Tel:02837515800 Fax:02837515801 Email:info@communityecochallenge.com
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Community Eco-Challenge, Southern Group Environmental Health Committee, Riverside
House, Armagh, BT61 9EG. Tel:02837515800 Fax:02837515801 Email:info@communityecochallenge.com |
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COMMUNITY GROUPS
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“Food is one of the areas we can really “get our teeth into” in an effort to reduce our ecological footprint.
We have made a number of pledges that will help reduce our footprint in this area and our discussions gave rise to the idea of making
our own yogurt! By doing this we not only benefit from a healthier diet but we reduce our food miles and waste” commented centre manager
Theresa Watson. The group are also considering a bicycle scheme to reduce their CO2 emissions caused by other modes of transport such as
cars, buses and trains. Bicycle schemes are very popular in Europe. The Craigavon area is quite fortunate in that it has a good cycle path
infrastructure to support the group in their challenge.
the community and their families.
The Community Eco-Challenge fitted quite well with the purpose of the group as by creating a
better environment they can impact the health and well being of the local community. Like all our groups,
members have pledged to make a number of changes to help reduce the impact their lifestyle has on the
environment. In addition to the commitment to make changes to within their households, members are
interested in starting a community garden in the Cullaville area. Not only would this help reduce
their food footprint but it would have an added heath benefit for the community.
reduce their ecological footprint with great enthusiasm! All members have pledged to make a number
of changes to their lifestyles including using re-useable shopping bags, energy efficient light bulbs,
reducing their food miles by opting for more locally produced foods and reducing the amount of waste
they generate by selecting items that are less heavily packaged. On a larger scale, the centre has
expressed an interest in creating a social enterprise for composting and recycling/re-using old bicycles.
Centre Managers Ann McGlone and Catherine McCrory have pledged also to make this year’s Christmas Fair
an Eco-Fair providing local produce and advice on waste and energy!
and have pledged to hold an Eco- Trade Fair
on the 28th February 2008 at the Scarva Visitors Centre. The event will run from 10.30am to 4.30pm,
and customers will have an opportunity to buy children’s toys, ornaments, books and other items.
In addition, the ladies will be helping others to reduce their food miles by offering for sale
their locally produced cakes and bread. For those of you who want some light refreshments on the
day - why not avail of the Fairtrade tea and coffee? An energy adviser will be on hand to provide
households with energy efficiency tips, and council employees will be available to answer any waste
questions you may have. Full details of the event are available on the Community Eco-Challenge website.