All Blog Posts Tagged 'waste' - Sustainable Hackney2024-03-28T16:22:48Zhttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profiles/blog/feed?tag=waste&xn_auth=noSoiltag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2024-03-28:6446498:BlogPost:1423172024-03-28T14:19:53.000ZClare Taylorhttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/ClareTaylor
<p>To quote the Royal Horticultural Society: "<span>Soil plays a key role in the carbon cycle, can hold the water needed for plants to grow, and can help to prevent extreme water crises such as flood events or droughts. Most crucially for our species, it can feed us; perpetually, sustainably and healthily. But to maximise these benefits, we need to keep learning about it, and handle it with care and thought."</span></p>
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<p><span>What lives in the soil is often little appreciated - bees…</span></p>
<p>To quote the Royal Horticultural Society: "<span>Soil plays a key role in the carbon cycle, can hold the water needed for plants to grow, and can help to prevent extreme water crises such as flood events or droughts. Most crucially for our species, it can feed us; perpetually, sustainably and healthily. But to maximise these benefits, we need to keep learning about it, and handle it with care and thought."</span></p>
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<p><span>What lives in the soil is often little appreciated - bees and butterflies are recognised for their importance, but the tiny insects and microbes that live invisibly in the soil are also essential, and the basis of organic gardening is caring for the soil.</span></p>
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<p><span>Our Film for Action in April is the story of a group of young British farmers doing just this, and the vital impact of their journey.</span></p>
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<p><span>See our <a href="https://sustainablehackney.org.uk/events/film-evening-26th-april-2024-six-inches-of-soil" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Events page</a> for details of <strong>Six Inches of Soil.</strong></span></p>New garden waste collection chargestag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2024-03-28:6446498:BlogPost:1424182024-03-28T11:20:52.000ZDiana Weirhttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/DIANAWEIR
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><font size="2"><font face="Arial, sans-serif">Hackney</font></font> <font size="2"><font face="Arial, sans-serif">Council has suddenly imposed an annual subscription for having garden waste collected, to take effect from 6th May but lasting initially until 31st March 2025.</font></font></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><font size="2"><font color="#1C1E21"><font face="Arial, sans-serif">While it's fair to charge the relatively small…</font></font></font></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><font size="2"><font face="Arial, sans-serif">Hackney</font></font> <font size="2"><font face="Arial, sans-serif">Council has suddenly imposed an annual subscription for having garden waste collected, to take effect from 6th May but lasting initially until 31st March 2025.</font></font></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><font size="2"><font color="#1C1E21"><font face="Arial, sans-serif">While it's fair to charge the relatively small proportion of households which have private gardens with the cost of those collections, that charge should reflect the actual cost of providing the collection service. Assuming that everyone with a garden is rich and can be charged substantially more than that actual cost, to help Hackney reduce its budget shortfall, is clearly wrong. The other services that the Council provides benefit all, or far more, people than the garden waste collection service does, so the cost of those services should be spread evenly across all the borough's residents.</font></font></font></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><font size="2"><font color="#1C1E21"><font face="Arial, sans-serif">I've compared these new fees with what Hackney's neighbouring councils are charging. Up to now, the only one of those councils which has charged at all is Haringey; the two others still provide the service free.</font></font></font></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><font color="#1C1E21"><font face="Arial, sans-serif"><font size="2">Tower Hamlets collects two bags of garden waste weekly, at no charge: </font></font></font><a href="https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/lgnl/environment_and_waste/recycling_and_waste/garden_waste.aspx?fbclid=IwAR1q567QoO2BeeLs6_CECrhsr5G1tCnO4a05NjfNXGZzWyduxVT5jGoIG9M_aem_AX-3mCrviVpjfcuRusO_6qrHbzsLhRhUNqx2BtKbT-6zIm7unSPrNgKMQCStEE3ail7yMp0S_GBUjLwxfDQw2M9W" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><font color="#1C1E21"><font face="Arial, sans-serif"><font size="2">https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/.../rec.../garden_waste.aspx</font></font></font></a><font color="#1C1E21"><font face="Arial, sans-serif"><font size="2">)</font></font></font></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><font color="#1C1E21"><font face="Arial, sans-serif"><font size="2">Newham council collects green/garden waste free from 1 March-September, "in normal black bin bags or in tied bundles" - but on request only: </font></font></font><a href="https://www.newham.gov.uk/homepage/73/green-and-garden-waste?fbclid=IwAR2eKk9qNzS6BXO6UJjGPAUgOtR-rUwYPBIRO2oAe1Wm3cOWfC601w3U5LM_aem_AX_g8mav0fKFuWyzNWLpn00hog3D96JExlbJUhffxpl_ugE0HfozNN2cMxkwnNMofNKmDvRkpYRepYJNgEP4vufe" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><font color="#1C1E21"><font face="Arial, sans-serif"><font size="2">https://www.newham.gov.uk/homepage/73/green-and-garden-waste</font></font></font></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><font face="Arial, sans-serif"><font size="2"><font color="#1C1E21">Haringey charges from £60 (per 140 litre sack or bin) annually for a weekly collection: <a href="https://new.haringey.gov.uk/rubbish-recycling/garden-waste">https://new.haringey.gov.uk/rubbish-recycling/garden-waste</a></font></font></font></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><font face="Arial, sans-serif"><font size="2"><font color="#1C1E21">Islington has introduced an annual £75 charge (beginning 1st April 2024) to empty three garden waste bags per fortnight: <a href="https://www.islington.gov.uk/recycling-and-rubbish/recycling/garden-waste-recycling">https://www.islington.gov.uk/recycling-and-rubbish/recycling/garden-waste-recycling</a> NB The charge is halved to £37.50 for householders who receive Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support or Universal Credit.</font></font></font></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><font face="Arial, sans-serif"><font size="2"><font color="#1C1E21">Hackney wants £78 (per 140 litre brown bin) or £100 to empty two 90-litre garden waste bags, fortnightly: <a href="https://hackney.gov.uk/garden-waste">https://hackney.gov.uk/garden-waste</a>. The only people who would pay lower average rates are those who want to have two bins or far more bags emptied regularly - which most Hackney gardeners won't need.</font></font></font></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><font face="Arial, sans-serif"><font size="2"><font color="#1C1E21">Hackney Council's publicity dishonestly implied that its new charges would be in line with other neighbouring councils' rates, which is clearly not true. Hackney's charges are double those that Islington is introducing from 1st April and Hackney isn't even offering discounted rates to its poorest residents.</font></font></font></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><font face="Arial, sans-serif"><font size="2"><font color="#1C1E21">The Council assumes that all garden waste can be compostable but, realistically, that only applies to soft green waste. Thin woody prunings still need to be collected (although thicker ones can be used for a log pile). Yet, while many gardeners may only need a small but irreducible amount of their garden waste collected, subscribers may well maximise the garden waste that they put out for collection to make up for having to pay for far more collections than they really need. Those on very tight budgets, who already struggle to both heat their homes and eat properly, will be particularly badly affected by the unavoidably high basic charge.</font></font></font></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><font face="Arial, sans-serif"><font size="2"><font color="#1C1E21">There are already problems with contractors and others putting garden waste into other people's bins, which cannot effectively be secured against abuse. The Council's waste collectors have also permanently taken away garden waste bags put out for emptying (and return to the householder) since at least February. One cannot now order any further bags without paying Hackney's new subscription rate. Yet most people with back gardens need those bags to bring dirty garden waste through their homes, if only to fill a bin kept at the front of their home.</font></font></font></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><font face="Arial, sans-serif"><font size="2"><font color="#1C1E21">Hackney Council should have consulted all Hackney gardeners about the practical issues before imposing this system. Rather than charging on the assumption that gardeners need to put out lots of garden waste every fortnight, year round, a fair approach would have been to charge only for the garden waste actually collected, using an equivalent to the visitor parking permits system. Having each full bag or bin emptied might cost more individually but that system would incentivise gardeners to compost etc as much of their garden waste as possible, thus minimising the overall cost of the collection service. It would also minimise the risks of unscrupulous people misusing subscribers' bins and bags.</font></font></font></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><font face="Arial, sans-serif"><font size="2"><font color="#1C1E21">What do you and your neighbours think?</font></font></font></span></p>FINITE: The Climate of Changetag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2024-02-25:6446498:BlogPost:1422082024-02-25T12:48:54.000ZClare Taylorhttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/ClareTaylor
<div><span><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12389192466?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12389192466?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="350"></img></a> On Friday evening we saw a very powerful and moving documentary about two groups of activists, learning about what they were fighting to protect, what it was costing them emotionally and in their lives to do so, and seeing how brave and determined they were.</span></div>
<div><span>They were two very different groups, one large group occupying a…</span></div>
<div><span><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12389192466?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12389192466?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="350" class="align-left"/></a>On Friday evening we saw a very powerful and moving documentary about two groups of activists, learning about what they were fighting to protect, what it was costing them emotionally and in their lives to do so, and seeing how brave and determined they were.</span></div>
<div><span>They were two very different groups, one large group occupying a forest in Germany to protect it and one smaller group working to protect their local area in Durham. I will say no more because of spoilers if you've not seen the film.</span></div>
<div><span>There were two things in common with the groups: they were both very dedicated and committed, and they were both fighting against open-cast coal mines.</span></div>
<div><span>Our panellists included Blyth from the Coal Action Network, a group that supported the Durham protest and who are having an Insurance Week of Action next week. To find out more about the Coal Action Network and the planned week, see </span><span>Insurance Week of Action (Mon 26th Feb - Sun 3rd Mar)</span></div>
<div><span>Telegram chat: </span><a href="https://t.me/+ovEE7MWIROZlODJk" rel="noopener" rev="en_rl_none"><span>https://t.me/+ovEE7MWIROZlODJk</span></a></div>
<div><span>Coal Action Network LinkTree (for our social media and website): </span><a href="https://linktr.ee/coalactionuk" rel="noopener" rev="en_rl_none"><span>https://linktr.ee/coalactionuk</span></a></div>
<div><span>Any questions relating to Coal Action Network: </span><a href="mailto:blythe@coalaction.org.uk" rel="noopener" rev="en_rl_none"><span>blythe@coalaction.org.uk</span></a></div>
<div><span><span>We also had John Sinha, </span></span>Campaign Against Climate Change (CaCC) Activist & Steering Group member & various climate justice campaigns. T<span>he CaCC Trade Union Group report answers many of the concerns about jobs as fossil fuels are phased out. See </span><a href="http://www.campaigncc.org/" rev="en_rl_none"><span>http://www.campaigncc.org/</span></a><span> - the link to the climate jobs report is on the front page. </span></div>
<div><span>And we were privileged to have Rich Felgate, director of the film, documentary filmmaker and activist: <a href="mailto:info@firebreakfilms.co.uk">info@firebreakfilms.co.uk</a>, @richfelgate</span></div>
<div><span>The film website has links for further action and his mailing list : <a href="https://www.finite-film.com/" rev="en_rl_none">https://www.finite-film.com/</a>.</span></div>Films for Action - Finite: The Climate of Changetag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2024-02-02:6446498:BlogPost:1426032024-02-02T12:30:00.000ZSustainable Hackneyhttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/SustainableHackney
<p>Join us for a very special screening on Friday 23rd February at St Paul's Church Hackney, of 'Finite: The Climate of Change'. After the screening, we will be joined by a panel including director Rich Feldgate. </p>
<p><a href="https://sustainablehackney.org.uk/events/finite-the-climate-of-change" rel="noopener" target="_blank">More info</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.finite-film.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Documentary website…</a></p>
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<p>Join us for a very special screening on Friday 23rd February at St Paul's Church Hackney, of 'Finite: The Climate of Change'. After the screening, we will be joined by a panel including director Rich Feldgate. </p>
<p><a href="https://sustainablehackney.org.uk/events/finite-the-climate-of-change" target="_blank" rel="noopener">More info</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.finite-film.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Documentary website</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/films-for-action-finite-the-climate-of-change-tickets-805848433357?aff=erelexpmlt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eventbrite link - tickets are free, but required</a></p>
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<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12372934459?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12372934459?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-left"/></a></p>
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<p></p>Growing Communities is recruiting growing traineestag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2024-02-01:6446498:BlogPost:1427032024-02-01T16:44:24.000ZRichenda Wilsonhttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/RichendaWilson
<p>Hi all, please could you share this with anyone you think might be interested. Thanks</p>
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<p><span>Do you want to develop food growing skills for a better food system? Game-changing Hackney-based social enterprise </span><span>Growing Communities</span> <span>is recruiting this year's crop of urban growing trainees. Learn all about growing vegetables - especially salad leaves - at our urban market gardens in Hackney. The free training runs one day a week, plus monthly evening…</span></p>
<p>Hi all, please could you share this with anyone you think might be interested. Thanks</p>
