It's Our World by Liverpool Post & Echo

Your 16-page guide to going green . . . from cutting waste to buying recycled designer fashion

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Welcome to . . .

ELCOME to the first It’s Our World supplement, part of our new green section dedicated to making Merseyside a better place to live in – for us, our families and for future generations. Since we launched the platform at the start of the month, I’ve been overwhelmed by your fantastic green ideas, your ingenious tips and the many inspirational things you’ve been doing to make the world a better place. So this first edition is packed with green news and tips on how we can all make a difference, plus of course, details of how you have taken It's Our World to your hearts. Please do keep your news coming – email me at jade.wright@ liverpool.com, or log on to the green blog http://blogs.dailypost. co.uk/ecowarrior/ and share your green news with the world. I’ll feature as much as I can in my weekly pages, and in the It’s

C O N T E N T S

PAGE 3: You’re going green – great environmental activities around Merseyside. PAGE 4: Environmental inspiration – we’re looking for creative types with designs on the planet. PAGE 5: Park and ride – How one Merseyside park is inundated with visitors after increasing green attractions. PAGE 6: Green & gorgeous – save the planet in style. PAGE 7: Love your food – ways to cut down on waste and save a fortune.

Our World supplements, which will appear every three months in your paper. We know that the majority of readers want to do more for their planet. Now we all have more help to achieve it. It’s Our World – and it’s a beautiful world. Let’s look after it.

JADE WRIGHT

PAGES 8&9: Earth style – recycled fashion and accessories. PAGE 10: Let’s go round again – recycling updates. PAGE 11: High hopes – insulate your home and save on bills. PAGE 12: Green and clean – the Mersey is now home to salmon and otters. PAGE 13: A day to remember – great days out withoutthe car. PAGES14&15: Out and about – definitive green listings.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

We’re going green!

HEN we launched It’s Our World, we asked what you are doing for the environment – and we were inundated with responses. From schools to gardening groups, businesses to voluntary organisations, you are making a difference. Here are just a few of the green initiatives taking place . . . ● PUPILS at St Margaret's CE Primary School in Anfield have been looking at ways to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill this term. “We got together with Lakeland in Liverpool One who very generously provided each class with a compost caddy to take the fruit and vegetable peel from the classroom wastebaskets,” explains Jean Muir, the school’s business manager. “Our children – all 437 of them – are supplied with a piece of fruit or a vegetable such as carrot or tomato every day to support the Healthy Schools agenda and as you can imagine that is quite a bit of waste. “This is now being composted at a suitable distance up on the school field to use on the children's vegetable plots next year.” ● FORMBY’S Freshfield primary school is working on a scheme to make it one of the most energy efficient in the country. It’s part of a £250,000 pilot to make

Going green are Freshfield primary, above, St Margaret's Anfield CE primary, left, Knowsley recycler Sue Wignell, below, and MP Ben Chapman, bottom Main picture: GARETH JONES schools across the country greener. The council has secured £250,000 from the Department of Children, Schools and Families, which is eager for UK schools to slash its carbon emissions. The school will install a host of green measures over the next 12 months, including double-glazed windows, lining the roof with the most up-to-date insulation and installing special wall panels designed to keep heat loss to a minimum. Cllr Peter Dowd, Sefton’s cabinet member for education, says: “Children are now far more aware of environmental issues than older generations and to have their own school involved will mean they get the best practical experience. Their school will be the project.” ● BEN Chapman, MP for Wirral South, visited the Energy Saving Trust advice centre to discuss the projects the centre is delivering locally. Based in Wallasey, the Energy Saving Trust advice centre provides free impartial and expert advice to residents across Merseyside and Cheshire on reducing their carbon dioxide emissions, one of the greenhouse gases responsible for climate change. Mr Chapman met Centre Manager, Steve Lang, before taking a tour of the centre. “I was very impressed with the range

and depth of information covered by the advice centre,” says Mr Chapman. “People can call up and ask about anything from grants for loft insulation to installing solar panels and renewable energy. “There are lots of things people can do today to reduce the amount of energy they use, and help bring down the cost of their energy bills, too.” ● FOUR more Knowsley residents have scooped £250 each – thanks to their success in the council’s Recycling Rewards competition. Helen Talbot, of Sutherland Road, Prescot; Trisha Brocklebank, of Lytham Court, Kirkby; Patrick Durie of Homer Road, Knowsley Village and Sue Wignell of Simonswood Lane, Northwood, Kirkby, were the lucky winners in the easy-to-enter competition, which rewards residents who use their grey recycling bin to recycle paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, glass and cans. Since its launch in January, the competition, offering prizes totalling £3,000 in gift vouchers, has attracted a bumper response from hundreds of householders across the borough.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

A walk along the Leeds-Liverpool canal and, below, a striking view as wind turbines dwarf Fort Perch Rock lighthouse in a picture taken from Everton Heights

Is your art in the right place?

by JADE WRIGHT

ITH dramatic skylines, stunning seascapes and a wealth of green spaces, Merseysiders are spoilt for choice when it comes to the finest view. And with improvements in water and air quality, and more and more of us recycling and using public transport, our environment continues to get better. So, in the spirit of creativity, we’re looking for arty types to show us their environmentally-inspired works. Monet had his waterlillies, Van Gough had his sunflowers and we have Merseyside. It’s Our World has teamed up with Merseytravel to display your best drawings, illustrations and cartoons on a massive scale at Lime Street Station, so your art will be the first thing visitors to Liverpool see. As part of its public art programme, Merseytravel will display the winning and best entries in the underpass connecting the mainline Liverpool Lime Street Station with the Merseyrail underground network, to be seen by hundreds of thousands of passengers every year. One adult and one child will win £250 cash each, thanks to Merseytravel, as well as free family passes to

visitor attractions including The Mersey Ferries, The Beatles Story, Spaceport and The U-Boat Story. The contest aims to improve the environment for passengers on public transport. We’ll show the best of the submitted entries in It’s Our World, and there will be a chance for readers to vote on your favourites. Neil Scales, chief executive of Merseytravel, says: “We know there is a wealth of creativity in Merseyside and we want to showcase some of this talent. “This competition gives people the chance to draw together that creativity, as well as the themes of transport, public art and the environment, and when better to do this than in the heart of Year of the Environment. “We are committed to public art across the network and will display the winning entries in Lime Street Station underpass so that the best of

these can be seen by hundreds of thousands of passengers every year.” The competition runs until September 11 and It’s Our World readers will get the chance to vote for their favourite entries. The competition is open to all ages – prizes will be awarded for two categories – under 18s and over 18s. So now’s your chance to take pen or pencil in hand, be creative and enter your illustration for the chance to win. ● Send your entries (we cannot return your drawings, so a good quality colour copy is fine in the first instance) to: Jade Wright, It’s Our World/Merseytravel art competition, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L69 3EB. Please write your name, age, address and a daytime contact number on the back. ● The full competition rules are available at www.itsourworld.co.uk

