Green Procurement Policy

• Ensure all council purchases are energy-efficient, recyclable, or made from renewable resources.

• Use local suppliers with strong environmental policies to reduce transport emissions.

• Avoid single-use plastics and prioritise biodegradable or reusable materials.

Useful Links:

• UK Government Sustainable Procurement Guide

Sustainable Office Practices

• Go digital where possible to reduce paper use.

• Install recycling and composting bins in council offices and community spaces.

• Upgrade to LED lighting and smart thermostats to improve energy efficiency.

Useful Links:

• Carbon Trust – Office Energy Efficiency Guide

Sustainable Staff Travel

• Provide incentives for car-sharing, cycling, or using public transport for work-related travel.

• Encourage staff to cycle or walk to work by providing secure bike parking and showers.

• Consider electric fleet vehicles or car clubs for council transport needs.

Useful Links:

• Cycle to Work Scheme

• CoMoUK – Car Sharing Networks

Climate Awareness Training

• Encourage councillors and staff to attend training on sustainability and climate action.

• Promote Carbon Literacy Training, equipping staff with knowledge on reducing emissions.

• Host internal workshops on climate-conscious decision-making.

Useful Links:

• The Carbon Literacy Project

• Climate Fresk

• GAPTC Climate Training

Host Climate Action Workshops & Events

• Organise sustainability workshops covering energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable food choices.

• Invite local environmental experts to speak at events and inspire residents to take action.

• Provide free or discounted items, such as water-saving devices and reusable shopping bags, to promote green habits.

Useful links:

• Friends of the Earth – Community Engagement Toolkit

Promote Sustainable Living Campaigns

• Run campaigns on reducing single-use plastics, home energy efficiency, and responsible recycling.

• Encourage residents to take part in challenges like "Plastic-Free July" and "No Mow May".

• Share practical sustainability tips through newsletters, social media, and noticeboards.

Useful links:

• Greener Gloucestershire – What Can You Do?

• Plastic-Free Communities – Surfers Against Sewage

Community Challenges and Competitions

• Organise energy-saving competitions: households compete to cut their energy use.

• Promote "Car-Free Days" in town centres to encourage walking, cycling, and public transport.

• Run a "Sustainable Street" challenge, where communities work together to lower their carbon footprint.

Useful links:

• WWF’s Earth Hour – Community Climate Action

Establish Community Gardens and Allotments

• Support community-led food growing projects to reduce food miles and enhance biodiversity.

• Provide small grants or land access to residents wanting to start allotments or urban farms.

• Run composting schemes to reduce food waste.

Useful links:

• Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens

Support Repair Cafés and Swap Shops

• Partner with local groups to host repair cafés, where volunteers fix household items for free.

• Organise swap shops, allowing people to exchange clothes, furniture, and electronics instead of buying new.

• Promote the circular economy by encouraging reuse and refurbishment rather than disposal.

Useful links:

• Repair Café Network – Find or Set Up a Local Café

Engage Schools and Youth Groups

• Support schools in running climate action programmes like tree planting and energy audits.

• Establish a Youth Climate Council, allowing young people to shape local sustainability efforts.

• Organise school eco-competitions, such as the most energy-efficient school building or best biodiversity project.

Useful links:

• Eco-Schools UK – Teaching Young People About Sustainability

Promote Recycling and Sustainable Materials

• Ensure there are accessible recycling points for paper, plastics, and e-waste across the parish.

• Run awareness campaigns on proper recycling habits to reduce contamination of recycling streams.

• Encourage businesses to switch to recyclable packaging and offer discounts for customers bringing reusable containers.

Useful links:

• Recycle Now – UK Recycling Information

Frome Town Council

Launched "Plastic Free Frome", supporting businesses and residents in reducing single-use plastics. Read more

Tetbury Town Council

Supports a Community Fridge, helping redistribute surplus food while reducing food waste and supporting low-income families. Read more

Ashton Hayes, Cheshire

Community-led initiative to become carbon neutral, including home energy improvements and community-owned renewable energy. Read more