Junkk Male RE:View

Merry Christmas One & All!

2011-12-25T07:05:00.000Z

OK, so you wake up, for no good reason, at 5.30am... what to do?

Well, one thing is realise that you have rather neglected the website a bit.

And it would be remiss to not have a Christmas greeting to Junkketeers far and wide (there may even be an actual 2011 year-end - well, annual, as I think it will be the first - newsletter next week).

I really should have created something whizzily reuseful and original, but that ain't gonna happen today (once I open my presents later, maybe), so was stumped for a picture.

Then I hit upon the true spirit of Christmas, with a side order of innovation and reuse (well, 'ish), in the form of this picture. The boys, of course, will not emerge until midday, but here are my prides and joy doing what comes naturally during the season of goodwill... trying to knock each other off bikes with jousting poles. I guess I should be glad they have at least put boxing gloves on the ends. And they are outside. Not zapping aliens.

What more could a proud parent hope for?

Seasons Greetings all!

ps: And an always worthwhile recycling of a great musical number by our lovely Junkk First Lady: 'The 12 e-ways of Xmas!'

Hey, who says growing up can't be fun?

2011-12-06T15:39:00.000Z

Today I reached another grand age.

Not old, but suffice to say, the 'middle' qualifier is a stretch to any with a command of basic maths.

Like, my sons.

However, bless 'em, they had been pestering me what I want for my Birthday for a week.

Thing is, I usually go and get what I need, and what I want seems a luxury these days, so it's not top of mind.

Then fate intervened last night. We were wandering around Morrisons, and there they were.

Yes, you are looking at 3 metal component construction sets. By FIA toys, of the UK.

Better still, guess how much? The two wee ones were a fiver, and the monster... £10. Bang on teen budgets.

And first impressions are... sweeeet.

I may not make the actual intended toys, but I now have a ton more stuff for my prototyping adventures.

There is no mention of Meccano, so I can only presume they are competitive.

Certainly the hole spacings are different, which is a pity, but the hole diameters are a good enough match to engage in some cross-over, which is a real plus (see pix - green and red 'old' Meccano, silver this new stuff).

The quality of metal is nowhere near comparable, but it will suffice for my needs, and beats plastic hands down.

The only critique I'd have is the box, which is pretty big for what's in it, and the foam liner tray, which is unnecessary.

But otherwise, my fun, and hopefully more productive avenues (major prototyping underway on some post RE:tie Junkk.com reuse projects), are assured.

And despite still being a big kid, I feel all grown up.

Thanks boys and missus... best prezzie I could have wished for.

Who knows, maybe even lure them from the XBox as I tinker? Well, a boy... man... old guy can dream.

Where it all happens - shed loads

2011-12-01T09:19:00.000Z

The Telegraph asked, so...

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/uknews/8926077/Shed-love-a-selection-of-images-of-readers-sheds-and-sheds-of-the-famous.html?image=20

Given the rather more interesting and historically significant other sheds featured in the series, my rather more prosaic place of inspiration seems a little sore thumb in such company, but I'll take what is offered!

Shame no Junkk.com mention, which is what I was gunning for of course!

COMPETITION - Lufthansa Air Cargo Innovation Contest

2011-11-29T16:34:00.000Z

Oo-er, it's been a while.

Not strictly reuse-related (but it could be), but an opportunity to get a prize for a nice eco-idea*:

COMPETITION

WHEN: The contest is accepting proposals through December 19, 2011.
WHAT: Lufthansa Cargo Looking for Good Green Ideas - Air Cargo Innovation Contest
WHAT... MORE?: From the PR blurb:

Lufthansa Cargo is holding a contest inviting people to use their imagination and present their “Green Solutions” and ideas for “Add-On Services” to help reduce the cargo company’s environmental impact and improve their services.

Lufthansa Cargo will award three winners with a trip to Frankfurt, Germany where they will get to present their proposals to engineers and management and disuss how their ideas may be implemented. Winners will also receive flight training with a Lufthansa Cargo Flight Captain and up to 25,000 Miles and More Miles. In addition, a Most Valuable Participant will be awarded 25,000 Miles and More Miles, based on activity in the contest, quality of contributions and support for other members.

Ideas are posted online where people can review and comment openly. Proposals can cover any aspect within the Lufthansa Air Cargo Supply Chain (Sales, Handling, Transport, Customer Service) that fall within the categories of Green Solutions and/or Add On Services. Candidates get the opportunity to receive feedback and exposure from people all over the world.

The contest is open to anyone and everyone no matter where they live.
HOW MUCH: Free! Just as we like it
URL: http://innovation.lufthansa-cargo.com
COMMENTS: Actually a nice contest site set up.

*However, note the rules, especially regarding IP: 'By entering the Competition, participants irrevocably and unconditionally assign, to the extent legally possible, to LUFTHANSA CARGO any and all intellectual property rights'

SITE REVIEW - disposalknowhow.co.uk

2011-11-16T18:00:00.000Z

Been a smidge lax of late on the blog.

So it's nice to be given a nice reason to post by nice folk.

Especially on that ever-so-worthwhile mutual back-scratching basis.

Stumbled across this recycling info site on twitter: http://www.disposalknowhow.co.uk/

And was happy to invite them onto the site.

They kindly have reciprocated.

Now I have had a chance to have a quick browse, and it's a nice little resource for anyone wishing to stay abreast of recycling issues and resources, but some other interesting stuff too.

Saw this and thought of our famous Vac:Sac, but more a case of great complements!

Worth a visit every so often!

"Usually the apples come FROM Herefordshire"

2011-11-15T10:53:00.000Z

Our RE:tie eco-design goes to town, and wins

It's a nice twist.

Herefordshire is famous for its apples, and on more than one occasion some of our favourite exports have found their way to the House of Commons to highlight all that this fair county can achieve.

However, this time one at least is coming back.

We were invited to a glittering ceremony yesterday at the House of Commons, and came away with a coveted 'Green Apple Award', for our already internationally multi-awarded RE:tie reuse packaging design concept.

Collecting the prize from another eco-winner, Dragon's Den's Chris Hopkins of Ploughcroft, I joked: 'Often when we win such an award the family asks if we can eat it, as while recognition is always great and an honour, trying to promote innovative concepts does make paying the bills always pressing. At least this is getting us closer to food on the table!'.
Things are looking up in this regard. At the recent global plastics conference in Brussels, the RE:tie and its designed-in second-use, consumer end-benefit message was deemed the toast of the event by delegates, with heads of packaging from Heineken, Coca-Cola and Tetra-Pak all expressing interest in finding out more.

Maybe there's more money and jobs in green to be found yet and, more locally, our Herefordshire base can further consolidate its position as the greenest of counties!

Lazarus' Preferred Garage

2011-10-06T11:50:00.000+01:00

I put finger to keyboard tentatively, rather wishing I had one of those bamboo laptops.

Not that I am superstitious or anything, but something nice just happened and touching wood reassures.

And it happened here: http://www.hiltonautogas.co.uk/

A short while ago my Volvo V40 bi-fuel developed a problem with its LPG operation that our local garage could not handle.

Hence I brought it to our nearest dealer, in Hereford.

They kindly provided a courtesy car and kept it for investigation.

After a fair amount of time they got in touch to say that they had worked their way through the system and had already near reached the £200 mark without success (I foolishly had not specified that such amounts to see what was up were not favoured), and with no guarantees on a solution being found, I was looking at a very expensive component being sourced they could not easily locate, plus a major job swapping it in.

Hence I agreed with them on disconnecting the LPG for safety, even this meant lugging around a 40kg (they had asked for it to be filled) LPG tank despite future petrol operation, as there was no venting facility (fun fact... LPG has to be at a very precise mixture in air to be explosive, so a leak in the open is unlikely to be as serious as may be feared).

Upon picking up the car, after a few miles smoke started pouring from the bonnet. Rather foolishly (despite the above fun fact, LPG is not something to mess with) I drove it straight back.

The staff present were very defensive, claiming all sorts of nonsense. I was in particular unimpressed that, after a £200 engine investigation they tried a) to claim that the leak was possibly coincidental and b) had in fact been noted. Just... no one had evidently thought to mention it to me or on the invoice/advice. Plain silly to try such a tack.

Following a conversation with the manager by phone I was at least provided with the courtesy car again and left it with them.

I was called some further days later by the manager who, to his credit, conceded that the smoke was not from a leak at all, but due a a cap blowing off pressure testing, resulting in oil spraying on the hot engine. They had cleaned and checked and deemed all well.

However, I was now lumbered with a mono-fuel car.

Enter, thanks to Kathy, lovely PR for Autogas, Hilton owner Billy and LPG guru to the stars, Arthur.

In less than 3 hrs these guys reconnected the system (comprehensively unconnected by the dealer), ran diagnostics, identified problems, replaced parts and serviced other key areas that had, until that point, still been left unaddressed/serviced. Including one component most likely responsible for or contributing to the running issues that were the initial problem. Not the one guessed at with such a vast proposed cost, I might add.

Specifically, look at the components above. The one at the bottom is what was removed. It seems to be a bodge, welding two parts together. This was what was in the governor (also possibly called regulator). It was either in there when brought to the main dealer, or introduced by them. In any event, it remained unremarked. The one above is what should have been in there, and now is. That the car runs perfectly now suggests it was a wise thing to replace, and did not require a £multi-hundred governor to be replaced as well, as suggested in their invoice.

So, for the price of Volvo taking days to tell me nothing could be done and almost setting fire to my car, these guys took but a few hours to fix and improve.

I am now under no illusions that bi-fuel was an experiment by Volvo (as with the other major brand dabblers) and dropped very quickly as a unprofitable job (this model was not even registered with TFL for the congestion charge exemption). I bought that car as factory-fitted to avoid any such concerns, trusting the brand would live up to its commitment to reliability and eco (that I support thanks to green beliefs). Not to have hands washed as it's all 'rare' and unusual and too hard.

Volvo evidently dropped LPG years ago as a priority, and despite a responsibility and duty of care has not admitted it, failing to train, or ensure the authorised service centres are aware of the systems and how to service/repair them.

No one has been honest enough to admit this, preferring instead to try a stab at addressing maintenance or problems, but actually making stuff worse, adding the insult of huge fees to the injury of failed, dangerous work and clearly inaccurate advice.

It is my view (expressed now to Volvo head office) that if you cannot handle your own manufactured product any more, at least have the decency to locate and recommend those who still can.

There are folk out there who do know what they are doing. They should be sought after, treasured, and highlighted as I do here.

What was as amazing as the repair, was that I was welcomed as an observer throughout, and learned a lot in the process.

A few snippets (I may get my regulators, governors and distributors mixed up as the terms seem to vary between who is talking)...

LPG in the UK

Unlike our EU cousins, LPG is treated rather differently here. It is a sensitive fuel, comprising a mix of butane and propane. With temperature, this mix can offer markedly different results on performance. Hence, before getting into our tanks, on the continent the blend is tuned to optimise the result.

Oh, and the 'quality' of UK LPG is a lot lower too. Sadly, the price difference and range from a 40l tank doesn't make a Calais top up trip worth it.

ps. On matters fuel storage, LPG is good to go for long periods. That 4* in the Jerry can in the garage for the next tanker strike?... little better than last week's milk. Best to only use in the lawnmower.

pps: Never be tempted by cheaper gas options. Arthur showed me the guts of a unit where the 'saving' on fuel was rather offset by the need for a new unit.

Maintenance

LPG is a fickle beast. You need to get from a high pressure liquid in the tank to a precise pressure gas/air mix in the same pots as fire up on petrol. That takes some kit. Kit with moving parts, and ports, injectors, etc. These need to be tuned to perfection and clean.

The top unit pictured above is the distributor. It has a piston that moves up and down, with V shaped apertures vertically along the barrel. The piston moves and you get more or less gap, and hence fuel. The edges can fur up. So they need cleaning. The good news is that, at 8k a year, this can be stretched to 2 years. I'd guess that may be pushing it to ensure optimal performance.

