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Pages 8&9
Green ideas for Christmas eats and gifts
Tis the season to be careful ... war on waste 10Pa&1ges1 Your winter diary .. enjoy the outdoors
In association with ...
Pages 14&15
2 NEWS
Monday, December 6, 2010
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! M R A W Y A T S T U BE COOL ... B
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World ELCOME to the winter It’s Our section n gree our of part – ent lem supp a dedicated to making Merseyside place more environmentally-friendly to live. looking at ways As Christmas gets going we’re – festive nest gree and – to make this the best waste with season yet with tips on cutting gifts to installing everything from personalised e. hom r you to solar panels ure on a great On Page 7 we have a special feat 11 and 12 we have a value Christmas. And on Pages your Christmas guide to getting the most out of une in the process. fort ll sma a ng savi dinner – and news (Page 3), the n gree our Elsewhere we have and 9), the 8 es gifts that keep on giving (Pag leading the way y pan com ning clea ide seys Mer the travel scheme with its green scheme (Page 4),
Supplement written and researched by JADE WRIGHT
its cars (Page 6), that’s got Merseyside giving up e 5) and on Pages (Pag ter win this s bird feeding the e to the best guid e nitiv defi our 14 & 15 you’ll find . outdoor events for all the family ers and This year we’ve seen world lead find ways of to ng tryi ts ntis scie ng award-winni with a ing deal and is cris halting our energy big talk and big changing climate. There has been it’ll be people ys, promises. But eventually, as alwa e changes to our mak to have who me and like you gs happen. thin big ly real the e daily lives to mak
is possible. Bit by And already we’re seeing this . part bit we’re all playing a ld I’ve been Since we launched It’s Our Wor n ideas, your gree c asti fant r you by d lme overwhe irational insp y man very the and ingenious tips ld a wor the e mak to g things you’ve been doin better place. ing – email me at Please do keep your news com on to the green log or l.com rpoo live jade.wright@ ecowarrior/ .uk/ o.co lech rpoo blog http://blogs.live the world. and share your green news with my weekly pages I’ll feature as much as I can in ld supplements Wor Our It’s ng omi and in the upc in your paper. ths mon e thre which appear every ide a brighter Together we’re making Merseys e. plac new year to you Merry Christmas and a happy all.
traffic e been helping reduce ling. ● YOUNG people hav cyc e rag cou en d an s ool congestion around sch k High, Birkdale High, Pupils from Greenban mary and Farnborough ale Pri the Stanley High, Birkd port, are members of Road Juniors, in South cle Forum. Cy ntre to town's Young People's the Southport Eco Ce d The group met up at an ts lis cyc for roads safer discuss how to make er. promoting pedal pow m each debate other issues fro um for the d en att Three or four pupils ns for people run the sessio school and the young from cycling staff and ice themselves with adv teachers. Sefton, Cycle Champion for Juliet Jardine, CTC and the ge ran age t en ell s an exc g and said: "The forum ha lin cyc ut abo as e great ide ng with children always hav rki wo n e group has bee other green issues. Th and have been filming traffic s video in recent month schools and interviewing ir situations outside the . they arrive at school parents and pupils as e also met with the Cycle hav ers "Forum memb hers to iticians and headteac Town project team, pol our roads safer for young g discuss ways of makin cyclists."
WINTER WONDERLAND: Ducks take it easy on the partly-frozen pond in Birkenhead Park – but winter is a time our wildlife need your help
Picture: JAMES MALONEY
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Green heroes C
ONGRATULATIONS to Blackburne House which won the North West’s Green Award. The women’s social enterprise, based in the heart of inner-city Liverpool, has a fair trade café serving ethically-sourced coffee and food. It chooses to only work with environmentally-sound suppliers and has repositioned its conferencing facilities trading on its environmental conscience. Neville Reyner, President of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “We’ve been delighted with the consistently high standard of confident companies out there that have been flying the flag for British business despite the uncertain times we find ourselves in. They’re doing this through innovation, hard work and determination to succeed at the highest level. These awards have revealed some good news for the British economy – which is good news for us all.” Changing the lives of local women, particularly those from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, is what lies at the heart of Blackburne House’s philosophy. Set in the city’s iconic Hope Street the business renovated and reopened a former girls’ school and its services include education and training as well as a nurturing hub for new ventures and a school for social entrepreneurs.
ing ldlife groups are urg ● MERSEYSIDE wi rk finning ban. sha a on s ole ph loo ed Europe to close dator is now endanger The graceful top pre g; the and over fished. ause of shark finnin This is primarily bec g off the shark’s fins and cin sli of ce sea. wasteful practi still living, carcass at discarding the, often ke shark fin soup which is ma The fins are used to help popular in Asia. ife Trust needs your The North West Wildl European of d hir e-t on nd ou ording to protect them. Ar sidered threatened acc of shark species are con n tio rva nse Co for Union to the International ). is Nature (IUCN g in 2003. But the ban The EU banned finnin oles. ph loo to e du rld wo call among the weakest in to get involved please To find out more or . 01539 816324 Cheryl Nicholson on
Monday, December 6, 2010
NEWS 3
FUN: Hannah Jones, 8, enjoys the snow in Southport
Picture (and front cover picture) by GARETH JONES
● A TREE planting campaign laun by the government this week was ched welcomed by The Mersey Fore st. The Big Tree Plant campaign will encourage community groups, organisations and individuals to plant and care for trees in towns, citie s and residential areas across England . Funding totalling £4.2m will be available between 2011 and 2015 for grou ps to carry out tree planting projects in thei r area. The launch of the new campaig n coincides with an already pack ed schedule of tree planting this winter across Merseyside and Cheshir e. More than 50 local sites will ben efit from new trees during this year ’s planting season – which runs from November to March – as part of the creation of The Mersey Forest, the network of community woodlan ds being created across the local area. Paul Nolan, Director of The Mer sey Forest, says: “Getting people wor king together to improve their envi ronment is what The Mersey Forest is all about. “This winter we’re helping loca l communities to plant more than a thousand trees and make a big impact right on their doorstep. “And through The Big Tree Plan t we look forward to getting even mor e people involved.” Local groups can find out how to apply for funding from The Big Tree Plant by visiting www.direct.gov.uk/the bigtreeplant or by calling The Mersey Forest Offices on 01925 816217.
REVAMP: Cllr Graham Morgan, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Delivery, (left), joins local councillors Bob Arnall and Denise Allen to inspect the work at St Mary’s Churchyard
● A PROJECT to res tore a historic church yard in Prescot is unearthing a wealth of local history. Knowsley council is leading the renovatio n of St Mary’s Churchyard in the gro unds of Prescot Ceme tery. The three-year projec area for merly overru t has seen the transformation of the n with weeds and a ma flytipping and anti-s gnet for ocial Overgrown upper sec behaviour. cleared and the counci tions of the churchyard have been l team is helping to res memorials to provid e a safe and secure env tore overturned iro The project will see the creation of a new nment. a centre feature includ gar ing bronze plaques res den area with cemetery team from cued by the the old BICC war me morial. Scheduled for comple tio n ne xt spr ing the work to retur the churchyard to its n for mer glory is also unearthing valuable information about Prescot’s rich he ritage. Cllr Graham Morga n, Neighbourhood Deliv Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for ery, said: “Many of tho shape the history of Prescot are buried in se who helped this churchyard. But the graves have bec ome overgrown and mounds of earth. lost under “Many of the headston es hav e top ple d ove carefully lifting the stones and re-instating r. So we’ve been closely with the chu them. We’ve worked rch and community to ensure the church is here for generatio yard ns to come.”
