SCOTTISH Organiser, Dave Watson, said: “Scotland must drastically cut the
amount of waste sent to landfill, which is a major source of greenhouse and
other gases. We must all transform the way we deal with waste. This applies
to individuals, families and the public, private and voluntary sectors.
“Local authorities, through National and Area Waste Plans, must meet
European legislative targets on waste and recycling. The public sector can
also play a crucial role by developing internal waste management strategies,
in consultation with staff, as part of overall sustainable development
strategies.”
Roddy Mann, a UNISON member and Area Manager for Fife Council’s Environmental
Services, said: “Working in the field of wastes management I see the
importance of Public Services setting a good socially responsible example in
this area. The management of waste plays a significant role in protecting
our environment and conserving scarce natural resources. Our attitude to
waste today will determine the legacy we leave for future generations. We
must lead by example.”
Reduce Reuse Recyle – says UNISON. The public sector is currently looking at policies that will reduce its global environmental impact.
Says a spokesperson: “The Scottish Executive is considering setting
targets for public bodies on the specification of recycled material and is
preparing a Scottish Sustainable Procurement Action Plan.
“UNISON Scotland believes that concerted action by the sector can make a
major contribution to reducing Scotland’s waste, can set a good example for
the private sector and can encourage employees to change their behaviour at
home in ways which contribute to sustainable development and safeguard the
planet for future generations.”
* A Waste Management Charter for Public Sector Organisations
* Agree an internal waste management and recycling strategy, which also
looks at procurement in an overall sustainable development strategy
* Consult and involve staff on development and implementation of the
strategy
* Ensure it promotes prevention, minimisation and other options from the top
of the waste hierarchy, along with internal and external awareness-raising
* Agree realistic but challenging targets for the strategy, with regular
monitoring and evaluation
* Provide easily accessible, clear information on the organisation’s
strategy, targets and progress on key indicators
* Use tools such as the Ecological Footprint in policy development,
monitoring progress and raising awareness
ENDS
Notes to the Editor
1. UNISON Scotland’s Briefing on Waste Management is on our website at:
http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/briefings/wastemanage.html
2. The Ecological Footprint is a tool increasingly used to measure
environmental impact. Further information is at:
www.scotlands-footprint.com and www.scotlandsfootprint.org
3. Scottish Environment Week 6th to 12th Feb
www.scotlink.org/Current_action/env_week_programme2006.php
YOU too can post a media release on allmediascotland.com. For more information, email here.
Contact: Dave Watson, Scottish Organiser (Policy) 0870 7777 006(w) 07958 122 409(m) Chris Bartter, Communications Officer (0870 7777 006 (w) 07715 583 729(M)
