Environmental Awareness Strategy 2011-2015 - Cork County Council

Environmental Awareness Strategy
2010-2015

KEY OBJECTIVES IN THE STRATEGY
1 Waste Prevention Awareness
2 Anti-Litter Awareness
3 Water Conservation & Water Pollution
4 Climate Change & Biodiversity
5 General Education and Awareness
6 Research
7 Appendix
All photographs provided by Dr. M. Stack and Council staff.
Contents
Introduction
The Environmental Awareness Strategy aspires to promote environmental awareness in all
societies throughout all regions of Cork County.
It desires to increase environmental knowledge in the general public, and will specifically target
businesses, industry, educators, youth, community groups, and NGOs.
An increase in environmental awareness can be achieved through a range of communications and
by supporting community actions and behavioural change programmes. Ultimately these actions
will drive our society towards an ecologically sustainable life style and sustainable work practices.
The five year strategy (2011-2015) outlines key areas of waste prevention, litter pollution, water
conservation & pollution, biodiversity and climate change issues that require integration into
education programmes.
Many of the objectives proposed in the Environmental Awareness Strategy work in harmony with
other Council policies and plans. The strategy is driven by the Council’s priorities as identified in
the strategic and corporate plan, the Environment Directorates Operational Plan and the Waste
Management/ Litter Plans and Climate Change Strategy.
Successful implementation will bring a positive relationship between local government and civil
society, a collective responsibility for our environment and an ethic of partnership building.
Citizens will be environmentally educated, aware and conscious. People will care for and protect
their environment.
Environmental quality will improve in terms of air, water and land.
The strategy is a guide to the general public on key environmental awareness issues being
promoted in Cork County and areas for their participation. It is intended for internal use by
Council staff and its networking partners.
The Environmental Awareness & Research Unit will lead the implementation of this strategy.
DRAFT
Environmental Awareness Strategy 2010-2015 1

1
Waste Prevention
Awareness Objectives
Cork Co. Council promotes waste prevention across its own organisation and advises communities
and businesses on how to conserve resources and reduce negative impacts on the environment.
The Council advocates waste minimisation and seeks to eliminate waste before it is produced in
the first instance. A primary aim is waste reduction at source followed by reuse, recycling,
treatment and appropriate safe disposal.
In an effort to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill, an extensive recycling programme is
in place in the County, ranging from kerbside collections to public recycling centres and bottle
banks. Guidance on how to reduce and manage household & commercial waste is supported via
the activities of the Environmental Awareness & Research Unit and by accessing publicly
available information on the Council’s web site www.corkcoco.ie.
Cork County Council is a participant in the national waste prevention programme. This is achieved
through membership of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Local Authority Prevention Network
(LAPN) programme. The Environmental Awareness Unit & Research Unit [Inniscarra] leads the
network programme in Cork County. Examples of successful case studies in waste prevention are
published on a number of web sites. (See appendix 1 and free to download). In addition, the
Council published its own guide for householders on ‘a guide to managing your household waste
and domestic water usage’ in 2010. Visit www.corkcoco.ie to download a free copy.
Primary environmental awareness objectives in waste prevention.
Issue To assist with the implementation of EU & National policies on the reduction
of waste to landfill, the Council will continue to promote and support
Reduce, Reuse, & Recycle programmes in all sectors. In addition, the
Council will develop waste prevention initiatives and incorporate these
initiatives into the above programmes.
Target Groups Domestic householders, Businesses, Schools,
Community groups and NGO’s, Council staff.
Strategy Objectives F Promote the waste hierarchy of waste avoidance and elimination.
F Educate the public, Council staff, commercial entities in waste avoidance,
diversion of waste streams and the correct separation of waste.
F Promote waste prevention and minimise the production of harmful waste.
F Encourage and support the recovery & reuse of waste.
F Work in partnerships with organisations and address the polluters pay
principle in relation to waste disposal.
See references to sample case studies on waste prevention in appendix page 15.
2 Environmental Awareness Strategy 2010-2015
Scoil Iosagain National School, Blarney, Co. Cork with teacher Ann Humpries
Mr. Mike Holden facilitator to the Coolagown Community Group
A primary aim is waste reduction at
source followed by reuse, recycling,
treatment and appropriate safe disposal.
Environmental Awareness Strategy 2010-2015 3

