Back to the main projects page
renew wales
SUSTAINABLE WALES OFFERS FREE HELP TO COMMUNITY GROUPS TO REDUCE THEIR CARBON FOOTPRINT.
As contracted Renew Wales co-ordinators www.renewwales.org.uk we can offer free advice and help to your community organisation.
We have already helped a number of community organisations consider opportunities to reduce their carbon footprint, reduce operating costs and improve their operational sustainability.
Sustainable Wales is the longest established charity in Wales in the sustainability sector and can bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to your organisation. For free.
Project examples where we’ve consulted and helped achieve improvements:
SUSSED social enterprise, required support to introduce and select a low energy LED based store lighting system.
Crossroads Care, Bridgend, developed a more up-to-date and effective environmental policy
Y Centre, Porthcawl, improved their waste management and recycling activities
Arts For The Earth,Porthcawl, established event recycling systems
Shine a Light Team worked with Park6Productions to produced a series of community based renewable energy films
Badgers Brook Allotments, Bridgend, had help to develop their environmental policies.
Trinity Care and Support, Porthcawl, required support to advance their environmental policies.
SPAN Arts, Narberth, Pembrokeshire, revamp environmental/ethical policies and practices.
South Riverside Community Development Trust, Cardiff.. as above.
No FitState Theatre Company,Cardiff developing environmental /ethical policies especially procurement/purchasing.
If you want to see some other examples of the types of project Renew has supported then look here.
CAN WE HELP YOUR GROUP?
The idea is to help you review and consider how you currently work and if your future plans could become more environmentally friendly.
We will work with you, offering advice and support. We can offer up to three days equivalent time to help you plan how to proceed for free. If necessary, we can link you up to further free support from an experienced advisor/expert (equivalent to up to two days-worth of time) within the Renew network.
You may be wondering how you should respond to the recent Welsh Assembly’s “Well-being of Future Generations Act 2015’
Do you feel that your group or memberships understand sustainable development and the principles outlined in the Act?
How this affects the work your group undertakes?
How do we organise to adopt these principles?
Have you got policies that take into account the need to reduce your carbon footprint?
Are your environmental and ethical policies up-to-date? Would they be adequate for grant applications?
Are you planning to upgrade your premises? Are improvements needed in your reduce, reuse or recycling systems? Do you need an energy audit, are you interested in exploring generating your own renewable energy?
Through the Renew Wales programme, Sustainable Wales, can also recommend further additional support to groups when developing their green ideas.
For example, reducing energy consumption is a good first step. A Renew Mentor could help reduce your carbon and costs by assessing the energy efficiency of your building and its operation, identifying areas to consider for improvement.
Perhaps you know a group ready to explore generating its own renewable energy? Support via the Renew network could locate some initial advice on technologies, viability and what’s involved.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Margaret Minhinnick, Director Sustainable Wales
sustainable wales coordinator and Mentors
Margaret Minhinnick
Margaret was born in Halifax and has been a committed environmentalist for over 30 years. She is the co-founder and Director of Sustainable Wales as well as the social enterprise, SUSSED Wales.
She first became involved in the environmental movement in 1981 when as a new mum she was invited to make a Black Forest gateau for Friends of the Earth.
She was a comprehensive school Home Economics teacher for ten years before that and has always loved cooking, in particular distinctive cookery: from the Italian ‘slow food’ movement, to the parilla culture of Buenos Aires.
Food and fairness are a vital part of her life while her motivation is family and their future.
In 1984 she jointly founded and developed Friends of the Earth Cymru. Margaret stayed there until 1994 to act as chief spokesperson as well as instigating and directing campaign and information strategies, lobbying, creating media stunts and demonstrations.
Margaret was also the Founder and Co-director of Sustainable Wales Projects Ltd, the co-operative operating the innovative Gentle Touch Nappy Laundry Service between 2004 and 2010.
She has been frequently interviewed on the radio as well as making many TV appearances over the past 30 years. Margaret was a presenter and researcher for HTV’s ‘Grass Roots’ series, creating a radical edge to the programme between 1995 and 1997.
She has a wide experience of working with community groups as well as applying for grants and fundraising. She has also served on numerous boards and committees including Prince’s Trust, Groundwork Bridgend, Cylch, WCVA Environment Wales, Glas Cymru, Cynnal Cymru, Porthcawl Chamber of Trade, Bridgend Borough Fairtrade Campaign, Green Renewables Wales, G Cel and Cowbridge Food and Drink Festival Committee and Bridgend Local Energy Group.
"I would be pleased to meet informally and join any staff or community volunteers who would like to get involved"
Contact: Margaret Minhinnick 01656 783962 email mm@sustainablewales.org.uk