ESG Radio Broadcast 131212

First, some local, practical news: at long last the Upper Town gets some recycling bins! Locations are dotted about and linked to existing bin stores. This is good news! Also on recycling, bins placed at Commonwealth Car Park which has been fenced off on commencement of works, can now be found on the other side of the road at the entrance of the temporary car park. Please, spread the word- this is a large catchment area for many residents and important that the bins get used. One final bit of news is the start of collection of plastic for recycling on the Rock! Please support this latest Government initiative on recycling and use the yellow bins for your plastic and tetra bricks as well as your cans. See Govt Press Release with details:

“GOVT PRESS RELEASE: RECYCLING IN THE UPPER TOWN
The Upper Town is the latest area to have the recycling service extended.
New recycling bins have been placed at Flat Bastion Road (south, by refuse cubicle) Willis’s Road (by New Police Block) Prince Edward’s Road (by refuse cubicle at Hargreaves) Castle Road (by refuse cubicle below Sacred Heart Church) Moorish Castle Estate (by main refuse cubicle) Tarik Road Car Park (by refuse cubicle) Calpe Road (by Anderson House).
Residents will be able to deposit glass, cans, plastic bottles and tetra brik containers in new bins which are slightly smaller than the bins elsewhere, enabling them to be collected from the narrow streets of the Upper Town.
“It is hoped that these new facilities will encourage people to start recycling on a more regular basis, particularly in the build up to the festive period which generates larger amounts of waste than usual,” said a Government spokesperson”

In writing this end of year broadcast, it finally hit me that this past year has gone by in a flash! Nevertheless a lot has happened and the ESG has worked steadily throughout, both in our new role at the DPC, with the new administration, and on our own campaigns. We hope we have contributed positively on key issues which have arisen and towards the management of Gibraltar’s environment in general. It must be said that the environment, on the whole, has risen in stature locally under the new team and we welcome seeing many of the environmental pledges delivered on over the next few years. Still, this little Rock, precious though it is, makes up only a very small part of the big wide world: a world which faces significant environmental challenges, both from present day activity to ever rising levels of human population and the accompanying pollution that is necessary to support them.

With Climate Change talks recently held in Qatar, which predictably delivered no substantial change, we are reminded more than ever, the importance of grassroots action to clean up our environment and not only rely on major fora of this type to deliver tangible results. Some positive spin has been given in the international media, following the Qatar talks, about the fact that finally, oil rich middle eastern countries are openly recognising the very real threat of climate change, and need for diversifying economies away from fossil fuels. However, any progress on securing urgent action by the developed, richer nations, failed to materialise at this latest international conference. This leaves less developed countries in a precarious and impossible position – the pressure to industrialise, and yes, increase CO2 emissions, is unavoidable for poorer countries that, as yet, do not have easy access to clean technologies. Yet, many of these countries are manufacturing items that fill our homes in the west – while emissions produced in the manufacturing process continues to be their responsibility. This unfair situation must change and we must accept responsibility to redress global health and wealth inequality to help change people’s lives and also combat climate change.

A media story entitled “Beggars and Polluters” describing what the Qatar climate talks really stood for also caught my attention: Why not Google “Beggars and Polluters, Qatar”, for the full article online –you may find it of interest.
So as we look ahead, immediately to Christmas, and then the New Year, let’s remember that we in Gibraltar share and rely upon the rest of the world to enjoy the very privileged lifestyle we have today. That overconsumption is not the answer to happiness or environmental sustainability and that what really counts is to be mindful and respectful in all we do. Thanks for listening and for your support throughout the year. Please visit our website which is being updated to carry latest reports and end of year summary etc. on www.esg-gib.net . Have a peaceful and happy time during the festive period with your friends and family and remember to recycle your waste!!

