Soapbox: Suffolk energy and waste issues - All Comments

re: Time to ditch the soap dispensers and go back to real soap to reduce packaging?

Amber Newman — Fri, 29 May 2009 12:35:55 GMT

Hi Godfrey,

Sincere thanks for your support - it is amazing the response I am getting on the doorstep to the concept of a party which is dedicated first and foremost to giving a voice to local people - I really do believe that I will be a County Councilor for Suffolk Together this time Next Week! The support here in Blackbourn is fantastic!

re: Time to ditch the soap dispensers and go back to real soap to reduce packaging?

Godfrey Wrench — Fri, 29 May 2009 12:28:54 GMT

Once again a sensible policy which can be easily instigated at a local level. This is a good example of what local politicians should be asking Council officers to carry out. Lets hope you both get elected!

re: Time to ditch the soap dispensers and go back to real soap to reduce packaging?

Amber Newman — Mon, 25 May 2009 19:10:03 GMT

Hi Steve,

What a very sensible concept - waste collection bins at the places who are responsible for the most packaging waste - the amount of people you meet in Tesco on a weekend - it does seem logical for more recycling facilities at these sites.

re: Time to ditch the soap dispensers and go back to real soap to reduce packaging?

Steve Wright — Mon, 25 May 2009 18:27:48 GMT

Amber

How about making shops that produce the waste especially out of town supermarkets have collection points for glass, cardboard and tetra packs in fact any waste they produce? I realise some already do this but it is the exception rather than the rule. The council Civic Amenity sites are good but not convenient for a large number of people. It makes far more sense to take it to the same place as you got it on your next visit and cuts out unnecessary journeys. It may also have the effect of making them want to reduce the amount of waste packaging they produce.

re: Time to ditch the soap dispensers and go back to real soap to reduce packaging?

Amber Newman — Sun, 17 May 2009 11:41:55 GMT

Fiona, welcome to our blog and thankyou for this idea - it is often said that some of the oldest ideas are the best and the milkman has been reusing and selling milk in bottles for years. As for tetra packs they are recyclable and more points are available for these to be recycled so this is also a valuable point. If elected I will be pushing for tetra recycling points to be placed in all recycling areas (where glass recycling points are) and will ensure that the public are given the information as to where to find them and what to start collecting.

re: Time to ditch the soap dispensers and go back to real soap to reduce packaging?

Fiona Roe — Sat, 16 May 2009 17:40:11 GMT

Cant we have more drinks in glass bottles instead of the plastic we've become so accustomed to. We used to be able to get a few pennies back when we returned corona bottles & if they could'nt be returned at least they could still go in the bottle bank.

I recently saw a tetra pack containing the equivalent of a bottle of wine!

re: Hazel Blears – Expenses Disgrace

Tim Turner — Fri, 15 May 2009 18:17:47 GMT

If it was any one of us carrying on like this then we would have surely faced summary dismissal and possibly even prosecution and a jail term. The Government cannot even govern itself properly so how can they be expected to Govern the Country. Also, why haven't the many so called 'innocent' MP's out there not done anything about this. They must know what goes on and have sat idly by.

re: Hazel Blears – Expenses Disgrace

Michael Hallatt — Fri, 15 May 2009 11:31:20 GMT

This is definately the acquisition of money through exploitation of the public purse. In order for some MPs to survive in the lifestyles they are accustomed to, they have sought out a strategy to acquire 'more' income from expences. Those MPs who are in a position of great wealth are often the most ruthless. Surely the 'employer' - Parliament - should have scrutinised each claim, and reduced costs by refusing all but legitimate expences. Who is the moron that manages that particular department, why isn't he/she being bought to task as well?

As the theory goes, the need for profit provides a person with motivation to work on existing and new ideas, so, can you think of any existing or new idea that has been put into action by any MP???

Some MPs have committed a public crime to 'live' and to further secure their positions of power, lifestyle and wealth. It is based on fear and greed, which has manifested itself from a perpetual insecurity derived from the fear of them losing their seats in Parliament, well watch this space, if I can pursuade Suffolk Together to field me as a candidate at the next general election then I will go for it hell for leather.

