Nov 102016
 

grant-keenan2With thanks to Gemma Setter, PR Account Executive, Frasermedia.

A leading Aberdeenshire organic recycling company is warning local food businesses to comply with Scottish waste legislation or face receiving new on-the-spot fines.
Keenan Recycling, which is headquartered in New Deer, is urging business owners to comply with their duty of care for waste to avoid the £300 fines that have been imposed on non-compliant firms since June this year.

Since 1st January 2016, it has been a legal requirement for all businesses that produce more than 5kg of food waste per week to have food preparation waste, spoiled items and plate waste collected separately for recycling by a registered waste carrier.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has started its fixed monetary penalty (FMP) campaign to identify businesses that are persistently non-compliant with the duty to separate food waste and other key materials for recycling.

Keenan Recycling, which turns food and garden waste into compost for farming and horticultural use, was the first company in Scotland to provide businesses with the opportunity to recycle items such as leftover food and coffee grounds.

The firm is now working alongside organisations such as SEPA, whose FMP campaign targets offices, retailers, restaurants, hotels, bars, cafes and takeaways that are failing to acknowledge and adhere to the regulations.

SEPA is tackling the issue by working in partnership with local authorities to identify persistent non-compliance within organisations across Scotland. Those found to be making no effort to make improvements to their waste management system will face a £300 fixed monetary penalty.

Keenan Recycling provides comprehensive guidance and advice to its customers, ensuring that they are all fully up to date with waste regulation.

Eleanor Strain, senior policy officer for SEPA’s national waste unit, said:

“Since starting the campaign, most offenders are making a conscious effort to train their staff to recycle and secure an improved service from their waste management contractor. The penalty system we’ve introduced is a much more proportionate enforcement tool, and gets the attention of small business owners who may not be aware of the legislation.

“Whilst I appreciate that SMEs have lots of other pressures, it’s important that they are aware of laws which can have a direct impact on their business. It’s simple to remain within the law, make sure that  recycling systems are established and all bins are labelled to avoid mixing food waste, recyclables and non-recyclables.”

Grant Keenan (pictured), managing director of Keenan Recycling, said:

“Companies need to ensure that they have suitable plans in place to keep them in line with the duty to recycle. Disposing of food waste will keep them within the law and also helps the environment.

“Businesses that are struggling to abide by waste legislation need to remember that they may lose their consumer confidence, as customers want to know that businesses are acting responsibly and are helping to look after the environment.”

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Sep 162016
 

cfine1With thanks to Cath Deans.

Do you want to get involved in a creative activity but don’t know where to start?

CFINE are delivering various educational courses to teach practical skills so if you want to learn something new or indeed brush up on your existing skills in sewing, knitting, crochet, upholstery or cooking, please get in touch.

Our newly completed training kitchen is also available for hire to run your own course – special prices for charities.

Or, if you want to join a social group on a Wednesday, we have two hobby groups – am and pm – bring along your craft activity and join others over a cuppa and a blether.

What we do:

  • Community Food Outlets: fruit & veg at affordable prices
  • FareShare – fighting hunger, tackling food waste
  • Food Bank
  • Community Training Kitchen
  • Benefits and Budgeting Advice
  • Employability, Energy Efficiency & Housing Referrals
  • Environment: Zero Waste Scotland Project
  • Volunteering opportunities

We offer:

  • Fruit & Veg: Excellent Quality at Great prices
  • Cook at the ‘Nook – Cooking/ Nutrition courses
  • Knitting, Sewing, Crochet & Upholstery Courses
  • Hobby Groups
  • Mailboxes
  • Room Rental

All this and so much more at our premises at 2-4 Poynernook Road, AB11 5RW

If you want more information, please check out CFINE’s Facebook page or contact us on 01224 596156 / info@cfine.org

We look forward to hearing from you!

CFINE is a charity and Social Enterprise supported by Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council, Climate Challenge Fund, Zero Waste Scotland, Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, FareShare UK, Scottish Government and corporate support through Technip, Wood Group PSN and individual donations.

CFINE was a finalist in the 2015: Guardian Charity of the Year, Northern Star ‘Outstanding Contribution to Society and PWC Social Enterprise of the Year Awards.

CFINE is a private limited co. registered in Scotland no. 262156 Registered Charity no. SC037833. All profits are reinvested into our charity tackling food poverty, building resilience in communities and supporting vulnerable individuals and families throughout the north east of Scotland.

Oct 222015
 

With thanks to Angela Theobald.

AberdeenforwardThmEnvironmental charity Aberdeen Forward are hosting a range of workshops and courses up until the end of 2015.

Aberdeen Forward works closely with local communities, businesses and individuals to educate and promote projects that help to protect our environment, reduce waste and encourage sustainability.

