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EMERGE WANTS YOU! Become a Zero Waste Champion today!

EMERGE'S Zero Waste Challenge is up and running, so it's time to join in!

It's been an exciting few weeks here at EMERGE and today's no exception, so let's get cracking and have a chat about our Zero Waste Challenge Project.

Now, any of you fine folk that are following us on Twitter will have hopefully seen a few posts by yours truly about Nigel- one of our Champions - who is keeping a daily blog about his progress. It's a cracking read and highly recommended! Nigel is just one of the many people we have taken up the challenge of reducing the amount of rubbish you thrown away to as close to zero as possible in one month.

The average person in the UK throws away seven times their own body weight per year.

It's a shocking fact, isn't it? Just think about all that rubbish- where does it go? Well, the simple answer is landfill, and I think we can all agree that's not an acceptable solution.

By reducing waste we;

• conserve resources
• combat climate change
• reduce land, water and air pollution
• save money

The best bit is that it's something that you (yes, you) can do something about. Making a positive difference to the environment can be as easy as not buying yoghurt and eating fruit, it could be re-using old containers and not throwing them out. Zero Waste sounds a bit daunting, but it is by no means not attainable.

Manchester is such a wonderful city and one that us at EMERGE love. We're combining the 15 odd years of experience we have with reusing, recycling and reducing we have with the Zero Waste Project to make the city a sustainable and waste-free place to live.

Not only individuals can become involved: if you are a community group or a small business wanting to help reduce waste you can take up the challenge too!

Just one small thing like watching what you throw away could make a huge difference to the environment. So, are you up for the challenge?

TAKE THE ZERO WASTE CHALLENGE

5 ways to reuse yoghurt pots

Having been inspired by one of our fantastic Zero Waste Champions, Nigel, I have decided to share a few tips on what to do with those hard-to-recycle yoghurt pots.

1. Flower pots. Quick and easy, a great way to separate out young plants until they are ready to be moved to bigger things. Make sure you put a few holes in the bottom though!
2. Paint pots Now, I always remember as a kid having those days where my sister and I took over the dining table with all sorts of paints, crayons and other crafting things. We always needed something to decant the paint into something and a yoghurt pots were always available.
3. Screw, nails, etc storer If your a big DIY fan you can store any random screws in yoghurt pots. You can write on the pot and keep them on a shelf for future use- you never know when you might need them.
4. Candle Moulds Saw this one on another site- the small yoghurt pots are great for moulding candles in apparently! Just make sure they are heat-resistant.
5. Piggy Banks The bigger pots with the sturdier lids can be used by all ages as a great money saving box. Just cut a hole in the top and throw your pennies in!

So, I hope that helps!!
Good luck Nigel!

Ed

Useful Links EMERGEs Zero Waste Champions
Nigel's Blog

MMU's Hulme Campus- plans for a greener university.

Manchester Metropolitan University is set to lead the way for greener, eco-friendly sustainable campuses in a time where academic institutions need not only watch their financial spending but their environmental commitments also.

It’s clear from the outset that environmental sustainability is one of the main themes MMU’s planned new £120 million campus in Hulme, south of the city centre. Not just short term reductions are on the agenda – long running issues of sustainability within an urban environment are part of the bigger picture, as laid out in their Strategic Framework.

Whilst the university is sceptical the new campus would help immediately achieve their aims of zero carbon, water and waste impacts it is easy to recognise the potential of such a project to contribute to Manchester becoming a zero-waste city.

Looking through one of the most interesting commitments in my view is to reducing all unwanted material being sent to landfill, with implications for full university-wide application. Through the building of the  new campus MMU will conduct a,

“detailed analysis of supply chains and operational practices, with the emphasis being placed on reduction of inputs without compromising efficiency.”

This isn’t just for your every-day materials but also for much bigger things and being able to meet long-term requirements- such as avoiding the demolition of buildings and making sure supply networks can handle any change in its usage and requirements.

A sustainable transport plan will aim to reduce the use of cars, and put the emphasis on cycling or walking. Schemes such as Nottingham Trent’s Ucycle has shown to have a very positive impact on increasing the use of greener transport across universities, would such an idea work in Manchester?

It all sounds very impressive, but is it possible?

We’re still not in the best of times to be building great big buildings and with possible large fluctuations in the cost of construction iand other related services s there any guarantee from MMU to stand by theses commitments if the going gets tough?

I guess we can only wait and see.

Ed

Vertical Farming – A new and original approach to food production being taken in our city.

