A group of neighbours from Hastings is the first to take part in a new community project that helps householders make small but effective changes in their every day lives, to benefit the environment and save money.
The project, Small Change is run by the charity Global Action Plan. It is a fun way for residents to get together, share ideas and discuss practical ways to decrease the amount of rubbish they throw away and reduce use of electricity, gas and water.
Teams of six to eight meet once a month for four months for an interactive workshop run by a local project officer. Team members look at different aspects of their lifestyles, focusing on waste, shopping, energy, transport and water. During the meetings they are given lots of tips and practical advice, and a free environmental pack to get them started.
The first Small Change team met in late April to find out more about the project and to get to know each other.
Community Project Officer, Martha Rose said:
"Being part of Small Change is a great way to have some fun and meet like-minded local people. The members of this team are all neighbours, but prior to attending the meeting had only passed each other in the street. Through Small Change you can build lasting friendships and learn something new, while helping the environment and saving money."
Anyone can be part of a Small Change team - friends, neighbours, people who attend the same club or community group. Team meetings usually take place in a member’s front room or in a local community centre and are sociable and informal, with plenty of tea and biscuits to go round and even the odd glass of wine.
As part of the project, team members are asked to weigh their weekly rubbish and recycling and take gas and electricity meter readings. This is important, because it allows teams to see the progress they are making during the course of the programme, both as individuals and collectively. Taking part in Small Change only requires a commitment of two to three hours a month, which includes the meeting and time needed to take the measurements.
Global Action Plan has shown that by making small changes, you can make a big difference. The project has been running in Nottingham for the last two years and so far more than 250 households have taken part. On average, team members reduced their household waste by 28%, energy used by over 20% and water used by 17%, which also meant lower bills.
Following this success East Sussex County Council and Hastings Borough Council have partnered with Global Action Plan and the Big Lottery Fund’s CRED Programme to deliver the Small Change project to Hastings residents for the next two years.
If you want to find out more about Small Change, contact Martha Rose, Community Project Officer, Email: martha.rose@globalactionplan.org.uk Telephone 01424 781481.
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This page last updated: 22/06/2005