4 NEWS
Monday, December 6, 2010
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Why Johnsons aren’t hanging about . . . KEEP IT CLEAN: Laura Bagshaw, Rachel Collett and Natalie Thompson hold the world in their safe hands at Johnsons the Cleaners’ Kirkby store
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ERSEYSIDE dry cleaners have excelled in an ongoing, nationwide Hand Back Your Hangers recycling campaign. Some Johnson Cleaners branches across the region, Heswall, St Helens, Kirkby, Woolton, Crosby, Old Swan, Aintree, Birkenhead and Liverpool city centre, have successfully slashed their new coat hanger orders by 11% for the first ten months of 2010 against the same period last year. Thanks to the volume of hangers returned since last year only 121,980 were ordered in the first ten months of this
year, compared to 137,816 for the same period the previous year, despite consistent trading results. The campaign was launched to reduce the number of used coat hangers in circulation and help slash wastage across the business. It called for customers to return their yellow, plastic Johnson Cleaners hangers to their local store for re-use. Garry Knox, environmental brand manager for Johnson Cleaners, said: “Our Hand Back Your Hangers campaign has been a great success. We’ve been encouraging all our customers to get involved and they’ve responded really enthusiastically. The savings
we’ve made by re-using coat hangers rather than buying new, together with our ongoing drive to cut energy use in store, will benefit us all in the long-ter m.” Prescot-based Johnson Cleaners is one of the oldest companies in Merseyside with a total of 468 branches throughout England, Wales and Scotland. The company is currently completing a national £6m programme to convert its entire estate to eco-friendly GreenEarth technology by 2012. GreenEarth uses a liquid silicone cleaning solvent derived from natural sand. The same gentle ingredient is used in many everyday shampoos,
conditioners and lotions, and breaks down easily into natural elements when released into the environment. GreenEarth is available for the same price as traditional dry cleaning at Johnson Cleaners but is proven to be kinder to clothes, skin and the environment. Johnson Cleaners has introduced a range of environmental initiatives in recent years to help reduce the company’s carbon footprint, including company-wide energy reduction targets, bag for life laundry carriers, a go paper free campaign for Priority Club customers and the nationwide, phased roll-out of GreenEarth technology.
FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT
DO you know someone who makes a special effort to look after and improve their local environment? Or perhaps you are a dedicated volunteer yourself who works hard to keep your neighbourhood clean and green? If so register your interest to join the Wirral Environment Champions scheme. Wirral council is looking for people like you to help raise awareness of good environmental practice across Wirral by becoming a Wirral environment champion. Anyone can be an environment champion; individuals and groups, living in, working in or visiting Wirral. The only requirement is an interest in protecting and improving Wirral’s environment. As an environment champion you will be able to help raise awareness of issues such as waste minimisation, recycling, energy and water conservation, sustainable travel, conservation and improving our parks and countryside. Cabinet member for environment, Councillor Gill Gardiner, says: “There are many existing groups already helping to improve the environment by working on our Cllr Gill rights of way, Gardiner carrying out litter-picks and big tidy-ups or being involved in the work of transition towns in order to provide a more sustainable local environment and reduce carbon emissions. “By bringing together environment champions and projects the council will gain a better understanding of the many diverse groups and individuals who, in one way or another, contribute to improving Wirral’s environment. Environment champions can share ideas with each other and work with the council to create a better environment for us all.” By creating a register of interested groups the council is taking the next step in developing the informal partnership which already exists between the council’s service providers and the community they serve. A small piece of your time is all that is needed. From time to time the council may ask you to put up posters, volunteer to help or set up your own environmental projects, attend and possibly organise events in your own area – however much you are able to do it will all help our environment. ● To register visit www.wirral. gov.uk/recycling, email envirocha mps@wirral.gov.uk or call Streetscene on 0151 606 2004.
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Birds in a flap over cold snap
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OLLOWING the prolong ed, icy blast bringing Arctic weather wildlife groups in Merseyside are calling on nature lovers to remember the wild birds. The RSPB is asking birdwatchers, walkers, anglers and water sports enthusiasts to minimise disturbance to groups of ducks, geese, swans and wading birds until conditions improve. On lakes, rivers, wetlands and coastal areas the birds will be struggling to survive after enduring several consecutive days of freezing temperatures. Dr Mark Aver y, the RSPB’s conservation director, says: “During freezing conditions disturbance forces the birds to squander their precious energy reserves by taking flight when they need to spend as much time as possible feeding. “We hope everyone who uses the countryside will heed our advice allowing the millions of birds which visit the UK’s coasts and wetlands during the winter to stand a better chance of survival.” The birds affected include ducks – including wigeon and pintail – and wading birds such as godwits, dunlin and knot. These birds either nest in the Arctic or in northern or eastern Europe. During the winter the birds visit the UK to escape harsher conditions further north. Dr Avery adds: “We are continuing to receive calls from the public reporting seeing woodcock coming into their gardens. It is obvious that these birds, which are normally shy woodland birds, are freezing and starving and they’re desperately seeking food and shelter. We believe that birds are facing desperate times, strengthening our call for voluntary restraint on disturbance.” Garden birds are also at risk. As the weather worsens they are fighting an ever-increasing battle
to find food and water in order to stay alive. Birds have become very vulnerable and are more likely to come into our gardens to seek refuge as they struggle to find the natural food they need to stay alive which has become buried by snow or frozen solid. The Cheshire Wildlife Trust is calling for people to remember their garden wildlife during the current record-breaking, wintry weather. In particular one of the most surprising and overlooked lifesavers for wildlife can be fresh water – an easy-to-forget aspect of helping many creatures when we are surrounded by snow. “It really can be a case of snow, snow, everywhere, but not a drop to drink” says the Trust’s Tom Marshall. “With the deep freeze we are currently experiencing all but the biggest lakes and fast-flowing rivers will become impenetrable ice-rinks and this can be a real problem for many of our garden birds who have a diet largely based on seeds. Many species require additional water at this time of year which they gain naturally in summer through their insect diet.” Water is also crucial for keeping feathers and plumage in perfect condition, another vital aspect of remaining warm during the plummeting sub-zero overnight temperatures. Birds often “puff-up” their feathers in cold weather to create a layer of air that can be warmed close to the skin – resulting in the common image of a fat-looking robin on Christmas cards. A number of species also rely on shared warmth during harsh weather with birds such as the wren – weighing in at just a few grams sharing space in nestboxes during the winter. In one study several years ago more than 60 wrens were recorded leaving a standard-sized nestbox on one chilly morning.
NEWS 5
Monday, December 6, 2010
LITTLE PAL: Help to keep the robins bob, bob, bobbing along this winter
The cold weather is also likely to bring a host of unusual visitors to UK gardens. Val Osborne, senior wildlife adviser for the RSPB, says: “Providing food and fresh water will not only ensure the survival of our garden birds but may also attract some very hungry, unusual suspects. “Freezing conditions make it hard for wildlife to get enough of the right kind of food supplies and some will go to great lengths to ensure their bellies are full – including venturing into unknown territories like back gardens.” Look out for these rarely-seen species in your back garden this winter – Snipe, Yellow hammer, Meadow pipit, Water rail and Redwing. To help our birds survive you can provide food like meal worms, fat-balls, crushed peanuts, dried fruit, seeds and grain to compensate for birds’ natural food which is covered in snow and ice and impossible to get to. Leftovers like grated cheese, porridge oats, soft fruit, unsalted bacon, cooked rice, pasta and the insides of cooked potatoes are also a good source of energy for garden birds. Water for both drinking and bathing is vital.
