Steps to sustainability

Herefordshire Council has made a commitment to take what measures it can to promote and achieve sustainability through a campaign: 'Steps to sustainability'.

The campaign has 2 approaches - what the council is committed to do in its own business, and what it will do working with others, including individuals, communities, businesses, local groups, partners and other organisations.

The 'Steps to sustainability' outline commitment is shown as an attachment in the box at the bottom of this page.

Issues to be tackled by the council include reducing waste, addressing climate change, promoting health and well being, looking after our surroundings and using sustainable supplies.

This outline commitment will be supported by a sustainability strategy (2008 - 2020) that will contain targets and measures to show how well we are doing.

Why bother?

The amount of waste we produce is growing and we have to find ways of reducing this through recycling and reusing to help save resources. We have to find ways of dealing with waste that create fewer problems in other areas, such as reducing the amount of greenhouse gases produced from landfill.

We have to recognise and change behaviours that contribute to climate change, including economising on fuel use (electricity, gas, petrol).

We have to look after ourselves and others more by adopting healthier lifestyles, including taking advice on diet, exercising more and practicing stress control methods.

We have to take care of our surroundings and the animals and plants that share our space. We must stop litter and graffiti and other anti-social behaviours that impact on people's quality of life.

We must support local business and industry to maintain and improve the local economy, including buying local supplies (or Fairtrade) where possible.

Steps Challenge

In order to raise the profile of the 'Steps' campaign in the community, and to create interest and activity across the county, the council has also developed the 'Steps Challenge'. The challenge is to do ordinary things differently so that over time everyone can help to reduce waste, address climate change, become healthier and happier, look after their surroundings and use sustainable supplies where possible.

Sign up to Steps

If you are prepared to do your bit we would very much like to know about it. It will also give us the opportunity to let you know (if you wish) of events and other campaigns that are taking place that are linked to each of the 'Steps' areas. If you really would like to do your bit, 'walk the talk' and make a difference, follow the link to make your pledge >>