Good evening,

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

In LCRN news: You can start following LRN, Colin Crooks has news from his charity cycle ride, you can enter the SMK Environmental Awards, and there is still a chance to receive free carbon reduction training.

In members news: FRP have been awarded a social enterprise award, TRAID's upcycling skills are featured in the Guardian, and Citroen are using a pop-up restaurant to raise money for FareShare.

In London News: WLWA will teach you to cook healthy food at home, London's wildlife has a trendy new home, and Boris Johnson has been criticized over air pollution.

In National News: Paper recycling is up, cash for scrap is to be banned, and plastic recycling could be better.

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

And finally...
 

• LCRN NEWS
• MEMBERS NEWS
• MEMBERS EVENTS
• MEMBERS JOBS
• LONDON RESOURCE NEWS
• NATIONAL RESOURCE NEWS
• ENVIRONMENT SECTOR NEWS
• THIRD SECTOR NEWS
• CONSULTATIONS, FUNDING & TENDERS
• AND FINALLY…

LCRN NEWS

* LRN Update

LRN is connecting London’s re-use projects across the city, sharing resources while providing you with access to all sorts of amazing finds. Follow us on Twitter, Like us on Facebook and Join us on Pinterest to see what’s happening in the world of re-use in London.

* News From Colin Crooks - Help Others Help Themsleves

LCRN’s CEO Colin Crooks is riding with 25 people for more than 350 miles from the New Forest to the Isle of Wight, then round to Canterbury via Brighton. Colin’s ride is in aid of two causes: Fine Cell Work, who take an innovative approach to the welfare of prisoners and ex-offenders; and Afghan Aid, who have been supporting Afghan communities for more than 30 years. If you would like to find out more information, or donate some money to a good cause, you can do so here.

* SMK Environment Awards

Are you taking action on an issue relating to the environment? Would you benefit from SMK’s Awards Programme? If so, please apply to be in with a chance of winning the SMK Environment Award 2012! Similarly, if this sounds like someone you know simply nominate them to apply themselves. The Environment Award is for campaigners working to provide sustainable solutions to the environmental problems we face locally, nationally and globally. Winners of an SMK Campaigner Award receive a tailored package of support, which includes one to one coaching from a highly experienced campaigner, an intensive and inspiring residential skills-building weekend and an invitation to a high profile awards ceremony. Winners are also invited to join the SMK Alumni Programme. Deadline: 1pm on Monday 18th June.
For more information, please visit London21.

* Free Carbon Reduction Training Available

If your organisation is located in south London, and is involved in the building sector, which can mean anything from: construction to maintenance, storage to logistics, plumbers to electricians, designers to decorators, or from facilities managers to furnishers, including reuse organisations (among others); you could be eligible for free carbon reduction training (normally worth more than £1,000). There is an upcoming training event, on May 17th, and would involve an LCRN staff member condusting a bespoke audit of your premises. The training is run by Carbon Smart, and there you will receive bespoke advice on how to reduce your carbon footprint, reduce the costs of your overheads, and writing an environmental policy. At the end of the training, you will receive an independently-verified environmental accreditation, that will communicate your commitment to the environment. This accreditation can then be used for marketing or promotional activities, or when bidding for new work. If you believe that you are eligible for this training, and would like to get involved or request more information, please call Julian Halse on 020 7324 4708 or e-mail julian@lcrn.org.uk.
  
* 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

* Upcycling With TRAID

The Guardian has highlighted TRAID’s commitment to the reuse and recycling of textiles – raising over £30 million since its launch in 1999 – by providing a slide show to convey how an everyday household items (in this case curtains) are transformed into a fashionable item. Not much more to say, other than follow the link below.
From the Guardian.

