In a conversation with neighbours about a post covid/post lockdown world, many said that the environment and the climate emergency were at the top of the list. Our local councillors asked us, "Do you know what you and your household need to do to beat the climate crisis?" and "What would you like for your community when this is all over?"

People knew that there was something about recycling, something about plastic, others felt that the big corporations had a larger impact and responsibility. Some spoke about needing more trees, more greenery whilst others raised the issue of SE1 having the worst air pollution problem in the country. Many people are doing their best but no one really knows if it's making a difference.

Greener Bermondsey was founded because we love Bermondsey and these are all issues we feel we can influence. Some of our residents are the CEOs and senior leaders within those corporations - the change we hope to stimulate here, we hope they'll take back into their companies.

We came together in June 2020 and have started by focussing on green spaces, positive mental health and taking a leaf from one of Bermondsey's most famous residents - Ada Salter, the first female Mayor of Bermondsey. We are shameless in talking to everyone because we would love every resident of Bermondsey to come on board with the Greener Bermondsey project whether a few hours every year all the way through to taking an active and leading role. Besides, we all love a bit of competition and it's time to set down the gauntlet - we want to have the lowest carbon footprint in the country, if not in the world. Are you up for it?