Course Details

Hobby Club: Every Wednesday, 10am-12pm/1.30pm-3pm, these are drop in craft sessions. Donation of £2 per person.

Upholstery afternoon class: 2pm-5pm, £200, every Monday in this block

  • 2nd November to 7th December

Upholstery weekend class: 31st October to 1st November, 10am-4pm, £200

  • If you book with a friend, we will give you a £10 discount each.
  • Also if you are already booked onto another course with CFine, you will get a £10 discount.
  • There will be breakfast and a homemade lunch included.

Back to Basics Sewing courses 2015: 6pm-8pm, £92, every Thursday in each block

  • 19th November to 17th December – a two week break for xmas and new year – then the last date on 14th January

Advanced Sewing courses 2015: 6pm-8pm, £92, every Monday in each block

  • 16th November to 14th December – a two week break for xmas and new year – then the last date on the 11th of January

Crochet: 6:30pm-8:30pm, £60, Every Wednesday in each block

  • November 4th, 11th, 18th

Booking:

To book or find out more please contact atheobald@cfine.org or 01224531376.

Venue:

Unless otherwise stated, the venue is:
Aberdeen Forward, 2 Poynernook Road, Aberdeen, AB11 5RW

Sep 112015
 

With thanks to Angela Theobald.

AberdeenforwardThmEnvironmental charity Aberdeen Forward are hosting a range of workshops and courses up until the end of 2015.

Aberdeen Forward works closely with local communities, businesses and individuals to educate and promote projects that help to protect our environment, reduce waste & encourage sustainability.

Course Details

Hobby Club: Every Wednesday, 10am-12pm/1.30pm-3pm, these are drop in craft sessions. Donation of £2 per person.

Upholstery: 2pm-5pm, £200, every Monday in this block

  • 14th September to 19th October

Back to Basics Sewing courses 2015: 6pm-8pm, £92, every Thursday in each block.

  • 24th September to 29th October

Advanced Sewing courses 2015: 6pm-8pm, £92, every Monday in each block.

  • 21st September to 26th October

Curtain Making: 12pm-4pm, £92, every Saturday in each block.

  • 3rd, 10th and 17th October

Crochet: 6:30pm-8:30pm, £60, Every Wednesday in each block.

  • 9th, 16th and 23rd September
  • 4th, 11th, and 18th November

Basic Knitting: 6pm-8pm, £60, Every Wednesday in each block.

  •  7th, 14th and 21st October

Booking:

To book or find out more please contact courses@aberdeenforward.org or 01224560360.

Venue:

Unless otherwise stated, the venue is:
Aberdeen Forward, 2 Poynernook Road, Aberdeen, AB11 5RW

Mar 202015
 

With thanks to Angela Theobald.

AberdeenforwardThmEnvironmental charity Aberdeen Forward are hosting a range of workshops and courses up until the end of 2015.

Aberdeen Forward works closely with local communities, businesses and individuals to educate and promote projects that help to protect our environment, reduce waste & encourage sustainability.

Course Details –

Hobby Club: Every Wednesday, 10am-12pm/1.30pm-3pm, these are drop in craft sessions. Donation of £2 per person.

Upholstery Weekend Course: 28th to 29th March, 9:30am to 4:00pm, £190

Plant ideas workshop:

We are pleased to offer this plant ideas (http://www.plantideas.org/) workshop which teaches how to make the most of plants in various useful ways. The cost is £35 per class. Here is the format of the classes:

  • Herb Walk: 25th April 11-13:00, Duthie Park
  • Wild Food: 6th June 11-13:00, Aberdeen Forward Building

Back to Basics Sewing courses 2015: 6pm-8pm, £92, every Thursday in each block

  • 23 April to 28 May
  • 11 June to 16 July
  • 30 July to 3 September
  • 17 September to 22 October
  • 5 November to 10 December

Intermediate/Advanced Sewing courses 2015: 6pm-8pm, £92, every Tuesday in each block

  • 20 April to 25 May
  • 8 June to 13 July
  • 27 July to 31 August
  • 14 September to 19 October
  • 2 November to 7 December

Curtain Making: 12pm-4pm, £92, every Saturday in each block

  • 1, 8 and 15 August 2015
  • 7, 14 and 21 November 2015

Booking

To book or find out more please contact courses@aberdeenforward.org or 01224560360.

Venue

Unless otherwise stated, the venue is:
Aberdeen Forward, 2 Poynernook Road, Aberdeen, AB11 5RW

Jan 082015
 

AberdeenforwardThmWith thanks to Angela Theobold.

Environmental charity Aberdeen Forward are hosting a range of workshops and courses up until the end of 2015.
Aberdeen Forward works closely with local communities, businesses and individuals to educate and promote projects that help to protect our environment, reduce waste & encourage sustainability.

