Plastics
The BBC's 'War on Plastic with Hugh and Anita' is a real call to arms and well worth catching up on iPlayer if you've missed it. They've highlighted the UK's broken recycling system which dumps mountains of 'recyclable' platic waste in Malaysia, and the disconnect between multinational companies' sustainability promises and their practices. The series has also included lots of suggestions for steps we can all take to reduce our consumption of single use plastic - taking our own containers to deli counters, making our own vinegar based bathroom cleaning liquid, and wiping wet-wipes off our shopping lists, are just some of the ideas.
During July STS members will be noting which Haltwhistle shops and takeaways offer alternatives to plastic and polystyrene point-of-sale packaging - do get in touch to let us know which of your favourite shops are joining the war on plastic.
We also plan to start signing cafes and other businesses up to the National Refill scheme as part of a coordinated 'Water Refill along the Wall' initiative.
Energy
Research into the practicality of extracting heat from water deep underground in abandoned mines is being led by Dr. Charlotte Adams at Durham University. The STS Energy group is keen to find out if this is a technology that could be employed by any of the new developments currently being considered for Haltwhistle. Charlotte has already kindly provided us with some advice and has offered to continue working with us.
The Ethical Consumer website, https://www.ethicalconsumer.org, lays out the choices across all aspects of daily living and allows you to use your cash to support sustainable practices whilst, in many cases, spending less.
Next meeting: Tues 23rd July at the Old Booking Hall, Haltwhistle Station.
7pm for plastics & 8pm for energy - you're welcome to attend for just one or for both projects. |
|
|
|
|
