The Advent Calendar window Green Tip is from Judy today, and she would like to tell you about fermenting and preserving food. With Christmas being the season of excess, and hopefully a bit of time off, this could be a fun and productive way to save food. Why not get the family involved?
We hear a lot about how wasteful our society is these days and about the vast quantities of food that go to waste. Although some of this waste can only be prevented by farmers and supermarkets changing their systems, a great deal of it is food that has been left at the back of household fridges and forgotten about until it has gone off and has to be thrown away. So in order to avoid wasting fresh food, maybe surplus food that we’ve grown ourselves, or perhaps just food that we’ve bought and know we won’t get round to eating before it goes off, there are many different ways to use it to make delicious ferments and preserves to spice up future meals and eat as healthy snacks.
Of all the ways to preserve food, such as: pickling, jam making, chutney making, freezing, which are all great, fermentation, when used as a method of preserving, is in a class of its own. Not only does it require no cooking, thus saving the associated cost and carbon emissions, but its nutritional value is also enhanced by the micro-organisms responsible for fermentation. Out of produce, which could have otherwise gone to waste, you can create a real feast for the senses.
If you can put the time and effort into preparing home preserved fruit and vegetables, the flavours are just amazing. You will have food that tastes far superior to anything commercially produced, and which includes none of the added chemicals used to prolong the shelf life of shop bought foods. You can make a whole range of sweet, sour, salty, pungent, aromatic, and spicy flavours. But the list of foods that can be fermented doesn’t end with colourful jars of fruit and veg. There are crusty sourdough breads, creamy yogurts and cheeses (both dairy and vegan) and fizzy or still soft drinks and even alcoholic beverages. The possibilities of fermenting are endless and the results can be delicious and nutritious.
Fermented food contains beneficial bacteria and is good for your gut micro-biome, but don’t overdo it. You need to get used to new, fermented foods gradually, so you don’t overwhelm your digestive system. Small amounts to start with are best. The BBC Good Food website has lots of recipes for pickles, jams and chutneys as well as ferments. Here’s a link to a simple sauerkraut recipe https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/ recipes/simple-sauerkraut
If there is enough interest, we hope to run some sessions next year on fermenting and preserving in conjunction with growing food at the Community Allotment. It would of course involve lots of tasting of the end products. If you would be interested in coming along to learn about either growing or fermenting and preserving or both, then please get in touch and let us know, so we can keep you informed of any courses planned. Contact us via email, social media, on 07311 705705 or at ECO HUB. Have a great Christmas everyone!
Today’s Green Tips Advent Calendar windows opens to stop using plastic. You’re probably well aware of all the headlines about the catastrophic effects of plastic pollution, but as well as being a major contributor to pollution and climate change, it also kills marine life and potentially us too!
So, no more plastic straws?
Single-use plastic isn’t just damaging, especially for our oceans, it’s also unnecessary; the first thing to do is to ditch the plastic straws and get yourself a metal one. If you really want to go the extra mile, you can ask your local pubs and restaurants to only serve plastic straws upon request. You can also replace plastic cutlery with reusable options.
Buy a reusable bottle or cup
There’s no need to buy plastic bottles of water from supermarkets. Why not buy a reusable bottle instead? You can even download Refill – an app which shows you where your nearest refill station is! While you’re at it, buy a reusable coffee cup. Some coffee outlets will actually charge you a little less if you bring a reusable coffee cup, so everybody wins.
Packed lunches, not meal deals
You’ve probably been psyching yourself up to start doing this for a while now, so let this be the last little boost you needed. Perfectly recyclable pasta pots and sandwich boxes often end up in the bin if we’re racing through the centre of town, so do the planet (and your wallet) a favour and start making packed lunches. This means that you can bring your own metal cutlery, too.
Buy loose veg
When you are choosing between buying loose or packed veg, always go for loose. Not only are you forgoing unnecessary plastic, you’re also buying just what you need. Less plastic, less waste. Simple.
Buy in Bulk
Buying office supplies in bulk or even food in bigger packets can also reduce plastic waste and save money.
Don’t be caught without a shopping bag
Many of us will be making far too many trips to the supermarket over the festive season, so make sure you always keep a sturdy shopping bag folded up in your car or rucksack. This way, when you inevitably pop in on the way home, you’re prepared.
Beware Teabags
Some teabags contain hidden plastics such as glues used to seal the bags, in the fabric of the bag itself, or in the packaging. For this reason, not all teabags can go into garden compost as they won’t break down (or may break down into microplastics). And some alternative bags, such as those made from polylactic acid (PLA), can’t go in your council food waste collection. Always check what you can put in your food bin where you live, using your council website. To avoid these plastics, try loose leaf tea which can be used with a strainer, or reusable teabags. Alternatively, look for brands that are taking action to remove plastic from their tea – try bags that are unbleached and organic, in cardboard packaging.
