Updates from Going Green Together - issue #27
Environmental news, events and opportunities for December 2023
Latest from Going Green Together
This month’s newsletter comes to you as COP28 begins. Fresh research by the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reaffirms that harmful emissions need to be cut quickly and dramatically to lessen the impacts of the climate crisis. We’ll be watching the conference closely to better understand the changing landscape of environmental sustainability and climate action.
We’re currently developing the future of the Going Green Together programme, to provide further support into 2024 and beyond. If you’d like to provide feedback on the project so far, get in touch at hello@goinggreentogether.org.uk.
Environmental advice: green your pensions
Pension providers are giving more options to invest your pension in green initiatives, and therefore fund positive action for the environment. You may wish to check your pension to make sure you’re not inadvertently funding the fossil fuel industry.
Find out more tips on the Going Green Together website.
UK Government must tackle emissions, nature recovery and climate adaptation at COP28 — Northumberland Wildlife Trust
Next year is likely to be the hottest year in recorded history. Hundreds of people and millions of animals have perished in wildfires, floods, and heatwaves on land and at sea in 2023. With COP28 beginning today, The Wildlife Trusts have three key priorities for negotiators representing the UK. Read more online.
Ofgem film reflects impact of CAN’s energy work — CAN
Ofgem, the energy regulator for Great Britain, and the Energy Saving Trust paid a visit to Northumberland back in the summer, and were keen to see how funds from the Energy Industry Voluntary Redress scheme were being put to good use by CAN. You can watch a video reflecting upon the visit through CAN’s website.
What is regenerative farming? — Durham Wildlife Trust
Ever wondered what regenerative farming is and how it compares to other farming approaches? Vicki Hird, The Wildlife Trusts’ new strategic lead on agriculture, looks at this farming buzzword and what it means through DWT’s blog.
Over 70 environmental organisations sign up to be ‘force of nature’ to diversify the environmental sector — Groundwork
This campaign calls on the environmental sector to create more accessible pathways into work for young people and will seek to inspire young people from all backgrounds to view jobs in nature as an accessible and rewarding career path. Find out more on Groundwork’s website.
Carbon Literacy Action Day — CAfS
Monday 4th December sees the world’s largest climate education-and-action training event, Carbon Literacy Action Day. Find out how CAfS is taking part and how they can support you on your climate journey, via their blog.
Energy champions information session — CAfS
Wednesday 6th December, 12 noon – 1pm, online
This free session will enable you to help your community, clients and colleagues access free support to make homes warmer, healthier and cheaper to heat. Book your place through CAfS’ website.
Climate action free clothes swap event — Climate Action Middlesbrough
Monday 11th December, 10am – 3pm, The Hope Foundation, Middlesbrough
Join the fight against fashion waste and divert clothes from landfill by coming along to this free clothes swap event at the Hope Foundation in Middlesbrough. Find out more online.
How to apply for community funding — Great Big Green Week
Wednesday 13th December, 6pm – 7.30pm, online
In this session you will learn all about how to apply for funding for your community events and initiatives, including Great Big Green Week activities. Book your place through Eventbrite.
Climate campaigns
Carbon Literacy Action Day, Monday 4th December
World Soil Day, Tuesday 5th December
Veganuary, Monday 1st to Wednesday 31st January
Environmental grants — Sport England
Sport England’s small grants programme includes funding to protect and adapt the environments in which sport and physical activity takes place, to work together towards net zero ambitions. Read more and apply through their site.
Sustainable Christmas Guide — Soil Association
Did you know that every year the UK throws away enough wrapping paper to circle the globe nine times? There are plenty of swaps, large and small, that can help you to put the planet first this Christmas. The Soil Association has pulled together their best tips for a greener Christmas through their online guide.
Net Zero indicators — NZNEE
Net Zero North East England have released an indicator dashboard to track key data in monitoring the region’s progress towards becoming environmentally sustainable. View the dashboard through their website.
You book a ticket, we plant a tree — Train Hugger
Travelling by train this Christmas? Train Hugger contributes revenue towards planting trees and restoring wildflower meadows in the UK. By booking train tickets through its service, you’re therefore helping to regrow UK nature. Find out more online.
Community energy fund — Community Energy England
A new £10 million Community Energy Fund will help kickstart projects including small-scale wind farms and rooftop solar partnerships, as well as battery storage, rural heat networks, electric vehicle charging points, and fuel poverty alleviation schemes - all proposed, designed and owned by local people.
New all day, anywhere tickets — Transport North East
A scheme has been introduced providing an affordable, more integrated ticket system for bus and public transport travel across the North East. Read more online.
And finally... join us
Join the Going Green Together movement today – to learn, take your first steps in climate action, and share your successes with the community to help inspire others. Connect with us and others by joining our network.
Going Green Together is a VONNE Climate Action Alliance initiative hosted by VONNE. Registered Company in England Number: 4061592. Registered Charity Number: 1084083