Make your pledge this Earth Day

Today (22 April) is Earth Day, with more than a billion people across the world every year joining together to raise awareness globally of the need for change to take action on the climate crisis.

One of the best ways for local people to get involved is to make a pledge today as part of the county-wide Greener Footprints campaign. In three simple steps people and organisations can make a real difference by taking independent and joint actions that will collectively make a big dent in the effects of climate change on our county, and our lives. You can sign up as an individual, employer, community or as a partner.

One person who has taken a pledge is Abby Marshall from the council’s Sustainability and Climate Change team and a mother of two young children. Abby pledged to walk her boys to school and back every day this school year - whatever the weather.

Abby found that as well as reducing her own carbon footprint, she’s saved money on fuel and finds she’s mainly only using her car for the weekly food shop. It’s also improving her own fitness and that of her two boys aged 7 and 10.

“The boys now see walking to and from school as a ‘normal’ part of their day and they no longer moan about having to walk,” said Abby. “They enjoy the time we get to chat or just use it to run off some steam after a day in the classroom. I really enjoy the mental space I get from walking to pick them up following a day at work, or the social aspect if I meet another mum walking on the way.  I’ve also said goodbye to the traffic jams after drop-off and pick-up!”

Cllr Ellie Chowns, Cabinet member for Environment and Economy, said: “Earth Day is a great opportunity for people to begin or reaffirm their commitment to beating climate change. By joining the county-wide campaign Greener Footprints, and pledging to make climate-friendly changes to your life, you can help to ensure that we and future generations can all continue to enjoy the wonderful natural environment and wildlife that we're so lucky to have all around us in Herefordshire.

“Together we want people and organisations to create a movement for positive change across the county, so don’t feel like you need to keep your positive actions to yourself. Shout about what you've done or are doing and share via your own social media channels to inspire others to follow suit. The Zero Carbon and Nature Rich website is full of advice to help you on your way - from carbon workouts that will help reduce your personal carbon footprints to eating climate friendly dishes.

This Earth Day, why not make the first step on your journey to a greener Herefordshire? Go to the Greener Footprints web pages and make your pledge.

The council is firmly committed to achieving its target of carbon neutrality in the county by 2030 and was 59.5% of the way to that goal by the end of 2020/21. We are making sure more houses get built and that they’re cheap to run and better for the environment. We’re also improving the warmth of older houses, changing our bin collections to reduce waste and increase recycling, and helping people use bikes and buses instead of cars - because it’s good for our health and our beautiful county.

Next week, Cabinet will be discussing the implementation of the recommendations from the Citizen’s Climate Assembly, taking forward positive action based on what local residents have identified as their priorities.

For more information, please visit the website.