When it comes to fighting the climate and nature crisis, there is power in working with others and co-creating solutions. A guest blog by Sam Cassidy, our Net Zero and Sustainability Lead here at Everyturn.
At Everyturn, we know that our carbon emissions are part of the problem, which is why we have an ambition to be net zero by 2030 for the emissions we directly control. We also know that we’re one small piece in a very large jigsaw. We recognise how important it is to support other organisations to make changes, and play their own part in creating a greener, fairer future.
We’re really pleased to be part of the Become Green Together programme, joining other Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations across North East England to share learning and act together.
On September 24, we held a roundtable with other VCSE organisations to explore common themes and challenges when trying to become more sustainable. There was a strong focus on wellbeing and the connection between sustainability and mental health. We talked about our own sustainability programme, we heard from Mary Smith about the brilliant work of Growing Well Cumbria and Jo Holmes about the Investors In the Environment programme.
The discussion focused on what drives sustainability in our organisations and how we can engage with stakeholders, both internally and externally. There was a strong sense that as VCSEs, we have a responsibility to support the people and communities we’re here for, and sustainability should be at the centre of what we do.
Some of the challenges raised included getting the right data, understanding relevant solutions, engaging staff, and access to funding.
It was useful to share challenges and solutions around the table, but of course, it’s impossible to fix the world in a morning. We’re hoping to hold more sessions with community partners and would like to attend other planned events to continue discussion on sustainability within the VCSE and healthcare sector.
We will always be a voice for change, because the climate emergency is also a health emergency. Its effects will increase the challenges that already make life hard for so many of the people we support. Let’s keep talking about it and make the changes together.