● THE Cheshire Wildlife Trust is recommending the following top ● Provide warm fresh water daily in a shallow dish – but never use tips: chemicals anti-freeze or ● Sunflower seeds, peanuts (uns alted) and nyjer seed are ideal for and sparrows finches, tits ● Apples can attract blackbirds and wint er thrushes such as fieldfares and redwings ● Fat balls and “bird-cake” are ideal for summer insect-eaters such goldcrests and, if you are especiall as blackcaps, ● Winter is a great time to put y lucky, great spotted woodpeckers up a nest box , not only in readiness to provide an overnight refuge for some of our smallest birds such for spring but You can find more wildlife-friendly as the wren gardening advice at www.cheshirewildlifetrust.co.uk
tion areas ● POTENTIAL new conserva the in ined outl are Sea in the Irish Irish second progress report from the – Sea Conservation Zones project foreshore. including a zone on the Wirral ine Mar new l ntia The pote ral coast Conservation Zone on the Wir round stretches roughly from Moreton aim to into the Dee estuary and would beds protect habitats such as seagrass and mudflats. ation The aim is for Marine Conserv
possible Zones to have the least impact e on people’s activities. But som zones restrictions would apply as the ng ecti prot for es elin guid t must mee species and habitats. g Comments on the zones are bein as the invited and will be considered proposals. project continues to refine its and ort Rep ress Prog The Second ded from feedback forms can be downloa .uk or by www.irishseaconservation.org calling 01925 813 200.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Why we’re all in step! M Spiraling energy costs at your business or home? Eco Environments Ltd are MCS accredited installers of commercial and domestic renewable energy systems. We can help you reduce your energy use, or generate your own energy and income from renewable sources. Our services include: • Solar PV (Grid connected) • Wind Power (Grid connected) • Solar Thermal (Hot water) • Heat Pumps (Climate control) • Feed-in Tariff Specialists For free and impartial advice, call Eco Environments on 0151 922 5936 or email: info@eco-environments.co.uk www.eco-environments.co.uk
ORE than 5,000 Liverpool residents have pledged to swap their cars for greener modes of transport as part of a highly successful TravelWise initiative aimed at reducing peak-time congestion on the main routes into Liverpool city centre. The TravelWise Personal Travel Planning (PTP) project saw travel advisors visit households in the West Derby area of Liverpool, as wells as parts of Tuebrook and Croxteth Park, to offer free personalised travel advice, incentives and discounts to help people try out smarter ways to get from A to B. More than 5,100 West Derby residents took up the challenge to walk, cycle or use public transport more regularly, with walking proving the most popular alternative to the car. More than 2,600 people vowed to make more trips on their own two feet and calorie maps and pedometers were also handed out to illustrate the health benefits of walking more regularly. Run in conjunction with JMP Consultants TravelWise also met community groups such as The Edge Youth Club to raise awareness of the project. Representatives attended one of the club’s Friday night meetings at Deysbrook Village Centre giving the children information and advice on using public transport and more active travel such as walking and cycling. Andy Vint helps run the
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GO FOR IT: Avril Hendrickson, left, Casey Johnson, Ryan Whittaker, Andy Vint and Mai-Leen Ng at the Travelwise Personal Travel Planning initiative meeting held at Edge Youth Club, in West Derby, where the youngsters pledged to walk, cycle and use public transport youth group and invited TravelWise to attend the session. “We have great fun on Fridays. But our group is also about helping young people develop skills for the real world and knowing how to get around in healthy, green and safe ways is vital,” says Andy. “The session went down really well and a number of the children have vowed to try to walk more in the future.” TravelWise is now hoping to continue the success of the project and is offering ongoing assistance to encourage residents to try walking, cycling or public transport. With the support of the European Regional Development Fund Liverpool City Council has made it easier for cyclists to reach the city centre from West Derby by road – with improvement works to the Toucan crossing across Queens Drive and new signage and traffic calming measures along the route. It’s only half an hour to travel from West Derby to the city centre by bike. TravelWise has also teamed up with Liverpool NHS Primary Care Trust, as part of the 2010 Year of Health and Wellbeing, to offer adults lacking confidence on a bike free cycle skills training and maintenance courses to teach
the basic skills required to check a bike is in good order. Carol Johnson-Eyre, TravelWise Co-ordinator, hopes residents will continue to embrace “smarter” alternatives to the car. She says: “Our TravelWise team was on the ground in the West Derby area for four months this summer speaking to residents face-to-face about how they can get from A to B and raising awareness of greener, healthier options that will help cut congestion on routes into the city centre. “We had hoped to get 5,000 people involved and were delighted to exceed our target. “A full evaluation of the impact of the project is currently taking place. But a similar project in Wirral last year saw a 7% reduction in the number of trips made by car. We hope, with ongoing support, that this can also be achieved for West Derby.” ● For more information on the TravelWise Personal Travel Planning initiative, and for advice on walking, cycling and using public transport, visit www.LetsTravelWise.org or call 0151 330 1253. ● To book your place on a cycle skills or bike maintenance session ring Cycling Solutions on 0151 234 9484 or email amyu@cycling solutions.co.uk and quote “Be Active”.
Join the Green Rinse Brigade!
Please rinse your bottles, jars, cans and tins before you recycle them.
We’re winning
658NOV10JH
6 NEWS
Each year Wirral residents recycle over 147 million items using their grey bin. Keep up the good work, Wirral.
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Monday, December 6, 2010
NEWS 7
Let’s be good this year D
ON’T let your good intentions go out the window this festive season. There are plenty of ways to have a traditional yet environmentally-friendly Christmas which doesn’t cost the earth. The Energy Saving Trust has provided some top tips to make this year extra eco-festive. Gift buying goodwill There are lots of environmentallyfriendly, attractive gifts to share this Christmas. Follow these tips for feel-good gifts: ● Buy recycled, fair trade or natural products – or make your own to add a personal touch. ● If you’re buying appliances or gadgets look for Energy Saving Trust. Recommended products as these use less energy than alternatives. Search for Energy Saving Trust Recommended products at www.energysavingtrust. org.uk /Energy-Saving-Trust- Recommen ded-products ● Rather than buying new trawl charity shops for vintage and antique items. Or only buy products that will last a long time. Craft fairs are a good bet for quality, hand-made items that often last longer than cheaply manufactured goods. ● Try your hand at knitting. Knitwear is great for keeping out the winter chill, is long-lasting and suits everyone. Make a social occasion and knit with friends or join a knitting club. ● Choose gifts with minimal packaging and avoid a full bin this Christmas. ● Don’t forget to take a reusable bag when you do your Christmas shopping. ● Whether you’re having traditional turkey, fresh salmon or a nut roast – try to source your Christmas feast from local suppliers. Farmers’ markets are a lovely way to spend an afternoon and pick up some mouth-watering local fare – or search online for local suppliers. ● You can save energy in the kitchen by putting a lid on pans when you boil your veg and de-scaling your kettle so it works more efficiently. For handy tips visit www.energysavingtrust. org.uk/cooking Sustainable seasons greetings ● Invest in a good quality, artificial Christmas tree. They are long-lasting which makes them a sustainable option. And it saves you constantly having to vacuum pine needles over the festive period. ● Sparkle with LED fairy lights as they are more energy-efficient than standard fairy lights. For outdoors invest in solar-powered fairy lights. ● Customise Christmas by making your own tree decorations out of recycled and reclaimed materials. ● Take time out to make your own Christmas cards – and turn last year’s cards into gift tags. ● Buy recycled cards and wrapping paper. Winter warmers You can save money by giving a little thought to the way you use energy in your home this winter:
TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY: The Energy Saving Trust has some great ideas to make your Christmas special this year
● If you have a programmer or timer adjust your heating and hot water timer according to your holiday plans. If you are out of the house all day then your heating shouldn't be switched on. By setting the heating system to come on for as short a time as possible you will save money. ● For tips on controlling your heating visit www.energysavingtrust. org.uk/heatingtips or call the Energy Saving Trust advice line for free on 0800 512
012. Energy saving travel tips ● Visiting far-flung family and friends, stocking up on food and shopping for gifts usually means more cars on the
road this time of year. Try to cut down usage by arranging car-sharing shopping trips with neighbours and friends. Or order online and have items delivered in bulk or by mail. Most supermarkets offer grocery shopping online. But to be really green buy local. ● If you are out in the car making some simple changes to the way you drive could reduce the fuel you use and also save you money. The Energy Saving Trust offers advice on fuel-efficient driving which could save you a month’s worth of fuel every year. Find out more at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/ Travel/Drivers/Smarter-driving or call the Energy Saving Trust advice line on 0800 512 012 for free travel energy check. ● Walk off the Christmas lunch. If you’re staying local this Christmas try to leave the car at home and walk as much as possible. It’s great exercise after all the over-eating and means you can enjoy a festive tipple without the worry. After Christmas ● For every new item of clothing received as a present, or picked up in the sales, give an old one to a friend or charity shop. ● Remember to keep your Christmas cards to make new cards or gift tags next year.
8 NEWS
Monday, December 6, 2010
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A WORLD OF CHOICE IT’S the time of year to show your loved ones just how much you care. But present buying doesn’t mean you need ignore the planet. Gifts don't have to be brand-new, or expensive, to make someone happy. Browse through second-hand shops or search online to find classic accessories, retro furniture, original books, traditional games and toys to help take the pressure off our planet's dwindling resources. But if you really want something new here’s what’s on our lists this Christmas ...
