New Year Thoughts, Green Action Fair and join me supporting our indies…

We are 12 days into the New Year, and did you set any resolutions? Did you set any Eco/Sustainable ones? As always chat to us on social media and office@sustainablecheshire.uk.
As we started 2025, we read that 2024 was the hottest year on record, then the news of the horrific firestorms in LA. In the UK politics are we doing enough and now with Donald Trump’s return to The Whitehouse, what will be the impact on climate change – read the BBC View –CLICK LINKThings we can control are our voice:

• You should engaging with your MP regularly.
• If you are in Cheshire West the council needs our voice when it comes to the Climate Emergency response plan, you have until the 12th Feb.
• Plus the sustainable choices we all make personally.

I have spent less time on social media recently, adding some posts but less scrolling. When I did look this morning, it was all about things I must buy – seems I need to buy lots of things to ground myself. I must go on a Cortisol diet and pay money. I am not saying any of these are bad just newer to me, yet everyone is trying to make money from them. I have seen notices about lots of business’ closing in Chester and elsewhere with lots of people losing their jobs. Such a sad start to 2025, @ShitChester is great at finding out and reporting on such things in Chester. I have seen calls from lots of independent businesses to please shop, eat, drink with us. On LinkedIn my favourite platform – I have seen lots of the same and some heart felt stories from business owners. Independent businesses are typically deeply embedded in our community. Supporting local causes, sponsoring events, and building a sense of belonging and strengthening relationships and so we need to supoprt them.

I have done two talks this week to Hoole Community Centre Lunch Club and Upton WI (see more berlow) my way of supporting the issues we face.

We have a couple of weeks left of the month and here is what I hope we will all TRY to do…….• Stay away from the big chains and supermarkets. Shop local and independent. Can you just shop in the local greengrocers etc for the rest of the month?
• No online shopping for the rest of the month. I am no advocate of buying lots of stuff, but if you have any Christmas money why not visit an independent shop near you.
• Meet friends or family for drinks (hot or cold) in one of independent cafes/restaurants and not a chain.
• Live near Chester? Then next Saturday come along to Hoole Community Centre Green Action Fair.
o Litter Pick – Eco Communities are helping on the day, we have a Silent Disco Litter Pick
o My Talk – You can hear my talk ‘Consumer to Eco Expert over 28 years‘ why I moved to become and ethical financial adviser and why I set up Eco Communities.
o Panel Talk – I am hosting a panel session of great speakers with a Q&A style session for you to take loads away from.

I say try as I write this knowing we need dog food (Pets at Home) but we plan to support some of the independent cafes today and of course I have a busy day next Saturday.

What Else will you find at the Green Action Fair?
You will find stalls from local green and sustainable organisations including.
The End of the Avenue, Chester Fairtrade, Tipsy Badger, Bren Bikes, Clothes Swap, Christmas Gift Swap.
Chester Cycling Campaign, Hoole Food Market, Hoole Allotments, Cheshire Wildlife Trust, Friends of Alexandra Park, The Narrows and the Alleys, Friends of the Earth, Chester repair Cafe and Chester Community Energy.

Actions:
Bring your preloved items along with you and swap them for something you want!
Bring along any broken small electricals (such as hoovers and toasters – sorry no microwaves), computers and software or clothes and give them an extended life!
Problem with your bike bring it along for any small repairs.

Entertainment & Workshops:
Women’s Singing Circle, Movement and Enerchi ‘A Mindful Way,’ Sustainable Hoole Walk, Hoole Young Chefs drop-in session, Chester U3A Ukes and the Kinnerton Morris Men.

Food:
Spookton Micro Brewery and of course Hobsons Cafe.

Entry is completely FREE! Come along to find out how to be more sustainable in 2025.