ESG Radio Broadcast 29th November 2012

Today’s newsletter will touch on a few topics – to start with you may have caught sight of our great plastic monster on tour around Gibraltar last week – perhaps you saw him in the streets or in local papers and wondered what was going on? Well, this was the creature’s swansong tour helping promote awareness of the imminent launch of plastic recycling on the Rock, before heading away for recycling itself. The monster was the product of many hours of work during the summer month workshops by the ESG, Eco Art and the Gibraltar Youth Service, piecing together a huge mass of plastic containing over 1,000 plastic bottles and many hundreds of plastic bags. Material came from local company, Saccone & Speed, and the Gibraltar community. The CUTW Parade was the main stage for the monster. The inspiration for the model came from a similar sculpture built elsewhere in Europe as part of an educational and awareness programme on the dangers and issues surrounding plastic waste in our communities today. So a very serious message, delivered in an eye catching and rather comical way. Thanks to Eco Art, Master Services and the GBC Production team.

Just a final word to those of you interested in this topic- if you still don’t know where your nearest recycling bins are, look in the Gibraltar Telephone Directory, under section Around & About in Gibraltar, pages 8 & 9, for a detailed breakdown on rubbish disposal guidelines. We hope that Government will soon give the green light for recycling of plastic.

Last week’s DPC meeting packed in a detailed agenda. The Charles Hunt Room was equally packed with standing room only, as several items of public interest were discussed. On the agenda were listed buildings, tree felling, extensions, demolitions, add-ons, you name it, it was on there and lively discussions were held in an open, public format, which really is a breath of fresh air. No longer do we suffer major developments being pronounced with no or little forewarning. At the very least today, we may not always like what is proposed to the DPC, but, at the very least, the public has a right to hear, object and follow the rationale for planning approval, if given. This is a tangible and very important step towards the democratisation of Gibraltar’s planning matters. With the Town Planning Department being provided additional human resources, this also means that a more holistic and thorough service can be delivered to the community. The 1999 Town Planning Act is also currently under review and will be up for public consultation before such review is completed.

The ESG has now sat in on eleven DPC meetings. We hope we are making a positive contribution in the area of environmental safety in planning and have found the whole process, so far, of great interest.
Please contact us if you have any queries or simply want information on any local environmental issue- we are always willing to try and help. A word to our members that we shall be renewing subscriptions before the end of the year as usual and hope we can count on your support.

Contact us on: 200-48996 or 54960000, email at esg@gibtelecom.net and visit our website at: www.esg-gib.net

Hot news at the moment is the temporary power station to be set up at the corner of Western Arm and the North Mole. Our group responded very positively to this announcement by Govt last week given that’s its priority is to both secure electricity supply this winter AND reduce harmful air and noise emissions which have plagued residents living next to the ageing power stations for the past two decades. No-one who lives in the vicinity of these monsters, and whose day to day lives have been plagued by them can think that investing in a solution NOW is anything but long overdue. Yes, we all expect and anticipate the long term plan for Gibraltar’s total energy needs to be announced without further delay and we certainly will continue to monitor this urging Govt to make its decision known as soon as possible.

In our many discussions with Government we understand that renewable energy programmes are currently and actively being looked at with a view to installing such technology soon as part of Gibraltar’s energy needs. With a parallel programme running to increase energy efficiency in our community as well as the immediate action of setting up this new temporary power station the ESG believes we are finally moving in the right direction. Our advisers compare the new turbine engines that will be set up at the North Mole as “moving from propellers, to jet engine technology”. This modern technology will also significantly reduce air pollution which is harmful to our health as well as fuel consumption that will also bring about financial benefits. What the ESG remains concerned about however is how long the three ageing stations are operational and will be calling upon Govt for these to be decommissioned as quickly as possible. Let’s face it investing in Gibraltar’s energy needs is not only important for our quality of life and health but also a requirement of meeting EU Directives on air quality stds which are presently being breached by the existing power stations.

For those interested in planning matters in Gibraltar: perhaps you are concerned about a development in your back yard? you should know that the next DPC meeting takes place on the 22nd November at 9.30am at the John Mack Hall with items on the agenda that seem to cover proposed activity throughout every corner of Gibraltar. No doubt somewhere near you! For more information go to: Gibraltar.gov.gi/Town planning, where you will find the link to DPC, that’s the Development and Planning Commission, with full agenda details.

