After over a year in and out of lockdown, many of us have turned to technology to keep ourselves entertained – from binging on hit Netflix shows such as Tiger King and Bridgerton, to making daily purchases via Amazon Prime.
But as things continue to ease up, and we edge ever closer to the Great British Summertime (and freedom!), we may be planning exciting days out with friends and family – many of whom we haven’t seen in several months, or even a year!
Before you step outside and enjoy the sunshine, take a moment to check around the home for any appliances which may be on standby. Doing could save you £30 a year – not bad!
Debra Clason, Hub Manager at the Utilita Energy Hub in Leith, Edinburgh, has shared her top tips for saving energy during this time:
Dust off the clothes horse
As the days get warmer, pull out the clothes horse from the back of the cupboard and dry freshly washed items quickly in the sun without the need of the tumble-dryer.
Check your heating
When the weather heats up, check your heating and make sure it’s either off because it’s warm enough outside, or that it set lower to save you in the long run.
Stay cool with cross ventilation
Create a cool breeze through the home by opening a window at the font and another at the back, to let air free flow through rooms – and save the fan until things really heat up!
Make the most of the great outdoors
As the weather improves after being cooped up inside for several months, make the most out of the great outdoors. Less time in the home enjoying ourselves means less energy used.
Debra comments: “Our research reveals on average, British homes have 10 unused items plugged in and switched on at any time. Across the UK’s millions of homes, those with at least one TV waste a staggering £432 million on unnecessary energy every year by leaving the set on standby.
“By simply switching your appliances off at the power source after using them, you could save £30 a year.”
“Find other tips on how you could save £163 each year on energy bills with our Energy High 5 movement.”
£17,000 will go towards 25 bikes for campus-to-campus travel
Edinburgh Napier students and staff who are interested in taking up cycling are set for increased support thanks to a £17,000 funding boost from Cycling Scotland.
Over the last few years, the University has been working hard to encourage cycling to campus, including offering free bike maintenance sessions and security marking, repair workshops at student accommodation, led rides and more.
Both Sighthill and Merchiston have been awarded Cycle Friendly Campus status from Cycling Scotland, and this latest funding will go towards offering even more support to students and staff who cycle, or want to cycle.
The funding includes £16,496.25 from the Cycling Scotland Campus Development Fund for 25 bikes, locks, helmets, high-visibility jackets and bike marking security kits. This will allow the University to develop its own bike-lending scheme and allow students and staff to borrow the equipment they need to get to and from campus, as well as around Edinburgh itself.
The University has also received £500 from the Cycling Scotland Cycle Friendly Internship Fund for cycle ride leader training and Dr Bike sessions.
The cycle ride training will allow volunteers to host led rides around the city, a great way to encourage new cyclists to get to grips and gain confidence, as well as encouraging sustainable travel and the benefits to both physical and mental wellbeing.
Dr Bike sessions have enjoyed great success over recent years, with students and staff taking the opportunity to get their bikes checked and minor repairs carried out for free.
Ben Standish, Edinburgh Napier Campus Cycling Officer, said: “After a difficult year of being stuck indoors for many of us, this is really fantastic news for the students and staff of Edinburgh Napier.
“Cycling can have a huge range of benefits; it’s affordable, healthy and has been proven to support wellbeing and productivity. We hope the new bikes can benefit some of our students who do not already have access to a bicycle whilst providing a resource for staff and students to run social events.
“Cycling Scotland’s support for bike maintenance sessions and cycle training will add that little bit of extra support which could be the difference of whether someone continues to cycle and cycles safely.
“What’s even more exciting is that we are developing a relationship with VieVelo and the Edinburgh All-Ability Bike Centre who have a range of adapted bikes and ensure that cycling is something everyone can enjoy. If there any Edinburgh Napier students or staff that want to know more about how we are helping our community cycle, I would be more than happy to have a chat.”
Jayne Brown, Development Officer Education, Cycling Scotland, said: “We are delighted to have awarded Edinburgh Napier University funding to increase their current fleet of pool bikes.
