Notes about designing and building low energy, low impact houses and other structures. Information about the environment and what we can do to make it better.
Mr Bettison, chairman of the LGA's environment board, said charging to collect non-recyclable rubbish would give people " a real carrot to recycle".
"Some people say 'what's in it for me?' Well, let's make it in their interest to recycle by helping them. In that way, we're encouraging them to recycle more," he said.
There's also a practical, very British reason for our interest in solar: money. With the average household's electricity bill above £900 (and set to rise again with British Gas's latest price rises), solar panels start to make sense at £4,000, after you've received a government grant available for installation. They can add value, too. When two new homes in Norfolk sold recently, the one with solar PV roof tiles by Solarcentury sold for 8.6% more than its neighbour. Energy efficiency ratings in next year's home information packs, grants of up to £3,000 and imminent improved planning laws should help further.
The list includes current controversies in environmental science, and introduces some new ones. It asks whether there is evidence that organic farms are better for the environment, as supporters claim. It revisits the problem of whether badgers spread bovine TB to cattle. And it raises the thorny issue of the damage that domestic cats might be doing to bird and animal populations, a long-standing question that ecologists rarely voice in case they anger the UK's millions of pet owners.
Mike Hall MP says "TAKE TEN STEPS TO TURN DOWN CLIMATE CHANGE"
MP ASKS LOCAL RESIDENTS TO JOIN HIM IN REDUCING ENERGY CONSUMPTION
Mike Hall MP has pledged to take simple steps to reduce his energy consumption this summer, and has asked everyone in Weaver Vale to take simple practical steps to help turn down climate change.
Mike Hall MP said:-
"This July has been one of the hottest ever. Each of the last five years has been one of the ten hottest on record.
"Climate Change is science fact, not science fiction. Yet many people feel helpless, not knowing what they can do to make a difference.
"The Government has to do all it can to reduce carbon emissions by delivering the Kyoto agreement, encouraging low carbon energy, investing in renewable energy and leading international efforts to reduce carbon use. I've supported those measures in Parliament.
"But the environment is an issue for all of us, not just politicians. After all, if each of us used just a little less energy it would make a real impact on our carbon emissions.
"The average household is directly responsible for about 10 Tonnes of carbon per year. Our decisions have a major impact on the Environment.
"Simple small measures - from turning your TV off rather than leaving it on standby to turning your heating down a couple of degrees make a difference.
"Summer's a good time to take action because we tend to use less energy in heating our homes. We can set habits in summer that we keep up for the rest of the year.
"That's why I'm pledging to take some of the ten simple steps the Energy Saving Trust have designed for each of us to reduce our energy use.
"Of course we need to do more, but let's do what we can immediately, then campaign to put the environment at the top of everyone's agenda".
Energy Savings Trust
Here are ten simple steps to help stop climate change
1. Turning your thermostat down by 1ºC could cut your heating bills by up to 10 per cent and save you around £40 per year.
2. Is your water too hot? Your cylinder thermostat shouldn't need to be set higher than 60ºC/140ºF.
3. Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows.
4. Always turn off the lights when you leave a room.
5. Don't leave appliances on standby and remember not to leave appliances on charge unnecessarily.
6. If you're not filling up the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher, use the half-load or economy programme.
7. Only boil as much water as you need (but remember to cover the elements if you're using an electric kettle).
8. A dripping hot water tap wastes energy and in one week wastes enough hot water to fill half a bath, so fix leaking taps and make sure they're fully turned off!
9. Replace your light bulbs with energy saving ones: just one can reduce your lighting costs by up to £100 over the lifetime of the bulb.
10. Do a home energy check. Just answer some simple questions about your home and get a free, impartial report telling you how you can save up to £300 a year on your energy bills. Visit www.est.org.uk for more details.
Erith & Thamesmead MP, John Austin, joined the Mayor of Greenwich, Cllr Harry Singh and Council Deputy Leader, Cllr Peter Brooks at the opening of the council's new Re-use and Recycling Centre off Nathan Way in Thamesmead today (Wednesday 16 August). John Austin said: "I am pleased to have such a modern facility located in my constituency. Greenwich is probably the most improved borough in London regarding recycling. The adjacent Materials Recycling Facility, operated by Cleanaway and handling and separating the Council's collection of recyclable waste, has enabled Greenwich to increase its recycling rate from 9% to 22%. This new facility provides an improved civic amenity where residents can bring their unwanted goods – everything from garden waste, motor car tyres, oils, paints, to wood, metal, old shoes and clothes.
Much of this would previously have gone to landfill or incineration and now can be re-used or recycled".
John Austin toured the site, including a new facility for testing and re-using electrical goods. John Austin said: "Greenwich is well placed to expand the re-use and recycling of electrical goods when the new Regulations on disposal come into force and I will be urging the Minister to bring in the regulations sooner rather than later".