“Vertical farming”- sounds slightly odd, doesn't it? Think of it like applying the same logic behind building a block of flats instead of a row of houses to agriculture. It’s an idea with international recognition, but what’s Manchester got to do with it?

The concept, strongly and vocally backed by Dr Dickson Despommier, a professor at Columbia University, who believes it is a plausible and viable solution to ever-increasing urban populations and meeting food demand. His website claims that 80% of suitable land is in use, and you don’t need to be that sharp with maths realise that could be a problem.

The question beckons; faced with a limited potential for expansion using mainstream methods, what do we do?

Well, how about we do the same for farming that we do for housing? Indoor farming has been used for centuries; it’s not a new idea. Perhaps it just needs a fresh take on the concept?

So we build up? Sounds like a plan. But is it the only option? Can’t we take the zero-waste approach to this? Why not reuse and recycle somewhere for our new farm?

As alluded to at the beginning of this piece, Manchester does indeed have a role to play. The BBC reported this last week on plans to re-use a derelict office block in Wythenshawe and turn it into a Despommier-inspired 8-storey high vertical greenhouse.

In a pioneering application of the vertical farm thinking, Alpha House (as it was known) will be transformed into Alpha Farm for the 2013 Manchester International Festival, producing all sorts from leaf and root vegetables. There’s also very exciting plans afoot to accommodate fish, bees and even hens across the building.

What a truly original and inspiring idea. We’ve all seen some of the old office blocks scattered around the city- time we started re-using them! Through creating more locally grown, fresher produce we could really unlock the potential of this idea. With proper support and backing vertical farms could be a way of supporting local economies and communities whilst creating jobs throughout the city.

What about all those harmful pesticides and fertilisers? Well, done in a controlled and closed environment using organic methods would theoretically reduces their usage to zero. Through the use of aeroponics, aquaponics and hydroponics harnesses the power to recycle water, reduce soil erosion and protecting the wider ecosystem.

Of course there are downsides; it’s a new technique with limited practical testing (especially on a large-scale), old buildings may need substantial refurbishment to be suitable for growing crops and the local infrastructure may not support agricultural production.

But in my opinion, you’ve got to put the effort in to reap the rewards. Of course its not as simple as throwing a few grow-bags down in an empty office block but as a long-term alternative I think the effort should be made to support such as initiative.

This is the point where Manchester truly has the potential to be front-runners in a new and exciting venture.

It seems that soon gone are the days of having a window box with a few vegetables in it… now the sky’s the limit!

Ed

PS: Have a look at this video for more about vertical farming.

FareShare Guest Blog: The Zipslide Jump (of my life)!!!!

And so the day begins!!! The most anticipated event in FareShare North West, the Zipslide day is finally here!

Well I would say bright and early, but Manchester had its typical rain on my outward journey there. It wouldn’t be Manchester without this, right? Just a small trip on the tram and arriving to meet the rest of the FareShareNW Team with our event tents and the zipslide being setup all safely. All ready to go? Bring it on!

Then a glimpse of the zipslide…

I must say, to me, the zipslide wire didn’t seem to be that high than what I had imagined. But either way, I know, to many, it will still pose as a huge thrill yet a challenge to test one’s fear of heights all for the good cause – Fundraising and raising awareness of minimising food wastage and helping those in need.

Participants slowly appeared to take on the challenge and see-through their efforts with much enthusiasm. I must say, it turned out to be quite an impressive number! Passers-by got attracted by all the activities, the food and the whole event, which helped to gain a few more participants to zipslide all for the good cause! Such great news!!

Throughout helping out the event at the FareShare tent and the food stall, I have been constantly debating whether to do a zipslide myself. >_< I’ve never faced any outdoor activity challenge such as this, but then again I used to love going on intensive funfare rides, what could be different? However, I’ve never really had my fear of heights tested. Do I go for it? 

Or will I coward out of it?? The angels and demons, so to say, were constantly going through my mind!!!

In the end, I found some good volunteering buddies to brave it all together. Ahh! Definitely helped me calm down my nerves and turn them into excitement. And so the walk to the Imperial War Museum starts…

Everything set and harnessed up, I was ready!! It really felt like cross between a mission impossible moment and going on a space mission!

 At the top of the lift, the doors open… a bridge to our set-off point, the feeling is just like in the films! Then the open space, where we’d be jumping out this building, is before us. One by one, waiting to jump. One by one… the nerves makes us realise how real this is happening!!! Not wanting to be the last, nor the first. Mixed feelings still!

