Business, Eco & Environment, Wimborne | Posted on October 17th, 2024 | return to news
Wimborne businesses share eco-friendly ideas at climate forum
As part of Planet Wimborne’s Green Festival, local businesses attended a free forum to discuss ideas for reducing their carbon footprint.
As part of Planet Wimborne’s Green Festival, which runs until 19 October, local businesses attended a free forum to discover how some fellow traders are actively reducing their carbon footprint.
Organised by Wimborne BID, businesses shared advice on how they have become greener and learned how to apply for grants from Low Carbon Dorset, a green grant initiative for businesses run by Dorset Council.
Low Carbon Dorset has already given out £8.5million in grants to help businesses in the county become more sustainable. An exhibition detailing projects supported by Low Carbon Dorset is on display in Wimborne Minster during the Green Festival.
Among the forum’s attendees were Lucy Greenwood and Mel Stirling, eco ambassadors at Teachers Building Society. Since 2018, staff at the company have created environmental working groups to initiate changes to working practices. The business is now recognised as a Plastic Free Champion with only reusable cups and water bottles allowed in the workplace. All lights in the office are now LED which are 80 per cent more efficient. And outside their premises, the team created a wildflower border to encourage wildlife.
They have also been working in the local community on projects such as tree-planting schemes at Moors Valley Country Park and War on Waste litter picks, as well as gaining the coveted ‘Litter Free Coast and Sea Award’.
Mel Stirling said: “The catalyst for change at Teachers has been driven by the staff and many of the eco initiatives we’ve introduced in the workplace are now being implemented by our team at home. Our aim is to not just do research on how we can reduce our carbon impact but act on it. Our committee is now working towards greater reduction of the business carbon footprint and working towards carbon zero.”
BID Chairperson Fiona Harwood said: “It’s so impressive to hear these stories of local businesses making a positive impact with evidence to prove it. What was really evident is that small changes can make a huge difference, and that the most important thing is to take the first step.
“Sustainability is a big part of the BID Strategy and we’re so proud to have these eco champion businesses in this town.”
Low Carbon Dorset offers free and impartial energy-saving advice to any businesses wanting to reduce their environmental impact. Visit Low Carbon Dorset – Helping reduce Dorset’s footprint to find out more.
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