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

The great outdoors at Runcorn Town Hall Park

READ MORE ON OUR BLOGS

Why it’s the great outdoors for park fans any time of year

FAMILIES have been flocking to enjoy the great outdoors at Runcorn Town Hall Park. The first phase of a £450,000 programme of improvements has been completed, and already the facilities are proving to be a big hit. Nearly £200,000 has been spent on a new play environment. Visitor numbers to the park have soared in recent weeks. The design for the playground follows the theme of a dry river bed, with equipment including the climbing boulder and bridge installed to help children create their own games around this theme. Other equipment includes an aerial ropeway, slides and climbing frames, designed to integrate with the park’s surroundings. Other features proposed for the grounds of the Town Hall include Halton’s first arboretum, a collection of unusual trees. Giant Redwood, Walnut, Chestnut and Southern Beech have already been planted, and this collection will be added to in the future to provide a teaching resource, as well as a pleasant place to walk and sit.

Cllr Phil Harris, Halton's Executive Board member for Parks, says: ''The arboretum will be Halton's first and as it develops over future years it will be a unique feature for many different visitors to the park, for decades to come. ''We are also planning to improve some wildlife habitats if we can, including a secure site for an urban bee hive.” Work will shortly commence on the second phase of improvements. A pavilion will be created which will house public toilets and refreshment facilities. A multi-games area is also in the plans, along with improved sitting areas. Improvements will also be made to paths and the pond area. The aim is to complete the main works before the end of this year. These new facilities will complement the existing features at the Runcorn Town Hall Park, extensive areas of parkland, woodland planting and horticultural features. During office hours visitors to the grounds can even experience the

Check out John Dempsey’s bird life at www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/birdblog and Jade Wright’s eco world at www.liverpool dailypost.co.uk/ ecowarrior Chinese Friendship Garden which contains a sculpture donated to Halton by the people of Tongling in China, one of Halton’s twin towns. The new facilities were funded by monies from Halton council, the Department for Children Schools and Families Playbuilder Fund, The Big Lottery Fund, and the Children's Play Programme. Extensive consultation ahead of the project with local people and children was carried out by the Community Development Team to decide what their favourite outdoor activities were, and these ideas have been built into the finished scheme. ● Halton council is running a number of events in its open spaces during the summer. For further information call 0303 333 4300 and ask for a Parks and Countryside events booklet.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

A clutch of good ideas FORGET cheap and nasty plastic bags. This season, the smartest shopping peeks out of a reusable tote, writes JADE WRIGHT. Thirteen billion plastic bags are given away each year in the UK alone. Their production and disposal adds to CO2 emissions and many contribute to pollution problems and threaten wildlife. Whatever you're carrying, there's a stylish eco bag out there with your name on it.

A classic string bag is great for carrying bread or fruit and veg without squashing it. Cream Organic String Bag, ref 21571, £4.88, from www.lakeland.co.uk

IF you like your bags big and functional, you can’t go wrong with this massive tote from Aldi, left. You’ll fit a week’s shopping – and the kitchen sink – inside. And they’re only 99p each

Style icons will fall head over heels for Cath Kidston cloth bags, right. They're 100% printed cotton, and ideal for using for everything from shopping to carrying magazines and books. Printed cotton bags, £8 each from the new Liverpool One store or www.cath kidston.co.uk

The North West has above average CO2 emissions We’re committed to changing this by helping you, both in the workplace & at home, to make a positive difference

For sponsorship or advertising opportunities contact: Neil Johnson It’s Our World Account Manager Telephone: 0151 472 2705 Email: neil.johnson@liverpool.com

in print & online www.itsourworld.co.uk

Carry your retro vinyl in style – or add a bit of muso cred to your shopping – with this fab bag from quirky Scouse singer/songwriter Cheapskate. For details see www.myspace.com/ jamandbungle

I've fallen in love with this fab jute shopping bag, left, from Lakeland. It's got big chunky handles and Velcro at the top to keep it closed. Jute dots bag, ref 21888, £3.96, www.lakeland.co.uk

The Norton & Townsend carbon neutral suit

Green gourmets will love this fantastic jute tote from Liverpool foodie mecca Delifonseca. Stock up on all your favourite ingredients, and support local producers at the same time

Eco suit is no wind up! E VEN cleaning can be given a green twist thanks to natural cleaning products from Method. Non-toxic, biodegradable, naturally-derived and never tested on animals, they’re as safe for you as they are for the world. And as they’re packed with essential oils and natural essences, they smell pretty good, too. Most products are about £3, or buy a bundle for £20 from www.method products.co.uk. ● SUPER shiny hair and helping preserve the rainforests? Sounds like a plan to me. From the remote tropical rainforests of Central America, Ojon is a hydrating oil from the Ojon tree. Sustainably hand harvested, it provides a steady source of income for indigenous communities. And it

smells like heaven... ● PACKED with 100% natural essential oils and using only certified organic ingredients, harvested from renewable and sustainable sources, the Origins range is a green treat. Now they’ve branched out with new bedtime products to make sure we get the best night’s sleep possible, with the Dr Andrew Weil range. Lie back, relax and enjoy. Prices start at £20, details at www.origins.co.uk. ● THE world’s first Beyond Carbon Neutral made-to-measure range of suits is proving that luxury clothing can be environmentally friendly. Launched by bespoke visiting tailors, Norton & Townsend, the suit is all woven in Yorkshire and available in 60 different luxurious fabrics. All carbon generated via its

making is offset by 300%. For details see www.nortonand townsend.co.uk. ● HOW do you fancy the best locally produced organic food sourced and selected on your behalf and then delivered to your front door? Hundreds of Merseyside families are making the most of Warrington-based Northern Harvest, which supplies fresh, tasty food direct from producers across the region straight to your kitchen table. Run by husband and wife team Tod and Barbara Bulmer it’s a home delivery service for seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables within a 30 mile radius from their home. More info on Northern Harvest see www.northern harvest.co.uk, call 01942 608 299 or email enquiry@ northern harvest.co.uk.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Cost of waste by JADE WRIGHT

