Tag: environment

Saving energy in Wester Hailes

Five hundred households, both private and council-owned, living in mixed tenure properties across the Wester Hailes area are to benefit from energy efficient upgrades and revitalised buildings.

This follows an extensive large-scale common repairs and maintenance works programme to renovate 66 low-rise blocks in the first year due to complete by summer this year (2022).

This is part of the City of Edinburgh Council’s ground-breaking three-year Mixed Tenure Improvement Service (MTIS) pilot which gave an update on progress to date for the blocks across Murrayburn, Drumbryden and Hailesland to the Finance and Resources Committee today (3 March).

The programme will now be rolled out across the city to help accelerate energy efficiency fabric maintenance and repairs in mixed tenure blocks to benefit more tenants. This is due to the success of the pilot to date in engaging with private owners – with scheme decisions to progress being made in 75% of minority council-owned blocks – and securing sizable energy efficiency grant support through the Scottish Government Energy Efficient Scotland, Area Based Scheme.

Councillors have also agreed to extend the Council’s Scheme of Assistance (SoA). This will, as part of the MTIS, offer enhanced debt repayment terms* to help all private owner occupiers meet their repairs and maintenance responsibilities and allow them to consider more options for funding their share of the cost of works within all Council-led capital improvement, mixed tenure property projects.

Works being carried out on behalf of all owners across the current MTIS pilot includes repairs and replacement of roofing, guttering, drying room facades, installation of external wall and attic insulation, together with the maintenance and decoration of communal stairwell spaces.

This MTIS pilot is aiming to carry this out in 181 mixed tenure blocks in Murrayburn, Hailesland and Dumbryden over a three-year period to the benefit of all residents and tenants, improving the aesthetics, energy efficiency, safety and security and the overall value of properties in the long term.

Cllr Kate Campbell, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “Bringing all our housing stock up to a good condition, making homes energy efficient, warm and affordable to heat is very important, both for tenants and for owners in these blocks.

“Council officers have worked hard to support private owners throughout this MTIS pilot. As a result, we’re helping owner occupiers meet their share of the energy efficiency improvement works by supporting them to access up to £15,500 each in Energy Efficient Scotland (EES) funding. Supporting private owner occupiers with enhanced re-payment terms will help too, and this is now being extended to others in a similar situation.

“The mixed tenure improvement service continues to be an incredibly successful as a pilot, and I’m so pleased that we are expanding this programme as it will play a crucial role in dealing with the legacy issues caused by right to buy. We can now invest in many more homes making much needed improvements to homes and blocks across the city.”

Cllr Mandy Watt, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Vice Convener, said: “We have a long way to go as part of this three-year programme to improve 181 blocks but this has been a great start.

“In this pilot’s first year we will have improved the standard of living and conditions of a huge number of people in Wester Hailes. The buildings that we’ve completed so far look fantastic and really lift the look and feel of these neighbourhoods.

“We hope once the programme has been completed across all of Murrayburn, Hailesland and Dumbryden, the communities will feel a real sense of pride in their homes which fit in so much better with the new build developments close by.

“We have strong ambitions as a Council and as a city to become a sustainable and net zero Capital by 2030. Housing is a huge factor in getting there and getting our existing housing stock better insulated and energy efficient will be key – which in turn will help to keep people warmer while helping to reduce energy bills.”

* extending the period for payment plans with the Council for owner occupiers to up to 15 years and a reduction in the interest rate from 6% to 4%.

Morrisons to offer free coffee pod recycling scheme

  • Scheme turns used aluminium and plastic pods into new products such as beverage cans and furniture –
  • 1.2bn beverage pods bought in the UK in 2021, up 32% compared to pre-pandemic levels –

Morrisons has become the first supermarket to offer its customers a way to recycle coffee pods through a partnership with the recycling scheme Podback.

Over the coming weeks, Morrisons customers will be able to pick up free Podback Collect+recycling bags from its customer service desks.**

The Podback bags can be filled with used coffee pods at home, then taken to one of 6,500 Collect+ delivered by Yodel drop off points around the UK***. All postage back to Podback is free of charge.

Through the Podback scheme, used aluminium pods are turned into aluminium ingots for new products – such as beverage cans, and used plastic coffee pods are turned into other plastic items – such as furniture. The used coffee grounds also go through anaerobic digestion – to produce a combination of biogas and soil improver.

Podback is the first coffee pod recycling scheme of its kind in the UK, and was set up by Nestle and Jacobs Douwe Egberts UK. Current participating brands include Nespresso, Tassimo, L’OR, Nescafé Dolce Gusto, Starbucks by Nespresso, Starbucks by Nescafé Dolce Gusto, Cru Kafe, Artisan Coffee Co, Allpress Espresso, Colonna Coffee and Café Palmieri by Jomad Coffee.

Sales of coffee pods have increased by 32% from pre-pandemic levels, as more people have worked from home. It is estimated that 1.2bn pods were bought in the UK in 2021, making Podback even more important as an easier route for customers to recycle their pods*.  

Rick Hindley, Executive Director at Podback, said: “Podback provides consumers all over the UK with an easy way to recycle their coffee pods, no matter what brand they are buying.

“Morrisons is the first supermarket to become a supporter of the Podback scheme, as well as provide bags in store. This is a great step forward and progress towards ensuring recycling coffee pods becomes second nature. Our goal is to ensure every pod enjoyed is recycled and working with retailers, like Morrisons, is crucial to ensuring the scheme is convenient and simple.

“We welcome other retailers to join to make it even easier for consumers to recycle pods in the future.”

Lorraine Wheeler, Environmental Packaging Manager at Morrisons, said: “Many of our customers want to brew fresh coffee at home using a coffee pod. But to date, coffee pod recycling has been confusing for consumers, with several different schemes by multiple brands. Podback offers an easy, simple scheme for all of our customers.” 

