This World Environment Day, we are sharing examples of best practices from across our federations to educate and inspire.
Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI) continues to lead impactful environmental projects through its local clubs, showcasing their commitment to sustainability and community engagement. Recent projects in Dewsbury Country Park, Yorkshire, and Whitstable, Kent, highlight the organisation’s efforts to address climate change and environmental degradation.
Watch the full presentation by SIGBI here.
Dewsbury Country Park: Transforming a Landfill into a Lush Park
The Dewsbury and Wakefield Soroptimist Club, along with regional program action officer Linda, have spearheaded a remarkable project in Dewsbury Country Park, Yorkshire. The initiative began in 2019 when the Woodland Trust offered free trees, prompting the club to collaborate with local rangers, beavers, scouts, and community members to plant over 420 trees.
The site, once a landfill, has been transformed through these efforts. The club has revisited the park several times, planting additional trees, including two redwoods for their centenary celebration. In total, the project has seen the planting of more than 500 trees, contributing to the regeneration of the area. Birdlife and wildlife have returned, making the park a thriving natural habitat. The project is a testament to how local clubs can easily engage in reforestation efforts by collaborating with local authorities and community groups.
Whitstable: Pioneering Plastic-Free Initiatives
In Whitstable, the newly chartered Whitstable Soroptimist Club has taken significant strides towards reducing plastic pollution. Led by Jane Webb, the club has revitalised the local Plastic Free Whitstable initiative, which had been inactive and at risk of losing its plastic-free status.
Recognising the severe impact of plastic pollution on climate change and its disproportionate effects on women and children, the club decided to act. They took over the coordination of the Plastic Free Whitstable committee, engaging with local businesses, volunteers, and organisations. The club faced initial challenges, including outdated IT systems and lost passwords, but persevered by recruiting local stakeholders such as the senior foreshore officer, local councillors, and other voluntary organisations.
Their efforts have resulted in 30 businesses committing to reducing or eliminating single-use plastics, and several community allies, including the Soroptimist Club itself, have pledged to avoid single-use plastics at events. The club plans to continue their work by organising public events, such as beach cleans and a mass unwrap event in the summer, aimed at further reducing plastic waste and raising awareness.
These initiatives by Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland clubs in Yorkshire and Whitstable exemplify the organisation’s dedication to environmental sustainability and community involvement. By transforming a landfill into a flourishing park and leading the charge against plastic pollution, these clubs demonstrate the tangible impacts that local actions can have on the global fight against climate change.