Running

Finally, beyond all the filters, etc needing to be clear, there are the spark plugs. Again, any old plug will not do. Different fuel, different demands. And LPG needs a perky spark. Hilton recommend NGK LaserLines. Not cheap, but false economies catch up with you. Looking to find, and figure out how to fit.

I am now poorer, but a lot wiser, though richer in knowledge. Especially about LPG as a fuel and source or vehicle power. Plus I have a car deemed at one point worth £750 as a favour, but now a still perfect, 5-door estate with 75p/l fuel. Good for several more years, he hopes, holding the table top.

Hope my experiences are a lesson of use to others either driving LPG or thinking of doing so. It's good to share.

BOOK REVIEW - Junk for Joy - Sian Berry - 'Fiendishly Good'

2011-10-05T16:45:00.000+01:00

Well, OK. I can only testify to one, awesome chapter for now.

You may gather why from the above, if you look carefully.

Amazon has delivered the goods, so a few cosy nights' reading ahead.

The rest will follow.

If you can't wait (and that tantalisingly small thumbnail selection intrigues), then you can always buy the book too:)

Speaking of which...

2011-09-29T15:33:00.000+01:00

Yours truly has been invited to speak at a conference.

And considering our ongoing efforts at sharing the joys of reuse in general and designed-in in particular, it is not a bad one to be up on the podium pontificating at either:

http://www.plasticscapsandclosures.com/eu

Kindly recommended by Junkketeer Neil of Poundland, I am now in the process of preparing my death by .ppt presentation.

And it's not proving easy, or quick.

Not least because new stuff keeps coming along...

Packaging News - Open season on an age-old issue

... I am very glad to say.

Go North Young(ish) Man...woman... and teens

2011-09-16T15:32:00.001+01:00

I'd like to claim it was an eco-mission.

But, in reality, it was just our summer hols.

But there were some eco-bits, which I'll share.

Like the EuroTunnel/Star. Greenest crossing. Not by design, but try getting an RV in an EasyJet.

Actually, can't fault it, for speed or price or simplicity. The threatened strike was less thrilling, but we dodged that.

Our route took us from Calais to visit friends in Denmark and then back via a festival gig for the missus in Holland.

Just a few pix and notes of relevance.

N. Europe is covered in wind turbines.

Big 'uns. Look at that blade on the flatbed in the picture.

And, for the most part, they were turning. Because the wind was blowing.

It was blowing a lot.

I know this as i was driving a high-sided RV weighing not much over a honking great bridge when it pushed on the side like sail... scaaaarrrreee.

Other than this, the recycling was noticeable by its integrated design (those bins above went down into the ground 2-3m, which means a big old bin liner) and relative unobtrusiveness. Though we saw almost no domestic wheelies, and the camp sites were woeful. Frankly camping in any form is not eco, sorry. You generate a lot of mess and are not in the mood to expend much resolving green issues.

Finally there were the museums.

There was one on the German/Dutch border that was great, covering marine history. The boys really liked the toys made by sailors, all of which moved or played, etc.

And then there was the Vikings. We went to a great village recreation.

Hey, those guys had green roofing a long time ago.

And their recycled door security systems were...effective. Nothing says 'who goes there?' liked a skinned hoofed quadruped.

Finally, there was the loo arrangements...

I'll leave you with that image. It won't leave me for a while.

IDEA - Actually more than a few

2011-09-16T14:02:00.000+01:00

To make up for not posting for too long.

http://www.creativereview.co.uk/cr-blog/2011/september/object-abuse-at-kk-outlet#feedback

http://www.londondesignguide.com/2011/09/exhibition-object-abuse-at-kk-outlet/

Paintbrush coathooks my fave, if all mine are straight as I don't bend them that way intending them to get bent; it just happens as I forget.

PR COVERAGE - National Geographic 'Green' Special

2011-08-08T17:45:00.000+01:00

This house is stacked to the gunnels with National Geographic Magazines. So many, in fact, that I must confess that not all have been read, though the unfailingly gorgeous photo essays have all been perused.

So imagine my (happy) surprise to be leafing through a 'green' special, and find that Junkk.com has been listed in a top 10 'waste not' collation of sites.

Mainly for our efforts in the area covered by JunkkYard, which is not as great as we'd hope(d), but another welcome bit of recognition and endorsement nonetheless.

Introducing... Junkk Male TweeView, too!

2011-07-28T17:11:00.000+01:00

And, at present I have zero idea how I did that.

Zippy. Nada. No.... clue.

I know what it is meant to be.

I vaguely remember toying with a a few buttons on the host site.

But how the heck this epic got produced... beats me.

There appear to be topic headings I chose, and most seem pretty OK.

However it's also clear a bunch of things are getting hoovered in according to basic default settings I have never seen before.

So, Dr. Frankstein gets jiggy with Dr. Jekyll.

So long as it doesn't drop me in it, fine. Seems OK so far.

But have to say that a magazine with a bot as an editor is freaky.

One day I'll remember the passwords and figure out how to get in the back end, much less actually figure out what the thing is up to.

Still, in the absence of a Junkk Newsletter for half a year, I'll live with it for now.

With luck, there'll be food, too

2011-07-28T14:43:00.003+01:00

As noted before, my family is a tough crowd.

Many's the time I have bounded into the living room with news of a nice bit of PR, or an award, but these days I usually get a 'Great. Well done. But... can we eat it?'

Well, this time, at least literally, eventually... yes.

There is a 'do' to go with the fact that we have secured yet another welcome award.

And I am rather hopeful, given the calibre of folk we're amongst, and where the ceremony is, there may be the opportunity to parlay this into even more of a tangible rent-paying, food-on-the-table nature.

For now, I am merely rather proud of another notch on the scoreboard that suggests that whatever we are doing, at least some nice folk agree we're still doing it quite well.

---
Letter from Organisers

PROJECT: RE: TIE PACKAGING

I am delighted to confirm that you have won a Green Apple Award in connection with the above project, and I hope you will be able to join us to be presented with your trophy at the House of Commons on November 14.

You have definitely won a Green Apple Award, but we never reveal who has won exactly what until the presentation ceremony itself.

Also enclosed you will find a draft News Release to help you publicise your success up to this point.

Once you know exactly what you have won at the House of Commons, you can once again adapt the News Release to announce your level of success; and you will find most newspapers and radio stations are keen to carry positive news about organisations doing their best to help the environment.

Please convey our congratulations to everyone connected with your award-winning project and we look forward to the pleasure of your company at the House of Commons.

Yours sincerely,

Roger Wolens

Director

Press Release (Local use) provided by organisers (I hope they are right):

Media Advisory

THE GREEN APPLE ENVIRONMENT AWARDS 2011

TEL/FAX: 01604.810507

LOCAL COMPANY ON THE WAY TO GREEN GLORY

Eco-website and second use design advocates Junkk.com, based in Ross-on-Wye, have won a Green Apple Environment Award in the national campaign to find Britain’s greenest companies, councils and communities.

They competed against more than 500 other nominations and will be presented with their Green Apple Award at a glittering presentation ceremony in the House of Commons on November 14.

As a result of this success they have been invited to have their winning paper published in The Green Book, the leading international work of reference on environmental best practice, so that others around the world can follow their example and learn from their experience.

They will also be considered to represent their country in the European Business Awards for the Environment.

The Green Apple Awards began in 1994 and have become established as the country’s major recognition for environmental endeavour among companies, councils, communities and countries.

The awards are organised by The Green Organisation, an independent, non-political, non-activist, non-profit environment group dedicated to recognising and promoting environmental best practice.

Judges for the Green Apple Awards are drawn from the Environment Agency, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, the Chartered Institution for Wastes Management and other independent bodies.

Peter Martin, Junkk.com CEO comments: ‘Beyond a great honour to be in such great company at these awards, it is also another real endorsement for the concept on top of such as the International Exhibition of Inventions Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury in Geneva. And with ‘triple bottom line’ innovation on top of any ‘green business’ agenda these days, we’re hoping this award and our latest new public 'two thumbs up' consumer market research will bring RE:tie’s global potential to the attention of ethical business folk who care about 'green'... in all its forms.

ENDS

Amazing what lateral thinking can do

2011-07-08T15:36:00.000+01:00

The son of a good friend has kindly emailed me an ingenious second use of the strip from a cap.

Now, who would have thought that not only could this little component inspire another way to be used... but two.

Junkk POSTCODE FEATURE - SE6 - Recycle for Lewisham

2011-07-06T13:44:00.000+01:00

Prompted by a welcome recent enhancement into Reuse promo:

http://recycleforlewisham.com/2011/07/06/the-full-set/

Also honoured guests on the Junkk.com diRE;ctory.

When in doubt, reuse!

2011-07-04T10:33:00.001+01:00

I have not written for a while.

So easy to say... 'so much to do; so little time'.

Not really true, but when push comes to shove, you prioritise.

For some reason I am happier in the shed (there is also the slim possibility of a money-making opportunity being created), especially with the sun shining.

And twitter seems to fit in with that better, though she is also a demanding mistress, if not a seductive, addictive drug. If a I miss a few hours' worth, I can convince myself I am missing the seam of gold I search for daily.

That is actually possibly accurate, but a route to madness.

So in penning this rather short post to an infrequent blog series (will try and keep the ideas topped up more, and hope the efforts are being noticed), I now practice what I preach and share this heartfelt posting, with which I fully empathise:

All change!

It is not easy, but it can still be worth it. But sometimes you have to look into the mirror, and after No.1.

IDEA - Food Can Tin Lid

2011-06-13T18:06:00.002+01:00

Mundane maybe, but also significant.

Last time I bought food tin covers they cost 50p for two.

This... was free (well, after the cost of the coffee which I bought as a consequence of the TVC - if they can kill passion on coffee grounds, I can sure as heck go one better and do so for a reuse idea).

Also uploaded are the other components (you never know).

Lights on. No one home.

2011-06-13T10:53:00.000+01:00

There are many motivations to 'go green'.

Threat. Persuasion. Inspiration, Bribe. Guilt.

Readers of this blog I prefer 'inspiration'. And if that can be tangible in £ terms, then why not?

But often simple self-interest can be the motivator. If it takes nothing but saves a lot, then it's hard to see a down side.

We don't have a big garden area but it's enough to seek night-time illumination on call.

Hence there are several spots around. All LED. All self-contained solar.

Now I can appreciate the solar is not really an option on many public facilities (though often vast areas do suggest opportunity), but for the life of me, and my rate bill, I can't see why the investment cannot be made in a simple timer/ambient light meter combo to spare unnecessary waste (the irony of the sign on the skip next to the floodlight being 'Green waste' is not lost) at 10.15am on a bright day.

Now, who on earth does one contact to share this notion with? On the case.

Facilitating Reuse Designs

2011-06-10T12:07:00.000+01:00

Much as I bang on about designed-in reuse, there are other nifty ways to reuse.

These two save space... and a whole lot of plastic.

Spray 'n spout!

Kudos, design whizzes!

Ideas and the costs of having them

2011-05-09T12:47:00.004+01:00

Having an idea, even a good one, is just the start.

As I sit here pondering next moves, I had to suppress a chortle at this just-in email which, in earlier times, would have had me possibly reaching for my chequebook:

xxx - where entrepreneurs and investors meet

Dear Peter

With just under two weeks to go until our next xx Event, we are seeking wilful entrepreneurs with good strong ideas to step forward and grab with both hands, the opportunity to find investment from some of the best Angel Investors the Midlands has to offer.

If you have not already registered for the event, click here. The event costs £799 +VAT which includes help developing your business plan, and attendance at our pitching workshop.

Now, older, wiser, and poorer, I have a more cautious view on where money gets 'invested', by whom, and why.

Also wonder if the really meant 'wilful'? Perhaps, considering the 'deal' proposed, they did.

Ch-ch-changes

2011-05-03T16:18:00.002+01:00

An article in the latest FMCG (p24) caught my eye.

Entitled 'Closures: a changing industry', it could have been written for and about RE:tie.

