Initiatives
START
START is an initiative inspired by The Prince of Wales, which aims to provide people with simpler steps towards sustainable living.
Inspiration
START aims to inspire people by highlighting local projects throughout the UK which are already demonstrating how we can live more sustainably.
START aims to inspire people by highlighting local projects throughout the UK which are already demonstrating how we can live more sustainably.
In 2010, The Prince himself conducted a tour to a number of projects across the country, where he saw first-hand a number of inspiring ways that people are making a start.
The Prince visited projects in Glasgow; Edinburgh; Bristol; Carmarthen; Manchester; Todmorden; Newcastle; Nottingham; Birmingham and culminating in London with A Garden Party to Make a Difference in the grounds of Clarence House, Lancaster House and Marlborough House.
Speaking at the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester, where he launched the initiative, The Prince explained that he was determined to help people lead more sustainable lives, address the fear that this meant adopting expensive and difficult measures, and combat some of the negative language of environmental debate.
He said: “A cursory look at most of the web sites that talk about climate change will reveal that it is full of this negative language: “stop,” “cut,” “reduce,” “don’t.”
“That is only one way of looking at it. Far too few talk about the potential for a sustainable future to be better and more rewarding – both for us and for Nature – than the lives we lead now. This potential needs to be communicated across the country and, indeed, across the world.”
He said: “A cursory look at most of the web sites that talk about climate change will reveal that it is full of this negative language: “stop,” “cut,” “reduce,” “don’t.”
“That is only one way of looking at it. Far too few talk about the potential for a sustainable future to be better and more rewarding – both for us and for Nature – than the lives we lead now. This potential needs to be communicated across the country and, indeed, across the world.”
In 2011, Clarence House gardens opened to the public for the first time free of charge, highlighting a number of different sustainable projects, as well as transforming Lancaster House into a pop-up bar, serving organic and sustainable food and drink.
Latest project:
On 1st November 2011 , START launched its latest campaign – Start Today - which consists of:
1) A variety of the UK's brands including Aviva, B&Q, British Gas, EDF Energy, Eurostar, IBM, M&S, MORE TH>N, P&G, Thames Water and Virgin Money each promoting a simple sustainable behaviour that their consumers can relate to and adopt. This will cover everything from sustainable food choices and the joys of exploring the city on foot, right through to easy ways to start saving energy and creative ideas around re-using and sharing. Find out more at www.starttoday.org.uk
2) The Start Today Sustainability Clinic - an online forum (on Facebook) featuring advice from START’s extensive network of green experts. Whether the questions relate to clothes, food or getting around, the clinic will be a destination for hints, tips and advice on all things related to sustainable living. To have your sustainability question answered simply visit http://www.facebook.com/startuk.org