E all love food don’t we? Well seemingly not. The average family could save £50 per month if they paid a bit more attention as to how they manage their food. According to WRAP (Waste Resources Action Programme), 6.7 million tonnes of food is thrown away from UK homes each year – that’s a third of the food we buy. It’s like us all struggling home with three heavy shopping bags and throwing one in the bin as soon as we get there. Although few of us believe we throw food away, we all actually waste food, some of us on a massive scale. Each day in the UK we throw away 5.1 million potatoes, 4.4 million apples, 1.3 million yoghurts, 520,000 unused teabags and 300,000 unopened packets of crisps. The cost to households of wasted food is around £50 per family per month – adding up to a massive £10bn a year across the country. Saving up to £50 per month should be good news for hard-pressed consumers – after all, which family wouldn’t like an extra £600 annual holiday spending money. But there are other benefits. Food that ends up in landfill produces damaging climate change gases and is a terrible waste of resources. Imagine food diligently grown or reared, often elsewhere in the world, harvested, prepared, packaged, transported, refrigerated, bought at the shops, taken home, refrigerated, cooked, thrown away, collected by the binmen and then mostly taken to landfill, where it rots. One tonne of food waste creates the equivalent of 4.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide. If we all stopped wasting food it would have the same environmental benefit as taking one in five cars off the road. Nationally the Love Food

Hate Waste campaign has started to show positive results and helped lead to a saving from households nationwide of nearly £300m. The campaign, which sets out to help homes cut back on the food they throw away, has reported that two million more households in the UK are making savings of £164

each by eating more of the food they would previously have thrown away. By simply planning meals, storing food to keep it fresher for longer and using up foods such as leftovers, these households have together made an overall saving of £296m a

year, stopping 137,000 tonnes of food being thrown away. Not only is this a saving in financial terms, it also benefits the environment preventing 600,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases being emitted, which is the same carbon impact as taking 100,000 return flights to Australia out of the skies.

Eat it all up; the cost to households of wasted food is around £50 per family per month – adding up to £10bn a year across the country

Use our top tips to get more from your food and start saving now ● Plan meals: Planning your meals is one of the most effective ways you can reduce food waste and your bills. Start by checking your fridge, freezer and store cupboard, and before you go shopping write a list so you don’t shop for things you already have. Work out a weekly meal plan and think of how much you will really use. Try to shop for planned meals and not random ingredients. ● Play it cool: Perishable food lasts longer if kept cool and months if frozen. Get a fridge and freezer thermometer and adjust your controls with the seasons to keep your fridge at 3-4 C and your freezer at -18 C. ● Check out your dates: Understanding “sell by”, “best before” and “use by” dates is key to making the most of your fridge, freezer and food store. With “best before” dates it’s only the original quality of a product that may be compromised, but it will still be safe to eat long after the best before date, so you can use your discretion on its use. “Use by” dates should be respected on safety grounds. “Sell by” dates are for shop use only and can be ignored. ● Portion size: Bread, rice, potatoes and pasta are staples we eat each day but we often over prepare and end up with too much. There is a useful portion calculator that you can find at http://www.lovefood hatewaste.com/ perfect_portions ● Be imaginative with leftovers: Making the most of every bit of food makes perfect financial sense – we just need to become more creative with what’s in the fridge. If you have some dinner left in the pan, bag it and put it in the freezer as a “ready meal” for one. Even the smallest amount could be pureed up for the baby or served as a kid’s portion for lunch the next day. ● Remember the basics: Keep your store cupboard and freezer well stocked with a variety of canned, dried and frozen goods. Tinned beans, frozen vegetables, meat and fish and dried fruit, nuts, pasta & noodles, rice and grains, are all essentials with a long shelf life – meaning you will always have ingredients standing by to pull together a meal to use up your leftovers. The trick is to replace items once you have used them up. ● We all waste food, but most of us don’t like to believe we do. If you do not think you waste food, keep a food waste diary, noting each time you scrape your plate into the bin, compost bin or dogs dish. Then add up how much all that cost you to buy. You will probably be surprised at how much you actually waste and how much you could benefit by a bit more attention to your food management. ● For more on how to love your food visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.com.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Step out in a new look . . second time around Designer Sara Li-Chou Han models her label Trashed Couture at The Palm House in Sefton Park: Denim shrug and cuffs: £50; Denim mini dress: £50 Picture: PAUL HEAPS

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Trashed Couture is the brainchild of Liverpool stylist and designer, Sara Li-Chou Han: Shrug £80, Gown £300

by JADE WRIGHT

THICAL fashion isn’t all about oversized jumpers and Hessian tunics. It can be cool, stylish and affordable, as new label Trashed Couture proves this summer. The brand is the brainchild of Liverpool stylist and designer, Sara Li-Chou Han. Having created four fabulous couture looks for the highly successful Recycle Rechic fashion show last summer, Sara has gone on to create a funky new recycled clothing brand, inspired by the couture styles, but focusing on wearable denim pieces that are as affordable as they are cool. All the garments are made in Liverpool, and there are no environmentally destroying overseas imports, ensuring a carbon neutral output. The source materials, all second hand denims sourced from local charity shops and clothes swaps, are unpicked by local fashion students and creatives before being completely reworked by Sara herself, guaranteeing ethically made, sourced and produced garments that make a charitable contribution towards The Red Cross, Animal Welfare and other local causes. Trashed Couture’s services also include reworking vintage garments and those old clothes that you don’t want to throw out, but haven’t worn for years. “Many of us have beautiful, high quality garments that have fallen to the back of the wardrobe because the style and cut just isn’t up to date,” says Sara. “Instead of hiding them in a drawer let Trashed Couture rework them into new and stylish pieces that will instantly bring your wardrobe up to date.” To see for yourself how cool recycled clothing can be just pop into Resurrection on Bold Street and make your way over to the Trashed Couture concession in the womenswear department. There are reworked denim cuffs from £5, to the stunning couture denim gown, a real showpiece at £300. Sara adds: “I was thrilled that Resurrection is the first shop to stock my brand as they are a fantastic independent fashion boutique, right at the heart of Liverpool’s retail district.” For more information or to take advantage of the garment restyling service just drop Sara an email at trashedcouture@live.co.uk or ring 07964 072 879.

