Climate Emergency

There is lots of information around that says that eating locally grown produce is the best option for a sustainable diet. But not all food from abroad makes a significant impact on the climate, and not all locally found food is good for the environment.

When buying locally grown food one of the key questions to ask is whether it’s in season. Some growers in the UK use heated greenhouses (hot houses) to produce fruit and vegetables that wouldn’t normally be in season in this country. And it can take a huge amount of energy to grow some of this unseasonal produce in the winter.

When it comes to produce that has to travel from abroad, the main guidance is that food that has to travel by plane because of its short shelf-life does have a major impact on the climate. But, generally, food that travels by boat is significantly less damaging.

If we want to eat the best diet possible for the planet there are even more things to consider – like refrigeration, agricultural methods, packaging and more. But for those of us that want a simple way of making less climate impact with our food choices, recognised industry expert Mike Berners-Lee and author of How bad are bananas? has some straightforward advice. He says: “Local and seasonal is best of all, but shipping is fine. As a guide, if something has a short shelf life and isn’t in season where you live, it has probably had to be grown in a hot house or travelled on a plane.”

Examples for January of what will have travelled by plane or been grown in a hot house include lettuce, tomatoes, asparagus and strawberries. Also be aware that most cut flowers will have also arrived by plane. Items like apples, oranges and bananas almost always go by boat.

Eat Seasonably has a useful calendar to tell you what is in season each month. If you are interested in growing some of your own fruit and vegetables this year the Love the Garden website has advice on what to plant each month.

Whilst what produce we buy and where we buy it from forms a significant part of our food–related climate impact, perhaps a more important issue to consider is how much we waste. We, in the developed world, are thought to waste about a quarter of the food we buy.

Not only is throwing out food a major waste of money, it’s also very damaging to the environment. Though our food waste recycling service has a healthy take up in west Cheshire, a 2023 project to analyse what was in the borough’s bins showed that food waste was the largest disposed of material in our black bins, making up 29% of waste thrown away.

Food waste that is binned rather than recycled ends up at landfill. There it rots down and produces methane – a greenhouse gas that is even more potent than carbon dioxide.

Hints and tips to reduce your food waste

Information sources

How bad are bananas? By Mike Berners-Lee

wrap.org.uk (The Waste and Resources Action Programme)

www.wwf.org.uk (The World Wildlife Fund)

Every effort has been made to ensure the information used in all climate emergency articles is accurate. All information used to inform the articles has been taken from reputable sources and those sources are given at the end of each article.

We are aware, however, that data will change over time and that some information across the internet and printed matters can be contradictory.

To help meet the Council’s ambition of being net zero by 2030 as an organisation, and by 2045 as a borough, plans are being progressed to tackle the carbon emissions produced by the Council’s housing stock.

The Council owns 5,382 properties across the borough which are managed by ForHousing, our local social housing provider. A challenging target has been set which will see all properties reach Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of Band C by 2028, ahead of a net zero target by 2045. At present 77% of properties have an EPC rating of Band C and above thanks to an ongoing investment in energy efficiency upgrades in these properties.

To reach the EPC Band C target for all properties, ForHousing will continue to deliver planned upgrade works such as replacement windows and doors, loft insulation top-up and cavity wall insulation. These measures will improve the energy efficiency of the buildings, helping to reduce the amount of energy needed to heat them, and in turn, helping to reduce both fuel bills and carbon emissions.

ForHousing also work closely with Council officers to take advantage of external funding opportunities such as the Government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF).

The SHDF supports the installation of energy performance measures in social homes in England and aims to deliver warm, energy-efficient homes, reduce carbon emissions and fuel bills, tackle fuel poverty, and support green jobs.

The Council is submitting a bid for the latest phase of the scheme which, if successful, could see over 600 properties benefit from a range of energy efficiency upgrades. The most energy inefficient properties, with the lowest EPC ratings, will be addressed first. Residents whose properties have been identified as eligible for the scheme will be contacted directly by ForHousing.

Regular updates will be provided for all ForHousing tenants via the website, ezine and letters to directly affected households to ensure tenants have the opportunity to learn more about the activity taking place on the Council’s journey to net zero for its housing stock.

Decarbonising social housing is part of the Council's commitment to creating a long-term plan to retrofit housing to help tackle the Climate Emergency and reduce fuel poverty. This is one of the 12 action points identified as part of Cheshire West and Chester Council's vision for an Inclusive Economy. The Inclusive Economy aims to make Cheshire West and Chester a greener, fairer and stronger place to live, work and play.

