2011 EARU Strategy

Environmental Awareness Strategy

2011 - 2015

KEY OBJECTIVES IN THE STRATEGY

1 Waste Prevention Awareness

2 Anti-Litter Awareness

3 Water Conservation & Water Pollution

4 Climate Change & Biodiversity

5 General Education and Awareness

6 Research

7 Appendix

Contents

All photographs provided by Dr. M. Stack and Council staff.

Environmental Awareness Strategy 2011-2015 1

Introduction

The Environmental Awareness Strategy aspires to promote environmental awareness in all societies throughout all regions of Cork County.

It desires to increase environmental knowledge in the general public, and will specifically target businesses, industry, educators, youth, community groups, and NGOs.

An increase in environmental awareness can be achieved through a range of communications and by supporting community actions and behavioural change programmes. Ultimately these actions will drive our society towards an ecologically sustainable life style and sustainable work practices.

The five year strategy (2011-2015) outlines key areas of waste prevention, litter pollution, water conservation & pollution, biodiversity and climate change issues that require integration into education programmes.

Many of the objectives proposed in the Environmental Awareness Strategy work in harmony with other Council policies and plans. The strategy is driven by the Council’s priorities as identified in the strategic and corporate plan, the Environment Directorates Operational Plan and the Waste Management/ Litter Plans and Climate Change Strategy.

Successful implementation will bring a positive relationship between local government and civil society, a collective responsibility for our environment and an ethic of partnership building. Citizens will be environmentally educated, aware and conscious. People will care for and protect their environment.

Environmental quality will improve in terms of air, water and land.

The strategy is a guide to the general public on key environmental awareness issues being promoted in Cork County and areas for their participation. It is intended for internal use by Council staff and its networking partners.

The Environmental Awareness & Research Unit will lead the implementation of this strategy.

KEY OBJECTIVES IN THE STRATEGY

1 Waste Prevention Awareness

2 Anti-Litter Awareness

3 Water Conservation & Water Pollution

4 Climate Change & Biodiversity

5 General Education and Awareness

6 Research

7 Appendix

Waste Prevention Awareness Objectives1

Cork Co. Council promotes waste prevention across its own organisation and advises communities and businesses on how to conserve resources and reduce negative impacts on the environment. The Council advocates waste minimisation and seeks to eliminate waste before it is produced in the first instance. A primary aim is waste reduction at source followed by reuse, recycling, treatment and appropriate safe disposal.

In an effort to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill, an extensive recycling programme is in place in the County, ranging from kerbside collections to public recycling centres and bottle banks. Guidance on how to reduce and manage household & commercial waste is supported via the activities of the Environmental Awareness & Research Unit and by accessing publicly available information on the Council’s web site www.corkcoco.ie.

Cork County Council is a participant in the national waste prevention programme. This is achieved through membership of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Local Authority Prevention Network (LAPN) programme. The Environmental Awareness Unit & Research Unit [Inniscarra] leads the network programme in Cork County. Examples of successful case studies in waste prevention are published on a number of web sites. (See appendix 1 and free to download). In addition, the Council published its own guide for householders on ‘a guide to managing your household waste and domestic water usage’ in 2010. Visit www.corkcoco.ie to download a free copy.

Primary environmental awareness objectives in waste prevention.

Issue To assist with the implementation of EU & National policies on the reduction of waste to landfill, the Council will continue to promote and support Reduce, Reuse, & Recycle programmes in all sectors. In addition, the Council will develop waste prevention initiatives and incorporate these initiatives into the above programmes.

Target Groups Domestic householders, Businesses, Schools, Community groups and NGO’s, Council staff.

Strategy Objectives F Promote the waste hierarchy of waste avoidance and elimination.

F Educate the public, Council staff, commercial entities in waste avoidance, diversion of waste streams and the correct separation of waste.

F Promote waste prevention and minimise the production of harmful waste.

F Encourage and support the recovery & reuse of waste.

