July's Sustainability Challenge

🌞 Nature & Water Month

As many of us experience warmer summers and more frequent heatwaves, this month’s challenge is all about enjoying nature while helping wildlife and using precious resources like water wisely.

Whether you have a garden, balcony, shared green space or simply a windowsill, there are lots of easy, low-cost ways to get involved.

This month's challenge links to nature, water, and community.

☀️ Beat the Heat, Help Nature

Summer heat can be challenging for both people and wildlife. As temperatures rise, small actions can help protect the environment while supporting local birds, insects and plants.

How you can get involved

• Leave a shallow dish of fresh water outside for birds, bees and hedgehogs (remember to refresh it daily).
• Water plants early in the morning or later in the evening to reduce evaporation.
• Keep bird baths and ponds topped up during dry spells.
• Carry a reusable water bottle when you're out and about.
• Check in on neighbours, friends or family who may need extra support during periods of very hot weather.

💡Interesting fact

Watering plants early in the morning or later in the evening helps reduce evaporation, meaning more water reaches the roots where it's needed most.

🐝Pollinator Power

Bees, butterflies and other pollinators play a vital role in producing many of the foods we eat and keeping our ecosystems healthy.

How you can get involved

• Plant bee-friendly flowers such as lavender, wildflowers or sunflowers.
• Leave a small patch of grass or flowers to grow naturally.
• Build a simple bug hotel using recycled materials.
• Avoid using pesticides where possible.
• Share photos of your flowers and visiting wildlife.

💡Interesting fact

Around one in every three mouthfuls of food we eat depends on pollinators, making them some of nature's hardest workers.

🌊 Water Saver Challenge

Hot summer weather often means higher water use, but small changes can make a big difference.

How you can get involved

• Water plants early in the morning or later in the evening.
• Collect rainwater using a water butt or bucket.
• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth.
• Challenge yourself to take a four-minute shower.
• Reuse cooled cooking water to water plants where appropriate.

💡Interesting fact

A dripping tap can waste over 5,000 litres of water every year—enough to fill around 60 baths.

🌿Grow Your Own

Whether you've already planted seeds through the SNG Seed Funding Project or you're just getting started, July is a great month to watch your plants flourish.

How you can get involved

• Grow herbs such as basil, mint or parsley on a windowsill.
• Try growing tomatoes, lettuce or strawberries in pots.
• Reuse old containers as plant pots.
• Swap seeds or gardening tips with neighbours.
• Share photos of your growing success.

💡Interesting fact

Fresh herbs grown at home can cost just a few pence per serving compared with buying supermarket packets.

🚗Green Travel

Leaving the car behind for short journeys helps improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions.

How you can get involved

• Walk or cycle for short journeys.
• Use public transport where possible.
• Car share with friends or neighbours.
• Count your car-free journeys throughout the week.

💡Interesting fact

Around a quarter of all car journeys in England are under two miles – a distance that can often be walked or cycled.

💚Community Clean-Up

Looking after our neighbourhoods helps create places everyone can enjoy.

How you can get involved

• Join or organise a litter pick.
• Help tidy communal gardens.
• Report fly-tipping.
• Encourage neighbours to get involved.

💡Interesting fact

Plastic bottles can take around 450 years to break down in the environment.

🌳Love Parks Week

Our parks and green spaces are important places for wildlife, exercise and wellbeing.

How you can get involved

• Visit a local park you've never explored.
• Take part in a community event.
• Enjoy a picnic without leaving any litter.
• Spend time noticing birds, insects and wildflowers.

💡Interesting fact

Spending at least two hours a week in nature has been linked to better physical and mental wellbeing.

🌍World Nature Conservation Day (28 July)

This international awareness day reminds us that protecting nature starts with everyday actions.

How you can get involved

• Learn about wildlife living near your home.
• Reduce waste and recycle correctly.
• Continue caring for the plants you've grown.

💡Interesting fact

Healthy ecosystems clean our air, filter our water and help absorb carbon dioxide, reducing the impacts of climate change.

💬 How to Take Part – July

Tell us how you’ve taken action this month. Share photos, tips, or reflections on Engage or email engagement@sng.org.uk.

Everyone who takes part will be entered into a £20 voucher prize draw, and our favourite story or photo will receive a £25 voucher.