♻️ Let's Talk About Sustainability and Green Living
A new resident-led project from the Green Panel - practical ideas for positive change.
Update: Under review - 8th December
Fancy being part of shaping a greener future?
Our Green Panel is looking for new members - and we’d love for you to get involved!
The panel meets around six times a year and works with Settle on a range of green and sustainable projects, from planting and biodiversity to recycling and supporting residents to live more sustainably.
So far, the panel has helped increase biodiversity at our Blackhorse Road office by planting new greenery, and they’ve championed energy-saving changes such as installing additional motion-sensor lighting in the building.
If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, register your interest by 19th January!
If you'd like to find out a bit more before deciding, we’re more than happy to have a chat! Drop us a line at engagement@settlegroup.org.uk.
Update: Under review - 27th October
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with the Green Panel on our Let’s Talk About Sustainability and Greener Living project. We’re pleased to share we received a total of 158 comments from 50 survey responses, hearing from a diverse range of voices!
Your feedback is invaluable to our Green Panel and will play a big part in how we work together to support greener, more sustainable communities.
📢 Here's what we heard:
- 88% of residents said recycling is important to them
- 78% of residents said they'd be likely to live more sustainably if it helped save them money
- 94% of residents said green spaces are important to their wellbeing and community.
When we asked "What does being green mean to you?" you said...
Across all the feedback, three key themes emerged:
- Recycling, Waste and Everyday Choices - residents shared how important it is to recycle, reuse and cut down on waste. Some said clearer guidance would make this easier
- Protecting Nature and Green Spaces - residents told us green spaces matter for both people and wildlife. They would like them looked after, and enjoyed as places to relax, connect, and support biodiversity
- Sustainable Living and Climate Action - residents also linked “being green” to bigger changes, like using less fossil fuels, supporting renewable energy, and making everyday choices that help tackle climate change.
Our Green Panel are now reviewing your feedback to shape what happens next.
We'll share next steps soon, and you can follow this project at the bottom of the page to stay in the loop.
We're committed to supporting greener, more sustainable communities. But we know the best ideas often come from the people who live in them.
Our Green Panel want to launch a new project focused on making practical, everyday changes that support green living. From energy-saving tips and recycling myths to improving green spaces and upcycling furniture, the panel is already exploring ways to make a difference for everybody.
Now they want to hear from you!
We’re especially keen to understand what "being green" means to you, how important it feels in everyday life, and what Settle could do better - whether it's raising awareness for being more sustainable, supporting with greener living at home or improving outdoor spaces in your neighbourhood.
We're inviting all residents to take part in a short survey to help shape the next steps. Whether you're passionate about the environment, just getting started, or somewhere in between - your views will help make this a truly resident-led initiative. This is all about working together to listen, learn and act.
👋 And if you're a younger resident or have someone between the ages of 14-18 living with you, we'd love to hear from you. Your voice and your experience matter too – and can help shape what happens next.
📋This survey is now closed.
A note from Alison and Penny, Green Panel members
"The Green Panel aims to encourage both Settle and its residents to live in a more eco-friendly and sustainable way — helping local communities and the planet by supporting environmentally conscious choices.
We’d love to know what you think! Thank you for taking the time to share your views with us."
📢 We've also included some quick fix ideas, local resources, and the importance of why green spaces matter below.
💡Quick Fix Ideas - Little Changes, Big Impact
Try these easy swaps or share your own:
🌸 Discounted flowers from supermarkets or garden centres
✨ Solar-powered fairy lights
♻️ Repurpose tins, crates or old pots for planters
🌿 Indoor plants - a great green option if you don't have a garden
📸 Got a great balcony, garden or windowsill? Post a photo on the Green Gallery! Pssst... This counts as an entry into our monthly prize draw...
💚 Why Green Spaces Matter
- Boosts mental and physical wellbeing
- Helps wildlife thrive (save the birds and bees!)
- Keeps our neighbourhood's cooler and cleaner
- No garden? No problem - even a few indoor plants can make a difference!
🤝 Local Projects Making a Difference
Support and inspiration from around our community:
- Rooted in Community - your chance to shape greener, cooler spaces where you live. From May until the end of September, you can pin spots on our map where you'd like to see trees, shrubs, or plants added. We'll be planting in October - the perfect time for new roots to settle in.
- Letchworth Garden Shed - free membership for Settle residents. Gain access to tools, seeds, planters and more!
- Green Care at Norton - social and therapeutic horticulture project based across three sites in Letchworth. They also hold regularly plant sales here at Settle and support charities like Hitchin Pantry.
Who's Listening
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Settle
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