It’s well known that leaving the car at home and wheeling out the bike instead saves carbon emissions being released into the atmosphere.
Due to lockdown, more people in Edinburgh have been opting for two wheels instead of four, with demand for bikes on the rise. This has led to people searching out an even more planet friendly option – a second-hand bike.
The Bike Station in Edinburgh adapted its operations during the coronavirus pandemic, bringing in new procedures to ensure they were able to continue to serve the local communities. It’s Hero Bikes scheme offered free bikes to NHS staff and other key workers. The bikes are checked and, where required, refurbished in line with high quality and safety standards before going on the shop floor.
Awarded by Zero Waste Scotland, the Revolve certification is Scotland’s quality guarantee for pre-loved items. It gives shoppers the confidence that they will receive quality products and excellent customer service.
Catherine Bozec, Consumer Campaigns Manager for Zero Waste Scotland, said:“It’s great to see more Scots are purchasing pre-loved bikes. By shopping second-hand, we reduce the volume of new products that need to be created, meaning fewer greenhouse gas and carbon creating processes take place.
“We must reduce our carbon footprint before it’s too late and shopping second-hand supports that. Buying a bike at a Revolve certified store instead of new reduces your carbon footprint and supports local charities and social enterprises. It really is a win-win.”
Research by Zero Waste Scotland shows that if all bikes in the country were purchased second-hand, it would save a total of 23,400 tonnes of carbon emissions, which is the equivalent of taking 12,000 cars off the road for one year.
Manufacturing new products, whether it’s a bike or a book, leads to more planet-warming carbon emissions. Around four fifths of Scotland’s carbon footprint is attributed to the new products and materials we buy and use. Reducing the demand for new bikes by reusing ones already in existence will protect natural resources and reduce emissions.
Over 5000 bicycles were bought in Revolve certified second-hand stores across Scotland over 2019 and 2020, contributing to a carbon saving of over 600 tonnes. The saving, which is compared to buying new, is the equivalent of taking 321 cars off the road for a year.
For anyone wishing to find out more about Revolve, please visit the website for a list of stores and contact details: www.revolvereuse.com
88% of Edinburgh residents agree we all have a ‘responsibility to cut down on waste at Christmas’
A survey for Zero Waste Scotland has revealed that more than four out of five people in Edinburgh and Lothian (88%) agree we all have a responsibility to cut down on waste over Christmas.
The poll, carried out by Survation¹, also found 68% of respondents in the region plan on minimising their waste in comparison with other years, while nearly three in five (59%) were concerned about the environmental impacts of buying new items over the festive period.
With Christmas so often associated with excess and many preparing for an unusual festive period filled with firsts, Zero Waste Scotland has launched its #ChristmasTrimmings campaign to help Scots with practical ideas and tips on small changes to cut their carbon footprint and have a more sustainable season.
Asking for a second-hand gift is just one of the ways Scots could turn the tables on a wasteful Christmas and keep the joy of the festive season.
In answer to the question, ‘Would you consider buying a second-hand gift for a friend or family member this year?’, 38% of Lothian residents surveyed said ‘Yes’, with 47% answering ‘No’. Previous research has indicated four fifths of Scots would be happy to receive a pre-loved gift², so the opportunity is there to ask for second-hand.
Jenny Fraser, consumer campaigns manager at Zero Waste Scotland, said:“There are many small steps we can take in the festive period that can cut down on waste and carbon emissions. It is wonderful that such a high percentage of people agree that we need to cut down on waste and that many recognise the environmental implication of buying new.
“Four fifths of our carbon emissions as a country are linked to the products we consume, through the production, manufacture and transport of materials. We need to reduce this significantly if we are going to address the climate crisis.
“Buying second hand avoids the emissions associated in creating the equivalent items as new. Whilst almost half of people in Scotland say they wouldn’t consider purchasing a pre-loved gift, there are very good environmental reasons for doing so and previous research shows four out of five Scots would be happy to receive such a gift.”
Research from Zero Waste Scotland shows most Scots would be happy to receive a pre-loved gift – but many would be unlikely to buy one for someone else². Why not turn that around this year by asking gift-givers (and Santa) to shop second-hand – either in person where Scottish Government coronavirus guidance allows or on online auction sites likes Gumtree and eBay?
