LCRN News Round-up: April 17 '08
Filed under: Reduce, Reuse & Recycle
Lots of news from the offices of LCRN this week starting with the appointment of a new Chair of the Board, Sinead McBrearty, an opportunity to join the Communications team and a reminder about compost awareness week coming up. We are also pleased to announce a new initiative to help closer working between the reuse and the housing sectors as well as congratulations on a funding award for the Vine Project.
The London College of Fashion is wearing its sustainable heart on its sleeve with the opening of a new Centre, last weekend’s Marathon set a new standard in ensuring bottles were recycled and the CIWM conference is moving from the South West to the Capital.
Nationally, the issue of rubbish on beaches has been highlighted with a new report, the Minister for Climate Change and Waste has looked to waste wood as a source of fuel and a WEEE consultation has been launched by the EU. In other headlines, WRAP has a new Chairman and theP LGA says government owes local councils a hefty sum in landfill tax rebate.
There’s more news available from across London and the UK on the Environment and the Third Sector, as well as Member Opportunities, Events, Jobs and Volunteer Opportunities. So scroll down and enjoy!
Oh, And Finally this week we learn what happens when a computer technician (ed. Don’t you mean geek?) falls in love…
Warm regards
The London CRN Team
* IT: Innovation Technology; Thursday 8th May, 6pm
London CRN will be launching a brand new website and other online facilities this May and to make the most of this, the May event will explain exactly what to expect of the new site, how to use and showcase the best of other online innovation. This event is essential for anyone wanting to know more about how to use the internet to their bet advantage. Mission Fish and The Nag will be speaking as well as LCRN’s own web designer. There will of course be food, drink and a chance to network in the real world, as well as the virtual. RSVP to alex@lcrn.org.uk
* LCRN appoints new Chair of the board
At a strategy meeting this week, where the Board and staff of LCRN were brought together for the first time this year, it was announced that Sinead McBrearty is our new Chair. Sinead commented: "I am delighted to take on the role as Chair of LCRN. There are significant opportunities for the sector on the horizon, and I will do my upmost to position the Network as a key stakeholder and delivery partner across London."
Chief Executive Matthew Thomson added: “I am delighted that our newest independent board member, who has herself a long experience of strategic commercial, social enterprise and charity sector development is able to take the helm of our network at this exciting time.”
* London
CRN seeks
Communications Assistant
LCRN is looking to
recruit a new member of staff to their Communications team. The role of
Communications Assistant will be integral to the future development of the
expanding team, and the right candidate will need to be experienced in
communications, engagement and campaigning activities. The role will focus on
the development of the changing organisation and assisting the Communications
Coordinator with the implementation of marketing, campaigns and policy work,
whilst also looking after the needs of the Network’s members. Deadline: Monday 5th May. For a
full job description and information on salary and the organisation itself,
please email alex@lcrn.org.uk
* Building a working relationship between the reuse sector and housing associations
A new initiative to help housing association tenants in crisis commenced this week between Genesis housing and London CRN. A crisis fund has been piloted by genesis to spend across three projects in the London reuse network; the fund is held by London CRN, referrals will be made by housing support workers to the furniture projects in times of residents’ needs, but instead of the resident paying for the goods, the charge will be sent to London CRN to pay the furniture project from the fund. Because Genesis manage properties across several boroughs and there is no way of predicting where the crises will happen and which project will be called upon, it makes sense to have London CRN as the co-ordinating body.
The idea is to make the process as user friendly and unbureacratic as possible to make sure the resident get s their furniture as soon as possible and the project receives payment for goods supplied. We want this to be a good example of how the reuse sector and the social housing sector can work effectively together to find solutions and improved customer services. To learn more about this contact richard@lcrn.org.uk
* Compost Awareness Week: are you ready?
Are you holding an event for Compost Awareness Week? If so, let us know and we will mention it in our e-news over the next three weeks. Whether you’re a community group or a local authority – or if you’re working together – send details of the time, date and location of your event to edouard@lcrn.org.uk and we’ll include it.
For those not in the know, this year’s edition of Compost Awareness Week is taking place between Sunday 4th and Saturday 10th May. The campaign, now in its eighth year, aims to raise awareness of the benefits of compost and composting across the country. For more information check out our e-news next week.
