News and Events ...
Thank you to everyone who has responded to our survey on the idea of a zero waste shop. We received 238 responses, 186 electronically and 52 on paper. The results showed that 96% supported the idea, 71% would purchase goods with another 22% responding maybe. 59% of those responding lived in Haltwhistle, 37% in the surrounding parishes and 4% elsewhere. As a result, in Partnership with Another Weigh in Penrith and Kendal, we are investigating setting up the shop and applying for funding for the necessary costs. Please note that the shop will not sell any items that are already available for sale in this way in Haltwhistle.
“The concept is simple. Bring your own containers, fill them and pay by weight. When they are empty, bring them back and refill them. By re-using, we will help you to reduce waste. Our aim is to do this at as low a cost as possible – to both our customers and to the planet.” Another Weigh, Penrith
Zero Waste shops are beginning to emerge, mainly in urban locations, as a response to climate change, the rapid growth in plastic packaging and a desire by consumers to reduce the consumption of resources. How it works
Shoppers at Zero Waste shops usually follow the process below:
1. Bring their own container to the shop. Weigh the container and print a label.
2. Fill the container with as much or as little as they want.
3. Scan their label and reweigh the filled container
4. Pay
Zero Waste stores usually charge an annual membership fee in exchange for a discount on all food purchases (e.g. £30 annual membership in exchange for 10% discount, £15 for pensioners and free for those on benefits).
The shop would also be an information point for anything to do with recycling, reusing and reducing waste. The shop would be run by a paid manager with help from volunteers. Any surplus funds generated will be shared between the Haltwhistle Partnership for projects in and around Haltwhistle and Another Way, an educational charity that helps people lead a more sustainable life. We also hope to be able to offer work placements to those wanting to return to work and to young people.
We are now looking for volunteers passionate about the ethos of sustainability and reducing waste to help both as Directors of the new, not for profit company being set up and volunteers to work in the shop. To find out more please contact our Chairman, Julie Gibbon or our Officer, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
We look forward to hearing from you.
The Haltwhistle Partnership is delighted to be supporting South Tyne Sustainability (STS) and the Haltwhistle Swimming and Leisure Centre (HSLC) in facilitating HSLC to secure funding from the Government's new Rural Communities Energy Fund (RCEF) for a feasibility study into extracting heat from the mineworkings that lie under Haltwhistle. A grant of £40,000 ihas been awarded for the first phase of the feasibility and the project is underway with an energy audit of HSLC and research into the mines underneath and adjacent to the centre and our Partnership Officer, Andy Dean, is managing the project.
Having completed the refurbishment of the 5th and final flat at Hardware House on the town’s Main Street, the Haltwhistle Partnership has now set its priorities for the next phase of community development work. As well as continuing with their core functions and very successful Older People’s and Zig Zag projects, the Trustees want to more actively support the economic development of the area. A key element of the plan is to promote cohesive working with the many other organisations, groups, businesses and individuals working for the benefit of Haltwhistle and the surrounding area. Several exciting ideas are in the pipeline and feasibility studies, business plans and funding streams are being explored.
The Partnership welcomes applications from individuals who are committed to working with like-minded trustees. For an intial chat please contact our Chairman, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
If you are interested please apply for consideration with a brief CV and an outline of how you would like to contribute to the Partnership's work in writing to: Westbourne House, Main Street, Haltwhistle, NE49 0AZ or by email to our Administrator.
The Partnership has recently completed the redesign and refurbishment of the 5th and final flat in Hardware House on the Main Street in Haltwhistle. We look forward to welcoming the new tenant very shortly. Here is an article published in Community Action Northumberland's Newsletter.