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<p><span>Do you want to develop food growing skills for a better food system? Game-changing Hackney-based social enterprise </span><span>Growing Communities</span> <span>is recruiting this year's crop of urban growing trainees. Learn all about growing vegetables - especially salad leaves - at our urban market gardens in Hackney. The free training runs one day a week, plus monthly evening tutorials. From end of March until the end of September. Deadline: Monday 26 February.</span><span> </span></p>
<p><span>We’re seeking enthusiastic people who are keen to learn how to grow food in a sustainable way, enjoy working outdoors and working with others. This training is open to everyone, regardless of background. We acknowledge that the environmental sector is less accessible to people from minority backgrounds and we’re committed to doing what we can to correct this. We especially want to hear from you if you feel that opportunities like this are less available to you, or you don’t see yourself represented very often in the environmental or sustainable food sectors.</span><span> </span></p>
<p><span>Details:</span> <a href="https://www.growingcommunities.org/jobs"><span>https://www.growingcommunities.org/jobs</span></a><span> </span></p>Film for action: SEED: the untold storytag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2023-12-01:6446498:BlogPost:1411972023-12-01T13:27:48.000ZClare Taylorhttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/ClareTaylor
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12306147260?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12306147260?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="200"></img></a> We enjoyed a very beautiful film on 17 November as well as learning a great deal.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"> </p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">The wonderful imagery of seeds sprouting, of fields and forests, backgrounded the story of seeds, the importance of having many varieti</p>
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<p style="font-weight: 400;">es of…</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12306147260?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12306147260?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="200" class="align-left"/></a>We enjoyed a very beautiful film on 17 November as well as learning a great deal.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"> </p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">The wonderful imagery of seeds sprouting, of fields and forests, backgrounded the story of seeds, the importance of having many varieti</p>
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<p style="font-weight: 400;">es of each food crop for resilience to disease, natural disasters and changes caused by climate change. We learned about the seed savers, collecting heritage species, and seed banks created around the world to protect them.</p>
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<p style="font-weight: 400;">And we learned about the growth of giant agricultural and chemical companies, taking ownership of seeds, modifying them, preventing farmers from being able to grow next year’s crop from saved seed but instead having to buy anew each year – and the debt and desperation arising from this.</p>
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<p style="font-weight: 400;">Our wonderful panel -Randa Toko from the Seed Saving Network, Sophie Verhagen from Growing Communities and Vicki Hird, author and Strategic Lead on Agriculture at The Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts - answered questions about how we can each play out part, saving seed ourselves, buying carefully and supporting organic growers, open-pollinated seeds and small food businesses rather than becoming part of the cycle of destruction of our heritage: the amazing world of seeds.</p>
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<p style="font-weight: 400;">To learn more about what others are doing and what you can do visit the following:</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Seed Saving Network: <a href="https://seedsaving.network/">https://seedsaving.network/</a><span> </span>and email<span> </span><a href="mailto:info@seedsaving.network">info@seedsaving.network</a></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Growing Communities: <a href="mailto:growcomm@growingcommunities.org">growcomm@growingcommunities.org</a></p>
<p>Vicki’s book website: <a href="http://www.rebuggingtheplanet.org/">www.rebuggingtheplanet.org</a></p>
<p>And the action pages </p>
<p>for SEED to sign up for a newsletter, download the discussion guide <a href="https://www.seedthemovie.com/takeaction">https://www.seedthemovie.com/takeaction</a><span> </span></p>
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<p>Photo:<br/> Courtesy of Collective Eye Films</p>Protecting our riverstag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2023-09-23:6446498:BlogPost:1410742023-09-23T13:00:00.000ZClare Taylorhttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/ClareTaylor
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12230438886?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12230438886?profile=RESIZE_710x" style="padding: 2px;" width="500"></img></a></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">The latest film night in the Sustainable Hackney Films for Action series focused on river pollution and what individuals can do to make a difference. There is a lot we can actively do, beyond simply campaigning.</p>
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<p style="font-weight: 400;">The well-attended event at St Paul’s West…</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12230438886?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12230438886?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="500" class="align-full" style="padding: 2px;"/></a></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">The latest film night in the Sustainable Hackney Films for Action series focused on river pollution and what individuals can do to make a difference. There is a lot we can actively do, beyond simply campaigning.</p>
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<p style="font-weight: 400;">The well-attended event at St Paul’s West Hackney comprised two films and a panel of experts. The films were <em>Severn</em> by ENDS Report and <em>Rivercide</em> by Spanner Films and George Monbiot. They both highlighted issues in particular rivers, the Severn and the Wye, that are common throughout England and Wales: pollution is not just sewage discharges, it’s more than that and we need to understand and address all the issues. Run-off from agriculture is the biggest contributor to pollution nationally, and urban and transport run-off play a large part.</p>
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<p style="font-weight: 400;">The panellists brought focus to our area, with two of them involved in citizen science on the River Lea as part of their wider work, and to policy and strategy at UK Government level.</p>
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<p style="font-weight: 400;">Sosha Adie is a reporter for ENDS Report and brought valuable context to the issue, with insight into recent events.</p>
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<p style="font-weight: 400;">Sam Facey from ZSL has been running Outfall Safaris, in which volunteers walk the Lea and its tributaries to locate outfalls and assess levels of pollution from them, and runs biodiversity monitoring projects on the rivers.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Izzy Bishop from UCL East is involved in water quality monitoring projects in the area, identifying what is in the water and how it’s changing, and again works with local citizen scientists, bringing together the enthusiasm of those who love our river and the disciplines of academia.</p>
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<p style="font-weight: 400;">They both talked about how, by working together, we can understand what’s needed for our river and support conservation work to make it happen.</p>
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<p style="font-weight: 400;">If anyone would like to explore becoming more involved, Sam and Izzy would love to hear from you, or write to <a href="mailto:info@sustainablehackney.org.uk">info@sustainablehackney.org.uk</a> so we can share contact details and information about local river conservation volunteering.</p>Push for the redesign of the Silvertown Tunneltag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2023-09-06:6446498:BlogPost:1407862023-09-06T13:00:00.000ZSustainable Hackneyhttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/SustainableHackney
<div><b><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12218505081?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12218505081?profile=RESIZE_710x"></img></a></b></div>
<div><b>We need you to help us push for a repurposing of the Silvertown Tunnel!</b></div>
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<div>While Hackney Council has already stated its opposition to the planned Sivertown Tunnel on behalf of residents, we still need to engage with the London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, as he continues to try and push through the project in its…</div>
<div><b><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12218505081?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12218505081?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full"/></a></b></div>
<div><b>We need you to help us push for a repurposing of the Silvertown Tunnel!</b></div>
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<div>While Hackney Council has already stated its opposition to the planned Sivertown Tunnel on behalf of residents, we still need to engage with the London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, as he continues to try and push through the project in its current form. While the Silvertown Tunnel would not be in Hackney, it would have a hugely negative effect on the traffic travelling through our Borough and make it even more challenging to bring Hackney's air pollution down to safe levels. </div>
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<div>We're asking as many people as possible to fill out the current consultation on cycling provisions for the tunnel from the Mayor of London, which you can find<span> </span><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/silvertown-cycling-service">here</a>. By increasing access for cyclists we can try to reduce the increase in traffic as much as possible while aiming for cyclists to feel safe to travel under the river. The deadline for responses to the consultation is<span> </span><b>Sunday 10th September</b> 2023, so make sure to share your thoughts as soon as possible.</div>
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<div>For more information about the Stop the Silvertown Tunnel campaign, check out their website<span> </span><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://stopsilvertowntn.com/">here</a>. </div>North London Waste Authority surveytag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2023-08-21:6446498:BlogPost:1414682023-08-21T21:31:14.000ZSarah Kissackhttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/SarahKissack
NLWA and the seven boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington, and Waltham Forest are developing a new Joint Waste Strategy. This will provide the framework for waste management in north London up to 2040.<br />
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Please complete survey at link below and share with anyone else in the 7 boroughs:<br />
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<a href="https://northlondonwaste.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/nljwssurvey/step1">https://northlondonwaste.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/nljwssurvey/step1</a>
NLWA and the seven boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington, and Waltham Forest are developing a new Joint Waste Strategy. This will provide the framework for waste management in north London up to 2040.<br />
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Please complete survey at link below and share with anyone else in the 7 boroughs:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://northlondonwaste.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/nljwssurvey/step1">https://northlondonwaste.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/nljwssurvey/step1</a>Growing Communities Farmers' Market turns 20!tag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2023-04-20:6446498:BlogPost:1405012023-04-20T12:00:00.000ZKyra Hansonhttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/KyraHanson
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/11030558879?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/11030558879?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="600"></img></a></p>
<p>The UK's only all-organic food market turns 20 this year and is throwing a series of events to mark this special milestone.</p>
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<p><span>Growing Communities Farmers' Market based at St Paul's Church in Stoke Newington is celebrating 20 years of better food this May! 🧑🌾That's 20 years of fair pay for our hardworking farmers & producers,…</span></p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/11030558879?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/11030558879?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="600" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p>The UK's only all-organic food market turns 20 this year and is throwing a series of events to mark this special milestone.</p>
<p></p>
<p><span>Growing Communities Farmers' Market based at St Paul's Church in Stoke Newington is celebrating 20 years of better food this May! 🧑🌾That's 20 years of fair pay for our hardworking farmers & producers, 🕊️20 years of building healthy soils & protecting wildlife, 👨👩👧👦 20 years of nurturing connections between locals, the land and the farmers, 🥕20 years of feeding our community with delicious, seasonal, organic, nutritious food.</span><br/><br/><span>We hope you'll join us to celebrate this special milestone. </span>The celebrations kick off in May with a market tour with free samples available on a first come first served basis. There will also be a talk on the future of food with regenerative farmer Marina O'Connell and food campaigner Vicki Hird and in July Growing Communities will host a day trip to Ripple Farm in Kent, a super sustainable smallscale farm that has been growing organically since the 1980s. </p>
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<p>With 20 years of championing better food under its belt, Growing Communities (GC) has plenty of insights to share on how we can nourish ourselves with delicious food (not just turnips!) without destroying our planet. </p>
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<p>As well as providing the local community with access to farm-fresh, organic produce, the market welcomes many local chefs through the gates. Customers say they buy more organic food, eat more seasonally, shop more locally and cook more adventurously thanks to Growing Communities Farmers' Market. As well as offering a low food-mile way to shop, the market has been a long-term champion of the refill movement - customers can bring along egg cartons as well as their own containers to refill milk and honey. </p>
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<p>The market employs local people and works closely with its independent producers. It has incubated many new Hackney-based food businesses, giving them a place to test products, gather feedback and build a loyal fan base. </p>
<p>Producers flying the flag for ‘made in Hackney’ include Niko B Chocolates, who handmakes organic, artisan chocolates in his Newington Green kitchen; Hackney’s earth-friendly granola makers Holy Granoly; Hatice, who makes fresh gözleme; James from Re:organics who makes small batch fermented beverages and kimchi using local seasonal ingredients; and local honey supplier Eric at Honey Hydrant. </p>
<p> </p>
<h2>Dates for your diary</h2>
<p><strong>20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AND MARKET TOUR</strong><br/> <strong><a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/growing-communities-farmers-market-tour-with-free-food-tastings-tickets-611068812267">Reserve your place here</a>. The tour is now sold out, but there may be extra samples available - first come, first served!</strong><br/> Date: Saturday 13 May <br/> Time: market opening times, 10am-2.30pm<br/> Market tour, 11am-12noon<br/> Price: Free entry. Don't miss out on the snacks! <br/> Address: St Paul's Church, Stoke Newington, N16 7UE</p>
