Great Big Green Week, the UK’s only mass moment for nature and climate, runs from 6 to 14 June 2026. This year’s theme is Together for Good, and communities across the UK will be coming together to celebrate, take action and show that the small things we do alongside each other really do add up. Here are five ways to get involved and make a difference.
1. Rethink what you wear
Fast fashion is one of the world’s biggest polluters, but you don’t need to overhaul your entire wardrobe to make a difference. Start by rediscovering what you already own, then swap, mend or upcycle rather than buying new. Hosting a clothes swap with friends or neighbours is a brilliant Great Big Green Week activity, one that costs nothing, reduces waste and brings people together at the same time. Hundreds of charity shops will be taking part in Great Big Green week so keep an eye out on your high street too.
2. Grow something, share something
Whether it’s herbs on a windowsill or vegetables in a raised bed, growing your own food cuts packaging, reduces food miles and connects you to the seasons. Community gardens and allotments take this further, offering not just fresh food but friendship and a genuine sense of belonging. Look out for community growing events near you during the week.
3. Waste less, connect more
Planning meals, using leftovers creatively and composting food scraps are all easy wins for the planet. But reducing waste is even more rewarding when it’s a shared effort. Repair cafés, where people bring broken items to be fixed rather than thrown away, are popping up in communities across the UK and they are a wonderful example of what we can achieve when we work together. Reducing food waste is just one of the activities in our education resource packs, free to download from the Great Big Green Week website.
4. Make greener journeys
Transport is the biggest source of carbon emissions in the UK, so how we get around genuinely matters. Walking, cycling or using public transport instead of driving makes a real difference, and it often comes with unexpected benefits: more time to notice your surroundings, a chance encounter with a neighbour, or simply a few extra minutes of fresh air. Many local areas offer free cycle training, so it is worth looking into what is available near you.
5. Get involved in your community
This is the big one. Individual actions matter, but collective action is where real change happens. Great Big Green Week is full of events run by local people for local people, from clothes swaps and wildlife walks to outdoor workshops and community celebrations. You could be one of two million people taking part.
Find an event near you at https://www.greatbiggreenweek.com/events_calendar and be part of Great Big Green Week 2026, from 6 to 14 June.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
