Can we be sustainable?
Sustainable Epsom and Ewell is an independent, apolitical and entirely volunteer led environmental group aiming to raise environmental ambitions in the Borough. Sustainable Epsom and Ewell was founded in late 2019.
As a group they organise events for local residents, have a website with useful local information and tips for residents, and take action with our Council. They also have a social media presence on Facebook and Instagram.
At Sustainable Epsom and Ewell they feel strongly about our local environment and want to share their resources and extensive local knowledge to get more residents involved and taking action. They have high ambitions for our Borough and believe the Council can and should take a greater lead and bolder actions to address, mitigate and adapt to the Climate and Environmental Crises.
Over the past years they have organised several events including “Green Friday” to raise awareness about the excessive consumption culture promoted through Black Friday events, a Cycling themed debate where both Surrey and Local councillors spoke as well as committee members of the Epsom and Ewell Cycle Action Group.
However, their biggest events to date have been two Eco Fairs, organised in partnership with St Martin of Tour’s Church in 2021 and 2022. The aims of the Eco Fair are threefold:
1) to highlight and showcase the groups active in our Borough as well as Council teams active in the environment fields,
2) to inspire local residents and groups to volunteer, take action and share experiences,
3) to highlight the strong proportion of residents keen to take personal action whilst encouraging the Council raise their green ambitions through action.
The 2022 fair included over 14 different groups, including Surrey Wildlife Trust, Epsom and Ewell Tree Advisory Group, the Lower Mole Partnership, Oxfam, the Epsom Repair Cafe, Dr Bike and the Epsom Civic Society as well as local green businesses.
This year in addition to the many residents who attended, the Fair attracted a visit from MP Chris Grayling and Epsom and Ewell’s Mayor Clive Woodbridge.
In the short-term future, they hope to continue to expand their reach to residents, campaign for real, ambitious and proactive Council measures in the environmental fields and provide opportunities for local groups and residents to meet and engage through events.
www.SustainableEpsomEwell.co.uk
Facebook/Instagram: @SustainableEpsomEwell