<p>Get to know your local growers and sample their delicious produce on this free market tour led by market manager Kerry. Stick around for a speech and cake-cutting led by Mayor of Hackney and veg scheme member Philip Glanville. <br/> Try before you buy! Those joining us for the tour will have an opportunity to sample fresh seasonal produce grown as nature intended, plus organic sausages and vegan and veggie options (samples are on a first come, first served basis.)<br/> See a photo exhibition of the market through the years.<br/> Pose with vegetable-themed props and share your market memories.</p>
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<p><strong>FUTURE OF FOOD TALK</strong> <br/> <strong><a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/future-of-food-talk-tickets-611026535817">Book your place here</a></strong>.<br/> Date: Wednesday 17 May <br/> Time: 6.30pm arrival for 7pm start<br/> Price: £5/£3 concession with free glass of organic wine or soft drink. Early bird price £4.<br/> Address: Stoke Newington Bookshop, 159 Stoke Newington High St, London N16 0NY</p>
<p>Are we destined for a turnip-based food future? How can the UK feed itself in a climate-friendly and delicious way? Are supermarkets helping or hindering our move to sustainable food? We invite you to an evening with Marina O'Connell, a leading regenerative farmer and Vicki Hird, Hackney based author and food and farming campaigner, to answer these questions and look at what we need to do to create a food system that works for all of us and doesn't cost the earth.</p>
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<p><strong>DAY TRIP TO RIPPLE FARM</strong><br/> Date: July (date tbc)<br/> Address: Ripple Farm Organics, Canterbury CT4 7EB<br/> Travel: A coach will pick up guests from London and travel to Kent. </p>
<p>An amazing opportunity to see smallscale, sustainable farming in action. Ripple Farm has been supplying the Growing Communities veg scheme and farmers' market since the start. It's a chance to escape the city and enjoy a day out in nature while learning about some of the challenges farmers currently face and the solutions at our fingertips. Bring a picnic and dress for the weather. </p>
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<h2>Growing Communities in numbers </h2>
<p>• Today GC Farmers’ Market in north-east London supports 20 small-scale, climate-friendly farmers and producers – almost all within 70 miles of London.<br/> • Its farmer-focused approach means all the money goes to the farmer; it can be as little as 1p in every £1 in the conventional food system!<br/> • Every £1 spent on food at the farmers' market generates £3.70 in benefits for local people, the farmers and the planet.<br/> • The market attracts a diverse crowd, some 40% of whom have been visiting us for at least 5-10 years.<br/> • The market is good for your mental health. In a recent survey we found that three-quarters of people visiting the farmers’ market (76%) say they are happier after their visit than when they arrive, compared with just 5% of shoppers at a local supermarket.</p>
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<h2>Why is Growing Communities Farmers' Market special?</h2>
<p><img alt="kerry with kale at farmers market" class="image-medium inserted" height="220" src="https://growingcommunities.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/Kerry_MetroGuides_crop_0.jpg?itok=gYteXDEI" width="172"/></p>
<p>Kerry Rankine, Growing Communities' market coordinator, says:</p>
<p><em>"The sheer abundance of produce brought to the market every week by the farmers and their hard work and dedication to farming in a sustainable way despite huge challenges, never fails to impress me. It's fantastic to be celebrating this 20th anniversary with our amazing customers who make this all possible!" </em></p>
<p><img alt="Antony of Niko B with chocolates" class="image-medium inserted" height="220" src="https://growingcommunities.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/photo%20Niko%20B.JPG?itok=aXHYEkvS" width="169"/><em> </em></p>
<p>Anthony, founder of Niko B Chocolates Local organic chocolatier and stallholder says: <br/> <em>"From top to bottom the market lives its values: a leader in the organic food movement, a true partner to the diverse communities it serves, social enterprise, affordable and they care… Everyone I’ve ever encountered from Growing Communities has made it clear that all of the traders matter, the visitors to the market matter and the environment matters. And when an organisation is true to its values you can feel it. It's palpable and not simply words on placards."</em> </p>
<p><img alt="Metsle from Bore Place at farmers market" class="image-medium inserted" height="220" src="https://growingcommunities.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/Metske%20Zowie%20bore%20place%20low%20res.jpg?itok=Gk_HTvNQ" width="152"/> </p>
<p>Metske, farmer and stall holder from Bore Place Market Garden says:</p>
<p><em>"It is a joy to supply and trade with people who are in it for the right reasons, locally produced, respect for nature and the people who work the land. I hope I can pay this back with good quality vegetables for years to come." </em><br/> <br/> What market customers are saying:<br/> <em>"My spirits have lifted. It feeds my psyche as well as my body. It gives me exercise, sociability and vegetables!"</em> Anon, 2023 survey <br/> <br/> <em>"I look forward to the sight of the market and the assembly of producers each Saturday morning. It is a long journey from Hayes for me but I know it will be a rewarding one. The fresh produce I purchase is appreciated and I know that I’m supporting worthy enterprise efforts."</em> Anon, farmers' market survey, October 2022 <br/> <br/> <em>"Best market in London. It's our weekly highlight."</em><span> </span> Theodoros Papatheodorou, Google review 2022 </p>After The Oil Machine - how can we break our addiction to oil??tag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2023-03-26:6446498:BlogPost:1400092023-03-26T12:24:57.000ZSustainable Hackneyhttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/SustainableHackney
<p><em>“THE OIL MACHINE explores the complexities of transitioning away from oil and gas as a society and considers how quickly we can do it.”</em></p>
<p><br></br> <a href="https://www.theoilmachine.org/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/11003486059?profile=RESIZE_710x"></img></a> On 11 March, Sustainable Hackney re-started its ‘Film For Action’ Programme by screening “The Oil Machine”. Gratefully, Vicar Niall Weir of St. Paul’s West Hackney once again provided the Church Hall as the venue and all projector equipment to show the…</p>
<p><em>“THE OIL MACHINE explores the complexities of transitioning away from oil and gas as a society and considers how quickly we can do it.”</em></p>
<p><br/> <a href="https://www.theoilmachine.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/11003486059?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full"/></a>On 11 March, Sustainable Hackney re-started its ‘Film For Action’ Programme by screening “The Oil Machine”. Gratefully, Vicar Niall Weir of St. Paul’s West Hackney once again provided the Church Hall as the venue and all projector equipment to show the film on the big screen.</p>
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<p>The film, directed by Emma Davie and produced by Sonja Henrici, reveals the hidden infrastructure of oil, from the North Sea rigs through the Grangemouth refinery on the Firth of Forth in the Scottish Lowlands to the London Stock Market. It compellingly shows how hugely our daily life is now based, and dependent on oil - from the toothpaste tube, to the trainers we put on; from the cups we drink from and the pots we plant flowers and herbs in, to the medicine we swallow and the toys we give our children.</p>
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<p>It also shows the threat oil workers feel in losing their jobs through transitioning away from oil to renewable energy and materials, worrying that opportunities to build new industries onshore in decommissioning and renewable supply chains are being missed: <em>"That’s my biggest fear — where is this transition and when’s it happening?"</em></p>
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<p>In contrast, it shows how climate activists, in particular of the younger generation feel propelled by the environmental catastrophes that have already started all over the planet to raise their voices and demand immediate action, rather than live in a world ridden by environmental and ecological disasters, social unrest and unimaginable violence in their later years and in the full life cycles of future generations. While "feeling angry and also a bit helpless" when confronted with the scale of the oil machine, one young activist concludes: <em>"Giving up isn’t really an option, even though these are massive companies that have so much more power than you."</em> Or as the climate justice activist Mikaela Loach describes her motivation: <em>"The only thing that gets me out of bed in the morning every day is, is this completely audacious idea that we can create this better world — that we can change things."</em></p>
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<p>Encouraging and compelling are the statements made by the insurance company Aviva’s Head of its Global Responsible Investment Team about the urgent need and power of pension funds to transition investments to renewables: <em>“No one knew when we built finance that basing it on fossil fuel power would cause such chaos. We now know so we have a duty as well as an imperative for our shareholders, for our clients, we have a duty to the world, we have a duty to future generations to now transition rapidly towards a lower carbon system.”</em></p>
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<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/11003485655?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/11003485655?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full"/></a>The screening was followed by thought-inspiring contributions by a panel of three expert activists, chaired by Sustainable Hackney’s Clare Taylor. We were fortunate that an executive producer of the film, James Mariott of @PlatformLondon, writer, activist and co-author of Crude Britannia could give further insights, summarising that <em>"Effectively, we're living inside an oil machine. Oil has shaped our life for decades and also our thinking and feeling."</em> Indigo Rumbelow from Just Stop Oil (JSO) and Sam Silverlock of XR Hackney pointed out what Hackney residents and grassroots organisations can and should do to push for the fair and thorough transition we so urgently need. Following a Q&A session with engaged questions and comments from the close to 100 participants, the evening closed with drinks and nibbles, and sales of Fairtrade goods organised by Sustainable Hackney’s Sandra McLeod and Cllr Gilbert Smyth, celebrating the 2023 Fairtrade Fortnight.</p>
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<p>Please do your bit to make a change and stand up against Big Oil. Here are some <a href="https://www.theoilmachine.org/action" target="_blank" rel="noopener">actions you can take.</a></p>
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<p>If you want to get more involved in non-violent direct actions (NVDA) against climate change, contact <a href="https://xrhackney.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">XR Hackney</a> and/or <a href="https://juststopoil.org/get-involved/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Just Stop Oil.</a></p>
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<p>Look out for our next thought-provoking Film for Action.</p>New Spitalfields, a harmful and unsuitable development in a location at risk from flash floodingtag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2023-03-07:6446498:BlogPost:1394122023-03-07T20:30:00.000ZSave Lea Marsheshttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/SaveLeaMarshes464
<p>Hackney, like every other authority in the UK, is preparing a climate action plan and like every other authority it devises its plan on the basis of its own territorial boundaries. A major problem for plans like these is, of course, that climate knows no borders and trying to ‘fix’ the problem in one part of London without coordinating action with other authorities will undermine the whole project.</p>
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<p>The Lea Valley Park and the Marshes, East London’s Green Lung, is the most…</p>
<p>Hackney, like every other authority in the UK, is preparing a climate action plan and like every other authority it devises its plan on the basis of its own territorial boundaries. A major problem for plans like these is, of course, that climate knows no borders and trying to ‘fix’ the problem in one part of London without coordinating action with other authorities will undermine the whole project.</p>
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<p>The Lea Valley Park and the Marshes, East London’s Green Lung, is the most important green open space in East London and thus Hackney’s most important resource for combatting climate change. In its climate action plan, Hackney recognises the importance of cross Borough cooperation with regard to flooding, although it fails to demonstrate how this cooperation will work. However, it fails to mention the importance of protecting the vital open space of the Lea Valley and the Marshes in its climate action plan, nor does it call for cross Borough cooperation to protect this vital resource.</p>
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<p>Green and blue spaces are vital for people’s social well being, particularly in terms of their general health and, more specifically, their mental health. These spaces are also essential for combatting city heat, air pollution and emissions. Protecting such spaces is crucial for the future populations of this part of London. Cooperation between Boroughs is therefore essential.</p>
<p>However, while much ink is spilt on how vital it is to combat climate change Boroughs still push ahead with large-scale development plans. The most egregious of these plans is Waltham Forest’s proposed New Spitalfields development, scheduled to start in 2027. The site allocation for this proposal is part of Waltham Forest’s Local Plan, which is at present being reconsulted after the inspectors rejected the first draft. Once a site allocation is decided, say for housing, then this will inform any future planning application.</p>
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<p>The proposal, which will require a planning application, includes up to 3,000 homes, towers of up to 30 storeys (the tallest buildings are indicated by the two stars in the diagram below), a bridge across the Old River Lea to the Hackney side of the river, possibly pubs and cafes on the river bank near the bridge, a cycle/pedestrian path up the east bank of the river and access points to East Marsh. The site allocation refers to the benefits to residents of access to and views over the Marshes, obviously good selling points for developers.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10994014277?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10994014277?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>While this project will bring immense benefits to Waltham Forest, including considerable council tax revenues, the costs and harm will fall on Hackney. The population pressure of a small town of 6-7,000, possibly more, residents right next to the Marshes will be immense. The presence of massive towers right next to the Marshes will seriously affect the sense of openness of the green open spaces, reducing its usefulness as a place to relax and thus benefit people’s mental health.</p>
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<p>The bridge across the Old River Lea will take residents directly onto the Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) which runs right along the Hackney side of this section of the river. This is a vulnerable environment already severely damaged by a much smaller number of swimmers and party-goers. Parts of the bank on both sides of the river has been denuded of plants. The land does not recover after its summer battering. Birds like kingfishers have been disturbed and, in the case of Little Owls, have abandoned their young. The cycle/pedestrian path on the east bank will open up that side of the river making the whole river vulnerable to severe disturbance. Pubs and cafes would bring people from outside New Spitalfields to this vulnerable river.</p>
