Samantha's Posts - Sustainable Hackney2024-03-28T15:15:05Zsamanthahttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/samanthahttps://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/68585602?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1https://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profiles/blog/feed?user=1lt41o7l9hh6s&xn_auth=noEducation for Sustainability – School Waste Minimisationtag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2018-12-08:6446498:BlogPost:675502018-12-08T02:37:31.000Zsamanthahttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/samantha
<p>Our first networking/support meeting on Education for Sustainability in Millfields Community School at the end of November gave attendees (varied school community members – parents, teachers, governors, admin staff) in depth information on waste minimisation. As well as covering the 5 or 6 Rs <strong>R</strong>efusing (as well as <strong>R</strong>eplacing plastic with other materials), <strong>R</strong>epairing, <strong>R</strong>educing, <strong>R</strong>eusing and finally…</p>
<p>Our first networking/support meeting on Education for Sustainability in Millfields Community School at the end of November gave attendees (varied school community members – parents, teachers, governors, admin staff) in depth information on waste minimisation. As well as covering the 5 or 6 Rs <strong>R</strong>efusing (as well as <strong>R</strong>eplacing plastic with other materials), <strong>R</strong>epairing, <strong>R</strong>educing, <strong>R</strong>eusing and finally <strong>R</strong>ecycling, in-school support and/or advice was offered by all our expert presenters.</p>
<p>For information on freeing your school from plastic, contact Bettina from <a href="https://plasticfreehackney.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Plastic Free Hackney</a> - <a href="mailto:bettina@plasticfreehackney.com">bettina@plasticfreehackney.com</a>, or also <a href="https://www.sas.org.uk/plastic-free-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Surfers against Sewage</a> - and for reusing small plastic items - see <a href="https://www.ecobricks.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eco-bricks</a>.</p>
<p>Lucy Simler and Kelly Sullivan (LB of Hackney) Recycling offer support on recycling, food and garden waste, reusing of materials and furniture at <a href="http://www.reyooz.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reyooz</a> and earning school points for recycling resources such as felt tips, whiteboard pens etc. at <a href="https://www.terracycle.co.uk/en-GB/brigades/the-writing-instruments-brigade-r" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Terracycle</a>. </p>
<p>Contact <a href="mailto:lucy.simler@hackney.gov.uk">lucy.simler@hackney.gov.uk</a>, or <a href="mailto:Kelly.sullivan@hackney.gov.uk">Kelly.sullivan@hackney.gov.uk</a>, for more information on how schools can recycle and reuse.</p>
<p><a href="https://ecoactive.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EcoActive</a> informed us of the many ways in which they support waste minimisation (et al) in schools with workshops, assemblies, INSETS, class and community sessions.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/272151337?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/272151337?profile=original" class="align-left" width="327" height="180"/></a>We hope you enjoy the end of term festivities and that your school will ensure that schools, Santa and all celebrations are sustainable and plastic-free! </p>
<p>Challenge yourself, your pupils and staff to have a ‘Green Holiday Time’. Send us your ideas, innovations and photos to share.</p>
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<p><strong>FINALLY – SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR NEXT NETWORKING MEETING ON WEDS 30<sup>TH</sup> JANUARY 2019 – ECO-SCHOOLS THEME – GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP and FAIRTRADE (Ready for Fairtrade Fortnight in February /March). LET US KNOW, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE DOING GOOD WORK IN THIS ECO-AREA AND WOULD LIKE TO HOST THE MEETING. (Preferably a venue in the north-ish area of the borough)</strong></p>
<p>Or contact us for a <strong>sustainable start to the NEW YEAR</strong> for INSET, assemblies, workshops, advice sessions on – sustainablehackneyefsnetwork@gmail.com</p>
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<p>Written by Sandra McLeod</p>Refugee Solidarity FIlms For Action Screeningtag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2018-12-08:6446498:BlogPost:675482018-12-08T02:00:00.000Zsamanthahttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/samantha
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Statement of Support from Diane Abbott</span></strong><br></br> <br></br>"So sorry that I cannot be with you this evening to watch and discuss this very important film.<br></br> <br></br>Visiting the Calais refugee camp is something that will never leave me. The refugees were desperate and living in absolutely appalling, dehumanising conditions. There were thousands of people, including babies and very young children, living in freezing conditions with no…</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Statement of Support from Diane Abbott</span></strong><br/> <br/>"So sorry that I cannot be with you this evening to watch and discuss this very important film.<br/> <br/>Visiting the Calais refugee camp is something that will never leave me. The refugees were desperate and living in absolutely appalling, dehumanising conditions. There were thousands of people, including babies and very young children, living in freezing conditions with no education, limited food and healthcare.<br/> <br/>There were remarkable efforts from volunteers and agencies responding to the crisis, but it is quite clear that much more needed to be done.<br/> <br/>The bulldozing of the Calais camp didn’t solve the problem of migrants on the move, all it did was displace already vulnerable refugee children.<br/> <br/>The government’s response has been disgraceful, and the cruel and shocking truth is that they have failed to meet their obligations to child refugees under the Dubs scheme, and left children at risk of child traffickers and sexual exploitation. This government continues to fall short of compassion.<br/> <br/>As the Shadow Home Secretary, I have been able to change Labour party policy on immigration to one that is more compassionate and ensures we look at the reason’s refugee’s exist. But Labour are not in government yet, and politicians and MP’s alike must push for a solution to this problem. <br/> <br/>We cannot continue to behave like, just because the refugees are not necessarily in our country as yet, that it is not or responsibility. The world refugee crisis is not a crisis of the refugees making, it is a failure of western governments to meet their moral and legal duties to some of the most vulnerable people in the world, who are fleeing war and poverty for which in many situation we were not blameless.<br/> <br/>Keep up the good work"<br/>Diane Abbott,</p>
<p>Member of Parliament for Hackney North and Stoke Newington</p>
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<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Next Steps</strong></span></p>
<p>Whilst becoming better informed is the first step, the next is putting this energy into positive action. We can do this in a number of ways, below are a few helpful links.</p>
