Glitter !
The issue of microplastics in glitter made news a couple of years ago, when a chain of children's nurseries banned its use. Anyone who uses it (or receives anything decorated with it) will know that it gets everywhere, However, it is a source of 'joy' to many, and craft workshops are a much duller place without it ! A couple of years ago, the main supplier of 'biodegradable' glitter was a company called 'Eco Glitter Fun'. Two friends had set up the company as they enjoyed painting themselves with glitter to go to festivals, but wanted to be more 'responsible'. Their company now sells over 50 different colours of glitter for both cosmetic and craft use. Such is the success of eco-glitter that it is now available from most art suppliers and websites such as Amazon.
Take a look at www.ecoglitterfun.com - you'll be amazed at how much there is to glitter !
November 2019
The issue of microplastics in glitter made news a couple of years ago, when a chain of children's nurseries banned its use. Anyone who uses it (or receives anything decorated with it) will know that it gets everywhere, However, it is a source of 'joy' to many, and craft workshops are a much duller place without it ! A couple of years ago, the main supplier of 'biodegradable' glitter was a company called 'Eco Glitter Fun'. Two friends had set up the company as they enjoyed painting themselves with glitter to go to festivals, but wanted to be more 'responsible'. Their company now sells over 50 different colours of glitter for both cosmetic and craft use. Such is the success of eco-glitter that it is now available from most art suppliers and websites such as Amazon.
Take a look at www.ecoglitterfun.com - you'll be amazed at how much there is to glitter !
November 2019
Earth Picks - Guitar Picks made from Recycled Plastic
One of the stalls at the 2019 Romsey's Beggar's Fair was a company selling guitar picks made from recycled plastic. As with many such companies, the owner had not been able to find such a product and so manufactured his own !
I had hoped to be able to visit the stall to buy some for guitar-playing relatives, but was unable to get there. So, I went straight on the website and ordered some whilst I could remember what the company was called. Having put my order in, I was somewhat bemused when later that day I found a package had been delivered to my house and inside were the picks. I went back on the website and after scouring every page, I found that the company was based in Winchester Road, Romsey - less than a mile from my house !! It made sense, that it was a local firm at the Beggar's Fair, but it had never occurred to me that it would be that local.
So if you have any family/friends who play the guitar, why not buy them an 'Earth Pick' for Christmas - check out the ones made from old vinyl records !
https://www.onepickatatime.com/
September 2019
One of the stalls at the 2019 Romsey's Beggar's Fair was a company selling guitar picks made from recycled plastic. As with many such companies, the owner had not been able to find such a product and so manufactured his own !
I had hoped to be able to visit the stall to buy some for guitar-playing relatives, but was unable to get there. So, I went straight on the website and ordered some whilst I could remember what the company was called. Having put my order in, I was somewhat bemused when later that day I found a package had been delivered to my house and inside were the picks. I went back on the website and after scouring every page, I found that the company was based in Winchester Road, Romsey - less than a mile from my house !! It made sense, that it was a local firm at the Beggar's Fair, but it had never occurred to me that it would be that local.
So if you have any family/friends who play the guitar, why not buy them an 'Earth Pick' for Christmas - check out the ones made from old vinyl records !
https://www.onepickatatime.com/
September 2019
Rob Hopkins' Podcast
Mattias Olsson recently interviewed Rob Hopkins in Totnes for a podcast about the Transition Movement, which will be released soon. Here's a short clip from the interview with details of how to find out more: https://www.facebook.com/266708933739635/videos/353018772052269/
Mattias Olsson campfire-stories.org
Mattias Olsson recently interviewed Rob Hopkins in Totnes for a podcast about the Transition Movement, which will be released soon. Here's a short clip from the interview with details of how to find out more: https://www.facebook.com/266708933739635/videos/353018772052269/
Mattias Olsson campfire-stories.org
Have you Heard about EcoBricks ?
There is currently a lot of discussion about Ecobricks and what can be made from them. For more information, go to:
www.ecobricks.org/
Let us know if you hear of any local initiatives.
December 2018
There is currently a lot of discussion about Ecobricks and what can be made from them. For more information, go to:
www.ecobricks.org/
Let us know if you hear of any local initiatives.
December 2018
Recycle Your Poppy 2019
You can take your Poppy to the Town Hall any time before 30 November and they will be taken to a local Sainsburys for you !
Did you know that you can recycle your Poppy?
Until 30 November, you can hand in your old Poppies at Sainsbury’s stores where they’ll be sent back to the warehouse in Aylesford. Returned Poppies are then dismantled – the button and stem are used again to make Poppies for next year’s Appeal, whilst the paper petal and leaf forms are recycled.
