Canary craftivists call on MP to help avert climate catastrophes
A Rothley green group have voiced their climate concerns through a “gentle protest” ahead of the COP26 climate conference.
The Rothley Quiet Crafters are a group of residents who use handicraft skills to share their concerns about climate change with the community.
They warned local MP Edward Argar that the government needs to protect homes from global warming.
Group member Veronica Dale created a handmade yellow canary for MP Edward Argar on behalf of the group to urge him to use his position to push for action to tackle climate change locally, nationally and internationally.
The “Canary Craftivists” wore yellow canary outfits and spent time quietly making their canaries in public at Cross Green and the community library.
The group have taken inspiration from yellow canaries, which they describe as small and sensitive little birds that in the past helped warn miners of dangerous pollutants such as carbon monoxide, with miners treating them as valuable colleagues.
The Craftivists hope that images of them sitting quietly in small “flocks” in the area will gently warn and help remind their MP and the government about the urgent dangers of global warming.
They believe climate campaigning does not have to be big, loud and disruptive to impact and suggest gentle and quiet craftivism can demonstrate climate change concerns from diverse audiences, including introverts, shy people and people who love to craft.
Maxine Linnell, the coordinator of the flock, said: “Sustainable Rothley has worked in the village for three years now, encouraging people to do what they can to reduce their carbon footprint and plastic use.
“But the climate crisis won’t be solved by individuals’ efforts alone. This month we’ve worked with Canary Craftivists and the Climate Coalition to bring the message to everyone we can.
“Alison Riggall made canary capes for us to wear, and we decorated the postbox and local trees with handmade canaries.
“Our presence caused a lot of interest. People came up to ask what it was all about, many of them thanking us and taking away a felt canary brooch made by Sue Barry, a local artist.
“Sue also created a picture, which is still on show at the library.
“My biggest memory of the week is of all the smiles and laughs. We talked, we met people, and I think we were able to share the hope we feel that if we all work together, we can avoid the world’s biggest catastrophe. Individually, we may not have the same views on everything, but we are coming together for a common cause in our community, putting aside our differences to sing the same tune on climate change.”