The partnership with Podback is part of a wide ranging waste reduction initiative. Since 2017 Morrisons has reduced its own brand plastic packaging in its 497 stores by over 8,000 tonnes a year and was the first supermarket to ditch plastic ‘bags for life’ in favour of paper bags, to use traditional paper bags for loose fruit and vegetables instead of plastic, and to introduce a refillable container service on its fish, meat and deli counters to reduce single-use packaging.

The move marks a key step for Podback, which recently made its recycling bags available online via Coffee Supplies Direct.

For further information please visit www.morrisons.com or www.podback.org.

UK backs ambitious global action to tackle plastic pollution

The UK provided support to kick start negotiations on a legally binding treaty on plastic pollution at the United Nations Environment Assembly.

Plastic cup on a beach

As the fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5) in Nairobi draws to a close, the UK has worked with international partners to secure a breakthrough on negotiations to kickstart a new legally binding treaty on plastic pollution.

While the terms of the treaty are still to be negotiated it could include measures that promote sustainable production and consumption of plastics, as well as more environmentally sound waste management.

It is also hoped it will help tackle marine plastic pollution, one of the greatest global environmental challenges. It’s predicted that unless action is taken there will be a threefold increase in the amount of plastic flowing into the ocean between 2016 and 2040.

This comes as our landmark Environment Act gives us a raft of new powers to step-up our war against plastic pollution. We are also committed to introducing a Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers, which will recycle billions more plastic bottles and stop them being landfilled or littered.

At the conference, which was attended by the Lord Zac Goldsmith, UK Government Minister for International Environment, the UK provided support to kick start negotiations on a legally binding treaty on plastic pollution.

The UK has also supported other ambitious action, including on:

  • Establishing an intergovernmental Science Policy Panel to conduct horizon scanning, assess current issues and facilitate communication between scientists and policy makers
  • Agreeing on the importance of nature-based solutions and on actions to scale up their implementation to simultaneously provide benefits to people and the planet.

Lord Zac Goldsmith, UK Government Minister for International Environment said: “This agreement by governments at UNEA is truly historic, and I’m so proud that the UK co-sponsored the proposals and helped get them over the line.

“In the space of just one human lifetime, we have caused unimaginable damage to the global environment, choking every single part of the global ocean with plastic pollution. And although there is much to be done now to turn it into an ambitious and far-reaching treaty, we can now begin to close this ugly chapter. I am so grateful to UK negotiators for their fantastic work securing agreement this week.”

While there are multilateral agreements to tackle biodiversity loss and climate change, up to now there has been no equivalent agreement to tackle plastic pollution.

The resolution, proposed by Peru and Rwanda, had received strong support and was backed by over 60 countries.

The plans have also received considerable support from the private and third sector with 111 organisations having signed The Business Call for a UN Treaty on Plastic Pollution including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, P&G and Unilever.

The resolution titled “End plastic pollution: towards a legally binding international instrument” establishes an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) tasked with preparing a new treaty that would address plastic pollution through a life-cycle approach, with the aim of producing the treaty by 2024.

The UK was also a key proponent of plans for a new science-policy panel to contribute to policy making on the sound management of chemicals and waste, and preventing pollution. This will act in a similar way to the IPCC — Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which provides advice to governments on the scientific consensus on climate science.

This new science-policy panel will produce assessments on current issues; identify possible future risks and opportunities and provide up-to-date and relevant information, promoting effective communication between scientists and policy makers.

The UK has made nature a top priority during our COP26 Presidency year alongside strong action on cutting emissions. The UK has continued to drive international support for nature-based solutions that address biodiversity loss, climate change and poverty, co-sponsoring a resolution on their benefits and how to scale them up.

Experts back call to transform Scotland’s economy, protect the planet and provide wellbeing for all

Calls for radical, transformative changes to Scotland’s economy in order to ensure wellbeing for all within our environmental limits have been backed by  almost 40 leading economists and climate change academics.

In advance of the publication by the Scottish Government of its new economic strategy on Tuesday 1 March, these experts have endorsed Ten Points for a Transformative Economic Strategy produced by the ‘Transform Our Economy’ alliance.

These ideas outline a new purpose at the heart of our economy: providing wellbeing for all within environmental limits. They will require the government to set the trajectory for the economy and present a credible plan for delivery using all the powers at their disposal.

The alliance, comprising Scottish Environment LINK, Friends of the Earth Scotland and Wellbeing Economy Alliance Scotland, is also calling for much more extensive public debate about the direction of our economy and believes that participation from workers, affected communities and those who are in greatest need of economic transformation has been lacking.

Matthew Crighton, Sustainable Economy Adviser at Friends of the Earth Scotland said: “”In the midst of climate and nature emergencies, with too many people trapped in poverty and businesses still reeling from the impact of the pandemic, there is no question that economic transformation is needed.

“In the face of these challenges, the Scottish Government must plot a new direction in building a truly sustainable and just economy that can meet people’s needs.

“Recent history has shown us there is a persistent gap between high-level aspirations and the actual performance of the government in effectively intervening the economy in Scotland. The fear is that the new economic strategy won’t redesign the economy, but will instead continue to deliver inequality and environmental destruction.

“New ideas are sorely needed for a transformative economic agenda which can provide sufficient investment to deliver a just transition to zero carbon, integrate the protection of nature into economic decision making and ensure social equity and participation by currently marginalised groups.”

Professor Tim Jackson, Professor of Sustainable Development, University of Surrey and acclaimed author of Prosperity Without Growth backing the plan said: “With the forthcoming 10-year Strategy for Economic Transformation the Scottish Government has a unique opportunity to make Scotland a global example of an economy that is fit to address the challenges of the 21st century, delivering wellbeing for all within environmental limits.

