Our Square Mile - Ein Milltir Sgwâr

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY - 5 JUNE 2020

Cymraeg isod

Our Square Mile

Local hope for a future together.

With life as we know it turned on its head, a lot of us have some time to think. Covid-19 has brought to light the strength of local communities and the benefits that acting locally can have on our environment.

As we look to the future, Sustainable Wales wants us as communities to imagine a more local, more sustainable, and more ethical way of living and being in the world.

‘Our Square Mile’ is a project to help us to imagine that future. We will be paying five writers to write any form of work imagining the square mile outside their front door over the next ten years.

We want you to hear your hopes and fears, your love and your passion for the place where you live.

Each writer will be paid £100 to write a piece of 3-5 pages in length to be published on our website, alongside five other pieces written by working writers from across Wales. Please write in the language(s) you feel most comfortable writing in.

If selected, we will be sure to check that you are happy with the final piece prior to publication.

Deadline for submissions is Midday 1 September 2020. (submissions now closed)

This is a difficult time for us all. Help us to imagine a better future. Together.

Robert Minhinnick & Jon Berry

Ein Milltir Sgwâr

Ers covid-19, mae bywyd yn hollol wahanol. Eto, mae’r pandemic wedi amlygu’r pwer y  gymuned lleol, ac mae Cymru Gynaliadwy eisiau dathlu potensial pobol dros Gymru i gael newid positif yn ei hardal.

‘Ein Milltir Sgwâr’ yw prosiect i helpu ni dychmygu’r dyfodol yna. Byddwn ni’n talu 5 awdur i ysgrifennu unrhyw fath o waith creadigol yn rhagweld sut fyd bydd ei milltir sgwâr yn y deng mlynedd nesaf.

Hoffwn clywed dy obaith, dy gariad a dy angerdd am dy ardal di.

Bydd pob awdur yn cael ei dalu £100 i ysgrifennu rhywbeth sy’n tua 3-5 tudalen o hyd. Bydd y gwaith yn cael ei arddangos ar ein gwefan ni, efo’r waith gan 5 awduron eraill pwy sy’n weithio dros Gymru. Ysgrifennwch yn y iaith/ieithoedd bo chi’n teimlo’n fwyaf cyfforddus.

Y dyddiad cau yw canol dydd 1af Medi 2020.

Anfonwch eich cais i jon.berry@sustainablewales.org.uk

Dyma amser galed i ni gyd. Helpwch ni i ddychmygu dyfodol gwell. Gyda’n gilydd.

one square mile

Lockdown Lessons Must Be Learned, Says Local Energy Group

PRESS RELEASE APRIL  2020

Lockdown Lessons Must Be Learned, Says Local Energy Group.

Crucial New Development in Porthcawl must point the way to a green future, business as usual is not an option.

Bridgend Local Energy Group, in response to the proposed development of the former Glamorgan Holiday Hotel, The Square, Porthcawl, (for 54, one, two and three bedroom apartments) emphasise the vital importance of sustainable development.

“What we’re learning from the Covid 19 lockdown", says Director, Sustainable Wales Margaret Minhinnick, "is that we cannot return to ‘business as usual’ when the lockdown ends. And this goes for new housing developments."

“If we believe the current lockdown is difficult, it will be far less severe than the changes that will be forced upon us by climate change.” Margaret continued.

Building Surveyor, Daniel Williams, member Bridgend Local Energy Group added “Though we are receptive to an application on this site we believe that Xcape’s draft proposals do not adequately address the climate urgency “

“There is clear opportunity (as well as moral obligation) to implement higher environmental standards. We would thus wish to see a future submission that adopts stricter climate emergency measures.” Daniel said.

Find out more about the consultation here: xcape-porthcawl.consultationonline.co.uk/en

Text of the response:

Pre-Application Consultation Response by

Bridgend Local Energy Group

Supported by Sustainable Wales - Cymru Gynaliadwy

To Xcape Ltd re: Proposed Development of the former Glamorgan Holiday Hotel, The Square, Porthcawl.

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the above proposed development in Porthcawl.