These are real bags for life

PAUL Wolfenden spent 20 years as a buyer for leading supermarkets – and dreaming of starting his own ethical retail empire. Now, the Birkdale entrepreneur has branched out on his own, and opened the Fair Trade Store. “It’s an on-line retailer of Fair Trade gifts, accessories, everyday items, food and drink,” explains Paul, 45. “It is based in an office and warehouse in Birkdale, from which it supplies online customers throughout the UK. It also sells direct to the public by attending a growing number of retail events.” The company sources and sells only Fair Trade products. “I was made redundant as a Buyer from a large Wholesale Company in Leeds,” says Paul. “I decided to start my own business, but felt that if that was the case, then I needed to do something I was passionate about, hence Fair Trade. The next decision was to relocate back to my home town – Southport. I then put the skills I had learned after 25 years as a retail manager and head office buyer to use and set up The Fair Trade Store. So, from redundancy to entrepreneur – it’s something I’m very proud about.” “We are committed to bringing our customers products only from suppliers and importers accredited by The British Association for Fair Trade Shops (BAFTS), The Fairtrade Foundation, or those who uphold the Fair Trade Principles,” says Paul. “A percentage of any net profit after tax will be donated, at financial year end, to Traidcraft Exchange, which is our adopted charity. Traidcraft‘s mission is to fight poverty through trade and currently works with more than 100 producer groups in over 30 countries around the world.” And Paul is finding that demand for ethical fashion and style items grows every day. “Ethical living and being environmentally aware and responsible is certainly becoming more of an issue for people and they are building it into their decision-making criteria when purchasing,” he says. “It helps to project the right image to customers, suppliers and contacts. I re-use packaging, use stationery made of recycled materials and sell a lot of recycled products.” ● Find out more at www.thefairtradestore.co.uk

Tin can handbag, £15.99, made from collected cleaned drinks cans in Phuket, Thailand

Feeling fruity? This juice backpack, £12.99, is made from recycled fruit drink packets

Paparazzi clutch bag – always have a bit of celeb fashion on your arm with this clutch bag made from recycled magazines, £13.99

Sari silk handbag, £11.69, the strands of old saris are respun into yarn by survivors of human trafficking or disadvantaged women in Nepal

Recycled crisp packet handbag, £16.99, made from old crisp packets, each one is unique

Woven purse, £5.99, made from collected cleaned refuse bags and woven in the Philippines

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

ECYCLING is reward in itself, but now Halton Council is to become the first authority in the north of England and only the second in the country to launch a voluntary scheme for rewarding residents who recycle. Starting in the autumn, 10,000 households in seven pilot areas will be offered the choice of earning points for how much they recycle in their blue bins. The points are converted into vouchers for national retailers, local shops and businesses, or charity donations. Cllr Phil Harris, Executive Board member for recycling, says: “Halton Borough Council has always believed in encouraging people to recycle and this new scheme rewards those who choose to do so. “It also offers the opportunity to promote and encourage local economic development with the participation of local businesses and charities in the rewards programme.” The pilot will run for six months, but in a full 12-month scheme, an average household could claim up to £150 worth of recycling rewards. A maximum number of points will be available, to prevent people abusing the scheme by deliberately generating extra waste. The scheme is to be administered for the council by an American company called Recyclebank, which runs a similar programme in the United States, and has now expanded to the UK. Halton residents in the pilot areas who have blue recycling bins will be

given the choice of joining the scheme as it is voluntary and free. They can also opt out of the scheme at any time. The scheme is only designed to reward kerbside recycling, so it does not apply to the black bins that are used for weekly collections of general waste. The system works by each bin having a micro chip fitted which identifies which household the bin belongs to. An automatic reader in the refuse wagon reads the weight of the content of the bin and calculates the amount of points awarded. Residents can track online how many points they have collected or phone for an update. Those who join the scheme will have to activate the system that records their recycling waste themselves. Until they activate the system, it will not work. The pilot currently operating in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead saw hundreds registering for the scheme within hours of its launch. Eligible residents will receive information packs before the scheme is due to start, explaining how the scheme works. The pilot areas are within the wards of Daresbury, Grange, Heath, Halton Castle, Broadheath, Hough Green and Halton View. If successful it is intended to offer the rewards scheme to every home across Halton.

Good food is healthy food . . . but what we don’t eat can be recycled with the help of your local council

Here in Halton, we currently recycle around a quarter of our household waste, which is fantastic. However, the council is committed to increase this even further. It’s thought as much as 70% of what we throw away can be recycled and doing so makes real sense:

ReCyClIng saves money… reduces pollution… saves raw materials Halton Borough Council provides a kerbside recycling collection service to over 26,000 homes that enables you to recycle the following items in your blue wheeled bin.

• Paper • Plastic bottles • Cans • Cardboard • Glass bottles and jars

Coming Soon

Multi-material recycling collections extended to a further 16,000 homes during July

If you have a blue bin for paper only, we will be visiting areas over the coming weeks with information and the opportunity for you to ask questions about the switchover to multi-material in the summer. You can also telephone us on 0303 333 4300 or email us at recycling@halton.gov.uk More information is also on the web at www.halton.gov.uk

Good reasons to go green with your recycling ONE fifth of the waste produced by an average household on Merseyside is food waste. And while we’re being encouraged to reduce the amount we produce, some waste is unavoidable. Whether it’s used tea bags, egg shells or the leftovers on your plate, it all mounts up. And when it ends up in a landfill site food waste produces methane, which is a harmful greenhouse gas and contributes to global warming. That’s why Knowsley Council is introducing its new “opt-in” Food Waste Recycling Service. From October 5, Knowsley residents can benefit from separate weekly collections of food waste. Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, Cllr David Lonergan, said: external caddy, a “Recycling food container about the waste in this way size of a cool box. really couldn’t be After the weekly easier. It’s simple, clean and completely collection, all Knowsley’s food odourless. It’s also waste will delivered good for the to Merseyside Waste environment in two Disposal ways – Authority diverting who waste away transport from it to a landfill and specialist converting processor it into a for compfertiliser osting. which is This good for process the converts environthe ment.” organic Collectfood waste ing food in into a this way natural will fertiliser prevent it that going to Recycling food waste landfill couldn’t be easier, says enriches the soil and avoid Cllr David Lonergan and financial returns nutrients to penalties of up to the earth. £150 per tonne – All food waste can money that could be be recycled. This better spent on local includes: raw and schools and services. Already thousands cooked meat, fish of Knowsley residents and vegetables, fruit, all dairy products, have signed up for bread, cakes and the scheme, but pastries, rice, pasta organisers are keen and beans, uneaten that even more food, tea, tea bags households should and coffee grounds. get involved. Those signing up ● To sign up for for the scheme will Knowsley’s food be provided with a waste scheme log on small kitchen “caddy” and a supply to the website, www.knowsley.gov.uk; of compostable ring 0151 443 2400 or liners, which can be pop into any used to store food one-stop shop in waste before its Knowsley. emptied into an