“To do that, the Strategy needs to put at its heart care for people and planet, it needs to build on meaningful participation of those at the sharp end of our economy, and it needs to put in place measures which will give priority to ensuring people’s wellbeing rather than the pursuit of GDP growth for its own sake.”

The ten points proposed by the ‘Transform our Economy’ group offer a robust framework for building such a strategy. The Scottish Government would be well advised to take note.”

Professor Jan Webb, Professor of Sociology of Organisations, University of Edinburgh, and one of the 38 signatories, said: ““Orthodox economic strategy aims to maximise GDP, and then to make some adjustments for fairness and environmental harms.

“A transformative strategy, fit for addressing climate emergency and major inequalities, has to direct all economic action to achieving a fair, and sustainable, society.

“This means all investment prioritises decent work, zero waste, biodiversity and climate protection. I hope the Scottish Government will respond promptly and constructively to the Transform Our Economy alliance.”

The headings of the Ten Key Points are:
1. The goal: wellbeing for all within environmental limits
2. Setting specific economic objectives to care for people and the planet
3. Using all the tools available to government to meet those objectives
4. Policies must show how the objectives can be achieved
5. Combat economic pressures which are helping cause the problems
6. Public priorities must lead the direction of development of the economy
7. Clear tests for all investment programmes
8. Measure performance through metrics which matter
9. An economic strategy for all sectors – economic transformation as a national mission
10. An inclusive and participatory process

The full text of the Key Points can be read below:

Ten-Points-for-a-Transformative-Economic-Strategy-generalDownload

at https://foe-scotland.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b5ad0d61b2a67d22c68bf7d8d&id=67d24d88dd&e=195fc3d780

Scottish Water launches Nature Calls environmental campaign

#BinWipes

#JoinTheWave

Scotland is being urged to bin all wipes – and ban wipes containing plastic – in a major new campaign to help protect the environment.

Scottish Water is asking the public to join forces to avoid sewer blockages, flooding, and pollution by consigning wipes to the bin.

And it is also calling on governments north and south of the border to work together to ban wipes made with plastic.

The new nationwide campaign – Nature Calls – is backed by a range of other organisations, including the Marine Conservation Society, Keep Scotland Beautiful and Zero Waste Scotland.

Join The Wave

Help us reduce the impact of wipes containing plastic by backing our ban.

Find out more

Douglas Millican, Scottish Water Chief Executive, said: “Our message to our customers is clear: please bin the wipes and help us protect the environment.

“And to policymakers we say now is the time to ban all wipes containing plastic and rid our sewers, rivers and beaches of this needless problem. Last year, more than 10,000 tonnes of material – the equivalent of 80 blue whales – was removed from Scotland’s waste water plants.

“Many thousands of tonnes more ended up blocking sewers, causing flooding, or being flushed into rivers during storms and heavy rain. Research by the Marine Conservation Society shows that wipes are now the most common cause of beach pollution.

“Wipes are an understandable convenience item – but many contain plastic, that cause serious problems when disposed of inappropriately by flushing down the toilet – blocked sewers, homes flooded with sewage, and pollution on our beaches and rivers.

“Every year our teams deal with around 36,000 blockages at a cost to customers of £7 million annually and around 80 per cent of the blockages we attend feature wipes. Members of the public, communities, campaigners, manufacturers, retailers and governments must all work together to do the right thing for nature now and for generations to come.”

The Nature Calls campaign was launched at Cramond this morning supported by Scottish Water volunteers taking part in a beach clean.

The campaign will feature adverts on multiple channels through February and March.

More information is available at www.jointhewave.scot

Nature Calls wipes

Wipes at Paisley Water Treatment Works

Environment Minister Mairi McAllan said: “The actions we take at home can help protect Scotland’s world-renowned rivers, lochs, wetlands and seas.

“Flushing inappropriate items contributes to serious blockages in our sewers, unsightly debris in our rivers and can cause great harm to our marine environment; by being aware of this and changing our habits we can all help protect our precious, rivers seas and wildlife.

“Every year, hundreds of millions of pieces of single-use plastic are wasted in this country – they litter our coasts, pollute our oceans and contribute to the climate emergency. Scotland was the first country in the UK to ban plastic-stemmed cotton buds and we have taken action to place market restrictions on plastic microbeads.

“We are pursuing proposals to ban some of the most problematic single-use plastic items, such as straws and plastic cutlery, subject to the impact of the UK Internal Market Act 2020.

“We support the calls to ban wet wipes containing plastic and encourage the UK Government and other administrations to work with us to bring forward bans on unnecessary and environmentally harmful products.”

A wide range of organisations have voiced support for Nature Calls.

Catherine Gemmell, Scotland Conservation Officer for the Marine Conservation Society, said: “A staggering 30,000 wet wipes have been picked up by our volunteers right here on Cramond beach over the last five years. It’s not just a problem here though. At last year’s Great British Beach Clean we found an average of 25 wet wipes for every 100m of Scottish beach surveyed. 

“Our toilets can still sadly be gateways to the ocean which is why incorrectly flushed items like plastic wet wipes can be found on beaches across Scotland. We need to stop plastic items, like wet wipes, getting into the sewer system and out in the ocean.

“That’s why we’re supporting the Nature Calls campaign to ban plastic wet wipes and help reduce the number of wipes mis-flushed. Show your support for wet wipe free beaches and seas by supporting the campaign too!”

Keep Scotland Beautiful Chief Executive Barry Fisher said: “I’m delighted to see Scottish Water highlighting this important issue, encouraging everyone to be more conscious of the environmental impact of plastic wipes.

“We want doing the right thing for our environment to be easy and possible for everyone – including manufacturers finding affordable alternatives to plastic free wipes. This will make sure that industry contributes to the future without wipes that clog up our waterways and oceans, harming wildlife and permanently changing our environment.

“Scotland is facing a climate and litter emergency, so action to find affordable solutions to plastic free wipes is needed to protect the future of our country. This campaign will help industry and individuals to understand that their actions can and do make a difference.”

