Our Climate Café® started in April 23 in Avoch, The Black Isle in the highlands of Scotland. Our first was an introduction to Climate Café® and focused on people’s thoughts on climate change and what we could do to take practical actions in our community. Since then we have held themed evenings around ‘Repair, Recycle and Reuse’, ‘Tackling food waste through fermentation’ and a Climate Café® information session with Cromarty Youth Club.
Our first Climate Café® on April 23 was held at No19 Cafe in Avoch where we discussed what climate action meant to attendees and thought through ways to take action locally. Everyone was keen to partnership work and share resources and information with other local community groups and work in partnership to take action.
The next event in June 23 held in No19 cafe was themed around ‘Repair, Reuse and Recycle’ where we invited the Black Isle Repair cafe and Mens Shed to share their story. We learned how they became a Repair Cafe, how working in partnership with other groups helped progress their initiative and how people can get involved.
Our next event was held at Fortrose Community Church Hall in September. The change of venue was to have use of a kitchen as it was a hands-on workshop learning how to ferment food to help reduce food waste. We learnt to make Sauerkraut and Apple Cider Vinegar by a fabulous local facilitator, Fuggo King. It was a hands-on experience with Fuggo guiding us through the process of making our own Sauerkraut to take home with us. Not only did people learn how to make something yummy and good for you, learning about fermentation meant that they could preserve excess vegetable crops and become less dependent on shops who sell fermented products at a high price. Win Win!!