Find refill stations for detergents and food
Big brands are starting to take this refill concept seriously; you should, too. When your anti-bacterial spray or washing up liquid runs out, look for refill pouches or stations – don’t just grab a new bottle!
Kerry from Food for Thought 2022
Go one step further and shop at a refill store, we have an excellent one in Wellingborough, called Food for Thought in Nene Court where Kerry and her team will help you with all sorts of foods, including treats and yes, even detergents!
Support companies that are committed to sustainable packaging
One of the most important things that you can do to help reduce plastic pollution: support companies that package their goods responsibly, and avoid those that don’t, i.e. avoid products with excess or unnecessary plastic packaging. These days, companies succeed by aligning themselves ethically with their target market. This a consumer-driven trend with a positive impact on the environment, so we should keep it alive.
Ditch the cling wrap
Unlike cling film that cannot be recycled, consider alternatives such as aluminium foil which can be recycled. If you are using foil, make sure you clean it and put it in the recycling bin after use. Another alternative is Beeswax Wraps. Made using 100% cotton, pine resin, jojoba oil and various waxes they are a reusable and sustainable alternative to cling film, and no nasties will leach into your food while it’s stored. Other alternatives include reusable lunchboxes, or elasticated fabric bowl covers which are useful for storing bowls of food in the fridge.
Give up gum
In England, around 87% of streets are stained with gum (Keep Britain Tidy) so always make sure you dispose of chewing gum in an appropriate bin, never on the floor. Did you know conventional chewing gum is made from plastic? This makes it take longer to decompose and it will break down into microplastics. Several plastic-free alternatives are now on the shelves, so look for brands that detail the ingredients of their gum and are committed to ending plastic pollution.
Glitter, the one member of the party that NEVER leaves!
All glitter is made from plastic. Due to its size and composition, glitter can last for many years in natural environments, breaking down into smaller microplastics and being ingested by wildlife. Even biodegradable glitter is a myth. There is no legal limit on how long it takes to decompose in the natural environment before it is called ‘biodegradable’, so many of the biodegradable glitters could last as long as plastic. It also has the same impact on wildlife and the natural environment – small particles are easily ingested by wildlife and could have harmful effects. Instead, steer clear of all glitter and opt for alternative decorations instead. Similarly Avoid products with microbeads. Microbeads are tiny plastic particles that contribute to ocean plastic pollution too.
Plastic pollution is the most visible example of the havoc we’re causing to our planet. From our local beaches to the remote Arctic, it is choking our oceans and killing wildlife. We need everyone to stop using plastic, but if it’s too daunting to know where to start, try making one small change at a time and committing to it. For example, could you switch to a glass ketchup bottle instead of a squeaky plastic one? When you’re finished, wash it out and reuse it, refill it, or recycle it appropriately.
And if removing plastic from your life completely is unfeasible, make your plastic containers go further. For example, when a plastic bottle finishes, try your local refill shop and fill those containers with new products including wet and dry goods. We can also reuse containers like old butter and ice cream tubs as sandwich boxes, useful tubs for screws or nails, or planters for seedlings. How ever you stop using plastic, have a Merry Christmas everyone!
We are doing our advent calendar again, but this year we are doing it with your ‘Green Tips’.
We were at Wellingborough Twinkle on Saturday 30th November, where we added your green tips to a Christmas Tree on our stall. Lots of people popped in to see us before the town’s lights got switched on to give us their Green Tips, and you can as well, send us your green tips via email or social media. We also want to hear from local businesses, schools and community organisations too.
Our Advent Calendar is usually of local businesses and community organisations, looking at those who offer eco-friendly services and those who are making a difference in Wellingborough! It was a way for us to find out what’s on offer, so that we could make Wellingborough Eco Map, and to support local businesses and community organisations that were struggling during and after covid. If you offer an eco-friendly service or are a community organisation, you can still send us your story and a logo and we will add you to our map!
So please do send us your green tips for our advent calendar this year. If you can, we will add your tip to our Advent Calendar. Email info@wellingboroughecogroup.org.uk, message us via messenger or call/text/WhatsApp 07311 705705.
Our Advent Calendar will be updated with a new window opening every day until Christmas Eve. The window will be linked to our blog with an article all about what your Green Tip is, and then shared across our social media outlets; and by the way, it starts this today…
Join us for this Month’s Two Hour Tidy Up, it takes place this Saturday (30th November) in The Town Centre just before Wellingborough Twinkle. Our Recycling Station will be set up from 9:30am near the Christmas Tree on Market Street for litter picking between 10 and 12.
