 |
|
February2010
A Happy New Year to you all and welcome to the first 2010 edition of E News from The Green Blue. In this edition you’ll find information for businesses on how to apply for free consultancy advice on environmental improvements, lean manufacturing and sustainable design. We also have important information for boaters on the disposal of time expired pyrotechnics and we will be revealing our plans to work with sailing and yacht clubs in 2010. But first, as mentioned in the last edition, we have had a change in staffing here prompted by extended funding from Scottish Natural Heritage for the next two years. Sarah Brown, Project Manager from summer 2006 to December 2009, has taken on the role of Regional Advisor and Jane Swan (pictured above) has stepped up to take on the role of Project Manager. Sarah, although based in Scotland will have a remit to also cover Wales and Northern Ireland. She will be focusing on practical action, working with clubs, training centres and marinas to help them analyse and minimise their waste disposal and energy use by using our online self assessment tool www.marinetoolkit.co.uk. She will also be leading The Green Blue’s research work, liaising with relevant universities, looking out for the latest research relevant to the recreational boating sector and helping to keep The Green Blue’s messages up to date.
You can contact Sarah on 0844 556 9544 or email sarah.brown@thegreenblue.org.uk
|
  |
 Free Consultation for South East Marine Businesses to Improve Environmental and Economic Performance.
SMARTA, a 3 year project launched in January 2009 and funded by the European Union and SEEDA, has been set up to help marine businesses in the South East to improve their economic and environmental performance. The project offers practical assistance for marine businesses via free consultancy provided by experts in production optimisation, sustainable design and environmental best practice. Up to 12 days worth of free professional consultation is available from the project partners.
|
 |
Positive Developments for Out of Date Flares As most boaters are aware, the disposal of out of date flares has been a frustrating issue for the last few years. Since the MOD stopped collections of time expired pyrotechnics (TEPs) from the Coast Guard, the disposal route as been cut off leaving many boaters facing a difficult problem of how to get rid of them in a safe and environmentally sound way. However good news is on the horizon, the MCA (Maritime Coast Guard Agency), together with the help of the Department of Transport, has agreed to continue to accept TEPs from the public. The MCA has awarded a new contract to undertake the collection and disposal of TEPs from its premises with Ramora UK Ltd of Portsmouth www.ramorauk.com Following recent changes of legislation with regards to the storage and transportation of explosives, MCA premises now require to be brought into line with those changes. This will mean that the number of sites which will be able to accept TEPs will be significantly reduced. Therefore 18 sites evenly spaced across the country have been identified for the collection of TEPs. |
 |
The Green Blue Reaches Out to Clubs Since its inception in 2005, The Green Blue has been working with individual boaters and boating businesses to help them reduce their impact on the marine environment. During 2010 our strategic objective will be to continue this important work but also to extend our reach to Sailing and Yacht Clubs, helping them make environmental improvements and save money. We will be working with clubs on issues such as saving energy and water, implementing recycling schemes and greening events. If you are a member of a club and would like some help and guidance from The Green Blue to make environmental improvements then please take a look at the attached document showing what we can do for your club and get in touch. |
 |
 |
||
|
 CompetitionThe 33rd America's Cup is due to start on 8 February, and interestingly there are some strong links between the famous trophy and the environment. In 1995 and 2000,Sir Peter Blake won the America's Cup with Team New Zealand, the only nation to successfully defend the trophy. Sir Peter then turned his energies into building public awareness of environmental issues, with the Sir Peter Blake Trust inspiring and helping to shape projects such as The Green Blue. The link between the environment and the America's Cup is set to continue in the future with Team Origin, lead by Team Principal Sir Keith Mills, positioning his campaign as 'The Race for Change'. Sir Keith was the keynote speaker at The Green Blue Annual Conference 2009 and outlined his plans to reduce Team Origin’s carbon emissions. This month’s prize is a Team New Zealand rugby shirt owned by the late Sir Peter Blake, a copy of his Biography “An Amazing Life” signed by his wife Lady Pippa Blake and a pair of Sir Peter Blake branded Lucky Red Socks. To be in with a chance of winning simply answer the following question. With which organisation has Team Origin entered into a partnership to raise awareness of environmental issues?' Send in your answers to info@thegreenblue.org.uk by Friday 12th Feb Need a clue? Click here |
|
 |
||
