At Climate Action Now (CAN) we believe in restoring the lost biodiversity in our yards, local communities, cities and suburban forests. We also believe this is critical to the long term health of our planet and that we can all play a part in this global project.
But at times, the daily pressures of life get in the way. Are we going to make it work on time? Is there food in the refrigerator to make the family dinner tonight? Do I have enough money for this month’s groceries?
Sustainability and focusing on eco-issues has very real financial and demographic fault lines. It has often been accused of being a concern of the privileged.
That is why we work so hard to make CAN accessible to all. Our $5 campaign and focus on regular families and HOAs are consistent with our mission to make biodiversity something that everyone can become involved with.
With that value in mind we were thrilled to see the Kew for One Pound initiative in the UK. The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew were created in 1759 by Prince Frederick and Princess Augusta and made public in the 1898 by Queen Victoria. The gardens cover over 300 acres in South West London including 14,000 trees, art galleries, exhibitions, playgrounds and glasshouses full of rare plants. It was recognised as a UNESCO World heritage site in 2003.
Our purpose is to help stop biodiversity loss and develop nature-based solutions to some of humanity’s biggest global challenges. Behind the scenes Kew employs over 350 scientists working to “understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth.”
All that work is expensive and Kew relies on its visitor revenues to fund this critical research. A standard adult ticket bought on the day costs £19.50 ($26.50) and a family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children costs £44.50 ($60). For those on lower incomes this is an impossible barrier to entry.
The new Kew for A Pound brings together biodiversity and social equity. Simply because you don’t have disposable incomes it does not mean you are not interested in the natural world and the urban green spaces around you.
We love that they want to get everyone excited about restoring biodiversity & beautifying our suburban & city landscapes, yards, corporate campuses, suburban forests, highways and byways. This is for everyone and we want you to join us!
✦ Julia Fawsley Grant, Board of Directors Climate Action Now – Director of Development. Julia coaches small companies working to do good in the world along with freelance business development, content and policy research. Her work on organisational Environmental, Social and Governance strategy has appeared in Eco Living Magazine, The Business Magazine, Start Ups Magazine and The Lawyer.
*Image Credit: AdobeStock
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