The Bridgend Local Energy Group (BLEG) was established by the charity https://www.sustainablewales.org.uk/ to explore options for developing local, low carbon energy initiatives.
Sustainable Wales - Cymru Gynaliadwy is a charity that has been based in Porthcawl and Bridgend County Borough for over twenty years. It is progressive in outlook and aims to encourage behavioural change.

BLEG believes that long-term/sustainable development has never been more vital, considering the current disruption caused by the global epidemic Corvid 19.

This health, economic and social crisis surely illustrates why we all must pay total attention to minimising our carbon-dependent lifestyles. Why? Because if we believe the current lockdown is difficult, it will be far less severe than the changes that will be forced upon us by climate emergency.

(April 2019 saw the Welsh Assembly Government announced its agreement that we have a Climate Emergency.)

We believe that Xcape’s draft proposals do not address this urgency. We would thus wish to see a future submission that adopts emergency measures.

BLEG asks of Xcape whether its submission will enable the public to adopt necessary lifestyle choices? All new developments, such as the Glamorgan Holiday Hotel site, must allow people a low-carbon lifestyle.

However, we are receptive to the proposals to redevelop and repurpose this disused site to provide additional accommodation in the area.

Following review of the draft planning documents and the Design and Access statement we would comment as follows:

• We note the design strategies and measures outlined in Section 4.5 ‘Access and Sustainability’ of the Design and Access statement.

• Although we acknowledge the intention to meet the minimum environmental standards and requirements set out in current legislation, we feel there is clear opportunity (as well as moral obligation) to implement further measures that will allow the proposals to exceed these standards.

• We further feel that the environmental performance of the building should be demonstrated via an independent third-party certification scheme such as BREEAM. A BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ (best practice) should be considered as a benchmark.

  We would ask that you consider the feasibility of implementing features and processes such as:

• designing houses/flats which generate, store and release their own solar/renewable energy, producing enough to balance their overall demand making them energy-neutral

• recharging points for electric vehicles

• plans to enable development of car and bike sharing schemes

• eco-designed in keeping with the character of a seaside town - ensuring the

  design reflects our unique marine culture and situation

• inclusion of community green spaces

• green roof areas that consider reducing energy use and water run-off as well

  as encouraging biodiversity

• the use of low-embodied energy and recycled/reused building materials e.g.

  plastic fascia boards, pipes and sub-surface drainage pipes can contain over 30% PCR - post consumer recycled content; some higher content Flooring- recovered carpet tiles, or vinyl, (e.g. Greenstream in Porth); recovered wood. Recycled plastic or shredded carpet insulation material or waste wood insulation and fibre board

• SUDS compliance for drainage and biodiversity which can be used creatively as part of the community spaces. SUSDRAIN are useful advisors in this specialist area and DwrCymru/WelshWater have experience of delivery

• The use of local services, trade and labour during both the design and construction process

• Continual engagement with the local community and education

  Yours faithfully
  Margaret Minhinnick, Daniel Williams and Tara King on behalf of the Bridgend Local Energy Group.

Download this response document as a PDF here (opens in a new tab/window 90Kb)

The Bridgend Local Energy Group (BLEG) was established by the charity https://www.sustainablewales.org.uk/ to explore options for developing local, low carbon energy initiatives.

Sustainable Wales - Cymru Gynaliadwy is a charity that has been based in Porthcawl and Bridgend County Borough for over twenty years. It is progressive in outlook and aims to encourage behavioural change https://www.sustainablewales.org.uk/

New Chair of Sustainable Wales appointed

Sarah Murphy is the newly appointed Chair of Sustainable Wales, having previously volunteered at our high street social enterprise SUSSED. A Social Justice Researcher and Political Advisor she has worked with Anna McMorrin MP in her role as a member of the Parliamentary Climate Change Committee and on the Packaging (Extended Producer Responsibility) Bill 2017-19. As the Bridgend Refill Champion and a member of Bridgend Local Energy Group, Sarah is passionate about empowering communities to live more sustainably in-line with cooperative values of sharing power, wealth and resources. Sustainable Wales has a long history of campaigning for sustainable development and climate justice so as the threat to our planet increases, Sarah is up for the challenge to fight for our Welsh charity to continue to create the world that we want to live in now, and for our future generations.

