Other News
The fourth ‘R’: Reduce, Re-use, Re-cycle – and Repair
Repairing is the new, on-trend ‘R’ in waste reduction. The concept of the 3Rs – reduce, re-use, recycle – was originally developed by WRAP (Waste Resources Action Plan). Now repair cafés are starting up across the country, mainly in the larger cities where there is a greater pool of expertise. Bath Repair Café was started in April this year by Lorna Montgomery. These repair sessions have proved very popular, with greatest demand for bike repairs and repairs of electrical goods. Bath Repair Cafés are held on the third Saturday of the month at New Oriel Hall, Larkhall. Time Bank Plus in Twerton will be holding monthly repair cafes on the first Saturday from September.
Bath Repair Cafe have a great team of repairers but would like to hear from anyone with computer skills or general mending skills to become a regular or fill-in repairer. They would also be interested in anyone getting involved with the general administration or development of the group (contact Lorna at bathrepaircafe@gmail.com or on 07815643698)
Popular items for repair and re-making are textiles. The Big Mend is a long-established Bath group who repair textiles, either conventionally or in an unusual, decorative way. The group meets on the last Wednesday of the month at the Museum of Bath at Work. There’ll be a session on Wednesday 26th July, 6-8pm, and everyone is welcome (bring your own project or help make some hearts).
Bath University develops biodegradable microbeads: Scientists and engineers from the University of Bath have developed biodegradable cellulose microbeads from a sustainable source that could potentially replace harmful plastic ones that contribute to ocean pollution.
Plastic microbeads used in cosmetics and toothpastes have been leaching via river systems into our oceans, ingested by wildlife and entering the food chain. Manufacturers of these products have been under pressure to reduce their production, and the government is considering implementing a ban later in the year.
Bath University have developed biodegradable microbeads from cellulose which breaks down in the environment and will not have the same polluting impact as the current plastic beads. More information on this project is available here.
Bath based commercial property developer HPH invests £20K in electric car charging points for its tenants: To meet demand from tenants HPH has invested £20K, plus a further £6K of government funding in providing electric car charging points following demand from its tenants. It has installed charging points in Kingsmead Square, at its car park in Monmouth Place and other local sites. Each charging point can charge up to 4 vehicles. Its has also bought a Renault Zoe electric car which it will use to help manage its local properties, reducing local air pollution.
More information on the installation is available here. HPH have strong sustainability policies which aim to minimise and offset the carbon footprint of the properties they manage. |