<p><br/> <strong>1,</strong> <strong>Donate</strong> - If you didn't have chance on the night you can still <a href="http://calais.gebnet.co.uk/home/donate-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener">donate</a> to Calais Children. Also check out the Pop-up CHOOSE LOVE store in Soho until January 2019.<br/> <strong>2, Volunteer</strong> - If you would like to help in Europe or in the UK then check <a href="https://helprefugees.org/volunteer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> for more info on how. If you have a special skill that you would like to share then check out <a href="https://humankindhub.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Human Kind Hub</a> to connect with refugee groups who are looking for your help.<br/> <strong>3, Fundraise</strong> - organise a similar event to us <a href="http://calais.gebnet.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>; why not run the <a href="https://uk.virginsport.com/event/hackney-2019/hackney-half" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hackney Marathon</a> in 2019; a<span class="_61ke _50f4">dd a donate button to your post to raise money for refugees, and Facebook will take care of the donation processing with no fees.</span> <br/> <strong>4, Be a Storyteller</strong> - by keeping these story's alive and in the media spot light via blogging, sharing, speaking, writing, performing.<br/> <strong>5, <a href="https://helprefugees.org/imads-syrian-kitchen-choose-love/">EAT!</a></strong> - Enjoy Xmas with friends at Imad's Syrian Kitchen Supper Club<br/> <strong>6, Get <a href="https://kinsu.co.uk/community" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kinsu insurance</a></strong> - For every policy purchased through Kinsu, they will donate to <a href="https://humankindhub.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HumanKind</a>.<br/> <strong>7, Go to a gig</strong> - <a href="https://www.lovemusichateracism.com/">Love Music Hate Racism</a></p>
<p><a href="https://helprefugees.org/help/">Other ways</a> you can help.</p>
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<p>p.s. thanks to everyone who kindly donated their winter clothes on the night.</p>
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<p><strong>CHOOSE LOVE - Pop-up store</strong><br/>Come in and shop as much as you want, but not take a single thing with you. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/chooselove?source=feed_text&epa=HASHTAG&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARD-Oo5PG-SShX9XWGCnfoTJQaffLg8I4aHK0cGOAs4eX4Omzj0w7nwF2TAiumtxHf2vOmZ3NSXeN54eI7t9zSvsaeoX7s1VNrXESZLtVHwciOT8CcgeZjV69nOSqQZ9B8a4A1isygvU3qFot7jM6KjdoNtDl7iMb3XRkGURgYS7EZD2I8-g29PCVnO4SwgGjputdJN358cpvjSmL5Nw3guHoNIS8N5oiWwHspLx82Zx4T97n50bzysvyFlCTS-NaGo4OCZfJYUWUD10-KA6CZV8szMIxYcFVrGysaKn_6AtacQ5ts5lMyUDi7Ikhegs1uxrK7HP0-AsGI2xnBhZPYU&__tn__=%2ANK-R">#ChooseLove</a>!</p>
<p><strong>When:</strong> 10:00 am -19:00 pm, (thurs - 20:00) 7 days a week until Jan, 2018<br/> <strong>Where:</strong> 30 Foubert's Place, Soho<br/> <strong>Price:</strong> Donations 'shop' in store or online, <a href="https://choose.love/">more info</a></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/271329003?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/271329003?profile=original&width=423" class="align-center" width="378" height="283"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">(Guess the weight of this life boat for £2 could win you this Banksy original one of a kind peice of art!)</p>MAKING A WAVE OF CHANGE!tag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2018-10-06:6446498:BlogPost:668212018-10-06T08:00:00.000Zsamanthahttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/samantha
<p>We had a fab day co-hosting the zero waste market with <a href="https://plasticfreehackney.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Plastic Free Hackney,</a> educational activities such as DIY vertical salad leaf planters and ofcourse the screening of '<em>A Plastic Ocean'</em> in the evening followed by a lively panel discussion.…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1227622412?profile=original" target="_self"></a></p>
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<p>We had a fab day co-hosting the zero waste market with <a href="https://plasticfreehackney.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Plastic Free Hackney,</a> educational activities such as DIY vertical salad leaf planters and ofcourse the screening of '<em>A Plastic Ocean'</em> in the evening followed by a lively panel discussion.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1227622412?profile=original" target="_self"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1227623572?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1227623572?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-center" width="380" height="284"/></a></p>
<p>The key take-aways I got from the panel discussion</p>
<p>and the film were:</p>
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<p><strong>1, START AT HOME</strong><br/>The single most effective change starts at home. Observe all the plastic you consume in a week and which area's you create the most. This is a great place to start eliminating plastic from your life by shopping around..</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1227624597?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1227624597?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-right" width="308" height="205"/></a></p>
<ul>
<li>FOOD: <a href="https://www.getloosefoods.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GET LOOSE</a>, <a href="https://olioex.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Olio</a></li>
<li>TAKE-AWAY - <a href="https://dabbadrop.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dabbadrop</a></li>
<li>TOILETRIES/COSMETICS - <a href="https://unwrpd.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">unwrpd</a>, <a href="https://www.weeklyshop.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Weekly Shop,</a> <a href="https://uk.lush.com/products/soaps" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LUSH</a>, <a href="https://acalaonline.com/collections/bodycare" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Acala.</a></li>
<li>FASHION - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/betsysclosetswapshop/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Betsy's Closet Swap Shop,</a> <a href="https://www.traid.org.uk/about-traid/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TRAID</a> or <a href="http://www.69bboutique.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">69b</a>.</li>
<li>KITCHEN/STORAGE - <a href="https://solcups.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SolCup</a>, <a href="https://outdoorpeople.org.uk/collections/campcooking" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Outdoor People</a>, <a href="https://unwrpd.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">unwrpd</a>, <a href="https://www.weeklyshop.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Weekly Shop.</a></li>
<li>KIDS - <a href="https://www.hackneyrealnappy.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hackney Real Nappys</a></li>
</ul>
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<p><a href="https://www.hackney.gov.uk/zero-waste" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hackney Council zero waste map</a> and recycling info.</p>
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<p>Better yet make it yourself! If you have the time, making anything can greatly reduce packaging and your carbon footprint! So why not learn a new skill?!<br/>Check out: <a href="http://www.hackneyherbal.com/workshops/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hackney Herbal</a>, <a href="https://madeinhackney.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Made In Hackney,</a> and <a href="http://www.permablitzlondon.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Perma Blitz London</a>.</p>
