🍂 November 2026 Sustainability Challenge

Cosy Homes, Kind Communities & Greener Choices

November is a great month to slow down, get cosy and make a few simple changes that can help our homes, communities and the environment. 🍂

This month, we're thinking about nature, saving money, getting around safely, using resources wisely and looking out for one another.

You don't need a garden, lots of money or special equipment to take part. Choose one challenge, a few, or all four — every little action counts!

🌳 Trees, Wildlife & Winter Nature

National Tree Week | 21–29 November

As the days get shorter, it's easy to forget how much is still happening outdoors. National Tree Week is a chance to notice, appreciate and look after the trees and green spaces around us.

You don't need to plant a tree to take part — simply noticing nature counts too!

🌟 SHOCKING FACT

A mature tree can take many decades to replace, which is one reason protecting established trees and looking after the trees already around us is so important.

🌳 Your challenge: Find Your Favourite Tree

Choose a tree near your home, on your street or in a local park.

Could you:

• Take a photo of it through the seasons.
• Find out what type of tree it is.
• Look for birds, insects or other wildlife using it.
• Collect fallen leaves for a nature collage.
• Leave some fallen leaves in a suitable garden area for wildlife.
• Join a local tree-planting or community nature event.
• If you have suitable space and permission, plant a tree or wildlife-friendly plant.

👧 Kids' Challenge: Tree Detectives

Can you find:

🍁 A red, yellow or brown leaf
🌰 An acorn or conker
🌳 A tree taller than your home
🐦 A bird in a tree
🪵 A fallen branch or piece of bark
🐛 Evidence of an insect or other creature

Bonus: Give your favourite tree a name and draw a picture of it!

🌟 POSITIVE FACT

Trees provide food and shelter for wildlife, help absorb rainwater, improve air quality and create greener places for people to enjoy.

🤝 Kindness Challenge

World Kindness Day | 13 November

Sustainability isn't just about the planet — it's also about people and communities.

A small act of kindness can make someone's day, strengthen our communities and encourage others to do the same.

💚 Your challenge: Pass It On

Choose one small act of kindness this month:

• Check in on a neighbour.
• Help someone with their shopping.
• Share something you no longer need.
• Give someone a lift when you're already making the journey.
• Pick up litter in your community.
• Share a plant, seed or gardening tip.
• Thank someone who makes a difference in your neighbourhood.
• Do something kind without expecting anything in return.

👧 Kids' Challenge: Kindness Bingo

Can you:

❤️ Help someone
😊 Make someone smile
🌱 Do something kind for nature
🧹 Help tidy a shared space
🎁 Give something away
💌 Make someone a card or kind note

🌟 SHOCKING FACT

You never know how much someone might be struggling behind closed doors. A small act of kindness can be particularly important for someone who feels lonely or isolated.

🌟 POSITIVE FACT

Kindness is contagious — when people see others helping and caring for each other, they can be encouraged to do the same.

This month, let's see how far we can pass it on. 💚

🛍️ Buy Less, Save More

November can bring lots of pressure to buy things we don't really need. Try to avoid big seasonal sales events, that promote over consumerism.

This year, why not challenge yourself to pause before you purchase?

Before buying something new, ask:

Can I borrow it? Repair it? Swap it? Buy it second-hand? Or do I actually need it?

🌟 SHOCKING FACT

Every new product we buy uses raw materials, energy, water and transport before it even reaches our homes. Buying something we don't need means all those resources have been used unnecessarily.

🛍️ Your challenge: The Buy-Less Challenge

Try one or more:

• Have a no-spend weekend.
• Repair something instead of replacing it.
• Visit a charity shop.
• Swap clothes, books or toys with friends or family.
• Borrow something you only need occasionally.
• Buy second-hand.
• Make a Christmas present rather than buying one.
• Unsubscribe from marketing emails that tempt you to spend.
• Make a list of things you don't need to buy!

👧 Kids' Challenge: Swap It!

Ask children to choose something they no longer use — a book, toy, game or craft item — and swap it with a friend or family member.

One person's unwanted item could be someone else's treasure! ✨

🌟 POSITIVE FACT

Repairing, reusing, borrowing and buying second-hand can keep products in use for longer, reduce waste and save money at the same time.

And remember:

The greenest purchase is often the one you don't need to make. 💚

🚶‍♀️🚲 Get Moving, Stay Safe

Road Safety Week | 15–21 November

World Sustainable Transport Day | 26 November

As the evenings get darker, November is a great time to think about how we get around — and how we can make those journeys safer and greener.

Sustainable travel doesn't mean you have to cycle everywhere. Walking, wheeling, public transport, car sharing or simply making one less car journey can all count.

🌟 SHOCKING FACT

As the days get shorter, people walking and cycling can be harder for drivers to see — particularly during the morning and evening rush hours.

🚶 Your challenge: Change One Journey

Choose one journey this month and try a different way of getting there:

🚶 Walk
🛴 Scoot
🚲 Cycle
🚌 Take public transport
🚗 Car share
👟 Walk part of the journey

And if you're out after dark:

• Wear something bright or reflective.
• Make sure bike lights are working.
• Take extra care when crossing roads.
• Remind children about safe places to cross.
• Look out for other people using the road.

👧 Kids' Challenge: Road Safety Detectives

On your next walk, can you spot:

🚸 A pedestrian crossing
🚦 Traffic lights
🚲 A cycle lane
💡 A street light
🛑 A stop sign
🦺 Someone wearing reflective clothing

Talk about why each one helps people stay safe.

🌟 POSITIVE FACT

Choosing to walk, cycle or use public transport when practical can help reduce traffic, improve local air quality and cut carbon emissions — while walking and cycling can also help us stay active.

🚿💧 Small Changes at Home

World Toilet Day | 19 November

World Toilet Day might not be the first sustainability day that comes to mind — but toilets and water are a huge part of everyday life.

This year's theme focuses on safe sanitation and equal futures, reminding us that access to safe toilets and sanitation is essential for health, dignity and opportunity.

🌟 SHOCKING FACT

Around 3.4 billion people worldwide still don't have access to safely managed sanitation. (UN Water)

🚿 Your challenge: Give Your Bathroom a Sustainability Check

Try one or more:

• Turn the tap off while brushing your teeth.
• Take a shorter shower.
• Check for dripping taps.
• Check that your toilet isn't constantly running.
• Only flush what should be flushed.
• Never flush wipes, cotton buds or other unsuitable items.
• Report leaks or repairs that need attention.
• See if you can reduce your household's water use.

👧 Kids' Challenge: Water Watchers

Give children five minutes to become Water Detectives.

Can they find three ways your household uses water and come up with one idea for using less?

For example:

💧 Turn the tap off
🚿 Shorter shower
🚽 Only flush what's suitable
🧽 Don't leave water running unnecessarily

🌟 POSITIVE FACT

Saving water can also save energy and money, because water has to be treated, cleaned, pumped and heated before we use it.

Every drop we save is a little less energy and water being used. 💧

💚 How to Take Part

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.

You don't have to do everything — one small change is enough to take part. 🌱