Just look at the subhead! Helping environment and 'ageing population'.

Heeeeellloooo!

Naturally, I am trying to reach the author.

As so many doors close, maybe this one may see a chink of opportunity?

IDEA - Reused toy ties

2011-05-03T15:22:00.002+01:00

Site's been a bit lonely lately.

So let me add a quick idea from the weekend.

And the winner in this category is... from another category!

2011-04-10T13:20:00.000+01:00

The life of the lone inventor can be, well, lonely.

But there are rewarding times. A nice piece of PR coverage, or a juicy award can perk one up and re-energise the efforts to get your baby 'out there'. And an award can lead to PR, or both, with a fair wind and the right person down the line to take note, it can mean things get escalated to a more productive level.

Maybe, even, revenue. Because of course, as the family wearily asks when I burst in with some great news, if the answer to 'can we eat it?' is no, the rewards are seldom immediate or tangible, other than down the line. Possibly.

So, with some highs and lows through bitter experience, I have tended of late to be a bit more circumspect, even with time, and especially where money is involved.

But if you are in a lull, with not much happening, it can be darn tempting to risk a roll of the dice to get things moving again. Even if you don't win you may place, and even if you don't place you may get under the gaze of a judge who sees merit (and has a mate), or simply lurk in the brochure where that perfect fit person may be idly glancing through.

So it was that I was flattered by a contact by a major packaging industry trade media editor getting back to me in response to the latest PR on the RE:tie (very positive consumer market research results), but also with a suggestion that I enter their transatlantic awards.

I was, I do confess, flattered, and even after discovering this invitation was, of course, to spend money entering, still tempted.

What clinched it was the categories.

Because there, amongst all the high-profile, mega-player stuff, was a diamond of opportunity gleaming in the prospecting pan.

------
http://www.beverageawards.com/pdf/criteria.pdf

Packaging
Best packaging for functional drinks
Best closure for functional drinks
Best functional drink label

------

However, when the press release and subsequent PR arrived post event, excitement turned to disappointment, and then confusion, and then something more.

Remembering there was really only one category of relevance, which I confirmed...

Me - This seems to be the only category of relevance: Best closure for functional drinks

...and had double confirmed:

Organisers - I would agree that this would be the best category for you to compete in.

Imagine how one feels that to find there not only is there no winner or finalists... the category doesn't seem to exist at all either!!!!!

On querying the missing entry, and mine in particular, I have had this reply:

'I have contacted Bill Bruce who was the chair of the judging panel to explain this, although he is currently in Washington DC at the moment he wanted to get back to you as soon as he could and has provided this statement for you:

'We received a very low number of entries in the closure category and in discussion with the judging panel it was decided to evaluate each entry against its particular criteria and then review the packaging entries to include closures.

As chair of the panel I can assure that full attention was given to each and every entry and that all outcomes were fairly decided. It is always unfortunate to have to revert to the position of 'the panel's decision is final' but in this case I consider this to be the correct decision for the competition.

The Junkk closure was featured for a long time during the awards presentation last night at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington DC and received a great deal of interest. It will further feature in the Awards Showcase magazine which will be included with the next issue of Beverage Innovation magazine. We will be very interested to follow this product when it is fully commercialised.''

Now, this really didn't quite answer my questions, or seem adequate in the circumstances, so I followed up:

'I very much appreciate you pursuing this so promptly.

I also appreciate Mr. Bruce taking the time to reply.

Whilst noting the positive aspects of the long feature and consequent interest during the evening, plus subsequent inclusion in the magazine(s), and interest in the product once commercialised... it's all nice but... not really the same as winning or being placed in an award for one's product in the specific category created and advertised, that was ideal to highlight it.

I just wondered if you and Claire [Editor] had any thoughts to share before I comment further.

Noting we are two cultures separated by a common language, it's possible that I have interpreted Mr. Bruce's statement in an Anglocentric manner that could have failed to appreciate the full scope of what he may have been trying to convey.'

Sadly, the exchange now seems to have stalled. Basically I am left with the notion that I entered in good faith, paid, and then less good faith kicked in thereafter. And it's all, like, tough, as 'judges' decision is final'?

Now, what to do? Especially as I seem out of pocket, out of luck, and out of my mind trusting any industry awards having had the exact same thing happen before!!!!

Why I did not kick up on that one more at the time I do not know. This time, I just might.

Moving targets

2011-04-05T14:15:00.003+01:00

I plod along trying to market RE:tie.

Every so often something resonates.

Forget the Treehuggers: Five Ways to Attract the Less Stereotypical Green Consumer | Fast Company

Especially this bit:

'they’re just as concerned with practical values like price, quality and convenience as they are with do-gooder values like local, organic and fair trade'

Plus, quite a lot else, frankly...

'Making a product that’s good for our planet is nice, but it’s not enough'

'More and more, New Consumers are asking, "What’s in it for we?"

'The DIY mindset has become a way of life for many New Consumers'

'The psychological shift from all-out consumerism to a simpler, more self-sufficient life also presents an opportunity to tap into the exploding "access economy."

I have chipped in:

"More and more, New Consumers are asking, "What’s in it for we?" '

And why not? Too much in green is predicated on rather nebulous notions of what's 'good', and losing sight of for whom.

Reduction is probably best, planetary speaking, but kind of tricky to make a profit from in consumables. Recycling is OK, but many tend to forget who is being asked to do what and for whose benefit.

Inbetween lies reuse, somewhat of a lonely place too often, especially in marketing innovation.

It needn't be.

It is possible to do the job, add value, and save the planet. You may not even need to get rid of stuff or make new things... just need to think laterally.

http://www.retie.co.uk

Japan - Priorities

2011-03-13T09:28:00.030Z

I simply need to know what I can DO, sensibly, in the UK, to help.

I have near given up on our media.

Streaming footage from helicopters trawling about showing SOS signs atop buildings, having evidently made a call on what they might mean, yesterday pushed me to irony overload.

Meanwhile endless 'experts' guessing what 'could' have happened and 'may' yet, across a variety of issues.

The time for such self-serving ratings-driven analysis or, worse, tribal issue debating, is not now.
[Addendum - at risk of becoming part of the blame culture I criticise, this nonetheless is an interesting tally to show what has so disappointed me]

I am not sure if money is what is needed, but if it is, convince me that it goes to where it will do most good, and will get deployed fast, and the online DD is created.

But what I do have in the loft is stuff 'for a rainy day' or my kids' futures. These I can buy again in my own sweet time.

Blankets, tents... if these can be got to an airfield and arrive in Japan to do some good in 24hrs, just let me know.

But spare me the utter horse manure disaster porn I am currently getting from near all of our sorry media.

Day 4 - I am today trying to put together a newsletter to inspire folk into doing something productive locally, as I am trying to do via our local paper. One thing is trying to assess what best defines 'humanitarian needs'. It seems tents may not be it. OK. Food is mentioned more. I am not sure about the logistical wisdom of sending a can from here, so one does need to be guided by those more experienced. However the international/national media remain less than helpful in this regard.

Maybe money to a charity is best. But choose, and invest, with care.

17/03/11

Well, it has almost been a week now, and while things have certainly not settled down (anything but) it may soon be time to move on. I'll be moving this to the home page for a while, and leave the blogs free for, well new blogs.

Some have asked me why I have not indulged in the ongoing 'discussions' regarding the nuclear situation. I have actually addressed it on twitter, but even there gave up. There is no point in endless speculation. Something very bad happened the other side of the globe and, with luck, no worse to follow. All I know is that the Japanese are a generous nation, and have never stinted in helping others. Now it's their turn. May we find the best way(s) to do this.

******************************************

STOP PRESS - 20/03/11

The author of the piece above, who lives in Japan, has kindly responded to an invitation of mine to share what he thinks is needed most, and when, with most reasonable explanations as to why....

I'm waiting for things to clear enough to allow me to go north and participate in the clean-up effort. In the meantime, I have donated to Second Harvest Japan, who are getting supplies to stricken areas.

http://www.2hj.org/index.php/get_involved/donate_money

What I like about Second Harvest, is that because their supplies are given by donation, the money is used for transportation and such, meaning that 1000 Yen (about $10USD) can supply (by their estimate, admittedly) 10 times that in supplies.

Supplies are important because, as I understand it, the main post-quake cause of death is looking to by hypothermia (due to lack of fuel) and lack of medicine.

For the more conservative, the Japanese Red Cross is also a good bet. People can donate through the link provided by Google: http://www.google.com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html

That page also contains good advice on how to help (Google has a presence in Japan, so they're not just blowing smoke).

******************************************

ADDENDA - (as I get 'em, I'll add 'em - feel free to suggest any more).

Disaster Japan

Google Home Page

Google Search

More Google resources

Gear diary

Shelterbox

Red Cross - specific URL kindly provided by a fellow commenter - http://www.redcross.org.uk/Donate-Now/Make-a-single-donation/Japan-Tsunami-Appeal

firstgiving.com - Note: not vetted, but has been passed on

Quakebook - I'm a bit dubious about 'arty'-based donation efforts, as the %ages that come in vs. get passed on can be variable, but some interesting new aspects are presented, esp. in comments, to make this piece worth sharing.

Not saying I agree with it, but a rather off the wall view

A bit of, necessary, light(er) relief.

Does Japan even NEED donations? Another left field post to digest My head aches.

A graphic indication of the scale of the problem.

Not really into disaster porn, but this shows the scale of what took place. This wave was out to sea. Imagine it when making landfall.

Graphic art in support. Nor all great, but some genius.

All a bit circular, but the latest (after a year's absence) Junkk Newsletter has now gone out. I am hoping to at least inspire/be part of any efforts locally that can be made.

Speaking of priorities, in case you were thinking the world has gone a bit mad....

Dear BBC blog contributor,

Thank you for contributing to a BBC blog. Unfortunately we've had to edit your comment below because it contravened one of our House Rules.

Comments on the BBC blogs will be removed if they contain links to other websites which break our Editorial Guidelines. The URL(s) which failed were: http://www.redcross.org.uk/Donate-Now/Make-a-single-donation/Japan-Tsunami-Appeal. For more information, please visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/moderation.shtml#l

Regards,
BBC Central Communities team
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/

URL of content (now edited):
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/blog142/F20708486?thread=8119961&post=107299837#p107299837

Posting:
'...our Science editor, will update us on the situation at the Japanese quake-stricken nuclear plant where radiation levels are now at a level harmful to human health.'

So.... still studiously not worrying too much about that earthquake/tsunami thing that was also involved. Had a bit of an impact too.

Not sure if its the best, but many have told me it's up there: [Unsuitable/Broken URL removed by Moderator - the Red Cross one... unsuitable?????]

Meanwhile, it's nice to know the BBC is sending as many folk as possible over there to fill rooms and consumer resources, mainly to talk to folk they just left back here.

Guessing the carbon-saving thing is on hold too.

ps: Unverified, but credible, bearing in mind a disaster relief URL was 'unsuitable' whilst their pet fun run one was being pushed 24/7:

@OldHoborn - Remember, without £119,946 donated by YOU to #comicrelief, the "Black Association of Women" would struggle for funds

Basics

2011-03-10T15:32:00.004Z

Trying to discipline myself to blog more.

This seems as good a hop back on the horse as any.

http://www.bishop-hill.net/blog/2011/3/10/rolls-royce-minds.html

It's not the first, and won't be the last, of a bunch of reactions to a less than stellar interviewee from the EU high command rather showing up some key gaps in her knowledge, and one presumes the overall scheme of things she represents.

Readers of this blog will know I have rather studiously steered clear of matters (A)GW. Too many unknowns; too much contention. Vast amounts of heat and little light.

I tend to restrict myself to areas I have more confidence with, such as reducing waste or improving efficiencies.

However, with some science and engineering in the educational background, and communications experience throughout my ad career, I still crank an eyebrow when things don't add up, and especially when such poor arithmetic is either poorly sold or, worse, wilfully misrepresented.

Hence I was transfixed by this exchange. It can be heard verbatim via the link above (though actually the whole segment is worth a listen), and even transcribed here.