…for more on Compost Awareness Week
* Vine project wins grant for voluntary work
The Vine Project has received 100,000 over the next three years from the Henry Smith Charity for the support of their volunteering, particularly those volunteers who are engaged in driving, collecting and delivering items across the boroughs of Merton and Sutton. The Vine Project has been delivering this kind of work for many years with their Supported volunteer placements, for people who need extra support perhaps because of depleted confidence, low skills base or learning difficulties.
This funding will allow a continuation of the supported volunteers post, held by someone who himself was originally a volunteer. Project Manager Jennie Chapman has welcomed the grant: “For me what’s exciting about is that it recognises what is already happening and difference we are making in supporting people to get skills, confidence and eventually back into work. We have done a good job over the last three years and want to continue to do it, this money will allow us to do so. It also highlights the social benefits that our project offers over and above the environmental ones.” For more information about The Vine Project and their recent grant funding, contact jennie@thevineproject.org.
* London leads way with Centre for Sustainable Fashion
London College of Fashion is pleased to announce the Centre for Sustainable Fashion (CSF) is now open for business. Having soft launched last July the CSF has completed the first research stage and is publishing its findings today in a snapshot analysis that provides an insight into how seriously the British fashion industry is treating the challenges of sustainability. The Centre for Sustainable Fashions newly appointed Director for Sustainable Fashion, Dilys Williams commented: “Collectively we have the creativity to do things today that make tomorrow better and design should be at the centre of this. Fashion is a catalyst for change and the role of the Centre for Sustainable Fashion is in integrating education and industry to create better lives through a sustainable fashion industry.”
Newly appointed Ambassador of the CSF and writer and broadcaster, Caryn Franklin commented: “I am delighted to be an Ambassador for the CSF. We must stop seeing ethical and sustainable fashion as being satisfied by a ubiquitous organic cotton t-shirt; sustainability must filter down the entire supply chain from luxury brands to the British High Street. I hope the CSF will play a vital role in enabling the industry to change.”
…for more on the Centre for Sustainable Fashion
* Marathon recycling of water bottles in London
Westminster City Council
recycled up to 70,000 plastic water bottles from Sunday's London Marathon -
enough to make 16,000 umbrellas, 1,300 fleece jackets or 33 picnic tables. The
council recycled the bottles - over half a tonne’s worth - discarded by thirsty
runners during the Westminster
section of the Marathon
towards the end of the race. Over a tonne of cardboard was also recycled and
turned into more cardboard packaging. 14 special recycling points were sited
along the route in the City to make it easier for the crowds to deposit their
bottles. Any bottles left on the ground were removed by the council's 40-strong
street cleaning team, which includes 23 manual sweepers and 14
vehicles.
Once collected, the bottles can be given a new lease of life
and used for everything from eco-friendly clothing to upholstery for car seats
and clothing. Elsewhere, Veolia Environmental Services, the contractor
responsible for the street cleaning and recycling services in the London Borough
of Tower Hamlets, recycled a further 5.5 tonnes of plastic bottles and other
recyclable materials. Chris Hodges, Veolia’s contract manager in Tower Hamlets,
said: "Those running next year may well end up drinking out of recycled versions
of these very same bottles!”
…for more on Westminster City Council
* CIWM to leave Torbay for London
The Chartered Institute of Wastes Management (CIWM) conference and exhibition is to be held in London from 2009, the organisation announced this week. Describing the decision to abandon its Torbay event, which has been held for more than 25 years, the Chartered Institution of Waste Management revealed that its trustees have decided to move to the Excel conference venue in East London. The organisation has come under pressure from exhibitors in recent years for a different venue because some felt the Torbay event, held in Paignton, near Torquay was too remote.
A statement from the Institution described the new location as exciting and noted that it will also have a new industry partner. It said: "The decision, taken today (Wednesday) by the CIWM Trustees at a Special Meeting in Northampton, will see this major event moving to London ExCel and teaming up with the Environmental Services Association, the industry's leading trade association."
* Plastic bags, butts and bottles blight Britain's beautiful beaches more than ever before!
