Held every year on the last Saturday of March, Earth Hour engages millions of people in switching off their lights to show support for our planet. However, Earth Hour goes far beyond the symbolic action of switching off – it has become a catalyst for positive environmental impact helping to make big changes.
How does this affect Buckingham? Well, Buckingham Town Council declared a Climate Emergency in July 2019. Since then the Council has been busy investigating actions the Town Council can take, as well as looking for ways to work with partners to make a difference.
A few things that the Council has already implemented are:
• Replaced one vehicle with an electric van. This has proved a big success; with vehicles only moving within the town, this has reduced the use of diesel considerably, also plans are in place to purchase electric-powered machinery for the new cemetery
• Updating the Town Council’s lights in Chandos Park with energy-efficient LED lights
• Solar panels have been fitted on Lacehill Sports and Community Centre and plans are in place to have them fitted on Buckingham Community Centre.
• Recycling bins are provided at all Town Council events we no longer purchase any single-use plastics, either for events or for use within the office.
• Large sections of Bourton Park have been turned over to Wildflower meadows and Wildflower identification boards have been installed to promote the growth of native species
• A water bottle refill station has been installed in Chandos Park, thanks to funds given by Buckinghamshire County Council’s Local Area Forum
• Each of the Council’s four committees have reviewed the Climate Emergency Action Plan and added actions within their remits.
So how can I get involved in Earth Day? Here are just a few things you can do:
Switch off your lights
This is the DNA of the Earth Hour movement and the easiest way to participate in this Earth Hour. Simply switch off all non-essential lights for an hour!
Zero Waste Dinner
Up for a challenge? Try creating a zero-waste meal and make sure you eat all of it! Visit your local butchers, greengrocers or local supermarket to get your ingredients but make sure you get products with no packaging and use a reusable bag to carry it home. To reduce your carbon footprint further, purchase ingredients that are in season. The BBC has published some recipe ideas for Zero Waste meals.
Sign the ‘Our Voice for the Planet’ petition
Call on world leaders to take urgent action to protect and restore nature! The ‘Our Voice for the Planet’ petition.
Every day’s a learning day
Learn more about climate change and how we can tackle some of the biggest issues that we currently face. Learn what you can do in your daily life to start living more sustainably – even the smallest actions add up! We have some tips and links on our webpage that could start you off in the right direction.
Write a letter to your future eco-warrior self
Do you wish to limit your water wastage or purchase eco-friendly goods more often? Why not put all of your sustainability goals into a letter for your future self! It’s a fun way to hold yourself accountable while at the same time do your part in helping our planet.
Eco-friendly fashion show
Turn your living room into a runway and bond with your family as you take on a fun and silly night of dressing up. Unleash your creative side by making your own costume from recyclable materials.
Litter Pick
Get yourself down to Bourton Park and conduct your own litter pick using our #QuickLitterPick station. This covered cage in Bourton Park contains 5 individual litter pickers and a supply of bin liners and can be accessed by anyone with the code for the lock. (Anyone who would like the code can call the Town Council Office or Buckingham Tourist Information Centre during opening hours). Once you’re finished, walk your rubbish home and dispose of it accordingly.
If you want to continue the conversation of Community & Climate Change, come along to our Annual Town Meeting on Thursday 24th March 2022 at 7pm in Buckingham Community Centre where there will be multiple stalls and stakeholders followed by a Question and Answer session on all things Climate Change. Please contact Nina Stockill, Estates Admin for more information about this meet