2
Litter Awareness
The Council supports national antilitter initiatives through its litter management plan. This plan
aspires to raise public awareness that littering is an antisocial behaviour. The plan emphasises
strong enforcement of the litter laws and the requirement to diminish litter pollution in our County.
General Anti-Litter Awareness Objectives
Issue Litter is present along rural and urban roads, foreshores, amenity parks and
most areas utilised our residents and visitors. Along with the unsightly visual
affect, litter is polluting our environment and poses health and safety issues.
Target Groups Residents, Businesses, Schools, Community groups and NGO’s.
Strategy Objectives F Increase awareness of the problems associated with litter.
F Support the education of our children on antilitter initiatives via the Green
Schools programme.
F Work in partnerships with local community organisations i.e. Tidy Towns
groups. Encourage neighbourhood clean ups, reporting of illegal dumping,
participation in the Council’s Antilitter Challenge initiative for towns
and villages.
F Encourage day trippers to beaches & parks & public places to take their
rubbish home and their participation in non government organisation
programmes i.e. Leave no Trace & Clean Coast.
F Support national initiatives on chewing gum pollution.
Anti-Pet fouling Awareness Objectives
Issue A pet faeces deposit in public places is an aesthetic nuisance and spoils our
enjoyment of the environment It is also a health hazard to the public and
seen as a significant environmental problem. Pet fouling in public places is
a breach of the Litter Act.
Target Groups Pet owners, Residents groups, Pet stores & food suppliers, Veterinarian
clinics, Dog / Cat organisations, Schools.
Strategy Objectives F Increase the public’s awareness of the problems associated with pet fouling.
4 Environmental Awareness Strategy 2010-2015
F Increase awareness on the use of pet faeces disposal bins provided by
Town Councils and the County Council.
F Encourage pet owners to collect and correctly dispose of faeces. Encourage
the use of scoopers & poo bags.
F Encourage responsible pet ownership.
Guides support ‘Chew It Bin It’ campaign
Clonakilty national school pupils at National Spring Clean Week launch
Environmental Awareness Strategy 2010-2015 5

3
Cork County has an abundant supply of water. This water is used for the abstraction of drinking
water, provides important habitats for plants and animals and is used as an amenity for recreational
activities. Cork County Council is continuously working to conserve drinking water losses, while
protecting and facilitating improved management of water resources. Householders, schools and
businesses must play their part in the conservation and protection this precious natural resource.
Water Conservation Objectives
Issue Water is a finite resource and vast quantities of treated purified water are
needlessly wasted. A conservation awareness programme is needed across all
sectors of society in Cork County. A greater appreciation for this finite
resource as a necessity for life is required.
The introduction of a fixed rate payment for water for domestic users may
have a negative consequence on water conservation and increase wastage.
Target Groups Domestic users, Non domestic users (schools, general public).
Strategy Objectives F Education, information and public awareness initiatives are essential in the
support of water management and water conservation.
F Promote the reporting of leaks to the local authority.
F Promote through education programmes the sustainable use of water in all
sectors and in all buildings used by Council staff in the provision of services.
F Support the water conservation module of the Green Flag programme
in Schools.
6 Environmental Awareness Strategy 2010-2015
Water Conservation
& Water Pollution
F Support the Green Hospitality Programme for Hotels & Catering sectors.
F Promote sustainable recreational waterborne sporting activities.
F Support Global Action initiatives on sustainable practices in the home.
F Promote rain harvesting.
F Encourage sustainable garden practices.
A reflection on times past
Inniscarra Dam
Environmental Awareness Unit’s guide
booklet on water conservation
Environmental Awareness Strategy 2010-2015 7