The amount of plastic littering Britain’s beautiful beaches is at its highest level since records began, according to the Marine Conservation Society’s (MCS) Beachwatch 2007 survey report published this week. The MCS Beachwatch 2007 Report shows that plastic litter on our beaches has increased by a staggering 126% since the annual survey began in 1994. Plastic debris now accounts for over 58% of all litter found on UK beaches, including plastic bags and plastic drinks bottles. Plastic-based cigarette butts are also amongst the most frequently encountered litter items.
“The results are truly shocking, in the last 10 years plastic drinks bottles have increased by 67%, plastic bags by 54% and cigarette butts by 44%. Plastics are of particular concern as they could persist in the marine environment for centuries with fatal consequences for marine wildlife,” said Emma Snowden, MCS Litter Projects Coordinator. “Everyone can help prevent some of the most common plastic items littering our beaches and seas by reducing their use,“ Emma Snowden continues, “By taking simple steps such as taking re-usable bags to the supermarket, re-filling plastic bottles with good old-fashioned tap water, and disposing of litter responsibly, including cigarette butts, we can all make a difference”.
…for more on how to get involved in combating beach pollution
* Waste wood – the untapped resource for Biomass Fuel
The huge potential of reusing waste wood as fuel is being wasted, Environment Minister Joan Ruddock has warned. The significant carbon and energy benefits of recovering energy from waste wood are detailed in a new information report on the sector that surveys the activities of producers, aggregators and users of waste wood. Recycling and energy markets for clean, virgin wood have been growing in recent years; however waste wood has been a largely overlooked resource. Currently up to 10 million tonnes of waste wood is being produced in the UK each year, most of which goes to landfill.
Joan Ruddock, Minister for Climate Change and Waste, said: “It has been estimated that recovering energy from 2 million tonnes of waste wood could generate 2600GWh electricity and save 1.15 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, with greater benefits available by recovering heat as well as power. This is a huge potential resource that is being wasted.” With the majority of waste wood arisings being contaminated, the key to realising this potential is more, geographically dispersed, Waste Incineration Directive compliant combustion facilities delivering both energy and heat recovery.
* EU launches WEEE consultation
The European Union has launched a public consultation on a review of its Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive, with a new mandatory collection target expected before the end of the year. The revision comes five years after the WEEE Directive was adopted into European law, but just months after the legislation, which aims to promote producer responsibility for the recycling and reuse of WEEE, was finally implemented in the UK
Interested parties have until Thursday 5th June to offer their opinions on a review which aims "to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the Directive in achieving its environmental goals, and to eliminate any unnecessary costs to business, consumers, NGOs and public authorities arising from implementation of the directive". The consultation document adds: "Strengthening the objectives of the Directive entails that at least the same level of environmental protection is kept: further simplifying, developing and improving the Directive will address the ways to achieve these objectives as well as how to tackle the problems encountered."
…for how to respond to this consultation
Other headlines…
… Peter Stone Appointed Chairman of WRAP
Peter Stone has been appointed the new chairman of WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme), he will take over from WRAP’s founding chairman Vic Cocker after an open appointment process. (click here for more)
… Price rise predicted for compost
Demand for compost could increase following an unprecedented rise in the cost of chemical based fertilisers, a WRAP study has claimed. (click here for more)
… Remade Network launches online resource
The Remade Network UK has launched a new website aiming to support anyone looking to develop markets for recycled materials. (click here for more)
… Campaign tells walkers 'these boots were made for recycling'
They may not be the most obvious environmental ill, but walking boots are the latest item to become the focus of a nationwide recycling campaign. (click here for more)
… Government owes local councils £1.5bn for recycling projects
In an article in MRW this week, the LGA has said that the £1.5 billion in landfill tax rebate pledged by Government rebate has not been returned. There has been no proof that it has given it back to local authorities. (click here for more)
* LGA calls for new powers to tackle car litter louts
A call from the Local
Government Association (LGA) for a revision to the Clean Neighbourhoods Act to
cover a “legal loophole that makes it impossible to tackle louts who throw
rubbish from cars” has been welcomed by the industry. However, there are
concerns that unless the changes are implemented correctly, it will not affect
the level of littering from cars. The LGA said that currently 70% of all car
litter offences go unpunished as a result of the legal loophole. The association
has demanded that a new system is implemented that would place responsibility
for litter dropped from a vehicle on the registered keeper.
