As a first step in Big Help Project’s long-term goal to reduce Co2 emissions, they have received a grant from the National Lottery’s programme ‘Together for Our Planet’ to fund Wildflower Welcome kits.
The grant will fund Wildflower Welcome kits containglow-emission lightbulbs, reusable shopping bags, wildflower seeds and a wildflower planting guide to be given to residents of Big Help Homes, to help them to reduce their carbon footprint and make their neighbourhood bloom.
Big Help Project’s Sustainable Researcher, Sarah Coffey, explained the importance of tackling climate change and the effect affordability has on making more sustainable switches, “Sustainable options are often more expensive than plastic ‘single-us’ counterparts. While plastic bags are the more affordable option at the point of purchase, they are terrible for the environment; factoring in what they are made from, how they are made, the harmful emissions they release into our atmosphere, just to end up in landfill or oceans after use. Reusable canvas bags can last a lifetime, but are the more expensive option. At Big Help Project we believe that no matter your budget, you should be able to have options to use every-day items that are better for the environment – poverty should never be an unfair factor on people wanting to use more sustainable products. This is why each of our 500 residents at Big Help Homes will receive two reusable shopping bags each, helping to save money and lots of Co2 emissions!”
The Wildflower Welcome kit is designed to help residents make more environmentally-friendly and easier switches without needing to worry about the cost point. Along with reusable canvas bags, the kits include 4 low-energy light bulbs that can last up to 5 years and dramatically reduce the amount of energy used in a household – meaning lower energy bills, whilst helping the environment.
Wildflowers improve biodiversity, allowing pollinating insects like bees to feed, shelter and thrive. The native seeds will be gifted to Big Help Homes residents, and there will be a chance to plan and grow a show garden as part of a free horticulture class starting in the new year. Big Help Home’s resident Chris said, “I’m so excited to join the horticulture classes and meet some of my new neighbours, having the chance to try something new like gardening is very rewarding – and having access to a space to have a go is really nice.”
In conjunction with the National Lottery, this Big Help Project venture will save is able to save over 10 metric tonnes of Co2 from entering the atmosphere annually, while making Merseyside a more beautiful and welcoming environment for its residents and wildlife.