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Environmental issues and climate change
You Said
You were generally more concerned about local issues, with recycling
(83%), maintaining the quality of towns/villages (80%) and protecting the
local natural environment (76%) seen as particularly important issues,
significantly more so that wider issues such as use of natural resources and
climate change/global warming.
Our Reply
The Council has approved a Development Plan which will help enhance and
conserve the local environment. The Council has prioritised issues
such as recycling which have a local impact. In signing the Climate
Change Declaration the Council in cooperation with the Community Planning
Partnership will take a lead role in developing a strategic response to
Climate Change and CO2 reductions. This will raise the profile of this
global issue.
The impact of environmental issues on
your life
You Said
Waste was seen as the most serious environmental problem in Moray - fly
tipping (67%), disposal of household/business waste (62%), sewage treatment
(55%) and recycling (52%).
Our Reply
This reflects the amount of work that is being done to promote waste
management in that it is high in the order of people's environmental
priorities. The Council has an excellent record in terms of recycling
and is well ahead of national targets.
Taking action on environmental issues
You Said
89% of you felt that the Council should have a leading or significant role
in environmental issues. Education/awareness raising in schools (87%)
and information provided through newspapers (83%) were seen as by far the
most effective methods for communicating environmental issues.
Our Reply
The Environmental Forum has ran a very successful Environmental Awards
Scheme and this attracted a significant amount of media interest that let to
environmental related articles in local papers over consecutive weeks.
The Council organised an Environmental Festival and is rolling out the
Eco-Schools Programme.
Energy use in the home
You Said
83% of you said that the reduction of home energy costs was the main
reason for installing energy saving measures rather than environmental
concerns.
Our Reply
This reflects campaigns that have specifically targeted financial savings
associated with energy reduction. The environmental message is slowly
filtering through.
Energy use in the workplace
You Said
Paper recycling (81%) and promotion of energy saving (68%) were the most
common energy saving measures implemented by employers.
Our Reply
This is a good start and the Environmental Forum is trying to promote other
issues including sustainable procurement and green travel.
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