About
Green Durham is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) which aims to help the people of County Durham and wider Northeast, live a more sustainable life.
Green Durham offers a website with a localised focus and a comprehensive approach to sustainable living. Rooted in permaculture principles, it addresses the interconnected social, environmental, and economic aspects of sustainability, aiming to promote community resilience, foster local connections, and support environmental stewardship.
We recognise and celebrate the fantastic work already being done by the people of County Durham to lessen their impact on the planet. Green Durham is designed to be the hub that connects these individuals and organisations, empowering them to collaborate towards a truly sustainable future.
Our website’s interactive map is a powerful tool, enabling residents to easily find local green goods, services, and community groups. Furthermore, we are committed to supporting these valuable entities, helping them reach a wider audience and drive the growth of our local green economy.
The website’s comprehensive Resources section features links to national organisations and online resources, spanning a broad spectrum of subjects from finance and building to agriculture, local growers, climate activism, carbon literacy, and food waste management.
Our email lists and social media groups help to maintain a thriving on-line community covering Local Food, Permaculture and Transition to low carbon lifestyles.
Finally Durham Green Drinks allow people to meet in person, discuss issues and network with like-minded people.
Context
As part of the global Transition movement, Green Durham contributes to a worldwide effort to build resilient and sustainable communities. This movement emerged from a growing awareness of climate change and the anticipated peak in oil production, recognising the profound implications for our communities. Its core aim is to enhance community resilience in the face of societal shifts and foster a transition towards a low-carbon culture.
While keeping fossil fuels in the ground is crucial for climate action, Transition Town groups grappled with the significant challenge: how can we fundamentally alter our lives to break our dependence on these fuels while maintaining a good quality of life? This was the central question they explored.
We are now witnessing a slowdown in fossil fuel growth, though it has not yet ceased or reversed. This change is occurring, but not at the necessary pace. Simultaneously, the impacts of climate change are accelerating, posing serious threats to all life on Earth. The insufficient action of corporations and governments has spurred the emergence of new protest groups, a justified response to the genuine concerns of the next generation.
Despite the gravity of the situation, hope remains essential. Our website aims to highlight positive changes within our region, bring them to your attention, and empower you to further support these sustainable transitions.
The shift towards a greener society is inevitable, and Green Durham is committed to facilitating this crucial change.
Green Durham is more than just a website; we’re actively working to support the growth of the green sector across the region through:
- Content Creation: Providing informative and engaging writing.
- Events: Organising initiatives to connect and promote green activities.
- Future Plans: Developing new ways to support the sector.
We also offer opportunities for you to get involved:
- Social Media Groups: Join a community passionate about green initiatives.
- Mailing Lists: Stay updated on local activities and green news.
- Volunteering: Share your skills and support our work.
- Donating: Help us cover the costs of the website and networks
Please explore our website and find ways to support local green activities. If you have any questions, know of a local green initiative that should be listed, or are interested in writing for us, please get in touch!
History
GreenDurham.org.uk emerged from the merger of the websites of Transition Durham, Durham Local Food, and the North East Permaculture Network. Recognising the significant overlap between these three organisations, we developed a single site to showcase green groups, businesses, and projects throughout County Durham and the wider North East.
In March 2021, Green Durham became a registered Community Interest Company with Neil Clowes, Martin Hood, and Wilf Richards as directors.