The protection of waters from pollution is managed under the Water Framework Directive. This
recent EU legislation, harmonises all previous legislation under one statutory instrument
(www.corkcoco.ie/waterframework). This legislation is the most important European Directive ever
for the protection and improvement of our water environment and requires a holistic approach in
the management of our water sources.
Freshwater is abundant in the County. However, it is not limitless in quantity, nor evenly
distributed and not everywhere, has good quality status.
Rivers, lakes, groundwater, estuaries and coastal waters must achieve good status by 2015 and
the current quality status must not be allowed to deteriorate.
The water quality in most estuarine, coastal waters and bathing waters remains high.
Cork with a land area of 7,453 sq. km has 1,200km of main channel rivers. Major rivers include
the Bandon, Blackwater, Glashaboy and the Lee. There are 2,000 km of streams and many lakes,
the largest lakes being Carrigadrohid and Inniscarra. The protection of our water’s heritage must
be a priority for citizens of this county.
Water Pollution Objectives
Issue The lack of awareness across all sectors of society of the frailty of our water
ecosystems, the vulnerability to pollution, the requirement to protect
aqua wildlife habitats and abstraction sources for drinking water supplies.
Nutrient enrichment causing eutrophication is a significant threat to Cork’s
rivers and some coastal areas.
Target Groups General public, Licensee & permit holders, Schools, Business, Farmers,
NGO’s, Anglers, Yacht Clubs, Harbour Authority.
Strategy Objectives F Support the public participation in awareness-raising programmes &
initiatives, to be implemented through The Library Council and delivered
via national ENFO sites across the country.
8 Environmental Awareness Strategy 2010-2015
F Promotion of water protection measures that can be undertaken on farms,
in businesses and commercial sectors.
F Promote the reporting of pollution incidents to the Local Authority and
Fisheries Board.
F Promote the correct disposal by householders of hazardous household and
gardening chemicals.
F Promote pollution awareness initiatives and voluntary accreditation
schemes, for clubs / individuals and commercial entities, where water is
used by them for recreational purposes.
World Water Day is acknowledged via an exhibit in County Hall
One of many beautiful clear unpolluted streams in Cork County
Environmental Awareness Strategy 2010-2015 9

4
The issue of climate change is a very complex one, covering all areas of life, involving all sectors
and all aspects of the environment. Climate change presents an immediate and significant threat to
our natural and built environment and to the ways of life which co-exist with this environment. For
most people climate change issues and habitat damage are new and not fully understood. A general
lack of knowledge about the effects of certain actions and decisions on the natural environment
means that people continue unabated with harmful activities.
Climate Change Objectives
Issue Reduce the rate of increase of CO 2 emissions in Cork County generated in
the provision of local government policy and decisions and in the delivery
of public services.
Reduce the accelerating loss of habitats and species decline.
Target Groups Corporate, Schools, Business, General Public.
Strategy Objectives F To assist in the provision of public awareness programmes on climate
change & habitat protection.
10 Environmental Awareness Strategy 2010-2015
F To assist with the implementation of the national climate change strategy
at local county level.
F To assist with the implementation of public awareness of the Council’s
Biodiversity Plan.
Climate Change
& Biodiversity
F Disseminate information regarding best practice e.g. in relation to
watercourse management; the control of invasive species etc). Support
demonstration projects undertaken by the community /
NGO’s groups / stakeholders.
F Provide energy awareness information assistant to the public via the
Council’s Energy Agency.
F Through planning & licensing policies and planning & licensing
authorisations, promote a sustainable society in Cork County. Promote
the use of low carbon emission technologies, high levels of insulation and
the use of renewable energy fuels in all new developments and renovations.
F Reduce CO2 emissions from Council owned public buildings and promote
the use of renewable energy sources.
F Reduce CO2 emissions arising from the provisions of public services i.e.
water and waste water treatment facilities, through green procurement.
F Promote the use of renewable fuels in Council service vehicles.
Midleton Food Festival supports waste prevention
Bandon Transition Town group install bicycle racks
supporting climate change initiatives
Climate change presents an immediate
and significant threat to our natural and
built environment.
Environmental Awareness Strategy 2010-2015 11