For more information on social housing in Cheshire West and Chester, visit:

Council housing | Cheshire West and Chester Council

Find out more about home energy help for residents here:

Home energy | Cheshire West and Chester Council

You can find out more about the Inclusive Economy here:

Inclusive Economy | Cheshire West and Chester Council

Every year in the UK, approximately seven million tonnes of food is wasted and, just during Christmas, two million turkeys, five million Christmas puddings and 74 million mince pies get thrown out, even though they are still edible.

With Christmas food bills averaging between £100 - 300 per household, and over a third of us admitting to throwing away more food at Christmas than at any other time of the year, we can all play our part to cut down our waste in an effort to help the environment and our wallets.

Wasting food contributes to climate change. When we waste food, we’re wasting the resources it takes to produce it and the hours it takes to make it and transport it.

Here are some ideas to help you cut down your food waste this Christmas and help the environment.

• Plan for the correct number of people you are cooking for, so that you don’t over shop.
• Buy seasonal, fresh, local fruit and vegetables.
• Visit your local butcher or farm to pre-order local meat – they can also advise on the size you will need for the number of people you are cooking for.
• Try drying apples, oranges or cranberries for a healthy snack to have over the festive break or in the new year.
• Buy loose fruit and vegetables from your local greengrocers and only buy what you need, rather than buying pre-packaged food that you may not use.
• Eat up and use up your leftovers. Check out the Love Food Hate Waste website for great ideas on how to use up your food leftovers this Christmas. We love the look of this bubble and squeak recipe to use up your sprouts and leftovers roast potatoes.
• Remember to store your food correctly to help it last as long as possible. The Love Food Hate Waste website has useful guide on how to store different food.
• If you have edible leftover food that you can’t eat or store, donate it to a local food bank or list it on a food sharing app such as Olio.
• Recycle what you can’t eat either in a home compost or in your food waste bin.

A local initiative that is helping to cut down food waste is The Very Green Grocery in Northwich and Winsford, a not-for-profit organisation run by Changing Lives Together which aims to prevent food waste by offering surplus stock from supermarket and farmers, to local residents. The food on offer is still fresh, edible and 100 per cent delicious. The team supports residents of Winsford, Northwich and the surrounding areas by offering essential fresh food and dietary staples, drinks, and so much more for a very reasonable £5 per bag.

In Ellesmere Port, The Port Grocery, another not-for-profit organisation, offer a similar service.

Information sources

WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme)

Love Food Hate Waste

Olio

Changing Lives Together

Every effort has been made to that ensure the information used in all climate emergency articles is accurate. All information used to inform the articles has been taken from reputable sources and those sources are given at the end of each article.

We are aware, however, that data will change over time and that some information across the internet and printed matters can be contradictory. If you have any questions or comments about any articles, please submit them below the article.

Solar Together Cheshire and Warrington, a pioneering initiative aimed at supporting UK residential customers in the installation of solar panels, has recently been awarded the Green Expo Hynet Award for Innovation in Energy. This prestigious recognition underscores Solar Together Cheshire & Warrington's significant contributions to promoting sustainable energy solutions.

Thanks to a partnership with Cheshire East Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council, and Warrington Borough Council, households in Cheshire and Warrington can now easily access solar panels and optional added battery storage through group buying. This helps to make the transition to a renewable solar energy source easier and more affordable than it might otherwise be. This partnership represents a shared commitment to

environmental responsibility and community empowerment, demonstrating the power of collaboration in driving positive change.

George Frost, spokesperson from Solar Together, commented: “We are delighted to see the Borough Councils of Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Warrington recognised for the impact they are having on carbon reduction by encouraging households to invest in solar PV on their roofs.”

“Many people know they want solar but don’t know where to start. The Borough Councils have helped create a safe environment where people feel comfortable to make the decision to install panels when they might otherwise not do so.”

The first Solar Together scheme in Cheshire and Warrington saw an overwhelming response, with over 6,000 registrations from local residents eager to install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in their homes. This enthusiastic participation underscores the community's growing interest in renewable energy and sustainable living practices.

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: "It’s been fantastic to see the enthusiasm from residents across the area to find out more about renewable energy systems for their homes and business. By working together with our neighbouring local authorities and Solar Together we’ve been able to provide residents with options to install solar PV systems at a competitive price. As more of us move to renewable energy sources we’re all helping the nation to reach its goal of becoming carbon neutral.”

The Green Expo judges said; “Although group-buying is nothing new, Solar Together has the support of three Councils working together to offer residents the opportunity to benefit from 'Solar Together Cheshire and Warrington'. The scheme will help homeowners feel confident that they are paying the right price for a high-quality installation from pre-approved installers.”

This award is not only a testament to Solar Together Cheshire and Warrington's innovation and dedication but also reflects the broader community's support and enthusiasm for green energy initiatives. As a pioneer in innovative energy solutions, Solar Together remains steadfast in its mission to make solar installations more accessible for all.