Often all you need is the words, unadorned, and especially not 'interpreted' as too often happens with some 'reporting' media, to get a pretty good idea of what calibre of thinking can be deployed in the name of our kids' futures.

I was moved to comment recently on an uncritical puff piece about the future of electric hybrid cars, citing a Rolls Royce variant.

Perhaps the future does lie in such technologies, but with luck also gets its head around more immediate aspects of physics such as the energy required to propel a 4 person car that weighs twice as much as necessary.

Those in charge really seem to have no clue on the basics.

OT - charity promo

2011-02-04T13:04:00.003Z

Tend not to pass on things that are too OT, but this is a nice, local-ish charity event for a very good cause.

As received:

I am doing a trip around the edges of Wales on my mobility scooter to raise money for The Royal British Legion, Help for Heroes and 1st The Queens Dragoon Guards. The trip, all being well will last about 46 days and I will cover approximately 1200 miles.

* By putting up a poster, there is a link to an A4 poster on the website (in PDF format).
* By making a pledge, this can be done on the website, no monies will be collected until after I have completed the trip.
* Or by spreading the word?

If you would like more information about the trip please see the website, www.roundwales.co.uk or give me a call. Any help is greatly appreciated.

IDEA REQUIRED - Bottle/Can Combo

2011-02-04T12:51:00.002Z

Sometimes, things just seem to 'fit together'.

This is such an instance.

As stated, no idea what use it may be... yet... but that's the beauty of this whole deal: one may well yet be suggested.

Trying to figure out the best way to link combo ideas on the site, but I will be posting them here and, in turn, twitter.

Blimey, who does a guy have to sleep with these days to cop a break?

2011-02-03T12:49:00.003Z

Many will know of our RE:tie concept.

Some may be aware that not only does it confer some advantages eco-wise to the packaging diaspora, the public is on board and we can prove it. Big time.

Many in the industry are aware of this.

Many public bodies, quangos and professional bodies, often flush with green funds to throw about, are aware of it.

Even a few media are, though I do need to get my act together on more PR pronto.

But the old eyebrow does crank when such as this comes out:

http://www.packagingnews.co.uk/news/wrap-report-calls-for-lighter-tint-caps-to-boost-milk-bottle-recycling

Just how much more, more quickly, could I get a genuine, public-pleasing, actual green concept to market, if blessed with new Wrap-sponsored research? Like some others, more blessed.

http://www.wrap.org.uk/downloads/Milk_Bottle_R_D_Final_Report1.26ade849.10344.pdf

Pear Pair

2011-02-03T12:29:00.003Z

This is prompted by my latest data upload.

Which means that when this goes up, the two will complement each other, at least until the next idea/blog swings in, thus making sense of my headline:)

I think I have pretty much covered the various issued raised on the product upload page.

(Over-)packaging to avoid damage & food waste vs. alternatives.

Inability to assess recyclability.

The true joys of potential reuses!

Lightweight Commentary

2011-02-02T12:25:00.004Z

I do science me.

Often, badly, along with my woeful maths, but bear with me.

I was about to pop these two fellows in the wheelie when I noticed something.

Accepting the left one holds 75cl and the other 70cl, the former weighed in at 550gm, whereas the latter was 320gm.

That... is quite a difference, and I presume a clear example of lightweighting.

What I can't testify to is the relative in-transit breakage levels, but as an example of what can do the same job for a lot less, and consequent freight energy savings, that seems significant.

JUNKKYARD - Odd post - Box clever

2011-02-01T18:08:00.002Z

Sadly, I have allowed JunkkYard to wallow.

This on top of never really seeing its potential way back when Junkk was first designed, over a decade ago.

That honour goes to Deron Beal, I think, but what has transpired since makes it all rather murky.

Anyway, I just wanted to make a pitch for how useful it can still be.

So if you are near Hereford and need a bunch of boxes, have I found a mother lode for you:)

REPAIR - TIP - Sticky Knobs

2011-01-27T15:34:00.004Z

Oo-er, missus.

All through my ad career I always got my best briefings on the client's product not from the marketing guys in their ivory towers, but from those in sales. The ones dealing with the thing, and customers, day-in, day-out. Who I dubbed 'the sharp end'.

They knew the product backwards, its foibles and fabluousness. Plus, of course, the audience.

It's the same with the world of engineering repair.

For some reason, we are going through a spate of break-downs at Junkk Towers.

Age the primary reason. With which I can identify. But also poor design.

Luckily, our belief in repair has meant we have invested in insurances to cover such eventualities, even though I suspect we are paying more as a consequence over the lifespan of kit we're nursing things along.

And this means I have been happy to meet, and chat, with a bunch of cheery guys who know their kit backwards... faults and fabulousness both... as they sort 'em out.

I have just bid farewell to Dave who fixed our oven. A sticky fan was a fuse blow away. But in replacing that I also gleaned a ton of other useful snippets. Seems insurances don't cover self-tapping screws pulling out as 'rust' is excluded. On a device meant to create heat and steam in a steel box that seems quaint. But he was up for a quick bolt substitute.

In passing, he also noted the hob burner rings were now too old to be efficient and needed replacing. These are the metal plates that create the mini gas jets in a circle. Worth investing on new ones for more gas efficiency.

Sadly, with a fried circuit board in the microwave it was deemed easier and cheaper to buy a new one than replace. Good job we still had the 2-ton mechanical monster in the basement. And it works.

But today's tip concerns knobs. Specifically the on/off switch to the washing machine.

I thought it was broken and had booked a repair. Dave knew better.

And his solution...? Spray furniture polish. Worked a treat. I suggested WD40, but he said the polish was better, and smelled nicer.

I just put the phone down to the insurers. That's a van and man not having to come out Monday. And a little bit of planet eased along a smidge better as a result.

Mr. Sheen... we salute you in your new role.

BACKSCRATCHING #101 - Friends in Deed

2011-01-25T16:16:00.003Z

What a nice email greeting to start the day:

Junk or treasure?

Before you bin anything, stop! Find out if there is another use for your junk, and save money, time and the planet. Or maybe you have some suggestions for what other people can do with their junk? Browse some wacky ideas at http://www.junkk.com/ - just click on the 'Ideas' tab. Best Wishes, Rita @ Friends of the Earth

The FoE daily tips are nice enough - free, fun and useful - in their own right, but when one becomes the subject... better still!

Well worth signing up for.

Also linked opposite>>>>>

WHAT DOES THE TEAM THINK? - Paper logs

2011-01-24T15:39:00.004Z

This is a new 'regular' heading.

Similar to Prof's Posers, but seeking to tap into the vast seam of common sense and DIY innovation out there, rather than pure science.

That said, a hint of enviROI may creep in, still.

For Xmas, I was given a paper log maker, well worth a Google of that term to see extent of styles and prices.

This, I believe, was a common design sourced in our case (at a sale discount @ £14.99) here.

Now, as the video attached shows, it is not brain surgery. Takes me back to my papier mache days, if without the glue.

It's a metal box that you stick wet paper in and compress into a brick. Then leave to dry.

Now, I am fully aware that there are some aspects of this that will require effort, and to maintain the eco aspects, it best be human.

I am working on the compression side too, but production line aspects rather mitigate on this being too involved, or long in duration. Unless these things burn for a long time, that is a lot of input for about 30 minutes of fire, equating to a log of that size.

Where I am interested is improving the production of paper mulch. Yes, I could sit over a bucket and rip up old papers and card, but that is not looking a great option.

So far I am stuck in an electric rut, from the office shredder to the leaf blower to the twig cruncher.

I am just wondering if there is a brain wave out there on something hand-cranked, which can turn a lot of paper and card into a lot of shredded stuff. All to then make into logs... one brick at a time.

Oh, and from that video... not sure if adding bleach is that eco in the planetary sense, much less economic. May pass on that.

Addendum 1

Thanks to some nice early input in the comments, a new option in complement at least is presented, which I will be scoping asap, and will then report further: http://www.logmaker.org.uk/

Irene Burnett Martin, Junkk Matriarch of Thrift, 31 July 1921 - 8 Jan. 2011. RIP

2011-01-09T18:20:00.006Z

Beloved Wife to and Widow of John Denis.
Loving, loyal and endlessly supportive Mother to first, only son Peter & then daughter-in-law Joan.
Generous & devoted Grandmother to Kipp & Cody.

Peacefully, in her sleep, after a period of a few months' unfortunate but still happily comfortable and pain-free consignment to her bed.

Beyond all she gave our family, she unhesitatingly helped without question to keep Junkk.com going, and will in so many ways always still do so. Her belief in the concept has been its bedrock and got us through some difficult times.

It's a legacy we hope she will have taken with her that will always be tangible, and mean a lot to all who have, are and will continue to benefit from a small way to spare wasting anything unnecessarily. Something she was most concerned never to do.

That, and having the cheekiest sense of humour to delight all who knew her, right to the moment she rejoined her life partner and soul mate.

Sorely missed. Never to be forgotten.

Update - 12/01/2011

Junkk First Lady Joan has kindly created a special page to carry evolving news and information for any who new Mum - http://www.firebird.com/irenemartin.html

And a very, merry Xmas to you!

2010-12-25T08:17:00.000Z

http://fauxfire.com/

Relatively few GHG emissions, too:)

Polishing 'Things Unduly Receiving Dominant Support'

2010-12-03T09:31:00.002Z

I used (and still do, a bit) work in ad/marketing.

And nothing was surer than night followed day than when a new broom swept into a client's marketing department, they'd just have to make their mark.

Sort of a territorial marking thing.

And nothing made us happier at the agency, because a) it was more money, and b) having lived with marketing stuff more intimately, for longer, we were bored with the 'same old, same old', too.

That the consumer was probably fine with it, and would be for years, really didn't come in to it.

So it's kind of interesting that, when opportunity to do so much more knocks, the focus of gazing still seems to be pretty much at the collective navel.

http://www.packagingnews.co.uk/in-depth/the-perilous-world-of-the-revamp

Of course, I now have extra, vested interests in thinking beyond the box, about the box and how the box can be reused...

'In a consumer-centric world governed mostly by a desire to get an end benefit, while a new look may serve those within an organisation more, a desire that actually adds value… to the purchaser… is more likely to drive extra sales.

Boosting recyclability is of course great, but creating reuse keeps the brand in the home, and heart… not out via the bin. Much as that may tick a tonnage box.'

COMPETITION - myplasticidea.co.uk

2010-12-02T12:10:00.003Z

A great lead kindly provided by Junkeeter Anita of Writing Services:

COMPETITION

WHEN: Entry D/L Jan 22 2011
WHAT: From their blurb:

This competition is aimed at creatives and students of all ages who are resident in the UK. Using Priplak polypropylene you are asked to create a product, an innovative packaging solution or a promotional incentive. Part of the brief is to think about re-usability, durability, multi-usage and multi-functional.

The designs may be an innovative solution to an existing product or common everyday item, but will be judged on creativity, originality, and functionality, cost effectiveness and use of the material.

WHAT... MORE?:

There will be three categories: My Plastic ‘Packaging’ Idea, My Plastic ‘Product’ Idea and My Plastic ‘Incentive/Promotional’ Idea. First prize for each category is £500 cash and the overall winner will receive an additional £500. Shortlisted finalists will get showcased at an exhibition in May in front of potential clients. In addition, the organisers will be scanning all entries looking for potential opportunities for products or incentives to be developed to market on a royalty arrangement basis.

HOW MUCH: My fave... no mention of money!
URL: http://www.myplasticidea.co.uk/
COMMENTS: Possibly somewhat restricted by having to focus on reuse (and sussing out the plastic specified in the brief), we will for sure be having a go here. But if you do enter via us telling you... and win... make sure to give us a mention at least:)

STANDARD INFLATION

2010-12-02T12:02:00.003Z

That's the problem with standards.

Allow more than one, and you often end up with none.