COOL doesn’t have to mean cold these fabulously cosy beanie hats with by uber cool British surf-clothing . Made company Finisterre, which specialis creating surf wear that looks just es in in town out of recycled or naturalas good such as merino wool, they’re a greafibres for the ecologically-minded fashionit gift Merino Beanies, £24 each from Fini sta. www.finisterreuk.com, 01872 554 sterre, 481
FORGET Santa Claus, you can be Santa Paws and treat your dog with a gift this Christmas. Equafleece dog jumpers make the perfect Christmas present. The Polartec fleece used to make the dog jumpers is made from recycled yarn, sourced from clear plastic bottles. The Polartec fleece itself is 100% water repellent – keeping any dog dry and warm – and if a dog gets soaked (which most do at some point) simply pop on the jumper post wet, muddy walk and it dries the dog in minutes taking any mud or dirt with it, so it's like a tumble drier. It also stops the lovely aroma of “eau de wet dog”. There are fleeces available in matching colours for the owners – as well as a high-vis range for extra safety whilst out dog walking. Equafleece dog jumpers cost £15 each with free postage and packing in the UK, order hotline 0845 123 5296.
AS the nights draw in and the mornings get darker too keeping your four-legged friends visible is a priority. High visibility equipment for dogs is a must for those times. These Leuchtie LED safety collars (£32.50) are low on energy use but high on brightness. For safety, style and ease of use you can't beat the Leuchtie light collar. For details see www.leuchtie.co.uk
BRIGHTEN lives across the globe with This Aveda Grounding Ritual soy wax pure warmth. packed with organic cassia, vanilla and candle (£20) is The candle holder is made from recla ginger oils. And inside the beautiful box comes a imed beer bottles. tagua nut hair band which has been harvested by a wom en’s Corporation Group in Colombia calle d Hope For Women. So sit back and relax knowing that you support families and promote economicare helping to to women in Colombian communities. independence accessories help change the live of ColoThese unique and families and help sustain the Colo mbian woman mbian rainforest.
put ADD some fizz to your festive fun and e list. Millione on the top of your seasonal tippl Frizzante MIllione is a delicious, lightly-sparkling out from stand it s make what But rose from Italy. , it the rest is that not only does it look good tastes good and it does good too. rds building For every bottle sold £1 will go towa a Leone, community-run primary schools in Sierrpoverty in West Africa, in conjunction with anti- million charity ActionAid. The aim is to sell oneschools bottles to raise £1m. With that 20 new a year for will be built to educate 10,000 children years to come. le of So this year if you celebrate with a bottinto the light e som ing bring be will you ne Millio ne lives of the children of Sierra Leone. Millio street in costs £7.99 and is available on the highrose and all Asda, many Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitt Millione Morrisons stores. Find out more abou at www.oneinamillione.com
FOR the allotment-lover in your life a vegetable garden for the developing worl makes a really thoughtful gift. Seeds, toolsd and horticultural training can provide family with a healthy, nutritious diet bya giving them the chance to grow their own vegetables. As well as enjoying nutritiou food they can sell any surplus vegetable s and use this extra money to improve s their lives. Vegetable garden, £10, http://worldgifts.cafod.org.uk.
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Monday, December 6, 2010
NEWS 9
developing START a ruminant dynasty in thehas everything, world. Perfect for someone who a this Oxfam unwrapped gift gives p or cow locally-sourced mother goat, shee enjoy all the “with child” and a lucky family will benefits of animal ownership. e are also With the patter of tiny hooves therlth care or hea for pay help to s urce extra reso d. Mother school fees. Happy families all roun am. Product and child animal package (£47) Oxfuk. code: OU5040LS, www.oxfam.org. INSPIRED by Lake District legend Millican Dalton, who took up residency in a cave, this cool bag is made from 100% organic weatherproof cotton, lined with polyester that's made from recycled pop bottles and insulated with local Herdwick wool from Borrowdale which is as good for keeping food chilled as it is for keeping seep warm. The outdoor company which has adopted his name is dedicated to an eco-friendly future and has put every grain of its knowledge and care into its gear. Hand-finished in Cumbria with chemical-free, vegetable-tanned leather it’s big enough to car for a whole family picnic and the straps are reinforced to last a lifetime. An investment gift for someone very special indeed, it will be an essential picnic companion for many, many years to come. Millican Cool Bag, Lakeland, ref 42636, £84.99
WIRRAL-based Nature's Boutique stocks the very best in natural organic skincare products and organic cosmetics. Check out their award-winning range of natural and organic bodycare, haircare and fragrance. They also offer a great range of natural jewellery, gifts and accessories, all at the most competitive prices. Call for details on 0845 045 1505 or see the website www.naturesboutique.com.
bia can help them realise their PROVIDING shoes for a child in Zam dreams. as shoes and uniforms can open the Support with buying necessities such . ation educ door to a vital school of Lusaka, provides help with Christian Aid partner, the Archdiocese ren affected by HIV. education essentials to vulnerable child gain an education and a brighter That means many more children can to will be walking on air long after gift your give you future. And whoever the festive season has ended. entaid.org. A pair of school shoes, £14, www.pres
THESE cute, hand-finished Doggy Doorstops will proudly hold your doors open – and they won’t even need a treat for doing it. Puppy is ideal for lighter doors, while his weighty big brother, Britannia, will take care of the heaviest. Made from cotton fabric and weighted with eco-friendly stone chips these canines will never stray. Doggy Doorstops, Britannia, Lakeland, ref 42662, £29.99, Stripy Puppy, ref 42664, £14.99.
PUCKER up for the purest, cert ified organic lip balms and body balms that you cou this Christmas. Scented using only ld wish for organic essential oils and contain Fair Trade synthetic ingredients or preservaing no Bronner’s Organic Lip Balms (£2.tives Dr perfect natural winter skin treat 95) make a and perfect Christmas stocking filler. They come in a variety of sumptuo including peppermint, lemon lime us flavours ginger and naked. All contain jojo , orange ba and hemp oil moisturisers which are then lock beeswax to rejuvenate tired, chap ed in with ped lips leaving them silky soft and smooth. nearest stockist call 0845 072 5825 To find your or www.kinetic4health.co.uk
SEARCHING for the gift this Christmas? Loultimate pampering www.wahanda.com haok no further – solution with their fan s the perfect tastic range of eco-friendly gift vouche in more than 500 spas rs available to use throughout the UK. Wand salons looking for the perfect hether you're hot spa offer or a greatpamper package, a Wahanda has the wid fitness deal, the top spas, salons anest selection from around. Treat someoned fitness centres day this Christmas, tak special to a spa e a friend for a 2-for-1 offer or if you are perfect Christmas gift looking for that Flexibility means freedbuy a spa voucher. recipient spend their om. So let the lucky of spa treatments, spapresent on a choice fitness sessions, pamp days, spa breaks, facials, yoga, pilates aner days, massages, gift experience to rem d much more for a Visit www.wahanda.co ember. find great spa deals, pam/shop and you will mper breaks and beauty offers.
GARDENERS will know just how important bees are when it comes to pollinating fruit, vegetables, flowers and plants. And Lakeland’s B&B for bees will go a long way in encouraging them into the garden. Particularly attractive to non-aggressive, solitary mason bees who’d like to snuggle up at the back of the nesting tubes, it helps with their conservation. And the bees will speed up garden production. It is made from FSC certified timber. Plus, a genuine friend to any gardener, ladybirds are ravenous chompers of greenfly and aphids – each scoffing up to 5,000 in a lifetime – so it’s well worth encouraging them into your garden. Placed in lawns, shrubs or sheltered plant beds, this attractive tower, made from FSC timber, has an insulated central chamber and so provides a safe, warm retreat for ladybirds in winter and a natural solution to the problem of plant-eating insects. Comes with a sachet of ladybird attractant/food. Wildlife World Pollinating Bee Log, Lakeland, ref 50999, £17.99, and Wildlife World Ladybird Tower, ref 50998, £14.99 from www.lakeland.co.uk, 015394 88100 or the Liverpool One shop.