“The goal of the Cycling Friendly Campus programme is to make it easier for students and staff to cycle. We achieve this by offering development grant funding for colleges and universities to make improvements to cycling facilities, and support and guidance to achieve a nationally-recognised award.
“Encouraging cycling and improving accessibility to bikes on campus will help to promote cycling as a healthy and sustainable travel option for students and staff.”
The funding news was also welcomed by Edinburgh Napier Students’ Association President, Ankit Duggal. He said: “I am glad to find out about funding from Cycling Scotland, which will provide a great opportunity for students to hire bikes, get some assistance with equipment such as locks, lights, helmets and some Dr Bike sessions to get small repairs.
“As student president, I have tried to promote this project to the university leadership team as well. It will definitely benefit the students to access the active transport which will help them to have some exercise and better physical alongside mental health.
“It is also another way to support climate change by following a greener approach to travelling. Cycling is important for the students and for the University also, to abide by the practice that they advocate to encourage others.”
A new guide highlights that biodiversity should be considered at the earliest stages of planning new home developments to encourage wildlife and help reverse habitat decline.
Climate change and the decline of wildlife are the great challenges of our time which, combined with Government demands for greatly increased housing supply, are creating a balancing act which housebuilders and developers must consider in all its aspects. Sustainability must be a key consideration in housing developments ensuring a positive impact on wildlife and the adoption of nature-based solutions.
Much of the focus on sustainable housing in recent years has been in reducing carbon emissions, but the coronavirus pandemic has placed emphasis on caring for local wildlife.
· The majority of house-buyers say the pandemic has highlighted the need for more nature-rich green space.
· The UK Prime Minister recently said he will make “tackling climate change and biodiversity loss” the government’s “number one international priority”.
58% of UK species have declined over the last 50 years, and urbanisation is considered one of the key reasons why.
The National House Building Council (NHBC) Foundation has partnered with the RSPBand Barratt Developments to produce guidance on how the housebuilding industry can incorporate green infrastructure into new build homes and enhance and protect biodiversity within developments to help deliver wider public health benefits.
The new report Biodiversity in new housing developments: creating wildlife-friendly communities has just been launchedproviding guidance on planning for beautiful places, key topics include:
· Implementing Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) which mimic natural processes in managing rainfall through the use of landscape form and vegetation
· Installing roost bricks for bats and designing lighting plans in a bat-friendly way
· Putting in bird nest bricks that provide permanent nest features for declining species such as swifts
· Ensuring boundaries enable hedgehogs to move freely through a housing development.
Beccy Speight, CEO, RSPB said:“The housebuilding industry is uniquely placed in having an opportunity to create not just sustainable houses, but new, sustainable communities, where people thrive alongside wildlife.
“This guide is a great introduction to the principles and practicalities of creating wildlife-friendly communities and a great addition to the sustainable housing toolkit.
“I hope that the industry will embrace it and help to drive positive change. We all have our part to play as we seek to revive our world.”
Richard Smith, NHBC’s Head of Standards, InnovationandResearch said:“In a year so focused on health, this report is a timely reminder of the many benefits nature can provide when successfully integrated into new homes and developments.
“As we head towards COP26, we want to support those in the housing and construction sector to think more about how they can better integrate biodiversity and climate resilience into new home developments to help to achieve the country’s climate change goals and improve health and wellbeing in local communities.
“Biodiversity Net Gain will soon become mandatory in England so there’s no excuse not to start looking at these issues now.”
We’re flushing away or binning an astonishing 11 billion wet wipes every year which can take up to 100 years to biodegrade.
BusinessWaste.co.uk, waste management specialists, are concerned about the volume of waste being created by the number of makeup wipes and says that women and men across their country need to change their ways.
“Makeup wipes are the quickest and cheapest way to remove makeup on the market, but this doesn’t mean they’re the best option for the environment,” says Mark Hall, company spokesman.