And nothing, but nothing, undercuts the value of good work than having a compromised messenger for critical messages, especially one as grotesque as this:

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/jamesdelingpole/100066317/cancun-suffers-its-final-indignity-a-visit-from-two-jags-prescott/

It's as story from, it's fair to say, a sceptical site, but the ongoing indulgence of representatives such as John Prescott, in his joke role, simply perpetuates the own goals the hypocritical involvement in the name of green this involves.

Telling it like it... well, some want 'it' to be

2010-12-02T11:54:00.002Z

It's no secret I hold our media estate in low esteem.

Especially on matters of science at the best of times, but even more so when agendas then get bolted on top of near zero appreciation of facts, what is know, or what is not, to support prejudices.

This highlights the point:

http://climatedenial.org/2010/12/02/one-report-two-headlines/

Two diametrically opposing news media; two diametrically opposing ways at looking at things.

It looks like a debate is brewing that may be worth the follow.

I have to agree that I'd rely on the Daily Mail for very little, but it does have its uses.

The Guardian is more credible, but can also be prone to seeing things through its own prism.

And the Met Office's record is not one I would hang my hat on to justify a story.

An important day for RE:tie

2010-11-24T11:50:00.003Z

Karma is a funny thing.

With the 'brimming with vindication' consumer market research burning a hole in my filing cabinet, yesterday was supposed to be the day of a big meeting with a PR whiz to get the media, at least (hopefully followed by consumers, groups and government) to sit up and take note of RE:tie as a green, disability PR, CSR and sales dream come true.

Sadly, snow stopped (well, postponed, possibly until next year) play.

Suitably snookered, I was licking my wounds when I happened across this:

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/finance/ianmcowie/100008829/grey-pounds-100bn-christmas-warning-to-retailers/

Bearing in mind that equal to RE:tie's 'green' cred is its contribution to enablement, this was not unfortuitous.

Of course I have weighed in:

'Retailers risk repelling some of their wealthiest customers with excessive and poorly-designed packaging which older people find difficult to open or use...

+

...Nearly half of more than 2,000 people questioned said they are sometimes unable to take lids or caps off products such as plastic milk bottles or jars because of the packaging

As one with more than a passing interest in PR & marketing, what surprises me is how resistant many brands are to initiatives designed not only to boost their CSR, but which may also confer more than a slight USP/sales advantage too, which one has to presume is the holy grail.

With luck it is but a matter of time before design initiatives such as http://www.retie.co.uk/ or http://www.squeezeopen.com/ get noticed, embraced and appreciated as much by those marketing whizzes (and their bosses forever on the TV claiming to be in support of 'innovation') as much as they may be by consumers.

I have also contacted the professional bodies cited, and downloaded a useful research aid:

http://www.ageuk.org.uk/
http://www.ilcuk.org.uk/
http://www.ilcuk.org.uk/record.jsp?type=publication&ID=80
http://www.ilcuk.org.uk/files/pdf_pdf_155.pdf

Two heads...

2010-11-23T13:59:00.005Z

Sort of a meeting of minds.

And when they click, synergy is always good.

Yesterday I was pleased and honoured to play host at Junkk Towers to Anne of like-minded 'doing' site Makeitandmendit.com.

She had come to 'kick our tyres' so to speak, but in the course of a few very enjoyable hours we also explored some interesting areas of opportunity and mutual benefit.

Just how I like it.

IDEA - Abandon hope...

2010-11-17T14:57:00.003Z

... all ye who enter here!

Suitably apocalyptic? Good.

Because, earlier today, I was.

The route from here to my Mum's home (where I visit twice daily) is about 10 mile, each way.

It's almost all a stretch of dual carriageway between Ross on Wye and Monmouth, along the A449/40.

On a good day, 10 mins, door-to-door.

On a bad day.... best to be thinking in terms of nifty beard styles.

No dual carriageway or motorway is any different. Great when they work, but you're stuffed when they don't.

And the worst part is that once you're in, there is no way out.

Which got me to pondering.

With all the technology that exists today, from hardware such as Highway Agency gantries to TrafficMaster, and immediate on-site assessments from the police to drivers with Bluetooth mobiles, surely there has to be a way to identify the problems quickly and accurately, and inform others upstream usefully and reliably.

This stretch is a prime example. There is nearly zero alternative route (trust me, I did a tour of Herefordshire trying), so the most logical thing is, surely, to position just two warning signs, one Southbound at Ross and one Northbound at Monmouth, that basically tells you that section of the route is stuffed (for how long in terms of miles and duration until resolved optional extras). I can't see how this would cost too much, and it would save so much.

OK, there will be the vast stream of traffic pouring in that will divert, or stop, or go back, but surely that is better than creating a several mile backing up car park with motors idling?

Light fantastic

2010-11-13T11:30:00.003Z

If it's too good to be true... rush in and worry later!

I am sure there is a downside, but just got back from FOCUS DIY with a stash of Edison screw and bayonet low energy bulbs for... 29p/ea. O, and 3 for 2, too.

I presume they will actually work, but really...

Blowing the horn for reuse

2010-11-13T06:47:00.002Z

I must confess that the Vuvuzela seemed to consume a lot of plastic.

Especially in this country, where most enjoyed a limited lifespan.

Anyway, it is nice that the spirit of reuse has inspired some in the home of the Vuvuzela.

Telegraph - Leftover vuvuzelas to be reinvented as earrings

I have to say that the winning entry selected has confirmed my views on most judges.

At first I thought folk would need pretty tough lobes to swing a couple of these fellas off 'em, but apparently the notion is to saw slices along the length. Hmn.

All for thinking laterally, and no problem with a bit of extra DIY, but... really?

Purely subjective, but I would have given more credit to some of the other, and often simpler ideas.

But at least those imaginations are out there, and working furiously, worldwide.

If you do one thing today...

2010-11-07T07:53:00.006Z

http://www.silentsingle.com

Brilliant concept, totally appropriate for an outstanding cause.

While the marketing sense of using 'celebs' is clear, I would have preferred more of the faces to be featured to be those more relevant and in need of further exposure to those they have served.

Still worth 'buying' over and over to succeed.

I was going to apologise for this being a bit 'off eco' but, on reflection, other than server consequences, etc, maybe it's even 'greener' than more 'showy' methods.

Of course, get that poppy too, but only to wear at the right time for the right reasons.

Dad, what you and others did and still do for me and our future will never be forgotten.

Telegraph

REPAIR - A problem halved..

2010-11-02T17:28:00.006Z

I wanna tell you a story...

A few years back, we had a shower unit installed in the master bedroom.

Recently, we had rain in the lounge below.

As luck would have it, we had taken out one of those British Gas insurances on all sorts, including, we thought, plumbing.

As it turns out, luck was against us... the wrong kind of plumbing.

A man came, saw, and went away. We'd run the shower, he looked, nothing happened, and away he went.

Thing is, it started raining again.

This time, I went into full Sherlock mode and, armed with a camera, 'observed' the missus at her toilette. Racy. But, more critically, the blooming waste pipe was dripping a storm! That... was covered. How had they missed it before?

So I got them back.

Blow me down... nothing again.

Then I had a brainwave.

I recalled a story about a lady who said her telephone didn't work when it rained. Several engineer visits later, no sign of any problem.

Then, as luck would have it, one call-out day, the engineer meets her in the driveway on a rainy day. Shaking out her brolly, as they enter the hall she hangs it up to dry... on the telecom wire, just enough to pull the connection apart.

So I thought laterally, and donned a pair of Speedos and climbed in to shower while the engineer surveyed beneath. Sure enough... a leak.

What was happening was the weight of the person on the shower tray was dropping it enough to create a gap the older sealant couldn't accommodate.

Sorted, but sad part is... that aspect is not covered by the insurance.

Plus seeing off a young man in my bathrobe has done my reputation locally no good at all.

PROF'S POSER - Tow or trail?

2010-11-01T15:43:00.004Z

Here's a fun one.

On my daily jaunt to visit my Mum, I see quite a few tourist RV's plying the highways.

Some often have a little shuttle bug (usually a Smart) hanging off the back.

Very sensible to simply nose around the latest venue without a monster truck.

T'oher day I overtook two such behemoths, only one was connected to its baby by a tow bar, and the other had it on a trailer which was in turn hooked up to the Mother ship.

Which set me to pondering which would be better.

The latter obviously reduces wear and tear on the towee, especially tyres, but will impose a load on the tower rear.

The former might add more friction (4 wheels vs. 2) but maybe less load (weight of trailer + any down forces).

Not a clue. But keen to find out.

PROF'S POSER - Tap or...?

2010-10-31T10:51:00.004Z

Nope, not about bottled water.

The other day I was cooking lunch for the boys and needed to clean the pan, which was coated in fat from the last fry-up.

Invested one kitchen towel in scooping the solids out and to the pin.

Then I needed to address the remains. A dob of Fairy Liquid and then I reached for the hot tap.

Now, hold on.

To get the water I needed, I say a minimum 'run' of about 1min. That's a lot of water down the drain anyway. And then the amount of hot water now left to cool in the pipes between boiler and tap.

Vs.... popping 1/2 a litre in the kettle. 250ml to cleana dn the rest to rinse.

I opted for the kettle. But I wonder is the 'leccy vs. gas source makes a difference.

CYCLING - Uni-lateral dismemberment?

2010-10-31T08:44:00.003Z

Just had to share this.

In Hereford the other day.

That now lonely wheel was fully padlocked.

Ironically, to the bike rack of the local council offices... under the security camera.

COMPETITION - Sustainability Now Social Media Awards

2010-10-29T15:39:00.002+01:00

COMPETITION

WHEN: Deadline Friday 5th November
WHAT: Sustainability Now Social Media Awards
WHAT... MORE?: Their blurb:

The Sustainability Now Social Media Awards will highlight the very best social media focusing on the creation and sustainability of a green built environment. We’re looking to highlight the most engaging, informative, innovative or simply entertaining sustainability based social media, wherever it may be found.

The theme of the awards is sustainability, but this doesn’t mean it has to be the main focus of these social media efforts; it could be a recurring element among many different discussion areas, or a single tweet, an individual blog post, or the primary subject matter.

The categories:

We have seven categories available for the awards this year. These are open to individuals as well as branded company accounts. Entries and nominations for the Awards close on Friday 5th November.

Nominate yourself or your company in 350 words or less for any of the following categories

Best social media community group
Best Tweeter
Best Blogger
Best brand social media use
Best social media individual

HOW MUCH: Don't see a fee, so 'Weeeeeee!'
URL: http://www.ukvirtualevents.com/virtual-events/sustainability-now/social-media-awards/
COMMENTS: Now, who do we know worthy...:)

Ok, so your arteries are still clogged...

2010-10-29T12:02:00.001+01:00

And the salt is seizing up your heart.

But this works (a bit better) environmentally:

http://www.kfc.com/packaging/lineup.asp

Have to love that first word!

COMPETITION - Letswasteless.com

2010-10-18T13:02:00.006+01:00

Actually, it's a competition to intro a new website.

http://www.letswasteless.com/cms/community/competition.aspx

And it's one in our 'hood - Herefordshire & surrounds.

Not sure how well populated it is, as a lot of folk (including Junkk.com) are not included who could/should be), so it's also an opportunity to bring 'em up to speed.

Tell 'em Junkk.com sent you. Maybe they'll realise we're here... and have been for a while.

And here to help:)

Number Crunching

2010-10-15T12:12:00.003+01:00

Sometimes things make you think.

And sometimes folk make you think you need to think more.

A few weeks ago, in my local paper, I saw the headline 'Well done for recycling 25 jumbo jets off waste', and was frankly, impressed.

It was a letter to the county's public by the Environment Cabinet member, celebrating the 5,000th tonne of waste collected for the EnviroSort facility.

Certainly, other than that sidelined here for reuse, our household has 'done it's bit' with the new wheelies.

But then I read a follow-up letter the next week, pointing out that it worked out at 0.6kg per week per person in the county.

Further, the free paper this message was in, is a weekly 0.15kg. Made me think twice before getting too impressed too quickly. Better than nothing, but perhaps a ways to go?