Solar Together Cheshire and Warrington is a comparable initiative to other Solar Together schemes run in collaboration with 23 county councils, combined authorities, or groups of unitary areas across England. Together, it has delivered nearly 28,000 solar panel installations to date.

For more information about Solar Together and its initiatives, please visit https://solartogether.co.uk.

Following a pre-planning consultation process held in November, plans for external improvements to Ellesmere Port market have now been submitted for planning approval.

Ellesmere Port Market entrance illustration.

The proposed works being undertaken by the Council are designed to create a more sustainable building and make the market a more welcoming and vibrant space, boost footfall and deliver wider benefits for Ellesmere Port Town Centre.

New external cladding will improve energy efficiency and help to make the market more attractive and visible with a bright new colour scheme and signage incorporating separate dedicated entrances for the market hall and the flea market event space.

By creating its own entrance, the flea market would be able to function independently from the market, for example when the market is closed in the evenings.

The bright new external colour scheme has been inspired by a Vauxhall colour chart used between 1971- 1974, linking the market to the nearby Stellantis factory. Vauxhall produced its first cars in Ellesmere Port in 1964. The proposed exterior colours are based on 'Sunspot' warm yellow for the market entrance canopy and 'Tasman Orange' for the flea market entrances, alongside black and pale grey cladding.

Energy efficiency proposals include the installation of solar panels on the roof, low energy lighting and increased insulation within the new external cladding.

As part of the pre-planning consultation, a public display of the proposed plans was exhibited in the market between 1 - 12 November and an online feedback form was also provided. Traders, local councillors and other business groups were also consulted.

Feedback was very supportive, and the majority of responses backed the proposed exterior improvements and their feedback helped shape the current proposals.

During the planning application process further feedback can be submitted via the Council's Planning Portal until 6 January 2024.

Councillor Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation, said: "Thanks to its brilliant traders, Ellesmere Port Market is a much-loved community asset. The improvements that the Council are making will make the market even better, and the Council has made sure that all the existing stalls can stay in the new market.

"From the comments received so far, it’s clear Ellesmere Port's residents and market traders firmly believe that it should remain a traditional market. The project team will make sure this happens in a future-proofed Ellesmere Port market that people can enjoy for years to come."

Ellesmere Port Market planning application

Cheshire West and Chester Council is starting a conversation on the future of transport of in the borough.

“Let’s talk about...Transport” launches today (Monday 20 November 2023) with an on-line survey and full information at www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/LTP4 .

The conversation on the future of transport is relevant to everyone who travels to, from or through the borough, including residents, businesses and a range of local and regional partners.

In this initial stage of engagement, respondents are being invited to provide their views on the borough’s current transport system and the big issues around transport across the borough, to develop a draft vision and priorities for the future of local transport.

The Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Highways, Councillor Karen Shore said: “Transport gives us access to work, education, leisure activities and essential services. It shapes the places we live, impacts our health and wellbeing and is vital to our local economy.

“Your views, ideas and experiences will help us to shape the future of transport in the borough to support our communities. This is a critically important conversation which affects everyone who lives, works or visits the borough.

“It's an opportunity to make sure that our transport systems and networks work for the people who use them - not merely getting us from A to B but helping us address the future challenges our borough faces, such as climate change and social exclusion.

“It will also be key to unlocking the government funding we need to deliver on these priorities. If you are interested in what our communities and neighbourhoods should look like in the future, I'd encourage you to share your views on our proposals.”

Four in-person ‘drop in’ events and two online webinars will take place during the engagement window, where interested parties can learn more about the proposals, and ask staff any questions. These events are open to all residents and stakeholders:

Registration for online webinars available from 20 November via the online portal.

Respondents can also get in touch via email or telephone, and paper copies of the survey and questionnaire are available on request. Easy-read and web accessible versions of the proposals and survey are also available.

How to find our more and get involved:

• On-line at: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/LTP4
• By email to: LTP4@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
• By letter to: Let’s Talk about Transport, Insight and Intelligence, Cheshire West and Chester Council, The Portal, Wellington Road, Ellesmere Port, CH65 0BA
• By telephone: Call the Council’s Contact Centre on 0300 1238 123 and quote ‘Local Transport Plan 4 Engagement’.

“Let’s talk about…Transport” closes on 28 January 2024.

A report summarising the results of this engagement will be available on the Council’s website in Spring 2024. A final version of the vision and priorities will be presented to Cabinet for adoption in Summer 2024.

