Green Matters December 2009
Spread the word
Five teams of recycling promoters are currently out and about in the borough knocking on residents’ doors.
Their mission is to spread the word about new materials that can now be recycled, including plastics such as yogurt pots, and Tetra Paks like juice and milk cartons.
The teams are also promoting the Council’s food and garden waste collections, and handing out a booklet that explains the full range of Hackney’s recycling services.
The campaign is being run by Waste Watch, a Hackney based charity, on behalf of the Council.
Their teams are easily recognisable as they will be wearing branded, highvisibility jackets and rucksacks, and carry an ID badge.
In 2008/09 over 17,000 tonnes of household waste was collected for recycling in Hackney, around 23 per cent of all household waste generated in the borough.
Cllr Alan Laing, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said:
“Thank you to the many residents who support the Council in our commitment to help make Hackney a cleaner, greener and more sustainable borough.
“Your efforts really help to make a difference in Hackney. Keep up the great work in 2010.”
More information
For info about the promoters call: 020 8356 6688, or visit the Recycling page.
14 December 2009
Loving leftovers
Residents have contributed their favourite recipes to a cookery book that includes delicious meals that can be made from leftovers.
‘The Food Lovers’ Cookbook’ was produced as part of the Love Food Hate Waste campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the need to reduce the amount of food thrown away in North and East London. (Hackney produces 18,000 tonnes of food waste a year.)
The cook book is packed with recipes and tips, and suggests meals that can be made with leftover ingredients.
Residents and restaurants from across North and East London were invited to enter their recipes in a competition. Hackney provided the most suggestions.
Katharina Erne, submitted a ‘super veggie strudel’ recipe, which is included in the book. It makes use of any wilting vegetables that might lurk in the fridge or cupboard, such as carrots, potatoes, leeks and courgettes. She urged cooks to embrace their leftovers with gusto and be creative with their fillings.
Katharina said: “Feel free to experiment and don’t forget to add your valuable leftovers, which will make every strudel unique. ”
More information
You can download a copy of the cookbook from the Love Food hate Waste page or call: 020 8356 6688.
30 November 2009
Pledge to meet green standards
The Council has become one of the first local authorities in the UK to sign up to a nationally recognised 10-point pledge aimed at executing effective recycling.
Hackney has agreed to follow a set of clear-cut standards – created by the Waste and Resources Action Programme and the Local Government Authority – that focus on good waste and recycling services. The Waste Collection Commitment principles were developed following nationwide research of public opinion on waste and recycling services. Cllr Alan Laing, Cabinet Member forNeighbourhoods, said:
“The signing of the pledge further demonstrates the Council’s commitment to provide services that will help continue to make Hackney a cleaner and greener borough.”
The Council is also asking for residents views to help plan how rubbish and recycling are dealt with. As part of the consultation, Hackney also aims to get feedback on current satisfaction levels with services; identify opportunities for improvement; and encourage further participation. The deadline for responses is 14 December.
More information
For the survey visit the Recycling Consultation page.
For info on the Waste Collection Commitment visit: www.wrap.org.uk
30 November 2009
Energy centre powers forward
Work is powering ahead on the ‘Mean, Lean and Green’ energy centre for the 2012 Games, according to the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA).
The high-tech structure will help reduce carbon emissions from the Park and set a benchmark for future regeneration schemes.
Features include biomass boilers that use sustainable fuels to generate heat, and a combined power plant that will capture the heat generated by electricity production. Recycled wastewater will also be used for the cooling towers.
Work started on the construction in August 2008 and the Energy Centre is due for completion next spring when it will begin providing heated water to the Olympic Park venues.
Director of Infrastructure and Utilities, Simon Wright, said: “The sustainability features that underpin this project will set a model for future urban regeneration schemes."
More information
For info about 2012 building progress visit: blog.london2012.com
30 November 2009
Arcola leads way
Daltston's Arcola Theatre has once again confirmed its green credentials, winning two environmental awards in November.
The Council was a sponsor of the 2009 Archant London Environmental Awards, where Arcola picked up the trophy for best small to medium-sized environmental business.
Just a week later it was crowned Green Community Hero 2009 by the Energy Saving Trust.
Ben Todd, Executive Director of Arcola Theatre, said:
“We’re delighted that our commitment to sustainability has been recognised through these awards.
“Arcola Theatre is committed to becoming the world’s first carbon neutral theatre, and also works hard to encourage people in Hackney and beyond to engage with the challenge of living in an environmentally conscious way.”
For info visit: www. arcolatheatre.com/energy
30 November 2009
Page updated: 15 Jun 2010
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