UNISON Green Week is a wonderful opportunity for Regional UNISON branches to raise awareness about environmental issues, promote sustainability, and encourage eco-friendly practices within the workplace and in branches. Wendy Nichols Regional Convenor says, “I am delighted to promote UNISON’s upcoming ‘Green Week’. This week-long event will be dedicated to raising awareness about environmental issues, fostering sustainable practices, and encouraging our members and Branches to take positive actions towards a greener future. Together, we can make a significant impact on our planet’s health and well-being. “ As a region we want to showcase our Branches green efforts and share agreements, to highlight the impact these initiatives have had on the environment and our members. We would also like to emphasize any positive collaborations with employers in the Region.
Here are some ideas to get you started.
• Recycling Drive: Set up a recycling drive within the workplace to encourage members to recycle properly. Provide information on what can be recycled and how to do it correctly. You can also consider collecting specific items like e-waste or batteries for proper disposal. This can be done in Branch also.
• Energy Conservation Campaign: Launch an energy conservation campaign during UNISON Green Week. Promote simple actions like turning off lights when not in use, unplugging electronics, and using energy-efficient appliances. You can also organize an energy audit to identify areas where energy-saving improvements can be made perhaps in conjunction with Health & Safety reps in the branch.
• Plant a Tree: Arrange a tree-planting event in collaboration with your employer or environmental organisations. Identify suitable areas within the workplace or nearby locations where trees can be planted. Not only does this activity contribute to the environment. This event could be for publicity also to promote the role of Environmental Officer/Green rep.
• Zero Waste Challenge: Encourage members to adopt a zero-waste lifestyle during UNISON Green Week and beyond. Provide tips and resources for reducing waste, such as carrying reusable water bottles and coffee cups, using eco-friendly lunch containers, and avoiding single-use plastics. Look to providing eco-friendly merch in the future.
• Green Office Practices: Promote sustainable practices within the workplace, such as reducing paper usage, printing double-sided, and implementing recycling bins throughout the office. Encourage the use of eco-friendly office supplies and materials.
• Community Clean-up: Organise a UNISON community clean-up event where union members can join forces to clean a local park, beach, or any other public area. Collaborate with local authorities, Hospital Trusts, Schools, FE Colleges, Police Forces, Energy and WET Employers everywhere we organise.
• Green Pledge: Encourage UNISON members to make a personal green pledge during Green Week. Provide a platform or wall where members can write down their commitments towards sustainability. This can include actions like reducing water consumption, composting, or supporting local and sustainable businesses. UNISON Green Week can be a great opportunity to foster a sense of environmental responsibility within UNISON and inspire and organise for positive changes for a sustainable future.