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LCRN: The Crashing Into The Pacific Enews

Good evening,

Welcome to the London Community Resource Network's enews bulletin, your weekly source of resource and sustainability news.

In LCRN news: LCRN and ecoACTIVE have teamed up with Hackney Council to provide free composting equipment to schools, while there will be a series of 'Stuff for Free' events in January, where people can exchange unwanted items for those that they need.

In members news: A new report has highlighted the increase in urban community food-growing, the Otesha Project have a series of summer cycle tours, and still need people to act as tour liaisions, while SEED Foundation are still operating their food waste recycling project at the Maiden Estate in Camden, and could always do with volunteers (but you knew that already).

In London News: Boris Johnson has demanded more concessions for London residents from the Government's high-speed rail project, TfL has revealed plans for a re-design of Bow Roundabout, while there is bad news for fans of jellied eels.

In National News: A Liberal Democrat peer has called for tougher targets on biodegradable waste sent to landfill, council bin fines are to be 'consigned to the scrapheap of history', and plans to drill for shale gas meet stiff opposition in the Home Counties.

All this and more in the Environment and Third Sector news. 

And finally... Does nuclear power have a license to kill?
 

LCRN NEWS

* Composting In Hackney's Schools

Local schools and communities are being offered free composting equipment by Hackney Council. This is the second time that the council's recycling team has teamed up with LCRN and ecoACTIVE to support composting initiatives for local communities and schools since 2010. The aim of the project is to develop schemes that will help to reduce local waste. Domestic waste that is collected will be made into compost and the local authority will then use it on local green spaces and parks. Schools have already applied for the free composting equipment, though there are two weeks left for schools and communities to apply. The deadline for applications is 30th January - more information is available from Hackney council's website.
For more information.

* Stuff For Free

West London residents can get rid of their clutter and unwanted Christmas presents and take home what they really need at a series of Stuff for Free events in January. Vision Warehouse 15, on Kendal Avenue in Acton will be the site of these unique community events where people can drop off any unwanted stuff and those who may be feeling the pinch after Christmas can pick up something that they need; this also means that they will be helping the environment - by reusing items they are saved from landfill, helping to reduce fly-tipping and conserving valuable resources. From 12th - 22nd January from 8am - 12pm (9am - 3pm weekends), residents and businesses can bring along any unwanted items (in good condition) - including working and broken electrical items, as DHL Envirosolutions will kindly take away any broken equipment for recycling. From 27th - 29th January (9am - 3pm), after a team of volunteers have sorted the donated items, anyone can come along and take the items they want, for free. Stuff for Free is administered by a partnership of Healthy Planet, London Re-use, Furnish, Shepherd's Bush Housing Group, and the West London Waste Authority.
For more information.
  
* Become an LCRN Member today
 
Join the network that’s innovating away London’s waste, the grassroots way. LCRN is proud to present our new membership scheme, open to organisations, charities, community groups and social enterprises in London dedicated to responsible resource management. Our new tiered system is based on both income and services so that you get the most bang for your buck. We strive to bring your organisation the right balance of business, organisational and communications support. Our free membership is still available, but come have a gander at what we’ve got on offer. Our rates are incredibly reasonable and our services can only be a boost for you in this economic climate. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please contact Julian between on 020 7324 4708 or email julian@lcrn.org.uk.
…for LCRN’s new membership scheme
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MEMBERS NEWS

* Dig For Victory

A new report has highlighted the rise in communities growing their own food in a bid to beat the recession. The popular image of urban food-growing has long been that of bearded old men on allotments or city farms that schoolchildren visit to pet barnyard animals. However a new report, 'A Growing Trade', produced by Local Action on Food, has shown how a quiet revolution has been taking place with thousands of new urban community food-growing projects being set up around the UK. Indeed, an increasing number have been selling their produce, including Hackney Grown herbs, that have been sold to high-end restaurants. Over 1,500 new community spaces have been set up in London alone since 2008, thanks to London Food Link's Capital Growth project. A number of groups running these spaces are exploring how, by selling their produce, they can replace funding for their community work that has dried up due to government austerity. 
For more information.

