Meat and dairy production is having a devastating effect on our environment, both here in the UK and globally; contributing to climate change, deforestation, water pollution and the depletion of natural resources. Moving to a plant based diet is the single most effective way that people can reduce their carbon footprint. We know that having a liveable planet now and for younger generations is important to local people. Croydon Council declared a climate emergency five years ago and we now call on elected members to show leadership in this area by showing that switching to plant based catering is easy to do and is the best option for the health and future well-being of our diverse community.

At a time of ecological and climate emergencies we need bold action, now. Research demonstrates that transitioning to a plant-based food system could free up around 75% of global agricultural land, offering incredible potential for rewilding, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity restoration. Additionally, plant-based systems can reduce food-related greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70%, making this shift one of the most effective solutions for tackling the climate crisis. By embracing plant-based solutions, we can create a healthier, greener planet while still producing enough nutritious food for everyone.  This campaign is an opportunity to drive positive change that benefits both people and the planet. Councils can lead the way by adopting plant-based food systems, reducing their environmental footprint, and setting a powerful example for others to follow. By joining this movement, we can build a sustainable future where thriving ecosystems and a stable climate are within reach. Together, we can ensure our food systems work for the benefit of all life.

The residents of Otley are trying to halt the unnecessary felling of trees in Tittybottle park in Otley. One of the trees at risk is a 180 year old Oak tree, another is a large Tulip tree.  The trees are due to be felled in order for a large crane to access the site to erect a temporary footbridge over the River Wharfe, during repair work on the old medieval bridge. This temporary bridge is due to cost in the region of £2m. (Repair work is due to cost £1m) Due consideration has not been given to these trees during the design process of this temporary bridge. With some careful design these trees could be saved, for example if the bridge was constructed in sections and fed out over the river, then the crane access would not be required. This also presents an opportunity to design a footbridge that remains accessible even in the event of a flood. The environmental impact of losing these trees, that sit on a flood plain beside the river Wharfe, would be devastating. The river bank would become less stable, the thousands of species of insects and animals living within these trees and their roots would lose their habitat, and we would lose the most effective carbon capture factories on Earth. We cannot casually accept the loss of oaks without also accepting the loss of thousands of other plants and animals that depend on them, oak declines in the UK threaten the survival of 2300 other species of plants and animals. (Mitchell RJ et al 2019, collapsing foundations: The ecology of the British oak, implications of its decline and mitigation options. Biological conservation 233:316-317.) We must stop thinking ‘It’s just one tree’ this situation is being repeated too often around the world, we are in the middle of an environmental collapse. Please sign this petition to help stop the felling of these beautiful trees.

This is so fundamental when trying to tackle climate change!  We have the technology, it would create jobs in the Green Economy, and it could help reduce the cost of our energy bills. The impact could be game changing, so it MUST be compulsory for all property developers. They have vast profits and could easily absorb the cost impact. 

The science is clear; fossil fuels are primarily responsible for accelerating climate change. Worthing is already seeing the impact of the climate crisis, including an increase in flooding, rising temperatures, drought, and rising sea levels. These extreme events will have an even greater impact on the most vulnerable in Worthing.  A new global initiative is calling for a 'Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty' [Fossil Fuel Treaty] to plan the end of fossil fuel exploration and expansion.  The Treaty complements the Paris Agreement and addresses the need for a swift and just transition from fossil fuel energy into renewable, safe energy systems for everyone.  Worthing Borough Council is taking steps to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy but their efforts will be undermined if we do not bring down carbon emissions nationally and globally. Backing the Fossil Fuel Treaty would demonstrate that the Council is committed to doing everything possible to address the climate emergency.  If you are a resident of Worthing Borough, please add your support & sign the petition.      

We are living in a Nature crisis, this last year our Insect populations have crashed . We need to do better. We need to save our nature . Raising awareness is vital to their survival 

Everyone and every creature deserves a local environment in which they can thrive. 

Medical blister packs are difficult to recycle  and millions are sent to landfill, incinerated or littered with all the negative effects resulting from single use packaging. Alternative sustainable, recyclable packaging is urgently needed.   

🤔 Ever wondered what happens to the soft plastic that you return to the supermarket for recycling? Well, we've managed to find out. 🕵️ We placed tracking devices into 40 bundles of soft plastic packaging and dropped them at front-of-store collection points at Sainsbury's and Tesco supermarkets across England. 🔥 The results of our investigation reveal that 70% of the tracked soft plastic bundles that reached a final destination is burnt, not recycled.  🚢 The rest ended up at recycling facilities that downcycle soft plastic waste into products other than packaging – the majority of which were in Türkiye. ⚠️ Environmental law NGO ClientEarth warns that there is strong evidence that soft plastic recycling claims are misleading the public. 🛒 Since 2021, major UK supermarkets, including Sainsbury's and Tesco, have been rolling out front-of-store collection points to recycle soft plastic packaging, while “Recycle with bags at large supermarkets” labels are now seen across an extensive range of soft plastic packaging. 🙅 But soft plastic packaging is acknowledged by the waste management industry and the UK Government to be incredibly challenging to recycle... 🏭 With plastic production set to triple by 2060, these schemes are a symptom of a system that is out of control.  ✊ Supermarkets are part of the problem. But they’re also part of the solution. 🗣️ Now you can help push for change. ✏️ Sign and share our petition calling for Sainsbury’s and Tesco to publicly back a 40% cut in global plastic production by 2040.

Because it would reduce the carbon emissions we produce which contribute to global warming and would reduce the UK's dependency on energy imports from other countries. 

This would ensure that members of the public are aware of what is actually happening in their area. It would confirm if treatment plants are over or near capacity. This would ensure that when new building works are being proposed members of the public and local government have all the information needed to make an informed decision. It would also show the government where new builds could be safely built, without harm to the people and the environment. At the moment there is only population capacity treatment data available through the Environment Agency. This only includes population, we need to know how many businesses are also on each sewage treatment plant. Lastly, we need to know how the treatment plant is performing, when was maintenance last performed and what are its issues. 

The establishment of a mega farm is critically concerning for several reasons. Firstly, modern animal agriculture techniques, particularly in large-scale operations, are notoriously cruel. Pigs and chickens are often subjected to extreme confinement, preventing them from engaging in natural behaviours. This leads to significant physical and psychological suffering for the animals. Secondly, the environmental impact of such farms is profound. These operations generate large amounts of waste, which can contaminate local water supplies and contribute to air pollution. The excessive use of antibiotics in these settings also poses a risk of developing antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can affect human health. Moreover, the presence of a mega farm can have serious repercussions for local communities. The potential for foul odours, increased traffic, and noise pollution can degrade the quality of life for nearby residents. Property values may decline, and the local infrastructure could become strained under the increased burden. In summary, opposing the mega farm is vital to protect animal welfare, safeguard our environment, and ensure the well-being of our local communities. Promoting more sustainable and humane farming practices is essential for a healthier, more ethical future.