On Thursday 15th June, St Luke’s played host to ‘Climate Chat in the Church’, as part of Richmond Council’s Big Green Week. Continuing the momentum from March’s successful EcoFair, we held an informal panel-style event in the Marwood Room with three speakers: Toby Costin from CREW Energy, Cllr Julia Neden-Watts, Environment Lead at Richmond Council and Rosa Appleby-Alis from campaign group Mums for Lungs.

Each speaker gave a 10 minute brief overview of their area of expertise. Toby focused on how to ‘green’ your home, urging the audience to just ‘do something’, even if that something was simply turning your boiler temperature down. He also talked about heat pumps and new home heating technology, as well as the impact of insulation. Cllr Neden-Watts focused on recycling, where residents’ waste goes, what we can all do to fight food waste and reuse more items. She also previewed some exciting new projects, including a planned Library of Things in Richmond. Finally, to mark Clean Air Day, Ealing resident Rosa Appleby-Alis, from campaign group Mums for Lungs, spoke movingly about her 5 year old son’s battle with asthma and the way he is impacted by air pollution. She advocated for attendees to support the ULEZ expansion, make an effort to drive less and stop woodburning in built-up areas.

After these brief overviews, panellists took questions from audience members. These focused on topics as diverse as the longevity of solar panels, whether Townmead Recycling Centre could have a reuse shop, which plastics are recyclable in Richmond and issues around food waste recycling in flats.

Attendees then headed out into the church garden to enjoy a glass of wine or sangria, some savoury snacks and homemade cake, carrying on the very interesting conversations that had been sparked by the main talk!