Community action

An increasing number of people want to get involved in helping others take practical action on climate change. A wide number of opportunities are available. Here's a few.

Action for Sustainable Living (AfSL) is a dynamic charity based in Manchester. Our core focus is to engage people on lifestyle changes relating to sustainable living topics such as: recycling, waste, clothing, energy, fair-trade, gardening, holidays, household, local food, transport and more.

AfSL aims to help people to live more sustainably by focusing on the small steps we can each take in our daily lives towards achieving bigger changes in the wider world. We take a holistic view of the changes needed to bring about sustainable living and, as such, work with individuals, groups, communities, schools, businesses, colleges and universities.

AfSL received a Guardian Charity of the Year Award in 2008.

All over the world communities are establishing themselves as Transition Towns and taking local action on climate change.

The Transition Network's role is to inspire, encourage, connect, support and train communities as they self-organise around the transition model, creating initiatives that rebuild resilience, reduce CO₂ emissions.

In Greater Manchester a Transition Town is being established in Altrincham, Hale and Boden. They are keen to welcome new members.

Community run car clubs are springing up all over the country, established by local residents who see the benefits of sharing the costs of car ownership.

Carplus is the national charity promoting a rethink in car use. Whilst recognising the benefits cars bring to society, Carplus is acutely aware of the financial, environmental, social and health costs of motoring today. Carplus works independently and in partnership to reduce over-dependency on private cars by promoting accessible, affordable and low-carbon alternatives. Carplus offers advice and support to local people thinking of setting up their own car club.

Increasing numbers of local people of getting involved in campaigning for greater action on climate change and related issues.

The 10:10 campaign is all about cutting 10% of your CO₂ emissions during 2010.

The 10:10 Community Resource Pack is full of tips to help you promote the campaign in your local area. The pack is designed to help you promote 10:10 alongside your own campaigns and even better, the online version is free, so what are you waiting for?

Ever walked past a shop or office late at night with all the lights on and thought “what a waste”? If so, this is then the Light Brigade for you! The Light Brigade is a campaign that is aiming to highlight energy wastage to the people who run those shops and offices in order to encourage them to take action to save energy, save money and reduce their impact on climate change and light pollution.

The Greater Manchester Cycling Campaign is a voluntary group working to make cycling in Greater Manchester quicker, safer, easier and more enjoyable. The group wants more people to use bicycles - or other kinds of human powered vehicle - for transport and leisure. And it represents and empowers people who do this.

Friends of the Earth is an international organisation that campaigns on a wide range of environmental issues. Manchester FoE is one of their local groups. Find your local group in the North West here.

Greenpeace campaign on ecological issues throughout the world. Greenpeace has a local group in Manchester.

Manchester Climate Forum is a local network dedicated to increased action on climate change.