What is Community Choices for Sustainable Living?

Community Choices for Sustainable Living (CCSL) aims to give people and communities in Somerset, Dorset and Devon the support they need to choose a more sustainable way of living.  CCSL is a 3 year project funded by the Department of the Environment,  Farming and Rural Affairs’ Environmental Action Fund. 

Why does CCSL require help?

We feel that, whilst there is some good support from local authorities and other organisations with encouraging initiatives such as composting and recycling, there are many more opportunities for communities to become greener in fun and easy ways.  We’re also sure that there are many people in Somerset, Devon and Dorset who would like to see more being done and perhaps could help their own community live a little more sustainably. 

  Who can help with CCSL?

Any person or group interested in greening their community in some way is welcome to apply to become involved in CCSL.

• Do you feel your community isn’t as green as it could be and, whilst you have an idea of what you would like to see done, you don’t know where to start?
• Could you take some inspiration from others and feed it back to members of your community?
• Would you like to do something to reduce CO2 emmissions and the impact of climate change and need some ideas to get you started?
• May be you have a small project in mind but need some support and training to get it started and keep it going. 
• Perhaps you already belong to an existing community group and are looking for a new topic to discuss.

We are looking for individuals or groups who can commit a small amount of time to the project to keep some continuity within their community.

What experience do I need?

None.  We will provide you with the information, support and where necessary, the training you need to help you deliver your message to the people in your community.  However, experience is always welcome!

What will I be expected to do?

It is up to you how you take your message to your community.  How you do this will depend on the type of project you wish to set up or promote but we will support you in any way we can and are available to discuss ideas in detail. 

What sort of training and support will I be given?

We aim to provide you with any training that you need in order to help us deliver this project.  Examples of the topics we would like to see covered include car sharing clubs, community composting schemes, green home decoration, local food purchasing options, sustainable transport, renewable energy projects, community recycling schemes, organic gardening, community wildlife gardens…  and we will aim to provide training in these areas. However, we are open to suggestions and if you already have a particular interest, skill or knowledge that you feel may fit in with the project’s aims, we would be glad to discuss this with you.

What’s in it for me?

This project provides a great opportunity for you to gain or enhance your experience of working in and with your local community.  You will have the opportunity to visit sustainable living projects, attend free training courses, meet new people and influence and enthuse those around you in a subject which interests you.  By volunteering with CCSL, you will be making a positive step towards sustainable consumption patterns in the county.

What do I need to do to become involved with CCSL?

The first step is to complete and return a form.  This will register your interest.  You will then be contacted to arrange a date and time when we will meet with you to find out more about you, what you hope to gain from volunteering and what subjects you are most interested in.  We will also identify and discuss any training needs you may have.  This process will be very informal and all reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed to you on request.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with the Community Choices for Sustainable Living project, please call the office to request a leaflet or email Corina Reay