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<p>The Lee Valley Regional Park Authority (LVRPA), which is responsible for administering much of the Marshes, in an internal document expressed concern about the impact of the much smaller development at Lea Bridge Station on the Park. The document referred to the negative impact on the Park of both population pressure and towers of up to 26 storeys. If they viewed the impacts of a much smaller development project so negatively then the scale of the impacts of New Spitalfields must raise much greater concern.</p>
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<p>Recently Save Lea Marshes wrote to the Mayor of Hackney and other cabinet members, including Councillor Coban, pointing out the threat to the Marshes and Hackney’s green and blue spaces and the harm Hackney would suffer. We also pointed out the very real risk of serious flash flooding in the Lea Valley. The Mayor, unsurprisingly, referred to the need for housing and considered it was possible to combine protection of the green and blue spaces and a massive housing development. Earlier in October 2021, when the matter was first raised, he said Hackney hoped the development <span>"helps prevent the poor treatment of the river, but also seeks opportunities to 'improve local biodiversity and nature recovery'".</span> It is hard to see how this is possible given the scale of the development.</p>
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<p>Regarding the need for housing it has to be pointed out the inspectors for the Waltham Forest Local Plan have criticised the council for building far more housing than is required by the London Plan. Waltham Forest has made it plain it is building in large part to raise council tax, thus housing need is not their sole purpose. In addition, it is building most its housing in the south of the Borough, which is already the most crowded and deprived part of Waltham Forest, and which also has few local green spaces and is thus more reliant on the Lea Valley for meeting its open space needs.</p>
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<p>Waltham Forest’s developments, as at Lea Bridge station, do not necessarily produce genuinely affordable housing. Waltham Forest is looking to its interests by building at New Spitalfields. Regrettably Hackney does not seem to show a similar concern for its interests and its green and blue spaces, which will be overwhelmed by this development.</p>
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<p>In his reply, the Mayor did not refer to the risk of flooding. We are constantly told not to build on flood plain. New Spitalfields is on flood plain, in the middle of a river valley. The site is lower than other parts of the Marshes which have been raised with building rubble or in the case of East Marsh by the leftovers of the Olympics coach park, which should have been removed after the Games. The river will become a torrent in the event of an extreme flash flood while flood water will also come down the railway. New Spitalfields is on a bend on the river meaning it will be more vulnerable to a torrent. It is also crossed by the Dagenham Brook, which is culverted under the site, but which is also liable to flood. The proposal includes opening the culvert.</p>
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<p>In case it is thought the climate emergency is still a future event it just needs to be recalled how meteorologists were simply astounded by what happened in the summer of 2022 when temperatures in London exceeded 40C. This was thought to be impossible as Britain is an island and thus immune to such dramatic heat events. This disbelief was highlighted in an <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jan/18/outlook-terrifying-tv-weather-presenters-on-the-hell-and-horror-of-the-climate-crisis?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other" target="_blank" rel="noopener">article in the Guardian</a> <em>‘“We were looking at it, going: no, this isn’t realistic, it’s not going to happen,” says Rich. Then, in the office, he watched as the temperature continued to rise.’</em></p>
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<p>Sea rise will mean the Thames Barrier will be closed more often and climate change will mean more severe flooding, including extreme flash flooding, in the Thames and Lea valleys. Flooding events elsewhere show how devastating this can be. The most dangerous scenario is one where a high tide forces the closure of the Barrier at the same time as flash flooding occurs in the river valleys, leaving flood water nowhere to go.</p>
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<p>One of the critical issues for the control of flooding will be the provision of land to absorb flood water. Even Waltham Forest acknowledges this. It is known the flood relief channel has almost flooded, although this was some time ago. It is no longer an adequate defence. However, there is little to show how this need for land to absorb flooding will be met.</p>
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<p>Far from preparing for the risk of flooding, Waltham Forest is planning this massive development in a vulnerable flooding location. The development will greatly increase emissions by pouring enormous quantities of concrete, further stress water and sewage systems and greatly increase air pollution on Ruckholt Road.</p>
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<p>This is an entirely unsuitable development in a very risky location. Save Lea Marshes has proposed that at least part of the site, the northern part next to the river, should be returned to marsh land to absorb flood water, in line with the known need, and help protect the area. This would also improve the capacity of the open space to combat climate change and increase the provision of much needed green and blue space. The southern part of the site should be retained for light industry, its present designation. New Spitalfields is well situated close to the motorway which takes lorry traffic away from the area. This use will continue to provide jobs for local people.</p>
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<p>For further information on this and our other campaigns to protect the Marshes, please contact Save Lea Marshes on leamarshes@gmail.com and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.</p>What will it take for Hackney's Climate Action Plan to succeed?tag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2023-02-27:6446498:BlogPost:1391832023-02-27T18:00:00.000ZSustainable Hackneyhttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/SustainableHackney
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10896850681?profile=RESIZE_710x" rel="noopener" target="_blank"></a>In January 2023 we submitted <a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10973707893?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank">our response to the council’s consultation</a> on the draft Climate Action Plan and Council Implementation Plan. These documents will shape Hackney's response to the climate crisis and whether Hackney can deliver on…</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10896850681?profile=RESIZE_710x" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>In January 2023 we submitted <a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10973707893?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our response to the council’s consultation</a> on the draft Climate Action Plan and Council Implementation Plan. These documents will shape Hackney's response to the climate crisis and whether Hackney can deliver on it's climate targets.</p>
<p><br/> <strong>We want the Climate Action Plan to succeed and to help drive the changes that are needed to achieve the climate targets.</strong></p>
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<p>To that end we’ve made a lot of detailed suggestions for new initiatives to help raise the level of ambition in the plan and ways to make it more effective:</p>
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<p>To properly engage people in the borough we’ve suggested a <strong>Climate Hub</strong> or several local hubs should be set up, allowing people to ask questions, get advice and attend workshops to find out more about climate action they can take. A <strong>citizen’s assembly</strong> is also vital to raise the profile of climate issues, engage residents in understanding the changes that are needed and having a role in making them. It is also needed to fulfil a promise made in the council’s climate emergency declaration in 2019.</p>
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<p>We’ve suggested new initiatives on <strong>reducing emissions from consumption and waste.</strong> This is one of the trickiest areas and, while consumption emissions will probably be outside the scope of the council’s climate target, reducing them will be vital to stabilising the climate. On waste emissions we’ve called for emissions from waste disposal to be part of the climate goals and to <strong>eliminate fossil carbon emissions from the new NLWA Edmonton incinerator</strong>, which Hackney is part of, by 2030.</p>
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<p>We’ve also suggested <strong>new initiatives on adaptation, buildings, transport and pollution</strong> to strengthen action in these areas.</p>
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<p>We want to see a <strong>much stronger biodiversity goal</strong> including reversal of biodiversity loss by 2030. This needs to be incorporated into the Green Infrastructure Strategy, due for adoption in May 2023, as well as the Climate Action Plan.</p>
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<p>While some aspects of education and awareness raising are included in the draft CAP we think that this is so important that <strong>education should become a whole cross-cutting theme</strong> in the CAP so that residents, young people, businesses and communities are aware of the impact of climate change and how they can contribute to helping Hackney achieve climate targets: that they are aware of the actions they can take, how climate change affects their lives and the benefits, locally and globally, of taking action.</p>
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<p>One of the key pieces missing in the CAP is clarity about <strong>how much of the baseline emissions (2,790,000 tonnes in 2018) will be within the scope of the climate target,</strong> and whether there are separate targets for council and borough-wide emissions. There are also questions about the impact rejoining the UK100 will have on the targets, and all of this must be clarified in the final version.</p>
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<p>The draft CAP says that the approach to monitoring will be drafted by April 2023. We want this to be published and to <strong>include an assessment of the expected impact of the proposed measures, together with a gap analysis</strong> of how much the measures deviate from the climate target emissions trajectories, basically are we ahead or behind where we need to be at this stage?</p>
<p></p>
<p>Because the objectives in the CAP are only for three years <strong>we want to see a full review</strong> after that to assess where we have got to, what more needs to be done and whether the <strong>scope of the targets can be increased</strong> to include more of the boroughs emissions.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Finally we suggest that a regularly meeting <strong>community scrutiny panel</strong> is needed to monitor and hold the council to account on the plans, actions, targets, and progress of delivery.</p>
<p></p>
<p>The CAP is being finalised now and will be adopted later this year. When that happens we’ll see how much of this is included, and we’ll publish an assessment then.</p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>We’ll continue to scrutinise climate policy and delivery and press for more ambition and faster delivery of the vital climate targets which can help secure all our futures.</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p>You can download our response here: <a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10973867854?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Climate Action Plan Consultation_Sustainable Hackney Response.pdf</a></p>London Lea reporttag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2023-02-26:6446498:BlogPost:1392622023-02-26T12:00:00.000ZClare Taylorhttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/ClareTaylor
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<p><img class="align-left" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10973271473?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="120"></img></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">A new report about our local river was published this month (February 2023), <em>London Lea Catchment - Water Quality Monitorin</em><em>g and Community Recommendations</em>, that makes interesting reading for anyone wanting to find out about what’s been happening to its quality and management. A ‘catchment’ is the area from which water drains into the river and includes surrounding land and…</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"></p>
<p><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10973271473?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="120" class="align-left"/></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">A new report about our local river was published this month (February 2023), <em>London Lea Catchment - Water Quality Monitorin</em><em>g and Community Recommendations</em>, that makes interesting reading for anyone wanting to find out about what’s been happening to its quality and management. A ‘catchment’ is the area from which water drains into the river and includes surrounding land and tributaries.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">The report draws on data gathered during 2021 to 2022 from several initiatives in the catchment, including citizen science projects such as outfall safaris to learn about what is emptying into the Lea and its tributaries, water blitzes in spring and autumn last year – these are events when water samples are collected in multiple points in the catchment on one day, within a short period of time, <span> </span>and river fly monitoring to check what’s living there. Sondes have also been used - these are measuring devices kept under the water to collect and transmit data. All this allows for a lot of detail.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">The main sources of pollution are also reviewed: these vary according to location, with the more rural areas affected more by agricultural run-off, the more urban areas by road run-off and all affected by sewage pollution and misconnections.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">What I found very interesting is where it looks at the impacts of various nature-based interventions, by checking sampling up- and downstream from them, and seeing what type is having what effect. The types of intervention include floating reedbeds, reforestation, changing river morphology, such as the restoration of Turkey Brook at Albany Park to free it from the concrete channel to have bends, wetlands and lots of other habitat features, and the beaver enclosure.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">If you’re interested in taking part in work to understand and improve the quality of the Lea, keep an eye on our events page: there are several activities coming up over the next couple of months or so.</p>How to get hold of Thelma the Thermal Imaging Camera for FREEtag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2023-02-23:6446498:BlogPost:1391722023-02-23T08:30:00.000ZKyra Hansonhttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/KyraHanson
<div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xdj266r x126k92a"><div dir="auto"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10971844257?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10971844257?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="350"></img></a></div>
