Our solar panels are behind the scenes so people may not recognise they’re there and what they do, but they have enabled us to make real energy savings – which both has saved us money as a business when bills are going up as well as making our energy usage more green.”

  
  
• Share Watch Six Inches of Soil documentary film at Chester Picturehouse on Facebook Share Watch Six Inches of Soil documentary film at Chester Picturehouse on Twitter Share Watch Six Inches of Soil documentary film at Chester Picturehouse on Linkedin Email Watch Six Inches of Soil documentary film at Chester Picturehouse link

  Watch Six Inches of Soil documentary film at Chester Picturehouse

  about 2 years ago
  

  Picturehouse Green Screen is proud to present Six Inches of Soil, touring our sites with a live panel conversation following the film.

  Six Inches of Soil tells the inspiring story of young, British farmers standing up against the industrial food system and transforming the way they produce food, in order to heal the soil, our health and provide for local communities.

  
  

  Half the food we eat in the UK is produced by about 180,000 farmers, who manage 70 per cent of our land. Current ‘industrial' mainstream farming practices significantly contribute to soil degradation, biodiversity loss and climate change.... Continue reading

  Picturehouse Green Screen is proud to present Six Inches of Soil, touring our sites with a live panel conversation following the film.

  Six Inches of Soil tells the inspiring story of young, British farmers standing up against the industrial food system and transforming the way they produce food, in order to heal the soil, our health and provide for local communities.

  
  

  Half the food we eat in the UK is produced by about 180,000 farmers, who manage 70 per cent of our land. Current ‘industrial' mainstream farming practices significantly contribute to soil degradation, biodiversity loss and climate change. Regenerative farming practices, (within an agroecological system) promote healthier soils, provide healthier, affordable food, restore biodiversity and sequester carbon.

  The film is a story of three new farmers on the first year of their regenerative journey to heal the soil and help transform the food system - Anna Jackson, an eleventh-generation Lincolnshire arable and sheep farmer; Adrienne Gordon, a Cambridgeshire small-scale vegetable farmer; and Ben Thomas, who rears pasture fed beef cattle in Cornwall.
  
  

  As the trio of young farmers strive to adopt regenerative practices and create viable businesses, they meet seasoned mentors who help them on their journey. They are joined by other experts providing wisdom and solutions from a growing movement of people who are dedicated to changing the trajectory for food, farming and the planet.

  Green Screen is a safe space to discuss the issues raised by environmental films, and to meet other interested community members. Join the filmmakers, local activists, and more for discussions that will carry on past the end of the panel – everyone is invited to stay in the cinema's bar or cafe to connect, and enjoy a free tea or filter coffee when you bring a keep cup!
  
  Read more and book a ticket on the Picturehouse website.
  
  Find out more about Six Inches of Soil.
  
  
• Share Does your organisation or business serve food, would you like a new accreditation? on Facebook Share Does your organisation or business serve food, would you like a new accreditation? on Twitter Share Does your organisation or business serve food, would you like a new accreditation? on Linkedin Email Does your organisation or business serve food, would you like a new accreditation? link

  Does your organisation or business serve food, would you like a new accreditation?

  by Eco Communities, about 2 years ago
  

  
  

  
  

  Many of us are taking a number of actions at home to be more climate friendly, with lots of these centred around food – for example by reducing food waste, buying seasonal, having meat free Mondays, using refillable cups and bottles etc. But what about when we eat out? How do we know that we aren’t undoing all of our good work?

  The answer may be in the new initiative being rolled out by Eco Communities and supported by the West Cheshire Food Partnership.

  
  This new community-led project encourages businesses in the region to commit to a sustainable food pledge... Continue reading

  
  

  
  

  Many of us are taking a number of actions at home to be more climate friendly, with lots of these centred around food – for example by reducing food waste, buying seasonal, having meat free Mondays, using refillable cups and bottles etc. But what about when we eat out? How do we know that we aren’t undoing all of our good work?

  The answer may be in the new initiative being rolled out by Eco Communities and supported by the West Cheshire Food Partnership.

  
  This new community-led project encourages businesses in the region to commit to a sustainable food pledge. Eco Communities are asking businesses that serve food in the area for their support by signing up to the national scheme.

  Food for the Planet is a national accreditation scheme that encourages businesses and community groups to pledge towards sustainable food practices. The overriding Sustainable Food Places project, brings together your local council, individual residents, businesses and community organisations, with the aim of improving our local food system whilst also reducing our community’s impact on the wider environment.

  Eco Communities are working with Cheshire West Voluntary Action and Cheshire West and Chester Council to roll out the Food for the Planet project in the region. The Food for the Planet Pledge is a menu of commitments to choose from to ensure that the food you serve is freshly prepared, local, seasonal, and supports the local economy.