These will inform ongoing development of the Plan, with a full public consultation on the draft Plan scheduled for late 2024. Adoption of the final version of the Local Transport Plan by full Council will follow in 2025.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is showing their support for The Mersey Forest, the area’s local Community Forest, as they prepare for a bumper year of planting, establishing woodlands across Cheshire and Merseyside that will benefit the area for generations.

The Mersey Forest team, with the help of the Green Task Force, has been preparing ground ready for planting on a number of sites and the first trees of the season are being planted. This year the team plan to plant 150 hectares of woodland across Cheshire and Merseyside.

Over the last three years The Mersey Forest has worked with partners and landowners, including Cheshire West and Chester Council, to establish 220 hectares of new woodland across Cheshire and Merseyside through the national Trees for Climate programme. That’s the equivalent of filling 11,220 tennis courts with trees.

Although many of these trees are in their infancy now, their impact will be felt far and wide across the region for generations to come. A recent study by Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) shows that, thanks to these newly planted schemes, over 47,000 households in the area are within 500m of an accessible wood, with 21% of these homes based in some of the country’s most deprived area.

Paul Nolan, Director of The Mersey Forest, said: “We saw over the lockdown period just how important green spaces and woodlands were to people’s health and wellbeing. They are spaces for people to connect with nature, places to socialise or to seek a moment of peace in their busy lives. Establishing trees and woodlands that benefit our communities is the essence of Community Forestry and will be what we’re focused on over the coming planting season.”

Councillor Karen Shore, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Transport, said: “As a partner of The Mersey Forest and the accountable body for the Trees for Climate programme nationally, we’re proud to be supporting the growing Mersey Forest. Having access to nature provides so many benefits for both our communities and the environment, and increasing tree cover in the area is supporting the borough’s aim to be carbon neutral by 2045.”

The LJMU study also found the planting will provide the following benefits for the region.

• 58 hectares of flood risk land will be improved by the planting, helping to reduce the risk of flooding for local communities. The value of additional water storage on these sites is estimated at £26,640 per year.
• Once established the newly created woodlands could generate over 490,000 recreational visits, with an estimated total value of over £1.5 million per year.
• 1,620ha of ecological network has been improved, providing more joined up habitats for wildlife to thrive.
• The trees planted will capture 2,962 tonnes of CO2 annually, the equivalent of removing 2,154 cars from the road each year. The economic value of this is estimated to be £219,439.

Paul, continued: "The study by colleagues at LJMU shows the real impact that good planting can make to an area. We work closely with a wide range of partners to find land where woodland can be established, with a particular focus on schemes that can provide the most benefit to the local community.

“We’re set to get planting again this winter, providing our flexible grants, advice and support to a range of landowners who are all doing their bit to help grow and maintain The Mersey Forest.”

The Mersey Forest is the lead for the national Trees for Climate programme, which is funded through the government’s multi-million pound Nature for Climate Fund. Cheshire West and Chester Council is the accountable body for the programme, supporting the 13 Community Forests who are delivering the programme nationwide.

Alongside The Mersey Forest's work, Cheshire West and Chester Council is also progressing their own biodiversity net gain project, which is focused on improving habitats in the area, including woodland and meadow land creation.

Landowners and farmers with land available for tree planting can find out about The Mersey Forest's flexible grants, which can fund a range of woodland creation schemes from 0.1ha up by visiting: www.merseyforest.org.uk/planttrees

Cheshire West and Chester Council has arranged everything relating to sustainable travel to be brought together under one roof in a showcase for businesses in the borough.

The free Driving Change event will be held at Ellesmere Port Civic Hall on Monday 4 December from 9am to 1pm.

The Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Highways, Councillor Karen Shore said: “The Council is committed to supporting the local business community to transition to net zero. Our first sustainable travel showcase will feature not just electric vehicles from a number of suppliers, available to test drive, but also a wide range of sustainable travel solutions for businesses.”

Representatives from local dealerships will be there on the day to chat through options and showcase some of their electric and hybrid vehicles including cars, vans, scooters, bikes, mobility solutions. Local operators for public transport, active travel and micromobility modes will also be attending.

Exhibitors including charging operators or installers, renewables suppliers and local trade organisations will be available on the day to showcase the latest technologies and business support available in the area.

Speakers will include Cheshire West and Chester Council, the Energy Saving Trust and Scottish Power Energy Networks, and a detailed list of exhibitors will be confirmed nearer the date.

Cllr Shore added: “This is a free event for businesses in the borough and tickets are now available. It will be of interest to not just businesses looking to transition to electric vehicles but perhaps also public transport operators, landlords or car park operators looking to introduce EV charging infrastructure or sustainable transport options.”

Tickets are now available on Ticketsource - Driving Change: Sustainable Travel Options for Businesses at Ellesmere Port Civic Hall event tickets from TicketSource