FAQs

The Five Focus Areas of the Plan:

Q: What is the Thame Green Living Plan?

A: it’s a composite plan setting out what we can do now and over the next few years to protect our very special town and local environment.

Q: How does it seek to do that?

A: There’s the why, the how, the what and the when!

Why – First of all the plan explains why we need to act – putting this into a local context.

How – It explains how we live affects our health and vitality – and that of our children.

What – Then it goes on to set out what we can do – here and now – individually and together – to start to turn things round. Climate change may be a global problem, but it has local solutions. Taken together these can make all the difference.

When – There are many things we can do as individuals – most of which we can start right now. Then there are things we can do as a family, a group or a community, which may take a little longer. There’s also a third group which we’ve called ‘infrastructure’ issues – projects that may require local authority support and additional funding. These will obviously take much longer, but we need to be preparing for them now if they are to happen within ten years.

Q: Why have you chosen ten years?

A: This takes us to 2030, because expert advice – from climate scientists to naturalists – increasingly stresses the urgency of changing our ways. We think it’s necessary to take action now and that ten years is practicable if we really put our minds to it.

Q: How is the Plan structured?

A: We started with a blank sheet of paper. There was no precedent we could find (and no box to think out of!) So we first looked at what mattered – and came up with five areas – which we colour-coded. These are : green – for open spaces, green routes (footpaths and cycling) and biodiversity; blue – for water quality, conservation and preventing flooding; grey – for air quality, at both street and atmospheric levels; red – for energy, both managing energy better and switching to non-fossil fuels (including solar power and electric vehicles), and orange – for the whole waste sector, more specifically reducing, recycling and reusing.

The new plan – there was an interim plan two years ago for consultation – recognises the new sense of Climate Emergency and sets out a series of Recommended Actions as to what individuals and communities can do to improve things.

Q: Can you give us some examples of those Recommended Actions?

Take, for example, carbon or CO2. We can – and must – stop burning fossil fuels. They are irreplaceable and damage our atmosphere. But they also, when used as diesel, for example, poison our local air, damaging our health and well-being.

Part of the answer is for people to make more responsible personal choices. One of those is why, how much and when we use our cars. To encourage change means providing attractive alternatives – such as safe and well signposted cycle lanes and walking routes. That will in turn encourage us to live healthier lives – and reduce reliance on our NHS! We can also capture carbon by more trees, hedges and shrubs which helps the biodiversity on which our whole natural world ultimately depends.

Q: It all sounds a bit idealistic. Why should people change their habits?

A: There are times when it’s no longer realistic to go on as before. Look at what’s happened with COVID-19. Even if people dislike having things forced on them, we’ve all had to change our habits, from handwashing to social distancing and wearing masks. Arguably we should be using masks to guard against street level pollution too. The effects are as invisible but potentially as incapacitating as the virus in the long term. Is it still OK to do nothing? On the other hand, even if some don’t, many people do want to do the right thing. Get enough of those people taking positive action and others will want to do the same. People just need to understand what they can do – and there is little more empowering than doing something positive for your community.

Pledges – That’s why our new website contains a pledge page – where individuals or groups can make a public commitment to improve the environment in some specific way.

Q: So how many recommended actions are there in the Green Living Plan?

A: 180 in fact! The numbers have grown because there are five focus areas and it’s a ten-year plan with short-term and long-term actions. We don’t expect everyone to do everything, but this does give a huge range of options.

Q: Why doesn’t the Plan include a section on food?

A: This is a huge and complex -subject in its own right. Overall, given the limited resources that we have had, we’ve focused on the main environmental factors that might affect how Thame develops in the future. This is where our emphasis on alternative travel, alternative energy, health and biodiversity really comes in. We also know that great work is being done elsewhere and we’ll be keeping up-to-date with this work and be happy to see the plan continue to develop in this area.

2. Questions about THAME GREEN LIVING

Q: What is “Thame Green Living (TGL)”?

A: Thame Green Living is the name adopted by a group of committed volunteers to finalise and help implement develop the Thame Green Living Plan. We aim in the future to formalise Thame Green Living as a registered community company.

Q: What does TGL do?