This location has been chosen because we want to make our town look great for everyone who is attending the Twinkle, and because we also have a stall at the big Christmas Lights switch on, where there will be festive games and more.
To help us and keep us safe, we have litter pickers, hi-vis vests and safety equipment including road signs, so everything is provided but please bring your own gloves if you can. Tea and coffee will also be available for free!
Do join us to make this area tidier, let’s make our Town Centre really Twinkle, see you on Saturday morning!
This Month’s Two Hour Tidy Up takes place on this Saturday (26th October) at London Road Cemetery and along The Walks, for a spooky Halloween litter pick! We will be setting up our Recycling Station at the entrance to cemetery on The Walks from 9:30, for litter picking between 10 and 12. We will be tidying up this and the surrounding area.
Join us for our monthly Two Hour Tidy Up!
This location has been chosen because we have have had reports that the cemetery and The Walks are heavily littered. We have tidied up this area before, but unfortunately due to some messy people there’s a lot to do. It could be cold, so free refreshments including tea and coffee will be available.
To help us and keep us safe at this and future litter picks, Wellingborough Eco Group have purchased some litter pickers, hi-vis vests and safety equipment including road signs, so everything is provided but please bring your own gloves and do dress up if you can. Join in, bring your friends and family, ALL WELCOME!
This Month’s Two Hour Tidy Up takes place on this Saturday (28th September) at Castlefields Park and along The Embankment, where it all started five years ago! We will be setting up our Recycling Station at the Irthlingborough Road entrance to Castlefields Park from 9:30, for litter picking between 10 and 12. We will be tidying up the park and the surrounding area.
Join us for our monthly Two Hour Tidy Up!
This location has been chosen because we started our group by litter picking on The Embankment five years ago, but that’s flooded so we will combine tidying up Castlefields too. We have tidied up this area before, but unfortunately due to being busy over the holidays there’s a lot to do. It could be cold, so free refreshments including tea and coffee will be available.
To help us and keep us safe at this and future litter picks, Wellingborough Eco Group have purchased some litter pickers, hi-vis vests and safety equipment including road signs, so everything is provided but please bring your own gloves if you can. Join in, bring your friends and family, ALL WELCOME!
This Month’s Two Hour Tidy Up takes place on this Saturday (31st August) on Croyland Gardens. We will be setting up our Recycling Station on Morrisons Car Park from 9:30, for litter picking between 10 and 12. We will be tidying up the gardens and the surrounding area.
Join us for our monthly Two Hour Tidy Up!
This location has been chosen because we haven’t tidied this area for a while. We have tidied up this area before, but unfortunately due to being busy over the holidays there’s a lot to do. It could be hot, so free refreshments including cold bottles of water will be available. Here is a map to Morrisons car park:
To help us and keep us safe at this and future litter picks, Wellingborough Eco Group have purchased some litter pickers, hi-vis vests and safety equipment including road signs, so everything is provided but please bring your own gloves if you can. Join in, bring your friends and family, ALL WELCOME!
Kółko i Krzyżyk ma ogromną przyjemność zaprosić Państwa na wydarzenie sportowe jakiego jeszcze w Wellingborough nie było!
Nasz sportowy Event odbędzie się w Glamis Hall w Wellingborough 15-go czerwca od godziny 13.00 do godziny 16.00. MAMO TATO Ćwiczmy w lato!
– to wspaniałe wydarzenie sportowe w którym absolutnie każdy będzie mógł wziąć udział, niezależnie od wieku, formy czy predyspozycji. Zapraszamy więc Was wszystkich!
Rodziny, przyjaciół, znajomych, sąsiadów! Zarówno tych małych jak i tych dużych! Konkurencje sportowe będą odbywały się pod czujnym okiem specjalisty – trenera personalnego Pawła Palenika.
Ćwiczenia będą wykonywane w akompaniamencie dźwięków które zagra dla was DJSPEEDTv. Niesamowity Robert Jankowski poprowadzi nasz event. Zawody odbędą się w trzech turach: Pierwsza tura godz. 13.00 Druga tura godz. 14.00 Trzecia tura godz. 15.00
Prosimy wybrać godzinę na udział w zawodach
Bilet w cenie 1f od osoby
Zapisy przyjmujemy pod linkiem
Bilet zostanie wysłany na podany przez was email
Opłata startowa w wysokości 1£ zostanie w całości wykorzystana na rozwój grupy Kółko i Krzyżyk oraz koszty organizacyjne tego eventu. Kółko i Krzyżyk to polska grupa działająca w Wellingborough. Należy do Wellingborough Eco Group. Integruje polska społeczność w celu rozwijania pasji, talentów dzieci i dorosłych. Rozgrzewke taneczna przed konkurencjami poprowadzi 1,2,3 Dance.