Photo: Sarah Murphy at the National Botanic Garden of Wales

Fairtrade Fortnight 2020 - time to get involved!

The annual, hugely popular UK FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT takes place in 2020 February 24 – March 8.

To celebrate, Porthcawl-based charity, Sustainable Wales will champion with food, fashion, stories and stalls.

Their community cooperative, SUSSED, will offer students, parents and shoppers free samples of fairtrade chocolate, tea, coffee and sugar at stalls held in schools and in the Porthcawl street.

A small new range of dresses/skirts made from recycled saris will also be available for the ethical, eco-chic fashionistas amongst us. Alongside these will be displayed a wide range of fairly traded gifts

On Sat. March 7th, the charity will hold a WELSH FAIRTRADE Pop-Up Café, 11.00 – 4pm, at 5 James St. Porthcawl CF36 3BG above SUSSED. Diners will be able to select from a menu chosen to celebrate Wales, whilst showing support for people in developing countries.

Look out for the Storybombs!

Throughout Fairtrade Fortnight, shoppers will discover at SUSSED, Porthcawl’s fair trade shop, several ‘storybombs’ (in English and Welsh).

These ‘storybombs’ will tell some extraordinary stories from women producers and help us understand their need for a ‘living income’. The ‘storybomb’ can then be placed somewhere else for others to uncover and so on. (Read Me, Share Me, Hide Me Again).

Co-ordinator, Margaret Minhinnick says:

“Shoppers increasingly question where their products come from, how they were made, and how the people involved were treated and paid.”

“The public do not want exploitation to be part of the price of their goods.”

“For example, the UK chocolate industry is worth at least £4 billion each year, but Fairtrade cocoa represents a mere fraction of this.”

“The average cocoa farmer inn Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, where 60 percent of all cocoa is grown, makes less than 75p a day. This is well below the extreme poverty line of around £1.40 and is less than the price of a Latte which can’t be right, it just isn’t fair”. Margaret said.

Story bombs at SUSSED

(1). Typical Fair Trade ‘Story Bombs’

On top of this the climate crisis is already wreaking havoc on global food production. Farmers are battling less predictable seasons, more plant diseases and weather extremes, leading to a lack of produce, struggling to harvest crops and working longer hours, for lower prices.

For women, the situation is even more unfair. In Côte d’Ivoire, for example, women carry out more than two thirds of the labour involved in cocoa farming. They work in the fields, look after children, carry water, and help bring the crop to market. And yet they often have fewer rights than men, and often earn less than a quarter of the money generated.

To change this story, we need more people in the UK to understand the power they have as consumers and to choose Fairtrade as much as possible.

We need to show companies that people in the UK expect them to go much further to pay a living income prices to farmers – and Fairtrade is the most trusted way to show it.

NOTES

Only Fairtrade is campaigning publicly for the right to a living income for farmers – men and women:

Price: The Fairtrade Premium and the Fairtrade Minimum Price are driving real change, right now. Fairtrade farmers and workers have a safety net that protects them from low prices for their crops.

Premium: Fairtrade farmers and workers choose how they spend the Premium, which they can use to make their farms and communities stronger. It also allows them to invest in different ways of making money, so that they are less reliant on the unpredictable cocoa market.

Women’s empowerment: Fairtrade is also supporting more women cocoa farmers to take the reins and stand tall alongside men. Fairtrade Standards make sure that they have a voice in their community, are represented in decision-making and benefit from Fairtrade. We know that independent income in the hands of women brings positive change to communities even faster.

Environment: While you can’t protect the planet without protecting its people first, rigorous Fairtrade Standards support farmers to protect the environment and the Fairtrade Premium is enabling them to invest in climate resilience and adaptation.

What is Fair Trade?

Fair Trade is about :

• better prices,

• decent working conditions,

• local sustainability, and

• fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in developing countries.

Beth yw Masnach Deg?

Amcanion Masnach Deg

•  prisiau gwell,

• amodau gwaith diogel,

• cynaladwyedd lleol, a

• pris teg i ffermwyr a chynhyrchwyr mewn gwledydd sy’n datblygu.

