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Cork County Council is launching its “Make One Change” campaign for the month of November to encourage the people of Cork County to think about climate change and to make small, practical changes to their lifestyles in support of climate action.  Taking place during “Cork County Cuts Carbon Month” this November, Cork County Council has organised a series of talks and events focusing on climate action, which are taking place in local libraries all over the county.  These events will cover a range of topics from energy saving in the home to fast fashion, connecting with nature, story time for children and much more.  The month of activities is a follow-up to last year’s calendar of events which attracted great interest from the public.

The awareness month is timely as the Council has released its draft Climate Action Plan for public consultation.   The plan outlines not only the Council’s commitment to reducing its carbon emissions by 51% across its own services but also how it intends to work with other stakeholders to influence communities to make changes at a local level.  Ireland has a target to achieve 51% emissions reduction by 2030, with further ambitions to reach net zero by 2050.  The plan is available at www.corkcoco.ie and across Council’s libraries for viewing.

Mitigating climate change will happen when everyone plays their part, and that includes all the citizens of Cork County.  Climate change is primarily a problem of too much carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere but making small changes to everyday lives can make a big difference in reducing the carbon footprint.  For example, the global fashion industry accounts for 10% of global emissions, with the industry belching out 1.2 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year, more emissions than the shipping and aviation industries combined.  Another 10% of global carbon emissions are caused by food waste.  Ireland produces around 1 million tonnes of food waste each year with Irish households generating 250,000 tonnes of this, throwing out 150kg of food each year.  Cork County Council is encouraging citizens to consider these impacts.  Various events will help people understand how their actions contribute to climate change and what changes to make in their lifestyles.  The events aim to be practical, informative and encouraging so people can make changes to their own lifestyles.  For example, SEAI will host several sessions on energy saving in the home.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank O’Flynn said:

“There are several talks organised in libraries all over the county during Cork County Cuts Carbon month, so we can all learn more about how we can support climate action.  This November we call on every person in Cork County to make one change – whether something simple like walking to the local shop instead of driving, reducing your household food waste, every small change can make a huge difference.”

 As one persons actions can make a difference, Cork County Council has suggested a number of pledges to ‘make one change’, for adults and children, that can be taken during Cork County Cuts Carbon month, details of which can be found on www.corkcoco.ie. 

Valerie O’Sullivan, Chief Executive of Cork County Council added:

“As a Council, we are continuously striving to make changes and better choices in relation to our carbon footprint.  One person or organisation can’t fix the climate on their own, but working together we can become part of a generation that does.  We are asking the public to make just one change in their lifestyle during Cork County Cuts Carbon month in support of climate action.  Making one change can make all the difference.” 

Cork County Cuts Carbon Month – Adult Pledges

• Love Slow Fashion – Do you really need more clothes? Why not re-wear the ones you have, upcycle them or buy second hand from a charity shop. Take the pledge – nothing new for November!
• Buy Local and Seasonal for November – Eat all local and seasonal foods for November. More energy is needed to transport, refrigerate and store food that is imported from other countries and more packaging is needed to keep it fresh. You are also supporting local businesses. 
• Reduce and Refill – Say NO to disposables for November. If you drink two litres of water per day, that’s equal to four plastic bottles, so we can save a massive 1,460 plastic bottles per year by using a reusable bottle instead. Or saving 365 disposable coffee cups, for just one cuppa a day in a reusable cup. 
• Walk More November – Leave the car at home. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money and reduce air and noise pollution levels, all whilst getting fit. 
• Nominate A Friend to “Make One Change” – Urge other people to make a change. As part of “Cork County Cuts Carbon” month, tell friends and family about what you are doing and ask them to make one change as well. It takes everyone getting involved!
• Connect with Nature – Pledge to connect with nature during the month of November. Go outside and appreciate your environment and the need to protect it.   
• Zero Food Waste for November – Pledge to re-use all your leftovers this month with some of our recipes or by composting.  Ten percent of global carbon emissions are caused by food waste and if food waste was a country, it would be the third highest emitting country in the world. Always try to use whatever was last into the fridge first, embrace your refrigerator, reuse your leftovers, compost the right way.   
• Reduce your Water – Reduce your water consumption for Cork County Cuts Carbon month. Try reducing your shower time to less than five minutes or pledge to turn the tap off when you are brushing your teeth.
• Reduce your Energy – There are lots of ways that you can reduce your energy at home! Make one of these pledges or try them all!
  • I pledge to reduce the temperature of my clothes wash.
  • I pledge to use a clothes line instead of a tumble dryer.
  • I pledge to stop vampire energy (by turning off appliances when not used)
  • I pledge to turn off lights when I am not in the room.
  • I pledge to turn down my thermostat at home. 

Cork County Cuts Carbon Month – Children Pledges

• Plug it out – Save Energy! Plug out devices that aren’t being used and tell your family. 
• Step it Up – Walk or cycle instead of taking the car. 
• Watch it grow – Plant a seed or bulb and watch it grow – nature is amazing!
• Turn it off – Don’t leave the tap running while you are brushing your teeth, take showers of less than five minutes. 
• Use it again – Stop Plastic! Get a reusable bottle and use it every day. 
• Wear it out – Don’t buy new things for November- re-use and repair.