Na Każdego kto podejmie sportowe wyzwanie czekać będzie kolorowy Smoothie od Eat Feat Catering.
Dla dzieci będą przygotowane atrakcje balonowe.
Ponadto, będziecie mogli zakupić polskie Zapiekanki od Good Polish Food, smakołyki, lemoniadę przygotowane przez Vorwerk Thermomix TM6, watę cukrowa Fluffy Sweets oraz pyszne ciasta by uzupełnić spalone kalorie.
Dodatkowo będziecie mogli zakupić bursztynowa biżuterię od Amber Lady – Marlena Kotzknecht.
Magdalena Bednarowicz- doradca ubezpieczeniowy, odpowie na pytania oraz przeprowadzi ankietę o preferencjach ubezpieczeniowych, a wśród ankietowanych rozlosuje nagrody dla dzieci.
Thomas Photo Services uwieczni wasze sportowe zmagania.
Event współfinansowany przez North Northamptonshire Council
Over the past couple of months, we have been looking at our structure. Currently we are a constituted community group, which serves us well but has a few short comings. For example, since our organisation is not a separate legal entity in the eyes of the law, the committee takes personal liability for any risk or debts.
The legal structure (click link to see options) can have a huge impact on any future activities, such as fundraising, trading or contracting because the legal status is closely linked with how you we governed and regulated. It can also affect our legal rights as an organisation.
We have looked at the many different legal entities that we can adopt, the one your committee has settled on is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation by Association (CIO) because it doesn’t change the ethos of the group and it is less rigid in how it is maintained than a conventional charity.
What is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation?
A CIO is a legal structure regulated by the Charity Commission that was introduced to help simplify the process for setting up a charity.
A CIO is governed by Charity Law (not Company Law) and the liability of trustees is limited (rather like being a director of a limited company)
There are two forms of CIO:
Association model – this has a wider membership, including voting members other than charity trustees. We have a registered membership and we want to keep this.
Foundation model – the only members are the trustees and there is no wider membership. Glamis Hall is a Foundation CIO.
Why do this when what we are is working?
Having a charitable status makes it easier for companies to support us. Some simply will not support us as we are.
Becoming a legal entity, means that we can limit the liability of our committee and members.
There is no minimum level of income required to register as a CIO so we can immediately apply to be registered at the Charity Commission.
As we grow, we will exceed the financial limit for our current status, so we need to change to a legal entity.
Most other legal structures, including Community Interest Companies (CIC) Co-operatives and Limited Companies by Guarantee are better suited to not-for-profit businesses that generate income through sales.
We want to remain a community group with a membership, that delivers services with the support of partners, to benefit local people and our environment.
Wellingborough Eco Group is a membership organisation, that has a committee that represents the members. We wanted to keep this structure where every member’s voice counts.
Becoming a CIO will mean that we will also have trustees who are legally responsible for the organisation, but as an associated CIO our members will continue to drive and add to what we do.
What difference will it make to me?
For most people, absolutely nothing in the short term; but in the long term we will be able to improve and increase our services.
Have your say!
Please do let us know what you think to us becoming an Associated CIO. You views are important, this is your group.
We will formally move forward with this proposal at our next Committee Meeting at 7pm on Tuesday 15th at ECO HUB.
Becoming a CIO is all about what is best for the long term and about making our group sustainable, so that we can continue to make our community more sustainable for everyone.
A huge thank you to the 11 litter picking heroes that joined us on our Two Hour Tidy Up this morning in Stanwell Park. We filled an 20 bags full of litter and pulled out various items from the stream including four trolleys, six bicycles, two car tyres, four chairs, a mattress, a tent, a bin full of rubble and various lumps of wood.
Wellingborough Eco Group have a Two Hour Tidy Up with Wellie Wombles every month. This time we we litter picked Stanwell Park and the surrounding area. Our Recycling Station was set up at 9:30 for litter picking 10-12. Our next one will be on 29th of July in a location to be decided, perhaps in a park near you!
Massive thank you Brenda for getting in the stream, and to Glenn, Sarah, Kate, Judy, Jehovian, Jonathan, Rachel and Tim, and Ray and Jackie for picking up so much litter, much of which has been mown into tiny pieces. Thank you also to local residents who joined in to help move some of the larger items and to those offered drinks to our litter pickers too. Well done all!
