Action Briefing Feb 2006 - Mar 2006
	The Newsletter of Birmingham Friends of the Earth

Waste Strategy 2000: Waste not, want not

What we do with our so-called 'rubbish' is once again about to become a hot topic of conversation.

In the first or second week of February, the Government's review of Waste Strategy 2000 will be getting underway. This is the strategy for resource management and waste disposal for England (Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland have separate strategies). It's our chance to make our voices heard on the future of waste in our neck of the country.

Although the government does seem to be interested in developing recycling facilities and waste minimisation to an extent, ministers also unfortunately appear to be including 'energy from waste', or incineration as you might know it, in the mix. There's still a battle to win to get the message across that this dirty, polluting and frankly wasteful method of treating waste is neither sustainable nor desirable.

Friends of the Earth will be submitting a detailed response to the strategy review, pressing for waste minimisation targets, high and ambitious recycling targets and an end to support for incineration, but it's also vital that the voices of the communities to be affected by the outcomes of the review are heard.

This year Birmingham Friends of the Earth campaigns planning meetings, a sub-group of our Monday night campaign meetings, have discussed recycling in Birmingham, with a view to a targeted campaign around the theme of waste, resources and recycling. The next meeting is on the 1st February at 6.30pm, here at the Warehouse, Allison Street, Digbeth. Please contact me if you would like to attend on 1st February or are interested in keeping in touch and attending subsequent meetings. Our regular weekly campaign meetings are held every Monday evening (except Bank Holidays), 7.30pm at the Warehouse. All welcome.

Maud Grainger

Take Action
If you would like to write a response to the consultation please contact us at Birmingham Friends of the Earth. Alternatively, Friends of the Earth has created a simple on-line action at www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/waste/press_for_change/. Friends of the Earth is also planning a local groups' action on the review for this Spring. If you would like more information contact Maud.