Grant turns milk float into mobile eco-station
A mobile education eco station created using a refurbished 1974 milk float will soon be on the roads of Horsham thanks to a £5,000 grant.
Sussex Green Living’s environmental outreach project will launch in Horsham’s Carfax on Saturday, May 15, after receiving the grant from Horsham District Council’s recently launched Community Climate Fund.
Volunteers at the multiaward winning Sussex Green Living applied for the grant in order to create the Inspiration Eco Station to show local people that there is a ‘bright new future’ ahead.
Carrie Cort, chief executive of Sussex Green Living, said: “We are so grateful for all the support we’ve had for this project. It would not have been possible without the council’s climate fund grant as well as another £5,000 from the Welton Fund and the Nino Fund at Sussex Community. And, of course, the incredibly hard work, passion and creativity of our volunteers. Universal Trailers in Coneyhurst have kindly agreed to donate the use of a trailer when events are beyond the float’s range – it has been a real community effort”.
The Inspiration Eco Station is a colourful and engaging mobile display that will travel to schools, colleges, faith groups and community events to share top tips on how residents can save money whilst reducing their negative impact on the planet.
From tackling eco home and gardens, waste prevention and recycling, fast fashion to low carbon career opportunities, there will be lots of inspiring ideas and solutions to help people save money and live more sustainably.
The eco station is also part of Sussex Green Living’s Bright New Future Roadshow which will make its first public appearance on World Environment Day on Saturday, June 5 at Amberley Museum.
Using song, music, stories, poetry, environmental games and engaging displays the roadshow partners will share inspiring solutions.
The council launched the Horsham District Community Climate Fund in July 2020 to enable voluntary and community groups, as well as parish and neighbourhood councils, to work on projects to reduce carbon and improve our local environment.
A new round of grant funding is now open, with the date for applications closing on May 14.
Fund applications can be related to any of the following themes:
Energy – such as reducing consumption and increasing the use of renewable forms of energy.
Water – such as reducing consumption and reducing the threats from flooding.
Waste minimisation – reducing waste, reusing resources and recycling resources for example using composting bins.
Biodiversity – increasing wildlife, such as the creation of pocket parks and community orchards.
Sustainable transport – such as encouraging cycling and walking.
There are three levels of funds available – up to £1,000, up to £2,500 (which requires more information from the applicant) and up to £5,000 (which requires match funding from the applicant).
Funds must be used for new projects, which will last beyond the funding provided and include a commitment to inform the community about the project and encourage others to take action.
To apply for a fund or for more information, visit www. horsham.gov.uk/climate-andenvironment/communityclimate-fund