Available courses are as follows.

Hobby Club: Every Wednesday, 10am-12pm/1.30pm-3pm, these are drop in craft sessions.

Plant ideas workshop: We are pleased to offer this plant ideas (http://www.plantideas.org/) workshop which teaches how to make the most of plants in various useful ways. The cost is £35 per class. Here is the format of the classes:

Personal Hygiene: 24 Jan 11-13:00 at Aberdeen Forward building Make your own deodorant, toothpaste, hand sanitizer and shampoo. Learn about the cold process that produces Plant Ideas soap, used as a base for the shampoo. Discover the actions of the ingredients in your products that keep you clean and smelling fresh.

Household: 21 Feb 11-13:00 at Aberdeen Forward building Natural alternatives are often pretty pricey so why not make your own? Learn with us about natural household scents – make your own incense, evergreen and citrus infusions and orange oil lamps. Make your own natural polish and laundry liquid and learn about citrus cleaners, citrus dustcloths, anti-bacterial sprays and washing up liquid. Find out what houseplants can purify the air in your home.

Herb Walk: 21 Mar 11-13:00 Location to be announced Join us as we identify plants and their uses. Learn some wild food recipes and simple plant remedies and many other great plant ideas. Expect some surprises and the chance to sample some finished products made from wild plants

Wild Food: 25 Apr 11-13:00 Location to be announced
Skincare: 16 May 2015, 11-13:00 at Aberdeen Forward building Learn how to make a moisturiser, lipbalm, bath melts and massage bar all with organic base ingredients and essential oils

Intensive Upholstery Weekend: 31 January to 1 February 2015, 9:30am-4pm both days, £190

Evening Upholstery (Tuesdays): 20 January to 17 March (one week break on the 17 February), 6pm-8pm, £190

Back to Basics Sewing courses 2015: 6pm-8pm, £92, every Thursday in each block

15 January to 19 February
5 March to 9 April
23 April to 28 May
11 June to 16 July
30 July to 3 September
17 September to 22 October
5 November to 10 December

Intermediate/Advanced Sewing courses 2015: 6pm-8pm, £92, every Tuesday in each block

12 January to 16 February
2 March to 6 April
20 April to 25 May
8 June to 13 July
27 July to 31 August
14 September to 19 October
2 November to 7 December

Curtain Making: 12pm-4pm, £92, every Saturday in each block

7, 14 and 21 February 2015
2, 9 and 16 May 2015
1, 8 and 15 August 2015
7, 14 and 21 November 2015

Candle Making: Wednesday 18th February (6pm-8pm)

Crochet Beginners Course: Wednesday 4th, 11th and 18th March 2015 (6pm8pm)

Booking: To book or find out more please contact courses@aberdeenforward.org or 01224560360.
Venue Unless otherwise stated, the venue is: Aberdeen Forward, 2 Poynernook Road, Aberdeen, AB11 5RW

Oct 242014
 

AberdeenforwardThmWith thanks to Angela Theobold.

Environmental charity Aberdeen Forward are hosting a range of workshops and courses over the coming months.
Aberdeen Forward works closely with local communities, businesses and individuals to educate and promote projects that help to protect our environment, reduce waste & encourage sustainability.

Available courses are as follows.

Plant ideas workshop:

We are pleased to offer this plant ideas (http://www.plantideas.org/) workshop which teaches how to make the most of plants in various useful ways. Here is the format of the classes:

  • Skincare: 25th Oct, 11-13:00 at Aberdeen Forward building
  • Herbal First Aid: 22nd Nov 11-13:00 at Aberdeen Forward building
  • Tea Tasting: 6th Dec 11-13:00 at Aberdeen Forward building
  • Personal Hygiene: 24th Jan 11-13:00 at Aberdeen Forward building
  • Household: 21st Feb 11-13:00 at Aberdeen Forward building
  • Herb Walk: 21st Mar 11-13:00 Location to be announced
  • Wild Food: 25th Apr 11-13:00 Location to be announced
    £35 per class, if you book and pay for all seven in one go, you get the last one free.

Beginners Knitting: Wednesday 5th, 12th, 19th November 2014 6pm-8pm, £60

Green Wood working course: with Green Aspirations (http://www.greenaspirationsscotland.co.uk/), Saturday 22nd November, 10am-4pm (start 9:30 for tea and coffee). To be held at Scotland’s Rural College, Craibstone Estate, Bucksburn, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, AB21 9YA, £45

Christmas Wreath Making: Monday 1st December, 6:30-8:30pm, £35.00

Beginners Crocheting course: Wednesday 3rd, 10th, 17th December 2014, 6pm-8pm, £60

Christmas Jumper making: Monday 8th December, 6:30-8:30pm, £30.00

Candle Making course: Saturday 13th December, 10am-12pm, £35

Booking: To book or find out more please contact courses@aberdeenforward.org or 01224560360.

