The initiative is run by Perth and Kinross Council and Zero Waste Scotland and is designed to support communities in Perthshire to achieve zero waste to landfill. The first Zero Waste Fortnight, hosted by Aberfeldy in Highland Perthshire, began on October 2 and runs until October 16.
The aim of the campaign is for every householder to put as little as possible in their general waste (green-lidded) bin and to reduce, reuse and recycle as much as possible. The incentive is that for every tonne of increased recycling and for every tonne of waste diverted from landfill £86 per tonne (the approximate cost of putting a tonne of waste into landfill) will be donated to the Aberfeldy group the Tayside Waders.
Scottish Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: “Sporting events around the world are embracing sustainability and The Ryder Cup provides Scotland an opportunity, when the eyes of the world will be watching, to emphasise the benefits we all derive from healthy and diverse natural landscapes. It is highly appropriate to drive these projects off in the Year of Natural Scotland. We can utilise The Ryder Cup to inspire communities and businesses, for example through some of the projects announced today, in the drive to a greener and more sustainable future.”
Edward Kitson, match director for the 2014 Ryder Cup, added: “While the attention of the world will focus on Gleneagles in September 2014, we are committed to ensuring that the legacy of The Ryder Cup reaches beyond the host venue. These projects will extend the sustainable legacy of the event and we are delighted by the support offered by the Scottish Government, Perth and Kinross Council, and the Golf Environment Organisation.”
Other projects benefitting from the The 2014 Ryder Cup ‘green legacy’ are: Sustainable Golf – led by the Scottish Golf Union, providing practical advice and small grants support for environmental and community projects in golf clubs in Perthshire; John Muir Trust – engaging people from all walks of life in the conservation of ‘wild’ places and peatlands; and Big Tree Country – conserving Perthshire’s stunning and unique ‘big tree’ landscape.