<p>DIY compost <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kf6CGj7xpFE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">video</a>; urban wormery <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3hWIZsm4z0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">video</a>, Bokashi indoor bin <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XdjqSs24PQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">video</a>. If you are looking to buy worms or bins then check out <a href="https://theurbanworm.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Urban worm</a> or city farms like spitalfeilds sell the bins. Hackney Council offer <a href="https://www.hackney.gov.uk/composting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">discounts on compost bins</a>.</p>
<p>Zero waste vlogs: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcH1xN7uk0kznDvutQOEEZQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hubbub</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3pE1IqHqbdf3vqtaALL4nA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ecoboost,</a> Facebook group: @Zero Waste London</p>
<p>To get rid of large items or find things you need check out: <a href="https://groups.freecycle.org/TowerHamletsUK/posts/68761454" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Freecycle</a><br/> <br/> <strong>2, S</strong><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1227625644?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1227625644?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-left" width="149" height="224"/></a><strong>HARE THE LOVE</strong><br/>Raising awareness by sharing the film and others like it, such as the BBC's '<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0bmbn47" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Drowning In Plastic</a><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0bmbn47">'</a> can really help. A Plastic Ocean is available <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57jv8vBIUHI" target="_blank" rel="noopener">online</a>, so why not invite friends over for a mini screening & host a <a href="http://www.hashtag.co.uk/">#</a><a href="https://friendsoftheearth.uk/plastics/plastic-free-friday" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PlasticFreeF</a><a href="https://friendsoftheearth.uk/plastics/plastic-free-friday">riday</a> supper?!</p>
<p><br/> <strong>3, SIGN F</strong><strong>OE's PETITION</strong></p>
<div>Tell the UK government that you demand new plans to dramatically reduce the plastic pouring into our oceans <a href="https://act.friendsoftheearth.uk/act/help-reduce-plastic-oceans" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.<br/> <strong><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1227626482?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1227626482?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-right" width="221" height="147"/></a></strong></div>
<div><br/> <strong>4, INSPIRE OTHERS</strong><br/>If you have children or work in education why not let your school know about the shorter educational film version and resources available for schools at <a href="http://plasticoceans.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Plastic Oceans UK</a>.</div>
<p><strong>5, JOIN THE MOVEMENT</strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="https://plasticfreehackney.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Plastic Free Hackney</a></strong> would love Hackney to be the first London borough to reach <strong><em>Surfers Against Sewage Plastic Free Communities Status.</em></strong> <br/>Over 300 communities across the country are working hard to reach <a href="https://www.sas.org.uk/campaign_issue/plastic-free-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">plastic-free status</a> including in London, and some places in cornwall already have. Now it's our turn!</p>
<p><br/>To reach this dream, the plan is for voluntary PFH ambassidors to reach out to your local businesses, <a href="https://www.sas.org.uk/plastic-free-schools/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">schools</a>, and organisations and ask them to join this movement. This is just the start, they have more strategic idea's in the making and are looking to collaborate! Their next big event is on Oct 28th, a big l<a href="http://bit.ly/2NrnZ7X" target="_blank" rel="noopener">itter pick</a> along the canal. <br/> <br/> <strong>This is an OPEN CALL for BUSINESS OWNERS, ORGANISATIONS and CONCERNED CITIZENS to be part of a wave of change! <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NoQyjoa2w4YalMwlphq15OaGzvmaxSTq/view" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read the 'Business Tool Kit'.</a></strong><strong><br/> <br/>If your interested in getting involved or getting on the zero waste map then email plasticfreehackney@gmail.com</strong><br/>Or join the next meeting at St Paul's Church West Hackney on October 18 @ 7pm.<br/>Or join their <a href="http://bit.ly/2NrnZ7X" target="_blank" rel="noopener">litter pick</a> on Oct 28.<br/> <br/> <a href="https://www.sas.org.uk/news/plastic-free-parliament/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read here</a> how the Surfers Against Sewage plastic-free movement has even reached the Houses of Parliment to clean-up their act!!!<br/> <br/>Look out for <a href="https://www.fetchhcup.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">F</a><a href="https://www.fetchhcup.com/">etchh</a> <a href="https://www.fetchhcup.com/">cup</a> the coffee cup deposit return scheme piloting in Hackney & Shoreditch.</p>
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<p><strong>Plastic Free Hackney Litter Pick</strong></p>
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<p><a href="https://bit.ly/2NrnZ7X" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://bit.ly/2NrnZ7X</a></p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1227627184?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1227627184?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-center" width="637" height="360"/></a></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1227628042?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1227628042?profile=original" class="align-center" width="420" height="420"/></a></strong></p>
<p></p>CTRL Shift - An emergency summit for changetag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2018-04-21:6446498:BlogPost:649252018-04-21T17:00:00.000Zsamanthahttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/samantha
<p><span class="collapseomatic colomat-close colomat-visited colomat-hover"> </span></p>
<p>On March 28, at 6am I boarded a train bound for Wigan, filled with anticipation and excitement for the great un-known for what was set to be the first of many CTRL Shift emergency summits for change. Thanks to the Permaculture Association (the organisers), along with the most forward thinking solution based organisations in the country, I was very lucky enough to get a bursary ticket for the event. These…</p>
<p><span class="collapseomatic colomat-close colomat-visited colomat-hover"> </span></p>
<p>On March 28, at 6am I boarded a train bound for Wigan, filled with anticipation and excitement for the great un-known for what was set to be the first of many CTRL Shift emergency summits for change. Thanks to the Permaculture Association (the organisers), along with the most forward thinking solution based organisations in the country, I was very lucky enough to get a bursary ticket for the event. These organisations ranged from Totnes Reconomy Project, Solidarity Economy Association, Shared Assets, Transition Network, Co-operatives UK, The People’s Food Policy, CounterCoin, <span class="collapseomatic">and openDemocracy to name just a few...</span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733101?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733101?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-center" width="218" height="219"/></a><em>(Image: Sam S)</em></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p>
