More cash available to encourage community initiatives
Projects in Central Scotland that support trees, woodlands and green infrastructure, encourage community growing or promote active travel can now apply for a share of up to £700,000. Continue reading Growing greener
LED street lighting roll-out ‘to save Edinburgh £ millions’ Continue reading A bright future? LED street lamps light the way ahead
City Council’s parking consultation closes on 31 October Continue reading Still time to have your say on parking proposals
Scots urged to have their pumpkin lantern – and eat it! Continue reading Waste not at Hallowe’en
‘Staggering’: Scotland’s single use carrier bag usage has dropped by 650 million – more than 80% – since charge was introduced
Scotland’s Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead has announced that retailers across Scotland have witnessed a staggering reduction in the number of single use carrier bags handed out since the 5p charge came into effect 12 months ago.
Data from major grocery retailers indicate a reduction in bag use of around 80 per cent since 20 October 2014 – equivalent to at least 650 million fewer bags being handed out annually compared to previous years – with funds of around £6.7 million being donated to good causes as a result of the charge.
Boots, one of Scotland’s Carrier Bag Commitment signatories, has reported an estimated 80 per cent reduction in carrier bag use in Scotland. The Cabinet Secretary was at its store in Aberdeen to speak to shoppers about their experiences of the change so far.
Mr Lochhead said: “The 5p charge has been a major success with the number of single use bags down by a staggering 650 million, and with nearly £7m raised for good causes.
“Previously statistics showed that people in Scotland used more than 800 million new single-use carrier bags every single year – more per head than anywhere else in the UK.
“I thank Scotland for embracing this policy and showing we’re serious about tackling litter, reducing waste and creating a cleaner, greener environment for everyone to enjoy.
“It’s now becoming second nature to shoppers to reuse their carrier bags and hopefully to think more about our impact on the environment. I am confident that Scotland is going to go from strength to strength in its bid to tidy up our streets and beaches, where litter has been a highly visible problem in the past.”
Iain Gulland, Chief Executive, Zero Waste Scotland, said: “With retailers in Scotland reporting a reduction of 80% in the use of single use carrier bags, it’s evident that Scottish shoppers have embraced a new shopping habit. It’s not always easy to change our habits, but Scotland is proving it has this in the bag.
“Many organisations have already agreed to donate money raised by the 5p charge to good causes, by signing up to Scotland’s Carrier Bag Commitment. Other retailers across the country are now being urged to follow suit.”
Nationwide retailers that signed up to Scotland’s Carrier Bag Commitment – an agreement to disclose information on the charge, and donations made, to a central publicly available portal – are reporting that various charities up and down the country have also benefited from funds raised by the charge, with at least £6.7 million being donated to good causes.
Morrisons, the Co-operative and Waitrose have indicated a reduction of 80 per cent, with Asda reporting a drop of 90 per cent. Sainsburys have seen 100 per cent reduction of single use carrier bags as they no longer offer them to shoppers.
Stephen Watkins, head of customer experience North & East Scotland at Boots UK, added: “We want to help our customers care for the environment while making a difference in their local communities. We’ve seen a really positive effect in our stores in Scotland since the introduction of the charge in 2014, with an estimated reduction of around 80 per cent in carrier bag usage. We’ve also been able to offer significant support to Macmillan Cancer Support and the important work that they do for those affected by cancer in Scotland.
“From 5 October 2015 we are donating the net proceeds of the sale of these bags to BBC Children In Need. Together with our customers we can help make a difference to our environment and support community projects across Scotland the rest of the UK.”
The doctor will see you now …!
A major eight-week social media campaign launches today to encourage Scots to try upcycling – and discover the joys of re-use.
‘Design Doctor’ – #DesignDoc – is run by Zero Waste Scotland to encourage and inspire everyone to try upcycling and discover the joys of re-use, with expert guidance from designers – both online and in person. The campaign will culminate in a range of interactive events at the end of November.
Each week, three Scottish designers – Emily Rose Vintage and Treemendus from Glasgow and Very Vintage from Edinburgh – will completely transform one of seven items of furniture and post the details on Twitter and Facebook.