  To start, you are asked to just select one mandatory commitment below:

  We have reduced the amount of meat and dairy served by at least 25%

  We source at least 25% of meat and dairy from higher welfare, more environmentally friendly sources

  You can then work with us to complete the remaining pledges which we ask you do by 2025. You might be doing some of this already, for example running a plant-based business, paying the Living Wage, or selling verifiably sustainable fish. If so, that’s great, you can count that on the form.

  By taking the Planet Pledge, you will be joining a community of UK food businesses who are committed to serving meals that are better for people and nature.

  We would love for you to show your support by adding the name of your organisation to the pledge – HERE(External link). Don’t hesitate to drop me an email if you would like to discuss the project or need any more information.

  On behalf of Eco Communities thank you for taking the time to read this and we hope to welcome you as a Food for the Planet partner very soon. If you have questions email Helen T, Helen C and Angharad on office@sustainablecheshire.uk
• Share How can I make our next community event more sustainable? on Facebook Share How can I make our next community event more sustainable? on Twitter Share How can I make our next community event more sustainable? on Linkedin Email How can I make our next community event more sustainable? link

  How can I make our next community event more sustainable?

  by Eco Communities, about 2 years ago
  

  
  

  I have been arranging sustainable events in Chester for around 7 years, we have also held an event in Grosvenor Park for the last few years.

  There are now huge festivals with thousands of attendees that use sustainable principles. The general principles will be the same for any event from a community one day event to a three day festival in the middle of the countryside.

  Eco Communities started by organising the Sustainable Cheshire Fair, and events as part of Great Big Green Week. We are now supporting events and activities within Cheshire to become more sustainable.

  We have created... Continue reading

  
  

  I have been arranging sustainable events in Chester for around 7 years, we have also held an event in Grosvenor Park for the last few years.

  There are now huge festivals with thousands of attendees that use sustainable principles. The general principles will be the same for any event from a community one day event to a three day festival in the middle of the countryside.

  Eco Communities started by organising the Sustainable Cheshire Fair, and events as part of Great Big Green Week. We are now supporting events and activities within Cheshire to become more sustainable.

  We have created a guide based on our experiences and have been able to include a hire part to this project for 2024.

  Our Returnables Hire

  A returnable cup scheme is a simple but effective way to make events more sustainable, cost-effective, and convenient for attendees. By implementing this scheme, event organisers can help to reduce waste, minimise environmental impact, and promote a more eco-friendly culture.

  We have a stock of both our Cheshire Cup for hot drinks and our Reusable pint & half pints for cold drinks.

  These can be hired for community events in Cheshire. This will result in a saving to the planet and for you in waste disposal.

  The hire fee is dependant on the type of event, the organiser, units and type of reusables needed.

  #CheshireReturnables

  
  

  Email office@sustainablecheshire.uk for our event Sustainable Event and Cup Hire brochures

  
  

  Thanks Helen Tandy, Director helentandy@sustainainablecheshire.uk
• Share Winsford Sustainability Partners on Facebook Share Winsford Sustainability Partners on Twitter Share Winsford Sustainability Partners on Linkedin Email Winsford Sustainability Partners link

  Winsford Sustainability Partners

  by Kea, over 2 years ago

  WinsfordSustainability

  Partners

  This is a new Winsford Community Group set up to look at what we can do about the breakdown of our climate and nature & the health benefits of action

  Facebook: Winsford Sustainability Partners & website coming soon.

  First Event: Heat in homes: how to improve comfort & save money & carbonSpeaker: Mark Thompson, local engineer and energy specialistwww.getenergysavvy.info
  followed by Q&A
  Weds 31st January 7.30pm – 9pm Asda community room, Winsford

  Aims of the group:

  1. Inform ourselves about what is happening in our natural world(it’s the only one we’ve got!) and how this affects health

  2... Continue reading

  WinsfordSustainability

  Partners

  This is a new Winsford Community Group set up to look at what we can do about the breakdown of our climate and nature & the health benefits of action

  Facebook: Winsford Sustainability Partners & website coming soon.

  First Event: Heat in homes: how to improve comfort & save money & carbonSpeaker: Mark Thompson, local engineer and energy specialistwww.getenergysavvy.info
  followed by Q&A
  Weds 31st January 7.30pm – 9pm Asda community room, Winsford

  Aims of the group:

  1. Inform ourselves about what is happening in our natural world(it’s the only one we’ve got!) and how this affects health

  2. Take action to improve our environment, tackle air pollution,make Winsford a nicer and safer place to live

  3. Learn new skills (like cooking to save waste and money,saving energy, mending clothes, growing food etc.)

  4. Share our knowledge and skills

  All welcome: children, families, retired, working
  Do you have skills you could contribute - Social media, food growing, sewing,mending stuff etc? Or would you simply like to find out more & add your voiceto what happens in Winsford?

