What's this got to do with us, or climate change? Well, pollution, consumption and climate change are the cause. And as biodiversity's lost, climate change worsens. Why? Because biodiversity makes nature more productive, adaptable and resilient. Plus, pollinators are vital to our food supply - if we lose the insects and bees, we’re screwed, too. So, biodiversity loss and climate change must be tackled together.
What can we do about it? There’s lots of solutions, from regenerative agriculture and agroecology to Indigenous-led land management. As always, this needs system change: our economy needs to value nature much more. And in our own lives there’s lots we’ve already looked at - rewilding our green spaces, cutting out plastic, reducing our energy use and our carbon footprints all give nature a helping hand.
Team Gather x
Low-impact living: our top tips this month
It might seem tough in the city to do things that are good for biodiversity. Actually, the choices we make every day impact nature; what we eat, what we buy and how we get around.
Eat: seasonal, local and organic where possible. Less processed food, less meat or grass fed is best. Try Local Greens or Roots Farmer fruit and veg box schemes.
Reduce: energy use, water use, food waste. Buy less stuff, go secondhand - and when you can't, check out the Giki app and Ethical Consumer to buy better.
Grow: plants to support wildlife. Make a bug hotel. Go wild, don't pave over your garden. Go for a walk, reconnect with nature for your health and wellbeing.
Want to keep nasty toxic chemicals out of our rivers and fields and protect animals from harm? We’ve got you covered.
First up: our household cleaning and personal care products from Fill and SESI, two properly eco-friendly businesses.
We love Fill because their products smell amazing, contain no dyes or harsh chemicals, and are closed-loop: they fill up our tubs and take away our empties. They make everything themselves in their family-run factory in Northamptonshire. We get their hand soap, wash up and laundry liquids, all delivered by electric van via Planet Minimal.
Our SESI products are also closed-loop, and the 'last mile' delivery's done by cargo bike. We get cleaning products and our lovely Cole & Co hair and body care from them. SESI are also family run, and they source their ingredients from as close to home as possible, reducing their carbon footprint even further. Plus they're a social enterprise - like us!
Next, and new in: seaweed fertilizer. You asked, we delivered. Free from chemicals and preservatives, it's organic and packed with nutrients. Perfect for the healthier, stronger plants you're all going to be growing - indoors and out.
'Braiding Sweetgrass' by Robin Wall Kimmerer. A beautiful book exploring our relationship with the living world and what we gain from indigenous wisdom.
Gather. The growing movement of indigenous communities reclaiming their spiritual, political and cultural identities through food sovereignty.
Volunteer: connect with nature and your community by volunteering at a garden. Ruskin Park, Glengall Wharf, Bell House and Brockwell Park are some of our locals. It's great for your physical and mental health, too.
Take to the streets: join the global day of action for climate justice in London on Saturday 6 November. World leaders and experts will be in Glasgow for the global climate talks, COP26. Let's raise our voices.
~ all about you ~
We'd love to know: what've you been learning - or unlearning?
Any local eco-related happenings you'd like us to shout about?
And how can we help you on your journey to a low-impact life?