* Delicious By DS5 (But For FareShare)

Citroën and Chef Tim Anderson, the winner of BBC MasterChef 2011, are joining culinary forces to create a unique pop-up restaurant at a secret location in Shoreditch, London, to raise money for FareShare and to launch Citroën’s stylish new flagship DS5. The restaurant, called Delicious by DS5, will serve a five course tasting menu created by Chef Anderson and inspired by the five senses. The meal will cost guests just £5 per head with the proceeds going to FareShare, so if you buy a ticket not only will you be getting a massive bargain, you’ll be helping us deliver a further 20 meals! The restaurant will open from Wednesday 16 to Saturday  20 May, 2012. If you’re interested in coming along you can apply for table through a dedicated tab on Citroën UK’s official Facebook page where you can select your preferred date, service and number of attendees (up to six per table). With high demand anticipated, tables will be allocated on a ballot basis, with successful applicants being notified by email or phone between 7th and 9th May. Reservations will then be confirmed once a £5-a-head minimum donation is made to FareShare through this dedicated Just Giving page. So if you want to eat some delicious food, have a great night out and feel good about helping FareShare all at once then apply for your tickets today.
For more information.
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MEMBERS EVENTS

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

* The Banana Theory Installation

Come and celebrate the launch of an installation communicating notions of sustainability.  This was the winning scheme of a competition between Chelsea College of Art & Design's MA Interior and Spatial Design students and UCL's Engineering Doctorate students in Urban Sustainability & Resilience. The launch event for the installation will include a drinks reception followed by a lively panel discussion from 6pm on The Banana Theory and its potential impact. The panel will feature a range of sustainability experts including: Chris Church, Experienced Government Advisor on Sustainable Development; Richard Jackson, Head of UCL Sustainability Steering Group; Tia Kansara, Director of Kansara Hackney Ltd; and Prof Kay Politowicz, CCW Sustainability Drive. You can submit questions to the panel in advance by email to k.rafferty@ucl.ac.uk (these will be answered at the launch). The event takes place on the 21st May (6pm) and is free.
For more information.

* Volunteer Organisers Forum

Hammersmith & Fulham Volunteers Centre is holding its fifth Volunteer Organisers' Forum on the 25th May 2012. This is an excellent opportunity to share good practice, presentations, dicuss upcoming issues and events, and network with local volunteer-involving organisations. Currently MIND will be in attendance giving a presentation on mental health awareness, and a DEA giving a presentation on the role of DEA, volunteering and benefits, and a presentation about a new disabled volunteer project. Good practice in volunteering will be discussed, as will solutions to challenges and how to work more effectively with disabled volunteers. If you would like to attend this event, are interested and what to find out more about what will be discussed, or you believe that you have skills or knowledge that would benefit the forum, please contact Barbara Strong on 020 8741 9876 or barbara@hfvc.org.uk.
For more information.

* Delivery Of Waste Infrastructure

The Environment Agency and AEA invite you to take part in on e of a series of workshops to discuss the delivery of waste infrastructure. These will explore the barriers and opportunities related to the development major waste processing and resource-recovery infrastructure in London and the South-East, and will be developing recommendations to feedback to the EA, WRAP, and the Government on how this infrastructure can be successfully delivered. Sixteen workshop events will be held between May and June 2012, hosted at many state-of-the-art facilities in the South-East, including visits to Energy from Waste plants, MRFs, WEEE facilities, re-processors, Eco Parks, and anaerobic digestion facilities. The events will include a morning workshop delivered by AEA and Dialogue by Design, to discuss issues, followed by lunch and an optional site tour to see how business waste of all composition is being effectively treated. If you would like to apply for these free events, or would like further information, please e-mail waste@aeat.co.uk.

* Reuse And Recycling Fair

Community Visions is a three-year project run by BioRegional and funded by the City Bridge Trust. It aims to make Sutton the first sustainable borough and create and environment where local communities thrive and people can lead healthy lives, using a fair share of the Earth's resources. The Reuse and Recycling Fair is the second of three events over the summer that aims to promote Community Visions. It will take place on Saturday 23rd June from 12pm - 4pm at the Phoenix Centre, Mollison Drive, Wallington. Jointly organised by the Vine Project and BioRegional, this free community event will offer multiple activities to highlight how reducing waste and recycling is not just good for the environment, but also fun and rewarding as well. There will be an opportunity to learn more skills and take part in recycling activities with craft workshops, a 'Swish' clothing exchange, furniture repair demonstrations and an auction. If you would like to get involved with this event, or request further information, please call Stephen Edwards on 020 8404 4896 or e-mail stephen.edwards@bioregional.com.
For more information.
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MEMBERS JOBS

