Phibsborough is doing its bit to tackle climate change

A NEW initiative in Phibsborough is bringing businesses and communities together in a joint effort to transform the Northside area into a sustainable village.

The idea behind Phibsborough is Going Green is to support and encourage businesses to take action to achieve collective change, support local green initiatives and ultimately reduce environmental impact.

The initiative was developed by local residents through a six-week process called a Community Sprint, which was facilitated by Seán McCabe and The Ladder, a social enterprise that helps mobilize communities to generate and develop ideas. 

Seán, who ran as an independent candidate in the local elections for Cabra/Glasnevin said the Community Sprint Challenge had allowed locals to “walk the talk” and take action on global problems.

“Sometimes issues like climate change or biodiversity collapse can feel daunting because they are so big,” he said.

“But we need to know that working together we can create change. Phibsborough Going Green gives local businesses the platform to drive change and allows their customers can be more discerning in how they shop.”

Local businesses have now committed to taking a number of positive steps such as reducing waste, eliminating single use plastic, sourcing sustainable products and considering their energy use.

Each business has identified a list of actions and these will be displayed in each shop alongside suggestions on how customers can support the initiative.

Naomi Sheridan, owner of NOMS, a local Phibsborough business with sustainability at its core, described Phibsborough Going Green as a fantastic initiative.

“It allows business owners to set real targets to improve sustainability and it will also generate funds to support environmental initiatives like the planting of trees in Phibsborough,” she said.

Anne Bedos, owner of Rothar, a local bike shop with a social and environmental mission, also spoke about the initiative.

“This is a great community but so much more can be done to address local environmental challenges,” she said.

“Phibsborough Going Green is a great platform to support locally owned businesses in taking ambitious action.”

The Phibsborough community can look out for the Phibsborough Going Green logo in participating businesses.

Profits from the Phibsborough Going Green tote bags, sold for €5 in participating businesses, will be used to support environmental projects in Phibsborough.