But as global sales of all wet wipes are set to hit £16 billion by 2021, it’s time to scrub away our nations unhealthy habits of using makeup wipes, he says.
Time to clean up
We all know that using makeup wipes is bad for the environment, but because they’re an incredibly convenient way to remove makeup, it’s easy to convince yourself that one wipe a day won’t cause too much damage.
Millions of consumers rely on makeup wipes as they promise to wash away the day in seconds using just one product, making them cost effective and a low maintenance part of their daily routines.
But despite the plush cotton feel makeup wipes have on your face, they actually contain a mix of plastic fibres such as polyester and polypropylene which prevent them from biodegrading.
BusinessWaste.co.uk warns that they break down into micro-plastics and smaller fibres which will end up polluting the oceans and entering the food chain.
“With such a high number of wipes being used, there’s a lot of single-use plastic coming into the world,” says spokesperson Mark Hall, “the only way to prevent this happening is to stop using them.”
To add to the damage, makeup wipes and other wet wipes are not recyclable, meaning that the only way they can be properly disposed of is to put them into your rubbish bin.
“For heavens sake do not flush makeup wipes down the toilet,” warns Mark Hall, “you’ll only break your toilet and block up the sewers. You don’t want poo flooding your bathroom, do you?”
“I know it’s hard to get hold of toilet paper at the moment, but this is not the answer.”
With 9.3 million wet wipes being flushed down the loo every day, they account for a staggering 93% of all sewer blockages, and makeup wipes are a big contribution to this problem.
BusinessWaste.co.uk explain that flushing anything other than toilet paper down the loo could add to ‘fatbergs’ in the sewers, which are caused by a build-up of fat and non-biodegradable materials such as wet wipes, which can lead to sewers blocking or overflowing.
Fortunately, several brands are leading the way, such as high street store Holland & Barrett pledging to remove all wet wipes from their stores***, and brand Huggies aiming to remove all plastics from their wipes in the next five years.****
“Thank god people are taking action, otherwise our entire planet is going to be covered in a layer of makeup wipes,” says Hall, “imagine a squishy wet wipe mush underfoot everywhere you go. Yuck.”
What alternatives are there?
With many people knowing that makeup wipes are bad news for the environment, alternative ways to remove makeup are becoming increasingly popular, so why isn’t everyone is making the change?
“I’ll admit, I buy the cheap makeup wipes from the supermarket, but then I end up using 4 instead of 1,” says shopper Heidi in Lancaster, “but I still think it’s cheaper than whatever else is out there.”
Makeup wipes can cost as little as a pound for a pack, whereas plastic free alternatives can cost ten times that, so it’s easy to see why people are finding it hard to make the switch.
We’ve put together a list of inexpensive alternatives to help people cut down on makeup wipe use.
Try one of the many cleansers such as micellar water available on the market with a flannel, a bottle can last for ages, and the flannel is washable
Invest in a washable makeup remover cloth which only needs to be run under a tap before use. It can be chucked in your washing machine when you’ve used it, which over time will be much cheaper than restocking on makeup wipes
Use a gentle soap and some water and little bit of arm power
Stop wearing makeup every day, saves on wipes and saves you money! This is the ideal lockdown solution
Ultimately, we need to get people to realise that makeup wipes are a single-use plastic, like carrier bags and straws, says company spokesman Mark Hall.
“If people can take their own bags to the supermarket, then they can wipe out the wet wipe.”
Today, we are delighted to announce that we have received a firm commitment from The Scottish Government for upgrades to seven Wastewater Treatment Works, including Blackburn WwTW, to meet tighter discharge limits for nutrients and reduce spills from six associated combined sewer overflows.
These agreed plans to Scottish Water assets will improve the water quality to good status on the River Almond by 2027, in line with the Water Framework Directive.
We are delighted to continue to work constructively with Forth Rivers Trust, Veolia, SEPA, Scottish Water, West Lothian Council, local councillors and politicians, but most importantly local communities and community groups along our river for a cleaner, healthier and swimmable River Almond.