Whilst on site, John Austin discussed with Council Deputy Leader and Thamesmead Councillor, Peter Brooks, the possibility of developing a kitchen waste composting plant on or near the site and said: "There are many potential benefits from composting such as electricity generation or production of bio-fuels, possibly to power local public transport schemes such as the Waterfront Transit from Thamesmead and Abbey Wood to North Greenwich. These are exciting possibilities"
FAIRER AND GREENER - LIB DEMS PROPOSE RADICAL OVERHAUL OF TAX SYSTEM
11 August 2006
Today the Liberal Democrat tax commission unveiled its proposals for a fairer, greener and simpler tax system.
The commission proposes to:
* Lift two million people on low income out of tax
* Cut the basic tax rate by 2p and take 1.3 million people out of the upper tax rate
* Tackle climate change by taxing pollution
* Cut the number of tax rates and reliefs for both individuals and businesses
Commenting on the proposals, Lembit Öpik, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, said:
"These proposals would help tackle inequality and environmental damage without increasing the overall tax burden.
"The Liberal Democrats believe that we don't need more taxes, we need fairer taxes, and the changes we're putting forward are the most progressive policies proposed by any party in recent history.
"Our radical changes would benefit the vast majority of pensioners, key public sector workers and young professionals in Wales. Tax cuts for the majority will be paid for by the wealthy and those with environmentally damaging lifestyles.
"The current system of taxation is outdated and unfair, with the bottom 20% paying proportionately more of their income in tax than the richest 20%. It's outrageous that since Labour came to power the gap between rich and poor has grown even greater!"
Roger Williams, Welsh Lib Dem MP for Brecon and Radnorshire, said:
"The Government's approach to taxation has failed to provide social justice and failed to safeguard our environment. Under Labour, levels of green taxation have been falling and carbon emissions have been rising. When it comes to the environment both Labour and the Tories talk big and act small. Warm words and empty statements won't tackle climate change.
"Our balanced proposals would ensure polluters pay an appropriate price for the environmental damage they cause. These policies would make a real and significant difference in the fight against climate change.
"The Liberal Democrat vision is a fairer, greener Britain. These tax changes would play a significant role in reaching that goal."
Betty Williams MP writes for Save our Scenery newsletter
August 9th 2006
I welcome this opportunity to comment on the npower renewables' construction consent application for wind turbines at Gwynt y Mor.
The Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) view is that Wales should concentrate on renewable energy and, in particular, wind energy. WAG is also of the opinion that nuclear energy should not feature in Wales' future energy production.
The Welsh Affairs Committee of the Westminster Parliament held an inquiry into Energy in Wales. Its report was published on 20th July 2006. The Wind Energy chapter provides some history and a balanced view of evidence both for and against wind energy for Wales, onshore and offshore.
Significantly the Welsh Affairs Committee reached no firm conclusion about wind energy. The Committee did however express concern about the Renewable Obligation scheme whereby licensed electricity suppliers are required to deliver a specified amount of electricity from eligible renewable sources. Witnesses indicated that the scheme encourages wind energy and not other renewable energy sources (Paras 22 and 26).
I agree entirely with the Committee's view that "Government at all levels will need to improve upon their communications strategy to explain both the benefits and limitations of wind power" (Para 195). The Committee added "wind energy cannot be a complete substitute for nuclear power" (Para 196).
Representations to me from constituents, for and against the proposal, were passed to the Secretary of State and acknowledged by the Minister for Energy, Mr Malcolm Wicks MP. He confirmed he will consider all points made by constituents "and will balance the need to meet the Government's targets for renewable energy generation, and thereby reduce carbon emissions, against any potential local impacts." The Minister is well placed to do this as he led the review of UK energy policy at the request of the Prime Minister.
Potential local impacts have concerned most constituents opposed to the proposal. Flooding, a tsunami, business ruin, noise pollution, scale of the project, visual impact, disturbance to marine habitat and life, lowering of home prices and, in general, a reduced quality of life, are merely some points made.
I met npower representatives and they subsequently provided me with responses which I passed to constituents by letter.
Constituents who support the proposals tended to reject many concerns of objectors and pointed to the advantages of renewable energy including reduced carbon emissions.
By the beginning of this year it was clear to me that if the Government does not reject the application then there should be a full public enquiry. This would enable public opinion, both objectors and supporters, to be fully considered alongside the technical aspects of the proposal.
In January 2006 I made a request for a public enquiry to the Secretary of State. The Minister responded on the 8th February 2006 that "I can confirm that when I consider this application in due course I will have to decide whether to approve consent, refer it to a public enquiry or reject it".
I now await the Minister's decision.
MP COMPLAINS ABOUT RETURN OF THE GREAT STINK
7 August 2006
Erith & Thamesmead's MP, John Austin, who lives in Lower Belvedere, is regretting not taking his holidays in August! He said "After a busy week, I was looking forward to relaxing in my garden at the weekend but was forced to retreat indoors and eventually close the windows on both Saturday and Sunday because of the smell emanating from Thames Water's sewerage works. I have since received complaints from neighbours and have also been informed that during the week, the smell was experienced as far away as Upper Belvedere".
John Austin has made representations to Thames Water about the problem. He added "They promised us a virtually odour-free summer. I know that there will be smells from time to time from a sewerage works but this has been persistent over several days".
John Austin has also referred the matter to Bexley Council, which last year won a court case against Thames Water over the issue of odour release.
Co-op Climate Change Commandos at Brighton Pride
7 August 2006
David Lepper, Labour and Co-operative MP for Brighton Pavilion, joined the Co-operative Group's Climate Change Commandos at this year's Brighton Pride in Preston Park, Brighton, on Saturday 5 August to help spread the message about fighting climate change.
Brighton Pride, the largest free gay pride event in the UK, attracts tens of thousands of people to Brighton in August each year for the spectacular parade and carnival in Preston Park.
David Lepper said:
"Pride is one of the high points of the summer season for the city, not only bringing visitors from all over the world but also providing a great day out for local people.
"This is the second year running the Co-op Group has been present at Pride and I was glad of the chance to help spread the message about the Co-op's campaign on climate change. Co-op MPs have played an important part in backing Mark Lazarowicz MP's Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Bill in Parliament which, among other things, will ensure more support for micro-generation schemes.
"The Co-operative Group can be proud of its record in backing renewable energy through schemes such as the 7,000 photo-voltaic panels on the Co-operative Financial Services CIS building in Manchester.
"July 6 saw the launch of the Coldham Wind Farm in Cambridgeshire - a joint venture between the Co-operative Group and Scottish Power - a £17m eight-turbine wind farm to produce energy for 9000 homes, saving 36,000tonnes of CO2 per year."
The increase in recycling was welcomed by the Friends of the Earth but the pressure group warned much more needed to be done to catch up with other European countries.
Mike Childs, campaigns director at Friends of the Earth, said: "This is very good news that the reward system is working.
"But we still have some of the poorest recycling rates in Europe, and so the government has to look at ways of encouraging people to recycle more.
"This may involve charging people for the amount of rubbish they produce but providing them with a free recycling service."
'TAKE TEN STEPS TO TURN DOWN CLIMATE CHANGE' MP URGES
After record-breaking temperatures in July, Huw Irranca-Davies MP is calling on local residents to join him in pledging to take 10 simple steps to tackle climate change by reducing energy consumption this summer.
The 10 steps are outlined in a guide produced by the Energy Saving Trust and include a range of simple but important actions from turning down the thermostat and not leaving appliances on stand-by to using energy efficient light bulbs.
The Ogmore MP said:
"The Government has a crucial role to play in helping to tackle climate change, but the environment is an issue for all of us, not just for politicians.
"The average household is responsible for releasing an astonishing 10 tonnes of carbon every year, but simple changes we can all make in our daily lives can significantly reduce this.
"Summer is a good time to take action because we tend to use less energy in heating our homes. We can set good habits now that we can keep up for the rest of the year with the help of the ten simple steps drawn up by the Energy Saving Trust".
Energy Campaigners welcome Brian Iddon MP's support for Climate Change Bill
A broad coalition of organisations have today welcomed local MP, Brian Iddon's support in Parliament for a Bill to reduce Carbon Emissions from offices.
The MP for Bolton South East is one of nearly 300 MPs who have signed a Commons Motion (EDM 2378) supporting the Climate Change (Commercial and Public Services Sector) Bill.
This sector has the fastest growing energy use apart from aviation. With the proliferation of computers and other electronics, its use of electricity, which has a particularly high carbon footprint, is projected to increase by nearly 45% from 1990 to 2020.
The Bill will set legally binding targets for reducing energy usage in the commercial sector and further targets for energy production from renewable sources, Combined Heat and Power and microgeneration.
It was formally introduced by Alan Whitehead MP on the 5th July and is supported by senior MPs from all the major parties.
Brian Iddon MP said: "The need for urgent action to cut our carbon emissions is greater than ever. The Government has rightly acknowledged that we need to do a lot more if we are to meet our climate change targets of a 20% reduction in C02 emissions by 2010. I fully support this Bill which will ensure the Government makes our offices more environmentally friendly I will do all I can to ensure that it becomes law as soon as possible."
Andrew Warren, the Chair of the Sustainable Energy Partnership said: "Brian Iddon is to be congratulated for supporting this important Bill in Parliament. It will be good for industry and good for the environment."
World leaders have been urged to put more money into developing new energy technologies to tackle global warming.
Royal Society president Professor Sir Martin Rees wants a publicly funded international research programme, he says in the US journal Science.
Professor Rees says a pledge to increase governments' investments in energy technologies should have been made at the recent G8 summit in Russia.
He describes a "worrisome lack of determination" among world leaders.
According to a report published in the journal Environment, Development and Sustainability, unmarried men in the 35-44 age group consume 13% more energy and use about 6% more space than one person householders aged over 60.