Thursday 14th November 2024 marks the annual International Carbon Literacy Action Day. Coinciding with the meeting of world leaders at COP29, it is the world’s largest climate education and action training day of its kind.

Taking care of our planet is a top priority at Blackfriars Priory, and we know that we have a vital role to play in the fight for the climate. As a team, we are always making changes to reduce our impact on the planet and continually seek ways to better our understanding and improve further.

We are proud to have joined The Sustainable Wedding Alliance in 2024, with three members of the Blackfriars team already certified as carbon literate through their training and a commitment for all members of the team to have completed the course by April 2025.

Blackfriars Priory is a member of the Sustainable Wedding Alliance.

Recent updates to our operations include the introduction of separated recycling bins for events, the introduction of pollinator friendly plants to our garden, partnering with Woodchester Valley Vineyard , who are sustainable certified and just down the road, sourcing local beers for our bar and working with caterers whose environmental policies align with our own.

To celebrate Carbon Literacy Action Day, We have asked members of the team to make personal pledges, with the aim of inspiring each other with more ideas to live a greener life both in and outside work. Read on for their plans and reach out to us if there are actions that we are not already taking that you would like to see. You can email your ideas to blackfriars@gloucester.gov.uk

Planters in the cloister garden containing pollinator friendly plants.

I am going to plant more bee and insect friendly plants in my garden. We have also added planters at Blackfriars Priory to create a place for wildlife in our urban location.
Hebe, Visitor Experience Team Leader

I pledge to try and use public transport more for both commuting to work and in general.
Hayley Venue Hires Officer

Blackfriars Priory has a convenient city centre location, making it an ideal destination for using public transport and reducing emissions. Photo by Tom Durn Photography.

I commit to creating an environment that enables the entire Blackfriars team to participate in Carbon Literacy training, enhancing our understanding of climate impact and sustainability. Our goal is to lead by example in the wedding and events sector, paving the way for a greener and more responsible future for all.
Lucy, Visitor Experience Manager

I'd like to buy more recycled/second hand, switch to paperless, will grow more plants in my garden and will try use public transport more frequently.
Joanne, Events Assistant Apprentice

We are developing a prop cupboard of free to borrow decor for weddings and events, which I will ensure my couples are aware of and encourage them to use , to reduce single use purchases and keep items in circulation for longer. I also pledge to buy my clothes second hand.
Matthew, Wedding & Events Coordinator

Vases, candelabras and artificial ivy are examples of what is available to borrow for event decoration from our new prop store. Photo by Carol Elizabeth Photography

In terms of Blackfriars Priory, I pledge to lead the switch to eco cleaning products to reduce single use plastic and use of harmful chemicals. At home, I will feed the birds all year-round, install a water butt for watering my plants to reduce water consumption, build a bug hotel and cook from scratch more to avoid processed foods that produce carbon during production. I will continue to follow a plant-based diet, walk to work, use eco-friendly cleaning supplies and support a weekly organic and locally sourced veg box.

Holly, Senior Programme & Business Development Officer

Dispensers of tap water are encouraged in place of bottled water for meetings and events to reduce demand for plastic.

I will stop buying pre packed fruit/veg and instead buy local and seasonal. I will eat less meat in my diet and be more aware of food wastage. I will also switch to eco cleaning products.
Sue, Duty Manager

Swapping meat for vegetarian and vegan alternatives reduces carbon emissions. Meat free doesn’t have to compromise on taste, like these delicious tofu based canapes by Epic Caterers. Photo by Tom Durn Photography

I pledge to create a dedicated wildlife patch within my garden specifically targeting bee's and other pollinating insects. I also pledge to reduce the amount of single use plastic I am using by buying more reusable and refillable style products. I am also making a conscious effort to reduce the amount of journeys I make in my car and will instead be walking or cycling to and from work. I follow a plant based diet and will continue to do so, trying to source my produce from more local suppliers to reduce mileage.

Ryan, Senior Operations Officer

International Carbon Literacy Action Day 2024