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<div dir="auto"><p>Don't like playing hide and seek with cold spots in your home? Use Thelma the Thermal Imaging Camera and save money on your energy bills. </p>
<p></p>
<p>Hackney…</p>
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<div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xdj266r x126k92a"><div dir="auto"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10971844257?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10971844257?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="350" class="align-full"/></a></div>
</div>
<div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto"></div>
<div dir="auto"><p>Don't like playing hide and seek with cold spots in your home? Use Thelma the Thermal Imaging Camera and save money on your energy bills. </p>
<p></p>
<p>Hackney Council is taking action to keep residents warm this winter by offering free 24 hour access to a thermal imaging camera in partnership with Library of Things - in Dalston CLR James Library. </p>
<p><br/>Once you've identified the areas where your home is losing heat, you can take steps to improve your home's energy efficiency, which can save you money on your energy bills over time. </p>
<p></p>
<p>Register with a Hackney postcode to borrow this item for free to make your home more energy efficient to save money all winter long.</p>
<p><br/>The first 50 residents to register will receive a FREE Thelma hire from Dalston Library of Things and complimentary membership, so don't miss out!</p>
<p></p>
<p>You can register your interest here <a href="https://bit.ly/3JXFcab" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://bit.ly/3JXFcab</a></p>
<p></p>
<p>#ZeroWasteHackney</p>
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</div>Why Power for People's Local Electricity Bill could be a game changer for local communitiestag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2023-02-17:6446498:BlogPost:1391692023-02-17T21:30:00.000ZDominic Simpsonhttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/DominicSimpson
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10969139284?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10969139284?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="300"></img></a></p>
<p></p>
<p>The monopoly of the big six energy companies in the UK is undeniable. They hold a tight grip on the economy of these islands. It’s with this in mind that we were interested when an organisation that we hadn’t heard of called Power for People got in touch with us.</p>
<p></p>
<p>How they had found out about us is unclear, but they were pushing…</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10969139284?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10969139284?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="300" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p>The monopoly of the big six energy companies in the UK is undeniable. They hold a tight grip on the economy of these islands. It’s with this in mind that we were interested when an organisation that we hadn’t heard of called Power for People got in touch with us.</p>
<p></p>
<p>How they had found out about us is unclear, but they were pushing for something called community renewable schemes:</p>
<ul>
<li>100% clean community renewable energy, via giving electricity generators the right to become local suppliers, which would benefit local economies and local people.</li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<p>Such a scheme is de facto blocked off by unfair regulations, and with the aforementioned big six holding a disproportionate monopoly that left the ordinary consumer with high costs. Those high costs, of course, have only got worse with the cost-of-living crisis, with the UK having currently among the highest energy costs in the world.</p>
<p></p>
<p>The fact that Power for People had backed up these local scheme plans with a<span> </span><a href="https://powerforpeople.org.uk/read-the-local-electricity-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener">genuine Bill</a><span> </span>that was and is making its way through Parliament, backed by no less than<span> </span><a href="https://powerforpeople.org.uk/the-local-electricity-bill/support" target="_blank" rel="noopener">318 MP</a>s at the time of writing (though not either of the two Hackney MPs at that point), along with a large number of NGOs and environmental groups, from Greenpeace to the Green Party, meant that we were interested straight away. </p>
<p></p>
<p>A meeting with Power for People followed, which laid the groundwork for our support for the organisation. And when we discussed if members of Sustainable Hackney could get in touch with Hackney’s two MPs to back their support, I put myself forward as someone who would see if I could get in touch with my MP in Hackney North & Stoke Newington, Diane Abbott. It would take just under a year for the interview with Abbott to actually take place in her office in Parliament – an indication of just how convoluted and slow-moving politics can be sometimes.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Along the way, it also included asking her to support an amendment in the existing Energy Security Bill that included provisions from the Local Electricity Bill, as well as myself and the Mayor of Hackney together attending an oversubscribed Power for People event at the woefully small Victoria Room in Parliament, where the likes of Clive Lewis were in the squashed-up audience. Meanwhile, the initial scheduling of the meeting in September last year with Abbott was pushed back to last month (January 2023). The big day finally happened – and even then, only after the meeting was delayed by a day, after hasty emails by Abbot’s office to us. Such is the life of an MP.</p>
<p>When the day finally happened, I felt somewhat nervous and with a feeling of trepidation, as if I was attending a job interview (for which I get<span> </span><em>very</em><span> </span>nervous) rather than just a meeting. As previously agreed, I was accompanied by two members of Power for People, Corinna and Rupert. We went through Portcullis House’s airport-style security, in which my belt and watch came off; a lock and key that I have in my bag for my work locker was confiscated on security grounds, and returned as we were leaving.</p>
<p></p>
<p>I was expecting some plush, large office, like something you see in American movies; in reality, her office was relatively small, accompanied by her assistant. We sat at a table and began introductions by me mentioning my volunteering in Hackney, including attending Hackney North & Stoke Newington Constituency Labour Party General Meetings, with Abbott also attends, as well as my father’s involvement in Centerprise, the community centre that Abbott used to frequent in the 80s (and possibly the 70s). The conversion then moved on to her inevitably quizzing us on the intricacies of the bill. I will always be grateful for Corinna and Rupert’s presence, as the question-and-answer session went deep into the specifics of such a scheme, such that I could only sit and listen for half the time. Corinna and Rupert went methodically through the implications of the scheme, the current state of the Bill as it ping-ponged through both chambers in Parliament, and<span> </span><a href="https://powerforpeople.org.uk/blog/supporting-community-energy-and-local-electricity-markets-an-alternative-proposal">the complex technical issues behind the bill</a>, much of it which I would have struggled to outline myself.</p>
<p></p>
<p>The intensity of the meeting was worth it, though. In the end, Abbott agreed to back the bill after a bit of prodding, and we sheepishly asked for a photo opp, too. </p>
<p></p>
<p>Given that the MPs supporting Power for People’s bill are listed alphabetically on their website, Diane Abbott is listed rather fortuitously now as the first one on the list. That’s something I and Sustainable Hackney can take home as a success. However, there still remains a glaring omission on there: the<span> </span><em>other</em><span> </span>MP in Hackney – Hackney South & Shoreditch’s Meg Hillier. Thankfully, in the last few days, a volunteer has come forward to me via the Green’s fantastic Hackney Councillor, Zo Garbett. The volunteer has now been introduced by me to Power for People, and the whole process mentioned above – hopefully – will begin all over again, but this time with Hillier.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>And if Power for People’s Bill passed, the ramifications for ordinary community groups could be enormous. This will mean a break from the big six, enabling local schemes that are already commonplace in Germany and Denmark. It could see the start of a radically new way of approaching our energy use, where we use it together, rather than as atomised individuals. The potential for this is enormous.</p>7 actions you can take to support the circular economy in Hackneytag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2023-02-16:6446498:BlogPost:1390482023-02-16T15:30:00.000ZKyra Hansonhttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/KyraHanson
<p class="BlogPost_BlogPost__Standfirst__1vLrk"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10968339284?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10968339284?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="450"></img></a></p>
<p class="BlogPost_BlogPost__Standfirst__1vLrk">Did you know that <a href="https://www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/news-from-the-bhf/news-archive/2021/august/british-heart-foundation-urges-nation-to-take-on-its-declutter-challenge" rel="noopener" target="_blank">80%</a> of household items are used less than once a…</p>
<p class="BlogPost_BlogPost__Standfirst__1vLrk"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10968339284?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10968339284?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="450" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p class="BlogPost_BlogPost__Standfirst__1vLrk">Did you know that <a href="https://www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/news-from-the-bhf/news-archive/2021/august/british-heart-foundation-urges-nation-to-take-on-its-declutter-challenge" target="_blank" rel="noopener">80%</a> of household items are used less than once a month? Our current economy generates value by producing and selling as many products as possible. This means that the goal of many businesses is to get us to buy more stuff. But when we consider how little we actually use those things, it doesn’t make a lot of sense for us to perpetually be adding new things to our shopping carts, only for them to collect dust in our homes!</p>
<p class="BlogPost_BlogPost__Standfirst__1vLrk"></p>
<p class="BlogPost_BlogPost__Paragraph__wAxwA">This level of consumption means we’re rapidly using up our planet’s natural resources. And because our stuff isn't built to last, it ends up in landfill once broken, or when we’re done using it. This model isn’t sustainable - for our environment or our bank accounts.</p>
<p class="BlogPost_BlogPost__Paragraph__wAxwA"></p>
<p class="BlogPost_BlogPost__Paragraph__wAxwA">But there is an alternative way to get hold of the things you need. Library of Things is part of a growing rental movement in the UK. We hire out useful things like drills, carpet cleaners, sewing machines and sound systems for a small fee. Once you're done you can return them to your local Library of Things lockers for the next person to use. We think there is more joy in sharing resources than hoarding them! </p>
<p class="BlogPost_BlogPost__Paragraph__wAxwA"></p>
<p class="BlogPost_BlogPost__Paragraph__wAxwA">Here in Hackney, we're lucky to have two Library of Things. Brought to you in partnership with Hackney Council and Sustainable Hackney, Dalston Library of Things is located inside Dalston CLR James Library. Hackney Wick Library of Things is housed at The Baths in Hackney Wick and is a partnership with LLDC, Stour Space and Sustainable Hackney. </p>
<p class="BlogPost_BlogPost__Paragraph__wAxwA"></p>
<p class="BlogPost_BlogPost__Paragraph__wAxwA">We currently have more than 100 wonderful members using each location each month but there are almost 250,000 people living in Hackney. Imagine the resources, emissions and money we could all save if everyone joined Library of Things - not to mention the confidence locals would gain from learning new skills like DIY or sewing. </p>
<p class="BlogPost_BlogPost__Paragraph__wAxwA"></p>
<p class="BlogPost_BlogPost__Paragraph__wAxwA">The likes of Amazon and big retailers aren't going anywhere anytime soon but we can choose to be part of an alternative system, one rooted in community, which gives back to local people and is kinder to the planet. </p>
<p class="BlogPost_BlogPost__Paragraph__wAxwA"></p>
<p class="BlogPost_BlogPost__Paragraph__wAxwA">Whether you've got 2 minutes or 2 hours to spare, there are lots of actions you can take to play a pivotal role in growing the circular economy, starting with spreading the word about Library of Things. </p>
<p class="BlogPost_BlogPost__Paragraph__wAxwA"></p>
<ol>
<li class="BlogPost_BlogPost__Paragraph__wAxwA"> Follow us on social media and share our posts into local groups you belong to. <br/><p class="BlogPost_BlogPost__Paragraph__wAxwA">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dalstonlibraryofthings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dalstonlibraryofthings</a></p>
<p class="BlogPost_BlogPost__Paragraph__wAxwA">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dalstonlibraryofthings/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@dalstonlibraryofthings</a></p>
<p class="BlogPost_BlogPost__Paragraph__wAxwA"></p>
<p class="BlogPost_BlogPost__Paragraph__wAxwA">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hackneywicklibraryofthings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hackneywicklibraryofthings</a></p>
<p class="BlogPost_BlogPost__Paragraph__wAxwA">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hackneywicklibraryofthings/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/hackneywicklibraryofthings/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@hackneywicklibraryofthings</a></p>
</li>
<li>Help us out with some flyering! We're looking for Hackney locals to help us give out flyers in the areas surrounding our Dalston and Hackney Wick kiosks in exchange for discounted borrowing. <strong>Reach out to kyra@libraryofthings.co.uk if you'd like to help</strong>. It's a nice way to explore your local area, while getting some exercise and making a difference and we promise we won't pick a rainy day to do it! </li>
<li class="BlogPost_BlogPost__Paragraph__wAxwA">Hiring something soon? Send us your stories to help us inspire others. Just tell us what you did with the Thing you borrowed and send us some photos and we'll enter you into a draw to win £20 borrowing credit. </li>
<li class="BlogPost_BlogPost__Paragraph__wAxwA">Leave us a Google Review - If you used the service and enjoyed it we'd love to hear about it! Google Reviews help others discover us and only take a minute to do. Click <a href="http://bit.ly/3YPEcJc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> to leave a review for Dalston and <a href="http://bit.ly/3S2SaoW" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> for Hackney Wick.</li>
<li class="BlogPost_BlogPost__Paragraph__wAxwA">Leave a message in your neighbourhood whatsapp group - If your neighbour doesn't have it, there's a chance we do & you're doing them a favour by saving them money on something they might have bought brand new. If you know someone is struggling, let them know about our no questions asked concession rate. </li>
<li class="BlogPost_BlogPost__Paragraph__wAxwA">Support your local refill stores. Hackney is blessed with many zero waste stores where you can take your own containers and fill up on cupboard staples. There's Jarr Market in Stoke Newington, RE:Store at Hackney Downs Studios, <span style="font-weight: 400;">Dalston-based Fin & Earth (subscription only), </span> and Refill Therapy in Hackney Wick. Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments! </li>
<li class="BlogPost_BlogPost__Paragraph__wAxwA">Fix it before you ditch it! There are repair workshops popping up all over the place so there's no need to bin your broken things. Keep your eyes peeled for drop in sessions hosted by Library of Things, Sustainable Hackney and others. </li>
</ol>
<p></p>
<p>Join Library of Things for just £1 and take a look at what we stock <a href="https://bit.ly/3o3be9r" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> and <a href="https://bit.ly/3t4cCI7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. </p>