There is no doubt about it, MPs who have committed a public crime should be summarily dismissed and a by elction called immediately.

re: Hazel Blears – Expenses Disgrace

Amber Newman — Fri, 15 May 2009 10:21:05 GMT

Couldnt agree more with this post Tim - why arent our elected representatives leading by example!

If they need furniture why dont they call the local furniture exchange or community furniture project - I can think of over 5 reasons why they should be doing this:

1, It saves tax payers money

2, saves valuable resources

3, reduces carbon emmissions from manufacturing process and delivery,

4. stops items that are perfectly useable going to landfil

5, reduces the need for extortionate 30 year contracts for unwanted and unreliable incineration projects

6,recycling wooden furniture prevents de-forestation,

7. set the example for all of us to follow.

I have my own idea for MP's Second homes - when I served in the Norfolk Constabulary and we needed to go to Norwich for training courses we stayed in Student accommodation in the City College. I am sorry, I cannot see a reason for them not having lodges where they can all stay - like the rest of the normal population do when we stay away with work or study. The argument for security is strong as well as security can kept as high as it is in the houses of parliament or Buckingham palace - both of these places contain a high concentration of VIP's in one go and security is excellent for these sites. It would be safer for all MP's to be in one place. You would probably find they would all be getting drunk and sleeping with each other though! So adultery scandals would increase from the current levels (Edwina Curry and John Major style)!!

re: Time to ditch the soap dispensers and go back to real soap to reduce packaging?

William Staples — Sun, 10 May 2009 08:29:03 GMT

Why don't shops have recycling bins where you can take the packaging off at the checkout. The shops would then see how much of the packaging is not needed and start thinking about recycling rather than leave it to the customers!

re: Time to ditch the soap dispensers and go back to real soap to reduce packaging?

Godrey Wrench — Sat, 09 May 2009 09:58:18 GMT

Amber - what a great idea! Genuine local democracy. If people are made aware of the landfill crisis and the economic waste involved in production they can take responsibility both on an individual level and a democratic one. They can take action with their own waste and vote for people/parties that will deal with the problem at community and national level

re: Waste - a major headache for Suffolk

Amber Newman — Fri, 08 May 2009 20:36:36 GMT

Its amazing how anyone can commit so much money to a 30 year project why in the 1960's they thought we'd be flying around in spaceships by the year 2000 - how wrong they were - how come our County Council are so confident that waste will still be being created - perhaps we will have a better system in 10 years time which will have banned excess packaging - I sure hope so!

re: Time to ditch the soap dispensers and go back to real soap to reduce packaging?

Amber Newman — Fri, 08 May 2009 20:10:41 GMT

I agree Rachel, we must support our local milkman - buying locally from a source that re uses glass bottles has to be the sensible way forward - Milk men have been using battery powered vehicles since they stopped using horse and cart - they were green before their time - bless them!

re: Time to ditch the soap dispensers and go back to real soap to reduce packaging?

RSW — Fri, 08 May 2009 17:31:55 GMT

Another packaging anomaly. Why when I go to my local store to buy an ORGANIC cucumber do I now only have the choice to buy one packaged in cellophane? The NON organic cucumbers are free from cello!!! This doesn't make sense. I like organic because I don't like chemicals so am I really going to want to buy one covered in plastic, plastic that isn't posiible to recycle in my blue bin........plastic that to me means my cucumber is no longer chemaical free......someone please explain the logic here.....I cant see it!!!

re: Time to ditch the soap dispensers and go back to real soap to reduce packaging?

Rachel Watkins — Fri, 08 May 2009 13:15:41 GMT

Soap is just one issue. I hadn't really thought about. I have a thing about milk. Our houshold has always had a milk delivery in GLASS BOTTLES!!. This started because we only had time to shop once a fortnight and milk in plastic bottles doesn't stay fresh that long and we didn't have room in the fridge or freezer to store large quantities.. The answer? have it delivered in smaller quantities daily. Now I realise more benefits. 1 no packaging for ladfill, as we now know not everything is recyled. 2 It keeps our milkman in a job, supporting the local community, and the extra items our milkman can now deliver are a bonus too.