10 NEWS
Monday, December 6, 2010
T
HE shops are full of Christmas gifts And around this time our minds turn to festive plans and tasty treats to enjoy with family and friends. But there’s no denying that this is one of the most expensive times of the year for most families. We could all do with some extra cash in our pockets. Every month households in Merseyside each throw away an average of £50 worth of food that could have been eaten – often still in its packaging. Much of this then has to be disposed of at landfill. By making a shopping list, checking the cupboards and fridge and eating up leftovers for lunch we could all enjoy an extra bit of cash in the run up to Christmas and reduce the amount of good food being thrown away. That’s what I call a Christmas bonus... How to save a festive fortune It pays to plan. In the run up to Christmas there are lots of things we can do in advance to save time. The Christmas food shop doesn’t need to be stressful – planning meals in advance, checking what foods we already have in the house and knowing what we’re going to buy before we go will make the trip a lot easier and quicker. Most of us don’t want to even think about going to the shops over Christmas so buy extra milk and bread to keep in the freezer – that way we can have that cup of tea and slice of toast without having to venture out into the cold. Save time on Christmas Day by preparing foods in advance and freezing; stuffing, bread sauce, cranberry sauce and brandy butter can all be made ahead of time and frozen. Even the roast potatoes can be prepared in advance; peel, cut, par-boil and then freeze. On Christmas morning season, sprinkle with olive oil and roast straight from frozen. Put a mixture of bread rolls, muffins and cakes in the freezer. They will defrost in no time and are a hassle-free treat for unexpected visitors. If you are making your own mince pies make sure none go to waste by freezing them uncooked. Just bake a few at a time, straight from frozen, when needed. Delicious ... When the party season comes we often find ourselves catering for extra people. The party portion calculator at lovefoodhatewaste.com removes the guess work when it comes to portions and has lots of fabulous party recipes. Offers can be good value at Christmas especially if we’re expecting a lot of guests. Look for fresh foods that can be frozen. And make space in the freezer – just in case they don’t all get eaten.
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The season CHRISTMAS TIPS ...
just ● TURKEY doesn’t have to be on for Christmas. Carve it all up Christmas day and freeze any leftovers to use for pies, stir fry, ey curry or stroganoff. Or try turk – as a substitute for other meat why not try turkey Bolognese, chilli con turkey, lasagne or cottage pie? There are lots of recipe ideas on lovefoodhatewaste.com at ● Ensure your vegetables are by l mea n mai the for best r thei t keeping them in the fridge. Mos vegetables will stay fresher for longer stored in the fridge in the bag they came in. ● If you’re catering for extra people why not try the Perfect Portion calculator available from site. the Love Food Hate Waste web as extr with f rsel you find If you do e freeze the leftovers as home mad ready meals for the New Year. ● The most important date to remember at Christmas is the ze use-by date – you can eat or free foods right up the end of the useby date. Best-before dates are for quality. You can eat foods after er this date but they may no long be at their best. ● Use up any leftover smoked salmon, eggs and cream by ze. making a quiche to eat or free ed Or cook it all up with scrambl t eggs for a special breakfast trea t. on toas as ● Left over hard cheeses, such for stilton and cheddar, are perfect freezing. Even the smallest portions can be frozen and are perfect for dropping straight into ur. soups and sauces for extra flavo ● Freeze any cold meats left over l after Boxing Day. They’ll be idea back e we’r n whe es for sandwich at work in the New Year. ● Use up the last of the Christmas pudding by mixing with vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert second time around – try the Christmas Pudding Ice Cream from lovefoodhatewaste.com. ● If there’s an abundance of Christmas cake over the festivities freeze in slices and t defrost in the New Year as a trea at the end of a busy week. ● Party foods that didn’t get eaten, such as quiches and sausage rolls, are perfect for freezing and use in packed k lunches when we’re back to wor or school. r ● You can also find stocking fille on ds frien ie ideas for food lovefoodhatewaste.com to save money and make more of your t food from this Christmas righ through to next year’s festive season.
NEW YEAR TIPS
● JANUARY is the month of saving money and making New Years resolutions – join Love Foo d Hate Waste in resolving to mak e the most of our food; ● Start by writing a shopping list. Making a list is easy, just keep a list pinned to the front of a kitc hen cupboard or the fridge – when you use the last of something writ e it down. ● Try planning weekly menus – we can take the effort out of thinking what to cook each nigh t, and wondering if we have the right ingredients to make it, by plan ning meals and shopping for them in advance. ● Make a free lunch – we can all save money by using what’s already in the fridge, or last nigh t’s leftovers, for a packed lunch at work. ● Have a freezer fortnight – save money by eating meals from the freezer, turn the leftover turkey which was frozen for later into a hearty pie – try the Turkey Ham and Leek Pie from lovefoodhatewaste.com. ● Double up on family favourit es – When cooking dishes such as Bolognese, chilli, soups and casseroles, cook one for now and freeze one to have on a busy January night. ● Get out the scales – avoid cooking too much by getting in the habit of using the kitchen scal es when cooking. They are great for measuring everyday portions. This will also help if you go on a new year diet.
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Monday, December 6, 2010
NEWS 11
to be careful
RECIPE
TASTY: You can save a festive fortune by following some simple tips
● Celery, Broccoli and Stilton Soup: Stilton can often hang around for a bit too long in the fridge so try making this lovely thick soup which would work well as a starter for Christmas Day or a New Year’s Eve Party. Ingredients: Serve 4 1 onion, peeled and chopped; 3 sticks of celery, roughly chopped; some olive oil, 1 large potato, peeled and chopped; 1 litre turkey or chicken stock, 300g broccoli, roughly chopped; 100g of Stilton, Roquefort or other blue cheese, ground black pepper, pinch of nutmeg, chopped chives; to serve with warm crusty bread. Instructions 1.Cook the onion and celery in 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pan until soft (about 5 minutes). Add the potato and stock and simmer until the potato is tender. Add the broccoli and cook for 3-4 minutes until just tender but still bright green. 2.Add half the cheese with the seasoning and nutmeg and whiz to a smooth soup in a blender. 3.Crumble the remaining cheese over the top, sprinkle with chives and serve with warm crusty bread.
12 NEWS
Monday, December 6, 2010
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Mersey Tidal Power – Statement of Community Consultation, November 2010 This Statement of Community Consultation explains how we will carry out consultation and how you can comment on options for a tidal power scheme in the Mersey Estuary as part of a Feasibility Study sponsored by Peel Energy and the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA). Development consent would be required for the construction and operation of such a tidal power scheme. This Statement is part of the formal, statutory process of obtaining a development consent. The Mersey Tidal Power scheme would also require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). About the Mersey Tidal Power project It is vital that the UK develops its renewable energy resources given the threat of climate change and the need for national energy security. As such, the Government has set a target to supply 15% of the UK’s energy needs from renewable sources by 2020. This falls within an overall European Union target to produce 20% of energy from renewables by the same date. The UK has the potential to generate significant renewable energy from tidal power schemes. The Mersey Estuary has one of the largest tidal ranges in the country and is therefore a prime location for a tidal power scheme. Peel Energy and the NWDA have been looking into the development of a tidal power scheme in the estuary for several years. The aim is to understand not only the performance of a scheme in terms of its capacity to generate electricity, but also its impact on the environment and its socio-economic benefits. Peel and the NWDA started the Mersey Tidal Power project in 2006 when they commissioned a study to look at the various options for generating tidal power in the Mersey Estuary. This was called the Pre-Feasibility Study. A full Feasibility Study is currently underway and is expected to be completed in March 2011. The Feasibility Study has identified a number of technology options that could potentially deliver viable tidal power schemes. All the options comprise a physical structure across the estuary that would incorporate equipment and turbines to generate power and locks to allow boats of various sizes to pass through. A 5.5 km stretch between New Ferry and Eastham on the Wirral side and Dingle to Garston on the Liverpool side has been identified as the most favourable area within which to locate a tidal power scheme. Connection to the National Grid would also be required, as well as access and transport routes to the estuary from the land for the construction and operation of the scheme. However, these details cannot be finalised until the scale and location of a preferred tidal power scheme have been agreed. Assuming we can identify a suitable tidal power scheme, this would be further refined and an application for consent to build the scheme would be submitted in 2012. If consents are granted, it is expected that a Mersey Tidal Power scheme would be in operation by 2020. Purpose of the consultation We want to make sure that local people are aware of and understand the Mersey Tidal Power project. We also want to hear ideas and comments about the project and respond to any concerns people may have. A tidal energy scheme within the Mersey Estuary could provide opportunities such as new jobs and improvements to local infrastructure and facilities, as well as attracting inward investment. However, we understand that a tidal power scheme could also affect people who live in, work in or use the area close to it. Potential impacts include pressure on existing community infrastructure and impacts on the local environment. Potential impacts further afield will be informed by the Feasibility Study. The construction and operation of a tidal power scheme and any associated developments may have potential impacts on ecology and wildlife, water and air quality, drainage and flood risk, landscape and visual amenity, archaeology and cultural heritage, rights of way, noise and vibration, transportation, and socio-economic interests. The key aims of community consultation for this project are: n To explain the aims and objectives of the project, the methodology used to assess the scheme options and the reasons behind decisions made to date; n To raise awareness and understanding of the part that tidal energy can play in meeting renewable energy targets and reducing carbon dioxide emissions; n To understand any local considerations that need to be taken into account when refining the scheme options and choosing the preferred scheme; n To allow local communities and stakeholders to comment on proposals as they emerge; and n To allow local communities and stakeholders to contribute ideas to the project.