<p class="BlogPost_BlogPost__Paragraph__wAxwA"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/hackneywicklibraryofthings/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a></p>
<p>Have you seen any other circular economy projects in Hackney? We'd love to hear about them and spread the word. Leave us a comment below. </p>
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<p class="BlogPost_BlogPost__Paragraph__wAxwA"></p>Fairtrade Fortnight 27th February - 12th March 2023tag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2023-02-16:6446498:BlogPost:1390492023-02-16T12:30:00.000ZSandra McLeodhttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/SandraMcLeod
<p></p>
<p><strong>Fairtrade and Climate Justice - Choose the World You Want</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p>This year's Fairtrade fortnight begins at the end of February and focuses on the theme of Climate Change and the catastrophic effect it is having on producers in the Global South.…</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>Fairtrade and Climate Justice - Choose the World You Want</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p>This year's Fairtrade fortnight begins at the end of February and focuses on the theme of Climate Change and the catastrophic effect it is having on producers in the Global South.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/get-involved/current-campaigns/fairtrade-and-climate-justice/">https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/get-involved/current-campaigns/fairtrade-and-climate-justice/</a></p>
<p></p>
<p>Centuries of exploitation of people and planet by the world’s wealthiest have caused the climate crisis. 50 percent of global emissions are the responsibility of the highest-earning 10 percent of people. But it’s the communities already facing extreme hardship due to unfair trade who are feeling the worst effects of climate change: increasingly extreme weather, more frequent plant disease and more insecure food supplies. Wealthier nations like the UK are responsible for the global systems that have caused the unfair climate crisis.</p>
<p></p>
<p>If we do nothing, foods such as <strong>coffee, bananas and chocolate</strong><span> </span>could soon be much more difficult to buy. Climate change is making crops like these harder and harder to grow.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>However, we <strong>can</strong> help, by;- </p>
<ul>
<li>Buying fairtrade goods when we shop. More people choosing Fairtrade means extra income, power and support for those communities. By making the small switch to Fairtrade, we can all support producers in protecting the future of some of our most-loved food and the planet. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Telling our politicians it’s time to own up to our responsibilities. We can still be a part of building a<span> </span><strong>fairer, greener</strong><span> </span>future. Sign the petition - <a href="https://action.fairtrade.org.uk/page/114003/petition/1">https://action.fairtrade.org.uk/page/114003/petition/1</a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Joining us, <strong>Hackney Fairtrade Group</strong>, this Fairtrade Fortnight in spreading a simple message:<span> </span> '<strong>M</strong><strong>aking the small switch to Fairtrade supports producers in protecting the future of</strong><strong> some of our most-loved food and the planet'. </strong></li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<p><strong>You can catch up with us during the fortnight, see/buy our fairtrade range, enter our raffle, chat with us about fairtrade, or join our group at;-</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>27<sup>th</sup> Feb – 12<sup>th</sup> March - Fairtrade Display in Central Library. <span>1 Reading Ln, London E8 1GQ</span></strong></li>
<li><strong>2<sup>nd</sup> March 10.30 - 3pm - Stall in Council’s Service Centre, <span>1 Hillman St, London E8 1DY</span></strong></li>
<li><strong>8<sup>th</sup> March 10.30 - 12 noon onwards- Fairtrade Coffee Morning (and possible stall outside- weather dependent) at Victoria Park Community Centre, 5 Gore Road. <span>E9 7HR</span></strong></li>
<li><strong>10<sup>th</sup> March 6.30pm onwards - Stall at Sustainable Hackney Film Showing, The Oil Machine' St Paul’s Church, West Hackney, <span>182 Stoke Newington Rd, London N16 7UE <a href="https://sustainablehackney.org.uk/events/hackney-film-event-the-oil-machine">https://sustainablehackney.org.uk/events/hackney-film-event-the-oil-machine</a></span></strong></li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<p><strong><span>You can also buy Fairtrade goods at any time in shops such as:- </span></strong></p>
<p>Hackney Fresh, Coop Stores, M & S, Sainsbury's</p>
<p> and some goods in Tesco's , Lidl's, Aldi.</p>
<p></p>
<p>To join Hackney Fairtade Group email - sandramcleod90@hotmail.com</p>Thermal imaging camera launched at Dalston Library of Thingstag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2022-12-05:6446498:BlogPost:1389312022-12-05T16:00:00.000ZKyra Hansonhttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/KyraHanson
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10901692888?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10901692888?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="450"></img></a></p>
<p></p>
<p>You spoke, we listened! Due to a number of requests from Dalston locals, we recently launched a <a href="https://www.libraryofthings.co.uk/catalogue/borrow-thermal-imaging-camera" rel="noopener" target="_blank">thermal imaging camera</a> at the Dalston kiosk. <span>With rising energy bills, we’re all looking for ways to keep costs down, and…</span></p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10901692888?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10901692888?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="450" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p>You spoke, we listened! Due to a number of requests from Dalston locals, we recently launched a <a href="https://www.libraryofthings.co.uk/catalogue/borrow-thermal-imaging-camera" target="_blank" rel="noopener">thermal imaging camera</a> at the Dalston kiosk. <span>With rising energy bills, we’re all looking for ways to keep costs down, and understanding where your house is losing heat is the first step to a warmer home and lower bills. However, thermal imaging cameras don't come cheap. They can cost up to £400 to buy new, which is a hell of a lot to spend on something you might only need to use once or twice.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10901695496?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10901695496?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="250" class="align-full"/></a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span>That's where Library of Things comes in! The Thermal Imaging Camera is now available for £10 per day (£7.50 concession rate) from Dalston Library of Things. We hope it will help you spot areas where you’re losing heat so you can block drafts, make repairs, or improve insulation. The news was even picked up by the budgeting pros at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CllzeClIFH6/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Money Saving Expert</a>.</span><br/> <br/> <span>We’re trying to make it more affordable for communities to do the home repair and maintenance jobs they need to do. Most of our DIY tools are available for £10 or under and we offer a 25% concession rate for anyone who would find it helpful to save a little extra right now.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Here are 5 Things you can hire from Dalston or Hackney Wick Library of Things to help you get ready for the festive season</span></p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>1. Get crafty this Christmas by having a go at making your own stockings, Christmas decorations or gifts with the help of the</span> <a href="https://www.libraryofthings.co.uk/catalogue/borrow-sewing-machine" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span>Sewing Machine</span></a><span>.</span></p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>2. Thinking about the pre or post-Christmas clean up? Restore order and peace of mind with the</span> <a href="https://www.libraryofthings.co.uk/catalogue/borrow-carpet-cleaner" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span>Carpet Cleaner</span></a> or see what else is in our cleaning collection <a href="https://www.libraryofthings.co.uk/catalogue/browse?categories=cleaning&locations=DA,HW" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>3. Whether it's Christmas dinner or New Year's nibbles, festive feasting often means you end up running out of bowls, plates and cups. If you’re staring into empty cupboards after course one, reserve the reusable</span> <a href="https://www.libraryofthings.co.uk/catalogue/borrow-party-kit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span>Party Kit</span></a><span>. It comes with plates, bowls, cups and cutlery sets as well as serving platters, jugs and even a tablecloth and bunting. </span></p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>4. So many Christmas movies, so little time! </span><span>Whether it's Home Alone or The Grinch, there's no better way than to watch it on the big screen… the</span> <a href="https://www.libraryofthings.co.uk/catalogue/borrow-projector" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span>Projector</span></a> <span>can help with that! </span></p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>5. Re-create a Christmas gone-by by going up against your siblings on Mario Kart, or on a solo mission as 007 with the</span> <a href="https://www.libraryofthings.co.uk/catalogue/borrow-games-console" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span>Nintendo 64</span></a><span>. </span></p>
<p dir="ltr"></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Check out our <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dalstonlibraryofthings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">12 days of Christmas advent calendar</a> for more inspiration on festive borrowing.</span></p>
<p><span><br/> Click <a href="https://bit.ly/3t4cCI7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> to join Library of Things for just £1.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p>Members can book out Thelma the Thermal Imaging Camera <a href="https://www.libraryofthings.co.uk/catalogue/borrow-thermal-imaging-camera" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</p>Responding to Hackney's draft Climate Action Plantag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2022-12-01:6446498:BlogPost:1389152022-12-01T12:30:00.000ZSustainable Hackneyhttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/SustainableHackney
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10896850681?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10896850681?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="300"></img></a> Hackney council recently launched the <a href="https://consultation.hackney.gov.uk/public-realm/climate-action-plan-consultation/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">consulation on their draft Climate Action Plan</a> and we're preparing our response. It has taken them a while to get to this point, more than three years after declaring a climate emergency, but…</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10896850681?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10896850681?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="300" class="align-left"/></a>Hackney council recently launched the <a href="https://consultation.hackney.gov.uk/public-realm/climate-action-plan-consultation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">consulation on their draft Climate Action Plan</a> and we're preparing our response. It has taken them a while to get to this point, more than three years after declaring a climate emergency, but we see this as a really positive step for Hackney and want to help make the plan as good as it can be.</p>
<p></p>
<p>As we've developed our response we have been inviting members to come to our meetings, held a CAP workshop at our AGM, got involved in the council's workshops on the CAP, and we are sharing our initial thoughts here. We are inviting you to comment, both directly on the council consultation, and to let us know how you think the CAP draft could be improved. </p>
<p></p>
<p>The <a href="https://consultation.hackney.gov.uk/public-realm/climate-action-plan-consultation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">council consulation is open until 10th January</a> Please send any comments on improvements you'd like us to consider in our response by16th December to <a href="mailto:info@sustainablehackney.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">info@sustainablehackney.org.uk</a>.</p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>The draft Climate Action Plan</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p>The <a href="https://hackney.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s78824/Appendix%201%20-%20Draft%20Climate%20Action%20Plan%202023-2030.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">draft CAP</a> is a bit overwhelming at first: at 82 pages it is quite a lot to take in and not bedtime reading! The <a href="https://hackney.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s78825/Appendix%202%20-%20Summary%20of%20Draft%20Climate%20Action%20Plan%202023-2030.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">summary document</a> is easier to digest at 20 pages and this is a good place to start. It contains the nub of the plan broken down into five themes: adaptation, buildings, transport, consumption and environment with goals for 2030 and objectives for the next three years: these are the key sections that you are invited to respond to in the consultation. </p>
<p></p>
<p>You don't need to respond to everything: you can just suggest changes to one or two goals or objectives in an area that interests you. Do the goals and objectives make sense to you, what else should be included, how will they impact you?</p>
<p></p>
<p>There is also an <a href="https://hackney.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s78855/Appendix%203%20-%20Draft%20Hackney%20Council%20Implementation%20Plan%202023-2026.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">implementation plan:</a> the actions the council is proposing to take to meet the goals and objectives put forward in the CAP. This implementation plan is not part of the consultation, but we will be commenting on it anyway as part of our response.</p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>Our general comments on the CAP</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p>We regard the CAP as a useful work in progress which needs some additional elements to turn it into a driver for the change we all need to achieve Hackney’s climate goals. We will also be suggesting specific changes to goas, objectives and implementation plans.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Many of the goals, objectives and action plans need to be strengthened with specific targets. In some cases there should be actions to establish baselines and set targets and also to estimate the impact in terms of carbon reduction. This is a common theme throughout the document. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>The CAP goals are specified as 2030 goals, but the objectives and action plans have a three-year timescale. There needs to be a commitment to reviewing and updating all the objectives and action plans by 2026.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The baseline emissions for the borough are detailed in the document, but we cannot drill down into how these were derived as the <a href="https://youtu.be/7PVbPrgZGAo?t=1882" target="_blank" rel="noopener">baseline report</a> has not been published. The council has said that the net-zero target would include embodied emissions for new build, but these appear to be omitted from the baseline.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>There needs to be more clarity about the scope of the net zero target. In 2020 the consultants reported on work scoping the target emissions to the scrutiny committee which suggested a net zero scope of 29% of borough-wide emissions, but this is not confirmed in the draft CAP so the scope is still unclear. There also needs to be clarity about the baseline tonnage as the 45% reduction target for 2030 is from a 2010 baseline, while the CAP uses a 2018 baseline.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>When carbon targets are mentioned in the document it needs to be clear whether this refers to the council's emissions, the borough-wide emissions or the target (in scope) emissions. Often they are used interchangeably and this has the potential to create confusion.</p>
