St James The Great

​Old Milverton, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

​Geoff's Eco Tips

Geoff’s Eco-Challenge: Volunteer for the Environment

“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”

Genesis 2:15

Dear All,

I hope this finds you are all well. Here is this month’s offering from ‘What is Green Living’. It might seem a big step to get involved with volunteering in this way, but there are lots of local opportunities in our area. Connecting with other people in volunteering in this way is a really rewarding thing to do.

If you like, you need look no further than our volunteer ‘churchyard clearing mornings’ at St James of which there are usually four per year. These are mainly focussed on maintaining the churchyard as a beautiful and peaceful place for visitors, but there is also a strong element of caring and improving biodiversity which is what really provides the beauty of the churchyard and its surroundings. It’s a fun morning and there is always a very sociable break for coffee. If you are lucky you might get wonderful homemade treats too!

We soon hope to have a new biodiversity survey undertaken in the churchyard, which will update us on our status and offer guidance on how we can make improvements.

With love, Geoff

Volunteer for the Environment

Volunteering for environmental organisations allows you to make a tangible impact in your community. Whether it’s planting trees, cleaning up beaches, or educating others about sustainability, your efforts can help address critical environmental challenges. Volunteers are often the backbone of conservation projects, providing the manpower needed to restore ecosystems and protect wildlife.

Beyond the direct benefits, volunteering inspires others to take action. When people see your dedication, they’re more likely to join the cause, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

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How to Start

about, such as reforestation, wildlife conservation, or pollution prevention.

Get Involved Online: If in-person volunteering isn’t feasible, look for virtual opportunities like writing for environmental blogs, creating awareness campaigns on social media, or fundraising.

Educate Others: Share your knowledge about sustainability with friends, family, and colleagues. Hosting workshops or leading community discussions can amplify your impact.

Data and Impact

​Volunteer-driven conservation efforts have proven to significantly improve biodiversity restoration. For example, tree-planting initiatives not only sequester carbon but also provide habitats for countless species.

Inspiration: Greta Thunberg, the young climate activist, says, “Activism inspires change and encourages others to take action. Your voice and your actions can make a difference.”

By dedicating even a few hours a month to volunteering, you can contribute to meaningful change and help build a more sustainable world.

Taken from: 12 Best Green Resolutions for Every Month in 2025: A Guide to Sustainable Living | What is Green Living?