* Otesha Project - Summer Cycle Tours

Every summer teams of volunteers pedal across the UK stopping at schools, youth clubs, festivals, and community events to inspire individuals to take creative and positive action toward a more sustainable future. Tour members receive plenty of training and will be skilled up on everything from consensus decision-making to bike maintenance. Tour members will be part of a mobile community of around 15 people who share roles such as meal planning, cooking, meeting facilitation, record keeping, presenting workshops, equipment maintenance, planning group activities, and most importantly, being inspired and inspiring others to live more sustainably. The goal of tour members is to learn from their experiences and the communities visited, and to put a bucket-load of creativity and energy into making the tour have the biggest impact possible. To join you need not be an experienced cyclist, educator, or performer, you just need to have plenty of enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. The Otesha Project is also seeking six dedicated and fun-loving Tour Liaisons, three to join the 'Totally Coastal' tour (around the coastline of South-East England), and three to join the 'Western Quest' tour (South Wales through to Somerset and Devon). If you would like to go on tour and have a little more involvement in route planning, a couple of weeks' preparation in an office, and some extra responsibilities on tour, Otesha would love to hear from you. The deadline for Tour Liaison applications is 27th January at 5pm.
For more information.

* SEED Foundation - Volunteers Needed!

As a result of council funding coming to an end, the food-waste recycling programme is due to finish on Maiden Lane Estate in Camden Town (near King's Cross) at the end of November. SEED Foundation, which has been working with residents to improve the service, has created a plan to help the estate's own social enterprise take over the system. However, much-needed start-up funding has not yet been secured, and volunteers are needed to bridge the funding gap between now and the end of March, in order to get the new system up and running. If you are interested, and would be able to dedicate three hours per month of your time helping out with collections, composting, machine management or marketing, please contact Clare Brass at clare.brass@seedfoundation.org.uk or call 07773 768 184. A really rich soil improver will be offered as a thank you for your time.
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MEMBERS EVENTS

 Visit our friends at Project Dirt for more events across London.

* Sew Good 2012 With TRAID

Learn to 'Sew Good' with TRAID at monthly workshops held at TRAID's shop in Camden. You can bring a garment that you no longer wear, and you will leave with the skills you need to fix, alter, and revive your wardrobe. Simple techniques will help to extend the life of your clothes, and will give you the confidence and knowledge to adjust second-hand, charity shop, and vintage finds to fit perfectly. Whether you need to fine-tune your skills, get to grips with a sewing machine, or even learn to thread a needle, the Sew Good team will help you find creative avenues for transforming unwanted clothing into something that you will love to wear. Due to Sew Good's popularity, booking is essential. Please e-mail sewgood@traid.org.uk. The workshops take place on the second Thursday of every month, between 6pm and 9pm, at TRAID Camden, 154 Camden High Road, London NW1 0NE. These events are free.
For more information.

* Waste Watch Annual Conference 2012 - Creating Social Change

Creating Social Change will bring together individuals and organisations to discuss why a new, integrated approach is needed to achieve meaningful change for social and environmental sustainability .The day will include inspiring examples of both research and practitioners at the forefront of the movement to create long-term changes in collective societal values, behaviours and lifestyles. Confirmed speakers include: Tom Crompton (Change Strategist at WWF), Sally Inman, (Professor of  Education Development at South Bank University), Ray Georgeson (Resource Association), Andrew Darnton (Independent Researcher), Ian Williams (University of Southampton) and Morgan Phillips (Our Common Place).
Date: 22nd March 2012; 10am - 5pm
Location: The Human Rights Action Centre, 17-25 New Inn Yard, London EC2A 3EA

For more information.
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MEMBERS JOBS