* LB Hackney - Recycling Officer

The London Borough of Hackney is seeking someone to join ambitious, forward-thinking team, and will actively assist in the development and implementation of the Waste and Recycling Strategy to help drive increased performance of this frontline service. Reporting to the Recycling Manager, the post-holder will lead on and support existing projects to translate strategic objectives into operational initiatives. They will also ensure that performance review mechanisms are in place to monitor progress and achievement. The successful candidate will need enthusiasm and commitment matched by a background in recycling strategy coupled with good project management and strategic skills. They will also have an appreciation of the challenges of providing recycling services in an inner city location. An appreciation of current waste management and environmental issues, excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to present clearly and foster strong relationships with a variety of stakeholders are essential. This is a full-time role, for an initial 12-month period with scope for extension. Remuneration will be £32,532 - £35,055 and the deadline for applications is 20th May 2012.
For more information and to apply.

* Community Gardener

Brockwell Community Greenhouses is currtently looking for a part-time community gardener to help move the project to the next stage of its development. The successful candidate will need extensive horticultural experience, preferably with an interest in food-growing and/or wildlife gardening. A proven track record of developing and managing projects is essential as is experience of working with volunteers and community work. This is a new role, funded for three years, and offers the successful candidate the opportunity to make a real difference to the charity and the communities worked with. Remuneration will be £22,500 per annum (pro rata). Please contact Beth on projectdev@brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk or call 07427 685 714 to be sent a job description and a person specification. Application is by CV and covering letter, preferably sent as e-mail attachments. The deadline for applications is Monday 14th May at 9am. Interviews will begin on the week commencing the 21st May.
For more information.
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LONDON RESOURCE NEWS

* WLWA Home Cooking 

West London Waste Authority (WLWA) is preparing to launch its first ever Let's Get Cooking club to teach people how they can reduce the amount of food waste their home produces. As part of a campaign to get people cooking in a more sustainable way, a total of 20 different clubs will be rolled out over a 12-month period and will cover all six partner boroughs - Richmond upon Thames, Hounslow, Hillingdon, Harrow, Ealing and Brent.  Led by the School Food Trust, the programme has been running for five years thanks to funding from the Big Lottery, and focuses on teaching children and adults how to cook healthy meals from scratch.  The WLWA will be adapting the scheme slightly as it plans to target young people who are leaving the family home for the first time, which means they will be responsible for their own food shopping and cooking. It is hoped that the clubs will appeal to students, young families and individuals starting out in their first jobs.
From Edie.net.

* Urban Jungle

The most innovative design to home some of London’s wildlife has been presented with an award following a judging competition hosted by London business development agency inmidtown. The competition was launched as modern building designs of glass and steel lack the dilapidated parts of old buildings that wildlife used to make their homes. The winner is called Habi-Sabi, a box to home birds and bats that is made from recycled flat packs, produced by architecture practice 51%. The units are designed for flat roofs, yards and inaccessible walls, and are easy to assemble; only requiring a hammer and a screwdriver. It is now being put into production.
From the Daily Telegraph.

* Air Superiority

According to papers released under a Freedom of Information Act request, Boris Johnson ignored attempts by the previous government to force him to clear up air pollution in London. The papers were acquired by the London Clean Air group, and they also show that the Mayor did not consult officials when deciding to scrap the western congestion charge zone. It appears that in 2009 central government was planning to show the EU that it had plans to reduce the number of PM10 emissions, which can cause respiratory and heart problems. The previous government believed that the western extension of the zone would be a useful tool in reducing PM10 emissions. According to the papers, Lord Hunt wrote to the Mayor urging him to keep the congestion charge, but this was rebuffed, with the Mayor claiming that it would not materially affect air quality. The previous government then declined to use legal powers to force the Mayor to reduce pollution, instead asking for a time extension to comply with EU laws. However, it should be pointed out that air pollution and in particular PM10 emissions have fallen since Boris Johnson became Mayor (according to a BBC report in week's enews anyway).
From the Guardian.
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NATIONAL RESOURCE NEWS