But just in case, I'll also await next week to see if there is more to the way the numbers get crunched than meets the eye.

PR COVERAGE - Little acorns

2010-10-15T12:10:00.003+01:00

Did a little series of talks t'other week for local Cub & Scout groups.

Nice to be appreciated.

Sometimes you have to make a stand

2010-10-01T10:13:00.007+01:00

Hated to have to do it, but just had to write to the 10:10 campaign.

Dear Sirs,

Just seen the new 'awareness' promo.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/blog/2010/sep/30/10-10-no-pressure-film*

We used to support your mission, but as now revealed as another over-funded activist group who seems to confuse awareness with persuasion, this is now withdrawn. This had to have been approved at the top, so the rot is too high to expect any change of attitude, much less grasp of media message reality.

And we will be advising our audience of this fact.

Unlike some, we leave what they do, or not, up to them. No pressure. No judgement.

This has set the cause of sensible dialogue back a long way, just so some more bandwagon-jumping luvvies can have another 15 minutes in the limelight at the expense of hard slog, pragmatism and a belief that the public can be persuaded as to the value of effective and efficient lifestyle choices without nanny, threat, guilt or mockery.

Especially from a 'we know what's best for you' 'elite'.

Yours faithfully,

I can only hope it was meant as satire or irony, but sadly if that was the intent it was way wide of the mark. The sorriest example of messed up messaging from self-elected, pedestal claiming dumb messengers yet. It's complex issue, guys, and fine lines need to be walked. Patronising is bad enough, but failing to connect with the audience is plain unprofessional.

*Also had to chip in, a bit less formally, here:

Curtis made dive-bombers didn't they?

Certainly made a mess, but were at least designed to hit the right target.

Philip & Tracey seem more collateral damage in a totally misplaced campaign designed to make smug gits called... ahem... Jemima (really? was the Notting Hill author just going for maximum irony?) feel secure in the knowledge that their sweet teacher is actually a lying psycho who will brook nothing but fealty... or else. Even without the Scanners homage, any educator creating a 'us' vs. 'you' scenario in this manner should be transferred to the canteen to make Turkey Twizzlers.

No pressure... or we'll kill you. Sweet. Plus I love the new voting idea. Who needs a secret ballot when we can simply see who believes what... and kill you. At least the movie seems to feel that's OK so long as it is a majority view. Is that borne out, Mr. Curtis? Maybe we could ask the Science Museum? I recall they delivered a less than satisfactory result to Mr. Ed 'settled science, blank slate' Miliband in return for his multi-million £ efforts. Money perhaos better directed to, I don't know, DOING tangible stuff as opposed to getting a pat on the back in a SoHo bar.

Sadly, this latest bit of celeb indulgence will simply further set back sensible environmental dialogue, so some luvvies can all have a back-slap at an obscure awards show in Colorado that, just this once, their entourage will have to attend.

Dire, daft and damaging. Nice one. Ta very much.

I am now a lot more worried about assaults on freedom of thought and speech by unelected 'we know what's good for you' groups with waaay too much control over the media than I am by any positive messages of sensible mitigation.

The only hope is that it was a misplaced attempt at a caution on the damaging effects of dogma, but as noted, that's a target missed by a mile. 0/10. #fail

ADDENDUM

Had a few folk ''explain" to me that this is, as I alluded above, a bunch of lite greens telling dark greens to chill.

If so, I support the strategy, but still can't get behind the creative concept, which seems way too concerned with the shock value of 'awareness', which is dead fun & sexy 'n all, but sadly rarely as effective as patient, hard, slog.

Also not sure it getting yanked quite so soon seems part of the plan, unless it went a bit more viral than intended.

Addendum 2

It would appear that it was not, as I was told by ardent supporters, a complex spoof, and has, for now, been taken down. A bit late. With poor grace. Few were concerned 'it was not funny'. Most were concerned it suggested mindset that was hardly helpful to proactive persuasion.

Interestingly, if with irony, and little surprise, discussion of this seems to have either been allowed for those who toe the line per the compliant Jemima, or simply closed down. In some places (see thread end). Animal Farm advances, as certain ex-employees of certain media organisations foretold.

Addendum 3

http://wattsupwiththat.com/2010/10/01/blow-me-up-blow-me-down/

Much of what concerns was summarised to me by a late, brief comment on the Graun article (which I did take to task):

You lot need to lighten up

(I think there was something further irony free about 'we British', rather ignoring near all appalled commenters, by a factor of about 100:1, were indeed from our fair isles)

In that short sentence, this person set up a superior, false majority tribal grouping (in their own minds at least), with a god-given right to instruct others how to think and behave.

As I replied, in context of this story... 'Or... what?'

Now wishing I'd added the sweet further invitation '...no pressure' to that.

I see this term becoming rather potent in this regard, if used effectively.

As an ex-Civ Eng/ad man, I am now a passionate, if pragmatic enviro-campaigner, concerned more with proactive DOING and reward-based, end-benefit-driven inspiration by high enviROI example over £/$-squandering, predominantly negative guilt, shame, threat, fear, nag or nanny 'talk' (from endless worldwide events to vast 'awareness' campaigns) and initiatives that simply don't add up unless you are a lobby-pleasing, subsidy-addicted, box-ticking pol, quangocrat and their high paid mates in the often well-funded NGO/charity/activism sector. That these guys get bonusses based on using public money to run ads designed to drive up hits that drive up their bonusses offends me as clear examples of conflict of interest if not fraud.

But I do dip in to the odd chat to try and haul focus back to all the good that is DONE, and can be achieved by DOING, so long as it is well-assessed and targetted. For ages I have been dismayed that near all in green has been hijacked by usually self-elected, single issue messengers clearly utterly incapable of appreciating the complexities in doing the overall message (and hence topic) justice.

And they seem to be spiraling out of control, rationalising their abject professional failures to communicate and/or persuade as a) the failure of the public to grasp their 'wisdom' and, worse, b) trying to blame them for it. I know how that would have gone done in the commercial world with client and audience alike.

So as much as I am concerned about our environmental futures, I am now as concerned with the mindsets being embraced by some, with clear abuses of free speech and democracy in pursuit of narrow, dogmatic agendas that brook no counters.

And so, when next any from this extreme element get on high horses and presume to lecture broadcast only or dictate, I will be simply saying, in future... 'Or else what?... No pressure'.

Addendum 4

My 'Junkk' activity is, of necessity, a little light at present, as I visit my Mother in her home. She has enjoyed a long, good life, but we fear it is coming to a conclusion. At least the earthly chapter. A small family unit, we are determined to stay by her side as often as possible.

Hence a PC, dongle and good WiFi connection is a boon.

Just to nudge this story along, I need not share the reams of links this story has generated. Google is your friend.

But I will share an unexpectedly quick and contrite reply to my email above. Plus what I wrote back.

From 10:10:

Please accept our apologies. You are right. We made a major misjudgement with the film. Our UK director has made an official statement on the issue, which you can see at http://www.1010global.org/uk/2010/10/statement-1010-uk-director

We will be instigating a thorough review of our processes and procedures to identify how this mistake was allowed to happen.

Once again, I offer our sincere apologies. We thank you for the support that you have given to the campaign, and hope that you can accept that we recognise our mistake, and are taking steps to respond in an appropriate manner.

From me:

Dear 10:10 team,

Thank you for a prompt reply in the circumstances, and one that I appreciate that was no fun to have to make.

After the now accepted poor decisions that went into the conception, execution and initially awful 'defences' of the 'No Pressure' piece, this more savvy, considered response is welcome, if necessarily form, and we are tempted to reconsider.

However, with regret, we will need to 'mull' a while. Something perhaps too few do. Evidently.

Yes, it was 'a' mistake, and one that should not adversely impact the many other aspects 10:10 that we endorse(d) and/or support(ed).

However, we remain concerned at the mindset at 'the top', at least as highlighted in the spotlight brought by this unfortunate controversy. This, whilst clearly at last aware of what was precipitated, does rather reveal a history of dogmatic imposition at odds with the belief in actual 'no pressure' accurate, balanced information, fun education and incentive-based, end-benefit driven culture we prefer here.

Hence, whilst pleased to accept what we presume to be a sincere apology from the author below at least, overall blanket forgiveness will take some more time and assessment. Sorry.

There are too many sucking up public (and other) funds in various names, often over-duplicating, and too often with self-indulgent 'awareness' exercises over worthy doing (our interpretation of 'action' is somewhat different) projects, and it may be that this point needs to be made still. Where it will make an impact. Not just with 10:10's leadership, but also as a message to others frustrated maybe, but so self-absorbed as to feel justified in going beyond the high profile pale, and hence making the job of others, working slowly, openly and diligently, all the more difficult.

But good luck with the aspects of you initiative that are positive in enviROI terms.

I feel for those at the helm, but they are cleary not right for the task.

The long and long of it

2010-09-30T14:58:00.007+01:00

(that seems to be Blogger's image limit, so a 48 sheet long copy poster was going to struggle. Sorry. Will try to figure a way to post it elsewhere to be viewed bigger)

Just finished, I hope successfully, a bit of 'can't hurt' fun roaming my ad territory, but neatly, and coincidentally, also possibly with a nice rub-off for Junkk.com.

londonlongcopy.com is how I like my competitions (actually most things): fun & free.

I was invited to take part a while ago, and determined this time not to leave it to the last minute.

Fate somewhat intervened, in that I have only just got back after a wee spell enjoying the hospitality of the NHS. All well now, but a large hole in the month's traffic management plans.

I had the idea, and I had the copy, and I had a rough layout. What I didn't have at 24hrs notice was an AD/designer.

Fortunately, I have made some new chums. Taylor & Taylor (with pix on homepage of my fave ever bridge) just happen to be affiliated to the IP guys handling RE:tie's marketing, and what with one thing and another, the deed got done. Ta, guys.

I actually have high hopes. Fingers crossed. Wish us luck. Especially all you Junkketeers in London:)

Addendum:

Didn't even make the shortlist:( Some nice ideas there, but frankly I think ours could have shared such good company too. Will never understand how judging works.

http://www.cbsoutdoor.co.uk/en-gb/Our-Media/London-Underground/48-sheets/longcopy/Commercially-Driven-Entries/

http://www.cbsoutdoor.co.uk/en-gb/Our-Media/London-Underground/48-sheets/longcopy/Not-for-Profit-Entries/

NEWS/Commercial PR - Liftshare Week, 4-8 Oct

2010-09-21T11:04:00.004+01:00

I do so love it when they write themselves.

Especially in a good cause.

I like to think off myelf not so much as lazy, but more into not wasting perfectly good resources. From the sharing horsepower's mouth:

Just as Junkk is all about match-making - and sharing to avoid waste - so is liftshare.com. So we want to tell you about an event they’ve got coming up which can help you to slash your CO2 emissions, save a load of money and make some new buddies into the bargain...

It’s the first ever liftshare Week from 4-8 October, and the aim is to help as many people as possible discover the benefits of car-sharing. The typical commuter who car-shares every day saves around £800 a year and a tonne of CO2, not to mention reducing their stress levels and having more fun.

To take part in liftshare Week, just sign up to the free www.liftshare.com website and search for someone else going your way so that you can share the journey. You only have to do it on the days that suit you, and you can either take turns driving or - if one of you doesn’t have their own car - the passenger(s) can contribute to the driver’s petrol costs. Everyone wins.

(Oh, and if you’re allowed to spread the word at work by sticking some posters up at your office, you can download them from www.liftshareWeek.com!)

PR COVERAGE - And idea gaining traction?

2010-09-20T15:39:00.002+01:00

Actually, this is more IP coverage.

But as it is a pretty nice article about what we're up to, I think it's worth sharing.

WIPO is not an insignificant force in global IP, so to be noticed and so covered is a very nice thing to enjoy.

Palming On

2010-09-19T10:09:00.004+01:00

Funny old world.