* Seasonal Education Assistant 

Vauxhall City Farm is looking for a seasonal education assistant to support the work of the farm’s education project over the busy spring and summer period. The successful applicant will be expected to deliver educational programmes at Vauxhall City Farm around the themes of food, farming, biodiversity and sustainability in a way that supports the National Curriculum. They will help plan and promote a wide range of education activities for schools and families, preparing learning materials and resources. The successful applicant will be confident around animals and comfortable working outdoors in a busy and varied environment. There will be occasional off-site, evening, and weekend work.  The position is part-time, and remuneration will be £15,000 per annum (pro rata). To receive further information or to apply, please contact Hannah Townsend 020 7582 4204 or e-mail vcfeducation@btconnect.com. The closing date for applications is the 6th February 2012 (5pm).
For more information.

* Grants Officer

London Wildlife Trust is looking for an enthusiastic fundraiser to support their Grants Fundraising Manager in securing income from grant-making bodies including charitable trusts and foundations, landfill, lottery and statutory funders. The role will focus primarily, but not exclusively, on supporting the Trust’s Conservation team to secure funding for species and habitat conservation and land management from the Landfill Communities Fund, statutory sources and other funders as appropriate. A systematic approach to work and excellent time management skills are required to meet tight deadlines. Key responsibilities will include researching and writing high quality applications to funders, working with staff across the Trust. Developing and maintaining excellent relationships with funders will also be an important part of the role. This exciting role demands a creative and proactive approach, persuasive writing skills, great time management skills and an eye for detail. This is a full-time, permanent position, and remuneration will be from £19,000 - £25,000 per annum (usual point of entry is £22,500). For the opportunity to join the Fundraising and Marketing team see London Wildlife Trust’s website to download an application form. Should you have any enquiries, please e-mail recruitment@wildlondon.org.uk or call 020 7261 0447. The closing date for applications is the 30th January 2012.
For more information.

* Fundraiser

Spitalfields City Farm is looking for an experienced fundraiser. If you would like to become involved in the Farm and help them to grow and maintain their excellent service then the Farm would love to hear from you. Covering two acres of land, Spitalfields City Farm is home to over 60 animals and provides a chance for Londoners to meet farm animals face to face, grow your own food, help out by volunteering and even provide space for younger members through the Young Farmers scheme. The Farm also provides education and training for people in the local community and beyond. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a growing organisation that is also a developing Social Enterprise. Due to the current economic times we live in this will be a very challenging role, as the Farm looks for funding to maintain their excellent service. This position is part-time, and remuneration will be £15,000 per annum (pro rata). Application for this position is is by CV and covering statement, that should relate closely to the job description and person specification. These can be found at Spitalfields City Farm’s website (please click on the link below).  Please send completed applications to Mhairi Weir, Farm Manager, Spitalfields City Farm, Buxton Street, London E1 5AR. Alternatively, e-mail completed applications to mhairi@spitalfields.org. The deadline for receipt of applications is the 27th January 2012 (6pm).
For more information.

* Community Food Grower

Required for March 2012, a talented and enthusiastic community food grower to join our Family & Community Engagement Department. You will work on our ¾ acre urban farm. The role requires a team player who is confident, professional and has a studious approach to work.  Experience as working as a food grower and dealing with the local community is essential. The Phoenix Canberra Schools Federation is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.  An enhanced CRB disclosure will be requested for the successful candidate in accordance with Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education legislation. In return, we offer you a friendly and supportive environment and excellent professional development opportunities. Staff have free use of the community sports centre and swimming pool. This is a fixed term role to last for two years (subject to funding), and will involve working 36 hours per week (all year round). Remuneration will be £20,460 - £22,242 p.a. (+ London weighting at £3,299). For an application form and further details please view the vacancies section of www.phoenixhighschool.org or email eleanor_reid@phoenix.lbhf.sch.uk or call the school on 020 8749 1141 ext 205 for an application pack.
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LONDON RESOURCE NEWS

