Wandsworth celebrates a successful Sustainable September

Wandsworth's Sustainable September has come to a close, wrapping up the borough’s first ever month-long celebration of local sustainability initiatives. The month of community action boasted over 60 inspiring events designed to educate, engage, and empower residents to make sustainable choices in their daily lives and tackle climate change. 

Wandsworth Council has worked with local community groups and organisations to deliver an exciting programme of events, bringing together hundreds of attendees to showcase the best of what the borough has to offer. 

Highlights include Happy Home’s Climate Awareness Workshop in Balham Library which welcomed 150 attendees, a Circular Economy Webinar with 70 people tuning in and Southfields Harvest, a festival bringing together a range of sustainability events under one roof which attracted lots of the local community. Events encouraged residents to connect with nature, learn about sustainable food and connect with different generations. There were also plenty of ways for local people to learn the art of upcycling, with a Repair Cafe, a fixing and mending party and recycled vintage collage workshops. 

Car Free Day took place on 22 September, welcoming 40 street parties across the borough, the highest number in London and making up almost a quarter of all street parties across the capital. Events brought neighbours together to celebrate the benefits of swapping four wheels for more sustainable and active modes of travel. 

Local schools also joined in the fun, with students at Hurlingham School hosting a Costume Library where they could swap costumes that no longer fit and borrow new ones. 

September was also packed with clothes swaps, climate coffee mornings, informative talks, film screenings and much more. With events almost every day, there was guaranteed to be something for everyone, all aiming to highlight how small changes can add up to make a big difference. 

Councillor Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: “Wandsworth is committed to creating a greener future, and this year's Sustainable September was a testament to our community's passion and creativity. 

“Lots of the changes people can make in their lives are not simply better for the planet, they will help families save money and be healthier too, so it was wonderful to see so many people getting involved. 

“We have ambitious climate targets and will only achieve them by working together. If you missed any events during Sustainable September, there will be plenty more coming up throughout the rest of the year so keep an eye out and please get involved!” 

Many of the local events were supported by Wandsworth Council through its Climate Microgrants scheme which has awarded over £10k to 25 projects so far this year that promote positive behaviours in the community around climate change and sustainability. Climate Microgrants continue monthly with the last deadlines of the year on 25 October and 22 November to apply for funding. 

Laura Goossens, founder of local organisation Goose Glitters, used Climate Microgrant funding to organise two free creative Vintage Collage Workshops in Roehampton for Sustainable September, one aimed at women and one for young adults. She said: “I loved the project and loved how the day turned out. Being able to offer attendees the tools, materials, time and space to relax, destress, get creative, feel inspired, learn about using waste materials and learn a skill they can easily continue at home, I think it's super valuable. I believe people left the workshop feeling seen and heard, empowered, with a boost of confidence.” 

The sustainability drive continues beyond September, with the Wandsworth Sustainability Network meeting in Battersea Ironsides Sports Club on 9 October from 7-9pm. At the meeting, residents will have the opportunity to hear from the Council and speakers about climate change and sustainability, as well as network with other people and local businesses who are passionate about sustainability. Those who have not yet booked their place are welcome to turn up on the night. 

For more information following Sustainable September and upcoming sustainability initiatives, please subscribe to our monthly Climate Newsletter.