Read the text and say how the narrator made his area greener.

My story: How I made my area greener

the BBC.

31 Aug 2005

Each week on Action Network we meet people who have made a difference in their local community.

This week we meet Helen Ross who started up an EcoTeam in her Nottinghamshire neighbourhood - a project run by Global Action Plan. As Helen explains, small groups use workshops to learn how to lead more environmentally-friendly lives.

I have been aware of EcoTeams for a number of years and was pleased to hear they were operating in my area. It was something I could do in my own time that was practical and effective.

When I decided to set it up I chose a range of different people. We had a mixture of ages and experiences, the youngest in her 20s, the oldest in her 70s. The more varied the group, the more ideas to cross-fertilise. If it’s only people like you, you don’t learn anything.

Some of the group were already neighbours, friends or friends of friends. We made the decision to go ahead with the group at a barbeque in the summer. Then I emailed everyone I thought would be interested.

The optimum size for a team is six or seven. We got together in our front rooms and if the group was too large it would have been difficult to find a space to meet in. A small group works well for discussion too.

Getting help

After I got the team together I got in touch with the EcoTeams co-ordinator for our area and said: 'We're ready to go.' Our co-ordinator, Julie, sent out some information and we agreed a date to meet. Our meeting was facilitated by Julie, who also brought information and resources. It would have taken us a lot longer to get to where we are now without her.

Our group met six times over a period of six months. The EcoTeam co-ordinator provided a book which set out the issues for different eco-topics and suggestions for greener living. We looked at one or two topics at each meeting and discussed ways of reducing our impact on the environment.

Cleaning up our act

The section on cleaning was a big eye opener for me, you don't always think about what you put down your sink. When the sink smelt I used to put bleach down it. One suggestion was to use Borax or lemon juice instead and that worked.

We aimed to take simple practical steps like reducing water waste. From the EcoTeam co-ordinator we got bags to put in the toilet cistern. They reduce the amount of water you use when you flush.

We're making a difference by reducing rubbish, reducing water wastage, eating more healthy food and composting waste. I have also made a commitment to cycle to the shops twice a month instead of taking the car.

We helped each other out. A few of us were interested in going to local farmers' markets, so we decided to get there by car-sharing.

On another occasion there was an opportunity to get some radiator panels from the council and I picked them up for neighbours, too. The panels go on the wall behind the radiator and deflect heat back into the room.

Eco-friendly fun

The EcoTeam was fun. It was a social event as well and a good time to catch up on the local gossip. They were very enjoyable, informal but effective meetings. The co-ordinator attended every meeting, which was useful or the gossip could have taken over. She helped us keep on track.

If you want to set up a group try to choose people who have different ideas. Take the plunge and ask people, you'll be pleasantly surprised - I was.

I have done my bit by getting this group together and showing that you can make a difference. In the future it would be wonderful to see EcoTeams in every area with a newsletter every six months.

I don't think people would have made the commitment if it had been longer. It is long enough for people to understand what they are doing. Now our group has finished the six-month programme we will continue to see each other informally and offer encouragement. Once you’ve been through the programme you have a common interest.

There is an important link between health and environment. If we look after our environment we also look after our health and the health of future generations.

20.2 Do you agree that there is a link between health and environment?

20.3 How can you make your area greener? Should you rely on Government officials?

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