OPINION: Before they decide to act, people typically seek validation from those around them that what they are considering is the right thing to do. The more positive reinforcement they receive – whether this is from neighbours, friends and family, from guidance provided by authorities or from seeing firsthand the tangible impact made by local groups working in the community – the more likely it is that they will change their own behaviour.
Seeing really is believing
In this vein, it is easy to see how supporting climate action at a grassroots level can enable and empower individuals to modify their own behaviour. Placing local groups tackling these challenges in the spotlight (and providing opportunities for individuals to get involved) can reinforce positive change and create a ripple effect within communities: pulling together voices, aspirations and knowledge and inspiring people to rethink their wider approach to sustainability.
This is a guiding principle behind the Community Action Groups (CAG) networks in Devon and Somerset – both of which are managed by regenerative transition experts Resource Futures. Both networks work closely with councils, partners and local community groups to raise engagement with sustainable activities including reuse, repair and regeneration, and provide the support and guidance that local groups need to increase their positive climate outcomes.
Working together for the greater good
An often overlooked but vital element of this work is how collaboration acts as the cornerstone that drives success. This means working to build relationships and break down barriers between organisations – encouraging people to step out of a competitive mindset and focus on areas of mutual benefit – and investigating how expertise can be drawn in from disparate contributors to maximise the positive outcomes being generated.
One successful partnership borne out of this approach has been the Fixy project, which has brought together expertise from Somerset Council, SUEZ, Resource Futures and DonateIT (with funding from Ecosurety and Materials Focus) to widen access to the repair and reuse of electricals across Somerset, support existing repair groups in the county and addressing the digital divide through donations of refurbished items to those in digital poverty.
It takes a community to achieve lasting change
The urgency of the climate crisis we face means we cannot rely purely on top-down approaches to achieve a sustainable world. We need to take advantage of every means we have at our disposal to bring about a circular economy and reset our relationship with the materials we use. This includes instigating change at an individual and local level.
Community-focused action is not only an effective lever for leading behaviour change: it has the knock-on effect of achieving community cohesion, inclusion and wellbeing. It is a win-win approach that helps people and the planet to thrive in equal measure.
Subscribe for free