* Boris Demands Concessions From White Elephant

Boris Johnson has criticized the Government over its high-speed rail project, describing it as 'not right' for London. Transport secretary Justine Greening approved the plans recently, after pledging three miles of extra tunnelling to appease protestors. From 2026, trains travelling at 225mph will cut journey times from London to Birmingham to 49 minutes. However, despite his criticism of the current plan, the Mayor of London remains 'a passionate supporter of HS2 in principle'. 'A source' close to the Mayor tried to play down the row and denied that the Mayor wanted the project scrapped. He will continue to to press for concessions in the coming months, and will do 'everything he can' to make the case for unhappy west London residents. The Government recently listened to Mr Johnson's demands for a tunnel in Notholt, and it is understood that he is now pressing ministers over funding for a new Crossrail line between north and south London, to take pressure off London Euston when HS2 is up and running.
From the Evening Standard.

* About Turn On Roundabout Plans

Transport for London has proposed two options to improve safety for cyclists on the Bow Roundabout in east London. Two cyclists were killed on the roundabout last year in collisions with HGVs. One option is for traffic lights that give cyclists a headstart to get across the junction ahead of vehicles. Another is to put cycle lanes across the flyover with traffic lights to make it safer for cyclists to get on to. TfL is consulting with cycling groups and local authorities and it is hoped that the preferred option could be in place for the start of the Olympics. Following the deaths at Bow, the Mayor of London asked for a review of all major schemes planned on TfL's roads, as well as junctions on Barclays Superhighways. This follows a campaign from the London Cycling Campaign, urging the Mayor to acknowledge the dangers cyclists face at Bow Roundabout. London Cycling Campaign chief executive Ashok Sinha said: 'We're delighted Transport for London has finally responded to cyclists' calls for Bow Roundabout to be redesigned'. However, Green mayoral candidate said: 'The Mayor should have listened and got Bow Roundabout right in the first place, before two people died. Neither design is convincing as neither design caters for pedestrians'.
From the BBC.

* Pie And Mash Only

The cockney's traditional diet is under threat after supplies of eel began to dry up. It has been reported that supplies of eel plummeted by 98% in the last five years, having fallen victim to pollution, over-fishing and loss of habitat. Eels are now no longer cheap - with a portion of eel now costing as much as a portion of pie, mash and liquor. Unfortunately, the European eel only spawns in the Sargasso Sea in the middle of the Atlantic, and cannot be bred in captivity or be sustainably farmed. Celebrity chefs Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsey have been criticized by conservation groups for serving eel. Though it is not just London that will feel the loss - smoked eel is enjoyed by the Germans and the Dutch, while 'glass eels' are a Japanese delicacy.
From the Evening Standard.
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NATIONAL RESOURCE NEWS

* Landfill Plans Under Peer Pressure 

Tougher targets are needed to reduce the amount of biodegradable waste sent to landfill, a former Liberal Democrat environment spokeswoman has told a House of Lords debate. Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer last week urged ministers to adopt a tougher stance or face losing ground to other European Union members. Under the EU Landfill Directive, the UK must reduce the amount of waste it sends to landfill to 75% of that produced in 1995 by 2010, then to 50% by 2013 and 35% by 2020. The Landfill Allowance Trading Scheme aims to ensure England meets its part of these targets. But Baroness Miller said: “Other countries in the European Union have now set a final date, in many cases of 2015, for ending the dumping of biodegradable waste in landfill sites. Is the UK going to reconsider this? There are so many useful ways to utilise waste food. Separation technologies have progressed a long way, so it is no longer only a question of anaerobic digestion processes. However, anaerobic digestion allows the heat generated to be used and the resultant fertiliser to be used on farmland.” She praised the Environment Agency and WRAP for producing a quality marking for the fertiliser produced by AD. Opposition peers used the green agenda debate to vent their frustrations at ministers, who they said were failing to deliver on a pledge to be the greenest government ever. Baroness Smith of Basildon (Lab/Co Op) cited a raft of green organisations including Friends of the Earth, the RSPB and Wildlife and Countryside Link, which have been critical of the government not living up to its green rhetoric.
From MRW.