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Lofty ideals W

Insulating your loft can save you pounds

Top ten jobs to tackle this weekend . . .

m. 1. Top up loft insulation to 270m der. 2. Fit a jacket to your water cylin ill floorboards etc. 3. Draught-proof doors/windows/fer pipes. 4. Insulate or “lag” your hot wat mers) to low energy ones 5. Switch bulbs (inc halogen & dim hes outside. 6. Put up a washing line to dry clotback of radiators. 7. Fit reflective panels against the 8. Bleed radiators en. 9. Start compost heap in the gard en. gard the for butt er 10. Get a wat

HILE we’re basking in the summer heat, insulation is the last thing on our minds. Admittedly, we may not have the predicted heatwave just yet, but still, it’s an organised person indeed that’s planning their pipe lagging in July. Bur that’s exactly what we should be doing, say the experts at the Energy Saving Trust. And, by doing some simple DIY, we can save ourselves a fortune come the winter months. The average home in the North West emits 6.1 tonnes of CO2 per year. Making energy saving home improvements is one of the simplest ways for householders in the region to save money and reduce their impact on the environment. But, new research from the Energy Saving Trust reveals just over half of the North West (51%) are DIY Shy: not confident enough to use basic practical skills which will enable them to improve their home. Yet over half of this group in the region (around 1.6million people) say that in the current economic climate they would prefer to improve their current property, rather than move house. Stephen Lang, Manager of the Energy Saving Trust advice centre for Merseyside and Cheshire, says: “Everyone’s purse strings are tighter nowadays; spring is the perfect time to take-stock and check which DIY jobs will save you cash on the household bills. But our research shows many Brits are shying away from easy cash savings by ignoring simple, energy saving tasks which need to be done around the home. “This is a real shame. This weekend we urge householders to do a free Home Energy Check at the Energy Saving Trust’s website: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/check to find out which simple things – from draught-proofing to bleeding the radiators – they could do. “I am sure they’ll be surprised about the savings they’re missing out on.” The UK’s leading organisation set up to help people fight climate change reveals that DIY Shy householders in the North West could collectively shave around £24.3m off the nation’s annual domestic energy bills – that’s 131,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide CO2. The Energy Saving Trust is the UK's leading organisation set up to address the damaging effects of climate change by helping everybody to cut carbon dioxide emissions – the main greenhouse gas causing climate change – from their homes. They promote the efficient use of energy and a more low carbon lifestyle. Through its network of "one-stop-shop" advice centres, it

& the top ten where you need a professional to do the work none at all). 1. Insulate your loft (if a condensing one. h 2. Replace boiler wit iator valves. 3. Fit thermostatic radinsulation. 4. Install Cavity Wall with a low-flush toilet. 5. Replace your toilet ng with energy-efficient glazing. 6. Replace single-glazi e Heat Pump. 7. Install Ground Sourc taic. 8. Install solar photovol heating. 9. Install solar water n. 10. Solid Wall Insulatio

by JADE WRIGHT provides free and impartial advice to consumers on saving energy, domestic renewables and greener transport, and is beginning to include water saving and waste reduction advice in its remit. It also works with retailers, builders and industry to make sure that energy efficient products are available for people to choose as well as advising government on policies that are needed to cut greenhouse gases. The Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Hilary Benn, announced in December 2007 a new range of services to help people “green” their homes. If all DIY shy householders in the North West faced their fears to tackle some of the jobs they dread most, collectively they could have the same impact as taking 45,000 cars off the road. For more information about making energy saving home improvements yourself, to save money and carbon dioxide at home, contact your local Energy Saving Trust advice centre on 0800 512 012 or visit the website at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

We’re jumping for joy how can you save water?

Climate change and population growth put additional strains on our water resources.

If the entire adult population of England and Wales turned off the tap while brushing their teeth, we could save enough water to fill 72 Olympic sized swimming pools. For more water saving tips please visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk/ savewater

T was the river that powered the Industrial Revolution, the heart of the north west's thriving business empire. The River Mersey has been immortalised in music and is known throughout the world. It provided a vital trade route for the transport of valuable commodities from the mills and factories in the region to the thriving port of Liverpool and the world beyond. But, as industry flourished and the population grew, the rivers of the Mersey Basin suffered. Chronic pollution from industrial discharges and raw sewage brought about a drastic decline in water quality and the life in our rivers. The once thriving fisheries became ecological “dead zones” and by the 1940s all commercial fishing had ceased. In 1982, water quality was so poor a senior UK Government Minister described the river as “an affront to a civilised society”. The Mersey had become the most polluted river in Europe. But the river has been reborn. Over the past 25 years more than £1bn has been invested in cleaning-up the Mersey. And now the results are there for all to see. The Environment

by JADE WRIGHT Agency and its partners have brought about significant improvements in water quality through the Mersey Life Project – which insists on strict regulation and investment in water treatment. As a result the river is now cleaner than it has been in over a century, so clean that wildlife including salmon and otters have returned to its waters. “The Mersey estuary provides a gateway for the salmon to travel upstream to their spawning

ground,” explains Nick Hopwood, Environment Manager for Merseyside. “Traditionally there have been many obstacles in the way – not least the enormous weirs the salmon have to overcome to reach their optimum habitat. “As part of the Environment Agency’s Mersey Life project we are building fish passes to increase access and enable the Mersey salmon to thrive further up the Mersey.” The river's 70-mile journey begins in Stockport, where the rivers of the Pennine hills, the Goyt and Tame, come together,

