Blossoming Together: Community Climate Action in Edinburgh

Edinburgh, with its majestic castle and sprawling meadows, is a city steeped in history and charm. But beneath its beauty lies a pressing challenge – climate change. The good news? Edinburgh is a city that thrives on community spirit. And when it comes to tackling climate change, this spirit is our greatest weapon.

Picture a city where cherry blossoms aren’t just a fleeting sign of spring, but a symbol of a thriving, sustainable community. This vision is within reach, and it starts with us – the residents of Edinburgh. By working together, we can transform our city into a beacon of climate action, one blossom (and action) at a time. Edinburgh Community Climate Action Network (ECCAN) is a new charity seeking to coalesce the myriad community groups and organisations working in the climate space to develop a cohesive, fair, and future-proofed sustainable Edinburgh, with people and community at its heart.

The Circular Economy: A Ripple Effect of Change

Community repair cafes are popping up across the city. These havens of creativity and resourcefulness give old items a new lease on life. From fixing broken electronics to mending clothes, these cafes not only save money but also divert waste from landfills.

Inspired by this collaborative spirit, why not organise a community swap shop in a local park?  Gather your neighbours and bring along anything you no longer need – clothes, books, even furniture.  One person’s unwanted item becomes another’s treasure, all while keeping perfectly usable goods out of the waste stream.

Nurturing Our Community, Nurturing Our Food

Edinburgh’s green spaces are more than just beauty spots – they can be hubs for growing our own food. Community gardens are a fantastic way to connect with nature, meet your neighbours, and cultivate fresh, local produce.

Initiatives like “Incredible Edible” are transforming forgotten corners of the city into vibrant vegetable patches.  Imagine cherry blossom trees lining a community garden, their delicate blooms a reminder of the nourishment we can cultivate together.

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) schemes, like the one at Lauriston Farm, are another way to connect with local food producers. By subscribing to a CSA box, you receive a regular delivery of seasonal fruit and vegetables grown sustainably by nearby farms. This not only reduces your carbon footprint but also supports local businesses and fosters a connection to the food we eat. Filter on ‘food’ on our Members Map to find a community growing group near you https://eccan.scot/directory/.

Fundraising with a Cherry on Top

Community action often requires a bit of financial muscle. But fundraising doesn’t have to be a chore.  Why not a micro-festival or a bake-off?  Picture stalls selling local crafts, delicious food made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, and perhaps even a “blossom run” or walk through the city’s accessible parks and gardens at this time of year. Partner with local businesses who share your values – they might be willing to sponsor the event or donate prizes for a raffle.

ECCAN comes ready baked with a seed-funding offer for community climate action. We have a £100k funding pot to encourage local initiatives that deliver sustainable climate-focussed work in our communities – we would love to hear your ideas and help you make them a reality. We are exploring with the City of Edinburgh Council a way to deliver a Participatory Budgeting approach to democratic grant distribution – by joining ECCAN as a member you will be notified of this process and be able to access the necessary information.

The Power of Community, the Beauty of Action

Taking action on climate change can feel overwhelming. But here’s the secret: you don’t have to do it alone.  The beauty of community climate action is the collective impact. Every small step, every initiative, every blossom that blooms because of our efforts, contributes to a greener Edinburgh.

So, please get involved!  Join a community garden, attend a repair cafe workshop, or simply start a conversation with your neighbours about how you can all make a difference. A good place to start is our directory  https://eccan.scot/directory/. There’s loads of great climate groups and other organisations working in the climate sphere, such as your own Cockburn Association. At ECCAN we aim to provide the network that shares capacity, motivation and practice to deliver a just, thriving and resilient Edinburgh. Join ECCAN now as a group or an individual at https://eccan.scot/become-an-ecan-member/ . We very much look forward to your participation in ECCAN’s network of community climate action.

Remember, a city that works together is a city that thrives. Let’s harness the power of our community spirit and turn Edinburgh into a place where spring’s cherry blossoms symbolise not just renewal, but a city in bloom – a city blossoming towards a sustainable future.

Guest blog:

Mark Dowey

Network Lead

ECCAN

 

Image: Pixabay