Councillor
Paul Bettison, chairman of the LGA environment board, said: “At a time when
councils are coming under increasing pressure to deal with littering, some of
the current legislation is a mire of confusion. Registered keepers of vehicles
can be prosecuted for speeding unless details of the offender are given, so why
not for littering?” The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) warned that the
changes would require nationwide resources to implement
successfully.
* Charities urged to use natural light
Charities should plan their offices to take advantage of natural ventilation and make the most of natural daylight, according to a new energy-saving guide issued by the Carbon Trust. Specifically designed for charities, the guide also contains tips such as labelling light switches to allow staff to select only the ones they need, providing bicycle storage and switching from desktop computers to more energy-efficient laptops. In the foreword to the guide, Charity Commission chair Dame Suzi Leather writes: "Thinking about how to improve the environmental sustainability of the way they work provides charities with a great opportunity to make an invaluable contribution towards protecting the planet and our environment."
* Social entrepreneurs promised unique weekend gathering
What looks set to be one of this year's most ambitious, unique and accessible gatherings for social entrepreneurs is off to a flying start - just don't call it a conference. SHINE is billed by organisers as an ‘unconference'. Co- Producer Jess Tyrrell of Germination said it will be programmed more like a music festival then a conference with many different sessions taking place at the same time in themed areas of Coin Street Community Builders' ex-warehouse exhibition space on London's south bank. The unconference will run over the weekend of Friday 9 May to Sunday 11 May and with tickets costing only £20 for a day or £45 for three days organisers plan to attract over 600 social entrepreneurs.
SHINE's website went live this week with a unique colour-coded programme boasting 23 sessions for people to look at and pick and choose. Anyone attending SHINE can also submit their own idea for a session through the website.
Tyrrell answered the obvious question of ‘why this approach' by saying: “When you are running your own business and have an issue or dilemma, what's more useful: sitting in an audience and being talked at for an hour, or having dialogue with someone who's a couple of years ahead of you and who can tell you how they did it?”
* Third sector university proposed
The UK’s main political parties will be urged to adopt the idea of developing a university for the third sector in their next manifestos. Stephen Bubb, chief executive of the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (Acevo), said the time was right to establish the university through a network of existing institutions. He said it would educate and develop the civil society leaders of the future and add capacity to the sector through research. Acevo is already building links with Vienna and Heidelberg universities, Stockholm School of Economics and Trinity College, Dublin who together have launched the first European programme in civil society leadership.
Although the idea is in its early stages, Mr Bubb is convinced it has huge potential: “Workforce in the sector equates to 1.5 million full-time workers and six million full-time equivalent volunteers. We are a major resource for the country, no longer at the margins. We need to invest in building on what already exists through research and training. The profile of the sector and the policy context we are operating in makes it an increasingly attractive choice for graduates. We need to harness this talent, developing our skills base and leadership for the future. The alumni of this university would create an invaluable network of leaders.” Mr Bubb outlined his vision at an event in London this week held by the social enterprise Primetimers.
MEMBER OPPORTUNITIES
* Compost Awareness Week: are you ready?
Are you holding an event for Compost Awareness Week? If so, let us know and we will mention it in our e-news over the next three weeks. Whether you’re a community group or a local authority – or if you’re working together – send details of the time, date and location of your event to edouard@lcrn.org.uk and we’ll include it.
For those not in the know, this year’s edition of Compost Awareness Week is taking place between Sunday 4th and Saturday 10th May. The campaign, now in its eighth year, aims to raise awareness of the benefits of compost and composting across the country. For more information check out our e-news next week.
…for more on Compost Awareness Week
* IT: Innovation Technology; Thursday 8th May, 6pm
London CRN will be launching a brand new website and other online facilities this May and to make the most of this, the May event will explain exactly what to expect of the new site, how to use and showcase the best of other online innovation. This event is essential for anyone wanting to know more about how to use the internet to their bet advantage. Mission Fish and The Nag will be speaking as well as LCRN’s own web designer. There will of course be food, drink and a chance to network in the real world, as well as the virtual. RSVP to alex@lcrn.org.uk