Zero Waste Scotland Chief Executive Iain Gulland said: “It is great to see campaigns like this become more prominent in tackling the urgent problem of single-use items. At Zero Waste Scotland, we understand just how important it is to ban single-use plastic – and single-use items in general. 

“We champion more sustainable ways of operating, which is why we love to see efforts, like Nature Calls from Scottish Water, grabbing attention and encouraging us all to think about our throw-away culture. Each time we choose to reuse we are one step closer to a more circular economy that will help alleviate Scotland’s contribution to the climate crisis.”

Simon Jones, Director of Environment and Visitor Services at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, said: “Our lochs and rivers are a crucial part of what makes the National Park, and Scotland, such a special place. Not only beautiful to look at and enjoy, but these water bodies are also vital wildlife habitats and keeping them as healthy as possible helps us tackle both the climate and nature crises.

“Sadly, wipes can get into these water bodies causing harm to water quality, wildlife, and their beauty. We consider them a form of pollution and therefore we are supporting the call for wipes containing plastic to be banned and urge everyone to do their bit by never flushing wipes.”

Lang Banks, Director, WWF Scotland, said: “At every step in its lifecycle, even long after it has been discarded, plastic causes harm to wildlife and contributes to the climate crisis we’re facing today.

“If we’re to stop climate change and eliminate plastic pollution from our oceans, we need to rapidly phase out unnecessary single-use plastics and that includes a ban on wipes made with plastic.”

David Field, CEO of the Royal Zoological Society Scotland, said: “At RZSS we’re inspiring and enabling our visitors and communities to do their bit to protect our planet and the wildlife we share it with. We want to make it as easy as possible to be a champion for nature. 

“We’re supporting the Nature Calls campaign because one of the simplest actions we can each take is to stop putting wet wipes and plastic products down our drains and we agree that wipes containing plastic should be banned.

“Not only does flushing these items cause flooding and pollution as they block and break pipes, but they end up littering our beaches and oceans and killing wildlife.”

Scots’ views sought on mandatory digital waste tracking

  • Consultation sets out UK-wide approach to introduce mandatory Digital Waste Tracking (DWT) for the movement of waste.
  • Plans will help track compliance and tackle illegal waste exports and fly-tipping – an issue recently highlighted by the programme BBC Disclosure
  • Powers in Environment Act mean digital waste tracking can support the effective regulation of waste and track waste and resource flows in a circular economy

A consultation setting out plans for a mandatory digital waste tracking service in the UK was launched on 21 January 2022.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Scottish Government have been working with UK partners to develop a four-nation approach to digital tracking of waste movements.

The Environment Act 2021 provides powers for the Scottish Government to develop regulations to introduce a digital waste tracking service in Scotland, which will be implemented by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

The consultation is seeking views on the practical aspects of implementing digital waste tracking across the UK including:

  • What waste activities and information will need to be recorded
  • What current waste reporting will be replaced by the new service
  • How users will be able to enter information onto the service
  • Who will be required to enter information and when
  • Alternative provisions for digitally excluded waste holders
  • Data access controls
  • Cost recoveryCompliance and enforcement
  • How we should go live with the service

SEPA urges Scottish businesses and stakeholders to take part in the consultation and provide their views. The consultation can be found on SEPA’s consultation hub.

A mandatory UK digital waste tracking service will transform the way we track waste and resource flows, tackle waste crime and prioritise regulatory activities. It will help SEPA identify actions to support a shift to the circular economy, facilitate strategic decision making and support users to make informed choices about how their waste is managed.

This means those handling waste will record information from the point waste is produced to the stage it is disposed of, recycled and reused. This will enable regulators to better tackle waste crime, including fly-tipping, illegal waste sites, and illegal waste exports.

It will also help businesses and householders comply with their duty of care with regards to waste and help them make more informed choices about how their waste is managed.

As highlighted in BBC Disclosure’s recent broadcast, Dirty Business, criminal activities including fly-tipping, illegal dumping, and the illegal export of waste abroad can blight communities, harm the environment, and pose a risk to human health.

Research estimates £53 million is taken from the public purse every year in Scotland removing illegal waste and serious and organised crime is estimated to cost the UK economy at least £600 million a year.

Scotland generates 11.45 million tonnes of waste a year and DWT will help unlock opportunities to do better things with our waste and resources.

Scottish Government Circular Economy Minister, Lorna Slater, said: “A digital waste tracking system will help to tackle the waste crime that causes such harm to our environment, such as flytipping and illegal waste exports. Having access to comprehensive and up to date information on where waste is generated and moved within Scotland is vital if we are to crack down on waste crime.

“By making it easier to identify opportunities to reduce the waste produced and reuse more of the materials we consume, these measures will help create a circular economy, where materials are kept in use for as long as possible and nothing is wasted.

“Developing and implementing a digital waste tracking system will provide a step change in the quality and timeliness of waste data. This will support decision-making and help us to cut emissions and meet our waste reduction and recycling targets.”

DWT will help to deliver SEPA’s Regulatory Strategy by monitoring compliance with the Duty of Care, enabling timely tracking of hazardous waste, facilitate better data analysis to identify waste crime and provide data to support the development and monitoring of sector plans.

It will also enable the identification and tracking of materials and resources to facilitate their more efficient use in the circular economy, supporting the objectives of SEPA’s Waste to Resources Framework and Scottish Government’s circular economy strategy.

Ian Buchanan, Chief Officer of Compliance and Beyond, for SEPA said: “Digital Waste Tracking will improve the way we regulate waste and help waste producers and the waste management industry demonstrate compliance and make important decisions about waste and resources.

“DWT will also strengthen our ability to track compliance, prioritise regulatory activities and help prevent waste crime, including illegal export of waste.

