Plea on wasteAfter this week's seizure of trucks allegedly involved in illegal waste dumping, the campaign group VOICE (Voice of Irish Concern for the Environment) has renewed its call for the Government to make waste minimisation its number one priority.
"We can stem the flow of waste going to legal and illegal dumps and take waste down to zero," says William St Leger of VOICE. "After the success of the plastic bag tax, we shouldn't go backwards," he says. "At the moment we have token recycling with bottle banks; you have to meet people half way and provide a service of kerbside collection. The solution is maximum recycling not mass incineration." VOICE is asking people to vote against incineration and in favour of increased recycling and composting, on the Down to Zero website. The votes will be delivered to Martin Cullen, the Minister for the Environment. For more details and a virtual tour of an incinerator: www.downtozero.ie
Woodlands' spirit
What did our medieval ancestors use native woodlands for? Do we have a spiritual connection to woodlands? How big is the threat from non-native invasive trees such as sycamore and animals such as deer? Just what is riparian woodland management? These are some of the questions to be discussed by Irish and European experts at "The past, present and future of Ireland's Native Woodlands," a major conference taking place in Galway from September 8th to 11th. Woodlands of Ireland wants to encourage anyone with an interest in woodlands to attend. Cost: 15 a day. Booking by Friday is advised. Tel: 01-2849329. E-mail: woodsofireland@iol.ie. Website: www.woodlandsofireland.com (Riparian woodland is forest with a stream, river or lake.)
Latin culture
Latin America is becoming more popular as a destination for Irish travellers, but many of us have only a general idea about the continent's history, culture or politics. The Latin America Solidarity Centre is running an interactive two-day workshop for people who want to learn more about the region. Topics to be covered include: historical background, economics, cultural issues, health, travel, volunteering, Irish links and labour issues such as sweatshops. The workshop takes place on September 25th and October 16th. It costs €35 (25 concessions) and booking is essential. More details from LASC on 01-6760435. Website: http://www.lasc.ie/
In olden days
The "low-backed car" or block-wheel cart was the most common vehicle in mid-19th century rural Ireland. This summer at the National Museum of Country Life two craftsmen will be building an authentic cart using traditional materials, techniques and tools. Visitors are welcome to follow progress from Tuesday to Saturday until next Saturday. The museum's summer exhibition is Notice to Quit, photos of scenes of mass eviction in the late 19th century around the country. Open daily except Monday in Turlough, Castlebar, Co Mayo. Tel: 1890-687386. Website: www.museum.ie