The ESG is happy to take your enquiries on any environmental issue of concern to you so please call us at 200-48996 or 54960000, you can also email us at esg@gibtelecom.net or find us on Facebook too.
Look forward to hearing from you. Thanks for listening.

Friday, 9th November 2012

Govt announces £4m contract for new temporary power station

by Eyleen Sheil

The Government has announced a £4m temporary solution to the problematic electrical supply issue in Gibraltar by renting a temporary power station at the north western end of the North Mole.

The new North Mole temporary power station is due to come into commission by the middle of next month and is currently being shipped from the United States. The Government has entered into a two year agreement worth £4m with Energy International Inc, a US based company, for the supply of temporary electrical power using rental turbine power, which can be fuelled on either gas or diesel but will be fuelled in this situation on diesel.

According to the Government these units operate on proven technology and are extremely reliable. They incorporate “SoLoNox Low Emission Technology” which is considered to be more environmentally-friendly compared to the diesel engine technology that has been used in Gibraltar for the last eighty years.

The new temporary units are expected to provide up to five megawatts of generating capacity and are designed to run twenty four hours a day.

“The twelve skid generators imported by the previous administration (eight rented and four bought outright) were capable only of one megawatt generating capacity each and were not designed to be run continually. These skid generators may soon become surplus to requirements,” said a Government spokesperson.

The Government envisages that the new temporary power plant will be fully operational by mid December 2012. Just before the winter peak demand. The new facility is expected to enable Government to improve security of supply during peak demand periods when power cuts have previously occurred as a result of a lack of generating capacity.

The advent of the new temporary power station will permit for variations in the operating regimes of all three existing power stations in Gibraltar, which should result in an overall lowering of emissions. In particular NOx emissions are predicted to reduce by 40% per megawatt generated by the new temporary power plant immediately.

The aim is also to reduce the operational running of the power stations in the South District and in the Waterport area whenever demand allows during the silent hours, without comprising the security of supply. This should lower the emissions and reduce the noise levels in these areas during these periods.

“The Government of Gibraltar is also continuing to identify alternative ways of further reducing the emissions arising from the production of electricity in Gibraltar. To this effect Government is already working with Energy International on the fitting of Catalytic Reduction technology (known as “Scrubbers”) to these turbines. The fitting of such scrubbers will further reduce emissions by another 97%. These will, however, have to be fitted at a later date due to design and availability issues that need to be resolved.

The Government’s first priority, however, has been to secure the reliability of electrical supplies for the winter peak demand and to service the existing engines to improve their reliability and performance, which in turn further increase security of supply and reduces emissions,” said a Government spokesperson.

Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, said: “As I have said previously, security of Gibraltar’s electricity supply is one of the most important issues for my Administration. We have been working tirelessly on this issue in the past eleven months in an Inter Ministerial Committee and with our electrical, technical, environmental and financial experts. We are now ready to announce this excellent temporary solution that is designed to ensure security of supply – something which the previous administration’s one megawatt skid generators demonstrably did not do. We have actually engineered a solution that gives this security whilst also reducing emissions hugely at first and even more so (almost to 1% of current emissions from the existing facilities) with “scrubbers” fitted.”

“The good news is that the noise nuisance and pollution from all existing power stations in the South District and Waterport will be eliminated or very significantly reduced during silent hours and also to a lesser extent during the day,” he adds.

Concluding the Chief Minister said: “The next step is to finalise our determination on the long term solution by the decision on what permanent power solution is to be chosen. Again environmental, noise and cost issues will be relevant alongside security of supply in the final determinations we have to make in this respect. At the same time, we are at a very advanced stage in the introduction of renewable energy sources from different types of technologies. These are the right decisions for our community and I am delighted to have led the Committee in its deliberations to date and going forward to the stage when we announce the permanent solution for power generation for the future.”

