NEWS &
EVENTS
Conference
Footprint Reduction Prize
Ecological Footprint Conference & Exhibition 2008 –
“A Step in the Right Direction for Local Government”,
Armagh City Hotel, Thursday 16th October 2008
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The aim of this conference is to demonstrate to local government that ecological footprinting can be
used as an indicator of sustainable development and help inform policy decisions. This is an
excellent opportunity to attend an event that will have representation from a broad spectrum of NI
decision makers including NI Councils, Central Government and other agencies. Maximise your
presence at the event by exhibiting and showcasing your products to this high profile audience.
Exhibition and sponsorship opportunities are available, for more information and to register
your place at the conference, please contact:-
Anne Mason:- a.mason@sgehc.com
or Lynn Morrow:- l.morrow@sgehc.com
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Newry resident wins footprint reduction prize
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A luxury “locally” sourced/organic food hamper was the prize for lucky winner,
Mr Grills from Warrenpoint, after he entered and won a word search competition organised
by the Community Eco-Challenge.
The Community Eco-Challenge, a pilot project for NI has been working closely with 100
householders to help them reduce their ecological footprint by focusing on the food they eat,
the waste they generate, their choice of transport and the energy they consume. The aim of the
project was to encourage householders to make significant reductions in these areas that would
contribute to a footprint reduction. The competition helped raised awareness on this issue and
aimed to encourage people to take a step in the right direction and try to reduce their ecological
footprint. Food is one of the big hitters on our ecological footprint, the hamper, supplied by
local farm shop, Freshfields was a perfect prize to help put the winner on the path to ‘greener living’.
Anne Mason from the Community Eco-Challenge commented “It is an unfortunate fact, that if everyone
lived like we do in NI we would need 3 planets to sustain us. In fact we would need 6 planets if
everyone consumed food like we do in NI!”
“There is so much we can all do to reduce the impact our lifestyle has on the environment.
You can really reduce your energy consumption by switching off appliances that are otherwise
left on standby. Plus, just one energy efficient light bulb can save an average household £7
per annum – imagine the cost saving if we replaced all our old light bulbs! Radiator foils are
really easy to apply and again can reduce energy bills by 10 – 15% per annum! You can reduce
your food miles by buying more local produce or growing your own and thinking carefully about
the amount of packaging we bring into our homes which often ends up in landfill! Through the
Community Eco-Challenge we have also been encouraging people to walk or cycle shorter distances
helping not only to reduce carbon emissions but enhance their health too. With the current
credit crunch, small steps can not only help our environment but save you money too!”
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Photo: from left to right:
Anne Mason (Community Eco-Challenge), Lynn Morrow (Community Eco-Challenge), Mr
Kenneth Grill (Winner) and Lisa Hall (Freshfields Farm Shop)
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