With COP26, the Environment Agency and climate change featuring heavily in the news, reporter Jessica Muggeridge spoke to local charity PECT to find out what Peterborough has done and can do for the environment.
It is easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do when it comes to the environment, but it is something that everyone should be mindful of. There’s a variety of things that we can do to help look after the environment, from recycling our waste to shopping sustainably.
Peterborough is the hub to a range of environmental organisations including Natural England, Environment Agency, JNCC, PECT, Langdyke Trust, Nene Park Trust, Froglife and Buglife.
PECT, Peterborough Environment City Trust, is a charity that aims to help protect and enhance the environment. Alexandra Szczurek, their Project & Marketing Coordinator, spoke about what Peterborough has in place to protect the environment:
“Peterborough is incredibly lucky to have multiple volunteer groups that look after our environment. These range from litter picking groups, environmental action groups like Werrington Environment Group to sustainable businesses, for example Refill Revolution.”
There has also been a declaration of a climate emergency by Peterborough City Council and the recently launched Peterborough Climate Commitment by local businesses and charities which PECT helped to facilitate. This is a series of commitments made by organisations across the city in order to tackle climate change.
Investors in the Environment, which is designed to help organisations save money, reduce their impact on the environment, and get promoted for their green credentials, has several businesses and leading organisations accredited.
Alexandra also spoke about future plans, “Peterborough falls within the Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority area which is home to the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Independent Commission on Climate (CPICC). The Independent Commission on Climate has now produced two reports with recommendations:
“The initial reports give recommendations on transport, buildings, energy, and peat. The full report expands this to include adapting to climate risks, recommendations on nature and water, business, and how there can be a fair and inclusive transition to a low carbon future for individuals and communities.
“Recommendations include a call for more investment into mitigating and adapting to climate change, engaging residents in setting priorities, a big boost for nature-led solutions and integrated thinking on water and encouraging businesses to grasp the opportunities of a low carbon, circular economy.”
There are also a variety of things that Peterborough residents can do to help the environment:
Be mindful of where your waste ends up and become a BLUEPRINT Champion. Cut your carbon and live more sustainably with help from PECT.
Join a volunteer party and improve green spaces with PECT.
Encourage your school to sign up to our Eco Charter.
Encourage local businesses to join Investors in the Environment.
Business to sign up to the Peterborough Climate Commitments
Support local businesses – and don’t be afraid to champion green behaviour in your workplace!
Plant a tree for Forest for Peterborough
Plant pollinator-friendly plants in your garden or window box
Think about your food – is it local and in season? Use the Cool Food calculator to help you make small changes to your diet that help the planet.
How do you help the environment? Have you got any more useful hints and tips for others. Please comment your ideas below!