The third sector and the environment
We all know that the environment is one of the most pressing and challenging issues of our generation. "Think globally, act locally" is as applicable now as when it was first coined decades ago.
Not-for-profit third sector organisations are well positionned for leading the way in environmentally reponsible practices, and have an important role to play in being proactive and committed with regards to sustainable business practices and protecting the environment.
Keeping environmental impact to a minimum, voluntary sector organisations can fulfill this role with little additional cost by:
Join the Every Action Counts campaign (EAC) which encourages voluntary and community organisations to protect and improve their environment or visit the resources section and learn simple techniques to support the implementation of environmentally friendly practices.
Spreading the word
Building relationships with business by benefiting from and promoting their responsible environmental practices could also be an invaluable asset to your organisation in the longer term. The Apsley Paper Trail in Hemel Hempstead enjoys considerable in kind support from companies which goes far beyond their partnership for recycling.
If you approach businesses, you should be pushing at an open door. Research by the Carbon Trust has found that 85% of employees want to cut their energy use at work to tackle climate change - and with energy-saving measures potentially cutting energy bills by 10%, companies are equally enthusiastic.
Case study:
The Apsley PaperTrail is a centre for activity based environmental education, work-based learning, and the cultivation of enterprise and social inclusion. It is based at a historic mill which makes 100% recycled paper using waste paper collected from local schools and businesses within a one-hour radius of Apsley through a scheme called Recycle for Learning; a closed loop, community recycling scheme.
Environmental Policy and Practice Toolkit