Timetable for consultation Three key periods have been identified for community consultation: Round One: Feasibility Study, Dec 2010 – Feb 2011 We wish to raise awareness of our plans and make sure that the Feasibility Study takes account of relevant aspects of local communities that may be affected by a tidal power scheme. Round Two: Preferred Option, late 2011 (tbc) Once a preferred scheme has been identified, further consultation would be undertaken on aspects of the design including options for associated development, such as connections to the National Grid, and construction access and facilities. Initial consultation and publicity about EIA, including preliminary environmental information, for the Mersey Tidal Power scheme is likely to take place at this stage. Round Three: Application for Consent, 2012 (tbc) Once further work has been completed on the design of the proposed scheme, an Environmental Impact Assessment would be carried out to evaluate the likely impacts of the scheme. Consultation would aim to address any remaining aspects of the scheme that would be put forward in the application for a development consent. There would also be an opportunity to comment on the application once it has been submitted to the consenting authority. Round One consultation – Feasibility Study This notice formally announces the start of Round One consultation. Topics for consultation At this early stage in the project we are keen to hear from people about: n Location – we are considering two main options for where a scheme could be located. We wish to understand any relevant local issues that may help determine the choice of location or layout of facilities within the broad area being considered. n Physical characteristics – we have identified the core elements of the scheme and the potential changes to access and the tidal regime. We wish to understand how these might affect local communities and their use of the estuary.
n Potential
impacts – some potential environmental and socioeconomic impacts have been identified as part of the Feasibility Study. We wish to understand any aspects of the local area that may be affected by the project and hence require assessment. n Relevant local Issues – we wish to understand any other relevant local issues that may need to be taken into consideration by the project. n Complementary opportunities – there may be opportunities for complementary developments such as a visitors centre, recreational facilities, enhanced green spaces and local ecological habitats. We are seeking existing and new ideas for complementary development that local communities might like to see alongside a tidal power scheme. Who is being consulted We want to talk to and hear from people who live in, work in and use the areas surrounding the potential locations for a tidal power scheme. We want to capture the views of, in particular: n Local communities and businesses that may be directly affected by development of a tidal power scheme; n People in surrounding communities who may have strong views or fears about development of a tidal power scheme; n Interest groups, including clubs and associations, whose activities are based on the estuary; and n The wider public in the Liverpool City Region, West Cheshire and Warrington. We will also continue to consult with statutory consultees, such as Natural England, the Environment Agency and the Local Authorities. Methods of consultation We will make information available to people and consult with them in several ways: n Public exhibitions – we will hold a number of exhibitions which will be open to the public. These exhibitions will provide information about the project and the work undertaken to date, with members of the project team on hand to answer any questions. Feedback forms will be provided to capture the views and ideas of members of the public.
n Letters
and emails – we will write to local community and interest groups to invite them to the public exhibitions and ensure the message gets around. n Meetings and workshops – We will offer to attend community council/forum meetings in the consultation zone to introduce the project, discuss relevant topics and capture the community’s ideas and concerns. We will offer interest groups the opportunity to attend workshops to discuss the project with similarly interested parties, for example angling associations, sailing clubs, conservation groups, etc. Requests for meetings from those beyond these groups will be accommodated where possible. n Website – we will make detailed information about the project and all consultation material available on our website, www.merseytidalpower.co.uk, which is updated regularly. All display boards used for the public exhibitions will be available on the website along with a copy of this statement. Feedback on the project can be provided via the website. n Consultation documents – we will make further information about the project available for viewing at local council offices, local libraries and on the project website. Consultation documents will be available in large print format on request – please contact Peel Energy for further information, at the address below. Find out more and respond To learn more about the project or to provide your views or relevant information, please: n Write to us at Peel Energy, Peel Dome, The Trafford Centre, Manchester, M178PL n Visit our website www.merseytidalpower.co.uk n Email us at energy@peel.co.uk n Visit one of our Public Exhibitions detailed in this statement n Any responses to this consultation should be submitted to Peel Energy by 15 February 2011. Next steps Following the close of consultation, we will consider the responses received and prepare a report to accompany the Feasibility Study setting out the main findings of the consultation and how these will be addressed in further developing the project.
Mersey Tidal Power Community Consultation Peel Energy invites you to explore the options for generating electricity from the tides in the Mersey Estuary, and provide input to a Feasibility Study
Round one consultation zone Potential scheme locations
A tidal power scheme in the Mersey Estuary has the potential to make a significant contribution to the target of securing 15% of the UK’s energy needs from renewable sources by 2020. A large scheme could deliver enough electricity to meet the needs of over 200,000 homes, a significant proportion of homes within the Liverpool City Region. Any scheme put forward will need to take into account the ecological diversity of the Estuary, which supports internationally important bird habitats, as well as local social and economic interests. A 3.5 mile stretch of the river between New Ferry and Eastham on the Wirral side and Dingle to Garston on the Liverpool side has been identified as the most favourable area within which to locate a tidal power scheme (area highlighted orange on the map). We particularly want to hear your views if you live or work near to or use the Estuary in this area.
PUBLIC EXHIBITIONS Dates
Time
Venue
Sat 11 Dec
10am – 2pm
Bebington Civic Centre, CH63 7PN
Mon 13 Dec
12pm – 5pm
Birkenhead Market, CH41 2YH
Wed 15 Dec
2pm – 7pm
Sefton Park Community Library, L17 4JS
Thu 16 Dec
12pm – 6pm
The Bluecoat , Liverpool, L1 3BX
Tue 11 Jan
2pm – 7pm
Ellesmere Port Civic Hall, CH65 0AZ
Thu 13 Jan
12pm – 6pm
Bromborough Library and Civic Centre, CH62 7HR
Sat 15 Jan
10am – 2pm
Britannia Inn, Riverside Drive, L3 4AZ
Thu 20 Jan
12pm – 6pm
Stobart Stadium, Widnes, WA8 7DZ
Sat 22 Jan
10am – 2pm
Eastham Country Park Visitors Centre, CH62 0BH
Mon 24 Jan
12pm – 5pm
Garston Community Library, L19 1Q
Members of the project team will be on hand to provide an overview of the project, explain the options being considered, answer questions and capture your comments. If you would like to contact us, please email energy@peel.co.uk or write to Peel Energy, Peel Dome, The Trafford Centre, Manchester M17 8PL. Further information is available at www.merseytidalpower.co.uk
★★★★
Monday, December 6, 2010
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ORGET getting an iPad or a pair of designer shoes this Christmas, the items at the top of many environmentallyaware consumers’ wish list is a way of generating sustainable energy. With gas prices rocketing, installing solar panels or a wind turbine seems to make a lot of sense. Add to that the feed-in tariffs (FITs) – also known as the clean energy cashback scheme – which survived the government cuts and are still in place to pay people who generate green electricity using small-scale solar panels, wind turbines, hydropower and combined heat and power, and it seems too good to be true. But is the initial outlay worth the rewards? Gilles Vincent, from Crosby, certainly thinks so. This autumn he and his fiancée Jan Impanni installed 18 solar panels on the roof of his house. And he's already started to recoup his initial outlay of £15,500. “We had considered the installation of Solar panels but as an aspiration rather than a credible investment,” says Mr Vincent, 59. “But in August a lot of media attention was focused on companies offering to install ‘free’ solar panels whereby the householder gained reduced electricity bills but the installer gained the government-backed feed in tariffs (FITs). In truth we had not been aware of FITs. “But it was clear that there was no such thing as a ‘free' solar panel installation, given installation costs of between £5,000 and £17,000, companies would earn the government-backed revenues. “To capitalise on the government scheme and
NEWS 13
COOL: Gilles Vincent, from Crosby, and his fiancée Jan Impanni with their solar panels
maximise our revenue and savings we needed to install our own solar panels. “On that basis we researched the accredited/approved suppliers. We selected Eco Environments Ltd, based in Formby. “We received the comprehensive quotation within two days and within 10 days the installation was complete. We were generating power (and saving on imported units) by 5pm on the day of installation.” Household energy consumption has been rising. According to data published recently by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), per capita domestic CO2 emissions increased in more than 60% of local authorities during 2007-08. Since the Feed in Tariffs were announced thousands of people have set up microgeneration schemes all over the country. Average costs are around £10,000. But this varies from house to house. Mr Vincent adds: “The Total Generation figure after 40 days of operation is 339 kWh (a Kilowatt hour, which equals a unit of electricity). We have seen daily peak generation figures of 16 kWh. But given the autumnal weather and shorter days we are expecting average daily generation figures of 3 to 6 kWh. The generation figures show a yearly return of between 8% to 13%, depending on generation.” That's a yearly income of between £1,800 and £2,500, given the savings on bills, FITs and export. “Our income is based upon getting paid for every unit we generate and for every unit we export to the National Grid,” says Mr Vincent. “Our savings are based on the fact that we import
fewer units because we use the units we generate – and this fact does change your electricity consumer behaviour. “As a ‘supplier’ you also become very focused on saving energy across 24 hours. We schedule clothes and dishwashing during daylight hours. We cook evening meals during the day and so on. Plus we are using our power to heat the hot water as opposed to using gas.” The good news is that, despite government cuts, householders who installed solar panels after July 15, 2009 are guaranteed 41.3p per unit of electricity for 25 years. “In 40 days we have reduced our carbon footprint by in excess of 559 lbs of CO2 while at the same time generating income and savings,” says Mr Vincent. “We are paid for every unit we generate (41.3p per unit), plus 0.03p per unit we export to the national grid, and we save 14p on every unit we would have bought from our electricity supplier.” But it isn't all plain sailing. Mr Vincent has the following advice for anyone considering installing green energy systems. “Do extensive research – and as part of that research select a credible supplier,” he warns. “Also, be aware of your home's location and aspect in relation to the sun's movement across the sky. If you do receive quotations, calculate the inclusive price per panel and then calculate your income and savings – the danger is that you might be persuaded to install a few solar panels which, although providing green credentials, may not actually provide you with much income and everyday savings.” ● To find out more about installing solar panels to your home see www.ecoenvironments.co.uk.
