MP calls for action to halt bee decline

Local MP Mark Lazarowicz is calling for a precautionary moratorium on three pesticides – imidacloprid, clothianidin and TMX – linked to the decline of the UK’s bee populations. The North and Leith MP is a longstanding member of the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee and its new hard-hitting report on Pollinators and Pesticides is published today.

Mark Lazarowicz (pictured above) said: “As part of our inquiry into insects and insecticides we looked at the sharp decline in the number of bees in the UK and there’s growing concern that the use of certain chemicals might be to blame. Bees matter to both gardeners and farmers because of their role in pollinating fruit and vegetables as well as flowers. They are fundamental to our ecology and economy. The scientific evidence points to the need for a precautionary moratorium to be introduced. DEFRA should listen to it and act.”

Two-thirds of wild insect pollinator species – such as bumblebees, hoverflies, butterflies, carrion flies, beetles, midges and moths – have suffered population declines in the UK. Managed honeybees have also experienced unusually high mortality rates, decreased fertility, increased susceptibility to disease and the loss of hives. Similar trends have been observed in the US and other European countries.

Disease, habitat loss and climate change can all affect insect populations, but a growing body of peer-reviewed research suggests that the use of one group of insecticides is having an especially damaging impact on pollinators — neonicotinoids. Applied to seeds, these systemic pesticides are widely used in the UK on oilseed rape, cereals, maize, sugar beet and crops grown in glasshouses.

Authorities in France, Germany, Italy and Slovenia have already suspended the use of some neonicotinoids in certain circumstances. The European Commission has also proposed an EU-wide moratorium on the use of imidacloprid, clothianidin and TMX on crops attractive to bees, following a recent risk warning from the European Food Safety Authority. The UK has refused to take domestic action or to support the EU proposal.

Many of the UK’s largest garden retailers, including B&Q, Wickes and Homebase, have voluntarily withdrawn non-professional plant protection products that contain neonicotinoids. The report recommends a full ban on the sale of neonicotinoids for public domestic use in order to create an urban safe haven for pollinators.

Pesticide manufacturers often claim that studies linking their products to bee decline are flawed or inconclusive and that other factors are primarily to blame, such as the Varroa mite. But although the agrochemical industry has produced many studies on the environmental effect of pesticides, it keeps most of its data secret on grounds of commercial confidentiality.

The report warns that this lack of transparency is preventing a fuller understanding of the problem. The MPs call on the industry to place the results of its trials and studies in the public domain so that they can be subjected to open academic scrutiny. Defra should help companies establish which genuinely commercially sensitive details need to be redacted to make this possible.

North Edinburgh to tackle dog fouling in new initiative

Environmental Wardens Team Leader Mark Bannon on a forthcoming initiative:

NORTH NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM

Dog Fouling Exercise 8 April -12 May

Introduction

This planning is well underway and involves SfC partners to address dog fouling issues. A partnership initiative approach will provide, education, multi-agency working and enforcement to target problems encountered in an effort to minimise this anti social behaviour.

Main Aim of this Initiative:-

To reduce dog fouling and enforce on those offending. Encouraging changes in public behaviour and attitudes is a complex and lengthy business. Who would have thought twenty years ago that most buildings and workplaces, both public and private, would now have implemented no smoking policies? This has been achieved largely via consensus between smokers and non-smokers. In order to succeed, anti dog-fouling policies must achieve that same level of agreement between dog owners and non-owners.

The North Neighbourhood Environmental Wardens, Community Safety Officers, Safer Neighbourhood Team and CCTV

a high visibility and low visibility presence from an enforcement role helping to create a clean environment for members of the public in our local community
patrol areas of local ‘Hot Spots’ known for dog fouling. Referrals will be made to the Task Force on a daily basis
take enforcement action against anyone found to be contravening the Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act 2003.

Mark Bannon

A greener New Year?

The Scottish Government suggests going greener could be your New Year resolution:

This new year many people across the country will be pledging to live and eat better. But what about making some greener changes?

If everyone tuned over a new leaf in the New Year, it would help make Scotland a cleaner, greener place to live. Setting some greener resolutions and taking collective action can have a big impact.

Environment Minister Paul Wheelhouse said:

“There are many ways to go greener which can bring benefits if we all get involved. There is no better time to make positive changes than the start of the New Year. Turning our thermostats down by just one degree not only saves money but also reduces the amount of energy we use as a country. By taking this green action, we could save up to £60 per year as well as reducing Scotland’s carbon emissions from housing by ten per cent.

“Cutting down on food waste can also mean big savings. In Scotland the average family household throws out £430 of food annually. So, if more of us do our bit to reduce, reuse and recycle in 2013 – we can benefit each other and our families to help create a greener, cleaner Scotland now and for the future.”