Give a gift that keeps on giving
Subscriptions, donations and sponsorship are a great way to share the love without the ‘stuff’ – and support a good cause. Why not invest in a streaming platform like Netflix for the movie buff in your life, subscribe to a comic or magazine, sponsor an animal, or donate to a charity close to a loved one’s heart?
Make your own wrapping paper
With Scots using upwards of 19,000 miles of wrapping paper in previous years, a DIY effort could be a fun way to cut your carbon footprint down to size. Why not use kids’ drawings to wrap gifts, or if you have received a delivery recently jazz up the brown paper it was stuffed with? Just remember to avoid glitter and foil as paper mixed with these can’t be recycled.
Have a ‘Christmas dinner conference’
We all know how hard it can be to please everyone, so with smaller gatherings this year it’s the perfect time to get everyone involved in planning the Christmas shopping list. Whether you’re hosting an extended household (following Scottish Government coronavirus guidance) or just the immediate family, why not start a conversation about what you’ll eat come Christmas? Planning ahead will help you buy only what you need and stop good food going to waste.
Zero Waste Scotland is encouraging Scots to start a new, sustainable Christmas tradition that keeps the joy of Christmas without the waste, and to share it on social media using the hashtag #ChristmasTrimmings.
For more information or suggestions on ways to reduce your waste visit zws.scot/christmastrimmings
Reusable face covering workshop from Zero Waste Scotland
Scots are being urged to ‘choose to reuse’ to protect our beautiful landscape from littered face coverings.
In the next phase of its campaign Face It – Reuse Beats Single-use, which aims to persuade Scots to choose reusable face coverings over disposable ones, Zero Waste Scotland is laying on a virtual workshop to show the nation how to make their own.
The environment body has teamed up with Keep Scotland Beautiful and the Marine Conservation Society to persuade Scots to choose reusable face coverings to protect our environment and is calling on those keen to be more conscious in their choice of protective wear to sign up for this free event.
Supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) the virtual workshop will take place on Friday 11 December.
It will see upcycling expert Rose Hall of Edinburgh-based charity EcoArt lead participants through a series of simple steps to create a bespoke face covering from old or unwanted fabric most of us will have at home – from an old shirt or pillowcase to a pair of pyjamas.
Hosted by Zero Waste Scotland’s consumer waste prevention project manager, Miriam Adcock, the tutorial will also feature opportunities for questions and chat on how to be more sustainable at home – including some ideas for less-waste Christmas gifts.
Miriam (above) said:“Sadly, littered single-use face coverings are among the items increasingly being seen discarded on Scotland’s beaches, in parks and in urban areas. In fact, recent data from the Marine Conservation Society showed Covid-related litter like face coverings and gloves turned up on nearly a quarter of Scotland’s beaches.
“What’s more, used disposable coverings have been found contaminating council recycling collections – costing money to deal with that could be better spent on other priorities and potentially resulting in recyclable material ending up in landfill.
“There’s a simple solution to all of this. Choosing a reusable face covering is better for both purse and planet, with fabric face covering users estimated to save around £180 a year compared to those using disposable options for daily use.
“They’re also really easy and fun to make – and I would encourage anyone interested to sign up to our workshop and have a go.”
Among those getting behind reusable face coverings are children from Langlees Primary School in Falkirk. Pupils in primary six have designed reusable coverings made from the school’s purple tartan to be sold in aid of local charity Langlees Food Provision.
Victoria Smith, primary six class teacher at Langlees, said:“The children are so passionate about this campaign and they have been involved in all aspects of planning from ordering the material, calculating costs, designing the poster to writing the script for the advert.
“As a school we are working towards gaining our Gold Rights Respecting School Award after receiving our Silver award earlier this year. By choosing a food provision charity we are including the global goal of poverty as well as climate change.
“I am so proud of all the children’s hard work and their commitment to this cause.”
Zero Waste Scotland’s reusable face covering workshop with EcoArt will take place online on Friday 11 December from 2 to 2.30pm. To find out more or to sign up for the event, visit https://zws.scot/facecoveringworkshop .