“We are clear in what we expect of businesses of all sizes, from SMEs to specialist companies. Ignorance of the law is no excuse.

“SEPA will continue to invest significant regulatory effort in monitoring waste movement and waste exports to ensure compliance and will use a variety of approaches to successfully detect, disrupt and deter illegal activity in Scotland.

“Waste crime has a real impact on local communities and legitimate business. It can cause serious pollution, puts communities at risk and undermines the efforts of legitimate operators.”

A spokesperson for the Resource Management Association Scotland said: “We welcome the announcement of the Digital Waste Tracking consultation.

“This presents an excellent opportunity to shape the future of waste data and tracking, to help support the Resource and Waste Management Sector in Scotland and the journey to net zero and we will be encouraging our members to respond.”

You can find the consultation which closes on 15 April 2022 on SEPA’s consultation hub.

Incineration contracts stopping Scots from recycling, says FoE Scotland

New research shows that Scotland’s incineration capacity is so high that it is likely to stop councils from recycling waste. Campaigners are calling for a ban on new incinerators so that councils focus on reducing and recycling waste, rather than sending it up in smoke.

The Scottish Government set up an independent review into incineration which is currently taking place. As part of this, the reviewers have researched whether existing and planned incineration capacity matches Scotland’s projected waste levels.

It shows that if Scotland meets its recycling targets, by next year we will already have more incineration capacity than we need. Even if we make no progress towards these targets, there will still be overcapacity by 2026.

The 2025 ban on sending biodegradable municipal waste to landfill means councils have had to find some other way to dispose of waste. Rather than attempting to reduce the waste through recycling and other measures, councils have signed up to expensive and lengthy incineration contracts.

It is now emerging that the amount of waste councils have agreed to supply is greater than the waste available. This means to fulfil their contracts, councils must supply huge amounts of waste to be burnt, instead of focusing on reducing and recycling.

Kim Pratt, circular economy campaigner at Friends of the Earth Scotland, said:
“The Scottish Government has unwittingly created the perfect conditions for waste management companies to make as much money as possible from keeping Scotland’s waste levels high. The ban on biodegradable waste to landfill means councils have sought alternative waste management solutions in a hurry.

“Councils have panicked and signed up to contracts that now create a conflict of interests. They are faced with choosing between helping residents reduce and recycle their waste and fulfilling the incineration contracts. Through a lack of strategic thinking, the Government and councils have ensured Scotland’s recycling targets are now much harder to achieve.

“It’s vital we stop burning our valuable resources if we are to bring down the consumption levels that are wrecking the planet. We need to see an end to new incinerators being built in Scotland, and an immediate ban on burning plastics.”

This overcapacity problem is evident at a local level, as well as a national one. Three councils in the North East of Scotland, Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray Councils, have signed a joint contract to build and supply a privately run incinerator. The NESS Energy Project is due to start operating later this year.

The incinerator has been built to take 150,000 tonnes of waste. The Environmental Statement for the project shows this was based on the amount of residual waste generated from the councils in 2016 when planning permission was granted.

However, data from SEPA shows that, even before the plant has opened, there will not be enough household residual waste to supply the plant. The 20-year contracts mean these councils will be looking for more material to burn, rather than supporting residents to reduce and recycle waste.

Scotland is now burning almost as much of its household waste as it is sending to landfill. Household waste statistics published in December show a 33.6% increase in waste being incinerated between 2019 and 2020 – that’s an extra 152,000 tonnes burnt in one year.

As well as burning valuable resources, incinerators contribute to climate change by emitting greenhouse gases from the waste they burn.

To find out more visit: www.foe.scot/campaign/plastic-pollution/incineration/

Roads, transport and parking tops the agenda for Scots

Science-based technology company 3M urges local authorities to address concerns felt by drivers, cyclists and pedestrians

 

Roads, transport and parking should be the number one agenda item for local authorities in 2022, according to almost half of residents living in Scotland (47%).

The new research from science-based technology company, 3M reveals that within the region, this is the area most in need of attention alongside housing (47%) and followed by jobs, business and investment (41%), and education (35%). 

After more time spent working, travelling and exercising close to home in the past two years, 80% of people in Britain believe the pandemic has highlighted the need for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians to be able to co-exist. However, there are specific factors preventing these groups from doing so in harmony.  

Accessibility for cyclists in Scotland

It is estimated that one in five Brits now cycle in a typical week. However, in Scotland nearly a quarter of those who already cycle (23%) say that despite having access to cycle lanes where they live, they still wouldn’t feel safe enough to travel on a bike during peak times. 

74% of this group don’t believe the right infrastructure is in place to allow them to ride safely and 62% say that their local authorities could do more to make the area more accessible to cyclists. 

Drivers vs cyclists – the perception gap

The research has brought prevalent safety concerns and the contrasting opinions of road users to the fore, particularly when it comes to motorists and cyclists. Seven in 10 (70%) cyclists worry that drivers don’t know the correct etiquette when using roads with cycle lanes in their area.

Meanwhile, only 53% of drivers confidently say that they know the latest Highway Code rules in relation to cyclists, which at the time of the study had not been updated since 2015.

Outside of lane usage, overtaking is a bone of contention for motorists and cyclists alike; 93% of drivers say they leave as much room when overtaking a cyclist as they would a car whereas 73% of cyclists say drivers pass too closely. 

In Scotland, one thing both parties do agree on is there not being clear enough road markings on cycle lanes for all road users – only 27% of motorists and 25% of cyclists feel there are clear visible markings in their area.

The lack of visual guidance could be part of the problem when it comes to navigating shared road spaces, easily improved by solutions such as better signage that incorporates retroreflective technology, while also improving education on the Highway Code.

Andy Fish, Technical Specialist for 3M Transportation Safety Division, said: “Its fantastic that investment in new cycle lanes, walkways and other infrastructure is being put to good use.