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14 NEWS
Monday, December 6, 2010
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Wednesday, December 8 ● Riverbank Road for Raptors – Riverbank Road Car Park, Heswall, Wirral, CH60 4SQ. Estuary Watch. 9:30am. Join the Rangers and WCP Recording Group at Riverbank Road car park in Lower Heswall for the second in a winter-long series of bird watching events on the internationallyimportant Dee Estuary. As the mudflats and marsh floods, hope to see many waders, ducks and raptors. Bring binoculars and warm waterproofs. Free event. No need to book. For further info call: 0151 648 4371. Email: wirralcountrypark@ wirral.gov.uk
★★★★
Here we go,
Thursday, December 9 ● Stanley Park – Taste of Health – Join the PCT food workers in association with the Ranger Service for an interactive cook 'n' taste session. Meet at the Lodge, 1 Anfield Road (Close to the Isla Gladstone Conservatory), 10.30am. Friday, December 10 ● Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra concert at Halewood Centre for Learning, Wood Road, Halewood. Get into the Christmas mood with this magical yuletide concert. 7.30pm. Contact 0151 443 5619 for further details. ● Calderstones Park - Winter Evergreens – Join the Rangers and discover the shrubs and trees that still provide colour and interest throughout the winter. Meet at Coach House Archway 11am. ● Christmas Flower Demonstration - Birkenhead Park. 2:00pm - 3:30pm. A floral art demonstration and talk by Wirral Flower Arranging Tutor Audrey Owen. At 1.00pm there will be a plant sale. All flower arrangements will be raffled at the end of the event. Cost: Tickets £3.00. Tickets must be paid for in advance. Telephone: 0775-496-0325. ● Sefton Park – Bird Feeder Workshop. Meet at Ranger Base on the side of the Aviary Café. 1pm. ● Christmas Cracker event, Mill Farm Community Centre, Kirkby. Join them making Christmas wreaths, yule logs and other festive decorations using natural material from the park. 1- 3pm. Free. Sunday, December 12 ● Croxteth Country Park – Christmas Market in Croxteth Hall 10.30am – 4.30pm, £2.20 Adults. Children/Sen Citizens 80p. ● Winter Amble around Royden Park, Frankby. 1pm - 4pm. A winter’s amble across Royden Park, Thurstaston Common and following some of the nearby farmland footpaths. Meet at the Ranger’s Office, Royden Park. Suitable clothing and footwear for rough terrain. Free event. No need to book. For further information call 0151 677 7594 Email: midwirralrangers @wirral.gov.uk ● Christmas Cracker event, Halewood Park. Festive fun for all the family. Includes Santas Grotto, sleigh rides, tinsel trail, decoration workshops, face painting and tombola. 1-4pm. Contact 0151 488 6151 for further information. ● Sefton Park – Junior Rangers Christmas Card Workshop and Mask Making. Bring along the children and help them create their very own Christmas Card design. Booking essential on 0151 233 3007. 1pm. Meet at Ranger Base on the side of the Aviary Café. Monday, December 13 ● Fazakerley Woods and Fields Winter Woodland Tales. Discover how for thousands of years trees have been an important part of our cultural life. 1pm. Meet at Emmanuel Church, Longmoor Lane and Higher Lane. Tuesday, December 14 ● Stanley Park - Winter in the Park. Join the Rangers for a stroll through the park and take in the changes brought by the winter weather. 1pm. Meet at the bandstand, in front of the Gladstone Conservatory.
Wednesday, December 15 ● North Wirral Coastal Park Task Day at Leasowe Lighthouse, Lingham Lane, Moreton. 10am - 3pm. Help the Ranger and the Friends of North Wirral Coastal Park undertake some practical environmental conservation work within this 200-acre award winning Park. Free. Booking essential. Telephone: 0151 678 5488. Email: coastalpark@wirral.gov.uk Thursday, December 16 ● Stanley Park - A Taste of Health. Help prepare a healthy meal, enjoy a healthy ramble with the Rangers before returning to savour the delicious food. 10.20am. Meet at The Lodge, 1 Anfield Road,
close to the Isla Gladstone Conservatory. ● Canalside Park, Our Local Environment - Canal Life. Join the Rangers and enjoy a fascinating insight into the past, present and future of Liverpool's canals.1pm/ Meet at Canal Bridge, Sandhills Lane, Kirkdale. Friday, December 17 ● Woolton Woods - Winter Woodland Tales. Discover how for thousands of years trees have been an important part of our cultural life, 1pm. Meet at Green Flag, Flag Pole, Woods Main Gate, High Street, Woolton. Saturday, December 18 ● The Holly and the Ivy, Stadt Moers Park, Whiston. Join us making Christmas wreaths, Yule logs and other festive decorations using natural materials from the park. 1 – 3pm. Free. ● Holly and the Ivy at Henley Park, Whiston Lane, Whiston. Join your rangers making festive decorations using natural materials from the park. 10am till 12. Meet by the Pavilion. Free. ● Holly and the Ivy at Stadt Moers Country Park, Pottery Lane, Whiston. Join your rangers making festive decorations using natural materials from the park. 1pm till 3pm. Meet at the Environment Centre. Free. ● Otterspool Park and Prom – Let's go fly a Kite. Help children discover the skills of kite making as they make their own kite and fly it next to the River Mersey. Booking is essential, on 0151 233 3007. Meet at Visitors Centre beside the Otters Pool Inn, near Jericho Lane. Sunday, December 19 ● Pubs and Paths Christmas Special at Wirral Country Park Visitor Centre, Station Road, Thurstaston. 10:15am - 3:30pm. Join the Ranger on a vigorous walk through West Wirral and stop off for lunch in a local pub
before returning to Thurstaston Visitor Centre. No children under 14yrs. Free event. Booking essential. Telephone: 0151 648 4371. Email: wirralcountrypark@wirral.gov.uk ● Winter Walk - Birkenhead Park. 1:30pm - 3pm. Look for the signs of Winter on this ranger-led guided walk. Dogs allowed on a lead. Suitable for the whole family. Free. Telephone: 0151 652 5197. Email: birkenheadpark@wirral.gov.uk Monday, December 20 ● Stanley Park - Bird Feeder Workshop. Bring along the children and discover how to help the birds survive the cold months of winter. 1pm. Meet at bandstand, in front of the Gladstone Conservatory. Tuesday, December 21 ● City Centre. Who Put That There? Part 1 Test your powers of observation on the first part of our healthy journey of discovery through Liverpool's City Centre Green Flag Parks as we focus on innovation and wellbeing. 1pm. St Johns Gardens. ● Sefton Park - Winter Solstice Celebrations. A celebration of this ancient festival that heralds the changing of the seasons. 7.30pm. Ranger Base on the side of the Aviary Café. Wednesday, December 22 ● Sefton Park - In Search of Santa! A search for the real Santa. Ranger Base on the side of the Aviary Café. 0151 233 3007. www.liverpool.gov.uk/parks Thursday, December 23 ● Stanley Park - A Taste of Health. Join PCT food workers in association with the Ranger Service for and interactive cook 'n' taste session. 10:30am; The Lodge, 1 Anfield Road; (Close to the Isla Gladstone Conservatory). ● Estuary Watch: Christmas Special at Heswall Shore, Riverbank Road, Heswall. 9am. Watch the wading birds of the Dee Estuary as the tide rises. Join the Rangers and the WCP recording Group for a