* Council Fines To Be Binned

Ministers will announce that new laws will be introduced to ban council jobsworths from imposing fines of up to £1,000 for people over-filling their bins or putting them out on the wrong day. Councils will also be told to reduce the penalties to as little as £40 by the spring, before the laws are passed, effectively phasing out the controversial and unpopular system. The end of the fines regime (which was introduced by the previous administration) was first signalled within weeks of the 2010 General Election, with Eric Pickles accusing Labour of encouraging fly-tipping and introducing a 'stealth tax'. In the interim period before the law is changed, councils are to be told to reduce the fixed penalty fines from their current level of £75 - £110 to a new level of £60 - £80, with a discounted rate of £40 for early payment. Lord Taylor, the waste and recycling minister, is writing to councils to ask them to put the transitional arrangements into place, though they cannot be forced to until the law is changed. A consultation process will soon begin ahead of new laws which fines will only be permitted if a council can prove that a household is causing 'harm to a local amenity' by putting out rubbish on the wrong day.
From the Daily Telegraph.

* No Fracking Please, We're British

After earthquakes in Lancashire and tales of poisoned water and flaming taps in the US, "fracking" for gas or oil in the English home counties was never likely to be easy. And so it proved when oil executives faced the fury of a village hall full of West Sussex residents in a clash over a controversial technology that energy companies believe could open up major reserves of energy from underground rocks. "What you are about to do will make our water beyond toxic!" Ella Reeves shouted at Mark Miller, the Pennsylvania oil man who had come to Balcombe to explain plans to search for hydrocarbons 800 metres under the Sussex weald. "It's about money for you, but for me it is about life." The meeting was the latest skirmish in the battle between environmentalists and the oil and gas industry over access to the UK's shale gas and oil reserves, which in Lancashire alone could deliver £6bn a year for 30 years, according to one industry estimate. Supporters say it will improve the UK's energy security and the battle has intensified in recent months with anti-fracking activists scaling a rig in Hesketh Bank, Lancashire, halting work in November. Balcombe laid on a more polite welcome, but after two earth tremors near Blackpool last year were attributed to Cuadrilla's fracking operations, the atmosphere was tense. A warm-up video screened by the meeting organisers about the toxic impact of the technique in America raised the temperature to furious. For many residents this was the first they had heard of the plans and they voiced worries about the millions of gallons of water needed for the operation in a drought-affected area, and noise and water pollution. Two young women spoke about their fears that fracking would hinder their recovery from cancer. Miller said the fracking technology used in the UK was designed to prevent pollution of water courses. He repeatedly said the well was only at exploration stage and that a further licence would be needed for extraction. He said the chemical used in the fracking solution was not carcinogenic.
From the Guardian.

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ENVIRONMENT SECTOR NEWS

* Beautiful Pea Green Boats 

Giant cargo boats and US navy warships have been successfully powered on oil derived from genetically modified algae in a move which could herald a revolution in the fuel used by the world's fleets – and a reduction in the pollution they cause. The results of substituting algal oil for low-grade, "bunker" fuel and diesel in a 98,000-tonne container ship are still being evaluated by Maersk, the world's biggest shipping company, which last week tested 30 tonnes of oil supplied by the US navy in a vessel travelling from Europe to India. Last month, the navy tested 20,000 gallons of algal fuel on a decommissioned destroyer for a few hours. Both ran their trials on a mix of algal oil – between 7% and 100% – and conventional bunker fuel. Collaboration between the world's two biggest shipping fleets is expected to lead to the deployment of renewable marine fuels. Maersk uses more than $6bn of bunker fuel a year for its 1,300 ships, and the US navy, the world's biggest single user of marine fuels, burns around 40m barrels of oil a year. The navy plans to test more ships on algal fuel next year as part of its "green fleet" initiative and has pledged to cut 50% of its conventional oil use a year by 2020. Maersk hopes to achieve similar cuts in the same time. Unlike early biofuels, which made transport fuel from food crops, the new "second generation" process uses only plant waste and does not displace foods which could be fed to people or animals. Nevertheless, immense amounts of feedstock would be needed to power the world's ships. Maersk estimates it could take the crop waste of an area half the size of Denmark to completely power its ships. But even a partial switch to algal oils would massively reduce air pollution. Bunker fuel, which is little more than asphalt, can produce as much pollution from a single ship in a year as 50m cars and is the most polluting fuel in the world.
From the Guardian.