A: TGL’s main role is to promote, facilitate and help implement the Green Living Plan. In addition to its prime link with Thame Town Council it will seek to work with individuals, groups, organisations, businesses, schools and churches. It will also look to develop good relations with landowners and farmers, building on the work of bodies such as the River Thame Conservation Trust, the Cuttle Brook Conservation Volunteers, and 21^st Century Thame.

Q: What’s the relationship with Thame Town Council?

A: Very good! The RSA Thame Group was commissioned by Thame Town Council (TTC), as volunteers, to prepare the Thame Green Living Plan and TGL is continuing that work. Indeed, the close relationship with TTC and its management team has been a key feature in creating and adopting the plan for Thame with TTC’s full support. In the future we are aiming for a form of joint working group or committee between TTC and TGL with a degree of autonomy to work within the bounds of the GLP and, hopefully, some budget to support our doing so.

Q: How is TGL funded?

A: We are a group of unpaid volunteers, and any funding required to date (such as for printing costs and banners) has been provided by the Town Council. Once Thame Green Living is formally registered as a community organisation it should be able to apply for grants and receive donations in its own right.

Q: How will things play out if key decisions are taken beyond Thame; by government, developers and the like?

A: TGL believes that’s too fatalistic. There is much that can be achieved by acting both individually and together. Local matters can certainly be progressed, and sooner or later, our government will recognise that things need to change. We view the Green Living Plan as showing the way forward, being an example for other communities, and providing a powerful catalyst for local action.

Q: The plan says that you have been operating as honorary consultants for TTC. How does that work?

A: It means that we have been able to work on our own initiative to produce a plan that the council could accept. Where recommendations involve more complex analysis, our approach has been to lay out the options and implications. With more complex projects, ultimately it will be a question of what the planning and county authorities will support, how much it will cost – and the readiness of town residents and users to accept change. We can at least point the way.

Q: What do you mean by a more complex project?

A: Take the issue of air quality, which affects both our upper atmosphere and street level pollution, mainly caused by vehicles. The medical advice is very clear as to how damaging this can be. But, with limited public transport, many people need their own transport to get around. There will be some hard choices to be made to balance those needs against a wish for more space for pedestrians, cyclists and clean air. All this needs a combination of town council, highway authority, funding and community acceptance both to change driving habits and provide better facilities. . But the health benefits of cleaner air and more exercise (Save the NHS!) could be enormous.

3. Questions about GETTING INVOLVED

Q: I can only spare limited time, is there anything useful I can do?

A: Absolutely! The first step is to share and talk about the plan and what can be done. Everyone will contribute by doing that. Beyond that we have big plans and welcome all offers of help, ranging from assisting with one-off practical tasks (delivering leaflets, helping plant trees, or exploring routes for pathways), through to reading and research (such as gathering data on available grants for home energy efficiency, preparing information leaflets, or reviewing and updating the information on the website), and support tasks such as helping with administration and the growing body of volunteers.[9]

Q: What’s the best way of staying in touch?

A: The best way is to get in touch via the website in the first instance, with an idea of what most interests you, and we can take it from there.

Q: Can businesses get involved too?

A: Yes! We’re very keen to work with local businesses as there can be many mutual benefits, for businesses, their employees and the community. We are planning some business events in the coming weeks and months but would welcome contact in the meantime with any businesses who are interested in getting involved and finding out more.

Q: What can schools and community groups such as residents’ associations, churches and clubs do?

A: Details of the Green Living Plan are going out to parents from all schools in Thame, as well as to the wider community. We are keen to encourage and support initiatives to bring ‘Green Living’ to life in every school and community group – with teachers, parents, students and all community leaders and volunteers.

4. Questions about OPEN SPACE, GREEN ROUTES AND BIODIVERSITY

Q: Is Thame Green Living going to campaign against more new houses being built?

A: We are not lobbyists against development as such. Our aim is to fill in the gaps that normal planning procedures don’t reach, so that future development is as supportive as possible of the objectives behind our plan.

Q: The Haddenham / Thame Greenway has been discussed for years, are you going to make any difference?

A: We believe so – by bringing together the different strands of thinking and planning behind the clear objectives of the Green Living Plan.