We will confirm further details of the works and planned timeframes when we know more.Together, we will #StopTheSewage#CleanRiverPledge
Over the weekend of 24th-25th April, volunteers from Greenpeace Edinburgh Group took part in a nationwide protest calling for the UK Government to ensure our oceans are off-limits to deep sea mining.
Volunteers photographed home-made banners at Portobello Beach. These images, along with hundreds of others from across the country, will be sent directly to Government to make it clear that people across the UK do not support plans to rip up the ocean floor for profit.
Ian from Leith said: “On Sunday, I joined volunteers from Greenpeace Edinburgh Group to take photos with ourbanner reading “Deep Sea Mining = Deep Trouble” at Seafield Beach in Edinburgh.
“The deep sea might seem a world away from Edinburgh, but in the year that the UK hosts the UN climate negotiations, we have a chance to prevent the needless destruction of our oceans. We’re sending a message to the UK Government that they need to take ocean protection seriously, and end their support for deep sea mining.
“Edinburgh Group has been campaigning for years for oceans protection, such as by hosting a photo exhibition last year to showcase the beauty of our oceans.“
This nationwide banner protest is the latest step in the campaign to protect our oceans. Earlier this month, Edinburgh Group hosted online screenings of Greenpeace’s docu-series Ocean Witness, and hundreds of people tweeted the Foreign Office Minister Zac Goldsmith about the need for a strong Global Ocean Treaty.
Greenpeace activists also recently held protests around the world, in the Pacific Ocean they displayed a banner in front of a ship chartered by DeepGreen, one of the companies spearheading the drive to mine this precious ecosystem.
Volunteers simultaneously carried out a peaceful protest in San Diego, USA, targeting a ship chartered by Belgian company Global Sea Mineral Resources (GSR). Then on 22nd April, activists again targeted GSR as they conducted deep sea mining tests, writing RISK in approximately 2 metre high letters across the side of the ship.
During these tests, Greenpeace documented large patches of sediment rising to the surface, indicating significant disturbance to the sea bed.
Deep sea mining would involve sending huge industrial machinery to the fragile ecosystems in the depths of the oceans, many of which are less well understood than the surface of Mars.
It would undermine the livelihoods of many people in Pacific Island communities, by threatening fish stocks, and risks disturbing carbon storage in the deep ocean. We need to protect at least 30% of our oceans by 2030, and make sure governments urgently agree to a Global Ocean Treaty that can create a global network of ocean sanctuaries where marine life can thrive.
The Government’s review into deep sea mining will conclude in July. Despite the UK being a major player in this area, little is known about this murky industry. One of the three largest corporations who work on deep sea mining is UK Seabed Resources Ltd, a subsidiary of US weapons giant Lockheed Martin.
Instead of allowing the exploitation of our oceans, or unsustainable land-based mineral extraction, governments need to prioritize resource efficiency, and a transition to a circular economy, whereby resource usage is reduced and metals already in circulation are reused and recycled.
Ian continued: “Rather than a handful of companies exploiting the deep sea for profit, we need to prioritize reusing resources and moving to a sustainable, circular economy.
“I don’t want the phone I use, the battery in my electric car, or the chips in my computer to be there as a result of damage to such a precious and beautiful ecosystem.”
Join us at our next Group meeting to hear more about our Protect the Oceans campaign, and how you can get involved:
A project to roll out secure on-street cycle parking across Edinburgh will be boosted with an additional 1200 spaces over the next two years, subject to funding, in response to increasing demand.
Contractors Cyclehoop Ltd began installing covered bike storage containers around the city in January 2019, with the intention of providing and maintaining 180 units – equating to 1080 bike parking spaces – over their five-year contract.
By creating safe, accessible ground-level storage for bikes, particularly in tenemental areas, the scheme aims to encourage people to take up cycling as a convenient form of transport.