“This research shows that irrespective of mode of transport, the majority of people want to be able to share spaces with others safely, and they are looking to their local authorities for support. 

“At 3M we are actively encouraging local councils and highway authorities in Scotland to participate in a pilot scheme that would allow their communities to benefit from traffic safety solutions designed to address some of the concerns expressed by drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.” 

Drivers’ admitted lack of understanding of the Highway Code could be to blame for some of the frustrations they have towards cyclists – 86% say seeing two or more ride side-by-side is frustrating and 72% say they become frustrated simply by driving behind one. 

This is in spite of it being legal for two cyclists to ride next to each other unless on narrow or busy roads or cycling round bends, along with recent rule changes including cyclists riding alone being instructed to use the centre of the lane in slower moving traffic.

To find out more about 3M’s leading road marking and signage solutions, such as 3M Diamond Grade DG3 reflective sheeting. and 3M Stamark road marking tape, visit www.3m.co.uk.

WOW! Living Streets launches nationwide badge design competition

Pupils in Aberdeen were joined by special guests on Monday to celebrate the strides they have been making to get more active on the school run and to launch the search for the UK’s best young designers.

Cllr Malik, the Education Convener joined pupils from St Joseph’s Catholic RC Primary School in Aberdeen to hear first-hand the benefits they have experienced from walking to school.

St Joseph’s RC Primary School takes part in WOW – the walk to school challenge from Living Streets Scotland, part of the UK charity for everyday walking.

WOW is a pupil-led initiative where children self-report how they get to school every day using the interactive WOW Travel Tracker. Pupils who walk, wheel, cycle or scoot at least once a week for a month are rewarded with a badge.

Cllr Malik joined Living Streets’ mascot, Strider, to hand out WOW badges to pupils who had travelled actively this month.

Councillor M Tauqeer Malik, Aberdeen City Council’s Education Operational Delivery Convener, said: “It is wonderful to be here today to celebrate the great work that the St Joseph’s pupils and staff are doing in partnership with Living Streets and which really ties in with our priorities as a Council.

“The health and wellbeing of our children and young people is at the heart of everything we do as can be seen from our progress towards becoming a Unicef -recognised Child Friendly City and last year’s unprecedented Summer of Play which saw us provide over 15000 free bookable activity sessions as we celebrated coming out of lockdown.  

“Congratulations to everyone involved in making St Joseph’s an even healthier and happier school”.

The school event also marked the launch of Living Streets’ WOW Badge Design Competition 2022. The charity is on the hunt for the UK’s best young designers and is asking children to design the 11 badges to be awarded to pupils next academic year. This year’s theme is ‘Walk Through Time’.

Chris Thompson, School Manager, Living Streets Scotland said: “From Aberdeen to Aberystwyth, the hunt is on for the UK’s best young designers. Winners will have the pride of seeing their creations worn by pupils across Scotland, England and Wales.

“We’re encouraging pupils to stretch their imaginations and depict something from the past that they find really interesting and inspiring. This is an opportunity for originality and diversity to shine.”

To find out more about the WOW Badge Design Competition and how to enter, visit: livingstreets.org.uk/badgecomp2022

Edinburgh film-makers shortlisted in FilmG Gaelic Short Film Competition

Filmmakers taking part in this year’s prestigious Gaelic short film competition FilmG 2022 have been inspired by nature, environmental issues and the great outdoors – with many of the shortlisted films exploring these topics.

Many films followed this year’s competition theme Lorg, which means search, find or trace, it could even be interpreted as footsteps, with some shortlisted films exploring the outdoors, getting closer to nature and appreciating and protecting the environment.

Nominees have now been confirmed across 17 categories and all the shortlisted films are available to watch on the FilmG website.  

The competition received 91 entries this year, which covered various different stories and current events, and the judges had a tough job whittling down the entries over multiple days.

On the environmental theme, eponymous Uilleam Uaine (Green William) is in Staffin to help the pupils to make the right choices for the environment, in a film of the same name which was written and produced by pupils at Staffin Primary School on the Isle of Skye. It has been shortlisted as the Best Production (Under 12).

And a film by pupils at Sgoil Bhagh a’ Chaisteil on the Isle of Barra called ‘Cosgais A Churaim’, (The Cost of Caring) which looks into the effects of disposable face masks on our environment, has been nominated for Best Documentary. 

Dihaoinean airson Teachd (Fridays of the Future) tells the story of a scientist who wants to save the world with a potion she has invented to create an Eco Superhero. However, the wrong people keep drinking it! 

Made by pupils at Craighill Primary School in Tain, this film has also been shortlisted as the Best Production (Under 12).


Gaelic Medium pupils at Oban High School have been nominated for ‘GOP 26’, which is about an environmental conference GOP26 taking place in Glasgow with leaders from all over the world making speeches, but one of the speakers mysteriously goes missing. The film was shortlisted for the quality of the spoken Gaelic throughout.

Several films explore the great outdoors including a film about hillwalking and scrambling as a way to get a new perspective on the world from beyond the cold, dark glens and high above the clouds. 

Called ‘Thar Nan Sgòth – Beinn Eighe’ (Above the Clouds – Beinn Eighe) this film, made by Anndra Cuimeanach from Gairloch, has been nominated for Best Documentary and Best Young Filmmaker in the Youth Category (12-17).

Also in the Youth Category a film by Emma Rose Passmore from Harris called ‘Falaichte Ann an Roghdal’ (Hidden in Rodal) which looks at the secret history of Roghdal in Harris, has been nominated for Best Documentary and Best Young Filmmaker.

In the Open category a short documentary called ‘A’ Mhuir’ (The Sea) about wild swimming and the students at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in the Isle of Skye who take part in the sport, has been nominated for Best Film, Film Duthchais, Best Performance (Somhairle MacIain), Best Student Film and Best Director (Anna Garvin).

