The New Sustainability Toolkit: No Climate Action Without Us
(Source: Attitude is Everything)
As you might already know, we're thrilled to share some exciting news with you. Last month, at GEI16, we proudly unveiled a groundbreaking collaboration with our esteemed partners, Attitude is Everything and Julie’s Bicycle. Together, we've crafted something truly fantastic: The Accessible Sustainability Toolkit.
But how did it come about? Last summer, Julie’s Bicycle asked disabled individuals about attending events while caring for the environment. Here’s what they found:
Many disabled individuals care about the environment at events.
Some feel that eco-friendly efforts don’t always work for them.
Only a small percentage feel included in events that prioritize both the environment and accessibility.
These findings sparked our interest. We examined three festivals to see how they're making events accessible and environmentally friendly. Real stories from these festivals helped shape the toolkit.
(Source: Attitude is Everything)
We launched the toolkit at the Green Events and Innovation Conference 16 (GEI16), where we participated in an insightful panel discussion titled "NO CLIMATE ACTION WITHOUT US," where we delved into the profound impact of climate change on disabled individuals. Led by moderator Dominique Palmer, the panel featured thought-provoking insights from speakers including Blaine Harrison from Mystery Jets and Feimatta Conteh from Arts Council England, alongside Harry (Angharad) Jones from Team Love/Accessible Events. Moreover, Farah Ahmed from Julie’s Bicycle and Dr. Teresa Moore from our team introduced the principles of the toolkit, highlighting its crucial role in fostering inclusive climate action.
Origins of the Toolkit:
Our partner Suzanne Bull MBE from Attitude is Everything noticed that disabled individuals weren’t part of discussions about environmental conservation. She wanted to change that. So, she brought us all together: Attitude is Everything, Julie’s Bicycle and A Greener Future.
With funding from Arts Council England, we got to work. We spoke with disabled individuals and event organizers to figure out how to make events inclusive for everyone while being mindful of the planet.
What is the toolkit about?
This toolkit is not just about identifying barriers faced by disabled individuals in sustainability initiatives; it goes a step further by providing practical solutions for venues, events and festivals to implement accessible measures in tackling climate change. We've included three insightful case studies from Green Man, Forwards Festival and Shambala, where we've assessed their challenges and commitments to finding inclusive solutions.
But here's the kicker: this toolkit is just the beginning of a much-needed conversation. We understand that it doesn't have all the answers, but it's our way of issuing a 'call to action' to the live events industry. We urge venue managers, festival organizers and promoters to test out the toolkit and provide us with feedback. Your input will be invaluable as we strive to create an updated version in early 2025.
Key Messages:
Holistic Approach: We have a unique opportunity to address access and sustainability together, across different focus areas, rather than treating them as separate issues.
Transportation Challenges: Transport poses a significant barrier for disabled individuals attending events. It's crucial for local authorities, planners, event organizers and disabled individuals to collaborate and find collective solutions.
Supply Chain Examination: By examining our supply chains, we can support suppliers in producing accessible and sustainable equipment, which can be scaled up nationwide and recycled efficiently.
Innovative Solutions: We need to think creatively about waste management, food, water use and power supply at events to ensure they are accessible and eco-friendly.
Acknowledging Realities: Sometimes, there may not be a perfect solution that satisfies both accessibility and environmental concerns. We must refrain from blaming or shaming disabled individuals for their needs.
Insights from Dr. Teresa Moore, Director of AGF
“We are delighted to have contributed to the development of this important and much needed toolkit, "No Climate Action Without Us”. The interface between sustainability and accessibility has been completely overlooked until now and this toolkit addresses that gap. It is though just the beginning of the work to make sure that sustainable event solutions really are accessible to all.
My thanks to Attitude is Everything and Julie’s Bicycle for being great partners and demonstrating what the very best collaborations can achieve.”
What Are the Next Steps?
We invite the sector to:
Try out the suggestions in the toolkit and explore alternative approaches.
Foster collaboration between Sustainability and Access teams to develop inclusive solutions.
Involve disabled individuals in every stage of event planning and work together to find solutions.
Share ideas and resources with other local events, venues and festivals.
Collaborate with membership organizations to increase the supply of sustainable, accessible equipment and facilities.
How Can You Support?
This toolkit is part of a pilot program, and we need your participation. Here's how you can help:
Use the toolkit and provide feedback on what's missing or what can be improved for future versions. Email info@attitudeiseverything.org.uk with your thoughts.
Share up to three ways you've made your event more sustainable and accessible by September 2024.
Collaborate with disabled individuals, industry colleagues and suppliers to design, create and increase the availability of accessible, sustainable products and facilities.
Wrapping up, the launch of our Accessible Sustainability Toolkit is a major move toward creating events that are both inclusive and environmentally friendly. Although the next update is planned for 2025, we'll ensure to keep you in the loop with any new developments. Let's stay united in our mission for a more accessible and sustainable future.
At A Greener Future, we're committed to sharing valuable insights and initiatives in collaboration with partners like Attitude is Everything. This blog post was inspired by their original content and we invite you to explore more on their website.
