Green Champion case studies
Green Community Champion: Sophie Broadbent
Why have you become a green champion?
Green issues have always made sense to me and I wanted to learn more about it. In August 2008 I went to the Urban Green Fair in Brockwell Park. It was full of representatives from local environmentally aware groups and I joined Transition Town Brixton, and Food Up Front - both of which have inspired and supported me in learning about Green Issues
What areas interest you most and why?
Unnecessary waste and over-consumption of resources are big issues for me. It makes me sad that children now will not be born into as clean a world as I was but I am determined to do my part to help.
How are you contributing to the environment?
I recycle all I can in my orange bags. We have a garden waste collection service from my street which is brilliant when we cut the hedge. I also take all of our small electrical items and old batteries etc. to the local dump/recycling centre so they don't go into landfill - If I can't get them fixed locally first and use Freecycle for bigger things that are still in good condition. I've started growing my own food at home
What have you got out of it? What are the benefits you get out of being involved (food produce, financial savings, personal satisfaction, composting)?
It has made me feel good about where I live, and I now feel like I can do something positive about issues that are important to me. I’ve been inspired and supported to set up a Big Lunch street party in my street. It’s been a great excuse to meet people who live and work close to me, and it’s hugely exciting.
Plans for future activities or projects?
It would be amazing if we could have an annual street party here. I'd also like us to share our resources and become a more environmentally aware area of Brixton - at the moment it looks encouraging, so I will do what I can depending on what everyone's interested in.
Tips for individuals to do some of the activities on their own. How can others become involved?
I think it's up to all of us to know about and use our local services. My tip would be to read your local paper for information, go to local events like the Lambeth Country Show, and the Urban Green Fair - . It has inspired me to meet my neighbours and do something positive that I believe in - any day is good to start.
Green Community Champion: Toni Scott, Whiteley Road Green Group
How did you hear about the program?
It was through my membership of Transition Town Brixton (TTB) that I began to consider starting up a series of neighbourhood meetings to see if there was interest in activities to inspire more sustainable lifestyles.
Why have you become a green champion?
I was keen to do something to contribute to energy reduction in the face of climate change I also have an interest in community development. It was after the first few neighbourhood meetings had successfully taken place I learnt that I'd been nominated as a Green Champion.
What areas interest you most and why?
I had read a book about climate change and watched many TV documentaries on the topic and the more I talked about my activities the more came to understand their impact on the environment.
How are you contributing to the environment?
Through TTB I had joined the urban food growing network “Food up Front” and become a street rep to support and encourage other members. I had also started to get work done on my house to reduce heat loss, energy consumption and water consumption.
How did you get others in your street to become involved?
Not only were they already interested and committed to playing their part but they were really enthusiastic and full of brilliant ideas. All I needed to do was initiate the first meeting on energy awareness raising and offer minimal support.
What have you got out of it?
As a Green Champion I enjoy networking opportunities with like minded people in the wider community. I have saved money by reducing my energy consumption and growing my own food. I feel healthier as a result of a more active lifestyle, have developed many new interests and made new friends.
Would you encourage more people to take up environmental projects?
Once people start to get involved I believe they find inspiration and motivation to continue in various ways according to their means. It is much like planting a seed in fertile ground.
Plans for future activities or projects?
Our group is planning to have energy assessments carried out on our homes with a view to reducing energy consumption. We are inviting other residents to join us for the Big Lunch which is planned as a picnic in nearby Norwood Park.
Tips for individuals? How can others become involved?
People can carry out an assessment of their energy use by referring to the Energy Saving Trust website. There is help and support available from Lambeth Council's Green Communities Officer. There are affordable and relatively quick and easy ways to draught proof doors and windows as well as a host of other tips to share and swap with neighbours.