Local spokesman for environmental issues, Lindsay Paterson, has been working with Iain to help raise awareness of environmental issues across the constituency. Lindsay said, “Many local residents already actively take part in helping the environment in our area, whether by recycling, using public transport instead of the car, or insulating their houses for example. We all want to help where we can. Edinburgh's Conservatives were instrumental in setting up a cross-party working group to investigate how the City of Edinburgh Council could reduce emissions. The Council must also do more to reduce the amount of waste created, and must continue to help people to recycle that waste, so we will make it as easy as possible for all residents to recycle many types of material, including glass and paper. Although the jury is still out on the economic viability of recycling plastics, we will keep an open mind on the issue and consider contracting for the kerbside collection of plastic if it proves to be sustainable and sensible.”
“Conservatives will work with local businesses to make it easier for them to recycle their waste, as well as consulting with residents in the World Heritage Site to increase recycling
opportunities in a way which does not detract from the character of the area. One of
the tasks of Community Guides - who we believe should replace Environmental
Wardens - will be to assist residents in the World Heritage Site, and elsewhere, with
Recycling“.
Lindsay added, ”Conservatives are also committed to replace any trees in and around the city which are lost, as a result of disease or development, with trees of a suitable size and age to deter vandalism and maintain our streetscape. This will preserve Edinburgh's appearance and increase the city's carbon capture.”