latest-environmental-news-for-thame-and-surrounding-villages

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Get ready for Thame Park(ing) Day - TOMORROW!

Thursday 2 July 2026 10am - 4pm

Tomorrow, parking spaces in our High Street Car Park, will be converted into temporary pop-up parks for people instead of spaces for cars – as part of Thame's first ever 'Park(ing) day. These ‘parklets’ will offer space for community, planting, play and more! The idea is to imagine what a different version of Thame could look like in the future. After the event, we will run a feedback survey to gather thoughts on the event.

This new event is hosted by local business Edge Urban Design, with support from 21st Century Thame and Thame Town Council.

Park(ing) Day is a global initiative where anyone can create a pop-up public park in a parking space, temporarily creating a space for people and communities instead of for a single car. Park(ing) Day started in 2005 with a single space in San Francisco and has since grown into an event involving thousands of people across the world. The global Park(ing) Day is on the 18 September 2026 – Thame is a busy place in September, so Thame Park(ing) Day wis being held here tomorrow instead.

As the parking spaces in front of the Town Hall will be closed for this event, disabled parking will be relocated to the High Street.

Plastic Free July Is Here – Join the Movement

July is here, which means it’s time for Plastic Free July—a global movement encouraging millions of people to reduce their plastic waste and make more sustainable choices.

Taking part doesn’t mean changing everything overnight. Small actions can make a big difference. Whether it’s switching to reusable shopping bags, carrying a refillable water bottle, avoiding single-use plastics, or choosing products with less packaging, every step counts.

According to Greenpeace, the UK is the second largest producer of plastic waste per capita in the world, generating roughly 76kg to 99kg of plastic waste per person annually. Only the United States generates a higher amount of plastic waste per person.

Plastic pollution affects our environment, wildlife, and communities, but collective action creates real change. When individuals, families, schools, businesses, and local groups come together, the impact can be powerful.

One of the best ways to get involved this month is by connecting with local community groups and initiatives. There are 3 local 'Plastic Free' initiatives, so follow one of the Facebook pages below to find out more about what they are doing, discover nearby events, clean-ups, swap shops, sustainability tips, and opportunities to make a difference close to home:

Let’s support each other, share ideas, and inspire positive change throughout July and beyond.

For more inspiration, ideas, and resources, visit the official Plastic Free July movement: Plastic Free July

Open Farm Day- Sunday 12th July

Once again, Lopemede Farm, located just outside Thame on the road to Long Crendon, is opening its gates to the public for the much-anticipated Open Farm Sunday.

This popular annual event offers a fantastic opportunity for families, residents and visitors to experience life on a working farm, learn more about British farming, and enjoy a brilliant day out in the Oxfordshire countryside.

There will be plenty to keep everyone entertained throughout the day, including tractor rides, guided tours, and a range of children’s activities designed to be both fun and educational. Visitors can get up close to the farm environment and discover more about where food comes from and the work that goes into producing it.

Alongside the activities, guests can browse a vibrant artisan market featuring local producers and handmade goods. Food lovers will also be in for a treat, with a delicious selection of food and drink available throughout the day.

Expect outstanding local produce, including Lopemede’s own Wagyu beef, as well as freshly brewed coffee, homemade cakes, refreshing beer and cider, and plenty more to enjoy.

Open Farm Sunday promises another memorable day at Lopemede Farm, celebrating farming, food and community right on Thame’s doorstep.

Can you help on the day?

This is the second Open Farm event at Lopemede Farm following the success last year, which generated a footfall of roughly 3750 people. It requires an enormous amount of planning and although Eddie Rixon (the farmer at Lopemede) is doing a tremendous job, he is really struggling to get enough parking attendees for the day.

If the requirement for volunteers is met, there will be a rotation in place (9:30-12:30 & 12:30-circa 3:30 pm finish) so you can get some time to enjoy the day and take in the many wonderful displays and stands. As a way of saying thanks Eddie will issue you a ticket in the morning for free lunch and a drink from his delicious Wagyu Beef stand

If you can help contact him on [email protected]

Rhubarb Seating named Circularity Champion in landmark UK Furniture Industry Report

Thame-based commercial seating manufacturer Rhubarb Seating has been named a Circularity Champion Manufacturer Leader in Design Conformity’s 2026 industry report, placing the company among the top-performing furniture manufacturers for sustainability in the UK and Europe.

The report is one of the most comprehensive independent assessments of sustainability in the furniture sector, covering more than 170,000 businesses across Europe. Rhubarb Seating was one of only four UK manufacturers to achieve Leader status, with just 0.1% of companies earning this recognition.

The award follows independent verification of Rhubarb’s Cantay and Banquette seating ranges through Design Conformity’s Carbon Efficiency platform, which measures environmental impact across a product’s full lifecycle, including reuse potential. Both products achieved impressive carbon efficiency ratings, highlighting Rhubarb’s commitment to sustainable, circular design.

Director David Matthews said: “Rhubarb has always designed with refurbishment, repair and reuse in mind. Being recognised among the sector’s biggest names confirms what we’ve always believed — good design and sustainable design go hand in hand.”

Sustainability is embedded in every stage of Rhubarb’s manufacturing process in Thame, from product design to material efficiency. The company carefully maximises the use of timber and fabric to minimise waste, reflecting a strong commitment to responsible manufacturing.

