Practical green initiatives for clubs, churches, community groups and local volunteers.
Whether you’re part of a Rotary Club, church group, residents’ association, village committee, Men’s Shed, Women’s Institute or other volunteer organisation, you have the power to create meaningful environmental change right where you live.
The good news is that you don’t need a huge budget, specialist knowledge, or years of planning to get started.
Each project can be adapted to suit your local area and is designed to be achievable with volunteers, enthusiasm and a modest budget.
Get started today: Create your free Net Zero hero account.
Creating your free account means you can set up your team and track your progress in reducing your carbon footprint.
Calculate your carbon footprint and get started
You don’t need to build a wind farm or plant a forest to create positive environmental change.
Small actions, carried out consistently by local people, can transform neighbourhoods, improve wellbeing, protect nature and reduce carbon emissions.
Whether you start with a litter pick, a bee-friendly planter, a repair café or a community orchard, every project begins with a single step.
This means doing some research as to what is already being done in your area and what’s possible. You will need to think about what’s possible and practical, both now and should there be ongoing work to do. Such as maintaining a project long term.
You need plenty of enthusiasm to get a project started, but you also need a plan! Who will do what, how and when?
Does your club or group have enough volunteers to achieve this, or will you need to recruit more helpers? (If so, this can be a great way to collaborate with other community groups)
Do you need permission from the local council? Or insurance?
Are there any costs involved? If so, can you apply for funding from a charity or local organisation?
Tell people what you are doing. Post on local forums, put pictures on social media, pitch it to the media. Promoting projects like this doesn’t just inspire others to take environmental action, but it can help promote your group as well.
If you need to buy materials, hire equipment or even purchase land for your community environmental project, you may be able to raise funds or apply for a grant.
Many grants for environmental projects are available through national schemes such as the UK government, National Lottery or even by asking your local council.
You might also want to approach local businesses to see if they would be interested in sponsoring your project in return for promotion, approaching local charity groups such as Rotary clubs or community foundations. Or you might simply like to crowdfund and ask local people to support the project.