ESG reaction

The ESG have said that they welcome the Government’s announcement on the new, temporary power station at the North Mole.

“After over a decade of campaigning, and several meetings held with Government throughout this year, we believe that at long last, steps are being taken that will help alleviate the shocking conditions created by the three ageing power stations, and suffered by thousands of local residents,” said a spokesperson.

According to the group many people understand that the noise and air emissions from these stations are not simply nuisance factors but are also harmful to health; therefore, a reduction of such pollution can only be seen as extremely positive news.

“Of course, this is a temporary solution and Government is still planning its final, and long-term power station replacement which we hope will also be located away from residential areas, follow highest standards and technology. We trust that a decision for this is taken soon,” said the group.

The group also said that they understand that renewable energy options are also being looked at very carefully with a view to incorporating these into Gibraltar’s energy needs.

Something that the ESG has been calling for years and as a result they say that they welcome all steps taken in this hugely important direction and await further announcements with interest.

http://www.chronicle.gi/headlines_details.php?id=26655

ESG Press Release on
New Govt Energy plans announcement

The ESG welcomes Government’s announcement today on the new, temporary power station at the North Mole.

After over a decade of campaigning, and several meetings held with Government throughout this year, we believe that at long last, steps are being taken that will help alleviate the shocking conditions created by the three ageing power stations, and suffered by thousands of local residents.

Many understand that the noise and air emissions from these stations are not simply nuisance factors but are also harmful to health; therefore, a reduction of such pollution as pledged by the Chief Minister in his announcement today can only be seen as extremely positive news.

Of course, this is a temporary solution and Government is still planning its final, and long-term power station replacement which we hope will also be located away from residential areas, follow highest standards and technology. We trust that a decision for this is taken soon.

Meanwhile, it is understood that renewable energy options are also being looked at very carefully with a view to incorporating these into Gibraltar’s energy needs.

The ESG has been calling for such measures for years and we therefore welcome all steps taken in this hugely important direction and await further announcements with interest.

The ESG is concerned about air quality in the South District last week, notably between Wednesday and Saturday. Fumes from the GibDock area, together with heavy pumping of noxious smoke from both power stations were also compounded by bunkering fumes blown ashore due to prevailing winds.

All together made for a cocktail of pollution which affected a large section of our population for often unbearable stretches of time.

It is true that much of the time our air space is flushed clean because of our constant wind flow. The downside of this is when the winds drop or turn inland as this results in pollution from certain fixed points in Gibraltar to directly impact on the community. Several recommendations on these matters have been made in various papers submitted to previous and present Governments over the years by the group.

This key issue affects our quality of life and our health and the ESG calls upon Government to do what is necessary to bring these polluting sources under control.

ESG Radio Newsletter 12th October 2012

Hi- today’s’ newsletter will highlight some of the action during this year’s CUTW campaign that saw widespread community support.

The energy and physical activity unleashed over a few hours throughout Gibraltar was astounding, with many areas visibly transformed. Large quantities of waste were removed from new or existing hotspots with sheer hard work from volunteers and other partners who provided specialised equipment and resources to shift this in a short space of time – The results and recommendations of the Clean up on a site by site basis are contained in a report to be submitted to Govt and the Litter Committee for consideration.
If your team took part you may want to visit our website which carries an article and photographs of volunteers: go to esg-gib.net and news for info and click on the flickr link for pictures.

Because so many of our community leaders support CUTW they in turn influence their peer groups and is why awareness under this campaign spreads so effectively. Ultimately, however, we believe that awareness and facilities must be supported by fines carried out by dedicated Litter Wardens. .

The energy and glee from the young and not so young on the colourful Parade was a resounding success and messages on respecting and cleaning up our environment and calls for recycling were made loud and clear. With a government actively responding to our campaign there is hope that progress will be maintained.

