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Government praise for eco-group
Nov 4, 2009
AN eco-group from Teesdale is making a real difference – it’s official.The Government has studied how Teesdale Conservation Volunteers (TCV), which is based in Barnard Castle, helps to reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfill.
And the verdict is that the group, which was founded in 1997, is making a “critical contribution” to Durham County Council’s waste targets.
Officials also said TCV, also known as Rotters, was helping to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, changing people’s attitudes to recycling and helping to improve “community cohesion”.
Martin Bacon, TCV coordinator, said he was delighted with the findings, which used data from 2007.
He said: “I'm pleased to see that the hard work of our volunteers and staff has been recognised as a valuable contribution to our community and hope this report can help other community groups.”
The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) looked at TCV’s work as part of research into how ‘third sector’ organisations helped local authorities.
Several other UK groups also formed case studies, including those in cities such as Manchester.
TCV was established in 1997 as a not-for-profit community group, working with volunteers, students and groups.
The report found that TCV diverted 1,100 tonnes of green waste from landfill through its composting scheme.
Defrasaid that generated “environmental benefits and made a critical contribution to the local authority’s landfill diversion targets”.
TCV also provided work for volunteers increasing their well-being and skills, the report said.
Defra also said that, for every £1 of public cash invested in the organisation through grants, TCV generated £2.76 of “added value”.
“The total annual public funding for TCV in 2006/7 is estimated at £35,000, which created £59,600 in wider benefits,” Defra said.
While the composting scheme currently forms a core activity of TCV, it is currently building an Eco Centre.
The organisation also runs a Plot to Pot scheme to encourage people in the dale to grow their own food and then sell what they don’t need to others.
The figures for 2007 show that, as well as contributing 12 per cent towards Teesdale’s recycling and composting target, TCV achieved a total of 32 per cent when kerbside recycling and ‘bring banks’ are taken into account.
“The positive press that TCV creates generates an increased understanding of the need for waste reduction, helping to change behaviour,” Defra said.
Jill Bacon, of TCV, said:“The report is fantastic for us, especially as it was done by Defra. It shows just how valuable we are.”
The last Rotters green waste pick-up for 2009 will be November 9 and November 10.