<p></p>
<p>We welcome the council's recent commitment to rejoin the UK100, as it brings the net-zero target for some council emissions forward to 2030. The scope of this new commitment and how it relates to the previous commitments (45% reduction by 2030 and net-zero by 2040) needs to be made clear.</p>
<p></p>
<p>There needs to be a vision in the CAP of the pathway to net-zero. Are the goals, objectives and action plans in line with the borough-wide net-zero target? Are they sufficient? What is the expected impact of the proposed measures? The CAP should also clarify the policy on the use of carbon offsets, which it has been suggested will be needed to cover at least 6% of the target.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>To properly steer this project monitoring will be essential, but the draft CAP defers this to next year saying only that "A defined monitoring framework for <span>Council emissions</span> is scheduled to be in draft form by April 2023". It does not mention monitoring borough-wide emissions or reporting against the borough-wide emissions target.</p>
<p></p>
<p>The Climate Action Plan is a plan for the whole borough that everyone needs to get involved in but there is a disappointing lack of plans for engagement and communicating the CAP to residents, and no mention of a citizen's assembly, first promised in the climate emergency declaration and re-iterated in the recent election manifesto. Demands for an assembly will continue in the face of a lack of credible proposals for alternative means of engagement.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Finally there are no clear plans for scrutiny beyond a statement that "The establishment of appropriate external governance is therefore required." We agree, and propose this should include the establishment of a community panel to scrutinise the plans, actions, targets, and progress of delivery.</p>How you can save money with Library of Thingstag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2022-11-02:6446498:BlogPost:1389132022-11-02T12:30:00.000ZKyra Hansonhttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/KyraHanson
<p><span class="JsGRdQ"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10860904482?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10860904482?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="450"></img></a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="JsGRdQ"><span>We want Library of Things to be an affordable way for everyone to get their hands on the items they need. But we also recognise that everyone's situation, incomes and outgoings are different - plus London can be tough on the bank balance as it is</span> without throwing in a cost of…</span></p>
<p><span class="JsGRdQ"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10860904482?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10860904482?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="450" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="JsGRdQ"><span>We want Library of Things to be an affordable way for everyone to get their hands on the items they need. But we also recognise that everyone's situation, incomes and outgoings are different - plus London can be tough on the bank balance as it is</span> without throwing in a cost of living crisis. So, here are three ways we're keeping things affordable in 2023.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="JsGRdQ">1. The average price of hiring a Library of Things item is</span> <span class="JsGRdQ">less than 10% of the retail price</span><span class="JsGRdQ">. Hiring is much cheaper than buying new things and you're saving on emissions and potential landfill waste too! </span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="JsGRdQ">2. Unlike other tool hires we don’t ask for hefty upfront deposits. </span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="JsGRdQ">3. If you still feel like you need an extra helping hand with borrowing, you can opt for our 25% concession membership - no questions asked. </span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="JsGRdQ">How does it work?</span></p>
<p><span class="JsGRdQ"><span>When you sign up you'll get a 25% discount on the regular daily price of borrowing on everything you borrow for one year.</span><br/> <br/> <span>If your finances change and you feel like you can contribute more to our social enterprise, you can always change back to our standard membership.</span><br/> <br/> <span>How do I sign up?</span></span></p>
<p>Watch our video on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CkdNVqKIp4C/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> or read on for full details.</p>
<p></p>
<p><span>You can sign up for Concession Membership on any of our Thing pages.</span><br/> <br/> <span>1️⃣ Click the link titled 'Save money with Concession Membership' on any of our Thing pages. Do this before you add any items to your basket.</span><br/> <br/> <span>2️⃣ This will open up a form. We'd really appreciate it if you can tell us why this membership is helpful for you. Click register and you're ready to make a reservation!</span><br/> <br/> <span>3️⃣ Visit the Thing page to reserve the item you want to borrow. You'll see the discount applied when you choose the dates for your borrow. Make sure you're logged in to see the discount!</span><br/> <br/> <span>Whether you're thinking about the big pre-Christmas deep clean, got home improvements to do or wondering how to get through party season on a budget, check out Library of Things. We have a range of high quality, low-cost DIY Tools, cleaning equipment, gardening, cooking and entertaining Things (like projectors, waffle makers, travel cots, speakers and more). Hiring is easy, convenient and much kinder to the planet! </span><br/></p>
<p><span class="JsGRdQ">Closer to Hackney Wick? Reserve online <a href="https://bit.ly/3t4cCI7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> and visit our self-service kiosk at The Baths, 80 Eastway, <span>E9 5JH</span></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="JsGRdQ">Closer to Dalston? Reserve online <a href="https://bit.ly/3o3be9r" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> and visit our self-service kiosk at Dalston C.L.R. James Library next to Dalston Junction, <span>E8 3BQ</span>. </span></p>Hackney Council releases draft Climate Action Plantag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2022-10-20:6446498:BlogPost:1391042022-10-20T11:30:00.000ZSustainable Hackneyhttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/SustainableHackney
<p>The council has published it's draft Climate Action Plan as part of the papers for a <a href="https://hackney.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=111&MId=5468&Ver=4" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Cabinet meeting on Monday 24th October</a>.</p>
<p></p>
<p>You can download and read the documents here:</p>
<p></p>
<table class="mgItemTable" id="mgItemTable" summary="Table of agenda items">
<tbody><tr><td class="mgItemNumberCell"><p class="mgAiTitleTxt">14.…</p>
</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>The council has published it's draft Climate Action Plan as part of the papers for a <a href="https://hackney.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=111&MId=5468&Ver=4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cabinet meeting on Monday 24th October</a>.</p>
<p></p>
<p>You can download and read the documents here:</p>
<p></p>
<table class="mgItemTable" summary="Table of agenda items" id="mgItemTable">
<tbody><tr><td class="mgItemNumberCell"><p class="mgAiTitleTxt">14.</p>
</td>
<td><p class="mgAiTitleTxt"><a class="mgAiTitleLnk" href="https://hackney.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s78823/Cabinet%20Report%20-%20Climate%20Action%20Plan%2024th%20Oct%2022.pdf" title="Link to document 'Draft Climate Action Plan - Key Decision No: CHE S140' pdf file">Draft Climate Action Plan - Key Decision No: CHE S140<span> </span><span class="mgFileSize">PDF 184 KB</span></a></p>
<p class="mgSubItemTitleTxt">Additional documents:</p>
<ul class="mgBulletList">
<li><a href="https://hackney.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s78824/Appendix%201%20-%20Draft%20Climate%20Action%20Plan%202023-2030.pdf" title="Link to document 'Appendix 1 - Draft Climate Action Plan 2023-2030' pdf file">Appendix 1 - Draft Climate Action Plan 2023-2030<span> </span><span class="mgHide">, item 14.</span><span class="mgFileSize">PDF 18 MB</span></a></li>
<li><a href="https://hackney.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s78825/Appendix%202%20-%20Summary%20of%20Draft%20Climate%20Action%20Plan%202023-2030.pdf" title="Link to document 'Appendix 2 - Summary of Draft Climate Action Plan 2023-2030' pdf file">Appendix 2 - Summary of Draft Climate Action Plan 2023-2030<span> </span><span class="mgHide">, item 14.</span><span class="mgFileSize">PDF 4 MB</span></a></li>
<li><a href="https://hackney.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s78855/Appendix%203%20-%20Draft%20Hackney%20Council%20Implementation%20Plan%202023-2026.pdf" title="Link to document 'Appendix 3 - Draft Hackney Council Implementation Plan 2023-2026' pdf file">Appendix 3 - Draft Hackney Council Implementation Plan 2023-2026<span> </span><span class="mgHide">, item 14.</span><span class="mgFileSize">PDF 4 MB</span></a></li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>The <a href="https://consultation.hackney.gov.uk/public-realm/climate-action-plan-consultation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">consultation on the plan</a> will run from 1st November to 10th January 2023.</p>East London's Green Business Programme - Your Questions Answeredtag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2022-06-08:6446498:BlogPost:1374972022-06-08T14:29:17.000ZAllia Future Business Centrehttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/AlliaFutureBusinessCentre
<p><b>With the launch of our brand-new Green Business Programme in Hackney, we answer any questions you might have about the specialist programme to help your business ‘go green’.</b></p>
<p></p>
<p><b>Who is the programme for?</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Green Business Programme is for small businesses and entrepreneurs who want to become more eco-friendly and sustainable.</span> <b> </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">You must either be based in, or benefitting the area of…</span></p>
<p><b>With the launch of our brand-new Green Business Programme in Hackney, we answer any questions you might have about the specialist programme to help your business ‘go green’.</b></p>
<p></p>
<p><b>Who is the programme for?</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Green Business Programme is for small businesses and entrepreneurs who want to become more eco-friendly and sustainable.</span> <b> </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">You must either be based in, or benefitting the area of Hackney, East London.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><b>What kind of businesses can apply?</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We welcome all kinds of small businesses to apply - you could be running a café, clothes shop, florist or photography studio. Or you could be a growing team looking to ensure you’ve baked sustainability into your core business whether that be graphic design, financial services, or any other trade. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you are worried you aren’t a fit, reach out to our team to discuss.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><b>What does the programme cover?</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You will learn about key climate issues and ways in which your business and employees can reduce their carbon footprint. We'll also help your business to gain green accreditation, contributing £250 to an accreditation of appropriate alignment for your business. We’ll provide you with the tools you need to incorporate sustainable business practices and support you through specialist sustainability workshops - from creating your green action plan, to impact tracking. There will also be plenty of opportunities to connect with like-minded business owners locally, and network with experts and mentors.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><b>How long is the programme?</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One month. In that time, you’ll be provided with all the tools needed to make it easy to incorporate sustainable business practices as well as how to capitalise on the value you are creating through sustainability. </span></p>
<p></p>
<p><b>How come it’s free?</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">All of our programmes are completely free because we believe it’s critical for entrepreneurs to get access to the resources they need, when they need it and not be held back by financial circumstances. We are fortunate to receive funding to make our programmes accessible to everyone, with no equity fees or charges. The Hackney Council, our funding partner, is eager to support entrepreneurs and teams who are ready to engage on the net zero objectives.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><b>What do I get at the end of the programme?</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You will leave equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to create your green action plan, track your impact and get your green industry accreditation. You’ll be able to start making easy adjustments to make your business more sustainable. Of course, you’ll also become part of our Allia alumni. We love to stay in touch and share your success as your business grows. Let us know how you’re doing, and we’ll gladly share your news on social media. Many of our alumni return to our programmes to deliver talks, become mentors or attend pitch days – so there’s always more opportunities! </span></p>
<p></p>
<p><b>Where will sessions take place? </b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sessions will be delivered as much as possible from Hackney, East London with some online delivery and coaching. There will be an average of around 2 sessions per week. Allia’s team of venture support professionals will engage with you when and where you need it. </span></p>
<p></p>
<p><b>How can I apply?</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Get your applications in before 12 June 2022 by</span> <a href="https://futurebusinesscentre.co.uk/programmes/east-london-green-business-programme/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">visiting our website</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">and clicking ‘apply’. There is a form to complete which should take less than 10 minutes. </span></p>
<p></p>
<p><b>Where can I find out more?</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you still have questions, we’d be happy to help. Just drop us an email at: hello@futurebusinesscentre.co.uk and we’ll get back to you shortly.</span></p>
<p><br/></p>Free DIY workshops launched at Hackney Wick Library of Thingstag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2022-05-31:6446498:BlogPost:1374962022-05-31T16:36:33.000ZKyra Hansonhttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/KyraHanson
<p>I'm delighted to announce that you can now nab your tickets to our free DIY workshops, taking place at The Baths in Hackney Wick. Read on to find out what's in store and how you can get involved.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Learn DIY basics with Library of Things</strong></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10527597269?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10527597269?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="600"></img></a></p>
<p></p>
<p>Don't know your jigsaw from…</p>