<p>The main point of the event was for activists, organisers, commoners, and entrepreneurs to develop a shared agenda for shifting power over our democracy, economy and environment, from Westminster and multinational corporations, to people and communities across Britain.</p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733227?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733227?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-center" width="445" height="455"/></a><em>(Image: Sam Smithson)</em></p>
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<p> </p>
<p>"The social, economic and environmental failures of the current system are being cruelly exposed by rising inequality, social division, increasingly precarious and insecure employment, loss of biodiversity, accelerating climate change and the inability of an increasing number of people to meet their basic needs for good food and housing." CTRLShift</p>
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<p>This was a three-day event (I was there for one of the three days) that began with opening introductions before sessions began, consisting of key topic creation, then splitting into breakout groups of around 8-12 people to discuss the topic of our choosing. Everyone had diverse backgrounds and experiences to bring to the table and share in the cross pollination of solutions and barriers we all had faced on the topic areas.</p>
<p>There were many brain-storm's and various list's made thought the day. After an hour, we would reunite as one large group to discuss the main findings of each topic before moving on to the next Topic.</p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733194?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733194?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-center" width="269" height="202"/></a><em>(Image: Rob Hopkins)</em></p>
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<p> </p>
<p>By late afternoon the last hour we had some rest bite as some of the organisations gave 30 min 'Solution Sessions' which where talks/presentations/workshops on their current work. These ran in parallel to each other dotted around the building. I listened to a very interesting talk by Kayshani Gibbon, The RSA - Citizens' Economic Council, The RSA Citizens' Economic Council.</p>
<p>After this we sat in the 'fish bowl' and people that wanted to talk about the day could join the middle circle of chairs to speak. Following this we all headed over to the Old Courts, for a veggie buffet dinner and entertainment by the Wigan Diggers Festival before running for the train home!</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733272?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733272?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-center" width="293" height="220"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>(Image: Rob Hopkins)</em></p>
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<p>All in all, this was a very inspiring and productive day.</p>
<p><strong>What did I get out of it?</strong></p>
<p>Mainly building connections with fellow change makers and the realisation that if we want to change the world then we must start building networks and alliances to better support the bigger change that we want to essentially see happen. Building self-governance within our communities. The art of listening/sharing with different age groups. On a personal level, the realisation that we/I need to get really good at story telling if we want to change the current narrative to something else!</p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>What do I think we should do now?</strong> Well I think there should be more of these events happening but more regionally, i.e. one in London to reach a bigger audiance of change makers, whilst grow our local network much further. I would also like to see more charity organisations that are campaigning for change join the conversation in how we can work together.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.robhopkins.net/2018/03/31/a-report-from-ctrlshift2018/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733304?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733304?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-center" width="288" height="288"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>(Image: Sam S)</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p>Rob Hopkins (Transition Network) wrote a more detailed report on the event <a href="https://www.robhopkins.net/2018/03/31/a-report-from-ctrlshift2018/">here.</a></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>Finding my voice</strong></p>
<p>I completely agree with his views, and totally in regards to the issue of less vocal young women speaking out. I mention this point because I did fall victim a couple of times to a silent tongue, which to most people who know me may find that surprising! It's ironic as five days before this event I was hosting an event infront of eighty strangers on stage for the first time. I think it's because they were strangers that I 'managed' to survive. However, to put it into context it felt like being in a room filled with (approx. 150 ) highly intelligent academics, authors and intellectual older men that I'd read lots about, so to speak out in front of these veterans was intimidating. I have made a mental note to not let that stop me in the future when such situations should arise again because unless one woman speaks up we all just sit their in silence like lemons. It's like waiting for a buffet no one want's to be the first in line, but someone must be the first, we can't then complain when it's a man!! I for one spend my time complaining that their arn't enough female vocal role models leading us to systemic change, but perhaps the problem is that so many of us lack the confidence to speak out and so we get shadowed by the louder voices. Don't get me wrong, there are many many women out there working to change the world at a grass roots level, busting a gut every day. Infact I went to another event only a week ago of which 90% were women social and enviromental campaigners and activists. The funny thing was like clockwork when it came to the mass group discution at the end of the day the 10% of men all spoke out and only 1% of the women did!!! Come on women, forget what you sound or look like and find your voice. Society needs you now more than ever to speak up if we want to change that narrative.. and I'm not talking spice girls style.</p>
<p></p>
<p>I highly recommend checking out the below organisations and think about how you can work together more with us. </p>
<p>The other partnering organisations included: Totnes Reconomy Project, Solidarity Economy Association, Shared Assets, Transition Network, Co-operatives UK, The People’s Food Policy, CreativeConnection, CounterCoin, The Alternative UK, Shared Future, Local Futures’, Real Farming Trust, The Schumacher Institute, <span>Community Energy England, The Ecological Land Co-operative’s, RSA, Ethical Consumer, Civil Society Futures, openDemocracy, Biodynamic Land Trust, Gaia Education, CAT, and many more! you can find them all <a href="https://www.ctrlshiftsummit.org.uk/partners/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here along with the event.</a><br/></span></p>
<p><span class="collapseomatic colomat-close colomat-visited colomat-hover"><a href="https://www.ctrlshiftsummit.org.uk/partners/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a></span></p>
<p></p>Funding the first solar cinema in Europetag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2018-03-18:6446498:BlogPost:645462018-03-18T10:00:00.000Zsamanthahttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/samantha
<p>A new campaign to win public support for the UK’s first solar powered film venue was launched on March17.<br></br> The joint campaign led by <a href="http://www.hackneyenergy.org.uk/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Hackney Energy</a>, the Wilton Estate Tenants Association and the <a href="https://riocinema.org.uk/RioCinema.dll/Home" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Rio Cinema</a> aims to raise around <strong>£40,000</strong> to install 55 solar panels on the cinema’s south facing…</p>
