Ely WI champions at East Anglian Clean and Green Awards

The awards celebrate individuals, businesses, and organizations that actively promote greener lifestyles and sustainable initiatives throughout the region.

The group's ethos is centred on the idea that even small actions can lead to significant change. (Image: Ely City WI) The judges said the group had a 'can do' attitude. (Image: Ely City WI)

The judges were particularly impressed by the unwavering commitment and "can-do" attitude of Ely City WI members, as well as their green leadership across a variety of impactful initiatives. Their efforts to foster a cleaner and more sustainable world have included:

· Organising litter-picking activities as part of the Great British Spring Clean;

· Encouraging eco-friendly lifestyle choices, such as bringing reusable cups to meetings, recycling, swapping items, purchasing second-hand goods, and reducing single-use plastics;

· Establishing and maintaining a gardening club;

· Planting the WI Woods as part of the late Queen’s Green Canopy scheme;

The group also planted a WI Wood. (Image: Ely City WI)

· Promoting homemade crafting, including making fidget quilts for care home residents and crocheted decorations for Remembrance Sunday;

The group made crocheted decorations for Remembrance Sunday and displayed them in Ely. (Image: Ely City WI)

· Supporting the Climate Coalition’s campaign for four consecutive years by crafting and displaying green hearts to highlight the need for urgent climate action.

The group's ethos is centred on the idea that even small actions can lead to significant change. This philosophy resonated with the award judges, ultimately securing Ely City WI’s place as a winner in their category.

With an inclusive membership of 65 women, Ely City WI continues to embody their motto: “We are. We can. We do.” Their efforts to engage the local community, raise awareness, and take meaningful action demonstrate their commitment to making a tangible impact on environmental issues.

The prestigious awards ceremony took place on March 20, 2025, where Ely City WI was officially recognized for their inspiring contributions. Their triumph underscores the power of community-driven initiatives in creating a cleaner, greener future for all.