You can take your Poppy to the Town Hall any time before 30 November and they will be taken to a local Sainsburys for you !
Did you know that you can recycle your Poppy?
Until 30 November, you can hand in your old Poppies at Sainsbury’s stores where they’ll be sent back to the warehouse in Aylesford. Returned Poppies are then dismantled – the button and stem are used again to make Poppies for next year’s Appeal, whilst the paper petal and leaf forms are recycled.
Potatoes lead the way in water-saving growing tech - Another first from Walkers ?
"Did you know that a potato is 75% water? Well if there's one company that does it's Walkers – one of the UK's most popular crisp producers.
They know only too well that the process of manufacturing crisps is water and energy intensive: from cleaning, cutting and slicing, through to baking – when much of the water from the potato is released into the atmosphere through a chimney stack.
That's why the owners of Walkers, PepsiCo, have been pioneering a new technology to capture some of the water that is lost in the crisp manufacturing process. “iCrop” allows for the direct and specific application of water throughout potato growing fields. It also means that water from the potato can be captured from steam and reused after a simple water treatment process.
Ultimately, potato growers hope to be able to use this water in the cleaning process. And gazing even further into the future, there's the potential for factories to be taken off the national water grid – boosting water supplies to the local economy and reducing energy and water bills for the company.
There are already real-world application for this saved water – the starchy water from the washing of potatoes could be used in anaerobic digesters. It's a move in the right direction for big agribusiness. Find out how iCrop technology is reducing water wastage for UK potato growers – contributing to more environmentally friendly food production at youtu.be/cE7B8dHZfz4
Love Food Hate Waste.
"Did you know that a potato is 75% water? Well if there's one company that does it's Walkers – one of the UK's most popular crisp producers.
They know only too well that the process of manufacturing crisps is water and energy intensive: from cleaning, cutting and slicing, through to baking – when much of the water from the potato is released into the atmosphere through a chimney stack.
That's why the owners of Walkers, PepsiCo, have been pioneering a new technology to capture some of the water that is lost in the crisp manufacturing process. “iCrop” allows for the direct and specific application of water throughout potato growing fields. It also means that water from the potato can be captured from steam and reused after a simple water treatment process.
Ultimately, potato growers hope to be able to use this water in the cleaning process. And gazing even further into the future, there's the potential for factories to be taken off the national water grid – boosting water supplies to the local economy and reducing energy and water bills for the company.
There are already real-world application for this saved water – the starchy water from the washing of potatoes could be used in anaerobic digesters. It's a move in the right direction for big agribusiness. Find out how iCrop technology is reducing water wastage for UK potato growers – contributing to more environmentally friendly food production at youtu.be/cE7B8dHZfz4
Love Food Hate Waste.
Mixed Plastic Recycling in Southampton
Having finally made it to Sainsburys at Lordshill last week to put my collected plastic packaging in the recycling bin there, I took this photo to show what could be put in there.
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However, I have just gone to Southampton City Council's website to check where the other bins are and found this...………………….. Mixed plastics banks The mixed plastics recycling banks will be removed in the near future. You can still recycle your items in them. If a bank is full then please dispose of items in a general waste bin. Due to unforeseen circumstances the company who empties them has no end market for the plastics that were recycled in this bank. We apologise for any inconvenience. 17 October 2018 |
Walkers crisp packets recycling scheme announced
Royal Mail intervened when people started posting empty crisp packets back to Walkers
Snack firm Walkers has announced a recycling scheme - after Royal Mail begged campaigners not to post empty crisp packets without envelopes.
From December, snack fans will be able to post used bags - in envelopes, for free - directly to a recycling company. Campaigner Geraint Ashcroft, who launched the petition against Walkers, said it was "a great first step". The company said it had been in talks about the scheme since the beginning of the year. It will involve packets being turned into plastic items such as benches, watering cans and plant pots by recycling firm TerraCycle.
Mr Ashcroft, whose petition against the Leicester-based crisp maker has been signed by more than 330,000 people, said the announcement was "really exciting". "I hope other snack companies get on board," he said. "This is a great first step and makes all the work that's gone into the petition worthwhile." But the firm "still have a lot to do to meet their pledge of making their packaging fully recyclable, compostable or biodegradable [by 2025]", Mr Ashcroft added.
Campaign group 38 Degrees, which previously encouraged people to post their crisp packets back to the company, said it was "delighted" to hear about the scheme. "It's proof that public pressure can shift big companies to do more to prevent waste," said executive director David Babbs.
"The public will be watching to make sure that the new recycling scheme isn't just a PR stunt," he added.