<p>A new campaign to win public support for the UK’s first solar powered film venue was launched on March17.<br/> The joint campaign led by <a href="http://www.hackneyenergy.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hackney Energy</a>, the Wilton Estate Tenants Association and the <a href="https://riocinema.org.uk/RioCinema.dll/Home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rio Cinema</a> aims to raise around <strong>£40,000</strong> to install 55 solar panels on the cinema’s south facing rooftop. </p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733222?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733222?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-center" width="416" height="230"/></a></p>
<p><em>Image: <a href="https://riocinema.org.uk/RioCinema.dll/Home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rio Cinema</a></em></p>
<p></p>
<p>The 15kWp Rio SolarProject will include a 20kWh battery storage system. Solar energy generated during the day will be stored in the batteries to power the cinema’s projector during the evening and save around 8000 tonnes of carbon every year.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733230?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733255?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-center" width="182" height="153"/></a><br/> <a href="http://www.hackneyenergy.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hackney Energy</a> chair Philip Pearson said that HE is looking to raise £40,000 for this exciting project, making the much loved Rio Cinema the Uk’s first ever solar powered Cinema, and possibly the first one in Europe.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733258?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733258?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-center" width="576" height="323"/></a></p>
<p><em>Image: Energy Intern at Bannister House Estate.</em></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://www.hackneyenergy.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hackney Energy</a> work with groups and organisation across the borough, helping them to transition their energy to renewables. This short video is a great example of a past successful project Hackney Energy helped create at Bannister House Estate with solar rooftop energy. <a href="https://youtu.be/Nx0m5HQKsZE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Video</a></p>
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<p>By Philip Pearson</p>Celebrating Fairtrade Fortnighttag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2018-03-18:6446498:BlogPost:645422018-03-18T09:15:47.000Zsamanthahttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/samantha
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733184?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733184?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a> <em>Image: Fairtrade Foundation</em></p>
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<p>Celebrations of Fairtrade Fortnight in Hackney were made extra special this year as, thanks to a grant from Hackney Council, we were able to ‘buy in’ presentations from Ketra Kyosiimire, a visiting female coffee producer from Uganda who gave interesting, illustrated talks on how coffee is grown and how fairtrade benefits the…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733184?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733184?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-full" width="750"/></a><em>Image: Fairtrade Foundation</em></p>
<p></p>
<p>Celebrations of Fairtrade Fortnight in Hackney were made extra special this year as, thanks to a grant from Hackney Council, we were able to ‘buy in’ presentations from Ketra Kyosiimire, a visiting female coffee producer from Uganda who gave interesting, illustrated talks on how coffee is grown and how fairtrade benefits the growers and their communities, helping them to have better housing, schools and health centres.</p>
<p><br/>Ketra gave her first Hackney presentations to interested, well informed pupils at Harrington Hill school who added much to their knowledge of growing and buying fairtrade.<br/>Fittingly, Ketra’s next visit was to an exciting, well attended Women’s Day Celebration at the Redmond Centre, Woodberry Down, where our stall offered free samples of fairtrade easter eggs, biscuits and drinks amongst many other products and a fairtrade raffle with prizes including delicious chocolate eggs from the Coop and a fairtrade football.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733187?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733187?profile=original" class="align-full" width="640"/></a><em>Image: Ketra and Sandra McLeod at the Women's Day event, Redmond Center.</em></p>
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<p>Ketra’s final visit was to another community event after the Sunday morning service at Frampton Park Baptist Church. Once again the community turned out in force to support her presentation and much interest was shown in our stall and the future use of fairtrade products in their café.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733189?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733189?profile=original" class="align-full" width="620"/></a></p>
<p><em>Image: Karma Cola</em></p>
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<p><em>We would like to thank all venues for hosting us, as well as Hackney Cooperative stores and Karma Cola for donations to our stall and The Fairtrade Foundation for organising Ketra’s visits to Hackney.</em></p>
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<p>By Sandra McLeod</p>Unique opportunity for Hackney schoolstag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2018-02-19:6446498:BlogPost:646062018-02-19T01:33:09.000Zsamanthahttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/samantha
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sustainable Hackney – Education for Sustainable Education (EfS) Network - gave a presentation to the Hackney Primary Headteachers’ January meeting on the urgency of introducing EfS into their schools. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The presentation was supported at the meeting by Councillor Jon Burke (lead cabinet member for sustainability) who aims to make every Hackney council department function sustainably.…</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sustainable Hackney – Education for Sustainable Education (EfS) Network - gave a presentation to the Hackney Primary Headteachers’ January meeting on the urgency of introducing EfS into their schools. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The presentation was supported at the meeting by Councillor Jon Burke (lead cabinet member for sustainability) who aims to make every Hackney council department function sustainably.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The presentation focused on the need for schools to fill the indefensible void left by other agencies to educate our young people</span> in <span style="font-size: 12pt;">the causes, consequences</span> and <span style="font-size: 12pt;">solutions needed to mitigate climate change. </span> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733087?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733087?profile=original" class="align-center" width="425" height="228"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Pupils today are worried about climate change and about its present and future effects – especially on those happening to children in other parts of the world right now. If we don’t incorporate issues of sustainability into the curriculum, the day to day life of the school campus and the school community at all stages of education, our children will not be equipped to deal with the inevitable problems to come.