As sustainability becomes increasingly important in commercial fit-outs, Rhubarb’s achievement reinforces Thame’s reputation as home to innovative, forward-thinking businesses — and we are proud to have them in the town.

Get your waste right!

If you are watching England play in the World Cup tonight and getting a takeaway while you do... then here is a handy reminder from SODC about what to do with your waste.

While you are at it, why not follow their relaunched WhatsApp channel for bin collection updates:

Binfluencers for South Oxfordshire residents

Support for residents without private parking to switch to EVs

Over the next two years, Oxfordshire residents will benefit from the installation of 1500 public electric vehicle (EV) charging points - doubling the number currently available in the county. Public EV charger deployment will be prioritised in areas where a high proportion of residents lack off-street parking.

Oxfordshire County Council is also set to launch a new scheme by inviting town and parish councils and other non-profit-making community organisations to host public EV charging points in car parks at community hubs such as village halls, community centres and sports pavilions. More information here: Oxfordshire moves forward with programme to support residents without private parking to switch to EVs

Phoenix EC Helps Drive Local Action on Community Energy

Community energy is a growing nationwide movement that is putting people at the heart of delivering the UK’s clean power transition. Sometimes described as a “quiet revolution”, community groups, such as Phoenix Energy Community (Phoenix EC), are enabling residents and business owners to take control of their energy future by understanding, generating, using, owning, and saving energy in their communities.

Locally, Phoenix Energy Community is not only raising awareness, but also proactively helping homes and businesses become more energy efficient by collaborating with experts for retrofit solutions and supporting locally generated renewable energy projects in Haddenham, Long Crendon, Thame and Towersey.

Phoenix EC brings together members of Thame Green Living, Greener Crendon, and Zero Carbon Haddenham. The group is also working collaboratively with other local energy organisations and local town, district and county councils towards a shared vision of everyone living and working in energy efficient buildings, powered by locally generated renewable energy.

Real Action on Energy

A key part of Phoenix EC’s work is helping residents and organisations to take real action by offering practical support such as energy advice, guidance on home improvements, and exploration of renewable technologies and community battery options. It also means building partnerships with experts and local groups.

The community energy movement is growing across the UK because it speaks to several concerns at once: energy affordability, climate action, local ownership, and energy security. For households, it means lower bills, warmer homes in winter, and more resilience to future energy shocks (such as those caused by conflicts in Ukraine and Iran). While communities have the chance to shape energy projects to suit local needs.

As more households and organisations in South Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire look for ways to reduce costs and cut carbon, groups like Phoenix Energy Community are helping turn ideas into practical action for homes, businesses, and the wider community.

Discover a Smarter Way to Get Around Thame with Co Wheels

Did you know there's a convenient alternative to car ownership? Co Wheels is the UK's highest rated car club, giving Thame residents access to a car whenever they need one, without the costs and responsibilities of ownership.

Whether you're planning a weekend away, doing a big supermarket shop, visiting family, or simply need a car for a few hours, Co Wheels makes it easy. Members can book a hybrid MG3 online or through the app, with access available 24 hours a day. Insurance, maintenance, breakdown cover and fuel are all included, meaning you only pay for the time and distance you use.

Car clubs are helping communities across the UK reduce congestion, free up parking spaces and cut carbon emissions. Research shows that each shared vehicle can replace up to 20 privately owned cars, helping to create cleaner, greener neighbourhoods while still providing access to transport when it's needed.

For many households, a shared car can offer significant savings compared with the cost of owning and running a vehicle. It's also an ideal option for people who walk, cycle or use public transport for most journeys but occasionally need access to a car.

Co Wheels is proud to be part of the Thame community, providing flexible, affordable and sustainable transport for residents. Whether you're looking to save money, reduce your environmental impact, or simply enjoy the convenience of having a car available when you need it, joining a car club could be the perfect solution.

To find out more, visit Co Wheels online and see how easy shared mobility can be: https://www.co-wheels.org.uk/thame

EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Use promo code THAME20 for free standard membership (usually £5 a month) and £20 driving credit. Valid for new members only.

Thame Car Hire | Co Wheels

Get involved in green action in your community

Did you know Thame has a Green Living Plan - a 10 year plan for a greener, cleaner Thame. The plan includes over 190 actions that we want to take by 2030 to help achieve this.

You find out more about these actions and see what has already been completed, what is in motion and what still needs to take place at the Thame Green Living Website - https://thamegreenliving.org.u...

There is so much to achieve so get in contact through the website to play a part.

Events coming up

To find out what is happening in the local area please visit the Calendar you can find at this link: https://thamegreenliving.org.u...

To add an event to the calendar contact [email protected]

Send details of your event to be included

Google Calendar for local sustainable events

21st Century Thame have set up a google calendar that is up to date with any environmental / sustainable events - https://21stcenturythame.co.uk/21st-century-thame-environmental-calendar-of-events/

- let them know if we’re missing any - and click on the ‘add’ cross at the bottom of the calendar to subscribe to the calendar so that the events appear on your personal device.

Add your Green Group to the Mycelium Map!

The Mycelium Map is a digital ecosystem for eco-groups to showcase their work and events. It’s open to everyone in and around the Chilterns working on climate and nature sustainability.

You can read about the map here: https://hedgerleywood.org/mymap/

Or check it out at: https://mymap.eco

Email [email protected] for information and the link you need to put your group on the Map.

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