Nature has its way of creating connections among people, fostering a sense of belonging and a shared responsibility towards our planet. Recently, I had the privilege of experiencing this by attending a Cuppa for Climate event in Leixlip organised by Natasha Page-Wood (The Gentle Travel Guide) and Clodagh Kelly (Clodagh Kelly Art) with Leixlip Tidy Towns for Heritage Week. Cuppa for Climate, an initiative from Friends of the Earth to bring people together to talk about our climate and environment, was creatively transformed into a day full of events, blending elements of biodiversity exploration, culinary delights, artistic expressions, and cultural celebration.
The venue allowed you to wander around and make connections while learning more about the environment and Friends of the Earth. One area was dedicated to a diverse array of food options by Cinira, from Cindy’s Deli in Leixlip. From savory to sweet, the choices were not only delicious but also conscious of the environmental impact with a generous selection of vegan options. Another corner was dedicated to an art exhibition that showed many local artists, including one of the organisers Clodagh Kelly and pieces by Leonore Kelly, Sue Carr, Michael Kane and Nina Raeside Reilly who displayed touching art about the environment and about humanity. I was particularly enchanted by an artistic interpretation of our lungs, which resonated with me the need for fresh, unpolluted air for all.
In another corner, a clothes swap rack stood as a reminder of the importance of reducing our fashion footprint. A great initiative to encourage a circular approach to clothing consumption while at the same time, a great way to find a new piece of clothing.
A Journey through Biodiversity:
The day had multiple workshops, each highlighting another part of the environment, our planet, and our connection in culture. It started with a biodiversity walk by Acorn Forest Bathing. The walk lasted longer than expected due to people’s enthusiasm!
Artistry Inspired by Nature:
The eco-art workshop drew people and encouraged them to transform their impressions of nature into tangible works of art and resulted in a creative display of individual interpretations of nature. It was also a fun workshop for children who could release their inner creativity.
Mexican Traditional Dance:
One of the highlights of the event was the traditional Mexican dance performance by Xiuh Music. The rhythm of the drums and the fluid movements of the dance were in stark contrast to my limited dancing skills when I tried to join in at the end. The experience though made me realise that the performance acted as a bridge between cultures, illustrating how diverse traditions can coexist harmoniously. It definitely made for many conversation starters after the performance!
Culinary Adventures:
The event took an exciting turn as we moved from nature and culture to the heart of the kitchen. Cinira aka Cindy’s Deli organised a cooking class with Brazilian food, Each of us made our own empanadas (a baked turnover made from pastry and filling of choice) and learned more about the different types of delicious food in the world.
Strengthening Bonds and Raising Awareness:
Beyond the workshops, what truly made this event remarkable was the sense of community it fostered. Strangers, neighbours, and local businesses coming together, uniting their shared passion for community and nature and taking the time to connect.
It is impossible to speak about this event without extending a shout-out to the organisers. Their vision in weaving together education, creativity and culture, resulted in bringing people together while at the same time raising awareness of the works of Friends of the Earth and TidyTowns.
Through events like these, we are reminded that our efforts, no matter how small, can create ripples of transformation. It was a day that celebrated the richness of our planet’s biodiversity, the power of creative expression, and the importance of human connection.
Ruth Jedidja Stael
Supporter Care and Fundraising Officer
Friends of the Earth