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Headteachers took away EfS information packs and some signed up for further support and information on Eco-Schools, the Sustainable Schools Alliance, UNICEF RRSA Award, Fairtrade Schools Award and local groups EcoActive and Green Schools Project. We need all Hackney Schools to sign up to this initiative, we must not deny our children their right to be educated for planetary sustainability. </span></p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733270?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733270?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-center" width="750"/></a>(image- ecoACTIVE)</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Hackney Schools have the unique opportunity to become a beacon for Education for Sustainability and set the benchmark for all other local education authorities in the UK.</span></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733243?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733243?profile=original" class="align-center" width="480"/></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">(image- ecoACTIVE)</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Don’t miss out on this critical but exciting programme - for further information, schools should ensure that their <strong>PHSE coordinators</strong> attend our <strong>presentation</strong> at their twilight session on <strong>6<sup>th</sup> March</strong> and/or contact the EfS network at <a href="mailto:sustainablehackneyefsnetwork@gmail.com">sustainablehackneyefsnetwork@gmail.com</a>.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">By Sandra McLeod</span></p>TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE LOCAL ECONOMYtag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2018-02-11:6446498:BlogPost:640602018-02-11T13:30:00.000Zsamanthahttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/samantha
<p></p>
<p>Recently, we have seen the demise of the outsourcing mogul Carillion under a £1.5bn debt pile with a possible loss of up to 20,000 jobs in the UK. This was followed 2 weeks later by profit warnings of another outsourcing giant, Capita, whose share value plummeted by nearly 50%, wiping £1.5bn of its stock market value. The process of outsourcing public services started under the Thatcher years, but accelerated under the Blair-Brown years with the private/public financing initiatives.…</p>
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<p>Recently, we have seen the demise of the outsourcing mogul Carillion under a £1.5bn debt pile with a possible loss of up to 20,000 jobs in the UK. This was followed 2 weeks later by profit warnings of another outsourcing giant, Capita, whose share value plummeted by nearly 50%, wiping £1.5bn of its stock market value. The process of outsourcing public services started under the Thatcher years, but accelerated under the Blair-Brown years with the private/public financing initiatives. It received another boost with the introduction of compulsory competitive tendering, especially in the NHS and at local government level. The result: job losses, erosion of pay and job security and an outflow of capital.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733053?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733053?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-center" width="750"/></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.thelondoneconomic.com/news/save-the-nhs-tens-thousands-people-attended-emergency-nhs-march-london-today/03/02/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Image Source</a></p>
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<p>At the same time, we have seen a gradual expansion of local outlets of national or often international retail giants, often at the expense of local businesses. There are alternatives to this model which have been demonstrated by a number of local authorities, most notably by the City of Preston, whose decision in 2012 to take back control of economic development, after the failure of a massive shopping project, was highlighted in the Guardian recently by Aditya Chakrabortty (31/1/2018). See: <a href="http://www.guardian.com/preston">www.guardian.com/preston</a></p>
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<p>One of the City’s councillors, Matthew Brown, was one of the driving forces behind this reversal. The result: creation of local jobs – through ‘insourcing’ and the creation of worker co-operatives; the revival of local businesses; improvement of services and renovation of the housing stock – and – most importantly - more retention of capital in the local area. These developments towards a more sustainable local economy are often been underpinned by creative ideas flowing from independent think tanks such as the New Economics Foundation.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733058?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733058?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-center" width="750"/></a></p>
<p><a href="https://youtu.be/iNQKaDYtmjs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://youtu.be/iNQKaDYtmjs</a></p>
<p></p>
<p>See: <a href="http://www.neweconomics.org.uk">www.neweconomics.org.uk</a> or the Centre for Local Economic Strategies. See: <a href="http://www.cles.org.uk">www.cles.org.uk</a> Another source of information and inspiration is the Co-operative Party’s 6 step guide to Community Wealth Building. See: <a href="https://party.coop">https://party.coop</a> Another organisation that has campaigned for greater sustainability in the local community is the Transition Network. See <a href="https://transitionnetwork.org">https://transitionnetwork.org</a> and <a href="http://transitionbethnalgreen.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">http://transitionbethnalgreen.org/</a></p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733060?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733060?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-full" width="750"/></a><a class="ytp-share-panel-link ytp-no-contextmenu" target="_blank" href="https://youtu.be/7wgGmkOSxXE" rel="noopener">https://youtu.be/7wgGmkOSxXE</a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733060?profile=original" target="_self"></a></p>
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<p>It is important that Hackney take a leaf out of this alternative economic development book in its economic strategy for the next decade and incorporate these ideas in its manifesto for the local council elections this year! SH wants Hackney to adopt an alternative, inclusive economic development strategy and bring service delivery back under local authority control – learning lessons from the collapse of Carillion.</p>
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<p>Jan Kuiper, February 2018</p>Will London Mayor back Hackney’s second solar farm?tag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2017-12-11:6446498:BlogPost:635172017-12-11T21:00:00.000Zsamanthahttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/samantha
<p>Work could start early in 2018 on Hackney's second rooftop solar farm if a joint bid to the Mayor of London's Community Energy Fund gets the go-ahead.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Dalston-based Wilton Estate Tenants and Residents Association (WETRA), supported by volunteers from Hackney Energy, wants to install 50 kilowatts of solar panels and a set of batteries to store energy for nighttime lighting for communal spaces, stairwells and the community centre.</p>
<p> …</p>
<p></p>
