Website of the UK government

Every Action Counts

Every Action Counts offers support to community groups and clubs, helping you to take environmental action. The Every Action Counts website has:

• ideas for actions your group could take
• games and activities which your group can use to decide on some simple actions
• information on Every Action Counts Community Champions in your area who could help your group
• practical case studies and space for your group to submit its own success story on environmental action

The initiative focuses on five main themes: travelling wisely, saving resources, shopping ethically, saving energy and caring for the environment.

• Every action counts Opens new window

Your say in planning, housing and your local environment

There are many opportunities to get involved in local decisions about the area where you live through community groups and you can have a say about new developments – like new open spaces, roads or industrial sites.

A Sustainable Community Strategy is a plan locally developed in partnership with public, private and voluntary organisations. Local businesses and community organisations are also involved.

Parish Plans cover the social, economic, and environmental issues relevant to your local area. As a community group you have the chance to influence your local Parish Plan and how your local area and services are managed. You can also get involved in consultations about local developments.

• Parish plans on the Defra website Opens new window
• Sustainable Community Strategy - find out more Opens new window
• The planning system (home and community section)

Things groups and clubs can do to be greener

There are many everyday actions that we can all take to reduce our impact on the environment, like recycling more, saving energy or cutting car use. Being part of a group means that you can do things on a bigger scale, and have a wider influence. For example, you could raise awareness about environmental issues to get more people to take action, or influence your local council to get environmental changes happening on a bigger scale.

If you belong to a club or community group there are several simple things you can do to make it greener. These include:

Food and drink

Food has a large impact on the environment, but the following actions could help:

• encourage your group or club to stock food which is fresh, locally in season, Fairtrade, or has been produced with respect for wildlife and the environment
• use mugs or glasses instead of disposable cups
• set up a compost bin, or arrange a collection, for kitchen waste
• encourage recycling of waste such as paper and plastic
• ‘grow your own’ together on a community allotment

Travel

Changing the way club or group members travel can reduce climate change effects and local air pollution. Things to consider include:

• walk or cycle, or use public transport
• car share instead of driving alone
• organise secure cycle storage

Schemes that could help you

Community Action for Energy
The Energy Saving Trust runs a programme for community groups. Community Action for Energy (CAfE) is designed to promote and support local community-based energy saving projects. CAfE is aimed at local groups wanting to improve energy saving and quality of life within their community. The website below provides more information including where you can find funding and training.

EcoTeams
EcoTeams is a project run by an organisation called Global Action Plan. They bring together a group of people to make small changes to reduce their environmental impact. The Global Action Plan website can tell you more about how to start an EcoTeam (there is a charge for the materials).

The Community Action Network
The Community Action Network (CAN) provides support for social entrepreneurs and social enterprises.

• Community Action for Energy Opens new window
• More about EcoTeams Opens new window
• Community Action Network Opens new window