The pieces destined for upcycling will be sourced from a range of second-hand stores accredited by ‘Revolve’ – a re-use quality standard for shops who sell second hand goods in Scotland. The Revolve brand is only awarded to retailers who demonstrate a high level of excellence, both in service and product – making it safe, easy and inviting for everyone to buy second-hand items.
The Design Doctor designers will demonstrate a range of techniques and tricks to give people the creative inspiration to upcycle their own pieces of furniture, thus increasing the value of their item while lowering their carbon footprint.
Environment Minister Dr Aileen McLeod said: “The Design Doctor campaign is an ideal fit with the Scottish Government’s approach to creating a more circular economy in Scotland. The attraction of a more circular approach to our economy – where we keep materials flowing through the economy at as high a value as possible, for as long as possible – is that it tackles a number of economic, environmental, social and moral imperatives.
“Scotland’s Revolve programme is a great way to empower people to upcycle household items instead of throwing them away – and this is a concept that makes sense for business, industry, the public sector, and individuals. As we approach an expensive time of year in the run up to Christmas, this campaign is the perfect way to look at saving a bit of money and having the opportunity to be creative with some of your household items.”
Each week, Twitter and Facebook users who follow the #DesignDoc hashtag can see pictures of the piece of furniture waiting to be upcycled. Three ideas will be suggested by the designers as to how they might transform the piece and users will be asked to vote for their favourite design.
The winning idea will be used to create the final upcycled article, with an accompanying ‘how to’ guide uploaded online with pictures. The social media campaign will also include a competition to win the chance to have a piece of furniture upcycled by one of the designers.
Izzie Johnston, Reuse and Repair Manager, Zero Waste Scotland, said: “Our innovative Design Doctor social media campaign is all about encouraging people to overcome any uncertainties they may have about upcycling, and providing them with the skills and confidence to give it a try. The campaign centres around getting people involved and being interactive, so we’re really excited to see the results.
“Re-using things – whether that be through upcycling, donating unwanted items, or buying from re-use store – is one of the best options for the environment since it prevents waste going to landfill or simply being recycled. Upcycling is a particularly exciting aspect to this because it can add both aesthetic and financial value to an item.
“Those who feel inspired to re-use and buy second-hand can visit one of over 40 fantastic Revolve-accredited stores throughout Scotland, where they’ll find high quality, excellent value goods. They can also join the conversation on Twitter by following @revolvereuse. We really want people to realise that second-hand need never mean second best.
“Equally, there is a wonderful sense of pride, achievement – and even surprise – to be gained from producing something beautiful, unique and valuable for your home by upcycling something you already have.”
The campaign will also incorporate videos and blogs to engage people online, alongside five in-store upcycling workshops hosted by one of the three campaign designers at Revolve-accredited stores in Edinburgh, Irvine, the Isle of Bute, Dingwall and Dysart.
The Revolve-accredited stores donating furniture to the Design Doctor campaign are: Second Opportunities in Glasgow; Oskars in Paisley; New Start Highland and Everything Baby in Inverness; Cunninghame Furniture Recycling in Irvine, and Fyne Futures on the Isle of Bute.
There are now over 40 Revolve-accredited shops in Scotland. Customers with items they no longer require can ensure their goods are re-used rather than landfilled by contacting the National Re-Use Phone Line on 0800 0665 820. The facility allows callers to skip the hassle of taking large household items like bed frames, sofas and white goods to the local recycling centre, and instead have them picked up and taken to be re-used by someone else, free of charge. Re-using rather than recycling 100 sofas, for example, saves 1.5 tonnes of carbon and is a much more environmentally-friendly option.
Follow all the #DesignDoc action on www.facebook.com/RecycleForScotland and www.twitter.com/ZeroWasteScot.
To find out more about the Revolve programme, visit www.revolvereuse.com or follow @revolvereuse on Twitter. Businesses with an interest in becoming Revolve accredited can find out more here.
Corstorphine chokes – and it could get worse
Corstorphine’s St John’s Road is officially Scotland’s most polluted road – and local residents fear the air quality will get even worse as a planning application for a massive new supermarket with 140 parking spaces is to be considered by city councillors next week.
The developer’s own figures reveal that up to 22,000 car trips will be made in and out of the supermarket every week – with up to 70% of this new, rather than passing, traffic. Local campaigners argue that streets which are already congested will be unable to cope
New figures have revealed that St John’s Road has the worst air pollution in the whole country. According to estimates, poor air quality is causing 3,500 thousands premature death in Scotland every year.