<p>Work could start early in 2018 on Hackney's second rooftop solar farm if a joint bid to the Mayor of London's Community Energy Fund gets the go-ahead.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Dalston-based Wilton Estate Tenants and Residents Association (WETRA), supported by volunteers from Hackney Energy, wants to install 50 kilowatts of solar panels and a set of batteries to store energy for nighttime lighting for communal spaces, stairwells and the community centre.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84732845?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84732845?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-left" width="277" height="231"/></a></p>
<p>WETRA chair Debbie Mitchener said:</p>
<p><em>‘The Wilton Estate has been looking at possible solar power solutions for the residents since 2013, but always came up against hurdles to progressing it further than an idea on paper. However, when one of our younger residents with a passion for greener solutions went to a meeting of the Hackney Energy group the light finally went on. Installing solar panels on three out of the six flat roofs of the estate will hopefully allow for a reduction in some estate lighting charges for all residents. At a time when household budgets are being squeezed this would be very welcome.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><em>An overall reduction of our carbon footprint is another consideration. As an Estate, we have lights on throughout the night as we are acutely aware of the impact this has on the environment whilst being unable to alter it. This will give us a solution.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><em>There is also hope that a part of the feasibility study will focus on upskilling younger residents, and there’s the possibility of a management role for a local resident. It seems amazing that after all the years of being told it would not happen we are finally being told yes!’</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>WETRA also hopes it can install two electric car charging bays, and overall produce enough green energy to save 23 tonnes of carbon emissions every year.</p>
<p> <em><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733021?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733021?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-left" width="553" height="425"/></a></em></p>
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<p></p>
<p>Photography by Nic Lee </p>
<p>Our photo shows the Hackney Energy team delivering the bid to City Hall.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Speaking for Hackney Energy's team, James Robb said it would be great to see many more projects like the prototype on Banister House in Homerton. 'We know of a number of other estates who will be encouraged by this bid if it gets the go-ahead early next year. We're hoping it gets full backing from Hackney councillors, who are making all the right noises about backing community energy.’</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://www.hackneyenergy.org.uk/2017/11/24/wilton-estate-bids-for-rooftop-solar-farm/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Find out more.</a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84732950?profile=original" target="_self"></a></p>Solidarity from Hackney with Refugees in Calaistag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2017-12-11:6446498:BlogPost:635352017-12-11T20:30:00.000Zsamanthahttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/samantha
<p style="background: white; margin: 12.0pt 0in .0001pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Hackney Stand up to Racism held a successful and widely supported solidarity evening on 2<sup>nd</sup> December that raised over £2000 for Care 4 Calais to continue <span class="m-6268828145431862045gmail-m-5692692715055484651gmail-m-1217615364095099912gmail-m7235397114856392829gmail-textexposedshow"><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">their work helping refugees rendered homeless after the camp at…</span></span></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 12.0pt 0in .0001pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Hackney Stand up to Racism held a successful and widely supported solidarity evening on 2<sup>nd</sup> December that raised over £2000 for Care 4 Calais to continue <span class="m-6268828145431862045gmail-m-5692692715055484651gmail-m-1217615364095099912gmail-m7235397114856392829gmail-textexposedshow"><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">their work helping refugees rendered homeless after the camp at Calais was destroyed last year by the French authorities.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 12.0pt 0in .0001pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84732898?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84732898?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-left" width="509" height="348"/></a></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center; background: white; margin: 12.0pt 0in .0001pt 0in;" align="center"><span class="m-6268828145431862045gmail-m-5692692715055484651gmail-m-1217615364095099912gmail-m7235397114856392829gmail-textexposedshow"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Arial; letter-spacing: -.1pt;">Solidarity event at the Z bar Stoke Newington</span></span></p>
<p><span>Speaking about their work, Claire Mosley from Care4Calais said:</span></p>
<p><em>“A year on from the destruction of the ‘Jungle’ refugee camp by the French state and things are much worse for the refugees in the area. No-one is saying the ‘jungle’ was good, but it was a place which provided some sort of support structure. Now the refugees are sleeping rough in the countryside around Calais and Dunkirk and on the streets of Paris. I’m scared people will die of exposure. After a day giving out aid we get very wet and cold. But we can go home and dry out and warm up. The refugees can’t. Their tents get wet after one night and don’t dry out. And the police take what little they have in any case. We’re trying to meet their immediate needs. We’re trying to supply warm coats. But I’m scared that as the winter goes on refugees will die. The money you’ve donated will go to buy the things they need to keep warm</em>.” </p>
<p> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sasha.simic.75?fref=mentions">Sasha Simic</a> for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HackneySUTR/?fref=mentions">Hackney Stand Up to Racism and Fascism</a> opened the night:</p>
<p><em>“The refugee crisis continues to shame Europe. Over 3,000 refugees have died trying to cross the Mediterranean this year. Over 300 refugees are trying to exist in the areas around Calais and Dunkirk. The UK’s right-wing media and their political allies are running an on-going campaign against refugees as part of a general racist offensive. The good news is that many people reject this racist narrative. They can see that refugees are human beings who are trying to escape war and poverty. They come from Syria and Afghanistan and Libya and other areas blighted by war. It’s estimated that after the picture of Aylan Kurdi, the little boy who drowned with most of his family trying to reach Europe, appeared in the media one in three people in the UK participated in helping refugees.</em></p>
<p><em>We have found it very easy to collect donations for tonight’s fundraiser. This is only a small example of the potential goodwill we can tap into to help organisations like </em><a href="https://www.facebook.com/care4calais/?fref=mentions"><em>Care4Calais</em></a><em>. This is not charity, it is solidarity with our brothers and sisters. We have to continue to resist racism in all its manifestations. How dare our rulers scapegoat migrants and refugees! The same people who were exposed by the Paradise Papers as evading and avoiding their taxes amounting to billions of pounds are the people telling us refugees and migrants are a 'drain' on public services. It is a lie to say the fifth largest economy in the world "cannot afford" to take in the refugees of Calais and Dunkirk. It is a scandal that in the 21st century there are people without a roof over their heads. We say, Open the Borders! Let them In!</em></p>