A week ago I noticed the local Morrison's was again running the 'Let's Grow' promo, and pondered if we might again unleash the Voucher Palm again (click the links below for archive backstory)

Well, a bit like careless kings and troublesome priests, no sooner muttered than rushed out... without telling me! Nice 'n all, but I might have helped with the proof-reading too.

Plus actually delivering as promised.

Hence a bit of flashing around this weekend to get the new one up.

All's well that ends well....

--------

Don't Be Shy, Schools and Shoppers - Choose Your Coconut Today!

Voucher Palm Ready To Do The Business Again in 2010

Another Autumn, another Morrison's 'Let's Grow' Promo.

And, of course, in Ross-on-Wye at least, the Voucher Palm blossoms in complement again, made from all-reused materials by local eco-ideas website Junkk.com, to help shoppers around town 'post' their vouchers to donate to local schools.

Two have so far have asked to have their own coconut on the palm, but there is space for plenty more. Plus plenty of room inside each to donate vouchers to the school of your choice.

So when around town, if you have some vouchers in your wallet in danger of being lost in the back of the kitchen drawer, pop by the EnviroAbility Book Swap Shop, Cantilupe Rd to ensure they get to... and help make even nicer... some very good local home schools... and gardens.

Caption - Eleanor Bennett of the EnviroAbility Book Swap Shop, Cantilupe Rd, Ross-on-Wye, graciously demonstrates Voucher Palm 3.0

PR COVERAGE - Mate's Rates

2010-09-10T14:26:00.005+01:00

As some may know, Junkk.com enjoys a healthy relationship with Poundland.

You know, the retail phenomenon that seems to be almost unique in going from strength to strength, somewhat against the trend?

The one that does seem to have pegged what consumers want these days?

But for all their commitment to value and savings on the pocket, they do ponder deep and long about ways to help make the planet a tad nicer place to be, too.

Which is why, a fair while ago, having seen a Junkk.com stand plugging RE:tie at a show, they liked what they saw enough to want to help in our mission to encourage reuse.

So they popped our URL on their packaging. And from this end, we can testify to just how that has caught on with their customer base. Folk like the notion... A LOT.

Well, just as we had a cheery call that made our Friday a while back, we've just had another.

Look who has pride (well, bottom left, but it's right next to the sign-up) of place on their website homepage:)

Nice to be loved. And to be rated so highly via such an endorsement, compliment and complement from such a successful business.

Maybe we are doing something right, as well as good, after all.

PR COVERAGE - Fast, moving, consumer-related.. and good

2010-09-08T10:27:00.003+01:00

Always nice to be noticed.

Even better to be appreciated.

Top cherry to be thought amongst the best.

Junkk.com has been featured in this month's FMCG magazine 'Website spotlight'.

Which is nice.

Not too sure on the value as, so far, the phone has not be ringing off the hook. Early days?

Folk in this industry are pretty time poor, and I've only just found it after it hit the in-tray a few days ago.

Plus I can't help but notice on behalf of RE:tie a tamper evident packaging outfit just down the road. Reaches next for phone...

Sons, sun & sand (lots of sand). Plus wife.

2010-09-07T12:33:00.005+01:00

We're back (and have been a few weeks - only now with kids off to school can I get back to the 'other' day job)

Full disclosure: we flew for 6hrs, budget class, to Egypt, for a Nile cruise.

And enjoyed every minute of it. No regrets (the T-shirt is not mine, but raised a wry-smile come 'so, what do you do' at evening cocktails intro-time)

However, learning from many who ponder and post in the world of environess, I will attempt to justify a smidge of what we got up to by writing about it, especially a few eco-aspects of it all... good... but mainly not as good as one may have hoped.

OK, we were in a sunny place. Make that sunny to the tune of 45 degrees some days, pretty much dawn to dusk. That... is a lot of energy falling on every sqm of a vast expanse, day-in, day-out. Trust me. As the only family not out the first day for a tanning session, we observed the results on the others.

Yet... I could see no great evidence of any solar collection, domestic, commercial or national, either photovoltaics or even hot water. Bizarre.

What I did note was the gentle chug of diesels, 24/7, which sadly results in a pervasive fug hanging over the Nile and its banks. Makes for nice sunsets, but not much else.

And I can't understand the need. Where the grid doesn't run, like a boat, so many thing surely could be solar powered to avoid using up GHG-emitting fuel in this way? If it's possible in the UK (see link below, but caution on the numbers, and deal!) with our weather...

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/finance/ianmcowie/100007449/how-the-roof-over-your-head-could-earn-1000-out-of-thin-air/

Now, a lot of this may be down to cheap 'leccy thanks to the Aswan dam. A rather uninspiring structure, TBH, but quite a feat. Actually, I was a bit more impressed with the one the British built several decades before. It also had the benefits of a lock system to allow navigation, something the Russians 'forgot' to add. Apparently. I suspect this may have led to, and still inspires some... frustration, downstream.

Which brings me to the other eco-aspect from this trip: the importance of water. Look at that shot out the plane window: no water, no nothing. More than that, no irrigation; no growth more than a few yards in. The country is a high % of sun-blasted sand and little else.

Man has a great capacity to harness nature for good, but also a great responsibility to ensure it is done properly.

Sadly, as I write this I add below a URL that poses some of the dilemmas facing our own mega-water-harnessing scheme.

The Ecologist - http://www.theecologist.org/News/news_analysis/522790/severn_barrage_faces_economic_rather_than_environmental_hurdles.html

Finally, I leave pondering a matter of historical interest, namely was the climate back in Ramases' time as oppressive as now?

Telegraph - Biblical plagues really happened say scientists

Keeping In Good Company

2010-08-20T12:45:00.005+01:00

Caption: Nothing whatsoever to do with Poundland, but we appreciate the irony inherent in this image of one of their competitors, along with the rather cute weasel as regards their business model on the shop sign.

For while we have enjoyed the support of Poundland.

They have seen fit to add the Junkk.com URL to their packaging, and were first in line to help with some recent research for RE:tie, about which more to soon be shared.

And it seems they are doing rather well.
The Grocer

Kamcity

SKY

Just sayin', that's all.

R & R Time!

2010-08-01T11:30:00.003+01:00

Junkk is taking a wee break and will be back soon.

One of our other areas of interest is the wonderful world of music, and we'll be supporting First Lady Phoenix J (creator of our jingle) with her band Greenhaus on their UK tour, followed by something not quite as much of a a busman's holiday!

Of course, the Junkk flightcases are well stocked with kit to find and create all sorts of reuses as circumstances dictate:)

Product RE:view - Sainsbury's Milk Pouch

2010-07-22T07:31:00.000+01:00

Disclosure: This little effort is going to compete pretty much with my RE:tie idea. Not directly, but with the caps used on many milk bottles. So it is hard to be totally objective in seeking its success. Looking on the bright side, it may make the cap & bottle guys find some merit in a device that not only promotes reuse, but gives their products an edge, too. Just sayin'

Update - a few very interesting comments has made it worth reposting since the 24/05/10 first publication.

Background

As part of a greening initiative, supermarket Sainsbury's have put on a push to promote the use of these milk pouches in the JUGit

They have seen some success. Interestingly another retailer, Waitrose, has not. An odd difference in light of their demographics, which I would have pegged as pretty similar.

Use

Buying is no problem, though there is a trust factor in carrying it in your basket and or bag home. They claim it can be dropped and not burst, but I was more concerned with being pierced. As were a few others. Hence, ironically, all of us asked for a plastic bag to put it in in case it leaked onto our eco-reuse bags.

Oh, and you'd better like semi-skimmed, at least for now. At least it is..'green'

Once home, set up was a breeze. Simple, neat design.

However, it is not so neat in terms of fridge footprint. Where the bottles stand high and fit neatly. the jug sucks up space.

Eco

It's about waste, right?

Well, I am biased. I don't throw milk jugs away. I reuse them. And if they do end up in the bin, in this neighbourhood they get recycled. But I do concede that, where this does not happen, a bag is a lot less plastic than a bottle.

Thing is there are also the contents. Now here I can put hand on heart and say I am not convinced. With my lovely 13-year old assistant to set up as I shot the pix, the initial spout pierce sent a gollup up into the pouring ring. This was impossible to rescue easily and ended up missing the cup. The rest of the bag drained fine, but there was some left over due to the spout pierce design. Now, you can get at this, but it is fiddly. With a bottle you get it all... easily.

Also not too impressed by the different but near identical instruction sheets supplied; one from maker and one from retailer. I'd say a single combo might have been more 'on message'.

So... not too convinced, TBH, on almost all counts bar the raw materials one.

So it will be interesting to see how it gets received elsewhere.

At least I now have a nice new jug. That is pretty much useless for any other function.

ADDENDUM

Seduced by the offer (frankly, I think they might need to offer more savings for longer, as the deal is not too great), I have just made a complete horlicks of the next one, thanks to not having my spex on.

I put the bag in upside down. Not sure this made much difference to the now familiar fountain that went everywhere on piercing, but it certainly doesn't work on the pouring. Most ended up in the jug and coming out the edge rather than the spout. Now all, ironically, decanted into a more traditional milk bottle I had handy (well, about 1,000 odd)

Addendum 2 - Tescos trying too now, ironically, the day I get a very sensible comment from a reader. Why have the jug, at least in this form, at all?

Addendum 3 - Have revisited the trade mag piece above, and only now via comments got reminded of ASDA Green Bottle, or Greenbottle (Google, amusingly, tries to correct one to the other, though it seems wrong). Couple of issues here. First up, I'd forgotten all about it. Now, we shop at ASDA rarely (though pop in, like we do with the protagonists Sainsbury's, Waitrose and Tescos already cited), and I don't recall ever seeing it. So, as with all things, how these options are presented are crucial in the whole consumer acceptance mix.

For all the preference expressed for these by the posters, I'd have to say that my feelings on this option are equally mixed. Seems like a more familiar, possibly convenient design, but there are a new set of eco-compromises. In this case, it's less a matter of reduction but almost purely recyclability. And that, again, depends on the facilities provided from retailer to local authority. You pays yer money and take yer chances... even with what's best for the planet.

Addendum 4 - The product manager for JUGIT has taken the trouble to write, and is well worth checking out for his views.

The curse of 'ahead of your time'

2010-07-09T13:08:00.007+01:00

Always hated that phrase.

Mainly as it is usually meant well, but can make for uncomfortable memories subsequently.

Almost 10 years ago Junkk.com was created, with some fanfare, and a fair bit of support (though little actual dosh after the creation phase) or 'interest' from such as BusinessLink, Chambers of Commerce and various quangos and NGOs, such as WRAP, NISP, BERR, DTi, DEFRA, DirectGov, etc.

And our messages have been, from the off, variations of 'turn re:fuse into re:source'.

All featured, often to great media acclaim, around the world.

So this little sequence piqued (gotta love twitter) interest, for all sorts of reasons:

FabianPattberg Good post: Researchers study how to reuse waste in creative, local ways http://j.mp/aZVESR

Sustainability Forum - Good post: Researchers study how to reuse waste in creative, local ways

Greenbang - Researchers study how to reuse waste in creative, local ways

Teeside Uni - One man’s waste is another man’s resource

Now, not being one to miss a chance at promo, I have been on the case. Ride the wave 'n all.

But it was hard to resist pondering what we, and others, might have done over the last decade with the £1.76M earmarked to study this issue further.

Especially as they seem not to be too up on the various efforts already out there in this regard. Or didn't feel like asking before getting this awesome award. I say this guessing Junkk.com is not one of the beneficiaries of : 'It will help provide assistance to 40 enterprises each year, including small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs).

But I might ponder who they might be. Never hurts to ask.

For now... I'm smarting a tad.

Maybe a bit of time to simmer down... and then try and figure out how to capitalise on this.

Because if the powers that be have that kind of money to blow on reuse now...

If you go down to the stores in the next few days...

2010-07-08T09:09:00.005+01:00

...You might be in for a big surprise!

Well, that is, if you are in or near Poundland Worcester over the next week or so.