Q: How does the plan help people who travel in from the villages around Thame?

A: It recognises that Thame is a vital hub town for much of the area. This in turn means having good transport links with Thame without the town being overwhelmed by traffic and congestion as a result. That’s why good public transport, vehicle-free paths and cycleways such as the planned Greenway are so vital.

5. Questions about WATER AND FLOOD PROTECTION

Q: How much of a problem is flooding in Thame?

A: Most built-up areas of the town are largely free from flooding, partly because of the extensive floodplains along the River Thame which absorb most of the excess. But with more extreme weather and constant pressure to build on open areas, we need to be vigilant in mitigating the worst effects of flooding.

Q: Is there anything I can do as an individual?

A: Yes. We can all treat water as an essential resource, understand the stresses on our water supplies, and take actions at large scale and small. As individuals we can reduce our water wastage (eg cleaning our teeth without leaving the water running and use of water butts), to limiting flood risk in heavy rain by our choice of materials for driveways, paths and patios.

Q: Is there any shortage of water?

A: The Environment Agency has warned of water shortages by 2050 and the government has suggested that people’s water use should be reduced in its 25-year plan. The Environment Agency classifies the Thames Water Area as one of “serious water stress”.

6. Questions about CLEAN AIR AND POLLUTION

Q: The air in Thame usually seems OK, is there an air quality problem?

A: Up to now most of Thame has been less affected by poor air than some other South Oxfordshire towns. But with development all around the town, the increased popularity of the High Street and its amenities, plus the increased traffic and parking that results, that’s all changing.

Q: What causes this pollution?

A: Air pollution, such as from petrol and diesel vehicles, can vary with the weather, traffic conditions, and the location in the town. Examples of problem areas are the High Street in queuing traffic, busy car parks and near school gates where idling engines fill the air with fumes. Our air is increasingly full of gases and particles that we can’t see or even smell but which can harm us. Micro-particles of carbon from exhausts, tyre wear and brakes are now known to be dangerous, particularly to the health of young people. We plan to put more information on this, with references for further reading, on the TGL website.

Q: We often hear of ‘net zero’. Is that what you are seeking for Thame?

A: Net zero means achieving a balance between the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere. There are two different routes to achieving net zero, which work in tandem: reducing existing emissions and actively removing greenhouse gases. The Green Living Plan seeks to address both, mainly by alternative, less polluting, means of transport and heating combined with carbon capture through more trees, shrubs and plants, which also benefits our essential natural world.

7. Questions about ENERGY, ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Q: How can the Green Living Plan help me reduce my electricity and gas bills?

A: There are plenty of tips in the Plan that can be taken up by individuals and by businesses to reduce their bills. These range from reducing energy wastage (such as better loft insulation and cutting draughts), to switching energy supplier for a cheaper (and greener) deal, to making use of a Smart Meter (free of charge) to understand your energy use and take advantage of new deals expected in the future. Free energy surveys are available to businesses.

Q: Are household solar panels (PV) part of the Plan for Thame?

A: Yes, it is now economic to invest in solar panels and get a pay back, so not only saving money but turning your roof into a power station for clean energy. Look out for our “Solar Streets” community project that will offer attractive deals made possible by bulk-buying and coordinating installations.

Q: Will the Green Living Plan help the uptake of Electric Vehicles?

A: Nationally and internationally there’s huge growth in EVs with many new models coming to market, vehicle range improving, and prices becoming more attractive. There is also a growing second-hand market offering some great deals. We plan to hold information days, offer test drives, and encourage the installation of more charging points in and around the town. EVs offer benefits for local air quality, reduced carbon emissions, and a positive driving experience. We plan to help people find out more, understand the pros and cons and decide what hits the spot for their needs.

8. Questions about WASTE AVOIDANCE, WASTE MANAGEMENT AND RECYCLING

Q: Is Thame Green Living coordinating with actions by other groups locally?

A: We will definitely look to work with other groups. Many are already doing brilliant work in this area, promoting good initiatives, and implementing new ideas to help the community of Thame reduce waste, boost recycling and move closer to a circular economy. More information about specific actions we will be implementing under our waste theme will be published in the next few weeks.