  To be more involved message Kathy: 07936 804236Or come to our next meeting: Weds 17th Jan 2024 7.30pm@ The GGO 15-17 Finsbury Walk, Winsford CW7 2YA
• Share Sustainable New Year resolutions on Facebook Share Sustainable New Year resolutions on Twitter Share Sustainable New Year resolutions on Linkedin Email Sustainable New Year resolutions link

  Sustainable New Year resolutions

  over 2 years ago
  

  As we start 2024, many of us will be thinking about making changes in our lives and perhaps setting ourselves some New Year resolutions. Making a sustainable resolution, such as one of the top ten ideas below, could reduce our own impact and help our environment.

  
  

  
  

  1. Pledge to reduce your personal carbon footprint this year – this is one that encompasses all the ideas below, but if we set ourselves a target to reduce our carbon footprint by a certain percentage this year we are more likely to achieve it. There are lots of carbon footprint calculators available on... Continue reading

  As we start 2024, many of us will be thinking about making changes in our lives and perhaps setting ourselves some New Year resolutions. Making a sustainable resolution, such as one of the top ten ideas below, could reduce our own impact and help our environment.

  
  

  
  

  1. Pledge to reduce your personal carbon footprint this year – this is one that encompasses all the ideas below, but if we set ourselves a target to reduce our carbon footprint by a certain percentage this year we are more likely to achieve it. There are lots of carbon footprint calculators available on the internet. We like the World Wildlife Fund’s calculator(External link) which only takes about 10 minutes to complete. Find out what your carbon footprint is currently and then decide how much you want to reduce it by.

  2. Commit to not using any disposable single-use cups or bottles – there are so many great reusable bottle and cup options out there. If you haven’t got one yet, consider investing in one at the start of the year and try to remember to take it with you everywhere you go. You could use the refill app(External link) to find out which local businesses will let you fill up your water bottle for free.

  The Cheshire Cup, a reusable, returnable coffee cup scheme, is available. This scheme was developed due to a need to eliminate billions of single-use cups from landfill. Find out more on the Sustainable Cheshire website(External link).

  3. Go paper-free – At home, contact your bank and household suppliers to opt out of paper bills and request digital receipts if possible. This will help you declutter your home too. If you attend regular meetings, try taking notes on your laptop instead of using a notebook.

  4. Change what you buy – commit to only buying reused, recycled or sustainably-sourced items. Try visiting your local charity shop or purchase items from sites such as Facebook Market Place or Vinted. Some of the Council's Recycling Centres have Reuse Shops where you can pick up Items such as bric-a brac, small electrical items and some furniture, all of which are safety tested. Find your nearest Recycling Centre.(External link)

  5. Choose more sustainable travel options – consider walking or cycling shorter distance or car sharing with a colleague to either go to and from work or to meetings you are attending together. If you’d like to gain more confidence to cycle, Chester Cycling Campaign run a Chester Cycle Buddies scheme(External link), which matches experienced volunteer cyclists who are campaign members with those who would like some support to help them cycle more in Chester. Alternatively, consider using public transport – traveline(External link) is a useful site for planning your trip. During January 2024 the Council is offering free travel on the Chester Park and Ride service too – find out more(External link).

  6. Eat more plant-based meals – if you have not tried many plant-based recipes before, a good place to start is committing to just one or two meals a week that is plant-based. If you want to challenge yourself further take part in Veganuary, a national campaign encouraging people to try a vegan diet in the month of January. The BBC Good Food website(External link) has a whole section of tasty vegan recipes to inspire you.

  7. Turn your thermostat down – by turning down your central heating thermostat down by just one degree you could save around 10% on your energy bill and around 320kg carbon dioxide a year. However, do make sure your home is warm enough during cold weather to ensure you don’t damage your health. The ideal temperature range to set your thermostat is 18-21 degrees.

  8. Take your own shopping bags – refuse any plastic bags when you are out shopping and use your own reusable shopping bag. Don’t forget about those small plastic bags available to put loose fruit and vegetables in – as an alternative just put them loose in your basket, take your own container or small bag, or use a paper bag if you really need to.

  9. Shop locally and in season – try to buy products that have been grown or made locally so that they have fewer miles to travel. Growing fruit and vegetables in season requires lower levels of artificial inputs like heating, lighting, pesticides and fertilisers than at other times of the year. So, seasonable produce has a lower environmental impact. Eat Seasonably(External link) has a useful calendar to tell you what is in season each month. If you are interested in growing some of your own fruit and vegetables this year the Love the Garden website (External link)has advice on what to plant each month.

  10. Avoid fast fashion – wear something already in your wardrobe, buy second hand clothes or buy from an ethical and sustainable clothing brand if you need to purchase something new. Every year, global emissions from textile production are equivalent to 1.2 billion tonnes of CO2, a figure that outweighs the carbon footprint of international flights and shipping combined.
  
  Information sources

  (External link)https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/home-energy-efficiency/thermostats-and-controls (External link) Energy saving trust

  (External link)http://eatseasonably.co.uk/ (External link) Eat Seasonably
  
  (External link)https://unearthed.greenpeace.org/2019/09/12/fast-facts-about-fast-fashion/ (External link) Green Peace