These improvements mean that all of the borough's households will now be able to recycle the majority of their plastic packaging waste - something previously only available in the former Ellesmere Port and Neston area.
Residents will receive an information leaflet through the door detailing what can and can't now be recycled and the difference it will make to the environment.
All new materials can be stored in the existing containers used to collect plastic bottles.
Executive member for community and environment Councillor Lynn Riley said: "Cheshire West and Chester residents are amongst the most committed recyclers in the country and we understand how keen they are to recycle even more.
"I am very happy to announce this improvement. Plastic is one of the most widely-used and popular materials of modern times. However, its popularity is part of the problem - we now use 20 times more of it than we did 50 years ago.
"By collecting even more recyclable waste we are not only helping to reduce the amount of waste we dispose of, but also to reduce our carbon footprint.
"Every time we recycle just one plastic bottle we save enough energy to power an energy saving light bulb for fourteen hours. Just think how much extra energy we can now save."
The improved service will allow residents to recycle plastic bottles from around the home (such as shampoo bottles, cleaning product bottles, as well as drinks containers including lids); food trays; butter and margarine tubs; fruit punnets; yoghurt pots.
All containers should be rinsed prior to recycling to reduce contamination levels.
Some types of plastic still cannot not be accepted for recycling including plastic film, all black plastic and hard plastics such as children's toys, video cassettes, and buckets.
For further details of the changes, including a full user guide, look out for leaflets coming through your door over the coming weeks, visit www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk or call 0300 123 7026.
]]>The research is part of the Solar Photovoltaic Academic Research Consortium Cymru (SPARC Cymru).
It will develop new technologies and innovations which will help solar cells collect more energy from weather conditions.
Professor Stuart Irvine, director of CSER, said: "This is very much a collaborative project, with our expertise in solar energy being combined with the electronics technology expertise of Swansea University in improving efficiency when converting the energy into electricity which can be used on the National Grid. The project also combines our thin film technology with innovative dye sensitised solar cells with researchers at Bangor and Swansea Universities".
"We have world class facilities in St Asaph with the capability to see everything through from initial research to the production of small thin film solar cell modules. The aim is to take us much closer to a size of solar cell which can be used commercially to provide the future electricity needs of Wales."
Announcement of the SPARC project comes as the Low Carbon Research Institute (LCRI), a pan Wales group tasked with shaping the future of energy research in Wales, recently held its annual conference in Cardiff.
The LCRI, which is led by Cardiff University and includes partners Glyndwr, Bangor, Swansea, Glamorgan and Aberystwyth universities, was recently awarded ã15.3m from the Welsh European Funding Office.
Not only have the panels have provided a handsome cash output, but they have saved around ã100 in day-time electricity consumption that was not purchased from the National Grid.
Simon Brown and Diana Wilderspin-Jones installed the seven 185 watt panels on the roof of their Hoole home last November.
These went alongside the two Solartwin solar thermal panels already installed on their roof and purchased from Chester based company Solartwin in 2000 to provide domestic hot water.
Simon said: "Not only do we make use of the heat of the sun for our water, saving around half of our water heating energy on the gas bill, but we generate renewable electrical power which we use directly and export into the grid.
"The payments we receive more than cover the cost of the additional mortgage payments for the loan we took out to install the system.
"With interest rates on mortgages so low, a mortgage taken out to install solar panels will not only be covered by FiT payments (for the additional cost of a typical 15 year loan), but after the term of the loan will provide a guaranteed healthy cash income for a further 10 years. The system will be regarded as a positive aspect by future purchasers of our home."
Diana added: "As a family we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint. We are making our contribution to reductions of CO2 necessary to minimise climate change. Now that Feed In Tariffs are available, solar panels are affordable to many people."
]]>Should the plan be successful, it will allow the facility to produce its own electricity and become self-sufficient.
The wind turbine will aim to provide a large proportion of the electricity required at the site, while ensuring any potential environmental impacts on the locality are kept to a minimum.
The company hopes to generate enough green power to offset up to 100% of the electricity currently used by the company.
Chris Thomas, project manager, said: "West Coast Energy is absolutely committed to developing its business throughout Wales and reducing its carbon footprint.
"We see this wind turbine as part of our continued commitment to the environment and the future low carbon economy."
The firm's ã2m environmentally friendly, purpose-built headquarters were constructed in 2009.
The independent wind energy developer was set up in 1996 and employs 160 people.
But those plans were wrecked last week when the Government withdrew ã100m of support to finance the huge contract.
Council leaders are now seeking urgent talks with the Government to discuss the decision and find a solution to Cheshire's fast-diminishing landfill space.
CWAC leader Mike Jones said: "I am extremely concerned by this development because after a five-year process, we were so very close to a solution to our household waste disposal problems over the next quarter of a century.