Zero Waste Scotland leads on the delivery of the Resource Efficient Circular Economy Accelerator Programme, which will invest £27million in Scotland in circular economy projects until December 2020 thanks to support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
YouGov poll shows impact on marine environment and litter as top concerns
A survey has revealed the concern Edinburgh residents have around single-use plastic items and packaging – and more than three quarters of people (77%) living in Edinburgh and Lothian¹ would support introducing charges, similar to the carrier bag charge, to cut down their use.
The poll for Zero Waste Scotland highlights that reducing litter was cited by 89% of those backing an additional charge as the reason for their support. This was followed by reducing harm to the marine environment (88%) and to help stop/reduce climate change (82%).
Other views included conserving natural resources (80%) and to protect biodiversity (76%).
The survey, carried out by YouGov, comes as the Scottish Government consults on it’s latest steps to reduce the use of single-use items and introduce market restrictions on items most commonly found on beaches in Europe, including plastic cutlery and plastic straws.
Iain Gulland, Zero Waste Scotland chief executive, said:“It is clear from these results that people are worried about the impact single-use plastic items have on our environment.
“These items can last for decades and the damage they can cause to wildlife is shocking. We have to find ways to cut down the stream of items we are sending into what should be pristine habitats and the consultation offers a valuable way for people to contribute to the discussion around market restrictions.”
Views are being sought on the introduction of new legislation to restrict the supply of single-use plastic plates, plastic straws, plastic cutlery, expanded polystyrene food and drink containers, beverage stirrers, plastic balloon sticks and products made from oxo-degradable plastics. Reusable alternatives would continue to be widely available.
These are the most common items found on European beaches and were identified in the EU Single Plastics Directive as contributing the majority share of litter found in the marine environment. The Marine Conservation Society’s 2020 Great British Beach Clean reported an average over 100m of beach surveyed in Scotland 297.9 items of litter (of which 183.6 were plastic items). Six of the top 10 items found are recognised under the EU Single use plastic directive.
Catherine Gemmell, Scotland conservation officer for the Marine Conservation Society, said:“Our volunteers have been on the frontline dealing with single-use plastic and other litter washing up on beaches around Scotland for over two decades. We have to stop single-use plastic at its source.
“It’s encouraging to see so many people in this survey link the single-use plastic issue to the negative impact it has on Scottish seas and wildlife. Now, we’re asking them to go one step further and respond to the Scottish Government consultation and add their support for banning several single-use plastic items.
“We hope the Scottish Government will take swift action and bring in further measures to move Scotland towards a circular economy where nothing is wasted or thrown away, negatively impacting our seas and beaches.”
Barry Fisher, CEO of Keep Scotland Beautiful, said:“Single-use plastic items are extremely damaging to our environment, blighting our landscapes as litter, polluting our rivers and seas, and contributing to higher greenhouse gas emissions.
“Our Upstream Battle campaign has shown that plastic, much of it single-use, makes up almost half of all litter in rivers and streams in the Clyde Valley, which ultimately ends up in our seas.
“So, we are very pleased to see the Scottish Government consulting on banning a range of single-use plastic items – we wholeheartedly support the proposals in the consultation paper.
“We are also encouraged that Scottish Government are asking, as part of the consultation, if there are other single-use items which should be banned and we will be pushing for this to include plastic cigarette filters and wet wipes containing plastic.”
According to Scottish Government figures around four fifths (80%) of Scotland’s carbon footprint comes from all the goods, materials and services that we produce, use and often throw out after minimal use².
Part of the consultation process is to understand how access can be maintained for people who require items that perform a vital function that cannot be easily replaced. For example, straws may be required for medical use or to support independent living.
The Single Use Plastic Directive Consultation closes on 4 January 2021.
As Scotland prepares for an unusual festive period filled with firsts, Zero Waste Scotland is encouraging Scots to start their own new tradition this Christmas.
The organisation is a launching a campaign to help Scots with practical ideas and tips on small changes to cut our carbon footprint linked to waste, calling on everyone to retain the joy in what for many will be a different festive period.
Many Scots have embraced lifestyle changes that benefit the environment during lockdown – from making the most of food to repairing clothing, and recycling as much as they can.
