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We’re all aware of the urgency of issues posed worldwide by Climate Change, and we want to support and advise householders and businesses on ways to save money while protecting the environment. Sustainable Living in Blackrock focusses on the themes of Waste, Water, Energy and Transport.  

1. WASTE
2. WATER
3. ENERGY
4. TRANSPORT/TRAVEL
5. MORE ABOUT WASTE MINIMISATION
6. HOME COMPOSTING (This is a link to the EPA’s “Stop Food Waste” website. Click here also when using the QR code at the Home Composting Demonstration Site in Blackrock Park)

     

WASTE

Waste Prevention

The most effective way to deal with waste is through a Waste Prevention approach. This approach focuses on changes in lifestyles and in production and consumption patterns. By not generating waste, we can eliminate the need to handle, transport, treat and dispose of waste. We can also avoid having to pay for these services.  For example, did you know that 30% of the food we buy is discarded?

Waste Hierarchy

The debate surrounding waste management has put forward a method of positive action with regard to waste known as the Waste Hierarchy. At the top of the Hierarchy is prevention and avoidance of the generation of waste, and at the bottom, the least preferred option, disposal.

Summary of the Waste Hierarchy

Prevention/Minimisation: Before any purchases are made, consider are they even needed. Clever shopping by buying in bulk, using refills etc.

Reuse: This is where a product is bought and sold on with the same purpose. E.g. clothes banks, jam jars – there is no change.

Recycling: A waste is processed into a new product often not related to the initial item. E.g. glass, plastics and composting.

Energy Recovery: Taking waste/part of a waste stream, and using it as a fuel. E.g. making paper logs, waste-to-energy plants.

Disposal: Landfill is the disposal route for 91% of the household, commercial and industrial waste produced in Ireland.

 

More useful links:

 
 
composting
 
foodmiles
 
savvyshopper

     

WATER

water use it wiselyThe amount of fresh water that is available to humans is actually quite limited.97% of the water in the world is sea water and therefore not suitable for drinking. Approximately 2% of the water is held in ice. This leaves only 1% of the world’s water available for human consumption.

The fact that we will now pay for the water we use means that water conservation will have a direct impact on household bills.


Click here to become “Water Wise” (part 1)
Click here to become “Water Wise” (part 2)
Click here to become “Water Wise” (part 3)

 

     

ENERGY

powersaverUsing energy efficiently within the home or business is aimed at achieving the required level of comfort at the least cost to the householder, while minimising damage to the environment. Every time we switch on a light, cook a meal or turn up the thermostat, we use energy. Whilst the use of energy is an essential part of daily life, an excessive amount of energy is wasted or lost.


More useful information at the Sustainable Energy Association of Ireland

 

 

     

TRANSPORT / TRAVEL

travelsustainable

Transport is responsible for almost 20% of Ireland”s greenhouse gas emissions. Small particles emitted by vehicles using petrol or diesel are linked to asthma, and nitrogen oxides cause respiratory diseases and can produce smog at ground level. Irish people are becoming increasingly car-dependent with car numbers increasing accordingly.  And, of course, the goods and food we buy are very often dependent on transport to get from the sourse of production to our tables and businesses.


Find out about Food Miles here
Here are some Tips to Save Money While Driving

 

     

MORE ABOUT SUSTAINABLE LIVING IN BLACKROCK

We produced this booklet containing all the above information to provide tips and advice for residents of Blackrock on how to reduce waste (waste materials, energy, water and transport) in the most environmentally sustainable way possible. Click on the link to download or read the booklet.

SUSTAINABLE LIVING IN BLACKROCK

Useful Links

There is lots of useful information on waste management etc. on the Louth County Council website.
Check out V&W Recycling for more on recycling.