"During the next few days we will be talking to Government, our colleagues in the East and our advisors, in an attempt to clarify the situation and find a solution."
Cllr Wesley Fitzgerald, leader of Cheshire East Council, added:ÃÂ "We are disappointed byÃÂ DEFRA's decision as an awful lot of time and work has gone into this joint project.
"We had great faith in this scheme, and had already achieved a lot. However, we will be making every effort to talk with key stakeholders to find alternative ways of reducing landfill."
Community and Environment Executive Member, Councillor Lynn Riley, said: "Potentially we have some very important and difficult decisions to make after considering all the options and alternatives open to us.
"However, at this moment in time, only one thing is absolutely certain. Landfill availability in Cheshire is shrinking fast and we still have to find a way of disposing of at least 180,000 tonnes of household waste each year."
Using bio-fuel instead of energy from the national grid reduces carbon by 90%.
The oil will be collected from the 120 schools on behalf of Green2Go by its oil partner, Convert2Green, free of charge.
Cheshire East Council has recently installed cooking oil containers at their household waste recycling centres for people to dispose of their cooking oil waste properly.
All waste oil collected will be used for transport fuel and to heat buildings.
Cllr Andrew Knowles, cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, said: "We're very conscious of our eco impact and continually seek ways to reduce it.
"This scheme means we're using one of our waste products in an effective way that will help reduce carbon emissions.
"Disposing of cooking oils can also be a difficult job whereas this new method is both convenient and economical."
The Tory-controlled Cheshire West and Chester Council has just agreed there will be a borough wide waste collection contract from 2012 which aims to save ã1.5m a year.
It means general waste will be collected fortnightly - along with recyclables - instead of every week as currently. But there will be weekly collections of kitchen waste in special containers to address concerns about smell and hygiene.
The outcome is in line with a residents' survey of the whole borough which showed 60% in favour of fortnightly collections of general waste.
A break-down of the figures reveals a large majority of residents from the former Ellesmere Port and Vale Royal council areas, who already operate the system, are supportive but in Chester a slim majority (51%) would prefer to continue with a weekly collection.
Now eight firms will be invited to bid for the multi million pound contract.
Cllr Lynn Riley (Con, Weaver), executive member for community and environment, told councillors the waste contract was 'a significant harmonisation' exercise for the council. Aims were to provide customer satisfaction, high recycling rates, financial savings and a reduction in the carbon footprint.
Cllr Riley was delighted there had been 21,000 responses to the consultation. She added: "We believe we can drive something like ã1.5m out of the existing collection cost."
This autumn Cheshire West and Chester Council, in partnership with Cheshire East Council, is recruiting waste reduction volunteers.
The councils are looking for 20 volunteers to join the existing team of 38 who promote the benefits of waste reduction and home composting, attending roadshows and delivering talks throughout Cheshire.
The aims of the Waste Reduction Volunteer Scheme are to encourage more Cheshire residents to start home composting; use compost bins they have bought but are not actively using; promote effective home composting; and reduce the amount of compostable waste going to landfill.
Volunteers will take part in a number of activities including displaying promotional material, helping individuals on a one to one basis and attending local events and festivals.
Waste reduction volunteer Bob Edge has been working on the scheme for nearly a year.
"I have 15 years experience of composting and am an active supporter of waste reduction," he said.
"I have recently acquired much more knowledge through the Cheshire training and have learnt from the many experienced people I have met at the variety of events I have attended.
"Now I enjoy passing on this knowledge to others."
Those who are interested in reducing food waste, can also volunteer and help make a difference by encouraging people to cut back on the amount of food they throw away.
The Love Food Hate Waste campaign aims to show that food waste can be reduced by doing some easy practical things in the home. Waste reduction volunteers can work with members of the community to help them find ways to reduce the quantity of food that ends up in the rubbish bin.
Each volunteer is expected to complete 30 hours of volunteering over a 12 month period.
In return each volunteer will receive a two day training programme; Garden Organic membership; social events including a graduation ceremony when 30 hours volunteering is completed; travel expenses and the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.
If you think you have what it takes to become a waste reduction volunteer, contact the waste reduction project coordinator for an application form.
Call Cheshire West and Chester Council on 0300 123 7026 or Cheshire East Council on 0300 123 5511. To apply online log on to www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.
]]>To qualify for the award the church had to do an environmental audit and undertake a number of activities linking environmental issues with the Christian faith. The church was then visited by two local people - one who knows the church well and one who has an interest in environmental issues, who assessed the church for the award.
Rector Colin Randall said: "A number of different things helped St Bartholomew's church achieve the award. These included a new Lent Group which looked at environmental issues, the installation of a new low-energy lighting scheme in the church. The church also has created a dedicated area designed to help promote wildlife."