* Paper View 

The UK paper recycling rate rose to 78% last year, according to industry figures. The Confederation of Paper Industries’ annual review said the overall amount of paper and board collected for recycling rose very slightly to 8.0m tonnes in 2011. This came as consumption of paper and board dropped by 4.2% to 10.21m tonnes. A fall in the amount of newspapers, magazines and mixed grades recovered was offset by bigger hauls of higher grades of paper, corrugated and kraft. Exports of paper and board rose 6.1% last year, with just over half of the paper and board collected in the UK going abroad for recycling. More than three-quarters of this went to the Far East, of which almost two thirds was to China. However, the report said that UK exports could be put a risk as China introduced higher domestic recycling targets. Declining access to materials suitable for recycling was a key issue for the UK paper sector, the trade body warned. Imports of recovered paper were up 40% last year, forcing many paper producers to diversify into recovery and processing of raw materials. The CPI said it would lobby the Government and other agencies to improve the quality of recovered paper. The review also highlighted lobbying work over the Renewables Obligation and carbon reduction.
From MRW.

* Cash Transactions Scrapped 

The Government has announced that a ban on cash transactions for scrap metal could be in place within six months’ time. It said amendments to the Legal Aid Bill to outlaw cash payment for scrap metal, and increase maximum fines for trading stolen metal, were likely to be enacted this autumn. In its response to a blueprint for tackling metal theft published by a panel of MPs in March, the Government also said it was looking to overhaul the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964. But it ruled out providing more funding to tackle metal theft. The House of Commons Transport Select Committee report, Cable theft on the railway, made seven recommendations for tackling the crime. It called for the Government to provide powers for police officers to inspect both registered and unregistered scrap yards. The Government response said: “Police entry powers will be revisited as part of any future review of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act.” The Committee also urged the Government to provide extra resources beyond the £5m it has funnelled through the metal theft taskforce; while the British Metal Recycling Association called for a more co-ordinated approach from the Government and police.
From MRW.

* UK Bottles Plastic Recycling

According to Lord Taylor, the Government will press local authorities and businesses to boost plastic recycling capacity and realise the financial value of discarded waste plastics. Lord Taylor has stated that 240,000 tons of recyclable plastic bottles were sent to landfill last year – that would have been worth £91 million. The Government has set a plastic recycling target of 42% by 2017, and Lord Taylor believes that the best way to achieve the target is by focussing on plastic bottle recycling. Defra is currently working with Recoup, the advisory committee on the packaging industry, to research a ‘responsibility deal’ to raise awareness among the public of actions they can take to increase plastic bottle recycling rates.
From the Guardian.
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ENVIRONMENT SECTOR NEWS

* I Am Blown Away By This News 

The Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences at the University of New York has released research suggesting that wind farms can cause climate change (though that claim is somewhat misleading). The research found that the motion of wind turbines mixes warm air found high in the atmosphere, pushing up overall temperatures, which could affect local wildlife and regional weather systems. The study found a warming trend of 0.72C per decade (particularly at night) over wind farms relative to areas that had no wind farms. However it was pointed out that the change was most noticeable at night, so overall changes may be smaller. The change is much smaller than that estimated by other factors, such as carbon emissions.
From the Daily Telegraph. 

* Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me

New figures from the Department for Energy and Climate Change show that demand for solar panels has fallen by 90% since the subsidy paid for installing solar panels (feed-in-tariff) was halved by the Government. The solar panel industry has already spoken of its fears for the sector, and warned of job losses. Ministers however defended the cuts, saying that the scheme was ill-conceived and far too expensive. There was a general consensus that the subsidies would have to be cut as the cost of solar power fell – the disagreement was over their speed and scale. Greg Barker, the minister responsible for the scheme, has set an ambition to have 22GW of solar capacity installed in the UK by 2020, and quoted research suggesting that solar power could be as cheap as fossil fuels by 2020.
From the Guardian.
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THIRD SECTOR NEWS

* Charity Commission Data Blitz 

The Charity Commission has unveiled a new ‘overview’ section on its website in a bid to increase transparency in the voluntary sector. The section contains a wealth of facts, figures and graphs about the voluntary sector in England and Wales, including figures showing that total spending last year was £48bn, the sector’s assets are valued at more than £160bn and there are more than 940,000 trustees serving 162,000 charities. The top 50 charities under various categories, including spending and number of employees and volunteers, can also be found. The site shows that the conservation charity BTCV is the charity that has the most volunteers - 592,000. The Wellcome Trust is the biggest in terms of spending, having spent £728m in the past year, and investment, with long-term investments worth £14.6bn. The regulator says the new pages, which complement the existing online register, are part of its efforts to encourage transparency and accountability in the sector.
From Third Sector Magazine.

* Record Profits For BHF

Charity shops run by the British Heart Foundation made a record profit of more than £31m in the financial year ending in 2012. BHF Shops, which is the charity’s retail arm and has more than 700 shops in the UK, raised £5m more than in the previous year. It said the increase was due to a combination of people seeking bagains in the poor economic climate and an expansion in the number of shops it owns. New research commissioned by the charity and released this week shows that 44 per cent of the 2,000 adults polled said they shopped more in charity shops than they did a few years ago. Value for money is a key motivator: 53 per cent said they visited charity shops more because they could find "great quality items at low prices" and 43 per cent said it was because "charity shops fit my budget at the moment". Half of respondents said they chose charity shops because they love the "unique finds" they offer. The charity’s retail arm grew by 5 per cent in the past financial year. The total income of the British Heart Foundation in the financial year ending in 2011 was £125.2m.
From Third Sector magazine.
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CONSULTATIONS, FUNDING & TENDERS

* Expression Of Interest: NLWA Love Food, Hate Waste Activities

The North London Waste Authority (NLWA) is committed to running a Love Food Hate Waste programme focussed on reducing food waste arisings in north London. Activities being delivered include face to face engagement such as roadshows and information stalls, media engagement and advertising. NLWA is seeking to appoint an organisation to carry out two to three high-profile activities and events that involve and engage with the whole north London community. We are looking for innovative suggestions and ideas to complement the outreach work that NLWA staff already deliver. This could include competitions, workshops, challenges and more. Please note that the activities need to be completed by 31 January 2013. For each activity please include indicative costs for delivery and amount of waste that is likely to be diverted. Once the initial suggestions have been received, NLWA will prepare tender documents and invite interested organisations to come forward with a full proposal. Please send suggestions by 12 May 2012 to Dimitra Rappou, Waste Prevention Manager via email: dimitra.rappou@nlwa.gov.uk or post: Unit 169, Lee Valley Technopark, Ashley Road, N17 9LN

* Deutsche Bank Small Grants Scheme

Deutsche Bank has launched a new small grants scheme offering up to £2,500 to London-based education and community development organisations. In a collaboration with the London Community Foundation (formerly the Capital Community Foundation), the grants are available to voluntary and community groups with an income under £150,000. Organisations with an income of less than £100,000 will be given priority, the Bank advised. Additionally Localgiving.com is working with the scheme, committing to match the funds awarded to successful applicants as part of its 'match challenge initiative', providing up to an extra £3,000 including gift aid. Organisations' success in specific areas, including retention in educational projects and improving community cohesion in community projects, will be assessed within the application process. The deadline for applications is 5pm on 1 June.
Guidlelines are available here. You can apply here. 
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AND FINALLY…

* Armoured Division

Someone has found a novel way to reuse bicycle inner tubes - by creating some Joan of Arc style body armour. Let's hope this one is resistant to fire.
From themarysue.com.
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