F Work in partnerships with organisations and address the polluters pay principle in relation to waste disposal.

See references to sample case studies on waste prevention in appendix page 15.

2 Environmental Awareness Strategy 2011-2015


A primary aim is waste reduction at source followed by reuse, recycling, treatment and appropriate safe disposal.

Scoil Iosagain National School, Blarney, Co. Cork with teacher Ann Humpries

Mr. Mike Holden facilitator to the Coolagown Community Group

Litter Awareness2

The Council supports national antilitter initiatives through its litter management plan. This plan aspires to raise public awareness that littering is an antisocial behaviour. The plan emphasises strong enforcement of the litter laws and the requirement to diminish litter pollution in our County.

General Anti-Litter Awareness Objectives

Issue Litter is present along rural and urban roads, foreshores, amenity parks and most areas utilised our residents and visitors. Along with the unsightly visual affect, litter is polluting our environment and poses health and safety issues.

Target Groups Residents, Businesses, Schools, Community groups and NGO’s.

Strategy Objectives F Increase awareness of the problems associated with litter.

F Support the education of our children on antilitter initiatives via the Green Schools programme.

F Work in partnerships with local community organisations i.e. Tidy Towns groups. Encourage neighbourhood clean ups, reporting of illegal dumping, participation in the Council’s Antilitter Challenge initiative for towns and villages.

F Encourage day trippers to beaches & parks & public places to take their rubbish home and their participation in non government organisation programmes i.e. Leave no Trace & Clean Coast.

F Support national initiatives on chewing gum pollution.

Anti-Pet fouling Awareness Objectives

Issue A pet faeces deposit in public places is an aesthetic nuisance and spoils our enjoyment of the environment It is also a health hazard to the public and seen as a significant environmental problem. Pet fouling in public places is a breach of the Litter Act.

Target Groups Pet owners, Residents groups, Pet stores & food suppliers, Veterinarian clinics, Dog / Cat organisations, Schools.

Strategy Objectives F Increase the public’s awareness of the problems associated with pet fouling.

F Increase awareness on the use of pet faeces disposal bins provided by Town Councils and the County Council.

F Encourage pet owners to collect and correctly dispose of faeces. Encourage the use of scoopers & poo bags.

F Encourage responsible pet ownership.



Guides support ‘Chew It Bin It’ campaign

Clonakilty national school pupils at National Spring Clean Week launch

Cork County has an abundant supply of water. This water is used for the abstraction of drinking water, provides important habitats for plants and animals and is used as an amenity for recreational activities. Cork County Council is continuously working to conserve drinking water losses, while protecting and facilitating improved management of water resources. Householders, schools and businesses must play their part in the conservation and protection this precious natural resource.

Water Conservation Objectives

Issue Water is a finite resource and vast quantities of treated purified water are needlessly wasted. A conservation awareness programme is needed across all sectors of society in Cork County. A greater appreciation for this finite resource as a necessity for life is required.

The introduction of a fixed rate payment for water for domestic users may have a negative consequence on water conservation and increase wastage.

Target Groups Domestic users, Non domestic users (schools, general public).

Strategy Objectives F Education, information and public awareness initiatives are essential in the support of water management and water conservation.

F Promote the reporting of leaks to the local authority.

F Promote through education programmes the sustainable use of water in all sectors and in all buildings used by Council staff in the provision of services.

F Support the water conservation module of the Green Flag programme in Schools.

F Support the Green Hospitality Programme for Hotels & Catering sectors.

F Promote sustainable recreational waterborne sporting activities.

F Support Global Action initiatives on sustainable practices in the home.

F Promote rain harvesting.

F Encourage sustainable garden practices.


Water Conservation & Water Pollution3


A reflection on times past

Inniscarra Dam

Environmental Awareness Unit’s guide booklet on water conservation

The protection of waters from pollution is managed under the Water Framework Directive. This recent EU legislation, harmonises all previous legislation under one statutory instrument (www.corkcoco.ie/waterframework). This legislation is the most important European Directive ever for the protection and improvement of our water environment and requires a holistic approach in the management of our water sources.

Freshwater is abundant in the County. However, it is not limitless in quantity, nor evenlydistributed and not everywhere, has good quality status.

Rivers, lakes, groundwater, estuaries and coastal waters must achieve good status by 2015 and the current quality status must not be allowed to deteriorate.

The water quality in most estuarine, coastal waters and bathing waters remains high.

Cork with a land area of 7,453 sq. km has 1,200km of main channel rivers. Major rivers include the Bandon, Blackwater, Glashaboy and the Lee. There are 2,000 km of streams and many lakes, the largest lakes being Carrigadrohid and Inniscarra. The protection of our water’s heritage must be a priority for citizens of this county.

Water Pollution Objectives

Issue The lack of awareness across all sectors of society of the frailty of our water ecosystems, the vulnerability to pollution, the requirement to protect aqua wildlife habitats and abstraction sources for drinking water supplies.

Nutrient enrichment causing eutrophication is a significant threat to Cork’s rivers and some coastal areas.

Target Groups General public, Licensee & permit holders, Schools, Business, Farmers, NGO’s, Anglers, Yacht Clubs, Harbour Authority.

Strategy Objectives F Support the public participation in awareness-raising programmes & initiatives, to be implemented through The Library Council and delivered via national ENFO sites across the country. F Promotion of water protection measures that can be undertaken on farms, in businesses and commercial sectors. F Promote the reporting of pollution incidents to the Local Authority and Fisheries Board. F Promote the correct disposal by householders of hazardous household and gardening chemicals. F Promote pollution awareness initiatives and voluntary accreditation schemes, for clubs / individuals and commercial entities, where water is used by them for recreational purposes.



World Water Day is acknowledged via an exhibit in County Hall

One of many beautiful clear unpolluted streams in Cork County

The issue of climate change is a very complex one, covering all areas of life, involving all sectors and all aspects of the environment. Climate change presents an immediate and significant threat to our natural and built environment and to the ways of life which co-exist with this environment. For most people climate change issues and habitat damage are new and not fully understood. A general lack of knowledge about the effects of certain actions and decisions on the natural environment means that people continue unabated with harmful activities.

Climate Change Objectives

Issue Reduce the rate of increase of CO2 emissions in Cork County generated in the provision of local government policy and decisions and in the delivery of public services.

Reduce the accelerating loss of habitats and species decline.

Target Groups Corporate, Schools, Business, General Public.

Strategy Objectives F To assist in the provision of public awareness programmes on climate change & habitat protection. F To assist with the implementation of the national climate change strategy at local county level. F To assist with the implementation of public awareness of the Council’s Biodiversity Plan. F Disseminate information regarding best practice e.g. in relation to watercourse management; the control of invasive species etc). Support demonstration projects undertaken by the community / NGO’s groups / stakeholders. F Provide energy awareness information assistant to the public via the Council’s Energy Agency. F Through planning & licensing policies and planning & licensing authorisations, promote a sustainable society in Cork County. Promote the use of low carbon emission technologies, high levels of insulation and the use of renewable energy fuels in all new developments and renovations. F Reduce CO2 emissions from Council owned public buildings and promote the use of renewable energy sources. F Reduce CO2 emissions arising from the provisions of public services i.e. water and waste water treatment facilities, through green procurement. F Promote the use of renewable fuels in Council service vehicles.


Climate Change& Biodiversity4


Climate change presents an immediate and significant threat to our natural and built environment.

Bandon Transition Town group install bicycle racks supporting climate change initiatives

Midleton Food Festival supports waste prevention

Many actions can be employed to educate and raise environmental awareness in the community. These actions will empower people to participate effectively in democratic change towards a better environment for all. Recognition on the complexity of environmental issues will be realised and the need to develop solutions collectively accepted. In environmental education everyone has something to learn and something to contribute. Listed below are some of the actions that crossover between various themes and community groups that will be supported by this strategy.F Regular interaction with community groups and other relevant stakeholders to promote local environmental projects and local initiatives. Mobilise and build on learner’s knowledge and competencies. F Offer financial support via grants schemes for projects / initiatives that raise community awareness and that promote a positive benefit on their local environment.F Support the Green Flag Schools Programme F Develop & disseminate educational materials and facts sheets for water protection, waste prevention, litter, climate change and biodiversity.F Support environmental award programmes & competitions.F Support environmental talks & information seminars that target the general public and businesses.F Sponsor such events & programmes that will increase waste minimisation, water & energy conservation.F Encourage private companies to have environmental education programmes as part of company policy.


General Education& Awareness5

St. Joseph’s Foundation Charleville celebrate their 3rd green Flag for water conservation.


Research6

Environmental Research Objectives

The Environmental Awareness and Research Unit will participate and contribute to research ideas and programmes enabling the Environment Directorate to focus and target resources on research priorities. The driver for this research will be to increase the public’s awareness of the Directorates functions and the protection of their environment.

Environmental Research Objectives

Issue Environmental Awareness and Research Unit shall develop and disseminate innovative and effective research programmes that will provide assistance to the Council, the Directorate and our customers.

Target Groups Corporate, Schools, Business, General Public.

Strategy Objectives F The research will promote environmental studies that seek to protect and enhance the natural environment. F Research priorities will be identified, research conducted and research results applied and evaluated. F The programme shall encourage partnerships with associates in academia, state agencies, research institutions, the business sector, non-governmental organisations and other local authorities.

Environmental information for all sectors, community, school, business, NGO’s maybe found on the environment directorate’s web site at www.corkcoco.ie/environment.Additional information may be found on the sites listed below.

Domestic HouseholdsWebsite link to recyclemore.ie is available on www.corkcoco.ie For copies of:i. Coolagown case study andii. Free Guide to managing your household waste and domestic water usage, visit corkcoco.ie/environment/environmental awareness/publicationsA full list of very helpful web sites from exchanging household goods, to reduction in food waste is available in this free guide.

BusinessFor hotels, guest houses, catering companies, visit Green Failte Hospitality Awards programme web site at www.ghawards.ie

For SME’s visit our waste prevention site on www.secad.ie and www.macroom-e.com For all companies visit EPA’s sponsored site www.managewaste.ie or www.RX3.ieGreen business programme sponsored by the EPA visit www.greenbusiness.ie

SchoolsVisit the following website Greenschools.orgEuropa web site at http://europa.eu/quick-links/schools-universities/index_en.htmEnvironmental Protection Agency site at www.epa.ie/researchandeducation/education/

Community Groups and NGO’sFor Communities Initiatives see:Local Agenda 21 funding projects on http://www.environ.ie/en/Case studies & initiatives on the Environmental Awareness Unit web page on www.corkcoco.ie / environment / environmental awarenessLocal projects and activities / seminar see Cork Environmental Forum on www.cef.ieGreen Communities visit An Taisce.org / green homes and green community

For Corporate InitiativesVisit Case studies & initiatives on the Environmental Awareness Unit web page on www.corkcoco.ie / environment / environmental awarenesswww.managewaste.iewww.ctc.ie

Appendix7



Notes


An increase in environmental awareness can be achieved through a range of communications and by supporting community actions and behavioural change programmes.

Ultimately these actions will drive our society towards an ecologically sustainable life style and sustainable work practices.

Published by the Environment DirectorateEnvironmental Awareness & Research UnitEnvironment DepartmentInniscarra WaterworksInniscarraCo. Corkwww.corkcoco.ie/environment

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Rethink . Reduce . Reuse . Repair . Recycle

2011 EARU Strategy

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Transcript of 2011 EARU Strategy