Meet fairandfunky and friends is our new blog series to get to know the people we work with and how together we take little steps to change the world. Today we welcome Tanya Noon to the blog to answer our questions…..
Who are you, where are you from and what do you do? I am Tanya Noon and live in a small village outside of Derby in West Hallam. I am a Member and Community Relations Officer and also an employee Director for Central Co-op. My day job is around educating people about the Co-operative model of business, providing workshops in schools and educational settings to make people more aware that a co-operative is not just about selling food. That all our work is centred around one set of Co-operative Values and Principles.
What makes you a fairandfunky friend? I find Helen and Sophie to be very passionate about what they do and are educating people on so many topics from plastics to wider environmental concerns and love that they connect to co-operative principles to encourage people to be better citizens in their own communities. Their expert knowledge is important to enable to make sure the right information is shared in a friendly and enjoyable way.
What little steps do you take to change the world? I buy Co-op products as I know the ethical credentials behind them, I always look to buy from ethical providers. I try and walk to places and have this year purchased a bike! I promote ethics to my family and friends to help them have a greater awareness and I took a course on climate change. From this we have developed materials that we can take into school and support this agenda. I also separate my rubbish, only use water when required, buy products that have no plastic and use compostable tea bags from another Co-op called Revolver.
Who influences or inspires you? And why? I have worked with Co-op members for many years and listening to their views and especially young people and their endeavours to protect our planet is inspiring. I follow a number of organisations who campaign for a better world. Collectively, we all have great ways of interacting and Co-op members are very engaging and passionate about how the Co-op works and hold us to account through a democratic process.
How do YOU inspire others to take little steps to change the world? By talking to people through the different workshops we offer from Fairtrade, Healthy Choices, Ethical challenges and designing materials that will help others understand their commitments as an individual to make the world a better place. As a member of a Co-op I can also influence strategy and ensure the Co-op Movement is at the forefront of campaigns and initiatives.
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