My turn. YIKES!!!!!! All hooked up and ready. No time to look down. No time to breathe, no time to think, no time to jump!!!!  Just clipped on and “hanging” then the guy doing the safety checks lets go!!! Then I’m off!!!!! .. I didn’t have the chance to think and prepare myself... haha I guess it’s thanks to being short?

Love it!!!! Yet so scared!!! The rain pouring and hitting against my face!!!!! All adding to the lovely zipslide experience. The speed and the jump downwards definitely went too quick, then sudden moment you hit the brakes… This is when you remember to return back to reality.  A safe landing thankfully!

What a day!

I hope more events like this will come again and to see more volunteers to join in such unique experiences. I am thoroughly anticipating the next FareShareNW event to come, for the sheer fun and experience of making a difference to help for what we stand for and making new friends. Well done FareShare!

Jenny

The Zip Slide Challenge!

FareShare North West went bananas last Saturday, taking a leap to help end food poverty in the North West

What a day!!!

Over 100 people in a variety of costumes leapt off the Imperial War Museum North for fun and to support those in need. From the 30 metre high tower at the museum many brave (and some very scared!) individuals launched themselves 250m across the Ship Canal back onto solid ground outside the Salford Lowry.

Despite Manchester’s attempts to spoil our fun with some occasional and distinctly heavy rain showers, some adventurous folks even zipped twice!

And we did indeed go bananas!!

Lucy Danger – the CEO of EMERGE was first to leap and Nicola Milner—EMERGE volunteering co-ordinator and volunteers/colleagues sported banana outfits in keeping with the theme ‘no good food should go to waste’.

Why bananas?

Because they’re a really great example of a nutritious, healthy food! Sadly, when they go brown they often get wasted when they could be easily made into a smoothie or a nutritious loaf!

Our “Love Food Hate Waste” themed cookery demonstrations by Robert Owen Brown (Head Chef,  Mark Addy) – Tripe, Bone Marrow and Black Pudding and Wood Pigeon, Dave Lythall (Head Chef, Lime) – Sea Bass on Potato  and Black Pudding and Cracking Good Food – Risotto and Curry, a local charity promoting healthy sustainable eating.

So why did we do it?

As FareShareNW Director Lucy Danger explains:

“Diverting edible food from landfill and helping to alleviate food poverty is a no-brainer! We’ve run the Zip Slide Challenge to give people an opportunity to have fun whilst helping us to do more to help those in food poverty locally.”

Many members of the public, organisations and businesses signed up to Zip, including Manchester’s famous pub-restaurant The Mark Addy and Lime on Salford Quays. They support us because they believe that FareShareNW is a great charity, addressing two of the UK’s most urgent issues: waste and food poverty.

Robert Owen Brown, Head Chef of The Mark Addy said:

"It’s nonsensical. But the fact is, perfectly good food ends up going in the bin when it doesn’t needs to and something needs to be done about it."

“Being a chef you’re on the front line of food wastage.” Rob explains, “We’ve all been guilty of it, but by supporting FareShare and raising awareness of what this fantastic charity does, I’m just doing my little bit – everyone should!”

Organisations such asCornerstones providing hot meals to people on very low incomes in Moss Side, Mustard Tree who operate a soup run for the homeless and the George House Trust who help refugees, are typical beneficiaries of FareShareNW; other examples include hostels, school breakfast and after school clubs in deprived areas, day centres for the sick, elderly and infirm, organisations helping the vulnerable and those in poverty.

The zip slide has been a great help to supporting FareShareNW and in turn those that it supports. Since 2008, FareshareNW has redistributed over 650 tonnes of food which is enough food for 1.5 million meals to those in need in our region.

A HUGE thank you to everyone involved from the organisers, Zip Slide UK, the chefs, the Manchester School of Samba and finally THE ZIPPERS THEMSELVES!!!

For more photos of the day, click here

Ed

Guest Blog: Virtual conferencing and a greener events industry by Alex Walker

Virtual conferencing and a greener events industry

I’ll be totally honest, I care about the environment. Not in a happy-clappy, tambourine playing, hug a tree and wash yourself in a river kind of way. More like the rest of you, I've become accustomed to separating my cans from my bottles and paper, which led me to think more about my buying behaviours and what I can do to prevent excess waste and minimise landfill.

This I feel is a common sentiment. We all care about the planet, we don’t want to see natural resources wasted and we try our best to do our bit to help.

