Green Matters February 2010
Recycling high
January saw the Council record its highest recycling rate ever, thanks to the efforts of residents.
Over 27 per cent of rubbish in the borough was collected for recycling.
This indicates residents are committed to recycling and benefiting from the recent expansion of services to include household plastic packaging and cartons in Green Box collections.
Cllr Alan Laing, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said:
“This is a fantastic achievement and it is down to the good work of our residents. We have come a long way, but there is still a lot more to do. Over 60 per cent of household waste can be recycled and we need to work together to make sure we are doing as much as possible to get everyone recycling.”
By recycling more, residents are saving taxpayer money that would have otherwise been spent sending waste materials to landfill.
This money can then be re-invested into key services.
More information
Visit the Recycling page.
22 February 2010
Energetic debate
A government minister joined pupils from Hackney Free and Parochial School, E9, for a climate change debate.
Joan Ruddock MP, Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change, met with geography students on 9 February to discuss the outcomes of last year’s Copenhagen Climate Conference and the dangers of global warming. She also launched a nationwide competition for secondary school students to design postcards from 2050, imagining what our environment could be like if action is not taken now.
The Minister congratulated Hackney Free on its commitment to environmental education, which has led to the school being awarded four Green Flags. Recent campaigns have included ‘switch off fortnight’, where students made sure lights were turned off in any unoccupied school rooms; and a scheme to recycle Christmas cards.
Enda Finlay, Head of Geography, said: “This was a unique occasion for our students to discuss the future they want to see.
“It was a great event for the school and for the legacy of outstanding work it has being doing on the environment.”
More information
For competition details visit: www.evansbooks.co.uk
22 February 2010
Hot drinks and real nappies
New parents interested in switching to reusable nappies can attend a free coffee morning – and claim a cash voucher to put towards purchasing them.
The first Nappuccino event of 2010 took place on 22 January at Hackney City Farm, E2.
It included a presentation on the benefits of washable nappies, and demonstrations on how to use them.
Modern washable nappies can save money and the Council provides those interested in trying them out with a £54 real nappy voucher.
Olivia Festy found the event helpful and engaging. She said: “It was great hearing about the benefits of using real nappies. Most importantly, I claimed my voucher, which I can use to get me started.”
More information
The next Nappuccino is on 26 Feb at 10am. To claim a voucher or register interest in attending, call: 020 8356 7930; or email: leonor.barricartebulnes@hackney.gov.uk
22 February 2010
Get help to grow your own food
Residents who live on an estate and want to grow food, or get together with neighbours and start a community garden, can get help from Hackney Homes.
Support is on offer for a range of food growing initiatives across estates.
Hackney Homes can equip residents with seeds, plants and seasoned advice from its team of estate gardeners.
On a number of Hackney estates, residents are already turning simple green spaces into beautiful herb gardens.
Turkish and African residents have introduced new herbs to their neighbours, sharing everyday recipes that use them.
As well as bringing together residents from different backgrounds, the projects give them the chance to grow food that is cheap and healthy.
Residents can also apply for sums of between £200 and £1,500 to turn underused land into a vegetable patch through the Capital Growth Scheme.
More information
Visit: www.hackneyhomes.org.uk; or: www.capitalgrowth.org/apply
22 February 2010
A fruitful project
Residents on Wilton Estate, E8, were happy to get their hands dirty to plant seven types of fruit tree, including pear, apple and plum.
The collaboration between Wilton Estate Tenants and Residents Association (TRA), Hackney Homes, and The London Orchard Project will hopefully see the trees bear fruit for many years to come. Hackney Homes funded the project, while the London Orchard Project organised training for residents who wanted to get involved by planting and caring for the trees.
Sheila Suso-Runge, TRA Treasurer, said: “This is a wonderful sustainable, environmental project adding value to our community. Everyone got involved, even the youngsters from the Wilton youth music project.”
Rowena Ganguli, from The London Orchard Project, added: “The Wilton Estate tree planting is the first of 11 orchards that we will be planting in conjunction with residents around London this winter.
“This will help people to enjoy an abundant harvest for many years to come.”
Ward councillors’ Vincent Stops, Samantha Lloyd and Alan Laing joined residents on 23 January to help with the tree planting.
Hackney Homes invites residents to an open day at Ocean, Mare Street, on 18 February. There will be information on money, recycling, food composting, resident participation, and community safety.
More information
Visit: www.hackneyhomes.org.uk
8 February 2010
More estates with peel appeal
Residents living in Hackney’s estates and high-rise properties are benefiting from an expansion of the Council’s food waste collections.
The service, which turns kitchen scraps into compost, has now been extended to cover 25 per cent of the borough’s estates, up from 10 per cent.
Residents are provided with a small, seven-litre caddy, to collect food scraps in the kitchen, as well as a roll of compostable liners. People then transfer the liner full of food waste into a larger onsite container, which is emptied twice a week by recycling staff and cleaned regularly.
Monika Hazelton from Lea View House Estate, E5, said: “I love the food waste scheme and have been pioneering its benefits and ease of use with neighbours, family and friends.
“I think the cycle of composting is great, as the food that is composted from the estates is reused to fertilise estate lawns and gardens.”
More information
For details of the food waste service for estates call: 020 8356 6688; email: recycling@hackney.gov.uk; or visit the Recycling page.
8 February 2010
Junk? What rubbish
The latest Give or Take day saw more than 200 people donating bric-abrac or eagerly snapping up someone else’s unwanted items.
The event, on 21January, at St Monica’s primary school, N1, was Hackney’s first for 2010.
Organised by the Council, it saw around two tonnes of potential landfill being given a new lease of life.
Residents can give or take a wide range of items, including books and toys, bikes, tools, paint, clothes, furniture and small electrical items.
One resident who stopped by, said: “This is the second time I have attended this event. I only came to donate some of my unwanted furniture from home, but then I found a CD rack which is ideal for my daughter’s room.
“I love coming to Give or Take events and always manage to find something I am able to reuse at home.”
More information
Give or Take days are held four times a year. For details of future events email: recycling@hackney.gov.uk
8 February 2010
International prize for River Lea Park project
A project at the heart of the regeneration of the Lower Lea Valley has won the prestigious International Urban Landscape Silver Award – and scooped a €15,000 prize.
The Lea River Park scheme will create six new public spaces between the Olympic Park and the River Thames, linked by the Fatwalk – six kilometres of parkland with footpaths, cycleways, new bridges and towpaths.
The Lea River Park was one of five international projects shortlisted for the award.
London Development Agency (LDA) Group Director, Peter Bishop, said:
“Winning this prestigious award brings international recognition to our plans for East London, building a lasting Olympic legacy before the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“This exciting park will draw on the Lower Lea Valley's industrial landscape and heritage and will be a central part of the area’s regeneration.”
8 February 2010
Page updated: 15 Jun 2010
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