Evergreen Online
The Newsletter of Wirral Green Alliance
Digest Edition
August / September 2002
Evergreen Online The Newsletter of Wirral Green Alliance |
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Digest Edition August / September 2002 |
In this month's online edition: Ship of Fools Solar Sun Day WGA Organic Garden Day |
SHIP OF FOOLS Tanker of Plutonium heading for UK |
The armed BNFL ship Pacific Pintail carrying its deadly cargo
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Currently a highly dangerous nuclear cargo is being transported across the Pacific en route from Japan to the UK. The two armed ships carrying enough plutonium to make 50 nuclear bombs have completely disregarded several requests from Pacific Governments to remain outside their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ). An accident or attack on a nuclear transport at sea could have catastrophic consequences for coastal states, and yet the British and Japanese governments have refused to consult with countries along the route, not even concerning plans for emergencies or liability agreements in the case of radioactive contamination. This blatant disregard of the wishes of Pacific states and international law of the sea demonstrates the absurd and dangerous lengths to which the Japanese and British governments are willing to go to prop up this dangerous, polluting industry. The irony is that cleaner renewable energy could put an end to the need for nuclear power but these governments in particular have yet to see the light. British Nuclear Fuels (BNFL) has ludicrously called Greenpeace irresponsible for publicising the location of this dangerous shipment. "It is they who are avoiding their responsibility" says Angenette Heffernan, Greenpeace nuclear campaigner. "Under international law, BNFL is required to inform nations that they are in their waters, and it was their irresponsibility in falsifying crucial safety data which is bringing this shipment through the region twice unnecessarily," said Angenette. The Vanuatu Deputy Prime Minister Serge Vohor has accused Japan and Britain of disrespecting his country's sovereignty. Each nation has the right to protect the marine environment within its EEZ from hazardous nuclear shipments under the Law of the Sea Convention. The shipping states have not fulfilled their obligations under the international Law of the Sea, which includes consulting with en route states. Therefore the BNFL ships, the Pacific Pintail and the Pacific Teal have jeopardised their right to "freedom of navigation" within EEZs. Protesters are setting sail from around the Pacific to form a Nuclear Free Pacific Flotilla in the Tasman Sea. These protesters share a common concern about the dangers posed by British Nuclear Fuel's shipment of weapons-usable plutonium past their countries, and they are determined to ensure it never happens again. |
Solar SunDay at Tam O'Shanter Urban Farm |
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Solar SunDay on the Farm, an event held as part of an international drive to raise awareness of alternative energy sources, took place at Tam O’Shanter Urban Farm on 23rd June. The event was blessed with long periods of bright sunshine, and a fresh breeze which were very useful as the aim was, among other things, to demonstrate the potential of wind and solar power! Visitors to the Farm provided an interested and appreciative audience. Often with environmental events one runs the risk of preaching mainly to the converted, but this was not the case here. Many families with children enjoyed the afternoon, showing a keen interest in the displays, the literature provided, and the hands-on activities. The solar fountain was a particular success with the children, as they were able to grasp the direct relationship between the sun shining on the panel, and the flow of water. A few of them also received an unexpected shower! Eastham Day Centre very kindly loaned a small wind turbine, solar panel and pond pump, and a free-standing solar energy display, for which many thanks; these items were very much appreciated. Wirral Green Alliance and Wirral LA21 Forum offered information and advice on environmentally friendly lifestyles to the visitors. Energy Projects Plus ran a prize draw for a Freeplay Ranger radio, which had over 100 entries. 35 energy-saving lights were given to people who completed the Energy Efficiency Advice Centre’s DIY Home Energy Checks. The Farm’s education worker helped children make sunflowers on sticks, displaying environmental messages. Bidston Windmill was opened specially for the occasion (normally it only opens on the first Sunday of the month) and received more than 100 visitors. Small windmills on sticks were also made and widely distributed to children – and a few young at heart! The event was a great success, raising local awareness of the participating organisations, the Solar Energy Society, and alternative and renewable energy resources, energy use and waste in general. If you are interested in organising a Solar SunDay event in 2003, please visit: www.brookes.ac.uk/other/uk-ises/sunday/ |
WGA Organic Garden Day |
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Organic gardening can be simple, healthy, cost effective, beneficial to wildlife and attractive. It can also be fun and tasty. Training Day 13th July - The first of many The sun shone at the Manor Trust in Wallasey, where the Green Alliance is based for this Organic Garden Design Course attended by 20 people. A healthy lunch was provided by Djamila Serir which was undeniably out of this world and many recipies were written down. The tutor was Jo Taylor, from Preston and the WEA. The day covered Soil sampling, comosting games, organic methods and designs for the Community Training Allotment at Manor Trust. Funding applications are in the final stages for this project to really take off. This is expected to be late September and there is be a part time project worker to oversee the development of the garden. Jo Taylor will be helping with these designs based on suggestions from the course. There will be chances to meet and discuss these plans and designs before we all get stuck into the work. The overall aim of this project is to bring together a wide variety of people and groups through organic gardening/ small scale, sustainable agricultural and horticultural activities. People will be able to come and share and help develop the garden facilities or even have their own plot. Linked in with this, the training may allow people to develop and move to their own council |
