The ‘How to Go Greener Day’ on Saturday 30th March was a great success with many attendees, and everyone agreed that the quality of the speakers was outstanding. The speakers were drawn from a wide range of environmental campaign groups.
The day started with coffee and an introduction by Rev’d Peter Cross.
At 10:15 a rousing talk by Hilary Blake of ‘Joy in Enough’, a Christian sustainability group.
Then a talk by Rachel Curry which examined the very complex science behind the climate change arguments. With a background in science, and currently studying chemistry at York University, it was nice to hear from someone with expertise in climate chemistry.
Then a coffee break, which featured vegan milk, fair trade tea and coffee and locally sourced cakes – from volunteers.
Suitably refreshed, everyone then listened to a talk by former MEP Philip Bennison, now the owner of a small arable farm, on how farmers can help feed Britain and the world with better crop yields and sustainable farming practices.
Next, David Hughes, a founder of the Climate Stewards organisation, gave a talk about how we can all help to reduce human impact on the environment.
At 12:15 Kallum Nicholson took the podium and talked about the looming disaster of discarded plastic in the environment, especially the oceans. Plastic particles are now found in the bodies of creatures throughout the oceanic food chain, from shrimps to the great whales.
Finally, local circuit preacher Linda Johnson talked about the joys of veganism and how, conversely, modern industrial livestock farming is having a dramatic adverse effect on the environment.
After a tasty locally sourced vegan lunch there were afternoon workshops where green activists, green organisations and green businesses talked about their campaigns, ideas and products.
Toll Gavel United Church Beverley 