Immediately after the clean up the ESG organised a weeklong Exhibition rich in a variety of displays from various associations and schools. A mini cinema screened environmental films and workshops were held on organic food and sustainability and creating art from waste. Feedback from pupils and teachers was very positive encouraging us to plan more workshops in future.
Thanks again to everyone whose efforts ensured a CUTW success in 2012.

As Gibraltar prepares for Al Gore’s visit and the Thinking Green Conference it cannot have escaped anyone’s notice that the ex vice president of the USA commands both attention and controversy.

It will be interesting to hear what he and his colleague have to say that can help bring about positive environmental benefits for Gibraltar. As a long established environmental NGO, we know how important these issues are and see the visit in an optimistic light. The appeal, this time, is made to businesses to take on responsibility for converting their companies to greener performance and choices. This is a valid goal. The surrounding noise about the visit, costs, structure of conference and more rushing through social and other media will no doubt continue until Mr Gore has been and gone. We have spoken out against Nature Company sponsoring part of the costs and have made the specific reasons for this known. You can read about this also on our news section on our website.

Debates and discussion should certainly follow the conference to discuss the substance of what we can do here in Gibraltar to make important environmental changes and the ESG, for one, intends to continue working hard for these measures.

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ESG PRESS RELEASE RE NATURE SPONSORSHIP OF THINKING GREEN CONFERENCE
4th October 2012

The ESG believes that the Thinking Green Conference is a positive step in Gibraltar’s evolution towards a greener and more sustainable environment. Nevertheless a Chronicle article published on the 28th September announcing that sponsorship of this Conference was to be partly covered by Nature Group is not seen as either positive or acceptable by the group.

Given the circumstances surrounding Nature, the ESG is dismayed at the regrettable decision by Government, as hosts, of allowing such sponsorship to go ahead. Nature locally holds the record for the worst environmental accident in Gibraltar in recent times. The fact that said company is still embroiled locally in court proceedings makes their sponsorship of a major environmental event completely inappropriate.

The ESG recognises that companies like Nature Group sponsor all manner of events, charities and good causes throughout the world but we cannot accept that its operations in Gibraltar, to date, provide the credentials to be linked to such a high profile environmental event as the Thinking Green Conference.

The ESG has publicly lobbied against the chronic pollution from this sullage plant for many years leading up to the explosion, because of the widely felt impact from its operations. With Nature investment coming just before the explosion, the plant was set to expand capacity. As would be expected, this chronic and deeply impacting air pollution has disappeared from the area since the explosion and cessation of the treatment of waste oil.

We are aware of the company’s intentions to resume treatment of waste products in Gibraltar and this is something we shall campaign against as we believe that our homeland is too small and densely populated for this process to be carried out safely, and without adversely affecting the population.

The sponsorship of the conference is a serious investment by Nature and looks like an attempt to whitewash its sullied reputation. The Government, as hosts of the event, should not have accepted such sponsorship.

ESG – Gibraltar Report on CUTW CLEAN UP 2012

GO TO FLICKR LINK ON HOME PAGE ESG WEBSITE FOR PICS ON CUTW TEAMS -WILL ALSO BE ADDING PARADE AND EXHIBITION/SQUARE PICS SOON!

With a vibrant Parade and Square Event widely supported by the community and the Gibraltar Government the clean up kicked off with over fifty teams tackling 31 sites throughout Gibraltar.
Hotspots and difficult areas saw teams double up and work together this year. The traditional “mountain of waste” created for the past seven years looked quite different this time as our waste was divided and sent to appropriate destinations that are now open on a seven day basis – a measure long called for under the CUTW campaign.
This resulted in large items such as furniture, timber, metal, electronic goods etc. being diverted away from our usual mountain of waste.

Some examples of the worst sites tackled include: Seven Sisters, Northern Defences, Prison Car Park environs, Cat Sanctuary and Witham’s Cemetery. These all require follow up.

This year Master Services Abseiling Team worked on a treacherous and filthy site on a cliff face throughout the entire day. Gibraltar’s first religious leader, the Imam, took part in the CUTW event and the Gibraltar Museum embarked on cleaning up two caves during the annual event. Centres such as the Gibraltar Clubhouse, Wildlife Park and Botanic Gardens also received some welcome muscle from our volunteers.