‘Am Buaile Dubh’ by Eòghan Stiùbhart from Inverness, which takes a look around Am Buaile Dubh on the outskirts of Inverness, has been nominated for Best Film, Film Duthchais (which translates as best heritage or community film), Best Performance (Eòghan Stiùbhart), Best Director and Best Script.

While a spoof of outdoor programmes called ‘Rachamaid’ by Ross Young from Inverurie has been shortlisted for Best Performance (Ross Young) and Best Student Film.

And ‘Eilean Lois’ (Lois’s Island) by Somhairle MacIain from Glasgow, which follows him and his girlfriend, Lois, as they cycled the Hebridean Way in the summer and he teaches her to speak Gaelic on the trip, has been shortlisted for Best Student Film.

This is just a few of an array of fantastic films by talented filmmakers, schools and community groups from across Scotland that have made it to the shortlists for the FilmG 2022 Short Film Competition. 

Karen Elder, a journalist for An Là is a Scottish Gaelic-language news programme broadcast on the Gaelic-language channel, BBC ALBA, was one of the judges this year.She said: “It was a privilege to once again be a part of the judging panel for FilmG. There was a wide variety of films entered, from strong documentaries to comedy. It was no small task.” 

You can watch shortlisted films on the FilmG website. FilmG is the Gaelic short film competition, funded by MG ALBA and delivered by Cànan Graphics Studio on the Isle of Skye.

The winners of this year’s prestigious Gaelic Short Film Competition FilmG will be revealed on BBC ALBA from 9pm on Friday, February 25 via a new, specially created, awards programme broadcast from Stornoway.

The show will be hosted by FilmG and BBC ALBA stalwarts Fiona MacKenzie and Niall Iain MacDonald.

For more information, www.filmg.co.uk 

Shortlists:

Youth (Under 12) Category

FilmmakerLocationFilmCategoryLink to FilmDescription 
Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghleann Dail (Glendale Primary School)GlasgowDeiseil neo aindeiseil?Best Film (Under 12)https://youtu.be/JXLuSzXW0lkThings go wrong when a group of pupils try and play a game of hide and seek instead of learning about it. Where did Penelope go?!
Bun-sgoil Achadh na Creige (Rockfield Primary School)ObanLorden Bino agus NedBest Film (Under 12)https://youtu.be/axhZ-LBu_ywLorden, Bino and Ned have told the dinner ladies at Rockfield Primary School that their food is not good enough and they will make school dinners better.
Sgoil Staffainn (Staffin Primary School)Isle of SkyeTearlach san EileanBest Film (Under 12)https://youtu.be/eWOxlGeXD5EPrince Charles visits Staffin
Bun-sgoil Dun Bheagan (Dunvegan Primary School)Isle of SkyeAir Chall ‘s Air LorgBest Film (Under 12)https://youtu.be/J_eMMxhCzrcWill one young girl’s conscience help her do the right thing?
Bun-sgoil Thaigh A’ Chladaich (Sandbank Primary School)DunoonCoignear Air ChallBest Production (Under 12)https://youtu.be/U2xnw4qEA5UFive Children go to Kilmun on Halloween. Did they get away safely? They met a strange family – the Adams Family!
Sgoil Staffainn (Staffin Primary School)Isle of SkyeUilleam UaineBest Production (Under 12)https://youtu.be/s4wPduOWU04Uilleam Uaine is in Staffin to help the pupils make the right choices for the environment
Bun-sgoil Cnoc na Creige (Craighill Primary School)TainDihaoinean airson TeachdBest Production (Under 12)https://youtu.be/MDHwFPaTmVMA Scientist wants to save the world with a potion she has invented – to create an Eco Superhero. However, the wrong people keep drinking it!
Bun-sgoil Ghlinn Urchadain (Glenurquhart Primary School)DrumnadrochitAn Iuchair DraoidheilBest Production (Under 12)https://youtu.be/iQm8t4qOMGMA student finds a magic key and brings it into class