rned to the Mersey

Otters and salmon (top) have retu

and ends at Liverpool Bay where it flows into the Irish Sea. Today, more than 5 million people live and work within the Mersey Basin. The Mersey Life Project has improved sewage treatment and industrial processes, and established tight controls on discharges to the river through tough environmental legislation, regulation and enforcement. But good water quality is only one aspect of a healthy and productive environment. Today, poor access, fragmented and degraded habitat and changes to channel structure are key factors that limit the recovery of our rivers and reduce the contribution they make to the green economy. The project has introduced a phased programme of river restoration for the River Mersey and the rivers which lead into it. It will look specifically at restoring degraded habitats, improving access to the rivers, improving recreation and developing fish populations. The initial results – and the wildlife – are flourishing, as part of the economic and social benefits that sustained environmental improvements bring.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

by JADE WRIGHT

ELAX, put your feet up and let someone else do the driving. There is a wealth of fun to be had in Merseyside, all an easy ride away on the train, bus and ferry. Public transport gets the cars off the roads, eases congestion and reduces CO2 emissions. Walking to and from bus stops and train stations is a good boost for your health. Public transport users walk 20 minutes per day on average more than drivers. And, depending on how far your journey is, public transport is often cheaper than driving. With no parking charges and petrol tanks to fill, the price you pay for your ticket is the final price you pay. Summer is the perfect time to ditch the car and explore the natural world on your doorstep. We’ve put together some of our favourite days out, with directions on how to get there on public transport from the city centre.

A walk on the wild side

WEST KIRBY

Revel in spectacular views from the mouth of the River Dee across from the Point of Ayr in North Wales. If you time it right with the tides, you can even walk over to beautiful Hilbre Islands and see the seals. Take good walking shoes and make a day of it, topped off with fantastic fish and chips from the shops near the seafront, and an ice-cream to see you on your way. Trains run frequently during the day, starting just after 6am, with four services a day up until 8pm, Monday to Saturday, and services running up until almost midnight.

PORT SUNLIGHT

With 900 Grade II listed buildings and its own art gallery, Port Sunlight is a must-see for any culture vulture. A model village, it was purpose built by William Hesketh Lever (later Lord Leverhulme) for the employees of Lever Brothers soap factory. The name is derived from Lever’s most popular brand of cleaning agent, Sunlight. The area is served by both Bebington and Port Sunlight railway stations, on the Wirral Line of the Merseyrail network. There are regular train services to Chester, Ellesmere Port and to Liverpool. Services begin just after 6am, with four services a day up until 8pm, Monday to Saturday, and services running up until 11pm.

The iron men on Crosby beach, above, and the seafront at West Kirby are both great places to go

FORMBY

It may be just 20 minutes from Liverpool by train, but Formby feels like a world away from the city centre. To the west of the town lie pinewoods and sand dunes, a Special Area of Conservation for its important wildlife. The pinewoods at Victoria Road have been established as a National Trust reserve for the red squirrel, listed on the endangered species list. Formby is also famous for the presence of natterjack toads. It is one of only a few sites in England where they will breed. Later in the evening the male’s distinctive song can be heard and is known locally as the “Bootle Organ”. Formby sits on the Northern line, and its branch runs from Hunts Cross to Southport, with regular services throughout the day.

CROSBY AND BLUNDELLSANDS

There’s more to a day out in Crosby than the iron men, although Anthony Gormley’s Another Place isn’t a bad place to start. The statues are easily accessible from the station, and it’s a great walk up and down the beach. Altogether, it stretches about three miles, from the Royal Seaforth Dock, through Waterloo, where it separates the sea from the

Marina, past Crosby swimming baths, up beyond the coastguard station in Blundellsands to the estuary of the River Alt. And when you’ve finished walking, you can stop off for a well-deserved drink in one of the great local pubs, before getting the train home. Bliss. Trains run regularly from Crosby and Blundellsands station, again on the Northern line. ● For full details of great days out on public transport, and a detailed journey planner, see www.merseytravel.gov.uk. ● Also, check to see whether you’d be better off with a Saveaways. They’re cheap one-day tickets that you can use on buses, trains and ferries in Merseyside after 9.30am Monday to Friday and all day Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays. The All Area ticket now extends to the whole of Merseyside, as far as Chester, Ellesmere Port and Ormskirk (by rail only). At £3.30 for adults and £1.90 for children (£4.50 and £2.30 for the All Area ticket).

Free Energy and Money Saving Gadget

Port Sunlight, above, and the green fields of Formby

· ·· · ··

We have a free eaga ShowerSmart available to every reader. Suitable for non-electric mixer showers or bath/shower mixer taps. Easy self-installation – no plumber required. It regulates the flow rate of your shower with out reducing your enjoyment, saving water and the energy used to heat hot water Could save up to £60 a year in gas and metered water bills and 21,000 litres of water/year for the average family of 4. Saves over a tonne of CO2 over its lifetime. Saving your pocket and the environment!

To apply for your FREE eaga ShowerSmart: · Go to www.eaga.com/freeshowersmart · Freephone 0800 953 0033 quoting KLiverpoolL PLEASE READ: Maximum 1 eaga ShowerSmart per household during the period 1 Jan 2008 - 31 March 2011. We are unable to supply an eaga ShowerSmart if you have already received one within this period. Allow 42 days for delivery. Offer available to Great Britain residents only and is subject to availability.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Out and about DIARY