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Monday, December 6, 2010
NEWS 15
, here we snow! A WINTER WONDERLAND: Over the festive season, and beyond, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors
Main picture: ANDREW TEEBAY
bird watch on the shore. Please bring binoculars and warm waterproofs. Free. Telephone: 0151 648 4371. Email: wirralcountrypark@wirral.gov.uk ● Childwall Woods and Fields - Winter Woodland Tales. Discover how for thousands of years trees have been an important part of our cultural life. 1pm. Meet at corner of Aldbourne Avenue and Woolton Road. Monday, December 27 - Friday, December 31 ● Christmas Trail at Wirral Country Park, Station Road, Thurstaston. 10am - 4pm. Have a go at the family trail around the Wirral Country Park and burn off some of your Christmas dinner! Follow the clues and win a prize. All children to be accompanied. Free. Telephone: 0151 648 4371. Email: wirralcountrypark@wirral.gov.uk Tuesday, December 28 ● Green Shoots and Orange Tips at Wirral Country Park Visitor Centre, Station Road, Thurstaston. 2pm - 3pm. Visitor Centre holds illustrated talk on what’s in store for the coming season. Free. No need to book. Telephone: 0151 648 4371. Email: wirralcountrypark@wirral.gov.uk Thursday 30 December ● City Centre- Who Put That There? Part 2. Test your powers of observation on the second part of a healthy journey of discovery through Liverpool's green heart. 1pm. St Luke's Church, Berry Street. Sunday, January 2, 2011 ● Leasowe Lighthouse Open Day. 12:00am 4:00pm. Visit this iconic landmark at the heart of the North Wirral Coastal Park and join the Friends of Leasowe Lighthouse for a tour up 130 steps to the top. Last tour is at 3.30pm. Height restriction applies. Cost: £2 per adult and £1 per child (under 16). No need to book. For further enquiries:Telephone: 0151 678 5488. Email:coastalpark@wirral.gov.uk
Thursday, January 6 ● Winter Walk - Bidston Hill and Flaybrick. 10:00am - 12:00pm. Join the Ranger for his New Year walk around Bidston Hill and Flaybrick Memorial Gardens to shake off a little of the Christmas excess! Find out about some of the history, trees, plants and geology. Free. No need to book. Meet at Tam O’Shanter Farm in the courtyard. Suitable clothing and footwear advised. For further enquiries: Telephone: 0151 653 9332. Email: tamoshanter@wirral.gov.uk Saturday, January 8 ● A Woodland Walk in Royden Park, Frankby. 1:00pm - 2:30pm. An in-depth look at Royden Park’s woodland, its beauty, uses and wildlife. Meet at the Ranger’s Office, Royden Park. Free event. No need to book. For further enquiries: Telephone: 0151 677 7594. Email: midwirralrangers@wirral.gov.uk Sunday, January 9 ● New Year in the Valley at Dibbinsdale Local Nature Reserve, Spital Road, Bromborough.10am 12.30pm. Take a seasonal stroll with the Ranger through Dibbinsdale Local Nature Reserve, Wirral’s secret valley. Strong footwear and suitable clothing advised. Not suitable for young children. Free. Booking essential. For further enquiries: Telephone: 0151 334 9851. Email: easthamrangers@wirral.gov.uk ● Winter West Wirral Walk. 10:15am 3:30pm. Join the Ranger on a 5-7 mile march around West Wirral to burn off extra calories from festive food or to help toward New Year Resolutions! Free. Booking essential. Telephone: 0151 648 4371. Email: wirralcountrypark@wirral.gov.uk ● Help with Woodland Thinning in Royden Park. 1:00pm - 3:30pm. Come and help clear unwanted species such as
CALL 0151 472 2705 OR EMAIL neil.Johnson@liverpool.com
rhododendron from their woodlands. This will allow more light and encourage native wildlife to these areas. Gloves and tools provided. Free. No need to book. Meet at the Ranger’s Office, Royden Park. For further enquiries: Telephone: 0151 677 7594. Email: midwirralrangers@wirral.gov.uk Sunday, January 16 ● Heathland Restoration at Heswall Dales. 10.30am - 3.30pm. Help continue the good work saving one of Wirral’s best examples of Lowland Heath. Enjoy a physical fun day clearing the invading scrub from the Dales. Meet at the entrance to Heswall Dales off Oldfield Road, Heswall. Suitable clothing and footwear and bring a packed lunch. Free. No need to book. For further
enquiries: Telephone: 0151 677 7594. Email: dantravis@wirral.gov.uk ● Bird Walk for Beginners at Birkenhead Park. 1.30pm - 3pm. An easy walk to help you identify the birds in the park and take part in the RSPB garden Birdwatch later in the month. Bring binoculars if you can and dress warmly. Suitable for the whole family. No dogs allowed. Free. For further enquiries: Telephone: 0151 652 5197. Email: birkenheadpark@wirral.gov.uk Wednesday, January 19 ● North Wirral Coastal Park Task Day. 10:00am 3:00pm. Help the Ranger and the Friends of North Wirral Coastal Park undertake some practical environmental conservation work within this 200-acre award winning Park. Free. Booking essential. For further enquiries: Telephone: 0151 678 5488. Email: coastalpark@wirral.gov.uk Sunday, January 23 ● Woodland Task Day - Eastham Country Park. 10am - 12.30pm. Join the Rangers and help with a habitat management task at Eastham Country Park on a bracing (hopefully) January morning. Warm up afterwards with hot soup in the volunteer centre. Wear strong footwear and suitable clothing. Suitable for age 14+. Free. No need to book. For further enquiries: Telephone: 0151 327 1007. Email: easthamrangers@wirral.gov.uk ● Winter Bird Walk - Royden Park and Thurstaston Common. 10:30am 12:30pm. A short stroll within Royden Park and Thurstaston Common to discover winter resident birds. Meet at the Ranger’s Office, Royden Park. No dogs. Suitable clothing and footwear. Free event. No need to book. For further enquiries: Telephone: 0151 677 7594. Email: midwirralrangers@wirral.gov.uk Wednesday, January 26 ● Help this Heathland - Thurstaston Common. 10:30am - 3:30pm. Come and help clear invading scrub on this important heath land site. Meet at Thurstaston Hill car park off Telegraph Road. Gloves and tools provided. Suitable clothing and footwear. Bring a packed lunch. Free. No need to book. For further enquiries: Telephone: 0151 677 7594. Email: midwirralrangers@wirral.gov.uk
16 NEWS
Monday, December 6, 2010
★★★★
I’d be lost without chicken. It’s such a doddle to cook and I can keep any leftovers for up to two days in the fridge. And, if there’s some I haven’t cooked, I cut it up into small chunks and freeze it. That way it defrosts in no time. Then, if I need a quick dinner, I’ll throw it into a curry. Tasty. lovefoodhatewaste.com has more tips and recipes to help you waste less food and save up to £50 a month.