Youth (12-17) Category

FilmmakerLocationFilmCategoryLink to filmDescription
Parker DawesArdnamurchanSpies-R-UsBest Film (Fluent), Best Production, Best Young Filmmaker, Best Performance (Parker Dawes)https://youtu.be/yRN6I9rNduoSeumas McGuffin, the best spy in the world and friend Iain stole a secret file from the most secure facility in Scotland. Here’s what happened.
Àrd-sgoil an Òbain (Oban High School)ObanGOP 26Best Film (Fluent)https://youtu.be/CtVGNy2PsSgGOP26 is taking place in Glasgow and world leaders are making speeches. But one of the speakers has gone missing!
Àrd-sgoil Ghearrloch (Gairloch High School)GairlochAn Sithiche Mu DheireadhBest Film (Fluent)https://youtu.be/zt9k4zzFTfgThe Gille Dubh, has lived in the Gairloch area for centuries.But after the laird had hunted him, he was not seen again … until he appeared in our own day
Finlay agus Calum MorrisonGlasgowAn Taigh-ÒstaBest Film (Fluent), Best Performance (Finlay Morrison)https://youtu.be/ziIP9d-EUg4Iain and Donald McRamsay explore the goings-on in the fictional village of “Ochanish”. There are some interesting characters staying there!
Àrd-sgoil Ile (Islay High School)IslayEasga Bhuidhe na FeidhBest Film (Learners)https://youtu.be/oARMiRNVzyQIs Easga Bhuidhe na Feidh as fearful as legend suggests? A group of Islay teenagers try to find out.
Acadamaidh Pheairt (Perth Academy)PerthAn Amaladh a ChèileBest Film (Learners)https://youtu.be/2QHIWzyBXOQA small group of pupils leaves a classroom and see a poster offering a reward for the capture of an escaped llama.
Àrd-sgoil Tobar Mhoire (Tobermory High School)MullSeumas SnasailBest Film (Learners)https://youtu.be/3gS9zxAlx7IA young girl goes to extreme lengths to meet her idol. Is meeting your heroes ever a good idea?
Acadamaidh Allt a’ Mhuilinn (Millburn Academy)InvernessFlòraidhBest Film (Learners)https://youtu.be/h12m98PjC54Can you ever be sure who you’re talking to when you meet someone online?
Àrd-sgoil Phort Rìgh (Portree High School)Isle of SkyeCuidhteasBest Production, Best Performance (Iseabail MacRae)https://youtu.be/rcEFfex-0v4Three respectable wives in the Victorian Era plan a way to find independence from their husbands
Àrd-sgoil Loch Abar (Lochaber High School)Fort WilliamGàidsear ChreutaireanBest Production, Best Performance (Calum Stewart)https://youtu.be/nZmPTyQF8IYWhen there’s something strange in your school, who will you phone? Gàidsear Chrutairean (Creature Catcher)!
Àrd-sgoil Aird nam Murchan (Ardnamurchan High School)ArdnamurchanBeatha Iain LomBest Productionhttps://youtu.be/Rfq93GwOv_sFrom birth to death- scenes from the life of one of Scotland’s best known poets.
Anndra CuimeanachGairlochThar Nan Sgòth – Beinn EigheBest Documentary, Best Young Filmmakerhttps://youtu.be/RScxxJ-3WGESometimes we have to leave the cold, dark glens and climb high above each cloud. There we get a new perspective on the world.
Emma Rose PassmoreHarrisFalaichte Ann an RoghdalBest Documentary, Best Young Filmmakerhttps://youtu.be/ejf_w648ZVYA look around the secret history of Roghdal in Harris
Keri NicIainInvernessLatha na DeuchainnBest Young Filmmakerhttps://youtu.be/bnzta6WQjLIIt’s exam day for the Gaelic pupils. This film picks up on the different types of student (and teachers) that you encounter during exams!
Sgoil Bhagh a’ ChaisteilIsle of BarraCosgais A ChuraimBest Documentaryhttps://youtu.be/_0MUTOpstAQA look into the effects of disposable face masks on our environment.
Àrd-sgoil MhicNeacail (Nicolson Institute)Isle of LewisCeannaircBest Documentaryhttps://youtu.be/hzLk-AyZRJQTwenty years after the 9/11 attacks, Nicolson Institute S3 students take a look back at history.
Sgoil Ghàidhlig GhlaschuGlagsowFo BhruidBest Performance (Shreya Saul)https://youtu.be/J99RYIxIQlYA group of friends have to follow a number of clues to find out what has happened to their missing friend.
Sgoil Ghàidhlig GhlaschuGlasgowMurt MatamataigBest Performance (Eylana McCormack)https://youtu.be/GB_UQI3E7PEWhen the maths teacher is murdered, it is up to the class to figure out who amongst them is the murderer.

Open Category

FilmmakerLocationFilmShortlisted for  
Alina BrustEdinburghAn Taigh SolaisBest Film, Best Student Film, Best Director (Alina Brust)https://youtu.be/EYN7y0ih9vYA shepherd and her sheep are trapped in a strange lighthouse.
Innes MacLeodIsle of LewisCudaigBest Film, Film Duthchais, Best Director (Innes MacLeod)https://youtu.be/BNe8wEbmbIsCudaig’s life as a Coastguard volunteer.
Cursa TBh Sabhal Mòr OstaigIsle of SkyeA’ MhuirBest Film, Film Duthchais, Best Performance (Somhairle MacIain), Best Student Film, Best Director (Anna Garvin)https://youtu.be/0VAitEe_uVEA short documentary about wild swimming and the students at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig who take part in the sport.
Eòghan StiùbhartInvernessAm Buaile DubhBest Film, Film Duthchais, Best Performance (Eòghan Stiùbhart), Best Director, Best Scripthttps://youtu.be/yeKqd4ak_0kA look around Am Buaile Dubh on the outskirts of Inverness
Ross YoungInverurieRachamaidBest Performance (Ross Young), Best Student Filmhttps://youtu.be/oxjOk9mSy6IA spoof of outdoor programmes.
Somhairle MacIainGlasgowEilean LoisBest Student Filmhttps://youtu.be/JLQZtS7A9QUIn the summer me and my girlfriend, Lois, cycled the Hebridean Way. Lois does not speak Gaelic but I try to teach her some on our trip
Comunn na GaidhligNationwideLorgan Caluim CilleFilm Duthchaishttps://youtu.be/aJkvxxkSOlAIt is the 1,500th anniversary of the birth of St Columba. The Comunn na Gàidhlig team works throughout Scotland and seven of our Iomairtean Cànain (language initiatives) looked for local links with Colmcille
Marcas Mac An TuairneirEdinburghCrò-naomhBest Performance (Marcas Mac An Tuairneir)https://youtu.be/bfDLBEPTG3IA film-poem by Marcas Mac an Tuairneir with the poem’Crò-naomh’ (‘Sacred Heart’)
Robbie MacLeodEdinburghLorganBest Performance (Robbie MacLeod), Best Scripthttps://youtu.be/iqY422knVegA film poem examining the things that go out of view, and the traces they leave behind them.
Clas Gàidhlig ChamelonFalkirkLàrach eucoir anns a’ GhearasdanBest Performance (Julia Gull), Best Scripthttps://youtu.be/R8xJpTJtuxoA crime was committed in Fort William and the neighbours are shocked. A police officer narrows down the suspects to four people and interviews them.
Cheryl Heggie School of Dance + Sìne na ScreenInvernessThòisich e le Sreothart!Best Scripthttps://youtu.be/IQ4yRWtaqbYIt started with a sneeze! The entries for the Highland dancers scatter everywhere and they end up in the wrong competitions at the Highland games

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