* Reduce, Then Reuse, Then Recycle

Businesses will be encouraged to safeguard the future supply of critical resources through greater recovery and reuse operations under the Government's forthcoming Resource Security Action Plan. Defra Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman has said that the action plan, due to be published shortly, will provide businesses with "information about the risks to the supply of individual materials" such as key metals and minerals required for cleantech technologies. Defra also intends to build up a strong evidence base by studying the approach of other countries towards resource efficiency, and by exploring global opportunities for UK companies that look to recovery, recycle and reuse critical materials. According to Spelman, UK business could save up to £23bn a year by using raw materials, energy and water more efficiently. The action plan, which has been developed in partnership with business, will home in on non-energy and non-food resources - for example rare earth metals as these are subject to increasing price volatility risks.
From Edie.net.

* Ladybird, Ladybird, Fly Away Home

An explosion in the number of harlequin ladybirds has led to people's homes being infested with the creatures – and threatened native ladybirds. While the two-spotted and seven-spotted varieties are emblematic of the British countryside, the larger harlequin, first seen in the UK in 2004 and now numbering billions, has become the nation's most abundant species. Rather than feasting on aphids and greenfly, the harlequin also eats lacewings, hoverflies and even other ladybirds. The harlequin is a formidable opponent – in particular for the two-spotted ladybird with which it shares an ecological niche. Since the arrival of the harlequins, the two-spotted population has declined by as much as 30 per cent. Ladybirds are brightly-coloured because they contain defensive toxic chemicals. The harlequin carries a more potent toxic cocktail and is larger than the two-spot. The invaders eat the larva of their British country cousins. The Harlequin, native to Asia, was introduced to America in 1988 and has become the dominant ladybird species on the American continent. The species has invaded most of western Europe, with the UK population growing from a small corner of south-east England to dominate the entire country, as well as parts of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
From the Independent.
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THIRD SECTOR NEWS

* Proposed Community Budgets Are 'Very Encouraging' 

A ‘community budgets’ policy being trialled by the Communities and Local Government department will allow charities to become more involved in local public sector decision-making, sector bodies have predicted. Community budgets allow public bodies, including local authorities, police, fire and health authorities, to collaborate in allocating budgets from a single combined pool. CLG announced last month that they were to be tried out in Manchester, west London, Cheshire and Essex. Alex Massey, a policy officer at chief executives body Acevo, said his organisation believed the scheme would help public bodies to "co-design" services with charities. "It will encourage councils to involve service providers and service users in setting priorities". He said that he thought it would boost funding for charities that provide early intervention services for groups such as drug users, ex-offenders and children in care. He added that local authorities were reluctant to fund early intervention services because, although they saved money for the public purse, any savings accrued to other public sector budgets. But with community budgets, all savings would accrue to a central pool shared by many public bodies.
From Third Sector magazine.

* Local Giving And Social Action

Charity sector umbrella body Navca has teamed up with the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research to research ways to increase local giving and support local social action. Running over three phases, the research will review current initiatives for promoting local giving and philanthropy, case-study three locations to find out what approaches have been used, and report on the lessons learnt. The research is intended to influence policy makers and foundations and provide information for Navca members. Neil Cleeveley, director of policy and communications at Navca said the research is not just about increasing financial support: "We’re interested in the potential to increase local giving to support local voluntary and community actions in all its forms. We decided to undertake this research because we don’t believe enough is known about the current level of local giving. The priority is to get more financial resources into the local VCS, but we’d be interested in how we might increase, for example, pro bono support."
From the Office for Civil Society.

