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A Happy New Year from our Trustees!
As a new year begins, the need to live ever more sustainably remains. See what's happening in the District and how you can contribute to making it more sustainable.
What's Coming Up?
Get Involved
Be Informed
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Welcome to new readers this month: enjoy this month’s news, and please also take a look at our website for updates and previous newsletters. If you’d like to get in touch, we always love to hear from you. And stay up-to date on our social media (links below).
Newsletter Editor: Philip Nalpanis
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 Climate Conversation
Monday 10 January, 7.30 - 9.30 pm
on Zoom
Just started learning about climate change? Or been living a sustainable lifestyle with climate in mind for years? The problems and solutions relating to the climate crisis are always changing: this facilitated “Climate Conversation” is for anyone who wants some help thinking through what action they can take next.
 Could you be talking to friends or colleagues more but not sure where to start? Maybe you could take further steps to cut your food waste. This session will help you reflect on the action you have been taking, learn from others and prioritise your next steps with the help of like-minded people.
It’s a chance to stop and really talk about climate change, and what we need to do – both as individuals and as a society.
For further details and to book, click here.
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Businesses and Community Groups: Online training to help cut CO2 emissions
Mondays 24 January, 7 & 21 February, all 10.30 - 11.30 am
Do you know a local organisation who could benefit from free training and tailored support to help them start their journey towards net zero?
In October, a number of local charities attended our first workshop which helped them to work through the steps they need to take to create a carbon reduction action plan. We’re running this workshop again in bite sized online sessions which would be suitable for managers in charge of buying or buildings, SME owners, voluntary organisation teams and decision-makers too. Please share our registration form or get in touch to find out more. Offered free to local groups through grant funding.
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Following three successful markets in Harpenden in 2021, dates have now been announced for the 2022 markets! Join us at the next markets showcasing local and sustainable sellers. From eco essentials and gifts to eco food and wellbeing, there is something for everyone.
Traders can contact us for application details for regular or one-off stalls at any of the markets.
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Save the dates for SustFest 2022: 15-31 May
Run by volunteers, SustFest invites people from across the district to take action to live more sustainably. Now in its sixth year, the festival will take place from 15 to 31 May 2022. Put the dates in your diary and sign up to our newsletter for more details in the new year! Groups and organisations can scroll down for more information to register their own event.
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 Borrow a Thermal Imaging Camera this winter
See where your home is leaking heat, lacking in insulation or needs draught-proofing
We have two thermal imaging cameras (one based in Harpenden, one in St Albans) for residents to easily identify where precious heat is escaping from their homes. Make informed choices about insulation and repairs once you’ve assessed the situation for yourself. Attend an information session via Zoom, then reserve a camera to borrow.
Visit our website for further details, to book an online session, or for measures you can take to reduce your home’s carbon footprint and your fuel bills.
To see dates for St Albans information sessions and book for one, click here.
To see dates for Harpenden information sessions and book for one, click here. The Harpenden camera is new and different, so previous Harpenden borrowers may wish to attend an information session before booking a repeat borrowing.
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Playing Out in 2022: information sessions
Applications are now open for streets that have played out before or for those who have previously attended an information session. Apply by 24 January for sessions from 19 March onwards. Information sessions for those wanting to start playing out sessions in their street will take place from February. Find out more on the Playing Out webpages and keep up to date by joining our mailing list.
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Registration for SustFest 2022 events is now open!
Registration for groups that want to participate in St Albans’ annual Sustainability Festival is open until 14 March.
If you're part of a residents association, community or faith group, school or youth club, local business or public sector organisation, could you put on your own activity or event to increase awareness or inspire action?
Get inspired by visiting the SustFest website. If you’re interested in getting involved but not sure what to do, drop us a line and we’ll be happy to help.
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Take Action with Count Us In - Veganuary
 Veganism needn’t be all lentils and oatmilk… Did you know Skittles, Jus-Roll Puff Pastry and Doritos are vegan too?! (Not that we’re suggesting living off that entirely would be good for you - or the planet!) If you’re considering taking part in Veganuary, use our resources to find recipes, articles and videos on the importance of this step, or perhaps just start with one plant-based day a week.
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Your local knowledge wanted
Are you part of or do you know of a local residents association or small group which meet in your neighbourhood? Our Community Engagement Officer, Sarah Kersey, is seeking your local knowledge to help her connect with people who are helping to bring the community together. Sarah’s role is to inform, inspire and engage local people in climate action. If you can email Sarah with your local knowledge, this will help her reach out to new people who may not be so aware of the climate emergency and how they can make a difference.
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 Volunteer opportunities - please share!
Do you have a spare few hours a month? Are you a good listener? Do you enjoy meeting new people and talking to people about positive ways they can make more sustainable lifestyle choices? We are recruiting Stall Volunteers who can help us at markets and events throughout the year.
We are also interested in hearing from people who might want to be a speaker to visit groups to help raise awareness about the climate emergency and how they can join a network of groups working to reduce the district’s CO2 emissions.
Read our blog post about these roles and help us find new people by sharing this post now with your friends or colleagues.
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S ustainable transport locally
Help to build Cottonmill Community and Cycling Centre - see the latest blog.
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Catch up with our resources
 Perhaps this New Year, your resolution can be to take meaningful action on your carbon footprint: look through our resources to find real people explaining simple steps that make a difference. With 16 steps ranked in impact on carbon emissions, find a change you can make and find support on our site too! Sign up to Count Us In to register your actions and let us know how you get on!
Here are some of our blogs inspired by Count Us In:
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