In the spirit of breaking with tradition, here are some things to consider when making your greener resolution list for 2013:

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Remember your three Rs in 2013 – there are lots of good reasons to reduce, reuse and recycle to help our environment and our pockets too. Why not start the New Year by making smarter decisions about what you buy and how you get the most out of those purchases throughout the year? The challenge is to think carefully about what you buy, reuse everything you can and aim to recycle everything else.

Make a greener plan

It’s a good idea to set some greener goals for the New Year to keep you on track. You could create your own Greener Plan at www.greenerscotland.org/my-greener-plan. With tailored advice and support, it enables you to choose green goals, track your achievements and ultimately do your bit to make Scotland greener.

Join nature’s free ‘green gym’

Scotland’s woodlands and other open air spaces are nature’s own ‘green gym’. They’re great places to get active – whether it’s to go walking, cycling or running. Over 20 per cent of the Scottish population lives within a ten-minute walk of an accessible woodland so why not get out and enjoy some fresh air and burn off the excesses of Christmas?

Kevin Lafferty, Forestry Commission Scotland’s health advisor said: “Losing those extra pounds you’ve gained over Christmas doesn’t need to involve expensive gym memberships – you can simply get out to your local woodland and enjoy some fresh winter air and go walking or cycling.

“So start your New Year resolutions early this year and get outdoors and burn some extra calories with some good green exercise.”

Ditch the car

You could also try using your car a little less in 2013 and walk more or try cycling instead. Where possible it’s a good idea to walk, cycle or even take the bus. Choosing to do so for shorter journeys is a move towards feeling fitter and healthier, and towards cleaner, less polluted neighbourhoods.

Join a community car club

If you’re planning to buy a car in 2013, could you think about joining a community car club instead? Cars can be booked online or by phone in advance, or at the last minute. They take care of insurance, tax, servicing, parking permits and even cleaning too. It’s a greener step forward.

Grow your own

Why not get back to nature in 2013 and try growing your own fruit, vegetables and herbs for less? It can help to cut down on trips to the shops and packaging. Food that we grow ourselves can taste fresher and you don’t need a garden either – try a window box, some grow bags or think about a local allotment.

Think and buy local

A New Year means a new season and spring is on its way. Scotland produces a huge variety of foods throughout the year, so it’s always better to choose flavoursome, in season food. Give your local producers a boost by buying the best of Scotland’s natural larder in 2013.

Get a home energy audit

Give your home an energy saving makeover this winter by getting free expert advice and support from the Home Energy Scotland Hotline on 0800 512 012. You can find out how you could make your home warmer and save money in four easy steps during 2013 with just one call.

Choose low energy lighting

Be enlightened in 2013 by opting for low energy lighting alternatives to give your home a glow. Although they sometimes cost more than traditional bulbs, they last a lot longer – and you’ll make your money back in electricity savings. One energy-saving lamp might save you up to £60 over its lifetime.

Cut back on paper towels

Why not ditch those paper towels in 2013? You can use cotton cloths or fabric napkins to mop up spills and clean up your kitchen and bathroom instead. They can be washed and reused time after time to help cut down on the waste that ends up in your bin.

What’s your New Year resolution? Let us know!

The twelve days of a greener Christmas

As festive celebrations take place across the country, Scots are being encouraged to spread seasonal goodwill by making greener choices this Christmas …

More waste is produced at Christmas than at any other time of year. It’s estimated Scotland uses over 30,000 km of wrapping paper – enough to stretch from Scotland to Australia and back again. And millions of glass bottles and cans will be disposed of – all of which can be recycled.

Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead believes that people across the country can play their part in making Scotland a cleaner, greener, place to live simply by taking small steps to reduce waste and adopt a greener lifestyle.

He said: “The festive season is a fantastic time to have fun, relax and enjoy quality time with the family. While Scots across the country are doing just that, it’s also important that we take a minute to think about the impact of our choices on the environment. By simply making a few greener choices this Christmas time, we can all play a part protecting Scotland’s stunning beauty and natural resources.

“Simple greener choices are all that’s needed – from reusing or recycling our wrapping paper and packaging, to planning meals and using up leftover food. If more people do these things, it can make a real difference, reducing the impact on the environment and saving money too, which will benefit families and communities all across Scotland.

“We are committed to creating a greener, cleaner Scotland now and for the future. If we all do our bit to reduce, reuse and recycle this festive season, we can work together to achieve this.”

There are lots of things we can all do to have make the festive season greener. To help you get started, the Scottish Government’s Greener Together campaign has put a new twist on some old favourites.

The 12 tips for a greener Christmas time are:

1. Greener Christmas cards Recycle your festive greetings cards or get creative reusing them for festive family fun or even preparing greetings cards or gift labels for next year which can help to reduce your Christmas waste this year and next.