What I did on my day out . . . helping

July 2: The Bug Box, Halewood Park, Knowsley Are you prepared for the wild creatures waiting to be revealed from inside The Bug Box? Definitely not one for the squeamish; 6.30 till 7.30pm. Details from 0151 488 6151 or www.knowsley.gov.uk. July 2: Woolton Woods Wealth of Wildlife A healthy woodland ramble to discover how modern-day environmentally friendly woodland management is good news for wildlife. Meet at the Green Flag flagpole, Woods Main Gate, High Street, Woolton, at 1pm. Details from 0151 233 3007. July 2: Environmental Networking, Green Drinks at Doctor Duncans, St Johns Lane The social informal networking events are organised for people involved or with an interest in the environment or sustainability. Details at www.greendrinks.org. July 3: Bat Night, Halewood Park, Knowsley A fascinating look into the amazing world of local nocturnal flying gymnasts. Slideshow presentation followed by a bat detecting trip. 8.30pm till 12.30am. Details from 0151 488 6151 www.knowsley.gov.uk July 3: Aspects and Features of St Nicholas Gardens Discover a fascinating part of Liverpool's green heritage, St Nicholas Gardens next to Tower Buildings, Water Street. Starts 1pm. Details from 0151 233 3007. July 4: Bull's Eye at Town Park, Runcorn Take aim and fire. The Halton Council team have a full day of expert tuition in the up and coming sport of archery. So come and see if you can get a bull’s-eye. Age restrictions apply with no under-5s. Meet behind Runcorn Ski Slope, 11am-4pm. Contact Gail on 01928 564472 for details. July 4: How to create summer meadows Half day course on creating summer meadows at the National Wildflower Centre, Roby Road, Liverpool. Starts 10am. Details from 0151 738 1913 or www.nwc.org.uk July 4 Environmental Aspects of Devonfield Gardens A horticultural journey to discover how even small green spaces can support a wealth of wildlife and flowers. Meet at the Main Gate to Devonfield Gardens, Devonfield Road, at 1pm. Details from 0151 233 3007. July 4: The Aromatherapy Experience Discover why natural oils provided by the plants are thought to have healing properties. Meet at the Coach House Archway, Calderstones Park, at 1pm. Details from 0151 233 3007. July 5: Dr Jazz & Cheshire Cats at Victoria Park, Widnes The big jazz band is back to entertain and you won't be able to stop your feet from moving to the sound; 2-4pm. Details from 0151 423 6147. July 5: Felted Flowers at the National Wildflower Centre, Roby Road A two-hour workshop using felt to make artwork inspired by wildflowers in bloom. Starts 1pm. Admission £10. Details from 0151 738 1913. July 6: Childwall Woods Wealth of Wildlife A walk through the beautiful woodlands and discussion of the implications of climate change for

to save the planet!

the future of the woods and its inhabitants. Meet at the corner of Aldbourne Avenue and Woolton Road at 1pm. Details from 0151 233 3007. July 7: Around the World in 80 Minutes Discover how plants from around the globe have changed our environment in Calderstones Park. Meet at the Coach House Archway, Calderstones Park at 1pm. Details from 0151 233 3007. July 7: Environmental Features of Everton Park Discover Liverpool's newest park including the wonderful nature garden. Starts 1pm. Meet at St George's Church, Howarth Street. Details from 0151 233 3007. July 7: Garston Coastal Walk Discover Garston's cultural heritage and changing coastal environment over the years on this four-hour ramble. Bring a packed lunch. Meet at 11am at the car park at the bottom of Banks Road and Blackburne Street. Details from 0151 233 3007. July 9: How to spot a wildflower at the National Wildflower Centre, Roby Road

Half day course on identifying wildflowers. Starts 10am. Details from 0151 738 1913. July 11: Wild Flower Ramble at Phoenix Park, Runcorn Share your knowledge of wildflowers, their legends and uses with new friends. 1-2pm. Call Bob on 01928 564472 for more information. July 12: From Spike to the Valley, Spike Island, Widnes Grab your boots and flask and follow the Sankey Canal from Spike Island to Sankey Valley Park, where there will be a minibus to drive weary ramblers back. 11am. Details from 0151 420 3707. July 12: Birds of Prey, Victoria Park, Widnes Want to learn more about magnificent predators? Vale Royal Falconry will be able to answer all your questions. There will be owls, eagles and falcons and in flight. 1-4pm. Details from 0151 423 6147. July 12: Serenade String Quartet, Runcorn Hill For a tranquil afternoon join Serenade at Runcorn Hill and relax to the gentle sounds of string. 2-4pm. Details from 01928 560793. July 12: Perambulatory Poetry at Otterspool Park Join the Rangers and promenade through the park down to the River Mersey while enjoying the poetry of Scott Thurston and the works of artist Elizabeth Willow. Meet at the Otterspool Park Gates on the corner of Aigburth Road and Jericho Lane at 1pm. Details from 0151 233 3007. July 12: Monthly Musical Recital: The Blue Bells Steel Band at Ness Botanic Gardens Music at Horsfall Rushby Visitor Centre or within the Gardens, weather permitting; 2-3pm. Details from 0151 353 0123 or www.liv.ac.uk/nessgardens. July 12: History Highlights Tour at Norton Priory Museums and Gardens' Museum Enjoy a special guided tour of the priory and undercroft; 2pm. Details from 01928 569895 www.nortonpriory.org. July 12: Teddy Bear's Picnic in Henley Park

Bring your teddy bear along for an afternoon of family fun. Entertainment and games with prizes. Starts in Henley Park at 1pm. Details from 0151 489 1239 or www.knowsley.gov.uk. July 13: Liver Sketch Club at Calderstones Park An art exhibition inside the Coach House Gallery between 10.30am and 4.30pm. Details from 0151 233 3007. July 13: Sailors' Return Enjoy the ever-changing views and hidden green oasis of Liverpool's Waterfront. Meet 1pm outside Tower Buildings, Water Street. July 14: Environmental Aspects of Calderstones Park Look at the exotic and native trees on this fascinating walk and talk. Meet at the Coach House Archway, Calderstones Park, at 1pm. Details from 0151 233 3007. July 15: How to understand bees at the National Wildflower Centre Half-day course on understanding the important role of bees in nature. Starts 10am. Book at 0151 738 1913. July 16 & 19: North Wirral Coastal Park Task Day Join the Rangers and the Friends of North Wirral Coastal Park and help do your bit for your local environment. Wear suitable clothing and footwear; 10am till 3pm. Booking essential on 0151 678 5488. July 16: Environmental Improvements in Stanley Park Come along and enjoy the improved green environment in the newly refurbished park. Meet at the Bandstand in front of the Isla Gladstone Conservatory at 1pm. July 17: Green Heart Join the Rangers and discover some of Liverpool city centre's hidden green environment, its fauna and flora. Meet at St John’s Gardens, opposite the Central Library on William Brown Street at 1pm. Details from 0151 233 3007.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

& staying green

Have fun enjoying our beautiful environment, including trips to the River Mersey, or the canals, below, Calderstones Park, left, and the gardens at Norton Priory, below left

July 18: Wildwings at Wigg Island, Runcorn Vale Royal Falconry has some top birds of prey exhibits, from Turkey Vulture to the superb Steppe Eagle. Meet in the arena field just up from the main car park, 11am-4pm. Details from Ged on 01928 563803. July 18: Compost Giveaway at Croxteth Country Park Bring some bags and collect your own free compost. Main car park, 10am-2pm. July 18: Conservation Task Day at Stadt Moers Park Ranger-led practical tasks to help maintain and improve your local green space. All tools and equipment provided. For details of individual tasks please contact 0151 489 1239 or see www.knowsley.gov.uk. July 18&19: Scarecrow Festival at the National Wildflower Centre. Enjoy a weekend of scarecrow fun. Details from 0151 738 1913. July 19: Lord of the Ringers at Wigg Island, Runcorn Join the ringers of the Merseyside Ringing Group for this annual spectacular. Last year’s session produced Kingfisher and Great Spotted Woodpecker as well as many species of warbler. This is a brilliant family event, to avoid disappointment ensure you book early; 6am-12pm. Phone 01928 563803 to book your place.