The ministry team also held a special service focused on caring for the environment and God's creation. For more information on becoming an eco-congregation visit: http://ew.ecocongregation.org and to find out more about St Bartholomew's church visit www.stbartholomewbarrow.co.uk
A new eco-house in Blacon aims to show people how simple practical measures can pay for themselves in a relatively short period of time with year-on-year savings including: loft insulation (ã150), cavity wall insulation (ã115), double glazing (ã40), draft proofing (ã25) and green light bulbs (ã7 each).
The demonstration house at 78 Dyserth Road Blacon, which is open to the public, features saving tips, displays and free products, with a warm welcome promised from the volunteers on hand to offer advice and a complementary cup of tea.
Community organisation Sustainable Blacon is behind the project which aims to save people money as well as saving the planet by reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gases.
Modelled on a typical British home, it aims to educate householders, developers, landlords and school children.
There is also garden where it is hoped to grow vegetables using recycled rainwater from the roof and compost.
Ged Edwards, chief executive of Sustainable Blacon, said: "With the average household energy bill expected to be ã5,000 in 10 years' time, we all need to act to save money and reduce our impact on the environment."
From September 20, the house will be open every week on Wednesdays from 2-4pm and Fridays 10.30am- 12.30pm or alternatively arrange a visit to the house by contacting Laura on 01244 379021 or email laura@sustainableblacon.org.uk
Andrew Evans, of Tarvin Environment Group, said: "The Tarvin eco- fair will offer all residents an opportunity to come together and celebrate village life, while learning more about how to create a sustainable future that protects both the village, the Parish and the local environment. The event has an appeal to a wider audience as well."
He added: "We have had great interest from Tarvin residents in projects such as our community allotment scheme and thermal imaging project. The eco-fair will enable people to come together to have fun and celebrate village life, whilst learning how small changes can help us all lead a more healthy sustainable lifestyle."
The fair with free entry starts at 12noon at the village community centre on Meadow Close in Tarvin, and is to be opened by the Lord Mayor.
For further details on the eco-fair, please visit www.tarvinenvironment.org.uk or call Hilary on 01829 740262.
]]>The findings point to a phenomenon that may only be local, or could be globally widespread.
Reports of declining populations of bees and other flower-visiting creatures have raised concerns about pollination levels.
There are major implications for farming and food supplies: a third of the world's fruits and vegetables would not exist without the help of bees and other pollinators.
The new research provides early evidence that climate change may be playing a role in driving down pollination.
"Bee numbers may have declined at our research site, but we suspect that a climate-driven mismatch between the times when flowers open and when bees emerge from hibernation is a more important factor," said biologist James Thomson, from the University of Toronto in Canada.
Professor Thomson conducted a 17-year pollination study of the glacier lily, Erythronium grandiflorum, in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado - one of the longest investigations of its kind ever conducted.
He found a progressive decline in pollination over the years which was most pronounced early in the flowering season.
Three times a year Prof Thomson compared the fruiting rate of flowers that were left to be pollinated naturally, or given extra doses of pollen by hand.
"Early in the year, when bumble bee queens are still hibernating, the fruiting rates are especially low," he said.
"This is sobering because it suggests that pollination is vulnerable even in a relatively pristine environment that is free of pesticides and human disturbance but still subject to climate change."
Prof Thomson began his research in the late 1980s after buying a remote plot of land and building a log cabin in a meadow full of glacier lilies.
His findings were published today in the journal Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences.
The glacier lily's blooming period lasts about four weeks, typically from May to June.
Its principal pollinators are queens of the early-emerging bumble bee species Bombus bifarius and Bombus occidentalis.
Surveys have shown no clear evidence of a decline in bumble bee numbers in the region.
Prof Thomson said the pollination deficits he had observed were probably due to a "growing phenological mismatch between the blooming of E. grandiflorum and the emergence of its best pollinators".
He added that the activity levels of queen bumble bees and the lifespan of flowers may be highly sensitive to air temperatures, sunshine, precipitation and wind.
"If these factors are changing, subtle dislocations of bees and flowers seem plausible," said Prof Thomson.
"Further research is needed to see whether the trend continues, and what might be driving it."
]]>Tenants and private householders will be offered solar thermal hot water systems, new gas central heating systems and replacement of the most inefficient boilers.
Clare Budden, Flintshire County Council's head of housing said: "I am delighted Flintshire County Council is one of the very few councils in the UK to attract this funding. This will significantly accelerate the programme of improvement we have set for the area, ensuring our tenants and private householders can benefit from higher levels of energy efficiency and lower fuel bills."
Karen O'Neill, community energy savings manager from npower said: "This innovative partnership will deliver real impact for those who choose to take advantage of it. "Saving energy, saving carbon and saving money go hand-in-hand, and the more we can do to reinforce this message the more impact we can have in helping people reduce their bills."
