Environmental Issues Policy
AIMS
The aims of this policy are:
- To support committees to put processes and policies in place to ensure their u3a is run in a way that actively aims to limit its impact on the environment.
- For members to take opportunities to inform themselves about environmental issues and the ways in which human activities contribute to waste, pollution and global warming.
- For members to consider ways in which they can minimise their own adverse impact on the environment.
RATIONALE
This policy has been drawn up by National u3a to provide suggestions on how u3as might introduce environmental guidelines within their activities in order to make a positive contribution to sustainability and the environment, and also to help mitigate climate change. More specifically, the measures listed below can help local u3as to:
- Address the concerns of members and wider society with regard to environmental issues
- Encourage communication and dialogue on environmental issues within your u3a
- Encourage a culture of awareness and a sense of responsibility within the membership with respect to sustainability and environmental issues
- Provide information to members on how they might reduce their adverse impact on the environment
- Minimise the environmental impact of organised u3a activities
PRACTICAL MEASURES
The following are suggestions to raise awareness and to minimise environmental impact. Please note that committee members and groups leaders have an important part to play in supporting these measures during the activities of the u3a.
- Consider appointing one member as an Environmental Officer to monitor environmental issues arising within the u3a.
- Arrange speakers on environmental topics for some monthly meetings.
- Wherever possible incorporate environmental concerns into planning and decision making.
- Consider the impact of activities which take place outside, in natural ecosystems e.g. walking and nature groups and how trips and holidays could be made more sustainable.
- Encourage the formation of climate and environmental groups within the u3a.
- Check whether venues operate environmentally responsible policies such as using local suppliers, and encourage them to do so.
- Ensure as far as possible that refreshments are served in an environmentally friendly manner e.g. using crockery rather than disposable cups and plates.
- Minimise waste and encourage reuse and recycling.
- Encourage travel to meetings and events by walking, car sharing and public transport where available.
- Conduct a survey of members to seek their views on climate and the environment and suggestions for measures which might be taken by the u3a.
- Make this policy available on your website and draw your members attention to it.
- Encourage dialogue on climate change issues with the wider population including e.g. younger people.
DEFINITIONS
Environmental issues:
These are the often negative effects of human activity on the natural world, including climate change, pollution, drought and biodiversity loss. Environmental protection is the practice of working to slow, halt or reverse this.
Climate Change: The UN defines climate change as referring to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These shifts may be natural, but since the 1800s,this is primarily due humans burning fossil fuels. A Climate Emergency declaration: (or declaring a climate emergency) is an action taken by governments and scientists to acknowledge humanity is in a climate emergency.