July 19: Frodsham Silver Band at Victoria Park, Widnes Grab yourself a chair and sit back and while away the afternoon listening to the sound of the Frodsham Silver Band; 2-4pm. Details from 0151 423 6147. July 19: Summer in the Park at Birkenhead Park Look for the signs of summer on this ranger-led guided walk. Dogs allowed on a lead. Suitable for the whole family to enjoy. Meet at Birkenhead Park Visitor Centre, Park Drive, inside the Park. Book on 0151 652 5197 or www.wirral.gov.uk July 19: Walk through the Mersey Tunnel To celebrate the Queensway Tunnel’s 75th anniversary, Merseytravel is hosting a unique and historic event; the chance to take an intriguing walk back through time and witness the past 75 years of the Mersey Tunnel. Be transported back in time with a 1930s carnival atmosphere. Various celebrities will be counting down each walk, with carnival rides, musical entertainment and dramatic circus displays, all compered by Keith Chegwin. Individual tickets are £5 and family tickets (2 adults and 2 children) are £15. Under-5s are free. Book online at www.merseytravel.gov.uk or at any Merseytravel Centre. Details from 0151 330 1702. July 20: Nature Walk for Health Go butterfly spotting with at the National Wildflower Centre, Roby Road, Liverpool. Starts 10am. July 21: Warbreck Moor, an Urban Oasis Discover the flora, fauna and much more on a healthy stroll around this urban green environment. Meet at the Main Gate off Warbreck Moor, Walton, at 1pm. July 23: In at the Deep End What weird and wonderful things lurk in the murky depths of the pond? Let's get dipping and find out.

All equipment provided. Takes place at St Chad’s Gardens, Old Hall Lane, Kirkby; 10am till 1pm. Details from 0151 488 6151 or www.knowsley.gov.uk July 24: In at the Deep End ... Again Another pond dipping day of fun, all equipment provided. Takes place in Halewood Park; 1pm till 3pm. Details from 0151 488 6151 or www.knowsley.gov.uk July 24: Family Barbecue Evening and Moth Night at the National Wildflower Centre Enjoy a family evening looking at moths; 6-9.30pm. £10 per person. Children under 15 eat free. July 25: Trees and Shrubs of Botanic Park A fascinating look at the flora and fauna of one of Liverpool's original botanic parks. Meet at the corner of Edge Lane and Botanic Road at 1pm. July 25: Tales of Liverpool's Fairy Folk Bring along the family to Otterspool Park and hear environmental tales of flower fairies and much more on this fun event for all the family. Meet at the Visitors Centre at the side of the Otterspool Inn near Jericho Lane at 1pm.

July 26: Fur, Feathers and Fangs at Pickerings Pasture, Widnes A close-up on some of nature's most bizarre and beautiful creatures. For further details contact Rob on 0151 425 4706. July 26: Foxes Bark to the Barn Dance, Runcorn Hill It's Love Parks Week so let's get dancing. But, what… no barn? There's no better place to have a hoedown than dancing the afternoon away in the park. We'll set the scene and you just come along join in and enjoy; 2-4 pm. For more information phone 01928 560793. July 26: Teddy Bear's Picnic in Stadt Moers Park Bring your teddy bear along to our afternoon of family fun. Entertainment and games with prizes in Stadt Moers Park between 1-3pm. Details from 0151 489 1239 or www.knowsley.gov.uk. July 26: Priory & Pilgrimage with Tom Hughes at Norton Priory Discover why medieval people went on pilgrimage, where they went and what they did when they got there. 2.30pm. Details from 01928 569 895 or www.nortonpriory.org. July 27: Woodland Wander at Clarke Gardens & Eric Hardy Local Nature Reserve Walk and informal talk on local history, conservation and the environmental impact of climate change. Meet at the gate of the car park for the Pub in the Park, Allerton Hall, at 1pm. July 27: Park Games at Rock Park Come along and have a go at traditional park games. Sessions include kwik cricket, T.Ball, football and basketball. For ages 10+; 1-3pm. Call Halton Council Sports Development on 0303 333 4300. July 27: Treemendous Tree Challenge at Norton Priory Create woodland inside the “eco building” with tree and nature activities for all the family. 1-4pm. Details from 01928 569 895 or www.nortonpriory.org. July 28: Health Walk at Halewood Park Join the Halewood Park ranger for some fresh air and exercise on a pleasant circular walk through the local countryside, three miles at a steady pace. Suitable for beginners; 1-3pm. Details from 0151 488 6151 or www.knowsley.gov.uk. July 30: Mini Beast Hunt at Halewood Park Join the Halewood Park rangers for a rummage through the undergrowth to discover the many creepy-crawlies hiding there. All bug hunting equipment provided. Loads of fun for children. Details from 0151 488 6151 or www.knowsley.gov.uk. July 30: Zen and the Art of the Wildflower School holiday activities at the National Wildflower Centre, Roby Road, Liverpool. Starts 1pm. Admission £2.50. July 30: Stanley Park Environmental Draw A drawing competition for all the family. Meet at the bandstand in front of the Isla Gladstone Conservatory at 1pm. July 31: Liverbird Bird Watching and Nature Discovery Cruise Enjoy a relaxing birdwatching and nature discovery cruise on the Mersey. The cruises last approximately three hours, sailing to Liverpool Bay with experts on hand to identify the birds, wildlife and historic sites along the way. £10 per person, £5 concessions. Depart Seacombe Ferry Terminal at 11am, Pier Head at 11.10am and Woodside at 11.20am. Tickets from the Mersey Ferries booking office on 0151 330 1444, online at www.merseyferries.co.uk or from any of the Ferry Terminals.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

I love spuds. So I store mine in a cool dark place to make them last longer. If they’ve gone sprouty, after a proper peel they’re ready to mash. And I always like freezing any leftovers in bags for a quick and easy shepherd’s pie topping. Lovely jubbly. lovefoodhatewaste.com has more tips and recipes to help you waste less food and save up to £50 a month.