The environment and marketing

Alex Walker, Sage Accoutants' team

I work in Marketing, which as an industry doesn’t have a great reputation when it comes to sustainability. Most of us regularly receive Direct Mailers which go straight into our rubbish bins, and if you’ve ever been involved in a rebranding exercise it’s often shocking quite how much redundant collateral is thrown out.

How many leaflets just get binned after events?

By far and away, the worst offender though has always been the Events industry. And it got me thinking is there another way? Think about any stand you’ve even been on, or visited for that matter. Over the course of a couple of days they will hand out thousands of flyers, leaflets and other items of promotional material. If you take that number, then multiply it by the number of stands at the venue, and then multiply it by the number of events the venue hosts you begin to get an understanding of the scale of the waste problem.

Most of us if we put our hands up will admit that we only ever read 5% (or less) of the materials we take away from an event again, in fact most of us probably just keep a hold of salient business cards and the rest will end up in a bin eventually.

Then there is the issue of transportation, for all of the material, displays, badges, giveaways and other paraphernalia have to get to the venue and generally the only way to do this is by car or van. All of the delegates have to make their way to the event as well, while many will try to make use of public transport, the reality is that the majority still drive. All of this traffic adds up to a substantial carbon footprint for even a small event.

The Events industry does recognise there is a problem and is taking measures to improve standards and share best practice. In fact they are currently developing a British Standard for environmental practice in events. (BS8901)

Virtual conferencing

I was very excited to chance upon a new approach to Events which I believe will help to alleviate these problems. It’s called ‘virtual conferencing’ and I was introduced to it through the ACCA Global Virtual Conference, where Sage will be hosting a stand. The premise behind virtual conferencing is that it allows your delegates and exhibitors to interact in the same way they would at a physical event, but all through a computer at their desk.

Exhibitors have a fully branded virtual stand which allows them to network with delegates, host web-chats on areas of specialism and run surveys and giveaways.  Delegates can use the stands to access and download content to their computer, without it ever needing to see a printer.

For me this approach is a ‘no-brainer’, not only does it take delegates away from their work for less time, but they still come away with all the relevant information they need to inform their decisions without the inherent carbon footprint. I’m looking forward to seeing this method of conferencing in practice. We’ll be hosting our first virtual stand at the ACCA Global Virtual Conference on the 27^th of July, why don’t you log in and take a look?

Guest Blog from Alex Walker, Sage Accountants’ Team

Thank you!!

Thank you!!!

Just a quick message from everyone at FareShare North West to say, THANK YOU SO SO MUCH!!!

It was a fantastic day, the weather (for the most part) stayed fine! Everyone here thought it was a blast, we were blown away by the tremendous support from all the zippers, chefs doing the food demos and the Manchester School of Samba!

If you have any photos, we'd love to have them! Email them through or send through a link if they're online somewhere!

We have certificates for anyone wanting one! Email us with your address and one will be zooming it's way to you asap!

OR! Fancy a souvinir mug? Only £6.50 and you can re-live the terror/excitement everytime you have a brew!!

Once again, thank you so so much!! 
Watch out on the website for events coming soon, as well as lots of new blog reports about FareShare NW and EMERGE Recycling.

Follow @EMERGERecycling

Zip Slidin' Away!!

Zip sliding ain't just zip sliding, oh no!

Did you know that we'll also be hosting some cooking demonstrations from some of Manchester's finest chefs? Of course you did!!

I can hear you asking, "but just who are these magnificent people?!"

Well, you need wait no more!!

• From 11am till midday Robert Owen Brown, head chef of the Mark Addy, will not be showing how to make fantastic meals with cheaper cuts of meat - one of Rob's specialties! It certainly won't be "offal"!
• We also have a small part of the delightful Manchester School of Samba playing between 12 and half past.
• THEN! Kim and Kath from Cracking Good Food will be serving up some veggie delights of Vegetable Jalfreezi, Squash Risotto and Wild Mushroom Risotto between 12.30 and 2pm.
• The Manchester School of Samba make another appearance, giving you some fun Brazilian beats while you tuck in to the food!
• From 2.30pm Dave Lythall from Lime restaurant will be going a bit fishy with some Sea Bass.

Many thanks to Nick from the "Have A Banana" Stall on Oxford Road - we'll be handing out free bananas!!

All demonstrations will be along the theme of Love Food Hate Waste, how to cook simple, delicious meals from fresh ingredients...  there will be tasters for the public!

See you there!

Ed