The second round of Our MK Citizen Ideas Competition closed on 30 October 2016 and we are excited about the three new projects that have been chosen to receive funding. The projects are aimed at developing technology-centred ideas which might have an impact on issues of sustainability around Milton Keynes. Particular areas of focus are around the key issues of energy, water, transport, health and the environment.
Zero Waste Food Shopping
Each year the UK generates about 30 million tonnes of waste from households, most of which ends up in landfill. Britain dumps more household waste into landfill than nearly all other countries in the European Union. Despite Milton Keynes having kerbside recycling, over 90% of the plastic we buy still ends up in landfills. Milton Keynes Council has a Zero Waste strategy to send nothing to landfill by 2024.
Forest and Folk will provide residents with an opportunity to buy bulk dry goods such as pasta, rice, flour and beans in re-usable containers thereby reducing non-recyclable packaging waste.
Non-recyclable waste collected over one week- the main culprit being packaging from dry goods.
Blankets for Lakes Estates
The Lakes Residents’ Association has been awarded funding to purchase every child and vulnerable person living on the Lakes Estate a warm fleece blanket to help them to combat the cold. Although this doesn’t tackle the bigger issue of energy efficient homes, it would provide immediate relief and help to keep residents warmer and health
ier.
The Residents’ Association will also be gathering data on whether and how residents access the internet and how competent and comfortable they are in using it, in order to access health information and researching competitive energy providers.
Age-friendly mapping in Milton Keynes
Milton Keynes’ population is growing and ageing significantly. Living longer and not necessarily in good health, more people are choosing to live independently, by remaining in their own homes and communities for longer.
Age UK Milton Keyn
es has received funding to pilot a project that considers Age Friendliness as a key factor in the sustainable growth of the city. The project involves research into digital media and community mapping as a way of overcoming the barriers (in areas of transport and health) that prevent Milton Keynes evolving into an Age Friendly city.
The project will identify clear access routes to MK Gallery. The exercise will take into account public transport, walking routes, community facilities and dwelling spaces, that are essential for older residents to visit and return to the city centre.
To hear more about these projects and other citizen-led innovations, sign up to our Citizens Innovation Newsletter or contact Jessica at jessicam@communityactionmk.org