Feedback from team leaders will be included in a report published online and presented to the Litter Committee for information and action.

The majority of our sites are now maintained throughout the year ensuring that many teams did not face a huge amount of accumulated rubbish. This is positive but frustrating that volunteers still managed to fill 30 to 40 bags in a couple of hours showing the ongoing litter problem we continue to have in Gibraltar. Contractor’s materials, emptied premises, private lands provided rich pickings for our volunteers signaling the need for a targeted effort by the Litter Committee to address these chronic problems.

Prevention is therefore important and the CUTW campaign calls for increased:

Education/awareness – Continued improvement on Facilities and – active Enforcement/fines

Organisers wish to thank EVERYONE involved this year participating and supporting the action in clearing rubbish and raising awareness and helping meet the challenge of cleaning up Gibraltar

CUTW 2012 TEAMS

CONVENT, BAYSIDE, SCOUTS, GUIDES 1, GUIDES 2, HERITAGE TRUST, GONHS, BOTANIC GARDENS, ESG, 101 LTD, ECO ART, DUKES, WESTSIDE, MOD-GDP BOAT SUPPORT, RGP OFFICERS, ROTARY, BETFAIR, GIBRALTAR SUB AQUA, SIMPLY DIVING, ROUND TABLE, DELOITTE, ST MARY’S, ST ANNE’S, ALAMEDA TENANTS ASS. ,BROWNIES, BEAVERS, WAKE UP GIBRALTAR, SHINE, GIBRALTAR MUSEUM CAVE SECTION, BISHOP FITZGERALD, MASTER SERVICES ABSEILERS, ROUND TABLE, RECYCLE.GI, FOEGIB, GSLPYOUTH, YGSD, TARIKIBNZIYAD YOUTH ASSOCIATION, SACCONE & SPEED, NATWEST, LLOYDS, GIB COLLEGE, GIBRALTAR CLUBHOUSE, YOUTH CENTRE, WILDLIFE GIBRALTAR, 101 LTD, WILDLIFE PARK, WILDLIFE GIBRALTAR, INTERBUILD, COMMUNITY SERVICES, WILLIAM HILL, INDIVIDUALS

CUTW PARADE/STALLS

Several CUTW Teams, ESG, Bishop Fitzgerald, St Josephs Middle, St Anne’s, Sacred Heart, Bayside, Loreto, Brownies, Beavers, Eco Art, Local Organics, Susan Edwards, Michele Stagnetto Globe, FOEGib, St. Mary’s Parent’s Association, Recycle.gi, Gibraltar Heritage Trust, Art through Movement Nathan Conroy and team, families and friends. Parade also enjoyed strong Government support with Minister Cortes joined by Ministers Garcia, Sacramento and Costa with Mayor Lima and his wife present at the Square to support the event.

TRANSPORT/TEAMS/EQUIPMENT/MATERIALS/GENERAL SUPPORT

BASSADONE, 101 LTD, SACCONE AND SPEED, MORRISON’S, ST JOSEPH’S MIDDLE SCHOOL, ECO ART, SUSAN EDWARDS, KAREN LUCAS, DEAN ALSOP, PEDRO MESQUITA, MASTER SERVICES, GIBRALTAR CLEANSING SUPPORT SERVICES, GIBDOCK, GDP, MOD, RECYCLE.GI, ST JOHN AMBULANCE, CONTINENT 8, LITTER COMMITTEE, YOUTH SERVICE, ITWMC picnics for teams, JOHN MACKINTOSH HALL, WILDLIFE GIBRALTAR, LIZZIE SAVIGNON, CHELSEA EDWARDS, CAT MC NIVEN

EXHIBITION

WORKSHOPS BY LOCAL ORGANICS, ECO ART AND FILMS SCREENED BY ESG. ARTWORK BY BAYSIDE AND WESTSIDE, BISHOP FITZGERALD, ST JOSEPHS MIDDLE, ST ANNE’S, SACRED HEART SCHOOLS AND NATURE ECO ART CLASSES; CUTW DISPLAYS, RECYCLE.GI, HERITAGE TRUST, FOEGIB, LOCAL ORGANICS, GIANT PLASTIC MONSTER PRODUCT OF SUMMER LONG CUTW WORKSHOPS SUPPORTED BY VOLUNTEERS AND YOUTH SERVICE

CUTW SPONSORS

OPEN DAY TRUST AND THE BONITA TRUST

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CUTW PARADE
The CUTW Parade launching the clean-up was marvellous! Colourful, loud, and heaving along Main Street, by far our most impactive yet. Thanks to everyone who contributed towards its success and to those whose summer long efforts in the workshops supporting Anna of EcoArt ensured a great impact and message was delivered. With plastic waste as menace, a key 2012 theme, the giant plastic monster evoked a lot of reaction, even applause from onlookers. A beautifully crafted globe also drew much admiration from the crowds. With not one but four cruise liners in Gibraltar that morning it was a challenge to move our several hundred strong parade up Main Street but with efficient RGP support it all went according to plan (with a few surprises along the way!)
Strong Government endorsement for this Campaign was evident with the presence on the march of four Government ministers. Gibraltar’s Imam also marched with his team along Main Street and Mayor Tony Lima and his wife were present at the Square lending their support. Several stalls, also joining our exhibition this week were set up to welcome the marchers.
The event kicked off with Nathan Conroy and his team delivering an energetic and brief rendition of Art in Movement – using rubbish as his instruments, a most fitting opening.

Minister for the Environment, Dr. John Cortes, also uplifted the gathering with the positive news that very shortly, Gibraltar will see the start of recycling of paper, cardboard, tetra bricks and plastic – long overdue and strongly welcomed by the ESG. The crowd received this news with delight. Delivering this service will be challenging and shall need community support to work effectively so clearly a good moment to make the announcement.

The ESG then asked the Minister to present specially mounted posters to teachers from the schools present at the square that, every year, support the CUTW Campaign. The poster provides a map with Recycling Points in Gibraltar and was produced by the group with information supplied by Government departments.

CUTW also thanks ITWMC for this year making available much welcomed picnics to help volunteers face the main task of the day, of cleaning up Gibraltar’s green, coastal and underwater areas.

EXHIBITION

Our CUTW Exhibition at the John Mackintosh Hall was a big hit with participating schools. While six schools had signed up to attend a three part workshop including Eco Art, Local Organics and the ESG and CUTW, some of these could not attend due to torrential rainfall. However the schools that did come thoroughly enjoyed the experience and organisers received great feedback from the teachers too! Photos and info on the workshops and exhibition will soon be posted on our website: www.esg-gib.net

CUTW CLEAN UP 2012 SUCCESSFUL

After a vibrant Parade and Square Event widely supported by the community and the Gibraltar Government forty-five teams tackled 31 sites throughout Gibraltar. Hotspots and difficult areas saw teams double up and work together this year. The traditional “mountain of waste” created for the past seven years will this year look quite different. This is because we have sent special waste items like electronics, timber, metal, furniture etc. to the appropriate facility recently opened on a seven day basis and therefore not added to our pile. The 7 day facility was a Government response to the CUTW campaign and Litter Committee and very much welcomed.

Skips and large industrial sacks provided to teams to tackle hard to reach areas will see collection this coming week and therefore miss “the pile”.

Nevertheless our mountain is still impressive and “open for viewing” until midday Monday 24th September at the City Dump.

Organisers wish to thank EVERYONE involved this year who played an important role in clearing rubbish and raising awareness and helping meet the challenge of cleaning up Gibraltar.

A full report will be published over the next few days.

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SPECIAL NEWS!! On Clean up the World Day Min Cortes announced that Gibraltar will very soon be collecting plastic, tetra bricks and cardboard/paper for onward recycling -great news!