Friends of the Earth Scotland air pollution campaigner Emilia Hanna said: “Last year, Edinburgh Council approved its new Transport Strategy which commits to achieving clean air across the city. But these results show that levels of air pollution, which were already at illegal levels, are reaching appalling new heights. St John’s Road is now Scotland’s most polluted road, and traffic congestion is the reason why.
“These worrying figures further the case for refusing planning permission for the supermarket. The developer’s plans would see 3000 new vehicle visits to heart of the Pollution Zone each day, worsening traffic congestion and further adding to the soaring levels of pollution. The developer’s documents are riddled with flaws and fail to predict air quality impacts of the supermarket in key locations. We are confident that when Councillors consider the evidence, they will turn down the proposal.
“Air pollution has been linked with asthma attacks, strokes, heart attacks, and cancers. It can lead to children’s lungs not growing to their full potential. Schoolchildren would have have to walk in front of the proposed car park entrance each day on their way to Corstorphine Primary School, if it were to go ahead.
“For the sake of people’s health, St John’s Road needs a transport transformation. Priority should be given to walkers, cyclists and public transport users, and car use should be restricted through a Low Emission Zone, which would require vehicles to meet cleaner emission standards or pay a fine. This would create a cleaner, safer, and more attractive environment where everyone could breathe clean air.”
Local resident Becky Lloyd, a mother of two who chairs the Corstorphine Residents Action & Information Group, said: “The Birmingham-based developers want to build a massive supermarket and multi-storey carpark which is out of scale with its surroundings and which can only be accessed from a street so narrow it is currently one-way.
“We trust the Council will come to the same conclusion as residents and rule this development entirely inappropriate for the site. Corstorphine is saturated with supermarkets and there is no demand or need for another one.
“This development would cause more congestion and pollution on a street already ranked the most polluted in Scotland. Buried in the developer’s own figures is the true picture: an estimated 22,000 car trips in and out of the supermarket every week, with up to 70% of this new, rather than passing traffic.”
Alison Johnstone, MSP for Lothian, has today urged the Scottish Government to take urgent action on dangerous air pollution levels in the capital.
Ms Johnstone, who is the Scottish Green Party candidate for Edinburgh Central for Holyrood 2016, said: “It’s shocking that we keep hearing news about alarming levels of pollution in our cities while thousands of Scottish people are dying prematurely because of poor air quality. We’re not just talking about a minor environmental nuisance here – we’re talking about a public health crisis.
“Despite continued warnings from health professionals, charities and community groups over the years, both Labour and SNP governments have failed to take this issue seriously.
“Green Councillors in Edinburgh have worked hard, with others, to get the city to introduce 20 miles per hour zones and to invest properly in cycling and walking infrastructure. We know that these policies work, and they now need to be implemented on a bigger, bolder scale. The Scottish Government must recognise its responsibilities and take urgent action to tackle this crisis.”
The city council’s Local Transport Strategy commits to clean air across Edinburgh. Transport convener Cllr Lesley Hinds said: “We monitor air quality continuously across the city and the Air Quality Management Area enables us to direct actions more effectively at those locations. We are aware there are improvements which can be made to limit emissions across Edinburgh including at St John’s Road and Clermiston Road junction.”
‘We’re watching you frackers’: Campaigners vow to keep up the pressure
The Scottish Government has put in place a moratorium on underground coal gasification (UCG) in Scotland. Campaigners have welcomed the announcement but are urging members of the public to make their voices heard in a new consultation.
Organisers also confirmed that an an anti-tracking publicity event, which is expected to attract hundreds of protesters, will go ahead on Sunday.
Yesterday’s announcement is separate to the existing moratorium on onshore unconventional oil and gas, including hydraulic fracturing – and comes as ministers have also informed Parliament that the Government will carry out a thorough and wide-ranging research process into the potential impacts of such onshore techniques.
The moratorium on onshore unconventional oil and gas was announced by the Energy Minster Fergus Ewing in January, when he set out plans for a full public consultation and outlined a programme of research work including:
Since then the Government has undertaken a series of meetings with the key stakeholder groups including environmental NGOs, industry, local government and community organisations. Those meetings have helped inform the government’s decision to extend the planned work which will also now also include:
This work comes further to an independent Scientific Panel report on unconventional oil and gas which has already been undertaken.