Venue Unless otherwise stated, the venue is: Aberdeen Forward, 2 Poynernook Road, Aberdeen, AB11 5RW

For more information, go to: http://www.aberdeenforward.org/workshops

Sep 252014
 

Aberdeen-forward2With thanks to Elaine Murray.

Environmental charity, Aberdeen Forward, is once again welcoming the Aberdeen community to their Very Big Festive Giveaway Day on Saturday 27th September between 10am and 2pm.

As usual at the Giveaway, Aberdeen Forward will offer community groups, schools, businesses and individual’s free access to stationery, arts & craft resources and even toys.

This year there will be a special Halloween theme!

But the event does not just end there – we will have several stalls selling local-based goodies, and even some complimentary pumpkin soup for visitors on arrival. There will also be raffle (tickets £1 available now) with a range of excellent prizes from a range of local businesses worth more than £200.

As if all of this was not enough, Aberdeen Forward are providing a Halloween-themed pumpkin carving class and a jewellery-making class free of charge for visitors to the event. Attendees will also have the opportunity to attend talks on Zero Waste throughout the morning, to find out what they can do with the waste likely to be generated from the Halloween period.

Entry to the Big Giveaway Day is £3.00 for adults, children under 16 are free. The Giveaway days are at our premises at 2 Poynernook Road. No need to book and please bring as many friends and family members as you like!

There is no need to let anyone know you are coming, just pop along and enjoy this great community day.

The Giveaway day takes place at Aberdeen Forward, 2 Poynernook Road, AB11 5RW.  For more details phone 01224 560360, email courses@aberdeenforward.org or visit www.facebook.com/aberdeenforward

Aug 152014
 

stfitticks (1)With thanks to Angela Theobald.

Despite the blustery weather on Saturday 9 August 2014, the St Fitticks Community Garden Open Day has encouraged more members of the Torry Community to adopt a raised bed at the site.

The Roots and Shoots team who have undertaken much of the work to establish the site were able to show visitors around and discuss the progress on the site so far.

They also set up a tarpaulin shelter and were able to provide teas and coffees for visitors and stall holders.

The event was supported by The Aberdeen City Waste Team who provided advice on Recycling and a ‘Dig for Victory’ display and SCARF Representatives were able to provide advice on Energy Efficiency.

The highlight of the day was the wonderful lunch prepared by members of the Fife Diet Seed Truck Team using produce that they had brought with them and other fruit and vegetables donated by CFINE.

Rob and Fergus supervised the preparation of 6 different veg dishes and a rhubarb and berry crumble which was enjoyed by all. Elspeth did an interesting talk on garden herbs and their different uses.

The good news is that five of the nine raised beds at the site are now in use with new volunteers signing up at the weekend.

If you are interested in taking on a raised bed or generally helping with the project please contact andy@aberdeenforward.org Tel: 01224714189.

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[Aberdeen Voice accepts and welcomes contributions from all sides/angles pertaining to any issue. Views and opinions expressed in any article are entirely those of the writer/contributor, and inclusion in our publication does not constitute support or endorsement of these by Aberdeen Voice as an organisation or any of its team members.]

Mar 282014
 

Aberdeen-forward2With thanks to Ed Walker.

Aberdeen Forward’s next Big Giveaway Day will be held this Saturday 29th March 10am-1pm at Aberdeen Forward Ltd, 2 Poynernook Road (just behind Union Square, opposite Kwik-Fit).

Aside from a huge range of FREE furniture, craft resources & stationary, our charity & trade stands will be running alongside our famous raffle with prizes including:

  • A meal for 2 at Handmade Burger Company
  • 1 Place on an award winning Aberdeen Forward upholstery course of your choice (evening or weekend)
  • Various Lush cosmetics gift sets worth over £65
  • A meal for 4 at Nando’s Aberdeen
  • A round of golf at Murcar links golf course, Aberdeenshire.
  • A mystery Cath Kidston Item

Tickets for the raffle cost just £1 and are available now from Aberdeen Forward.

The Giveaway day will be held at Aberdeen Forward on 2 Poynernook Road between 10am and 1pm and is open to schools, individuals, groups and everyone in between. Feel free to come along to browse our massive range of free resources, have a look at our range of great local craft stalls and enjoy some tea, coffee and other light refreshments. Entry cost is £3 (free to under 16’s).

Aberdeen Forward Ltd.
2Poynernook Road
Aberdeen
AB11 5RW

01224 560360