So far 108 units have been installed, which have an occupancy rate of around 91% (591 users) and 476 people on the waiting list for a space. Requests have also been received for units at 206 new locations, with around 14 requests received every week.
As a result, last Thursday’s Transport and Environment Committee approved proposals to increase the scope of the contract with Cyclehoop to add an additional 50 locations (100 units) per year over the next two years to the programme, subject to match-funding by Sustrans. This would provide 1200 extra spaces – more than double the number currently being introduced.
Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “The demand for bike parking in Edinburgh demonstrates the increasing popularity of cycling, and the positive impact it can have on health, travel costs and the environment. I’m delighted that we’re now going to be able to double the secure cycle storage units being installed across the city, subject to funding.
“When this project was first approved, it aimed to resolve issues around theft and the storage of bikes in stairwells, in turn making cycling a more attractive, convenient way to travel.
“Over the past year we’ve seen so many people realising the benefits of cycling, and I hope this decision will encourage even more people to take it up.”
Councillor Karen Doran, Transport and Environment Vice Convener, said: “We know that living in a flat or small house can be a barrier to owning and storing a bike, which is why we began installing secure cycle storage in 2019.
“The take-up so far has been fantastic, and we’re constantly hearing from people who would like a unit in their neighbourhood. So it’s great that we’ll now be able to roll the scheme out further, in a fair and inclusive way.”
All new requests for bike parking are being recorded in a system set up to cross reference their locations against the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD). This allows the council to pay extra attention to requests for units in areas lower down the SIMD, helping to balance these with requests from more affluent areas of the city, where residents tend to be more engaged with Council projects.
Transport and Environment Committee first approved the introduction of secure cycle parking in 10 to 15 locations (20 to 30 units) per year, over a three-year period, in 2016, following a successful trial.
The scope of the scheme was doubled and accelerated to be completed over a two-year period in 2018. A five-year contract was subsequently awarded to Cyclehoop Ltd to supply, install and maintain the units.
Cycle storage costs users £6 a month, in addition to an initial deposit and each container holds six spaces.
Call for more organisations to sign up and tackle climate change
Organisations across the Edinburgh are being urged to add their support to a citywide Climate Compact, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing the climate emergency.
Ten of Edinburgh’s most significant employers from across the public and private sectors have already committed to the Edinburgh Climate Compact, promising to make changes within their own organisations and sectors which support the city’s ambition of net zero by 2030.
Established by the Edinburgh Climate Commission, the Compact signifies a commitment by organisations to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions through their operations, influence and leadership, transport and buildings.
Work continues through the Edinburgh Climate Commission to engage with businesses across the capital and encourage more organisations to sign up.
The Climate Compact commits signatories to 16 actions which will lead to clear change within their business practices, including:
Publicising what action each signatory is currently taking to address climate change. This includes the disclosure of current emission levels and publishing plans for how they plan to reduce carbon emissions.
Committing to retrofitting owned buildings and decarbonising operations to become more energy efficient and sustainable.
Prioritising active and sustainable travel in their workforce and investing in a switch to zero-emissions company owned vehicles.
Providing training for staff to develop their awareness and understanding of climate change and changes in their behaviour which could lead to a reduction in emissions.
Commissioner Clare Foster, who led the Climate Compact workstream for the Climate Commission, said:“The Edinburgh Climate Compact represents a significant step forward on the path to a new normal of sustainable business practice in a thriving green city.
“With COP26 set to take place in Scotland later this year, there never has been a better time to take stock of what kind of city we want to be, both for ourselves now and as a legacy for generations to come.
“It has been hugely encouraging to see this level of collaboration between different sectors and organisations of this size in Scotland when reducing emissions. I hope this in turn encourages other businesses and organisations to show their support and sign up to the Compact and help make a collective difference to Edinburgh’s emissions.
The Edinburgh Climate Commission will continue to provide oversight and direction to the Climate Compact.
Changeworks Chief Executive, Teresa Bray said:“Cutting carbon is at the heart of what Changeworks has done for over 30 years, and key to this is leading by example.