<p>I'm delighted to announce that you can now nab your tickets to our free DIY workshops, taking place at The Baths in Hackney Wick. Read on to find out what's in store and how you can get involved.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Learn DIY basics with Library of Things</strong></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10527597269?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10527597269?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="600" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p>Don't know your jigsaw from your reciprocating saw? Left scratching your head over simple maintenance tasks? Want to gain more confidence, save money and feel empowered to make at-home repairs or embark on upcycling projects? Don't miss these free workshops hosted by Library of Things, with support from the London Legacy Development Corporation.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Kindly hosted at our Hackney Wick home The Baths, the first workshop will give you the confidence to tackle simple tasks and repairs at home and in the garden. The second session will provide an opportunity to practice what you've learned with the option to make and take home a birdbox, planter or box-style shelf.</p>
<p></p>
<p>These sessions are open to all abilities whether you're a DIY novice or just a bit rusty and we'd encourage you to join us for both sessions.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Participants will also receive a special discount to use on their first borrow at a Library of Things kiosk, where you can hire all the DIY tools we'll be demonstrating, including 5 types of saw, two types of drill and a range of other DIY essentials.</p>
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<p><strong>Workshop 1 : An introduction to DIY basics</strong></p>
<p><strong>Thursday 16 June 2022</strong></p>
<p><strong>6.30-9.30pm</strong></p>
<p>An introduction to DIY basics with DIY pro Danny. With more than 30 years of experience in carpentry, welding and building you'll leave this workshop with everything you need to crack on with your DIY to-do list, including:</p>
<p>- Understand which tools are appropriate for which household/garden tasks</p>
<p>- Learn how to use our DIY tool kit for repairs</p>
<p>- Opportunities to practice what you’ve learned in a safe, supervised environment</p>
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<p><strong>Workshop 2: Make a birdbox, planter or box shelf</strong></p>
<p><strong>Thursday 23 June 2022</strong></p>
<p><strong>6.30pm-9.30pm</strong></p>
<p>Join us for this fun practical carpentry session where you get to try out your skills and take home something you've made yourself! To get the most of this session we recommend that you also attend our first workshop. On booking, please let us know which item you'd like to make by emailing kyra@libraryofthings.co.uk.</p>
<p>Choose one option:</p>
<p>- a birdbox</p>
<p>- a planter</p>
<p>- a box shelf</p>
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<p>Interested? Find out more and book tickets here: <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/diy-basics-with-library-of-things-tickets-347331466767">https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/diy-basics-with-library-of-things-tickets-347331466767</a></p>
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<p><span>If you have any queries or the session you'd like to attend is sold out, please email kyra@libraryofthings.co.uk and we'll add you to the waiting list.</span></p>Check air pollution at your addresstag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2022-05-06:6446498:BlogPost:1374882022-05-06T10:01:19.000ZClare Taylorhttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/ClareTaylor
<p>A new interactive tool - <a href="https://addresspollution.org" rel="noopener" target="_blank">addresspollution.org</a> - is a free public service from Central Office of Public Interest (COPI). Every UK address is searchable, with air pollution data pulled from a national 20m/sq resolution model created by Imperial College London (ICL). To ensure accuracy, COPI sourced and mapped real world pollution levels recorded at more than 19,500 council monitors in every major town and city across…</p>
<p>A new interactive tool - <a href="https://addresspollution.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">addresspollution.org</a> - is a free public service from Central Office of Public Interest (COPI). Every UK address is searchable, with air pollution data pulled from a national 20m/sq resolution model created by Imperial College London (ICL). To ensure accuracy, COPI sourced and mapped real world pollution levels recorded at more than 19,500 council monitors in every major town and city across the UK. The scientists at ICL were then able to calibrate to these real world levels - resulting in the most detailed and accurate national model ever created.</p>
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<p>The pollution data provided are annual average levels in 2019: the last ‘normal’ year uninterrupted by travel restrictions or national lockdowns. Concentrations of three toxic pollutants are displayed: PM2.5 (fine particles with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less), PM10 (particles with a diameter of 10 microns or less) and NO2 (Nitrogen Dioxide).</p>Stop big fashion hijacking the grassroots repair movementtag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2022-03-25:6446498:BlogPost:1376472022-03-25T14:41:16.000ZSustainable Hackneyhttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/SustainableHackney
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">We've added Sustainable Hackney and Hackney Fixers as signatories of this petition protesting the hijacking of Repair Week by Primark, which, as a fast fashion retailer, is a totally inappropriate sponsor. …</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">We've added Sustainable Hackney and Hackney Fixers as signatories of this petition protesting the hijacking of Repair Week by Primark, which, as a fast fashion retailer, is a totally inappropriate sponsor. </span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/stop-big-fashion-hijacking-the-grassroots-repair-movement" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/stop-big-fashion-hijacking-the-grassroots-repair-movement</a></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">This may cast some light on Primark's ethical credentials...<a href="https://ethicalunicorn.com/2021/10/04/how-ethical-sustainable-is-primark/">https://ethicalunicorn.com/2021/10/04/how-ethical-sustainable-is-primark/</a></span></p>Let's talk rubbish- You can make a difference today. We want to hear your opinion on your council services for recycling and rubbish.tag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2022-03-25:6446498:BlogPost:1378062022-03-25T13:22:11.000ZSustainable Hackneyhttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/SustainableHackney
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Did you know that right now in north London, we are spending £40 million each year to burn the </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">rubbish that is collected in an incinerator in Edmonton, north of Tottenham.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">That means a lot of </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">plastics, food waste, clothing and much more is incinerated and not recycled ♻️, composted, or </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">reused as…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Did you know that right now in north London, we are spending £40 million each year to burn the </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">rubbish that is collected in an incinerator in Edmonton, north of Tottenham.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">That means a lot of </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">plastics, food waste, clothing and much more is incinerated and not recycled ♻️, composted, or </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">reused as it should be.</span><br/><span style="font-size: 14pt;">If only there was something simple we could do to push the local council to make it even easier, </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">more accessible and possible, to recycle all our stuff….</span><br/><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Well guess what – there is! And it’s called the Lets Talk Rubbish – North London Zero Waste Survey</span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.letstalkrubbish.london/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">https://www.letstalkrubbish.london/</span></a></p>Sign the petition - Stop the government attempt to stifle students from discussing the politics of climate changetag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2022-02-19:6446498:BlogPost:1376312022-02-19T15:59:17.000ZSustainable Hackneyhttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/SustainableHackney
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">From parents concerned about the Tories' Climate Education Strategy - Please sign and share</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We have started a petition asking for the clause around protest and campaigning to be removed from the Climate Education Strategy as we feel it is a violation of democracy and puts schools in a position where they will be failing students by not giving them the tools they need to understand…</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">From parents concerned about the Tories' Climate Education Strategy - Please sign and share</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We have started a petition asking for the clause around protest and campaigning to be removed from the Climate Education Strategy as we feel it is a violation of democracy and puts schools in a position where they will be failing students by not giving them the tools they need to understand and engage in politics. Could you please support us with sharing the petition?</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Here is the petition info:</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A draft DfE strategy on sustainability and climate change has stated that "it would not be appropriate to encourage pupils to join specific campaigning groups or engage in specific political activity, such as protests." We call on the Government to remove this statement. This language is unnecessarily proscriptive and denies students access to key learning opportunities.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Campaigning and protesting are key parts of a functioning democracy and provide rich and valuable learning opportunities. Children have had their education enhanced by such activities as school trips to Fridays for Future demonstrations or persuasive writing activities in support of charity campaigns.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Please sign and share this petition:</span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/601372">https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/601372</a></span></span></p>
<p></p>About five hundred people took to the streets in Edmonton on Saturday to protest against the intransigence of north London local authorities and their North London Waste Authority reps who remain dea…tag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2022-01-18:6446498:BlogPost:1375172022-01-18T13:48:21.000ZRichard D Paynehttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/RichardPayne
<p>About five hundred people took to the streets in Edmonton on Saturday to protest against the intransigence of north London local authorities and their North London Waste Authority reps who remain deaf to the concerns of anti-incinerator campaigners. Repeated lobbying and the production of evidence that enlargement of the incinerator will unnecessarily add to deteriorating air quality and rising carbon emissions has not been heeded.</p>
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<p>Speaker after speaker referred to the refusal…</p>
<p>About five hundred people took to the streets in Edmonton on Saturday to protest against the intransigence of north London local authorities and their North London Waste Authority reps who remain deaf to the concerns of anti-incinerator campaigners. Repeated lobbying and the production of evidence that enlargement of the incinerator will unnecessarily add to deteriorating air quality and rising carbon emissions has not been heeded.</p>
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<p>Speaker after speaker referred to the refusal to listen to campaigners as indicative of an absence of democracy from top to bottom of society and the incinerator's location as an unacceptable example of environmental racism. Speakers also drew attention to the financial risk the incinerator poses. The NLWA wants to go ahead with the contract with Acciona, the single bidder, despite the financial risk and the bid being rated at just 36 per cent. With the contract signing set for today, January18th, campaigners vowed to fight on, adamant they the were vindicated by not only by the all the medical and environmental evidence but also by the <span>all-party parliamentary group on air pollution which has stated that expansions should be halted immediately to protect human health and cut carbon emissions.</span> <a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10023870262?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10023870262?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10023870289?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10023870289?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10023870689?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10023870689?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a> </p>
<p> </p>An observation on the significance of the Library of thingstag:sustainablehackney.org.uk,2022-01-17:6446498:BlogPost:1374092022-01-17T15:00:00.000ZRichard D Paynehttps://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profile/RichardPayne
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10026125854?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10026125854?profile=RESIZE_710x"></img></a> <a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10026132082?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10026132082?profile=RESIZE_710x"></img></a> It is commendable that Hackney Council is lending its support to the new Library of Things in Dalston. The scheme enables all sorts of popular tools, implements and appliances to be borrowed and re-used by the public at…</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10026125854?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10026125854?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10026132082?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10026132082?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a>It is commendable that Hackney Council is lending its support to the new Library of Things in Dalston. The scheme enables all sorts of popular tools, implements and appliances to be borrowed and re-used by the public at affordable prices. This initiative supported by members of Sustainable Hackney is a small but important step forward for reducing waste and sets an example of how to lessen the environmental damage caused by consumerism and the unsustainable personal ownership of products which often have only a short and limited use and are clearly better shared and re-used.</p>
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<p>If only this model of the library of things could be replicated and expanded on such a scale that it slowed or negated capitalism’s remorseless growth based on the production of commodities for corporate profit. Sadly there is little chance of that, but on a small scale it can reduce consumption and waste. Furthermore it provides an example of how with a system based on production for social use and not profit; less of our precious working lives would be spent making stuff and less of our precious leisure time would be spent buying stuff that depletes and pollutes the planet’s resources to only, at the end of a short life, finish up in land-fills, incinerators or dumped in the global south. </p>
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<p>The Library of Things model taps into the growing realisation that our capitalist economic model has failed and is broken and needs to be replaced by a system attuned to social need and not profit. Most things need to be re-cycled and not scrapped with the one exception of this economic system itself which is causing the environmental and climate crisis. Fitting then, perhaps that the new Library of Things is located in the library named after the renowned Trinidadian Marxist, CLR James. </p>