Now Zero Waste Scotland is challenging the nation to apply that ethos to Christmas and come up with a ‘Christmas first’ that’s good for the planet and spreads a little joy.
Jenny Fraser, consumer campaigns manager at Zero Waste Scotland, said:“It has been wonderful to see how people across Scotland have continued to do their bit for the planet during lockdown – whether that’s by making or buying reusable face coverings, baking yummy treats from leftover ingredients, upcycling furniture or making the most of every available space in their recycling bins.
“It has been a challenging year for many and lots of people will be experiencing Christmas ‘firsts’ because of circumstances beyond their control this season. We’re encouraging people to take the opportunity to set their own – and we’re excited to hear all about them via the hashtag #ChristmasTrimmings.”
As Scotland’s circular economy expert, Zero Waste Scotland helps consumers and businesses reduce waste and emissions to combat climate change.
The organisation has come up with the following ‘Christmas firsts’ as examples of actions that keep the joy of Christmas without a hefty carbon footprint:
Ask for a second-hand gift. Research from Zero Waste Scotland shows most Scots would be happy to receive a pre-loved gift – but many would be unlikely to buy one for someone else². Why not turn that around this year by asking gift-givers (and Santa) to shop second-hand – either in person where Scottish Government coronavirus guidance allows or on online auction sites likes Gumtree and eBay?
Give a gift that keeps on giving. Subscriptions, donations and sponsorship are a great way to share the love without the ‘stuff’ – and support a good cause. Why not invest in a streaming platform like Netflix for the movie buff in your life, subscribe to a comic or magazine, sponsor an animal, or donate to a charity close to a loved one’s heart?
Make your own wrapping paper. With Scots using upwards of 19,000 miles of wrapping paper in previous years, a DIY effort could be a fun way to cut your carbon footprint down to size. Why not use kids’ drawings to wrap gifts, or if you have received a delivery recently jazz up the brown paper it was stuffed with? Just remember to avoid glitter and foil as paper mixed with these can’t be recycled.
Have a ‘Christmas dinner conference’. We all know how hard it can be to please everyone, so with smaller gatherings this year it’s the perfect time to get everyone involved in planning the Christmas shopping list. Whether you’re hosting an extended household (following Scottish Government coronavirus guidance) or just the immediate family, why not start a conversation about what you’ll eat come Christmas? Planning ahead will help you buy only what you need and stop good food going to waste.
Zero Waste Scotland is encouraging Scots to share their own ‘Christmas firsts’ on social media using the hashtag #ChristmasTrimmings.
The campaign aims to help everyone in Scotland have a happy Christmas without the waste, whatever way they’re celebrating this year.
Edinburgh businesses could receive up to £20,000 to introduce energy-saving measures.
Zero Waste Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Business Support Service offers free and impartial advice to small and medium-sized organisations (SMEs) to help them cut their energy bills and reduce their carbon emissions.
The service also provides access to the Scottish Government’s SME Loan Scheme, which is now available interest-free with up to 75 per cent cashback thanks to an injection of £4m. The loan is administered by Energy Saving Trust.
Iain Gulland, chief executive of Zero Waste Scotland, said: “It is vital, particularly at the present time, for businesses to make the most of every penny they spend. Cutting down on energy use could make a positive difference to many organisations’ bottom line and it will also help in reducing their carbon footprint.
“The amount of funding is limited, so I would urge eligible businesses to get in touch and see what we could do for them.”
The SME Loan can be used for the installation of renewable heating systems, such as solar, heat pumps and biomass, and many energy efficiency measures, including heating, ventilation, air conditioning and building fabric.
SMEs are able to apply for an interest-free loan and receive a 75 per cent cashback grant of up to £10,000 towards the cost of a renewable heating system. They can also receive a further 30 per cent cashback grant, also up to £10,000, for other energy efficiency improvements.
ECG Joinery in Edinburgh received advice from Zero Waste Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Business Support Service helping the business to make improvements to its heating and lighting to cut its annual energy costs.
Director Lorraine Graham said: “I would definitely recommend Zero Waste Scotland – they have been absolutely fabulous with everything they’ve helped with. And I have advised other companies of the support that’s on offer.”
Businesses should contact the Energy Efficiency Business Support Service for a free energy assessment and advice about applying for a loan.