<p>The event was widely supported. Several organisations, workplaces and trade unions raised money including: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HackneyWoodcraft/?fref=mentions">Hackney Woodcraft Folk</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stoke-Newington-School/112584228757127?fref=mentions">Stoke Newington School</a>, St Leonard's Hospital, Hackney <a href="https://www.facebook.com/UNITE-in-Housing-1671579166460448/?fref=mentions">UNITE,</a> Hackney National Education Union. Bucket collections were organised around the borough and at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RoundChapel/?fref=mentions">Round Chapel</a> Community Meal and a number of individuals and local businesses made donations towards the raffle including Pages bookshop, the Rio and Castle cinemas. </p>
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<p>You can donate to Care4Calais <a href="http://care4calais.org/donate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a></p>
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<p>By Richard Payne</p>Merry Xmas from Hackney City Farmtag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2017-12-11:6446498:BlogPost:637262017-12-11T09:00:00.000Zsamanthahttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/samantha
<p>This weekend was welcomed with warm mince pies, mulled wine and handy crafts galore at <a href="http://hackneycityfarm.co.uk/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Hackney City Farm's</a> annual Christmas market. </p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84732989?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84732989?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="400"></img></a></p>
<p>Sunday saw Do-it-yourself Christmas workshops, such as wrapping paper decoration for children and big kids. Christmas trees bustled out the shop door, as a…</p>
<p>This weekend was welcomed with warm mince pies, mulled wine and handy crafts galore at <a href="http://hackneycityfarm.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hackney City Farm's</a> annual Christmas market. </p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84732989?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="400" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84732989?profile=RESIZE_480x480" class="align-center" width="400"/></a></p>
<p>Sunday saw Do-it-yourself Christmas workshops, such as wrapping paper decoration for children and big kids. Christmas trees bustled out the shop door, as a steady flow of locals poured in to pick up their festive spirit along the way. </p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733045?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="650" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733045?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-center" width="395" height="296"/></a></p>
<p>Stalls included, yummy home made pastries, jam's, vegan honey, cakes and nibbles. Locally grown tea brand Hackney Herbal was the star of the show, giving shoppers a taste of healthy balancing blends to fuel winter immune systems with goodness. The group have a plot on Hackney city farm where they grow their herbs, whilst also offering vollunteer and educational workshops to the local community teaching people how to grow and use herbs using permaculture. <a href="http://www.hackneyherbal.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Find out more.</a></p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733062?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733062?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-center" width="390" height="292"/></a></p>
<p></p>Walthamstow Wetlands Openingtag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2017-11-17:6446498:BlogPost:628442017-11-17T13:30:00.000Zsamanthahttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/samantha
<p>Walthamstow Wetlands is Europe's largest urban wetlands, spanning a giant 211 hectares of rare natural habitat, and reopened its doors to the public for the first time on October 20th after 150 years.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84732947?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84732947?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a> <span class="font-size-1">(Photography: Clare Taylor)</span></p>
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<p>The project has undergone much redesign and investment to enrich existing habitat whilst growing…</p>
<p>Walthamstow Wetlands is Europe's largest urban wetlands, spanning a giant 211 hectares of rare natural habitat, and reopened its doors to the public for the first time on October 20th after 150 years.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84732947?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84732947?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-center" width="750"/></a><span class="font-size-1">(Photography: Clare Taylor)</span></p>
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<p>The project has undergone much redesign and investment to enrich existing habitat whilst growing new ones, encouraging biodiversity and wildlife to blossom and attracting rare new birds to the area.</p>
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<p>The Wetlands are providing the public with an opportunity to reconnect with nature. There is a visitor centre with cafe, shop and exhibition space. They also provide the public with activities, events, workshops, and volunteering opportunities for all ages to get involved in.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733035?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84733035?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-center" width="750"/></a></p>
<p>On top of it being a beautiful habitat for all to enjoy, it also continues to supply 3.5 million local Londoners with water.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84732991?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84732991?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-center" width="750"/></a><span class="font-size-1">(Photography: Clare Taylor)</span></p>
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<p>Events</p>
<p class="hilight primary-col">Photography workshop Thursday 7th December, 10am to 4pm (18+)</p>
<p class="hilight primary-col">Exciting photography workshops at Walthamstow Wetlands with Iain Green, who has worked as a renowned professional wildlife photographer, naturalist and author since 1997. It will provide practical guidance and tuition throughout the day with plenty of opportunity for 1-2-1s for both beginners and intermediate photographers.</p>
<p class="hilight primary-col"></p>
<p class="hilight primary-col">Lucky Leaves Crafternoons, every Monday and Wednesday 10am to 3pm (Under 5's)</p>
<p>Free storytelling, wildlife activities and Crafternoons on different nature themes. Enjoy learning all about the beautiful birds found at Walthamstow Wetlands and listening to a selection of exciting storybooks about them.</p>
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<p>Volunteering</p>
<p>"There are a range of exciting volunteering opportunities available to help protect the future of Walthamstow Wetlands. You can get involved by helping us care for the habitats, by assisting as a guide on various tours and workshops or as a welcome host in the visitor centre as well as volunteering at larger events that will be taking place on the site throughout the year."</p>
<p>email Nadia Ward at <a href="mailto:nward@wildlondon.org.uk" class="0">nward@wildlondon.org.uk</a></p>
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<p>To find out more:</p>
<p><a href="https://walthamstowwetlands.com/">https://walthamstowwetlands.com/</a></p>