2. Add a touch of nature to decorate your home Use nature’s resources to dream up the perfect natural decorations this festive season – have a fun day out with the family to collect evergreen wreaths, pine cones and seed pods to make your home festive. Decorations can be made from organic materials including cinnamon sticks, wood and dried fruit like orange slices or reusing last year’s Christmas cards.

3. Recycle your Christmas tree Why not give your artificial Christmas tree and decorations another go next season and if you’re using a real tree take it to a collection point for composting? If your real tree has roots it can be planted in your garden after Christmas and dug up for display again the next year.

4. Save Energy Remember to turn off your Christmas tree lights, and any appliances that are on standby, when you go to bed or if you’re out. Simply switching the lights off and even turning the heating down by one degree helps saves money and the environment.

5. Use rechargeable batteries New gifts at Christmas often mean a lot of batteries. Batteries contain toxic chemicals and must be recycled properly. Many shops now have battery recycling points, as do some town halls, schools and libraries – look out for the Be Positive signs to find out where you can recycle batteries. As an alternative, use rechargeable batteries or try the new AA size USB rechargeable batteries. By opening the cap and plugging into a USB connector, you can recharge them pretty much anywhere.

6. Give unwanted gifts a new life Rather than binning any unwanted presents or items you no longer need after Christmas, pass them on to be reused or recycle them. Charity shops will be happy to take good quality items off your hands and you can freecycle too. If they aren’t in good enough shape to be passed on, why not see if you can recycle them?

7. Eat in season Scotland produces a huge variety of foods throughout the year, so it’s always better to choose flavoursome, in season food – especially at Christmas time. Give your local producers a boost by buying the best of Scotland’s natural larder this festive season. For wholesome winter soups and stews, choose an in season ingredient and find a recipe that puts it to good use at:

8. Reduce food waste You can make the food you buy for Christmas go further with some simple menu planning and careful storage to keep food fresher for longer. It’s always best to cook only the amount you and your family will eat. Why not use our recipe finder to work out how to use up those Christmas leftovers?

9. Recycle food waste or consider using a composting bin Using a food recycling service (food waste collections, provided by local authorities are already available in some towns and cities, and will be coming to others soon) keeps food and drink that is thrown away out of landfill, and helps reduce emissions of harmful greenhouse gases. You can also compost food waste such as banana skins, tea bags or apple cores in your garden.

10. Reuse wrapping paper You can unwrap presents carefully and reuse the paper next year. And when it comes to presents we all know that kids often prefer to play with the packaging instead of the actual toy – so why not make the most of it and create a den, pretend car or even Santa’s sleigh to have fun with. Go to www.playtalkread.org for more fun-time ideas.

11. Use the car less Plan your trips this festive season – write lists to prevent going back and forward for forgotten items, use the bus if you can or walk to local shops. Why not involve the kids in the spreading the festive season cheer? Take them out for a walk and get them to deliver local thank you cards in person, cutting down on vehicle use.

12. Charity shop and vintage chic You don’t have to break the bank to look stylish at Christmas time. Look out for classic outfits in your local vintage or charity shop. You can often find unique items tucked away at an affordable price. By mixing and matching, you can put together a statement outfit which will make your wardrobe dazzle this festive season.

Many happy returns, ELGT!

Hard to believe, but Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust (ELGT) is 21 today!

SInce it’s formation back in 1991 as Edinburgh Green Belt Trust, ELGT has raised over £11 million to deliver over 500 environmental and community projects across the area, improving the quality of life for thousands of local people. An independent charity and social enterprise, ELGT works with community groups, schools and businesses to improve local parks, gardens, woodlands and other green spaces.

Among ELGT’s many successes was the upgrade to Drylaw’s green spaces carried out with local schools and Drylaw Telford community council.

ELGT will be hosting a reception to mark their milestone anniversary this afternoon – many happy returns!

For more information on Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust visit www.elgt.org.uk

It's official – Edinburgh's blooming beautiful!

It’s official – Edinburgh is Scotland’s most beutiful city! The capital secured the top spot at the Beautiful Scotland awards yesterday (11 September) and will now go on to represent Scotland in the national Britain in Bloom competition.

Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Hinds (pictured below) said: “It’s fantastic news that Edinburgh has been recognised as the top city in Scotland for its green spaces. I was thrilled to meet the judges when they visited Edinburgh last month and I’m delighted we can now add another Beautiful Scotland City Award to the capital’s impressive record of accolades for parks and green spaces.

“The award positively reflects on all the excellent work staff do to keep the city looking attractive all year round. My deepest thanks must also go to all the volunteers and local community groups who have worked hard to successfully transform their local environments. However this is not a time to be complacent as we’ll now be looking ahead to next summer’s Britain in Bloom competition where Edinburgh will be representing Scotland in the national awards. Here’s hoping we can add a gold medal next year to our collection!”

