Flying the Flag for Green Libraries

Flying the Flag for Green Libraries is a project to raise awareness of climate change and our natural world. Led by Greater Manchester Green Libraries consortium, in collaboration with Cabasa Carnival Arts, the project saw the creation of bespoke naturally-dyed silk flags for all 10 library services at workshops during Green Libraries Week (27 Oct – 2 Nov) and the summer holidays in 2025.

Each of the 10 flags focuses on a different environmental theme, helping us to consider the impact of climate change and why nature is important to us and our planet.

The flags continue to spread their environmental message as part of a touring exhibition throughout 2026 and will feature at the Manchester Day parade in July.

This project has been made possible due to funding from Libraries Connected North West.

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Climate change is a shift in Earth’s weather patterns caused by a rise in greenhouse gases (CO2 and methane), leading to more frequent extreme weather events and rising global temperatures. This impacts on our natural environment, and the eco-systems that rely on them.

Renewable Energy – Globally we emit around 50 billion tonnes of CO2e each year, with over 50% from burning fossil fuels to produce electricity and heat, and from manufacturing industries. Renewable energy from natural resources is available which can reduce the amount of CO2 we produce, such as wind, ocean, solar, and hydroelectric energy, and the technology is continually improving. Consider switching to a green tariff with your energy provider (1).

Trees – Trees provide habitats for around two-thirds of the world’s animals. They also remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere (one of the main causes of climate change) and they release the Oxygen that we breathe. A forest will store up to 100 times more carbon than a field of crops of the same size. When we chop down trees, they also release all the CO2 they had already stored. In 2017, 40 football fields worth of tropical trees were lost every minute. Often this is to harvest wood, or to clear space for farming, particularly crops such as soy to feed livestock. As consumers, we can help by reducing the amount of meat we eat, or by buying products from sustainable sources (2).

Plants and flowers – Along with trees, plants and flowers remove CO2 from the atmosphere and release Oxygen. But plants also provide us with the majority of our food – vegetables, fruits, wheat and other crops. Without plants, we wouldn’t be here. Likewise plants support the eco-system of all living creatures on this planet. Not only that, but plants act as air filters, removing pollutants from the air and rain, and help to regulate the water cycle (3).

Oceans – Oceans are amazing. They are home to over 240,000 species of marine animals. Over 50% of the oxygen we breathe comes from marine plants (like microscopic phytoplankton) and oceans absorb +90% of excess heat trapped by greenhouse gases (4). However, oceans are plagued by plastic – The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is more than 3 times the size of Spain! Plastic in the ocean breaks down into microplastics, which are eaten by fish and then ends up in the food chain (5). It’s hard to avoid completely, but as consumers we can reduce the amount of single use plastics we use. Many local councils also provide plastic recycling.

Rivers – Freshwater is rare! Only 3% of the world’s surface water is freshwater, but it is home to over 15,000 types of fish, and over 4,000 types of frogs! However, more than 80% of wastewater around the world is untreated, which means it may be harmful to wildlife and people (6). Try to conserve water by turning off taps when not in use, and by avoiding use of harmful chemicals that go into our drains.

Pollinators – Many insects such as bees, flies, wasps, beetles, butterflies, moths and even mosquitos, are vital to the growth of flowers and trees. These insects carry pollen from plant to plant, which fertilises them and allows the plant to produce seeds and fruit. Pollinators are in decline due to climate change, loss of habitat, and pesticides (7 and 8). When gardening, avoid using pesticides, and consider planting pollinator friendly plants such as primroses, lavender, and sunflowers.

Forrest Floors – Countless animals and birds live in forest canopies, but the forest floor is also teeming with life and is an important part of the forest’s eco-system. Down in this shadowy layer, insects along with fungi are busy eating dead animals, plants, and excrement, turning it back into nutrient-rich soil to feed the trees that grow above (9).

Fungi – Scientists estimate that around 3 million species of fungi exist. A mushroom is actually the fruit of a fungus which grows underground. Besides being an important food source for animals, fungi are decomposers that break down and eat dead and decaying material like dead leaves, rotting wood, and old food. Without fungi, the world would be covered in dead plants and animals. Not only that, but scientists are also exploring how some fungi can break down petroleum and plastics – aren’t fungi fabulous! (10)

Birds – Besides being beautiful, birds form an important part of our eco-systems – they feed on pests which helps to protect plants and crops, and their droppings enrich the soil and spread seeds. Climate change is affecting the number, distributions and behaviour of birds all over the world. Hotter summers mean some birds are moving to cooler places, while some birds that used to migrate are staying put. This, combined with loss of habitat, means we might see fewer of them in our gardens (11). Why not consider helping our feathered friends by putting out bird boxes and feeders, and planting bushes and trees to provide a permanent food source and habitat.

Community Gardens – One way we can make a positive change is to grow more flowers, vegetables and fruits at home or at a community garden or allotment. Plants remove CO2 from the atmosphere, create habitats for wildlife, and help pollinators to thrive. Growing our own food also reduces the need to buy food which has been transported long distances, thus reducing our carbon footprint. Plants are also good for our mental health, so it’s a win for us, and a win for nature!

There are lots of other things we can do to help protect our environment, and your local library will have many books with ideas and suggestions. Here are a few resources:

Hall, R., et al. (2020). 100 things to know about saving the planet. London : Usborne Publishing.

Urquhart, F. and Koesterke, L. (2022). Be an eco hero! Outdoors. London : Franklin Watts.

Stewart-Sharpe, L. and Hall, L. (2021). What a wonderful world. London : Templar Books.

Gogerly, L. and Sanchez, S. (2021). Nature needs you! London : Franklin Watts.

Stevens, G and Rewse, K. (2024). Climate action : The future is in our hands. London : Little Tiger.

French, J. (2020). Forests. London: Ivy Kids.

Baliga, V., and Lambert, B. (2023). Plants to the rescue! New York : Martin’s Press.

Ocean Generation, (2025). Why is the ocean so important. Available at: https://oceangeneration.org/why-is-the-ocean-important/ (Accessed: 10/11/2025).

Amson-Bradshaw, G. (2020). Plastic Planet. London : Franklin Watts.

Barr, C. and Engel, C. (2022). Water : protect freshwater to save life on earth. Herefordshire : Otter-Barry Books.

Milner, C. (2018). The bee book. London : Dorling Kindersley

Ridley, S. and Mineker, V. (2024). One bee in billions. London : Hodder and Stoughton.

Howards, J. and Herba, G. (2024). Respect the insect : meet the bugs who clean, tend and feed the world. London : Wide Eyed Editions.

Keller, J. and Salcedo, E. (2019). Fungus is among us! Seattle, USA : The Innovation Press.