Copy these! 5 big local ideas about being more inclusive 

Charity Streetbikes runs an inclusive cycling group for people with Down's Syndrome group twice a month.

1. Included does not equal inclusive. 

Inclusivity is about far more than box-ticking. Ensuring that different groups are included in outreach is a good step in the right direction, but this is one-way communication and doesn’t always factor in community perspectives. As Emma River-Roberts explained in the Be More Inclusive episode of the Carbon Copy Podcast;  

“It’s centred around building that long-term relatability saying, ‘We’d love to have you in our spaces, but we also want to be in your spaces.’” 

Listen to the full episode for more of Emma’s tips. 

2. Everyone has their place.

As well as protected characteristics such as race, sexuality and disability; geographic inclusion is incredibly important. Those involved with climate and nature action should be from every background and every part of the UK (and the world!) Often, the way the climate and nature crises affect those living in urban environments is very different to those living in more rural or coastal areas. The impacts can be different in the different nations or depending on how far north or south you live. 

This blog from Chris Coonick highlights the work of Wadebridge Renewable Energy Network (WREN) is supporting people living in rural Cornwall to move towards a more sustainable future, whilst avoiding fuel poverty and other hardships. 

3. One size fits no-one.

Being more inclusive means adapting your approach to suit individual needs. Organisations working with vulnerable groups, in particular, can have a much bigger impact when they take a person-centred approach. Everyone has different priorities and needs, and will get involved with taking action for different reasons; which may or may not relate to wanting to protect the environment and reduce the impacts of climate change. 

New-U is a clothing swap-shop based in Norwich. As well as helping to reduce waste by offering a points-based incentive for donating clothes for resale, the initiative supports young people who are out of work with training opportunities and work placements; tailoring each programme to the needs of the individual. Although those participating in these schemes may not have initially had environmental reasons to get involved, these young people are being introduced to new ideas around waste and sustainability, alongside broader skills development. 

4. Many viewpoints make light work.

At Carbon Copy we are all about collective action. What we mean by collective, is action that is taken together. Collective action creates change by bringing skills, experiences and perspectives from all of those involved, and so to make the biggest positive impact, it’s important to include as many different viewpoints as possible. 

A fantastic example of this kind of radical collaboration was in the People’s Assembly for Nature. This citizen’s assembly, which was created using a process of sortition to ensure it was representative of the UK population, was facilitated by RSPB, National Trust and WWF UK and led to the production of the People’s Plan for Nature. 

Listen to our podcast episode Bigger Than All Of Us, which tells the story of this amazing process and what has happened since the plan was published. 

5. Diversify action.

Over the past year Carbon Copy has been showcasing 25 Big Local Actions that you can take, with others, to make a difference for climate and nature in the place you call home. The purpose of this campaign isn’t to overwhelm or to burden. We are not suggesting that anyone should, or could, take all 25 of these actions. In fact, the purpose is to help you to find an action that is right for you and your community.  

As much as we need diversity in the people who are taking action, we also need diversity in the action that is being taken. We need people to focus on the steps that will have the biggest impact and bring the most positive change. So, if you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to take a look at our online tool, to think about what you care about most, what you are good at, and what is needed in your community.  

How will you make your mark? 

Be More Inclusive is the final focus in Carbon Copy’s 25 Big Local Actions in 2025 campaign. For more information about this and to discover a local action that’s right for you, visit our campaign landing page.