The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland is encouraging Charities take action to avoid Climate Chaos

30 Aug 2024

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland are encouraging charities across Northern Ireland to explore opportunities to reduce their carbon footprint and play their part in preventing climate chaos.

The Foundation is delivering, along with energy partners, Wind Farms funds investing returns from green energy in local communities. The Foundation are also one of several partners of the ground-breaking Acorn Farm in Derry/ Londonderry, which aims to increase learning and understanding on food sustainability and climate.

258 families in Derry and Strabane have already been rolling up their sleeves on their growing journey. The participating families have taken the first steps towards growing their own food, with equipment provided and expert mentoring from Council’s horticulturalist and a team of conservation volunteers. The project has brought together young and old – from the little ones who are passionate about doing their bit for the environment, to those who wish to pass on their experience to the next generation.

Communications Manager, David Kennedy, said: “Climate change is real. It is most certainly on everybody’s lips. While we recycle at home, make changes in our lives and strive for better outcomes personally, the Community and Voluntary Sector are at a serious disadvantage while trying to play their part.  It is not within the gift of most organisations to implement the changes due to a lack of resources.

“These are hugely challenging times for the Community and Voluntary Sector. Financial sustainability is being tested to the limit. There are a range of organisations who can support charities in assessing and reducing their energy use, ultimately reducing costs and making charities more energy and financial efficient. Small changes we have made include buying eco-friendly washing liquid and cleaning products, boosting our office recycling capacity and reducing waste, and even bringing plants into the office.

“But it does not stop there, there are many ways in which we can play our part in reducing our carbon footprint. Rather than investing in promotional materials made from plastic, we seek sustainable gifts and promotional items such as wildflower seed packs, and bamboo products, or gifting the planting of trees with an environmental group or local councils. Simple acts like promoting car sharing amongst staff when travelling for work can substantially reduce an organisations carbon footprint.”