How will the scheme work?
Walkers described its partnership with TerraCycle as "the UK's first nationwide recycling scheme for crisp packets".
Any brand of crisp packets - not just Walkers - will be accepted.
- People will be encouraged to drop off their packets at one of hundreds of "public access collection points" around the country
- They can also put them in a box or envelope and post them to TerraCycle free of charge
- The packets will be cleaned, shredded and turned into small pellets which will be converted into plastic items
Walkers' packets are made from a fusion of plastic and aluminium foil. Crisps are packaged like this by many manufacturers because of their high fat content, which means they can quickly go rancid when exposed to oxygen.
Walkers said its packets are technically recyclable, but until now they were not being separated or collected for recycling.
Ian Ellington, general manager of Walkers' owner PepsiCo UK, said: "We share people's concerns about the amount of plastic in our environment and are working on a number of both short and long-term solutions to reduce the impact of our packaging."
BBC, October 2018
Want to keep up with the news about all things to do with Climate Change ?...…….
Then, you may want to consider subscribing to 'Carbon Brief' - for a daily or weekly round-up . According to Anton Page: "It's easy to subscribe and contains loads of interesting stuff".
For more details, go to: www.carbonbrief.org/
Then, you may want to consider subscribing to 'Carbon Brief' - for a daily or weekly round-up . According to Anton Page: "It's easy to subscribe and contains loads of interesting stuff".
For more details, go to: www.carbonbrief.org/
Diesel Exhaust - whats the problem? Presentation from our Drive Electric event
Please click below to see the presentation in PDF format:
Please click below to see the presentation in PDF format:
| deisal_exhaust_presentation.pdf |
Waterside Scrapstore
For those of you who don't know, Waterside Scrapstore can be found at 12-14 Rumbridge Street in Totton. Membership is open to anyone who does craft with children - from Grandparents to Schools.
Although many of the scrap suppliers are local companies who donate their surplus/substandard/damaged stock, this is also an outlet for individuals to donate things which "are too good to go in the bin" or "could be made into something". Apart from packaging which has contained meat, the scrapstore will accept pretty much anything - from scraps of material to margarine tubs. You would be amazed what can be made out of scrap.
Currently there is an appeal for wool - of any type or amount - so if you have some left over from your yarn-bombing, then you know where to take it.
Please visit their website: sites.google.com/view/watersidescrapstore/home
or Facebook page: www.facebook.com/WatersideScrapstore
for more details and opening hours.
YOU CAN NOW RECYCLE COFFEE CUPS IN TEST VALLEY
From 1 January 2018, TVBC carton banks will also be able to collect plastic coated coffee cups for recycling – so get collecting !
To find your nearest carton banks visit www.recyclenow.com/local-recycling
From 1 January 2018, TVBC carton banks will also be able to collect plastic coated coffee cups for recycling – so get collecting !
To find your nearest carton banks visit www.recyclenow.com/local-recycling
Christmas Card Recycling
Wednesday, 20 December 2017
Recycle Christmas cards at Sainsbury's to support FSC UK© Sainsbury's
Sainsbury's will make a donation to FSC UK based on the volume of cards collected between 26 December and 8 January.
Sainsbury’s is providing an in-store Christmas card recycling service to support FSC UK to help protect the world’s forests.
Until 8 Jan 2018, customers can recycle their Christmas cards via an in-store collection point.
Sainsbury’s will recycle all collected Christmas cards and make a donation to FSC UK in the New Year. Last year, customers donated more than 98 tonnes of cards.
Old 'paper' Christmas wrap and defunct Christmas lights can also be recycled via the collection points.
Wednesday, 20 December 2017
Recycle Christmas cards at Sainsbury's to support FSC UK© Sainsbury's
Sainsbury's will make a donation to FSC UK based on the volume of cards collected between 26 December and 8 January.
Sainsbury’s is providing an in-store Christmas card recycling service to support FSC UK to help protect the world’s forests.
Until 8 Jan 2018, customers can recycle their Christmas cards via an in-store collection point.
Sainsbury’s will recycle all collected Christmas cards and make a donation to FSC UK in the New Year. Last year, customers donated more than 98 tonnes of cards.
Old 'paper' Christmas wrap and defunct Christmas lights can also be recycled via the collection points.
Andover's Repair Café
What do you do with a broken toaster, a skirt that needs a new zip or a hair dryer that’s on the blink? If your answer is bin it, then think again because Andover has started a monthly Repair Café.
