Transition
Kidderminster
Newsletter - June 2019
Kidderminster
Newsletter - June 2019
Welcome to your TK Newsletter, a regular monthly feature.
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This month's issue maintains the impetus on Global Warming, or to use the latest, and more accurate, terminology, Global Heating (or Climate Crisis).
+++ Upcoming Local Events +++
A coffeee morning with a difference - 10am onward.
Recent Local Events
On 9th June there was the highly successful TK mini Greener Living Fair at Blakedown.
Over a dozen stalls offering information of a wide range of eco issues.
From bees to burials with much in between!
Over a dozen stalls offering information of a wide range of eco issues.
From bees to burials with much in between!
Councillor Vicky Caulfield dressed as “Professor Plastic”
Our joint 14th May the Plastics Awareness evening with Transition Bewdley was very well attended and generated much interest and discussion.
Sharon Cartwright gave the presentation and later told the Shuttle:
“We’re delighted that so many people came along to last week’s event, which also featured stalls from various local groups giving information on litter-picking, recycling, reusable nappies and lots of other alternatives to plastic.
“We’re also very pleased that several Wyre Forest district councillors also attended, including the Green Party’s newly-elected Vicky Caulfield, who lent a hand by dressing in our “Professor Plastic” outfit to emphasise the harm caused by plastic waste.
Sharon Cartwright gave the presentation and later told the Shuttle:
“We’re delighted that so many people came along to last week’s event, which also featured stalls from various local groups giving information on litter-picking, recycling, reusable nappies and lots of other alternatives to plastic.
“We’re also very pleased that several Wyre Forest district councillors also attended, including the Green Party’s newly-elected Vicky Caulfield, who lent a hand by dressing in our “Professor Plastic” outfit to emphasise the harm caused by plastic waste.
CLIMATE EMERGENCY demo at Worcester County Offices
On May 16th County Councillors were presented with a motion from Councillor Matthew Jenkins to declare a Climate Emergency in Worcestershire. Groups demonstrating their support for this motion included Transition Kidderminster, Transition Bewdley, Wyre Forest Friends of the Earth and Wyre Forest Vegans. Sadly the Conservative Party controlled Council rejected the motion. This is too important an issue to give up on - we will be trying again.
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And also on 16th May, after the Worcester demo, we had a Transition stall at the Wyre Forest Volunteer Fair.
Here, Sharon was on hand to engage with visitors.
Here, Sharon was on hand to engage with visitors.
Focus on Climate Crisis
Last month, the issue of Climate Breakdown made headlines in the press and on TV.
We look at the reality behind the fine words, from a government pre-occupied with leadership change and Brexit.
We look at the reality behind the fine words, from a government pre-occupied with leadership change and Brexit.
New report finds a 30% drop in renewable energy jobs between 2014 and 2017,
as government cuts to incentives and support schemes started to bite.
While an EU report finds the UK government spends €12bn (£10.5bn) a year in support for fossil fuels, significantly more than the €8.3bn spent on support for renewable energy. And the UK has the highest fossil fuel subsidy in Europe!
as government cuts to incentives and support schemes started to bite.
While an EU report finds the UK government spends €12bn (£10.5bn) a year in support for fossil fuels, significantly more than the €8.3bn spent on support for renewable energy. And the UK has the highest fossil fuel subsidy in Europe!
What can you do to influence government policy?
It is more important now that ever before to use your vote!
Forget party loyaties - vote for the party most likely to bring in green policies. Write to your MP and tell him what you are doing. Your vote matters more than you think!
It is more important now that ever before to use your vote!
Forget party loyaties - vote for the party most likely to bring in green policies. Write to your MP and tell him what you are doing. Your vote matters more than you think!
If you are up for a demo then on 26th June, thousands will come together in London to send a message to politicians that it's time to get real on climate breakdown (... and so telling that none of the prospective Tory leaders are even mentioning the issue, and more worryingly, all candidates have generally voted against measures aimed at preventing climate change.) - more here...
The bottom line is that despite all our progress on moving away from fossil fuel consumption the global CO2 levels, instead of dropping, are still rising - and ever faster. We won't be able to say we didn't know. Read more here ...
Focus on Flying
The UK has just hit a new record with 9,000 flights on a single day (24th May). Aviation is one of the fastest-growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Expect this to get far worse when Heathrow's 3rd runway opens. Read more here.
What action can individuals take to make a difference?
For a fairer way to tax frequent flyers support afreeRide.org
And if you are ready to take the challenge of no flights at all - sign up at FlightFree.co.uk
As alternatives to flying abroad. check out these 10 Triodos recommended UK eco holidays
Focus on Recycling
Some good news - an EU ruling means that from April 2020 everyday products including lighting, displays, washing machines, dishwashers and fridges will need to be made more easily repairable and longer-lasting.
However the new laws limit access to most spare parts and repair manuals to professional repairers only.
Not good news for repair cafés!
Read more here...
However the new laws limit access to most spare parts and repair manuals to professional repairers only.
Not good news for repair cafés!
Read more here...
And speaking of Repair Cafés remember your local repair centres are open as follows:
Kidderminster - 1st Sat in month more here ..
Bewdley - 3rd Sat in month more here ...
Focus On Plastic
Avoid plastic bags & packaging - get refills at these local outlets.
Kidderminster - Live Eat Yoga - Comberton Hill - café and refills
Stourport - the Vegan Hub, High Street - café and refills
Bromsgrove - Nature’s Intention - High St. - see web site
Worcester - Pack It In - The Shambles - see web site
Kidderminster - Live Eat Yoga - Comberton Hill - café and refills
Stourport - the Vegan Hub, High Street - café and refills
Bromsgrove - Nature’s Intention - High St. - see web site
Worcester - Pack It In - The Shambles - see web site
Not only avoiding plastics, Waitrose announce a total packaging-free trial.
Take your own containers and fill up! Read more here ...
Take your own containers and fill up! Read more here ...
And don't miss this important series - available on BBC iPlayer here
email Transition Kidderminster at
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Visit our informative website at
transitionkidderminster.org.uk
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[email protected]
talk to us on 07867 502575
Newsletter feedback/news items to
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Visit our informative website at
transitionkidderminster.org.uk
Join us on Facebook !
Get involved - it's your future too!
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