The offer to private households, without gas central heating or with the most inefficient boiler, will include a new central heating system, improved heating controls and insulation, all for a contribution of ã300.
The remainder of the costs will be covered by grant funding and interest free loans, which require no repayment whilst the owner remains in residence.
Flintshire's success in attracting this funding means that, for the first time, a 'whole house approach' will be delivered on a street by street basis. The aim is to install more than 100 solar thermal panels, which will allow people to generate free hot water. It will also be possible to connect every home in the area to mains gas.
More than 1,000 homes are eligible to participate in this scheme. and information suggests that almost half will be able to benefit from major improvements.
All properties in the area will be also be offered grants for loft and cavity wall insulation, as well as free energy advice.
Collectively the scheme should save residents ã130,000 every year and reduce carbon emissions by 40,000 tonnes per year, from property improvement alone. Many will make additional savings by taking advice on the best tariffs and through the use of real-time electricity monitors, which allow householders to better evaluate usage.
As well as providing environmental and financial benefits to householders, The move will also support local employment with 18-24 year olds being recruited through the Future Jobs Fund, to undertake paid work in support of it.
This work will include carrying out energy assessments, promoting the scheme, and installing light bulbs, draught proofing and other basic energy efficiency improvements.
Councillor Helen Brown, Flintshire County Council's Executive Member for Housing said:
"I am pleased to support this exciting scheme, which demonstrates Flintshire's ability to attract funding, despite the challenging economic climate. Energise Higher Shotton will have a positive impact on the local community, through the property improvements made and the job opportunities created."
The Welsh Assembly Government has recognised Flintshire's innovative approach, and its success in attracting CESP funding, which will improve the energy efficiency of homes in the area.
The Assembly has provided additional funding for the scheme from their ARBED programme, which the council will be matching by providing its own resources.This means that there will be further support for the Council's ongoing heating improvement programme. Other funding, in the form of interest free loans is available to private householders, which will ensure that improvements can be accessed by everyone living in the area
For further information contact the North Wales Energy Advice Centre on 0800 954 0658.
The Google Earth layer lends a human face to climate science by featuring videos of climate scientists from the UK explaining the latest scientific research behind the climate impacts shown.
The map also includes videos of FCO and British Council climate change projects currently taking place around the world.
Launched by foreign office minister, Henry Bellingham and climate change minister, Greg Barker alongside chief government scientist, Professor John Beddington, the map was developed using peer-reviewed science from the Met Office Hadley Centre and other leading impact scientists.
The UK Government is committed to keeping global temperatures as low as practical to avoid dangerous levels of climate change and is working to secure an ambitious global deal which achieves this. The Copenhagen Accord already commits countries to limiting average global temperature increases to 2ðC.
Foreign office minister, Henry Bellingham, said: "The threat from climate change has not gone away and this Government is committed to doing what it can to take action. We are committed to being the greenest Government ever.
"As the Foreign Secretary set out recently in his first major foreign policy speech, he is keen to engage with new audiences. This Google Earth map supports that commitment to tackling climate change and will hopefully communicate with a bigger audience globally about why the UK Government is being active in championing the transition to a low carbon economy."
Greg Barker, Energy and Climate Change Minister said: "This map reinforces our determination to act against dangerous man-made climate change. We know the stakes are high and that's why we want to help secure an ambitious global climate change deal."
Ed Parsons from Google said: "This is a great example of the benefits of using the latest web technology to visualise scientific information and promote better understanding of the potential human impacts of climate change. Allowing scientists to talk about their research to the general public is a way to enable the public to fully understand how the process of scientific investigation works."
Vicky Pope, head of climate change advice at the Met Office, said: "If greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, global average temperatures could increase by 4ðC by the end of the century, and possibly as early as 2060.
"This new mapping onto Google Earth illustrates some of the potential impacts of such a rise. It uses the latest climate and impacts science to highlight the consequences of not reducing emissions."
]]>Cheshire West and Chester Council have begun publishing their work to monitor air quality on new web pages.
Residents can find out what the air is like where they live or work just by typing in a postcode.
A series of links within the maps go to current air pollution levels, monitoring graphs, historical data and permitted processes regulated by the council. The provision of real-time data on graphs - updated every 15 minutes - means you can also search by location or pollutant.ÃÂ
Councillor Lynn Riley, executive member for community and environment, said: "We understand that many people in our communities are concerned about air pollution and the improvements we have made are in direct response to what our communities are telling us.
"We hope that being able to monitor your local environment in real time, will provide some reassurance to our residents, and also provide opportunities for people to get involved with the things within their area that really matter to them."
The interactive maps can be used to obtain information about current air pollution levels from sophisticated real-time monitoring stations, historical readings from more than 80 diffusion tube sites and the industrial processes regulated by the council.
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