Whether you’re considering a change of career or have an interest in innovative ways to solve the global climate crisis, you could be among the swarms of Scots getting smart on insect farming thanks to events from Zero Waste Scotland this month.
Scotland’s circular economy expert organisation will run three public events on the future of food with a focus on farming insects like mealworm and black soldier fly. The events will be delivered in partnership with Dutch insect sector experts NGN, New Generation Nutrition, under the EU project ValuSect.
New European Union regulations introduced in 2017 allow farming of seven insect species which can upgrade food waste to high quality protein. A recent Zero Waste Scotland report¹ identifies insect farming as a sustainable way to produce more food using less resources – and with lucrative jobs potential to boot.
Demand for protein is increasing, yet food systems like agriculture already take up around half of the Earth’s habitable surface. Rearing animals for food accounts for more than three quarters (77%) of that space². What’s more, food systems are behind an estimated 26% of global carbon emissions³.
Both agriculture and aquaculture – or fish farms – have worked hard to maximise sustainability in recent years, but there is still a growing need for more sustainable sources of feed proteins to reduce pressure on the environment, support biodiversity, and help fight the climate crisis.
Insects could play a valuable role as an alternative feedstock for fish, poultry and pigs – while they can also be used to make pet food.
In addition, insect farming could help us add value to some of the food waste generated in Scotland. That’s because insects can be fed on surplus produce from arable farms, supermarkets and bakeries on everything from broccoli to crisps. The exoskeletons can be made into a bioplastic, the oils are a useful feed supplement, and even the manure can be used as a biofertiliser.
Dr William Clark (above), a bioeconomy specialist at Zero Waste Scotland, explained:“Insect farming could become the next big thing – a way to plug the predicted ‘protein gap’ that has real potential to bring Scotland’s carbon footprint down at the same time.
“It’s also open to everyone, from householders to smallholders, existing food producers looking to diversify to companies in the bioeconomy sector, and entrepreneurs with an eye for innovation. That’s because it doesn’t require lots of space – insect farms can range in size from a small shed or a few shipping containers to industrial scale feed mills. You need to know how to look after them but, in all cases, you can produce significant volumes of sustainable protein using a fraction of the resources.
“Insect farming is already well established all over the world. We don’t have an insect industry here yet but Scotland really is a great place to farm insects and we’ve seen lots of interest. It’s great for Scotland’s circular economy ambitions that we’re in a position to take advantage of the opportunities insect farming offers, and I would encourage anyone with an interest to sign up to the events to find out more.”
Zero Waste Scotland and NGN will host An introduction to the insect sector on Tuesday 17 November. To book a place visit http://ngn.co.nl/ukwebinar/
It will be followed by two sessions on protein production and the circular bioeconomy on Thursday 19 and 26 November. To book a place visit https://zerowastescotland.org.uk/events
All events will be free but limited and hosted online.
More than 200,000 jobs are already contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable Scotland, while thousands more roles could be created through the green recovery post-Covid19, experts have found.
A landmark report from Zero Waste Scotland and Circle Economy published today (Wednesday 28 October, 2020) shows the number of existing Scottish jobs operating within the circular economy, which keeps goods and materials in a ‘loop’ of use to maximise their value and minimise waste and the carbon emissions that causes.
It comes as Scotland’s decision-makers look to grow new ‘green’ jobs as they plan the country’s economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
Scotland’s circular economy expert organisation, Zero Waste Scotland, helps businesses and consumers reduce waste and emissions to combat climate change. It produced the report – the first national assessment of ‘circular’ jobs and of future requirements for roles and skills in three priority areas in Scotland – working with fellow experts at Circle Economy in the Netherlands.
The circular economy is about making things last: through smarter design, and reusing, repairing and remanufacturing to create new items from old – all to keep products and materials within the economy for as long as possible.
It promises to maximise value from the goods we already have in circulation while relieving pressure on finite natural materials, like oil and precious metals. These resources are in high demand to create new products, yet those products are often thrown away by consumers after only a short amount of time.
Findings from the report, entitledThe Future of Work: Baseline Employment Analysis and Skills Pathways for the Circular Economy, show Scotland is in a strong position to benefit from the circular economy, with 8.1% of jobs already linked to the circular economy. That’s on a par with other countries where similar assessments have been conducted, like the Netherlands and Belgium.