“We are always looking for new ways to reduce our own carbon footprint and look forward to working with the Edinburgh Climate Commission in the lead up to COP26 and beyond.”
Edinburgh Airport Chief Executive, Gordon Dewar said:“We all have a responsibility to protect our climate and whether we are acting as an individual, as a business or as a collective of organisations, the goal is to become as sustainable as possible and promote Edinburgh’s proactive approach to others.
“Emissions are just one part of the wider sustainability goal and by working together to reduce them, we can work together to preserve the fantastic city that we call home. We are proud to be part of the Edinburgh Climate Compact and the airport’s forthcoming sustainability strategy will further cement our commitment to improvement and change.”
Shepherd and Wedderburn Managing Partner, Andrew Blain, said:“We are proud to have been one of the first signatories to the Edinburgh Climate Compact, which we hope will promote radical action on climate change across the Scottish capital and provide a model for effective public and private sector collaboration that others can follow.
“Shepherd and Wedderburn is committed to supporting a green recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. We look forward to playing our part and working with the other Compact City Climate Champions to effect change and help Edinburgh achieve its net zero ambitions.”
SP Energy Networks, Chief Operating Officer Guy Jefferson, said:“Our power networks are an important enabler when it comes to Net Zero.
“We’re already investing £7bn to increase capacity on our electricity network and ensure it is ready to accommodate the added demands of electric vehicles and decarbonised heating, therefore facilitating a safe, sustainable, low carbon energy system for the benefit of current and future generations alike.
“There is a real opportunity for businesses to lead by example and demonstrate how we’re making the transition to a cleaner and greener future a reality. That’s why we’re phasing out fossil fuels by electrifying our own commercial fleet and taking steps to manage our waste more efficiently both in the City of Edinburgh and across Central Scotland.
“We know that even the smallest changes can make a big difference if we all pull in the same direction.”
“We’re delighted to join the Edinburgh Climate Compact. Net Zero is the prism through which we take our business decisions, and that has been a profound change. It’s a key reason for us becoming a Principal Partner of the COP26 global climate change conference being held in Scotland later this year. By working together, we can deliver the cleaner, greener and better future we all want, quicker.”
Politicians urged to support investment to create over 13,000 green jobs
Local campaigners have urged all Edinburgh and Lothians candidates in the upcoming Scottish Parliament election to support much needed investment in key sectors to create green jobs as part of our economic recovery all while cutting our climate emissions.
New research shows that over 13,000 jobs could be created in Edinburgh across green infrastructure and care work in just two years.
The call comes after new research from Green New Deal UK revealed at least 130,000 green jobs can be created across Scotland. Campaigners highlight how this will help us deal with the current job insecurity many citizens face, but only if the government invests in key areas including care work and renewable energy.
The analysis maps out the huge jobs potential in sectors like solar energy, offshore wind, social care and energy efficiency – all of which are essential to Scotland meeting its national and international climate targets.
The data, compiled by Green New Deal UK, shows:
· 130,000 jobs could be created across Scotland in the next two years.
· 60,000 jobs could be created in care work, looking after people in our communities.
· 62,000 jobs could be created in building the green infrastructure needed to reduce climate emissions, including in renewable energy, construction and transport.
Laurie Dewar, a Green New Deal organiser in Edinburgh, said: “Our research shows that you can reduce unemployment and create jobs whilst tackling climate change at the same time. Politicians have the power capitalise on this opportunity and help their constituents.
“As a young person I know that now is the time in which my future is decided, and I want a world in which my decisions will not be dictated by ecological chaos.
“Considering the irrevocable damage climate change will do to the places we live and love, the global health and humanitarian crises it will spark, and the working solutions that we know can be adopted, we must come to a consensus to act.
“I see real power in our collective desire to live in a safer world and a key example is the public’s display of solidarity and connection throughout the pandemic. Walking down the streets now it is still easy to find rainbows lining the windows one year on: a symbol of our desire to create brightness in the dark. We can do that here as well. Out of the ashes of these twin issues can we form a better society.”