5
Many actions can be employed to educate and raise environmental awareness in the community.
These actions will empower people to participate effectively in democratic change towards a
better environment for all. Recognition on the complexity of environmental issues will be realised
and the need to develop solutions collectively accepted. In environmental education everyone has
something to learn and something to contribute.
Listed below are some of the actions that crossover between various themes and community
groups that will be supported by this strategy.
F Regular interaction with community groups and other relevant stakeholders to promote
local environmental projects and local initiatives. Mobilise and build on learner’s knowledge
and competencies.
F Offer financial support via grants schemes for projects / initiatives that raise community
awareness and that promote a positive benefit on their local environment.
F Support the Green Flag Schools Programme
F Develop & disseminate educational materials and facts sheets for water protection, waste
prevention, litter, climate change and biodiversity.
F Support environmental award programmes & competitions.
F Support environmental talks & information seminars that target the general public
and businesses.
F Sponsor such events & programmes that will increase waste minimisation,
water & energy conservation.
F Encourage private companies to have environmental education programmes as part
of company policy.
12 Environmental Awareness Strategy 2010-2015
General Education
& Awareness
St. Joseph’s Foundation Charleville celebrate their 3rd green Flag for water conservation.
6
Environmental Research Objectives
Research
The Environmental Awareness and Research Unit will participate and contribute to research ideas
and programmes enabling the Environment Directorate to focus and target resources on research
priorities. The driver for this research will be to increase the public’s awareness of the Directorates
functions and the protection of their environment.
Environmental Research Objectives
Issue Environmental Awareness and Research Unit shall develop and disseminate
innovative and effective research programmes that will provide assistance to
the Council, the Directorate and our customers.
Target Groups Corporate, Schools, Business, General Public.
Strategy Objectives F The research will promote environmental studies that seek to protect and
enhance the natural environment.
F Research priorities will be identified, research conducted and research
results applied and evaluated.
F The programme shall encourage partnerships with associates in academia,
state agencies, research institutions, the business sector, non-governmental
organisations and other local authorities.
Environmental Awareness Strategy 2010-2015 13

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Appendix
Environmental information for all sectors, community, school, business, NGO’s maybe found on
the environment directorate’s web site at www.corkcoco.ie/environment.
Additional information may be found on the sites listed below.
Domestic Households
Website link to recyclemore.ie is available on www.corkcoco.ie
For copies of:
i. Coolagown case study and
ii. Free Guide to managing your household waste and domestic water usage,
visit corkcoco.ie/environment/environmental awareness/publications
A full list of very helpful web sites from exchanging household goods, to reduction in food waste
is available in this free guide.
Business
For hotels, guest houses, catering companies, visit Green Failte Hospitality Awards programme
web site at www.ghawards.ie
For SME’s visit our waste prevention site on www.secad.ie and www.macroom-e.com
For all companies visit EPA’s sponsored site www.managewaste.ie or www.RX3.ie
Green business programme sponsored by the EPA visit www.greenbusiness.ie
Schools
Visit the following website Greenschools.org
Europa web site at http://europa.eu/quick-links/schools-universities/index_en.htm
Environmental Protection Agency site at www.epa.ie/researchandeducation/education/
Community Groups and NGO’s
For Communities Initiatives see:
Local Agenda 21 funding projects on http://www.environ.ie/en/
Case studies & initiatives on the Environmental Awareness Unit web page on
www.corkcoco.ie / environment / environmental awareness
Local projects and activities / seminar see Cork Environmental Forum on www.cef.ie
Green Communities visit An Taisce.org / green homes and green community
For Corporate Initiatives
Visit Case studies & initiatives on the Environmental Awareness Unit web page on
www.corkcoco.ie / environment / environmental awareness
www.managewaste.ie
www.ctc.ie
14 Environmental Awareness Strategy 2010-2015
Notes
Environmental Awareness Strategy 2010-2015 15

An increase in environmental awareness
can be achieved through a range of
communications and by supporting
community actions and behavioural
change programmes.
Ultimately these actions will drive our
society towards an ecologically sustainable
life style and sustainable work practices.
16 Environmental Awareness Strategy 2010-2015

Rethink . Reduce . Reuse . Repair . Recycle
Published by the Environment Directorate
Environmental Awareness & Research Unit
Environment Department
Inniscarra Waterworks
Inniscarra
Co. Cork
www.corkcoco.ie/environment
www.cork.prontaprint.com T: 021 4347542