Ministers published the planned research and public consultation timetable yesterday and confirmed that the public consultation will begin once the research process has been finalised and the results published. This will give the public a chance to study the research reports before taking part in the public consultation. The detailed evidence-gathering phase will take place between now and next summer, with the consultation phase, covering engagement, public consultation and analysis, due to conclude in spring 2017.
In line with the cautious, evidence-based approach adopted by the Scottish Government, a separate moratorium on Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) will allow the necessary time for full and careful consideration of the potential impacts of this new technology.
Ministers have been clear that these are two separate technologies, subject to different licensing regimes, and hence will be considered separately.
The Scottish Government has appointed Professor Campbell Gemmell, former CEO of SEPA, to lead an independent examination of the issues and evidence surrounding UCG. This will include working closely with communities and stakeholders to understand the issues of most concern to them.
Mr Ewing said: “The studies announced today constitute an extremely thorough and wide-ranging examination of the potential impacts of unconventional oil and gas and underlines the Scottish Government policy of taking a precautionary, robust and evidence-based approach to this technology in stark contrast to the gung-ho approach of the UK Government.
“Ministers have held meetings with representatives of environmental non-governmental organisations, community groups, industry bodies and local government. Those meetings have helped us to prepare for the research and public consultation processes. As a result, we have planned a robust and thorough research process and a wide-ranging and participative consultation process.
“The public will understandably wish to study the outcome of the research process and thus the public consultation will not begin until the findings of the research process have been published.
“Scotland’s moratorium into onshore unconventional oil and gas extraction was welcomed by both environmental campaigners and industry representatives. It will remain in place as the research and public consultation is undertaken.
“We should never close our minds to the potential opportunities for Scotland from new energy technologies – but we must also ensure that community, environmental and health concerns are all fully taken account of. The research we propose in this timetable will give all interested stakeholders important information to allow a more informed debate during the public consultation.
“In line with our evidence-led approach we are today also putting in place a moratorium on the onshore planning of underground coal gasification developments to allow time for full and careful consideration of the potential impacts of this technology for Scotland.”
In line with the Government’s evidence-led approach, boreholes relating to unconventional oil & gas will only be permitted when research and geoscience is the key driver and where they are delivered in collaboration with an independent research body, such as the British Geological Survey, or academic institution, and for the purposes of furthering the evidence base on unconventional oil and gas.
Any proposed boreholes would also have to gain planning permission, environmental and health and safety consents before they are allowed.
Environmental groups have welcomed the announcement but warn that they will keep up the pressure to ensure Scotland remains free from fracking.
Mary Church, Head of Campaigns at Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: “Well done to Fergus Ewing for announcing this important new moratorium. Underground coal gasification is a risky and experimental technique, with a very chequered history around the world. This industry clearly deserves the same public scrutiny as shale gas fracking and coal bed methane.”
She added: “We warmly welcome the Scottish Government’s detailed timetable for action, and the extended research remit announced today. This framework for reviewing shale gas fracking and coalbed methane looks like a well designed process, over a sensible timescale. The experience from the growing number of states and regions around the world with bans and moratoriums is clear that undertaking a thorough review of unconventional gas cannot be rushed.
“We strongly urge individuals and communities to fully engage with this process and make their opposition to this dirty industry clear. All too often the millions spent on PR by big corporations can crowd out the voices of affected communities and those speaking up for the environment and public health when it comes to important policy or decisions like this. INEOS and others have big budgets at their disposal to get their points across. It is vital that people the length and breadth of Scotland who don’t want to see the central belt wrecked by the fossil fuel industry make their voice count in this review.
“There is a growing body of evidence from around the world that fracking for shale gas, extracting coal-bed methane and the underground coal gasification process poses unacceptable risks for human health and the environment. In December 2014 New York State joined a number of countries and regions in deciding to banning fracking after undertaking a two-year assessment on the impacts of fracking on human health and the environment.
“We are particularly glad that climate change impacts are to be the subject of detailed study. In the context of our international obligations to cut emissions it would be completely irresponsible for a hydrocarbon-rich nation like Scotland to open up a new frontier of fossil fuels, further exacerbating the climate crisis.