The research also identifies a wide-ranging mix of new circular roles and skills needed to help Scotland Build Back Better by forging a truly national circular economy. It sets out a vision of the future of work in three priority areas – construction, the bioeconomy and capital projects, such as decommissioning energy infrastructure from oil rigs to wind turbines.
Iain Gulland, Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland, said:“Scotland has long been recognised as a leading nation on the circular economy so it’s heartening to see that so many jobs are already operating within circular business models, and we know there is scope for many more.
“As a nation we are preparing to Build Back Better following the coronavirus pandemic – while we’re just 12 months away from some of the most important climate negotiations of recent times in COP26, being held in Glasgow next year¹. What better time to make sure we stimulate growth while respecting the limits of our natural environment.
“The circular economy offers a way forward that can help Covid-hit businesses futureproof their operations, making them less vulnerable to future supply chain issues, while also generating opportunities for inward investment and new ‘green’ jobs.”
Scotland’s Environment Secretary, Roseanna Cunningham, said:“In these uncertain times, it’s more important than ever that we design a better future and see things put back together differently.
“It is vital that we draw on our experience of coronavirus – the things we’ve learned about how we work, travel and live – and apply this to our approach to Scotland’s green recovery, and to achieving net-zero.
“A thriving circular economy will play a critical role in ending Scotland’s contribution to climate change, and we must all – government, businesses, industry and individuals – be a part of driving this – and to ensuring our journey to net-zero is fair for everyone.
“I welcome the Future of Work report, which shows we are well on our way to evolving jobs that help drive our net-zero ambitions while ensuring we deliver a fairer economy in which everyone in Scotland can thrive.”
The study has been launched alongside a Circular Jobs Monitor tool from partner Circle Economy. This online tool enables users to see how many of a country’s existing jobs are associated with the circular economy, and how it compares to other nations.
Scotland’s figure includes directly circular jobs – such as those in the repair sector, design-related fields like architecture, or renting and leasing activities – as well as indirectly circular jobs, such as teachers, which provide services to primary circular activities.
The study shows that most circular jobs in Scotland are concentrated in southwestern and eastern regions, together accounting for more than 75% of all circular Scottish jobs – although in relative terms, all regions show a similar circular share of employment of between 7% and 9.8%.
Further information about regional circular jobs can be found on pages 18 to 23 of the report.
Mr Gulland continued: “For Scotland to maximise the benefits of a more sustainable economy we need to work towards all jobs being ‘circular’. It’s important to ensure we overcome Covid-19 and end our nation’s contribution to the climate crisis by 2045.
“Our landmark report identifies how we can do that, highlighting gaps which we need to fill and exciting new job opportunities in three key sectors. The circular economy is an opportunity for all parts of Scotland, urban and rural, to benefit from forward-looking jobs that are less susceptible to market pressures and help preserve our environment at the same time.”
The Future of Work: Baseline Employment Analysis and Skills Pathways for the Circular Economy is available on the Zero Waste Scotland website.
As part of its commitment to supporting local communities to tackle local litter issues, environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful is creating 20 new litter picking hubs across Scotland by providing free litter picking equipment that will be available for individuals and groups to borrow, following strict social distancing and safety guidance.
In Edinburgh, the Sustainability Committee at the Western General Hospital will receive a kit, making the group the first hub in the Edinburgh area.
You can contact the local hub by email at ECRF.sustainability@ed.ac.uk
The 20 community groups from across the country are the second collection of litter picking hubs established in Scotland, following eleven created last month.
Through these hubs, Keep Scotland Beautiful is striving to empower communities who are frustrated by litter which worsened during lockdown and over the summer.
Polling commissioned by Keep Scotland Beautiful in June shows that 30% of people think that litter has got worse in their local area during lockdown.
Barry Fisher, Chief Executive at Keep Scotland Beautiful, commented: “During lockdown, many of us spent time enjoying our local parks and green spaces.
“Lockdown showed us how important these areas are to our health and well-being. Unfortunately, a minority of people have behaved in an irresponsible and selfish manner, dropping their rubbish, leaving it for others to clean up and spoiling our beautiful country.
