feature: Greenest campaign is go!
4 August 2008
Haringey Council has agreed a new comprehensive plan for how it can lead the way in London on environmental issues over the next decade.
It could turn out to be one of the most important documents ever agreed by Haringey Council.
The new Greenest Borough Strategy sets out ways of addressing a huge range of environmental issues over the next 10 years, covering everything from food to housing, from transport to water, and from gardens to waste.
At its heart is how the council can work with businesses, organisations and residents in the borough to tackle climate change at a local level.
In particular, the plan will see the introduction of new fixed short-term and long-term targets for reducing Haringey’s emissions of CO2, the main greenhouse gas which contributes to climate change.
Initiatives will include:
- Providing energy audits for homes and businesses
- Expanding the recycling service to all ‘kerbside’ addresses and estates
- Working with residents to ‘shop smart’ to reduce packaging and waste
- Four more award-winning Green Flag parks by 2010
- Improved network of safe walking and cycling routes
- Community events such as a Car Free Day, Green Fair, and Going Green Conference
- Reducing CO2 emissions as a result of the council’s own operations
- Promoting and supporting the introduction of more car clubs in Haringey
Cabinet member for environment and conservation Cllr Brian Haley said:
“Improving the environment is the council’s top priority. We’ve made real progress over the last few years on issues like street cleanliness, recycling and creating award-winning parks.
“That’s given us the platform to start tackling a much bigger environmental agenda and, most importantly, address the crucial issue of climate change.
“The Greenest Borough strategy sets out how we can achieve this. This is the beginning of a long-term process but, with the support of residents and organisations across Haringey, we believe we can create a better environment for future generations.”
For more information visit www.haringey.gov.uk/goinggreen.
|Back to topThe council’s environmental priorities:
- Improving the urban environment
- Protecting the natural environment
- Managing environmental resources efficiently
- Leading by example
- Sustainable design and construction
- Promoting sustainable travel
- Raising awareness and involvement
Action already being taken
In 2003 the council launched a Better Haringey programme to help make Haringey a cleaner, greener and safer borough. Since then more than £20 million has been invested to make real, visible improvements to the built and natural environment.
Then, in 2006, Haringey signed the Nottingham Declaration, committing it to help the government deliver the UK climate change programme over the coming decades.
Actions and initiatives since then have included:
- All street lights and council buildings are now powered from green electricity
- All parking meters now use solar power
- New residential parking charges based on vehicles’ CO2 emissions have been introduced
- New energy efficient bulbs are being rolled out in street lights across Haringey
- Solar powered bollards are being used on traffic islands and the council is trialling energy efficient road signs
- A new energy saving system has been introduced at four council buildings, expected to cut carbon emissions by 268 tonnes annually
- Haringey has staged two Green Fair weekends, each including a special day for schools, a public day and awards ceremony to celebrate outstanding environmental contributions
- There have been a huge number of improvements to the council’s recycling services, helping to increase the borough’s recycling rate from two per cent in 2001 to more than 25 per cent now
We need your help!
The support of residents, organisations and businesses is crucial to the council’s Greenest Borough plans.
Everyone can contribute to tackling climate change and improving their local environment. Here are just a few suggestions for how you can help make a difference:
- Please don’t drop litter! Either use a litter or recycling bin on the street or take waste home with you
- Report a problem using the online form at www.haringey.gov.uk/report_a_problem
- Get involved in your local park by joining its Friends group
- Reduce your waste by choosing goods with less packaging
- Reuse carrier bags when you visit the supermarket
- Install a water-saver in your toilet cistern
- Use energy efficient bulbs
- Don’t leave electrical items on standby – turn off at the plug
- Unplug mobile phone chargers when you’re not using them
- Install loft and/or cavity wall insulation in your home
- hoose products with a high recycled content
- Leave your car at home for short journeys and walk or cycle whenever possible
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