Climate Resilience Centre Worthing (CREW)

Eco-Friendly Markets: Helping To Lead A Sustainable and Resilient Future in Worthing. Food is everywhere. Even if you are not eating it, you can see and smell its rich variety whenever you visit Worthing. But although it seems abundant, things are rapidly changing. Europe, a frequent source of produce for the UK has been hit by climate change and in countries like Spain which has suffered ongoing severe drought, there has been an impact on supplies like olive oil, citrus fruits, and tomatoes to name but a few. Here in Britain, unpredictable weather has led to a form of Russian roulette for farmers, with thousands of pounds of seeds, fertiliser and effort washed away, with little to show for it. As a result, food prices are rising which is not helped by the dominance of supermarkets which aim to buy low and sell high prioritising profit and efficiency over health and sustainability. Add to that the issue of ultra-processed foods which are cheap, convenient, and heavily marketed, leading to poor dietary habits and widespread health issues such as obesity and diabetes and you have a food system that is simply unsustainable for the future. As environmental concerns and the rising cost of living converge, communities are turning to different solutions. One important way forward is emerging and being led by local groups in Worthing aiming to connect local food producers with consumers, ensuring supply and making sure that it’s sustainable by everyone getting a good deal. This shift is being supported by local initiatives like the monthly CREW Vegan Market and Community Thrive Fair, and the development of the Adur & Worthing (A&W) Food Partnership. The CREW Vegan Market, which takes place monthly at the Guildbourne Centre in Worthing, is an excellent example of how the circular food economy is being embraced locally. The market not only provides a platform for local, small, eco-conscious businesses but also encourages the community to reduce their environmental footprint by opting for plant-based and eco-friendly products. Plant-based diets are a key component of the circular food economy, as they are less resource-intensive compared to meat and dairy production. This shift helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water, and protect biodiversity. The development of the Adur & Worthing Food Partnership aims to bring together businesses, community groups, and local government to create a more sustainable and equitable food system. By promoting local food production, reducing food waste, and increasing access to affordable, healthy food, the A&W Food Partnership is helping to embed circular economy principles across the region. There will be a community meeting at the Shoreham Centre on 10th December 2-5pm to outline the new Food Partnership Charter together with information on how to get involved. Book here: https://lnkd.in/ehPsDtAc

Yesterday CREW held 'Where are my Tomatoes' a resilience workshop at Worthing Town Hall funded by the Sussex Resilience Forum and Sussex Police in collaboration with Community Climate Action UK. Huge thanks to Julian Thompson and Bonnie Williams who delivered a really informative and inspiring session. The event was a Community led Adaptation Workshop aimed at change makers in relation to climate change and food security, its impacts and risks. A really productive day with a fabulous lunch provided by the The Vegan Street Food Company Gary Hardley . Outcomes will be shared with our local council and will feed into the Food Partnership Steering Group. CREW intend to hold a second workshop in March where we will openly invite local residents to join us to find answers to local resilience in the face of climate change impacts. #sustainability #foodsecurity #climatechange #resilience

VEGAN MARKET AND COMMUNITY THRIVE FAIR What we eat, and how that food is produced, affects not only our health but also the environment. About a third of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions are linked to food. Animal-based foods, especially red meat, dairy, and farmed shrimp are generally associated with the highest greenhouse gas emissions. Meat Production often requires extensive grasslands and cows and sheep emit methane as they digest grass and plants. Plant-based foods generally use less energy, land, and water, and have lower greenhouse gas intensities than animal-based foods. Therefore, reducing emissions from the food sector requires changes at all stages, from producers to consumers. We at CREW encourage plant-based diets in the local community. We held our first vegan market and community thrive fair on September 26. It was a really busy event offering a blend of sustainability, health and community. Local vendors showcased their passion for plant-based cooking, making it a culinary delight for all attendees. Beyond food, the market featured eco-friendly products, cruelty-free cosmetics and wellness items. The ethical and sustainable message permeated the entire event, offering visitors the opportunity to support small local businesses that share these values. Join us for the next Vegan Market and Community Thrive fair 🗓️ 26th October  ⏰ 10 am - 3 pm 📍 Guildbourne Centre in Worthing There will be more stalls and information available - so come along, bring your family and friends, and become part of a growing community!

