When you see people buying fast fashion, or buying a diesel or petrol car, or voting for politicians who support fossil fuels, it can feel like you’re the only person who’s doing anything to fight climate change.
Finding a group of people who are on the same path can really help when your motivation gets low. Talking through problems and sharing solutions will help all of you make faster progress, and create a visible hub that people new to “going green” can join.
How can I find a green group or tribe?
- Join groups that already exist, like your local Extinction Rebellion group, your school’s sustainability group, or a community garden
- Visit or follow your local zero-waste shop and get to know the owners and regular customers
- Search for green groups on your preferred social media platform
- Set up a community group called “your neighbourhood/workplace green people” (or something along those lines). Invite anyone you know who’s got solar panels, an electric car, an allotment, or is known to be vegetarian or vegan. Share your ideas, support each other and watch your group grow
- Put a box in your workplace break room and label it “food sharing”. Encourage people to share food they’re not going to get to, or food they bought to try, but don’t like
- Start a sustainability group at work or school
- Get a food buddy and share bulk purchases from online ethical or vegan stores, or take unwanted items off each other’s hands
- Organise a new-to-you event and swap clothes, toys or household items
- Set up a formal or informal Terracycle collection point at your work, school or place of worship
- Set up or support a Community Fridge
- Start or support a community garden
- Start a Wombling group (a gathering to litter pick or clean up a specific area)
- If you’ve got a specific community project in mind, set up a Facebook group to attract supporters/helpers, and advertise it in local community groups
- Take a Zero-Carbon Britain course and connect with like-minded people
In addition to their stated aims, these groups also create the opportunity for conversations about green issues, which can help you find allies to promote even more green initiatives at work or in your neighbourhood.
Photo credit: Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash