Curry and Conversation workshops to tackle climate change Weston Chamber of Commerce, campaigners, charities and curry houses have joined forces to tackle climate change.
“It’s vital we raise awareness of climate change and the steps we can take to make a difference for future generations.”
Curry and Conversation, held at The Optima Stadium, is a series of sessions looking at environmental issues and steps to make changes. The workshops are led by Naseem Talukdar of Plastic Pollution Awareness & Actions Projects (PPAAP), which aims to end single-use plastic.
Planet and marine life
Naseem, who is also director for social responsibility and sustainability for UK Curry Connect (UKCC) campaign group, said: “We want to rally people round, from a range of fields to tackle this pressing problem and find a long-term solution.”
It reports at least 11 tonnes of plastic is dumped into our seas each year – which can lead to starvation or suffocation of sea life.
The free events, which include curry and refreshments, are hosted by the Chamber and open to all residents and businesses in North Somerset. Debbie Apted, community lead for Cleaner Coastlines: Weston and North Somerset plastic-free campaign (which was launched by the Chamber and Weston Mercury in October 2017), said: “We’ve been working hard to reduce single-use plastic within the community. 20
The first meeting kicked off by looking at the damage plastic has on marine life and humans. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has launched the Clean Seas Campaign to turn the tide on plastic.
In turn, humans may be at risk, such as through eating seafood or skin penetration, with hormonal changes, reproductive abnormalities and cancer. Michelle Cassar, a founding member of City to Sea - set up to stop plastic pollution at source, supports people struggling with environmental anxiety. The surfer, author and photographer said: “Plastic pollution and climate change are intertwined and we need to act. “Pressure needs to continue by individuals and grassroots organisations - only then will action happen from the top.”