“We are confident that when the evidence is independently assessed and the Scottish public have had a chance to voice their concerns, this consultation will lead to a full ban on unconventional gas and fracking.”
The Our Forth campaign group has also welcomed the announcement – but their protest event on the Forth Bridge this Sunday will go ahead as planned.
A spokesperson said: “Our Forth warmly welcome the Scottish’s Government’s announcement today of a Moratorium on Underground Coal Gasification.
“We urge people all over Scotland to take heart from this development and add their voices to the call for a complete ban on all unconventional gas in Scotland by joining hands with other Scottish communities on Sunday 11 October at 2pm on the Forth Road Bridge.
“We are pleased to see that the Scottish Government is listening to community concerns and we will continue our campaign to encourage the public to research the mounting evidence from across the world that shows fracking for shale gas, extracting coal-bed methane and the underground coal gasification process poses unacceptable risks for human health and the environment.
“These moratoria present communities with an opportunity to inform each other and drown out the PR machines of these damaging industries. It is vital that people the length and breadth of Scotland who don’t want to see the central belt wrecked by the fossil fuel industry make their voice count in the public consultation that’s also been announced today.”
TIMETABLE FOR RESEARCH PROCESS AND CONSULTATION ON ONSHORE UNCONVENTIONAL OIL AND GAS
| Summary of work and timetable | |
| Task | Date |
| Evidence-gathering | |
| Public Health Impact Assessment (Health Protection Scotland) | Autumn 2015 – Summer 2016 |
| – Stakeholder workshops | Autumn/Winter 2015 |
| – Peer review | Spring/Summer 2016 |
| – Publish Final Report | Summer 2016 |
| Research project 1 – Transport impacts | Autumn 2015 – Summer 2016 |
| – Open and competitive tender | Autumn/Winter 2015 |
| – Appoint contractor | Winter 2015/16 |
| – Stakeholder workshops | Winter 2015/16 |
| – Publish Final Report | Summer 2016 |
| Research project 2 – Decommissioning and aftercare | Autumn 2015 – Summer 2016 |
| – Open and competitive tender | Autumn/Winter 2015 |
| – Appoint contractor | Winter 2015/16 |
| – Stakeholder workshops | Winter 2015/16 |
| – Publish Final Report | Summer 2016 |
| Research project 3 – Seismic activity and monitoring | Autumn 2015 – Summer 2016 |
| – Open and competitive tender | Autumn/Winter 2015 |
| – Appoint contractor | Winter 2015/16 |
| – Stakeholder workshops | Winter 2015/16 |
| – Publish Final Report | Summer 2016 |
| Research project 4 – Economic Impacts | Winter 2015/16 – Summer 2016 |
| Research Project 5 – Climate Change Impacts | Winter 2015/16 – Summer 2016 |
| Regulation and Planning | |
| Workshops and Engagement | Winter 2015/16 – Summer 2016 |
| Report on Findings | Autumn 2016 |
| Consultation | |
| Pre-consultation engagement (including stakeholder forums, and public engagement) | Winter 2015/16 – Autumn 2016 |
| 4 month Public Consultation | Winter 2016/17 |
| Consultation Analysis | Spring 2017 |
Four Green Flags – and a half day from Sit Tom too!
Pirniehall Primary School achieved their first Green Flag for their Eco-achievements back in 2008, and the children in West Pilton have been keeping up their efforts ever since to do what they can to help the environment.
Their hard work over seven years hasn’t gone unnoticed – and this morning Sir Tom Farmer called in to celebrate Pirniehall’s FORTH Green Flag!
Sir Tom is a great friend of Pirniehall and their neighbours St David’s, and he came to the school’s aid by buying a flagpole for Pirniehall when they received their first Green Flag all those years ago.
It was fitting, then, that Sir Tom was on hand to lead the celebrations to mark flag number four. He told the children: “Thank you for asking me back – I am very happy to come back to see you because I like to be close to people like you who have been very, very successful. I like to be with the best – and you have all worked extremely hard to do your very best. I am really delighted to be here at Pirniehall to share your success with you.”
So pleased was Sir Tom that he granted the whole school a half-day off – fair enough they get a half-day today anyway, but it’s the thought that counts!
Well done, Pirniehall!
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