Over the last few years, September has become synonymous with sustainability. Sustainable September sees some of the largest British organisations joining forces to stimulate environmental action and sustainable consumption. For that reason, it is the perfect time to learn some simple yet meaningful ways to support sustainability this September.
Oxfam Second Hand September💚
The fashion industry accounts for 10% of all human induced greenhouse gas emissions. Ubiquitous fast fashion brands like Zara, H&M and Uniqlo are responsible for over 92 million tonnes of textile waste per year. To put that into perspective, the equivalent of a full rubbish truck load of clothes is put into landfill every second.
Since 2019, Oxfam has been fighting to reduce this astounding amount of waste through their Second Hand September Campaign. This is an opportunity for the public to pledge to buy only second hand clothes for 30 days. By breaking down the stigma of second hand clothing and engaging consumers to think before they buy, Oxfam are helping to set the next fashion trend - longevity and reusability.
Climate change is not an isolated issue; countless social issues are exacerbated by its effects. By signing up to Oxfam’s Second Hand September you are also raising money to aid Oxfam’s pledge to alleviate poverty.
Sign up here: https://www.oxfam.org.uk/get-involved/second-hand-september/
Shop organic with Organic September👗
Healthy soil is the key to a sustainable food supply. As demand for resource intensive food continues to grow, fertilisers and pesticides are being increasingly relied upon to grow food more quickly. This is having a detrimental effect on soil quality, biodiversity, and ultimately our ability to grow anything at all.
This vicious cycle of relying on more pesticides and fertilisers to combat the degrading soil is exactly what the Soil Association are hoping to combat with their Organic September Initiative. The main goal of Organic September is to encourage people to buy organic produce and to raise awareness for the benefits of organic food production.
‘Organic’ is so heavily greenwashed these days that it’s hard to actually discern if buying organic is truly helping or if it is just a ploy to make you pay more for ‘greener’ products. Well, the Soil Association's Organic certification requires its producers to align with stringent regulations and production methods ensuring the best outcomes for the entire food system.
To learn more about the benefits of buying organic and to join the pledge this Sustainable September visit: https://www.soilassociation.org/take-action/organic-living/organic-september/
Eat more sustainably with BDA’s Sustainable September Calendar🥙
We understand buying organic can come at a cost, and with prices already causing added stress, we absolutely love what the Association of UK Dieticians have done this Sustainable September. #BDASustainableSeptember, in partnership with Oatly, are doing a full month of sustainable eating tips and giveaways to teach us some simple ways to eat more sustainably without breaking the bank.
Since the pandemic, 62% of Britons have altered their diet to eat healthier, opting for more fruits and vegetables, drinking more water, and avoiding highly processed foods and takeaways. Not only is this better for you, but it is also generally better for the environment. By shopping local and fresh, and cooking versus buying pre-made meals, you are reducing your impact on the planet and developing good habits towards sustainability.
Visit their website and follow along with #BDASustainableSeptember on social media to enter the giveaways and download their sustainability calendar alerting you to all the exciting news and events coming up this month.
Find all this and more at: https://www.bda.uk.com/news-campaigns/campaigns/one-blue-dot/sustainable-september.html
Attend a Great Big Green Week event near you🤼
Taking place between the 24th September and the 2nd October 2022, the Great Big Green Week (GBGW) is the UK’s largest celebration of community action to tackle climate change and protect nature.
In 2021, the inaugural GBGW saw over 5000 events take place around the UK to encourage individual action and community change for the better. National organisations, institutions, businesses and media outlets joined in, getting more people involved up and down the country, and putting pressure on the UK Government to up its game on climate change.
This year GBGW is expected to be even bigger, with more local communities hosting all manner of events, such as bat walks and bake offs, festivals and football matches, beach cleans and foraging. So go and find your nearest event and see if there is a sustainable activity that tickles your fancy. And if not, register your own!
To find an event near you or register an event this Sustainable September visit: https://greatbiggreenweek.com/
