Page 11 - link magazine

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From Rio 92 to Johannesburg 02 .... via Swindon?
Lyn Forrester, Swindon Agenda 21 Officer, looks backwards and forward in time, and in between
'Global warming', 'greenhouse effect', 'acid rain', 'ozone depletion' — phrases first commonly heard in
the early 90's - often misunderstood and easily dismissed as "nothing to do with me"! Like most of us,
I thought this 'eco-stuff' was a fad, it would go away, someone will 'sort it out.'

But the concerns Protocol (agreed by please contact me on 466167, mail:
grew bigger, the 171 governments) [email protected]
warnings more fre- could become le- In six months time world lead-
quent and I, along gally binding in the ers will meet again in Johannes-
with many others re- near future. burg to review what they have
alised the problems At home, 'green' achieved over the ten years since
were not going to is in: green cars, the Rio Summit. Over the next few
disappear, nor was green petrol, green months, I would like to be able to
someone else going electricity, green report on what we have achieved
to 'sort it out' — there vegetables (or- here in Swindon.
is no miracle cure. ganic), green tea
In response to (not sure).
these growing con- What have we
cerns, a United Na- achieved here in the
tions summit was ar- Lyn Forrester Swindon area?
ranged in 1992 in Rio de Janeiro, Swindon Borough Council has for-
Brazil. Leaders from all over the mally adopted its own Local
world attended. Agenda 21 strategy called 'Seeds
The 'Earth Summit', as it later of Change'. This provides the One unit cools in summer - heats in winter
became known, set down a frame- framework to ensure the borough Cooling only, or heating and cooling
work for saving our planet. Over is developed in a sustainable way -
180 nations, including the UK, com- that is, in a way which will im- air conditioning units supplied, installed & serviced
mitted themselves to an action plan prove quality of life today and for Caswell Refrigeration Ltd
called Agenda 21 - a firm pledge generations to come. Early evi-
Also specialists in all aspects of commercial refrigeration
was made to protect the environ- dence can be seen with the arrival
Unit 3 Cannons Ind. Est., Station Rd, Wootton Bassett, Swindon
ment, improve society and have a of the first park'n'ride, increased
stable economy. The message from recycling facilities, better cycle Tel: 01793 840401 Fax: 01793 840402
Rio was clear, everyone - govern- paths and most recently with the
ments, businesses, individuals and opening of four brand new 'life- Call now for a free no obligation quotation
communities - had to take action time' homes in Alanbrooke Cres- Apturoved dealers for Daikin, Fujitsu, Mitsubishi and Carrier
now to save the planet. cent.
Agenda 21 is a unique docu- In order to raise awareness of
ment that has had an influence Swindon Council's Local Agenda Make a Resolution to #1^
unlike any other. 21 and sustainable development,
Globally, nationally and locally, individuals, schools, community
things have been happening and groups and businesses are being Reduce your Rubbish
attitudes are changing. Across the invited to apply for a 'Quality of
globe millions of people have been Life' award. These will recognise in 2002!
inspired to take action. and reward action which helps to
Urgent, worldwide response to improve quality of life in Swin- It's easy to reduce your rubbish. Here are some simple
combat climate change has argu- don,
ably been the biggest, single issue If you have an idea, are plan- tips - they can also help you save money and time too.
over the last 10 years and it does ning or even currently running a >k SNUB - Say No to Unwanted Bags. Use a 'bag for life'
now look hopeful that the Kyoto project and would like to apply,
or reusable fabric bags.
>k Buy fizzy drinks in large containers rather than lots of
Recycle your Christmas small ones. This means less waste and it's more economical.
Once again a useful future can be found for Christmas cards and Plan trip to the bottle bank around shopping trips, this helps
trees once the twelve festive days have passed. reduce pollution and will save you time.
Collection points for cards are available from 3 to 31 January at
Sainsbury's stores at Bridgemead and Stratton St Margaret and >k Having a clear-out? Donate unwanted presents to charity shops
eighty Swindon schools will also have recycling bins where cards can or jumble sales. Old clothes and shoes can be put in a textile
be left. bank and old furniture can be collected by the Top Drawer
Christmas cards which are turned back into paper reduce landfill Furniture Project, tel (01793) 536613.
requirements, and for every 1,000 cards recycled one tree will be >k Take your old Christmas trees to the Barnfield Road
planted in the Great Western Community Forest.
Heather Lilley, forest community education officer said, "last recycling centre for composting.
year we recycled nearly one million cards which resulted in one k Take old Christmas cards to the special skips at Sainsbury's
thousand trees being planted. This year we hope to beat that target." Bridgemead and Oxford Road during January. The Great
Support for the card recycling campaign comes this year from Western Community Forest will plant a tree for every 1,000
Swindon 21" Century Forum, Severnside Waste Disposal and
Sainsbury's. cards recycled.
Real Christmas trees can also be recycled at the Barnfield Road Make a New Year's Resolution to ^_I s
Recycling Centre off the Great Western Way, which is open 7 days Reduce your Rubbish in 2002! ;A3
a week, Sam to 4.30pm. Decorations and bases should be removed.
For further information, contact the Great Western Community For more details contact the ID
Forest on 466315 or look at www.forestweb.org.uk Waste Policy Officer on (01793) 464536 SwtnDOn
ecauc^ iDon