Click for Fairtrade Wales home page

SUSSED Gifts for Christmas - Ethical, Fairtrade

Our community cooperative, SUSSED has an eBay store where you can find stylish bamboo socks and dresses. The socks are of course a classic present!

Visit our eBay store if you can’t make it to our high street shop on James Street Porthcawl.

SUSSED for ethical gifts

SUSSED for fairtrade this Christmas

Local Energy Group Urges Bridgend County Borough Council To Declare ‘Climate Emergency’

LOCAL ENERGY GROUP URGES BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL TO DECLARE ‘CLIMATE EMERGENCY’ and ADOPT AN  ‘ACTION PLAN’

Full Document (PDF)

June 25 2019,

Climate Emergency

Increasing numbers of councils and government bodies across the UK have responded to the escalating urgency of the climate crisis by declaring a ‘Climate Emergency’.

Today, Bridgend Local Energy Group (B-LEG) urges Bridgend County Borough Council to do the same 

Pressure on governments is increasing. In May 2019, the Senedd took the decision to declare a Climate Emergency in Wales, adding to the growing list of towns and cities internationally.

Some councils have specifically stated they want their authority to be carbon neutral by 2030. (Machynlleth was the first in Wales https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-46961053)

A ‘Climate Emergency Declaration’ and supporting action plan would show that BCBC is committed to adopting strategies, policies and procurement processes fit for the future. 

B-LEG member, Kris Evans said, “By adopting a Climate Emergency Declaration, BCBC would join other pioneering councils in leading the way.

“We simply cannot afford to hand this problem down to our children. By then it will be too late.”

Supporting the B-LEG group, Sustainable Wales Trustee, Peter Morgan commented:  “People from all walks of life, especially the young, are waking up to the disturbing immediacy of the climate emergency, and of the urgent need for action.

Director Sustainable Wales, Margaret Minhinnick added: “Are we planning for a realistic future, one that must be carbon-neutral, renewable and sustainable? Or are we still living in the past, and planning for a carbon-based, consumerist and high waste economy?”

Download the full document Climate Change Declaration

NOTES TO EDITORS

Page 4 of the document enclosed suggests what a Climate Emergency declaration might look like.

The Bridgend Local Energy Group was established by the charity https://www.sustainablewales.org.uk/ to explore options for developing local, community-based low carbon energy initiatives. This occurred with the support of RENEW Wales after a series of engagement activities in 2017 stimulating awareness and highlighted by Sustainable Wales’ production Shine a Light? campaign, https://www.sustainablewales.org.uk/shine-light.

Sustainable Wales - Cymru Gynaliadwy

Sustainable Wales - Cymru Gynaliadwy is a charity that has been based in Porthcawl and Bridgend County Borough for over twenty years. It is progressive in outlook and aims to encourage behavioural change within the community https://www.sustainablewales.org.uk/

Response to Porthcawl Regeneration Plans

Last week Sustainable Wales joined the Climate Emergency Campaigns with a constructive challenge to Bridgend Borough Council.

“When will Porthcawl become a Low-Carbon Community?”

Updated September 2020

The challenge, outlined in a document (download PDF) delivered to Chief Officers and Councillors,  is to see Bridgend Borough Council at the forefront of leading Porthcawl’s transition into a low-carbon community.

Porthcawl Regneration

The charity’s response is submitted at exactly the same time that voices, from octogenarian Sir David Attenborough to  teenager Greta Thunberg, are being raised to describe our climate emergency, whilst student strikes and Extinction Rebellion demonstrations are occurring internationally. 

Sustainable Wales (SW) wants Bridgend Borough Council to build on its planning, energy and transport strategies and take a pioneering leadership role amongst local authorities.

“Our challenge seems ambitious, says Margaret Minhinnick, SW Director, “but reflect the bare minimum of what should be achieved by any regeneration of Porthcawl.” 

Sustainable Wales has welcomed Bridgend County Borough Council’s outline plans for the regeneration of Porthcawl. “The resort could be ‘on the cusp’ of great things” she continued.

“Porthcawl can showcase the way ahead. The resort’s regeneration provides it with perhaps the most exciting moment in its history.  Ongoing consultation with the community is therefore vital.”

