Towards a genuinely low-waste strategy for north London

The consultation about a new waste strategy for north London is nearing the cut-off date. But the questions posed by the North London Waste Authority ignore the elephant in the room - the huge new incinerator under construction in Edmonton (now well behind schedule with construction costs rising).. Is the desire to "feed the beast" and earn money from the generated heat holding the waste authority back from taking decisive measures to prevent reusable and recyclable materials being incinerated? Is this why instead of taking steps themselves that could radically improve sorting and retrieval of valuable materials, they are putting the onus on individual residents, most of whom are not in a position to improve matters greatly?

Failing to take all feasible measures to minimise incineration is, in my view, an environmenal crime. Not only are valuable materials being destroyed and a toxic cloud created over residential areas, but the large quantities of greenhouse gases emitted by incineration contribute to climate change, the disastrous effects of which can be seen all round the world, at the moment particularly in California. It's time for the waste authority to grow up and act responsibly.

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PG Action Team renews call to oppose new gambling venue in Green Lanes - discussion

Neil asks whether we have reached peak gambling in PG, while Cara points out that the challenge we have is that one of the appellant's arguments is that Adult Gaming Centres (AGCs) are distinct from betting shops and should not be conflated with them in terms of clustering or intensification policies. They emphasise that AGCs focus on low-stakes gaming and cater to a different demographic.

Whatever, the date for submitting objections has now passed and we just have to await developments.

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Improvements to bus services - what about the W9?

The discussion turns to the W9, which certainly became very unreliable last year. However, it now has a new operator and should be fixed - any reports on how well it's doing?

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Wood and solid fuel burning – its impact on health and air pollution

North London air pollution campaigner Ruth Fitzharris from Mums for Lungs explains why solid-fuel and wood burning stoves are injurious to health, affecting children in particular

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Government urged to set out new Low Traffic Vision in 2025

New Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is being urged to adopt a new vision for a Low Traffic Future, for the sake of the nation's health, wealth and wellbeing.

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