Recycling our batteries The Times report on some new regulations on recycling batteries: "Almost half of the batteries used by householders across Europe will have to be recycled under tough new rules announced by Brussels today. The cost of complying with new EU legislation could run into millions of pounds in the UK, where the number of batteries recycled is currently less than 1 per cent." Apparently we'll take the batteries to shops where they will sent back to the manufactures and by 2012, a quarter of all batteries sold must be collected once they run out. By 2016, the target will rise to 45 per cent. This sort of approach - getting manufacturers to contribute to the cost of recycling - is very welcome and I'll be interested to see how these regulations roll out.

3.5.06 19:27 Permalink

Groundwork - People's Millions I've had the following message from Groundwork South East London, where I'm a Director, that I wanted to pass on: I am delighted to confirm that Groundwork won GMTV's recent People's Millions vote and as a result will deliver 25 projects across the country. On behalf of everyone at Groundwork, I would like to say a big thank you to all who supported us and voted on the day. The team here is now preparing to deliver a project in Downham and Bellingham with its share of the grant. We couldn't have done it without you. I entirely endorse those sentiments and look forward to seeing the results of the work.

27.4.06 23:26 Permalink

Go and vote for Groundwork You've got until tomorrow to vote for Grounwork in GMTV's People's Millions.  Of course you don't have to but if you do then Lewisham will get some of the £1.5 million being given out by the Big Lottery Fund. Groundwork's bid is around a Safe & Sound initiative which would: help make people feel better about where they live by providing new outdoor facilities in areas where they are lacking and making it possible through a process that helps young and old understand and appreciate each other's point of view. In Lewisham this would particularly benefit Downham and Bellingham.  The Groundwork website has this to say: Over the last few years this part of South East London has benefited from the creation of a number of community gardens.  However, many of these facilities are basic and remain locked due to the threat of anti-social behaviour.  Groundwork will help local young people plan and carry out improvements with residents as well as introducing new features such as artworks. So, go on, don't delay, give Groundwork your vote and help improve community spaces in part of our borough! Just for the avoidance of doubt I am a Director of Groundwork South East London.

7.4.06 11:42 Permalink

Waste Strategy Lewisham officers are developing a waste strategy for the borough which will serve us for the next 4 years.  They are currently getting feedback from a range of people before bringing it to the Mayor and Cabinet.  You can read what it says here (page 31). Yesterday I chaired a conference of Streetleaders to get their views.  The idea was to present them with a range of options that officers are considering and to get a sense of what might work best and what issues there are with the ideas.  The three options are: 1 - To change our grey bins into recycling bins and provide a smaller new bin for the residual waste.  (My family and I have been piloting this for a number of months and it works for us). 2 - To expand the garden waste and introduce a kitchen waste service while continuing to promote home composting. 3 - To change the collection regime, either by going to alternative weeks for collection of recycling and residuals (as they do in Lichfield) or a weekly collection of residuals and garden/kitchen waste and a once every other week collection of dry recycling materials. Two of the three groups who looked at these options said they wanted us to introduce option 2 first. All of the feedback along with the views of others who have commented on the draft strategy will be mulled over and then presented to the Mayor and Cabinet in the new administration.

26.3.06 11:29 Permalink

Business Awards I've spent this evening at the Business Awards ceremony at Blackheath Halls.  You might have seen the advertising that took place around the borough a little while ago. I presented the awards for Health and Safety and the Environment Award which was a real honour. I'd been involved in judging the Environment Award which came down to a choice between AutoFlame and Goldsmiths College Student Union.  The Student Union won with what we thought was a whole systems approach and and on going commitment to the issues, but it was very close.

22.3.06 22:57 Permalink

Lovelewisham recycling site What you didn't notice the recycling pages on the lovelewisham site? Get with the programme people... Find your collection day, see where your nearst bring site is, take part in the discussion or report any recycling problems.  What more do you want?

22.3.06 22:36 Permalink

More lovelewisham

22.3.06 22:30 Permalink

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