Hi everyone,
Hope your week's going well! Here's your weekly dose of EcoCounts news to make it even better.
This issue comes with a fond farewell to a summer of great cinema, some food for thought on carbon and policy, and plenty of ways to get involved!
A Wrap on Mystery Screening Nights
Before we talk about future events, we wanted to give a big round of virtual applause to the events team here at EcoCounts as they have now wrapped their Summer Film Season.
After six weeks of great cinema and even better discussions, we can safely say that we all come out of it feeling inspired for change.
Last Saturday we watched Local Hero (1983) - Set in a small fishing village in Scotland where an American oil company plans to buy the village to set up a new refinery. This film was funny, whimsical and allowed for the perfect discussion around greed, oil companies and the place of cinema in sustainability.
Who Counts
(Got a quick tip, a repair project, or a realistic eco-habit? We want to hear it!)
This week's inspiration: Local Hero (1983) takes us to a small Scottish coastal community where an oil company arrives with plans to buy up the village. Beneath the comedy, the film asks the question: what makes somewhere worth protecting?
It's easy to think of environmental value in terms of forests, oceans and endangered species, but Local Hero reminds us that the places closest to us matter too. A local high street, a patch of green space, a community centre or even a favourite walking route can have value that doesn't show up on a balance sheet.
This week, why not take a closer look at your own surroundings
What would you miss if it disappeared? Maybe there's a local business you rely on, a park you spend time in, or a community space that brings people together.
Supporting these places is about more than where we spend our money. It can be as simple as actually taking an interest in what happens around us and speaking up when something we value is at risk. Join your local library, get to know your neighbours (seriously, I know it’s London, but you should know your neighbour’s name), pay attention to changes being proposed in your area, and make your voice heard when it matters.
Over to you: Do you have any useful ideas on how to engage with your local community? Reply to this email and let us know; we'd love to feature your advice in upcoming issues!
Measuring Carbon Footprints, Data and Policy Making
This Monday we had a great visit from Environmental and Agricultural Economist John McClintock, where we discussed his ideas on climate change.
John reflected on the two main issues when it comes to tackling the climate crisis. These are the Collective Action Problem, how to get every government body and entity to decide and commit to a solution and the Negative Externality, the idea that no one is paying the real cost of anything.
John’s solutions align with EcoCounts as we heavily focus on measuring one’s gas emissions. Currently, John is testing out his ideas within a school and hoping to get Camden Council on board. The idea is that by measuring one’s carbon footprint, we can have a closer look at what can be reduced and how to incentivise this.
Every Monday at St Luke's Church, we aim to bring lively discussions to you! Next week we're focusing on marketing in all its facets. Our voice, the website, the newsletter, and social media. Come along from 6 pm onwards to learn how we can use marketing strategies for combating the climate crisis!
Have you not yet measured your carbon footprint? No Problem!
Jack and the team have just launched our new Carbon Footprint Dashboard. This is the perfect opportunity to get started with the numbers. Check it out and see how the group is doing!
What’s On
Carbon Count at St Luke’s Autumn Fair
Come Measure your Carbon Footprint at St Luke's Autumn Fair on the 17th of October.
From 11 am to 2 pm on this Saturday, you will get a chance to talk to our data team and measure your carbon footprint! This is a great way to take a closer look at your daily habits in a non-judgmental, friendly environment. Come along for practical and personalised ideas on how you can reduce your impact on our world!
Get Hands-On With the Data
Have you measured your carbon footprint? John McClintock wants to work with you!
If you have about 10 hours over the next 3–6 months to sit down and dig into your numbers, John McClintock wants to hear from you! He'll take a closer look at your data, work out what tangible steps could meaningfully improve your footprint, and explore what would actually motivate you to change your habits.
Exciting Updates
Big news this week: Chloe has joined the team as our new administrator! She'll be the one keeping the wheels turning behind the scenes, so if you bump into her at an event, or one of our weekly meetings, be sure to introduce yourself.
What We Need
Join our Board as a Trustee: J We're looking for new Trustees to help steer EcoCounts as we grow, and we'd especially love to hear from current volunteers and participants! Do you want to enrich your work with EcoCounts, or get more involved in shaping where we go next? If you have experience in governance, strategy, finance, or simply a deep commitment to grassroots climate action, check out the role on our website or get in touch. Get Involved - EcoCounts
Volunteer Manager: Love connecting with people and organising community efforts? We are looking for a Volunteer Manager to help coordinate, support, and grow our wonderful network of volunteers. Head over to our website to apply or reply to this email to find out more. Get Involved - EcoCounts
We hope you have a lovely weekend. See you on Monday!
Warmly,
The EcoCounts Team