* Politicians Pledge Estates To Charity (Well, At Least 10%)

The leaders of the three main political parties have backed a campaign that encourages people to leave at least 10 per cent of their wealth to charity in their wills. David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband have pledged to leave at least 10 per cent of their estates to charity as part of the Legacy10 campaign, which was set up by Roland Rudd, chairman of the public relations firm RLM Finsbury. The campaign was launched in November 2011, ahead of a new inheritance tax measure that will be introduced in April. The move will reduce the rate of inheritance tax from 40 to 36 per cent for anyone who leaves at least 10 per cent of their estate to charity.
From Third Sector magazine.
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CONSULTATIONS, FUNDING & TENDERS

* Santander Social Enterprise Development Awards

The Social Enterprise Development Awards are provided by the Santander Foundation and administered by the London Community Foundation. The awards are given to support social enterprises in Greater London to grow and develop their work which will further improve their local community. Projects should address one of the following areas: improving social inclusion; supporting training, skills and employment; and creating a greener environment. Three levels of award are available: £50,000 to social enterprises with a turnover of £250,000 - £500,000; £30,000 to social enterprises with a turnover of £100,000 - £250,000; £15,000 to social enterprises with a turnover of less than £100,000. In addition to the cash prize, the winning social enterprises will also be provided with the following support opportunities: monitoring and evaluation support to measure business success; access to bespoke university training courses; the opportunity to have a three-month intern working in the business to help implement growth plans; networking with other award winners; the chance to showcase the business and community support provided by hosting a Development Award visit; and access to business and mentoring advice. To be eligible, applicants must be a social enterprise or community interest company, be based within a London borough, must have been trading for two years, have a turnover of less than £500,000, and generate at least 26% of their income from trading activities. Match funding is not a requirement. The deadline for applications is 3rd February 2012 (5pm). 
For more information.

* Funding To Support Collections Of Food Waste From Businesses - Demonstration Projects

The Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) administers the Collections of Food Waste from Business - Demonstration Projects scheme. Through the scheme, funding is available to to develop a number of demonstration projects which will help improve services to businesses, divert food waste from landfill and support the development of the Government's AD strategy. Funded projects will demonstrate good practice approaches to collecting food waste from businesses, look at ways to reduce service costs, and maximise food waste recycling. The overarching purpose of this programme is to encourage the collection of food waste from small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), public sector buildings and larger businesses. All collected food waste will be required to be recycled through an AD or IVC process in England. The scheme can fund capital costs such as vehicles, bins, and publicity materials for projects that will significantly increase the amount of food waste collected. Up to 75% of the eligible capital costs will be considered. Operating costs can be funded; however the applicant will need to ensure that they have a budget available for the ongoing operation of their project post-commissioning, and for at least the two-year contractual period. There is a budget of approximately £500,000 for 2011-14. The maximum value of a grant under this current round is £100,000. The scheme is available to local authorities, private sector, or community sector organisations operating in England. The deadline for applications is 3rd Febraury 2012. 
For more information.  
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AND FINALLY…

* No, Nuclear Power, I Expect You To Die

The notorious James Bond villain Dr No has been accused of helping to portray nuclear power in a negative light by a leading scientist from the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). To mark the 50th anniversary since filming began on the infamous James Bond film 'Dr No' the RSC has voiced concerns over the lasting impact the film has had on the public image of nuclear power. RSC president David Phillips argued that the Bond films, in particular Dr No which sees an evil mastermind and his nuclear reactor hidden on a Caribbean island, have contributed to the image of nuclear power as a force for evil. He said: "The society is considering all the ways images of its kind have informed, or not informed, the contemporary debate over nuclear power." According to Mr Phillips, the 1962 film helped to cast a negative image of nuclear power as a "barely-controllable force for evil", which he said the society is keen to dispel.
From Edie.net.
 

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