Optimism?

Number 7

Optimism. It’s got a bit harder over the past few weeks

With the re-election of Trump and his subsequent order to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, these are certainly challenging times for those of us who are fighting to mitigate the climate crisis, with a risk of despair setting in.

For that reason, at my Footsteps we think it’s even more important to do our bit and to help others engage with the effort - together we can make a difference, with the additional benefit it’s good for our mental health and wellbeing - and our pockets..

There are lots of great examples of individuals and communities “doing there bit”. Here are a few stand out examples:

1. The Incredible Edible Movement (Todmorden, West Yorkshire)

A grassroots initiative that turned public spaces into community gardens, growing fresh produce for locals to share.

Encourages local food growing, sustainability, and community resilience.

2. The Transition Network (Totnes, Devon & Nationwide)

A movement helping communities transition to a low-carbon future by promoting renewable energy, sustainable transport, and local food production.

Totnes, as a founding location, has spearheaded projects like community-owned energy and local currency.

3. Surfers Against Sewage (Cornwall & Nationwide)

Originally started by local surfers in Cornwall, this now-national movement tackles plastic pollution, water quality, and climate change.

Organizes beach clean-ups, campaigns for policy changes, and empowers local activism.

4. Manchester Climate Action Network

A collective of grassroots projects working on climate justice, urban gardening, and sustainable transport.

Helps communities take practical steps toward reducing their carbon footprint.

5. Glasgow Community Food Network

Supports urban food-growing initiatives, sustainable food businesses, and community-supported agriculture.

Promotes food justice and access to healthy, local produce.

6. Hughenden Valley Community Solar (Buckinghamshire)

A volunteer-led community energy project installing solar panels on local buildings.

Reduces reliance on fossil fuels and reinvests profits into local sustainability projects.

7. Forth Rivers Trust (Scotland)

Works with local communities to restore river ecosystems, protect wildlife, and improve water quality.

Organizes citizen science programs and habitat restoration efforts.

8. The Brighton & Hove Food Partnership

A social enterprise tackling food waste, food poverty, and sustainable food production.

Runs community gardens, composting schemes, and cooking classes to promote sustainability.

9. London National Park City

A grassroots movement working to make London greener, healthier, and wilder.

Encourages local greening projects, tree planting, and urban wildlife conservation.

10. Trees for Cities (Nationwide, based in London)

Engages local communities in urban tree planting to improve air quality, biodiversity, and green spaces.

Works in cities across the UK, focusing on areas with limited access to nature.

What can you do to help?

These projects show how local communities can lead impactful environmental initiatives, addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainability at a grassroots level. Would you like details on any specific project?

And is there anything similar in your area? Or could you start something similar.

Thinking about reducing your footsteps - eating, heating travel and consumption - all make a difference and you benefit

And we can all look at how we have more impact - from supporting people like Greenpeace who just won an important legal case to stop the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gas fields

And the clever people at HubBub have lots of small things you can do to make a difference

Let is know what you are doing to help - we celebrate the little things as much as the big ones.