Ryan Morrison, Just Transition Campaigner at Friends of the Earth Scotland, commented: “The next Scottish Parliament must put people and climate action at the heart of decisions they make about the economy.
“Thousands of green jobs can be created by making bus travel free for everyone, scaling up renewable energy whilst ensuring that people in Scotland are reaping the benefits, and planning for a fair transition away from fossil fuels.
“We also need to broaden our understanding of what makes a job green. A truly green economy will see a myriad of retrofitters, carers, bike couriers and teachers, up and down the country, all working towards transforming our economy.
“There are opportunities in every part of Scotland that can support our recovery from the pandemic while tackling our emissions in tandem. It is imperative that new MSPs are focused on turning the potential opportunity shown in this research into quality jobs on the ground.”
Campaigners highlight how almost one in five children in Edinburgh live in poverty – most to adults in paid employment – showing the clear need more good jobs. In a world facing a climate crisis any good job must be green and sustainable, but they can also help revitalise our capital and create a society to be proud of.
Councillors have agreed a plan to install temporary public toilets in busy parks and other ‘hotspot’ areas like the Meadows and Portobello on the understanding that funding is approved by Council next week.
This will help to meet increased demand over the summer months as more people enjoy the outdoors in the warmer weather as the city eases out of lockdown.
An additional £450,000 from COVID funds, if approved, will fund the project.
A list of the exact locations for the toilets is being compiled and will be publicised so people know where they are when complete. The project will ensure toilets provided also meet accessibility needs.
A plan for new and improved permanent public toilets across the Capital, following a review of existing facilities, was also approved by members of the Transport and Environment Committee, on the basis that funding can be identified.
The plan is to build new public toilets in popular parks such as Inverleith and Leith Links and in premier parks where provision already exists the toilets will be upgraded to meet modern hygiene standards.
Consultation will also be carried out with community groups in these and other areas such as Colinton, where the community may already be progressing their own projects.
The plan also includes more modern facilities being built in ‘local town centres’ as part of the development of new Council hubs.
The review found providing purpose-built toilet blocks with small cafes in local town centres would provide unnecessary additional competition to local businesses and so councillors have approved new facilities being provided in the multi-service ‘hubs’ being created as part of the ‘20 minute’ neighbourhood approach.
This will be particularly beneficial to disabled and elderly residents looking to access Council services.
Improved signage to major travel hubs, which all have public toilets, is also being considered as part of the plans.
The community toilets scheme will also continue when COVID guidance allows and communications will be improved to make sure people know where they are.
In the longer-term, payment to businesses to open their toilets for general public use will be phased out as provision across the city improves.
There are currently seven public toilets open at busy ‘hot spots’ and reopening the Council’s other permanent facilities will remain under review and they will reopen when practicable and when public health guidance allows.
Cllr Lesley Macinnes, Environment Convener, said: “As we ease out of lockdown over the next few months outdoor recreation and meetings will become even more important for people, particularly during spells of warmer weather.
“We recognise that an increased number of public toilets is going to be needed to allow residents and visitors to stay longer to enjoy our beautiful parks, beaches and other open spaces. There have been reports of people toileting in and around these areas and I really hope that providing additional temporary facilities, if funding is approved, helps to put a stop to that.”
Cllr Karen Doran, Environment Vice-Convener, said: “We’re very proud of our beautiful parks and beaches, which are particularly busy during periods of warmer weather and I’m really pleased we’ve managed to find funding which now just needs to be approved to help ease the situation with more people meeting and exercising outdoors.
“To make our stunning city even more welcoming and accessible going foward, we’ll try to find the funding we need to allow us to initially focus on improving facilities in premier parks on a permanent basis.
“We’re already planning for ‘hubs’ in our town centres as part of ’20 minute communities’ and accessible, clean modern toilets as part of these ‘hubs’ is the best solution for local provision going forward.”
