The EcoTitchfield launch event was a celebration of community spirit, sustainability, and the power of collective action. Attendees gathered to explore how small, thoughtful changes can lead to a happier, more sustainable future. With two inspiring keynote speakers—both named Chris—the event delivered a double dose of wisdom and motivation, each bringing their unique perspective on how small actions can create big impacts.
Chris Croft opened the event with an engaging presentation on how a sustainable lifestyle enhances personal happiness. Drawing on his extensive experience as a trainer, author, and co-founder of the World Happiness Project, Chris shared how being part of a community with a shared purpose fosters a sense of belonging and increases life satisfaction. He emphasised that making sustainable choices not only benefits the environment but also brings personal rewards—from feeling more in control of one’s life to the joy of contributing to a better world. Chris highlighted that while making changes can feel challenging or uncomfortable at first, the long-term rewards far outweigh the effort. Unlike the fleeting happiness from quick, consumer-driven fixes, sustainable actions provide a deeper and more lasting sense of fulfilment that continues to grow over time. His practical, down-to-earth advice resonated with many, offering simple steps for integrating sustainable habits into daily routines.
Next up, the second Chris—Chris Collins—brought his infectious enthusiasm for organic gardening. With a career spanning from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to his current role as Head of Horticulture at Garden Organic, Chris shared how organic gardening nurtures biodiversity and enhances personal wellbeing. Engaging stories from his time as the resident gardener on Blue Peter illustrated how connecting with nature through gardening fosters physical and mental health. During his time on the show, Chris led a variety of hands-on projects designed to spark curiosity and a love for the natural world in young audiences. From building wildlife gardens to growing vegetables, these projects empowered children to get their hands dirty and experience the joys of nurturing life. Chris passionately conveyed that educating young people is one of the most important things we can do to shape a sustainable future. By inspiring the next generation to care for the environment, we plant the seeds for a lifetime of positive habits and a deeper connection with the world around us. Chris’s message was clear: small-scale organic practices can create a profound positive impact on both our environment and ourselves.
With “the two Chris’s” leading the way, the EcoTitchfield launch set the stage for a community-driven journey toward sustainability. Attendees left inspired and energised, ready to take their own small steps toward big changes. As we move forward together, these shared stories remind us that every action counts—and together, we can create a brighter, greener future. With the insights from our two Chris’s, we are more committed than ever to strengthening the five pillars of the Greening Project and turning inspiration into action. Each step we take, no matter how small, reinforces our collective resolve to make meaningful, lasting change happen.
