It’s a big deal saving the planet, but…
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” – Lao Tzu.
Here at SI Peterborough, we’re taking steps to create space for nature and look after our small part of the planet in an eco-friendly way. We’re learning about the planet and what we can do to reduce our footprint and support sustainable goals.
“We have forgotten how to be good guests, how to walk lightly on earth as it’s other creatures do” – Barbara Ward.
As part of our sustainability commitments, we’re making small changes in our everyday lives that will support the planet and raise awareness of climate change – particularly how it disproportionately affects women in situations of poverty.
“The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is now” – Chinese Proverb.
What are the Sustainable Development Goals, and what small changes are we making to our everyday lives to help make a big change? Read on to find out…
Sustainable Development Goals
As part of Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI), SI Peterborough supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs).
The SGDs are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a “blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all”. They are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
Number 13 is climate action, which is just one of the reasons why sustainability is one part of our programme action.
SI Peterborough green pledges
This year, the women at SI Peterborough have made pledges to support SIGBI’s Sustainable Development Goals.
As individuals and as part of a group, we can make small changes to achieve sustainable results. Here are the pledges some of our members have made:
1. Creating eco-friendly areas in our gardens to support pollinators and wildlife and growing some of our own food. Wildflower seeds, kindly given to us by the Peterborough Environmental City Trust (PECT), will be shared with friends and family too.
2. Walking to the local shops and post office instead of using the car whenever possible.
3. Never buying plastic bags and making our own out of recycled materials or using natural fibre lifetime bags.
4. Eating a meat-free meal at least once a week and reducing dairy intake.
5. Using Ecosia – the search engine that plants trees – as our search engine of choice and helping with their tree planting.
6. Limiting clothes and shoe purchases to only buying when necessary.
7. Switching to an electric car.
8. Using plastic-free makeup, toiletries, packaging, tea bags etc. Watching out for the labels stating that products are plastic-free before making any purchases.
9. Recycling everything possible, including clothes, books, DVDs, by supporting Peterborough’s charity shops by giving and buying from them. Plus using the council’s excellent recycling facilities.
10. Switching to low-energy bulbs in the home to reduce the impact on the planet and home running costs.
11. Holding a tree planting event to mark the SI Centenary in 2021 and to contribute to addressing the climate emergency.
12. Checking that our energy suppliers are using renewable resources like sun, wind and water.
Want to be part of our effort?
We are always looking to welcome new members! Contact us today to find out how you can join us.