Bees

Beekeepers have warned that most of the UK's bee population (estimated at some 250,000) could be wiped out in around 10 years.  The combined effects of the spread of disease by the "varroa mite", bad weather, the use of insecticides and lack of wild flowers together could see national bee populations plummet, and have caused similar damage in the USA - where around 80% of the national population has died out!

Annually bees contribute reportedly between £165 - 850 million through the pollination of crops, as well as an additional £12 million in honey produced!  Not only are bees an integral part of our economy but some thirty-five per cent of our diet relies on the pollination of crops by bees and it is often said that if bees became extinct, humans would follow only four years later (this quote is oft accredited to Albert Einstein).

The British Bee Keepers Association and other groups have been successful in lobbying government for more money to be made available to research the problem and hopefully address would be the cause of this natural catastrophe.

Here at the Green Centre we're offering your own "Bee Boxes" made from reused wood off-cuts to encourage bee populations to thrive in your own garden.  The boxes cost between £5 - 10 depending on size.  The BBC has some useful pages of tips and hints for bee box users here.  For more information about the scheme feel free to contact mel@thegreencentre.co.uk

Last updated on date 30 Jun 2009 - Comment on this article

Commercial Waste

There are many companies who deal with commercial waste throughout the UK

But not all of them recycle the waste.

Whoever you choose to pay to remove your commercial waste it would be supportive to the environment if you choose a company which recycles.

Local companies include: 
Brighton Waste (01273 410777), who recycle cardboard, hardcore, metal and paper. 
Green Acre Recycling (01273 309866), who recycle glass, hardcore, metal and wood.
Magpie (01273 685628) who recycle all the commercial waste they collect.
Team Waste (01342 711941) who recycle cardboard and glass only.

Companies who offer their services throughout the UK include:
Biffa (01273 564064), who recycle paper and cardboard. 
PHS (O1273 446152), who try to recycle as much as they can but can’t guarantee this.
Sita (01342 716388), who recycle cardboard, glass, paper, plastic, tin and wood.
Veolia (02392 666999), who currently recycle nothing.

Since October 2007 there are new directives in relation to commercial waste, for further information about this see the Environment Agency webpages.

Last updated on date 19 Jun 2009 - Comment on this article

DVD's

The best policy is to reduce!

To avoid buying DVD’s you can always borrow or hire.

Online, charity shops and car boot sales are the best place for reselling your DVD’s.  Some High Street stores will also buy DVDs back from you.

Some DVD's will never be resold. The Green Centre is developing a scheme for obsolete DVDs. When this is set up they will go to Beacon Press in Uckfield and they will kindly do the rest. For more information do not hesitate to contact us about our schemes - 01273 687700.

Last updated on date 16 Jun 2009 - Comment on this article

Duvet

Duvets are virtually impossible to re-use and recycle.

We would encourage you to reduce your need to buy a new one.

Unlike many textiles which can at least be recycled even if they are ripped or stained, duvets are not accepted by the textiles recycling industry and they are rarely accepted by dogs and cats homes as they prefer towels and blankets.Sadly they can not be re-used by being sold at a charity shop as they must be brand new so the only re-sale opportunity is at a car boot sale or jumble sale.

Last updated on date 16 Jun 2009 - Comment on this article