By using the litter picking hubs, people will be able to tackle litter in the areas they care about and help Clean Up Scotland.”
The funding for these Helping Hands litter kits has been provided by Zero Waste Scotland, and will see kits containing ten litter pickers, gloves, bag hoops and hi vis vests to allow people to take part in either individual or two household litter picks.
The community groups will also be able to access posters and social media content to help encourage people to look after their local places and keep Scotland beautiful.
Iain Gulland, Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland, said:“Litter has no place in a circular economy. Discarding resources like plastic, metal and glass not only blights our communities, it also wastes valuable materials that should be being kept in use for as long as possible.
“Whether it has been our local streets, parks, woodland, countryside or coastline, recent months have highlighted how valuable our environment is to so many of us and why it needs to be kept that way.
“It is a shame these are needed, but the litter picking hubs will give communities the opportunity to tackle the nuisance of litter and ensure the areas they love can continue to look their best.”
From local streets to sandy beaches, Scots are being encouraged to get litter in the bag with litter picks in their area.
Zero Waste Scotland is supporting Keep Scotland Beautiful and the Marine Conservation Society with funding to provide individuals, couples, families and small groups (in-line with Scottish Government outdoors advice) with litter-picking and survey kits to deal with littering and help keep Scotland stunning.
Designed for small groups and with social distancing in mind, the kits have everything required to tackle wrappers, packets and anything else strewn near areas people live or like to spend time in.
Iain Gulland, Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland, said:“Whether it has been our local streets, parks, woodland, countryside or coastline, recent months have highlighted how valuable our environment is to so many of us and why it needs to be kept that way.
“The work of Keep Scotland Beautiful and the Marine Conservation Society in reducing litter is hugely important for us as individuals enjoying where we are and for the wellbeing of wildlife.
“It is a shame that these projects have to take place and a small number continue to drop litter. We urge people to get involved and help to keep the areas they hold dear clean and precious.”
The funding will help to provide additional clean up kits – including via community-based hubs – as well as survey kits, plus online support and guidance from Keep Scotland Beautiful and the Marine Conservation Society on how to carry these out safely. In addition, they’ll be sharing the information that results from the project.
Natural Environment Minister, Mairi Gougeon said:“Our natural environment is vital to allow biodiversity to thrive and flourish. Litter is harmful to wildlife and the marine environment so these kits from Keep Scotland Beautiful and the Marine Conservation Society will help keep our communities litter free and protect our natural world.
“Everyone needs to take responsibility for protecting our environment. Littering and damage to our natural surroundings is completely unacceptable and there is no place for this type of anti-social behaviour anywhere in Scotland.
“I would like to give my sincere thanks to all those who volunteer to collect rubbish from our beaches, countryside and green spaces. The litter data collected by clean-ups is vitally important to help develop long-term solutions to litter.”
Tara Proud, Volunteer and Community Engagement Manager at the Marine Conservation Society, said:“Did you hear Sir David Attenborough’s urgent and heartfelt call to action this week?
“One way that you can help protect Scotland’s stunning coastlines and vulnerable sea life is through litter picking and surveying. When you take part in our beach litter survey, the data you collect helps us to push for a ‘green recovery’ with policies which put environmental issues at the forefront.
“Get a small group of friends and family together for your own beach clean. If you can’t get to the coast, why not try our new Source to Sea Litter Quest, tracking what’s littering our parks and streets and flowing to the sea.”
Chief Executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful Barry Fisher welcomed the funding announcement, adding:“Our polling* shows that 29% believe that the amount of litter has got worse over the lockdown period, but we know that people across the country want to take action to change that.
“This funding will allow us to triple the number of Clean Up Scotland community litter picking hubs we support across Scotland, strengthening the capacity of communities to survey and take action on litter in their own neighbourhoods.”
The litter picks follow on from the ‘Scotland is Stunning – Let’s Keep It That Way’ campaign delivered by Zero Waste Scotland, together with Keep Scotland Beautiful and the Scottish Government, during July and August.
The project highlighted the country’s natural beauty and wildlife and urged visitors not to spoil it by littering when they’re enjoying the delights of our coast, countryside and campsites.
