Environment and Sustainability Work Group
When we consider 'environmental sustainability' we mean ensuring and maintaining a high quality environment for present and future generations. As we come to realise that humankind depends on the natural world, sustaining a livable environment becomes all the more important.
Through the production of educational literature and dissemination of information the Environment and Sustainability Group seeks to inform the public about human impacts (both positive and negative) on the local and global environment.
The aims of individuals in the Environment and Sustainability Group are to:
'Raise awareness locally and nationally on issues of environmental degradation and how to commit sustainability, the impact of economically focused politics and businesses, the impacts of lifestyle and consumption and how to practically reduce environmental degradation and increase sustainability through the way we live our lives.'
Why volunteer with the Environment Group?
'I volunteer at the centre because I want to help people realise we need to make a change in the way we live, and all efforts no matter how small can make a difference.'
Anna Shamoon, Environment Group coordinator
'I enjoy being able to spend my spare time in BPEC, so I can be a part of an organisation whose aim is to create change no matter how big or small which can enhance the life of others.'
Tammy McCann, Volunteer
Issue of the month... Ethical Shopping
10 Shopping tips for the ethical consumer
1. Shop locally. Local, independent stores discourage car use and support the local community.
2. Use wholefood shops. These stores are increasingly stocking fair trade and organic products that are harder to come by in supermarkets.
3. Fair Trade. Look out for the fairtrade foundation market products which guarantee workers have been fairly rewarded. High street outlets of fairtrade include Oxfam (01865 311311)and Tradecraft (0191 491 1001).
4. Buy organic produce. Organic food is free of chemical fertilizers and pesticides which benefits the consumer as well as the environment. Look out for the Soil Association symbol or contact them (0117 9290661) for your nearest organic outlet. Pulse is a little shop in the Open Market offering "loose" stock, organic fruit n' veg and Ecover refills. No need to buy a new package every time- just get a refill!
5. Ethical money. The co-op is currently the only high street bank with a truly ethical stance (0800 905090).
6. Use wood products. Many timber products in the UK originate from unsustainably managed forests. The Forest Stewardship Council (01686 413916) verifies sustainable timber and paper products. Look out for the logo.
7. Bags for life. The UK alone uses over 10 billion carrier bags a year. Just one carrier bags takes 1000 years to decompose. Take your own canvas/reusable bag with you when you go shopping or take advantage of the 'bag for life' many supermarkets now stock.
8. Check products are not tested on animals. Look out for 'not tested on animals' labels. You can contact BUAV (0207 700 4888) for an approved product guide.
9. Organic locally grown veggies on your doorstep:
Barcombe Nurseries: 01273 400 011, Mill Lane, Barcombe BN8 5TH
Stanmer Park Nurseries: 01273-620486
10. Or else grow your own!
You can get organic seeds at Infinity Foods (01273 424060). Window Boxes can be bought at most garden centers. And if you don't have a garden...
Council Allotments: waiting lists are closed until January 2007, but it's worth keeping an eye, they only £ 34 per year and everyone is eligible. Concessions apply.
Allotment Officer: 01273 292225