Going Green

We’re going to need a bigger bike shed: Cumbria bicycle recycler outgrows home

Bike recycling photo A social enterprise helping to make the greenest form of transport even greener has proved so popular that it’s having to move to a new home three times the size of its current one.

Last updated 27 January 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

No need for landfill – there is life after death for old TVs and sofas

With Christmas now a distant memory and work feeling as though we’ve never been away, many of us may have a case of the January blues. And what better way to cure them than with a bit of retail therapy in the sales?

Last updated 27 January 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Innovation roll-out to see more rivers spruced up

A new, greener way of helping to prevent Cumbria’s rivers and streams from eroding and bursting their banks has been judged a success and is to be tried in more local waterways.

Last updated 27 January 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Stronger together for natural environment

The best way to protect our natural surroundings is for different bodies to work together – and a local wildlife charity has just been awarded Government cash to mobilise all the interested parties.

Last updated 27 January 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Get your eco-friendly Christmas all wrapped up – no sticky tape needed

We may not get a white Christmas every year, but we can certainly try to have a green one! From Christmas dinner to present wrapping and DIY decorations there are plenty of ways to reduce waste and keep more of our hard-earned pennies in our pockets.

Last updated 16 December 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Rolling out recycling bin for your cards will create new woodland

Shoppers can bring a double benefit to the environment by recycling their Christmas cards at Marks & Spencer this year.

Last updated 16 December 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Shoppers learn how to give green

Staff at two different councils teamed up to spread the green message to Christmas shoppers in Carlisle city centre.

Last updated 16 December 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Could a tiny village be the UK solar power capital?

A tiny village in Cumbria is laying claim to be Britain’s solar panel capital, as more and more of its residents install panels on their roofs.

Last updated 16 December 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Six-foot fruit to take a bite out of waste

Man-size fruit and veg will be arriving in two town centres next month, urging us to throw out less food and showing us how to make the most of leftovers.

Last updated 25 November 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Hands off that thermostat – keep the cold out for less this winter

As winter draws in, so do the cold, dark nights. It’s coming to that time of year when we like to snuggle up in a nice warm house in front of the TV and hide away. Unfortunately, with fuel prices increasing, heating our homes costs around £300 more than it did this time last year, with the average fuel bill for UK households now at £1,345.

Last updated 25 November 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

New bridge is helping to boost rare fish numbers in Lake District valley

Rare fish are being helped to spawn in a Lake District valley thanks to help from a nearby tourist attraction.

Last updated 25 November 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Unique £1.6m project to make jobs greener

More than 1,000 people across Cumbria are receiving training in ways to make their jobs greener, in a £1.6m project which is the first of its kind in the county.

Last updated 25 November 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Keepers of the past pioneer ways of future

Museums are dedicated to showcasing the past – but now they are pointing the way to a more eco-friendly future.

Last updated 28 October 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Kitchen scraps are all it takes to help birds survive winter months

During the winter some species of birds could die without our help. This is the warning from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds as the clocks go back this weekend.

Last updated 28 October 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

See how far your food can go as the long autumn nights draw in

With the leaves falling and temperatures dropping, there’s no mistaking the fact that autumn has arrived. And with it comes plenty of late season fruit and vegetable gluts and seasonal bargains in the shops.

Last updated 28 October 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Good for the environment and health

A Cumbria-based company which produces green food packaging has discovered that its products are not only safer for the environment but safer for human health too.

Last updated 30 September 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Schooled in reducing their carbon count

Schools in Cumbria create 30,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year – but now 19 of them across the county have signed up to a plan to drive that figure down and save money at the same time.

Last updated 30 September 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Red squirrel numbers increase in Keswick forests

The environment of Cumbrian forests is still proving to offer a good home for endangered red squirrels – with numbers well up this year.

Last updated 30 August 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

£20m Keswick pollution project to benefit lake

Levels of pollution that are harming one of Cumbria’s most vulnerable lakes and the wildlife that rely on it are to be reduced dramatically, thanks to a £20m scheme.

Last updated 30 August 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

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n Clean your microwave the quick and natural way by placing a couple of slices of lemon in a small bowl of water, and switch on the power for a couple of minutes. The condensation will loosen dirt inside the microwave, making it easier to wipe clean, and leave a clean, fresh smell.n Many of the most popular sunny tourist destinations abroad suffer severe water shortages in late summer. If you’re travelling abroad take as much care to conserve water as you would at home, for example by turning the tap off as you clean your teeth.n Over the last 50 years we have lost 90 per cent of our cherry orchards and now import around 95 per cent of the cherries we eat. Find out what you can do – plant a tree, pick your own, cook something delicious, or buy anything from cherry beer to cherry ice cream – at www.foodloversbritain.com/FoodMatters/FoodLovers-Britain-CherryAid/n Running shoes can sometimes get a bit ripe, especially in hot weather. Stamp out smells by pouring a little bicarbonate of soda inside your trainers in the evening and shaking it out the next day. The baking powder will absorb odours overnight.n If you have to drive regularly, clear the boot of clutter. Removing unnecessary objects will reduce the overall weight of the vehicle, cutting fuel consumption and carbon emissions by easing the load on the engine.n Look out for the fruit and veg that are in season at this time of year. British-grown tomatoes, aubergines, courgettes, broad beans and sweetcorn and fruit such as pears, plums and raspberries are all available now.n There’s an easy and environmentally friendly way to put the clutters in your shed or loft to good use. The Ecomodo website allows you to lend and borrow everyday objects, skills or spaces with neighbours, friends and colleagues. More details can be found at www.ecomodo.com.

Last updated 26 August 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk