Earth Day is on the 22nd April – it’s a day when we focus on environmental matters and look at the actions we can take to be more environmentally friendly. We’re marking Earth Day by making a special effort to save energy and recycle as much of our rubbish as possible.  

Reduce, reuse, recycle

These are the three simple actions we can take to make our own contribution and this is how we’re doing it here at the Centre.    

Reduce

We’re cutting down on the amount of paper we use, with a centralised computer network system, working with software that reduces the need to print off information, and using email to communicate wherever possible.  

We’re reducing the amount of electricity we use by turning off lights where they’re not needed. We have also installed LED lighting to reduce our energy use with these longer lasting bulbs. Our washing machines are used on environmentally friendly settings where possible. 

We’re reducing road use among our members by making them aware of the availability of accessible transport facilities that will bring them to the Centre, and continuing the online services we established during the pandemic creating more opportunities to participate in exercise and gain support without the need to travel to Saltney. 

The majority of the toilets in our Centre have double flush functions, which help to reduce the amount of water used for each flush.

Our heating system is as economical as possible, bearing in mind that a certain temperature has to be maintained for the comfort of our members. 

Food waste is kept to a minimum, because of the expertise of our support staff in menu planning and preparation. 

Reuse

In the café, we use ceramic cups and plates during the day-to-day running of the facility as well as at our special events, which are washed by our team of dedicated volunteers and support workers.  

We have a printing reduction policy, but if we have to print off information, we use recycled paper where possible and practical.   

We encourage the whole NTC team to reuse materials wherever possible and practical. 

Recycle

In line with Welsh Government requirements, we now have separate bins in the cafe and outside the Centre for paper, plastic, food waste and other categories. 

Staff are encouraged to separate waste so that it's simple to make sure everything goes into the correct bin.  What little food waste we have goes for composting.

We also accept unwanted and spare items that we can turn into donations for the Centre whether this is second books, unwanted presents, or old or foreign currency.

Future actions

Right now, we’re formulating an Environmental Statement and Policy that will be published on our website and available to anyone who wants to read it. 

If you have any questions or suggestions about the Centre's environmental impact, don’t hesitate to ask.