A Year of Living Sustainably
In July 2023 we started our Year of Living Sustainably. That’s 52 weeks, one email per week, one or two ideas for you to try, change, do more of or do less of to reduce your carbon footprint.
If you’d like to give it a try just sign up for an email at the bottom of the page.
If you’d like to share your idea for sustainable living - just one small, accessible and inexpensive thing then we’d love for you to write a post for us. Just contact sustwells@gmail.com to find out more.
Stop Food Waste
We probably all know the statistics about food waste, but a reminder: 33% of all food produced globally is lost or wasted each year accounting for 8% of all greenhouse gas emissions. What can you do to reduce yours?
Wells Tech Amnesty
FIXY and Sustainable Wells will be holding a Tech Amnesty to encourage all who live and work in the city and surrounds to consider mining the e-waste gathering dust rather than the planet, at the same time closing the Digital Divide by donating old tech to those in digital need.
Raising Our Voice
In 2016, a group of forty Swiss women had the seed of an idea and let it germinate. This week it flowered. You may have seen or heard about it. You may have been inspired by it. Read more about it and action you can take locally in our ‘Year of Living Sustainably’ blog this week.
Loving Our Library
I am a Public Library Lover. What’s not to love ? If you’re lucky (and we are in Wells) you have a fabulous public space, open for a fair amount of the week where no-one wants you to buy or do anything. It could be called Wells Sanctuary but don’t be mistaken, there’s plenty going on. Have you popped in lately?
The war against ‘weeds’
For decades, the gloves have been off when it comes to dealing with unwanted plants in our gardens - but is it time to put the (gardening) gloves back on?
Forest Bathing
Forest Bathing, also known as Shinrin-Yoku was established in Japan in 1980’s and has been proven to be a very effective tool to overcome the ill effects of a hectic life and stressful work environment. Give it a try in and around Wells.
Strawberry line Update
It is a magical thing, the Strawberry Line: it renders the countryside safe and hospitable, for all, regardless of age or ability, and creates meaningful connections across our local landscape. Why not take a wander over the Easter holiday?
World Wildlife Day
What did you do on World Wildlife Day on 3rd March? The theme this year was "Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation." Why not take a look at these ideas for using technology when you are out in nature.
Blimey it’s been wet!
It’s an old saying … ‘You Can’t Have Climate Change Without The Climate Actually Changing’ ... and this winter has not only been warm but has also been … wet. Read here about ways you can understand the risk of your home flooding and how to be prepared.
It’s Real Bread Week
It’s Real Bread Week - so break out the flour, the water and the salt and get baking!
Tales of Tiny Houses
Did you know, through its Make & Mend Project, Sustainable Wells now has a tiny toehold in the world of Tiny Houses * ? Read ur blog for more information on it’s upcoming ‘build’!
Somerset Eel Recovery Project (SERP)
The local Wedmore Eel Project had a busy 2023 and 6 months ago they decided to form SERP. Read more in this weeks blog.
A Project Update
Did you know that Sustainable Wells is an organising group of individuals who care about the planet and who want to make a positive difference?
What do we organise? Well, that’s five projects, some of which you may know about, others you may not, so read on for how each has been progressing so far this year and how you can join in helping any of them make an even bigger difference.
Small Scale Fruit Growing
“Last summer, we ate a variety of apples from our relatively small garden, several daily, from late June to the end of November, before we ran out. No packaging or food miles, and delicious!”
Find out how in this weeks Year of Living Sustainably blog from Sustainable Wells.
Referendum on Wells Neighbourhood Plan
Read the key elements of Wells Neighbourhood Plan which is the subject of a Referendum on the 25th of January 2024 The key question being:
Do you want Somerset Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Wells to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?
How And Why To Try Veganuary
If you’ve ever flirted with the idea of veganism, this month is a great time to give it a try!
Community Action for Cleaner Waters
As a nation we feel deeply these places matter, highlighted by a YouGov report that found 88% of people when questioned declared freshwater habitats a ‘national treasure’. We know they are worth protecting, but are they actually being treated with care?
Looking Both Ways
As a new year approaches, it’s often the case that we look back at the past year with all it’s good, bad and ugly and start to think about, perhaps even plan the next.
SWICS (See What I Can See)
Here’s a development in Walking practices that’s new to me but may be very old school for you... now known to me as a SWICS (See What I/We Can See) walk
The Gift of Yum!
So, last week we looked at lovely Christmas Gifts that meant you didn’t have to rush out to the shops and part with lots of money. Heartfelt? Absolutely Costly to the Earth and your Purse? Absolutely not!
This week we’re sharing ideas and recipes for some easy to make food and drink gifts. If you’re a fabulous cook you’ll probably have your own Christmas repertoire and an awareness of who loves to receive what but for newbies in the world of food gift giving here are some ideas.