Use your money to vote for the future you want. Earth Overshoot Day acts as a reminder that we are utilizing more resources than the planet can replenish in a year. It's a call to action for all of us to work toward a more sustainable future, as individuals and as corporations. Our every consumption choice has the potential to move the business in a sustainable direction. Think wisely about your purchases and their carbon footprint, who you bank, what your pension invests in etc. But it shouldn't only be a question of personal preference; sustainable consumption ought to be the simple solution. Companies need to set an example when it comes to modifying their operations to promote sustainable consumption, production, and waste management. Let's push for a systemic change by making thoughtful decisions about our consumption.  Together, we can make a difference! #Sustainability #EarthOvershootDay #ConsciousConsumption #SustainableBusiness #FutureGenerations

As the climate changes and soaring temperatures become more common, urban heat island effect can add to the woes of city dwellers. Urban heat island refers to the phenomenon where cities are comparatively hotter than the surrounding suburban areas. Urban heat islands are created because of the way our cities are built. Can this be changed? We believe this is possible. Our cities need to adapt! We at CREW Campaign for Green Infrastructure. There is a need to integrate green infrastructures such as green roofs, permeable pavements, trees and urban green spaces to absorb water and reduce the urban heat island effect. Join our movement! Campaign with us or take action at the individual level. You can act by building more green spaces around such as rain gardens and reducing the concrete! #UrbanHeatIsland #ClimateChange #GreenInfrastructure #SustainableCities #UrbanPlanning #GreenRoofs #PermeablePavements #UrbanGreenSpaces #CityCooling #CREWCampaign #ClimateAction #EcoFriendly #UrbanDevelopment #GreenBuilding #SustainableLiving

As the climate changes and soaring temperatures become more common, urban heat island effect can add to the woes of city dwellers. Urban heat island refers to the phenomenon where cities are comparatively hotter than the surrounding suburban areas. Urban heat islands are created because of the way our cities are built. Can this be changed? We believe this is possible. Our cities need to adapt! We at CREW Campaign for Green Infrastructure. There is a need to integrate green infrastructures such as green roofs, permeable pavements, trees and urban green spaces to absorb water and reduce the urban heat island effect. Join our movement! Campaign with us or take action at the individual level. You can act by building more green spaces around such as rain gardens and reducing the concrete! #UrbanHeatIsland #ClimateChange #GreenInfrastructure #SustainableCities #UrbanPlanning #GreenRoofs #PermeablePavements #UrbanGreenSpaces #CityCooling #CREWCampaign #ClimateAction #EcoFriendly #UrbanDevelopment #GreenBuilding #SustainableLiving

Climate Change is threatening our Food Supplies - UN Imagine a world without olive oil, bananas, coffee, or chocolate. Could you cope? Up to 50% of the food in the UK is imported and we are always three days away from drastic food shortages if the imports fail or cease due to extreme weather, the consequences of global warming. CREW is taking action! The Food Group at CREW led by Debbie Smith is actively developing a “Food Partnership” in Worthing where we hope to collaborate with key stakeholders - public agencies, community organisations, businesses, and academia - to bring a fundamental shift in the local food system. We are doing a lot more and you can too! Read our article in the July 2024 issue of Inside Magazine to find many interesting ideas! Special thanks to our partner Inside Publications Ltd. for their continued support. #FoodSecurity #ClimateChange #SustainableAgriculture #InsideMagazine #GlobalWarming #CropFailure #Sustainability #FoodImports #NatureStruggles

“Public participation increases the likelihood that actions taken or services provided by public agencies more adequately reflect the needs of people and that the benefits of development are more equitably shared. Equitable sharing of resources and benefits is also an issue of sustainable development.” (UNESCAP, 2003) We are delighted to share with you that Transition Town Worthing & CREW Transport Groups received an incredible response from the public sharing their thoughts and ideas about the future of transport and active travel around Worthing and Adur. The next phase will be to analyse everything & come up with some points to be discussed by a People’s Assembly and put a plan to the council. Interested in taking part in the People’s Assembly? Email us at debbie@worthingcrew.co.uk. You can also participate in the Transport Group meeting : 🗓️ 6th August  ⏰ 7pm  📍 Gordon Room, Town Hall Let's work together to create sustainable and efficient transport solutions for our community. 🌱💚 #SustainableTransport #ActiveTravel #WorthingAndAdur #CommunityEngagement #GreenFuture

CREW representatives were blown away by the vision, the scale and the difference the Sussex Bay Project could make at the launch yesterday. The project aims to protect and restore 100 miles of marine environment all the way along the Sussex coast. Partners include councils, residents, nature groups, businesses, fishing communities, universities, environmental NGOs, government depts, artists and writers! An ambitious, groundbreaking and vital project - Oceans only receive 1% of climate funding yet absorb 30% of our carbon emissions. This vital work will restore habitats like kelp forests to meet emissions targets. Some amazing speakers and stories and many a tear was shed. Fantastic for so many people to be on the same page and want real positive change for a sustainable and liveable future for our children! Full of positive energy, emotional and inspirational! More to follow! 💚 🌊 💙 🐬

There are just 10 days to go until #RestoreNatureNow takes to the streets of London! 📆 March with CREW! We'll be getting the 10:03 train from Worthing Station - feel free to join us, we love seeing new faces! Be sure to check out the new march assembly guide. There you will find information on: 🗺️The march route  🚶♀️Which block to join   📌Meeting points  🚌Travel information Find out more at 👇 https://lnkd.in/eTbuD_FF