It’s official – Edinburgh’s blooming beautiful!

NHS Lothian powers up campaign to save energy

NHS Lothian has launched an innovative campaign to encourage staff to save on the energy they use at work. The Power Pack campaign centres on a group of digital characters each promoting a key message to save energy, print less, recycle more and switch-off.

A recent survey showed that 91 per cent of NHS Lothian staff felt they could do more to conserve energy whilst at work. The survey also generated a number of positive suggestions which have been used to help shape the campaign, ranging from double-sided printing and recycling initiatives to rechargeable batteries and car sharing schemes.

Charlie Halpin, Energy and Environment Manager, NHS Lothian, said: “By taking these steps, staff will help NHS Lothian maintain the Carbon Trust Standard and sustaining a reduction in our carbon emissions by four per cent per year over the next five years. Simple tasks like turning off computer monitors overnight or only printing essential documents can make a huge difference. Working together will help us significantly reduce the amount of energy we use and make essential savings for the organisation.”

NHS Lothian spends around £14 million on energy bills and produces 90,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year. That works out at £500 and three tonnes of C02 per member of staff.

Kirsten Smith, Senior Charge Nurse, Ward 72, Royal Victoria Building, said: “I’ll definitely be joining the Power Pack. It’s great that staff have the chance to contribute to this campaign and I’ll be putting my thinking cap on to come up with some energy saving ideas of my own.”

Stuart Wilson, Director of Communications and Public Affairs, NHS Lothian, said: “This is an engaging campaign which we hope will grab the attention of the 24,000 employees who work for NHS Lothian. We are keen for all staff to join the Power Pack giving us their own energy saving advice and ideas. Our staff are key to making this campaign a success and continuing our good work in reducing the energy we use at work.”

Dr Charles Winstanley, Chair, NHS Lothian, said: “We are committed to continuing to drive home the message of energy efficiency and hopefully the Power Pack will help to make the difference. We have already reduced our energy emissions from fossil fuels by 5.3% over the past two years and this led to being awarded the Carbon Trust Standard.”

The Western’s recently-opened Royal Victoria Building has achieved a BREEAM Excellent rating. The project incorporates a number of initiatives developed to provide an environmentally friendly building: use of photo-voltaic panels, ground source heat pump, low flush WCs, low energy lifts, occupancy and light sensors. The building also achieved a ‘Considerate Contractor’ award – incorporating high level of construction site waste management, and water services are designed to minimise water-borne disease.

Flying the flag: Edinburgh’s greenest of them all!

Edinburgh’s parks have scooped a record number of Green Flag Awards for the best green spaces in Scotland. Of 44 flags awarded in Scotland this year, the capital scooped no less than 24 awards – more than half of all flags presented across the country!

Ravelston Park and Woods is one of four new city parks to receive Green Flag recognition for the first time this year, and they join twenty who retained their awards from last year.

Parks are judged against eight criteria, including community involvement and sustainability. The Green Flag Awards criteria:

A welcoming place
Healthy, safe and secure
Clean and well maintained
Sustainability
Conservation and heritage
Community involvement
Marketing
Management

Welcoming the announcement, city environment leader Councillor Lesley Hinds said: “We’re delighted that, once again, Edinburgh is leading the way is providing high quality parks and gardens for our residents. The awards positively reflect on the hard work carried out by local communities and staff to ensure Edinburgh’s renowned parks are preserved.”

Flag raising ceremonies will take place in the four newly awarded parks next week.

The Green Flag Awards were established by Keep Britain Tidy in 1996. Paul Todd, Green Flag Award scheme manager, said: “An award provides national recognition for the achievements of all those whose hard work and dedication has helped to create these fantastic places for all to enjoy”.

Edinburgh’s green roll of honour

The parks and green spaces in Edinburgh to be given a Green Flag Award this year are:

Prestonfield Park (New award)
Ravelston Woods Local Nature Reserve and Park (New award)
Ferry Glen and Back Braes (New award)
Lochend Park (New award)
Braidburn Valley Park
Pentland Hills Regional Park
Harrison Park
Easter Craiglockhart Hill LNR
Hopetoun Crescent Garden
Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park
Inverleith Park
Figgate Park
Station Road Park
London Road Gardens
Corstorphine Hill
Craigmillar Castle Park
Portobello Community Garden
Morningside Park
Muir Wood Park
Hailes Quarry Park
Victoria Park
Hermitage and Blackford Hill Local Nature Reserve
St Margaret’s Park
Princes Street Gardens

For more information on the Green Flag Award scheme, visit ww.keepbritaintidy.org/GreenFlag.

Flying the flag: Edinburgh's greenest of them all!