I used to think that there was little that I as an individual could do to have an impact on the huge environmental challenges facing our country, and our world.

Listening to the news about the catastrophic extent of insect and bird decline, the state of our rivers, the huge plastic problem in our oceans and in our soil, the major threats from pollution, fertilisers and pesticides made me want to bury my head in the sand.

But then I started to work with sustainable charity Garden Organic, and came to understand that in reality, small changes made by an individual, community or organisation could actually make a big difference.

Those working in the housing sector are particularly well placed to affect change. You have the ability to change your own ways but also those of your estate’s teams and your tenants.

If the whole housing sector made a pledge to embrace organic and sustainable practices this Organic September spectacular results could be achieved.

Here, we’ve set out a few simple things you, and your organisations, can do to make a positive impact and protect our environment and communities for future generations.

What can you do?

Stop using single use plastics – plastic residue is clogging up people’s arteries, soil, rivers and seas. So, no more take away throw away coffee cups! Take your own container or better still make your own drink at home or at work – it will save you money too!

Grow your own organic food – whether it’s in a garden, backyard pot, balcony or windowsill.  You will benefit from reducing your pesticide consumption (many fruits and veg contain multiple pesticide residues) and reduce food miles.

Collect rain water – install a water butt or collect rain water in containers. You can reduce your water bills and help conserve a finite resource. You will also be laughing if we finally get some dry weather and hosepipe bans are enforced!

What can your estates teams do?

Avoid using harmful chemicals such as pesticides and weedkillers – these can have a devastating effect on bees and other pollinators and leave a harmful residue in the soil. Instead leave wild patches of land or plant wild flowers to attract beneficial insects.

Plant a wide range of native plants and create habitats for wildlife – wood piles, small ponds banks and hedges will all provide homes, shelter and food for wildlife.

Use natural resources – use wood and plant-based material rather than plastic, and source locally to reduce miles travelled. Only buy peat-free compost or access local authority green waste to provide nutrient rich compost for planting areas.

What can your tenants do?

Create community gardens – encourage tenants to work together to create community growing spaces and grow their own organic food. It’s a great way to promote positive engagement with your tenants, to improve their health and wellbeing and their access to fresh fruit and veg. Garden Organic’s Growing Buddies scheme can provide practical support.

Compost fruit and veg peelings – housing providers can help by providing community compost bins. The compost can be used on the community garden, tenants’ own gardens or be donated to the estates team.

Plant as wide a range of flowers, shrubs, trees and vegetables as possible – growing a range of varieties in gardens, plant pots and on balconies that flower across the year will provide prolonged food for beneficial pollinators and help to conserve our precious biodiversity.

So, what are you waiting for? Take the pledge and go Organic.

Pamela McCann is a senior communications consultant with Hough Bellis working with housing associations and the charity Garden Organic.

Would you like some help with your communications? We’d love to hear from you. Contact us hello@houghbellis.co.uk.