SW volunteer, Kristian Evans, a father of two young boys, says: “The ‘climate emergency’ is happening now. Our children will bear the consequences of our choices and we cannot ignore the scale of the challenges they are facing. Kicking the can down the road is not an option.”

"We urge BCBC to seize this opportunity to make our resort relevant”, Margaret and Kris say. “A ‘bog standard’ regeneration is not what the town requires or deserves."

The document, ‘Porthcawl: a low carbon future?’ is now available on-line, whilst copies  have been sent to relevant councillors and community action groups, such as Porthcawl Civic Trust, the resort’s Chamber of Trade, and BAVO.

Download the…

Press Release (Word docx).

Response Document from Sustainable Wales (PDF screen resolution). Updated Sept. 2020

CHARITY CALLS FOR SUPERMARKETS TO ACT ON PLASTICS!

CHARITY CALLS FOR

SUPERMARKETS TO ACT ON PLASTICS!

As part of Sustainable Wales’ ongoing campaigns regarding the vital issue of plastic pollution here is the text of a letter sent to supermarket management locally and head offices. We will be following up this campaign across 2019 and we will update you with progress reports.

The charity, Sustainable Wales, has urged local supermarket managers and UK bosses to slash their plastic packaging. Research from Greenpeace shows that current supermarket plans are inadequate. (note1)

SW Director, Margaret Minhinnick says: “Plastic-free campaigns are developing UK-wide, but the public cannot be expected to bear the burden alone.”. (e.g. Bridgend Borough Council (lead Cllr Tim Thomas) and also Porthcawl Town Council (lead Cllr Alex Harris, have joined the ‘Surfers Against Sewage plastic-free towns’ campaign. https://www.sas.org.uk/plastic-free-communities/)

“Sustainable Wales (SW) encourages behavioural change within the community https://www.sustainablewales.org.uk/ 

We also offer a range of plastic-free, re-fill schemes and remade goods in our shop, SUSSED in Porthcawl.

Indeed, before the introduction of the 5p single use levy by the Welsh Assembly, SW employed a ‘plastic bag free-Bridgend campaign officer’ - working with local traders and the council, also providing evidence to the Welsh Assembly”, added Margaret.

Plaid Cymru Cllr Tim Thomas commented.
"I am always keen to look at innovative ways to reduce our single use plastic and I welcome the initiatives from Sustainable Wales to tackle this problem at source from supermarkets. The public have certainly played their part and many people have changed their behaviour, it's high time large supermarkets reciprocate." he continued.

(Note 1)

According to Greenpeace and Environment Investigation Agency (Dec 2018) the top 10 supermarkets collectively put more than 810,000 tonnes of plastic on the market each year. This is in addition to more than 1.1 billion single-use plastic bags, 958 million bags for life and 1.2 billion plastic produce bags for fruit and veg. 

There is also a shortage of plans in place to stem the flood. Most commitments made by supermarkets are weak, with room for improvement, they say.

The league table found that: 

·      Five supermarkets have no specific targets to reduce plastic packaging – Aldi, Co-op, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose. And of the supermarkets that do have targets, most are moving at such a slow pace that it would take them 20 years to completely rid their shelves of throwaway plastic.  

• Iceland has the most ambitious reduction targets aiming to get rid of all plastic packaging of its own brands by 2023.

• Only four supermarkets offer customers some options to use refillable containers. 86% shoppers support the idea of supermarkets moving towards using more refillable and reusable packaging but only Morrisons is showing much promise on it so far. 

• Greenpeace wants supermarkets to eliminate non-recyclable plastic, like black plastic, by 2019. Most have agreed to do so by 2025. Only four have adopted earlier time frames – M&S and Aldi by 2022; Waitrose and Co-op by 2023. The Co-op currently has the highest proportion of recyclable plastic packaging, at 79%.

More details here https://checkingoutonplastics.org 

FACTS. The plastic in our oceans could circle the planet 400 times threatening marine ecosystems and contributing to climate change.

Plastics have polluted the oceans to such an extent that no area is left uncontaminated. They originate on land, are transported by wind, rivers and untreated sewerage into the sea due to poor waste management systems.

Plastic fragments but does not biodegrade. They are a symbol of a throwaway culture.

1 in every 10 barrels of oil now used to create new plastic.