Going Green in 2012!
New Year’s Revolution:
Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Steyning’s Greening Campaign is certainly proof positive of that. We also know how much fun it can be!
Green with no hot air:
The Greening Campaign for Steyning, Bramber and Upper Beeding was set up at the end of 2010 with the aim of making a start in cutting carbon emissions. We have grown into a busy and successful group, with an established reputation in the local community and links to key decision-makers.
Here’s what we’ve achieved so far:
Solar Steyning:
Our solar promotion saw the number of Steyning’s green roofs increase dramatically. The added bonus was that donations from the installers helped to fund a solar PV system for the museum. Luckily many systems were installed ahead of the Government’s December cuts to the scheme.
Buses - Use it or Lose it!
Thanks to tireless campaigning by Greening volunteers, we have won some reprieve for the 2A bus service and continue to work closely with Brighton and Hove buses. The news is not so good for the Compass Bus services, which are still under threat of subsidy cuts.
Give Your Stuff Away Day:
A new tradition is born! Throughout last summer, the Greening Campaign promoted a day where you can put your unwanted stuff outside your home, or go free-shopping at other people’s. It happens on the first Sunday of the month, after the Farmers’ Market, and we’ll be starting again on March 4th in time for spring cleaning.
Insulation Campaign:
October 2011 was our big push on insulation, as there are currently good grants available to help with the cost of insulating your home. Our thanks are due to RS Insulation, HCL Energy, and the managers of the Steyning Co-op and the Upper Beeding Nisa for their support.
Shop Local:
We were delighted to be a part of the Steyning Christmas Fair, promoting the wide variety of gifts and goodies you can buy without having to hop in the car. Petrol prices and parking fees make shopping locally a very attractive option!
Green Drinks:
Not a St Patrick’s Day event! Green Drinks is simply our monthly gathering, on the last Wednesday of every month. It’s a very informal and friendly evening. Everyone’s welcome and there’s no expectation to get involved; you can simply enjoy spending time with like-minded people.
And next … what would you like to do?
The Greening Campaign is looking for new people with new ideas for 2012. Come along to our Green Drinks at the Steyning Cricket Club, 8.00pm on Wednesday 25th January, where everyone is welcome to share ideas for this year’s green projects. We’d love lots of input, so if you can’t make this event please email ideas to us at 1010steyning@gmail.com. We’ll then present our 2012 plans at the Steyning Showcase on Saturday 25th February, and post them on our website.
Joining in!
The group is already very active and engaged, and we’re always happy to welcome new members. We work well together and enjoy making a difference to our patch of the planet. Being a part of the Greening Campaign is a great way to meet new people and get involved in your local community, as well as making the most of your skills or developing new ones. Whatever you have to give will be greatly appreciated – and you will have fun, guaranteed!
Thanks to….
We’ve had great support from our community, especially Steyning Co-op, The Sussex Produce Company and Truffles who supported a fundraising evening. Funding from the WSCC Community Initiative Fund has been vital to our work. The Cooperative membership Community Fund generously provided our new notice board, outside the Co-op above the newspapers. And last, but in no way least, thanks to every single volunteer who has stepped up in 2011 to make a difference.
All welcome!
Come and meet the Greening Campaign - bring your green ideas to the Steyning Cricket Club, 8.00pm, Wednesday 25th January.
Website: www.1010steyning.org
Have a happy and GREEN New Year!
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