Environmental campaigns

The WI has a strong record on environmental campaigning; we have resolutions dating as far back as the 1920's pushing the environmental agenda!

This narrative of environmental campaigning has been maintained throughout our history, with some notable successes. But our work is not yet done. In in an age of accelerated global warming and climate change, the protection of our environment is now more important than ever.

The WI has never been an organisation to shy away from a challenge – be it championing the honey bee or speaking up about wasteful packaging – and as a grass roots organisation with a huge membership base, we are well-placed to support action on an individual and local level.

rubbish 

How you can get involved:

Close the Shop Door

Most of us are aware of the link between our carbon dioxide emissions and global climate change. We would never turn on the heating and leave doors and windows open at home, but all too often we forget this simple principle when we go shopping.

Many shops and restaurants waste huge amounts of energy by keeping their doors open all day, heating the street in winter and letting air conditioning out in the summer. 

The NFWI has long supported women to act as leaders on climate change in their own communities, and we know that even small decisions and individual actions can add up to have a huge collective impact. 

We've teamed up with Close the Door to call on WI members to encourage retailers to reduce their overall carbon footprint and lower energy costs by closing their shop doors.

Make a Splash! This campaign has already seen members dramatically cutting their water usage by installing water butts and using grey water for watering plants and washing cars. More information about the campaign and an action pack can be found here.

Shout out that green is working! The NFWI, along with Stop Climate Chaos, has been promoting the message that 'Green is Working.' In an action inspired by the iconic Saatchi & Saatchi advert, members of the Stop Climate Coalition came together to give the advert a green twist.

Support Community Energy! In November 2011, Ruth Bond Chair of the NFWI joined leaders from organisations including the National Trust, The Church of England and the Campaign to Protect Rural England, to visit community energy sites across Germany and learn about he lessons for community energy in the UK. Read more about the visit here.  

And remember...

Don't keep it to yourself – spread the word! You can bring about positive change by encouraging your friends, family and colleagues to adopt eco-friendly habits, which are not only better for the environment, but also easier on the purse strings!