Every third Saturday of the Month
From 10am till 1.30pm
Hosted by Andover Mind, at the Well-Being Centre in Westbrook Close, South Street, Andover.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andoverrepaircafe/
The Repair Café has received support from VIVID (formerly Sentinel Housing Association) and The Saintbury Trust to help with start up costs and depends on the continuing generosity of volunteers who give their time to help out. Lisa Langman, volunteer co-ordinator at Andover Mind said “If you have a talent for fixing things and have time to spare some weekends, we’d love to hear from you. We need people with practical skills to act as fixers as well as front of house and refreshment helpers. This is an opportunity to be part of an exciting new event right from the start and we are hoping to recruit a team of about 20 volunteers over the coming months.”
If you would like to find out more, contact Lisa on 01264 332297 or lisa.langman@andovermind.org.uk
Repair Café Foundation - www.repaircafe.org/en
The Repair Café concept started in the Netherlands in 2009 and was founded by Martine Postma, at the time an Amsterdam-based journalist/publicist. In 2010, she started the Repair Café Foundation. This foundation provides support to local groups around the world wishing to start their own Repair Café.
What do you do with a broken toaster, a skirt that needs a new zip or a hair dryer that’s on the blink? If your answer is bin it, then think again because Andover has started a monthly Repair Café.
Every third Saturday of the Month
From 10am till 1.30pm
Hosted by Andover Mind, at the Well-Being Centre in Westbrook Close, South Street, Andover.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andoverrepaircafe/
The Repair Café has received support from VIVID (formerly Sentinel Housing Association) and The Saintbury Trust to help with start up costs and depends on the continuing generosity of volunteers who give their time to help out. Lisa Langman, volunteer co-ordinator at Andover Mind said “If you have a talent for fixing things and have time to spare some weekends, we’d love to hear from you. We need people with practical skills to act as fixers as well as front of house and refreshment helpers. This is an opportunity to be part of an exciting new event right from the start and we are hoping to recruit a team of about 20 volunteers over the coming months.”
If you would like to find out more, contact Lisa on 01264 332297 or lisa.langman@andovermind.org.uk
Repair Café Foundation - www.repaircafe.org/en
The Repair Café concept started in the Netherlands in 2009 and was founded by Martine Postma, at the time an Amsterdam-based journalist/publicist. In 2010, she started the Repair Café Foundation. This foundation provides support to local groups around the world wishing to start their own Repair Café.
RECYCLING PLASTIC FILM
Carrier Bag Recycling Points can now be found at many supermarkets - including Romsey Waitrose. As well as supermarket carrier bags, the following
types of plastic film can be put in the recycling bin:
YES TO..... BUT NOT...
Plastic carrier bags Cling film
Plastic bread bags (shaken out) Food & drink pouches
Plastic cereal bags e.g. porridge oats NOT inners from cereal packets Crisp packets
Plastic wrappers and ring joiners from multipacks of drink cans and bottles Film lids from ready meals and food trays
Plastic wrappers from toilet rolls and kitchen rolls Any non-polyethylene film e.g. PP, PVC, others
Plastic used for wrapping newspapers and magazines for home delivery
Thin supermarket fruit and vegetable bags
Bubblewrap
Look for the recycling sign on the plastic film to see if it is recyclable and remember, anything put for recycling should be 'CLEAN & LOOSE'.
Carrier Bag Recycling Points can now be found at many supermarkets - including Romsey Waitrose. As well as supermarket carrier bags, the following
types of plastic film can be put in the recycling bin:
YES TO..... BUT NOT...
Plastic carrier bags Cling film
Plastic bread bags (shaken out) Food & drink pouches
Plastic cereal bags e.g. porridge oats NOT inners from cereal packets Crisp packets
Plastic wrappers and ring joiners from multipacks of drink cans and bottles Film lids from ready meals and food trays
Plastic wrappers from toilet rolls and kitchen rolls Any non-polyethylene film e.g. PP, PVC, others
Plastic used for wrapping newspapers and magazines for home delivery
Thin supermarket fruit and vegetable bags
Bubblewrap
Look for the recycling sign on the plastic film to see if it is recyclable and remember, anything put for recycling should be 'CLEAN & LOOSE'.
New Community Group - Romsey Cycle Hub
A new community group has been created to share information and ideas
about cycling in Romsey. Romsey Cycle Hub is a spin off from
Transition Town Romsey's input to the ongoing Romsey Futures Cycle Parking project.
Marine Conservation Society - Plastic Bottle campaign
The MCS are running a campaign to reduce plastic bottles and cans in the environment. Please click on the following link
https://www.mcsuk.org/what_we_do/Clean+seas+and+beaches/Pollution+and+litter+problems/Deposit+return+system
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