Because, after many stops and starts, our grant supported proof-of-concept consumer research for RE:tie has at last been signed off, and the team from the University of Worcester Business School Research Department is today being briefed ready to head off and tackle the public for their views.

It's a big deal for Junkk.com, as RE:tie is our best shot at some actual decent commercial revenue, not to mention being a potentially awesome poster child for the potential of designed-in reuse.

It's also a time of great anticipation, if tinged with nerves. This is totally independent research. I have even been banned from attending, as it seems I am a potential contaminant of the methodology and results. It will be based on store-exit surveys using our Video Pitch and a brief questionnaire regarding green shopping habits, plus of course the disability assist feature.

Anyway, once the results are in I'll of course share them, and am keeping all digits crossed that it will be a) good, and b) at last enough to help get onside the hard-nosed number crunchers in brands and retailers who have been saying up to now: 'How can we be sure the public will see this as a worthwhile benefit?'

Meanwhile, many thanks to all involved, and especially Poundland for being so supportive in helping with this research by providing the venue. It is especially appropriate that they be involved, as of course the Junkk.com URL is featured as a source of eco-info on their products' packaging, and in the period since they kindly added this, thousands of their customers have as a consequence signed up to the Junkk.com site.

There will be more on this, and I will be PR'ing it up the whazzoo, especially as a great example of public/private collaboration, with a regional flavour which will hopefully pique the interest of the media around here.

Resting Place, Finally

2010-07-06T15:43:00.005+01:00

Remember our reuse competition, and its top prize bench?

And that the winners, some local kids, had kindly donated it to Ross on Wye?

Well, after a wee bit of a saga it must be said, it is now in pride of place at a major junction at the top of the town, offering a welcome rest stop to young and old alike from various schools, nearby care homes and sports facilities.

Nice to see it at last doing what it was meant to, and in a way to make the community proud.

Watch this space as there may be a tad more PR yet to squeeze from this heart-warming epic, as local handy-whizzes 'The Can-do Crew!' (name and logo created chez Junkk:) kindly installed it securely, and there was a camera on hand to send to the local media, who have been very supportive of this whole story.

So good he posted it twice

2010-06-28T12:27:00.004+01:00

The RE:tie is a pet project.

It has its own little blog, but I don't update it often (though I should... need to) and (maybe as a consequence) few I suspect read it.

However, this is worth a quick sidebar, especially as I try and figure what gets updated automatically, or not, via the various social networking outlets and systems interlinked around here.

For a start, i gets this story pride of place on the new homepage as I rush around like a headless chicken on a few other things, like the latest newsletter.

Strategic Thinking

2010-06-15T09:25:00.003+01:00

As I write ( I may post later to let the last entry have an 'outing'), twitter is 'down'*.

Actually, it's down, out for the count and the towel is on the ring floor.

It is busted. An ex-medium. You get the picture.

I am sure it will be back, of course, but my trust factor in its reliability is further dented.

No biggie in the great scheme of things, and churlish to get too snitty about a free service, but it has set me to thinking.

Quite a lot of creative content eggs in a few baskets that I don't own, and have no control over. Not just when it comes to accidental issues, but also more direct policy ones: if the guys who own the pitch take exception, you lose not only the future, but also a ton of blood, sweat and words & images from the past.

And while twitter has inspired this introspection, I am well aware that what I am writing this via is pretty much in the same boat. And at 4,000 odd pages of thoughts and wisdom over several years, that is sobering.

Now I know that there are back-up options out there, and I really should start trying to figure out the best and engage asap, but my ITiocy does intrude.

Plus that gosh-darned laziness thing. Because, in addition, I am thinking that all source material should start at the website and radiate out (preferably automatically) from that. At least I own i, and can blame no one but myself if things get lost on its watch.

*Mashable Explains

Topless?

2010-06-15T09:16:00.003+01:00

Interesting ad(s - there was a 1/4p and a full page version in the same paper... an odd media buy, though the former did help my scanning:) in the local news.

And, possibly, another feather in the RE:tie pitching cap?

Seems that recycling is pretty flavour of the month, but certain aspects are not, namely caps.

Now reuse is a much more embracing concept than recycling anyway, and of of course here at Junkk Towers we have several thousands of caps we have not added to the waste stream as reuses are being sought.

But in terms of getting the public mindset on board, surely a re-design that actually encourages retention and reuse of things the authorities seek to avoid in the bin/landfill... to be encouraged?

Just sayin'

A REST‘S GOOD FOR A CHANGE!

2010-06-11T11:00:00.004+01:00

Notice anything different about Junkk.com?

We have not been idle these last several weeks, and have had a bit of a tweak with the home/splash/landing pages to, we hope, improve and add a lot more content, explanation & ease of navigation in future.

Here's a quick summary:

Overall

As mentioned, we have amalgamated a few pages in one now.

Originally, new users would 'land' at a fairly simple, 'homage' to Google's home page that aimed to seduce one and all into the many wonders of Junkk.com via a more extensive, subsequent 'home' page with site navigation bars, buttons, etc.

Now these are all in one. Still similar to the previous Junkk.com in almost every way. Just... it's a bit longer with more 'up front' now - needing scrolling to view all on offer - but, we trust, more than familiar to many other sites you use, every bit as familiar, and easily intuitive.

So, what is there...? Starting from the top:

Top Nav Bar

Pretty much the same, but as the most popular and unique feature, we've highlighted the link to ''Ideas" up there to get straight to it (do note that any as yet unregistered users will need to either accept the t&cs each time or register to view in future without reminder hassles).

All the rest of the main sections are still there in the grey bar, and hyperlinked to their pages.

Left Nav Bar

Getting all 'Web 2 and a quarter' (or .25 to our metric cousins) we have added some nice, big icons to invite staying in touch via most of the popular avenues there are these days:

email - A Feedburner invite to get email notifications of blog posts like this.

twitter - A link to the JunkkMale tweets. These mainly cover eco stuff but can wander into ads, design, music and even politics. Maybe be time for him/me to split these others off now to avoid confusion. In theory, posts here in Blogger should get auto-tweeted, but if they do I seldom see 'em, at least UK time. Maybe that's a good thing to reach audiences in other time zones.

Facebook - A link to the Junkk.com Facebook page 'Here's One I RE:made Earlier', which was originally created for a competition but can now serve as the FB Junkk.com base. With luck we can get it more active from now on. Sussing out all the FB opitions being kinda a priority, then, I guess, for me. But boy is it complex!

LinkedIn - More 'business-orientated', but still a great networking link, especially for any keen to hook up with Junkk.com more commercially.

YouTube - We have a few videos up already (some for Junk, others for related aspects), with more planned, so this is where they will be archived.

Plus there's a spiffy extra social networking set that seems to cover 'all the rest'. No clue yet ourselves what half of 'em do.

Next there is the familiar 'My Junkk' that remains unchanged, to handle your account, ideas, posts, etc on Junkk.com once registered.

RHS Nav Bar

This remains unchanged, and is for our use.

It was/is actually intended for button ads, along with banners top and bottom and a skyscraper at extreme right. We just haven't got our media sales/admin sorted out yet, and at the moment there's just some Google Adsense placements operating.

Currently there is a link to the blog (here) and to the new RE:tie (our actual patented, multi-international award-winning) second use design re:evolution.

Centre Section

All change here too, but with a few old friends returning, and with luck now glitch free.

At top is a quick summary of the site, along with a video visualisation which hopefully explains it all in a nutshell.

Next we have the welcome return of the two 'latest' update columns, whereby if a new idea or blog post is added, these become the landing page 'top news'. All of which should make for a fresh & constantly refreshing home page on a regular basis.

Then we have added a 'free text' section for us as the site editors, to offer up news that we think is worthy of front page treatment. Comprising a picture section at left, and headline/text/links to its right, this will be for such as the reuse competition we carried not so long ago.

There are, of course, opportunities for 3rd parties to ask us for a shot at this slot, which we are happy to consider... if the story, or cause is good. Or, better yet... for money:) Rent to pay, family to feed, etc. As the 1st stop on Junkk.com for new and existing users, it is quite valuable media real estate.

Hyperlinked Main Section " 'Bin There, Going Here" icons

A reprise of all the main sections you may wish to scoot to.

Bottom Nav Bar

A collection of all the previous, useful, links you may need.

All bouquets welcome. Brickbats... well... happy to hear any constructive critiques to improve next time. But as many favours called in and budgets we don't have blown to get to this far... it may be a while:)

So, please... enjoy the new, we hope even more improved... Junkk.com!

Addendum: Kid... candy store. It might not progress, if not end well. I have just discovered Blogger has a new design (well, templates) feature. It may take a while to 'settle'.

The Gravel/Argon Battery?

2010-04-27T16:52:00.003+01:00

One of the holy grails of renewable energy has always been just how to store energy from what are inevitably intermittent, and variable, sources of power; from the likes of wind turbines, photovoltaic arrays etc.

This sounds rather far fetched, and my initial reaction was - it will never work - but reading through the article from the Guardian in detail had me thinking ....... well, they might just be onto something here.

Worth a perusal.

AWARD - Greenbang Sustainability Awards - @greenbang

2010-03-31T15:01:00.003+01:00

@greenbang

AWARD

WHEN: Not to sure... I think... now! Certainly before July.
WHAT: Greenbang sustainability awards
WHAT... MORE?: From their blurb:

Calling all you green business gurus out there: we’re getting ready to launch Greenbang’s first-ever awards for sustainability. Think your technology or strategy can make the cut? Let us know!

Set to be presented during our third birthday celebration this July, our awards are aimed at recognising the gamut of sustainable technologies and initiatives, including:

Best IT technology
Best data centre innovation
Most promising water technology
Most promising carbon capture and storage innovation
Best public-sector green initiative
Best development in sustainable food production
Top smart-grid technology
Best cleantech investor
Best corporate responsibility project
Best low-energy building innovation
Most innovative green PR campaign
Best advance for carbon-free transport
Green leader 2010
Green villain 2010

HOW MUCH: Guessing... free?
URL: http://www.greenbang.com/greenbang-sustainability-awards-think-you-can-make-the-cut_14001.html
COMMENTS: As always, as there might be one worthy of having a crack out ourselves, if you found out from here and edge us out... a big up at the ceremony...OK?

EVENT - 'Be Part of the Solution' - OX

2010-03-31T14:33:00.003+01:00

EVENT/COMPETITION(ish)

WHEN: Deadline/April 6, Oxford, UK
WHAT: UnLtd 'Be Part of the Solution'
WHAT... MORE?: From the blurb:

UnLtd and UnLtdWorld are teaming up to offer a new kind of support to the UK's environment entrepreneurs - we're going to 'crowd-source' answers to challenges you may be facing.

HOW MUCH: Free, I am guessing, if you 'win'
URL: http://unltdworld.com/blog/view.php?id=217
COMMENTS: More blurb:

If you're one of the 3 selected, we'll ask participants at the OxfordJam event on 15 April and members of online communities, such as UnLtdWorld, Twitter and more to Be Part of the Solution

Having a punt myself, so we'll see:)

COMPETITION - Virgin - Pitch.tv - @richardbranson

2010-03-30T16:04:00.004+01:00

@richardbranson

COMPETITION(ish)

WHEN: Ongoing
WHAT: Virgin Pitch.tv
WHAT... MORE?:
HOW MUCH: Free
URL: http://www.virgin.com/richard-branson/blog/calling-all-entrepreneurs-take-part-in-pitchtv
COMMENTS: Again, more of an opportunity to gain PR/interest/investment. But... why not? It isn't like many airborne captains of industry are flying BA at the moment

COMPETITION - Sustainable Brands innovation Open

2010-03-30T15:51:00.003+01:00

COMPETITION(ish)

WHEN: Deadline May 1
WHAT: Sustainable Brands innovation Open
WHAT... MORE?: From their blurb:

Sustainable Brands Innovation Open (SB Innovation Open) is not another Clean Tech event. This new venture showcase is focused on identifying and promoting innovative new consumer brands, AND ventures that support existing corporations in achieving their sustainable brand innovation goals.

Submissions will be considered in two categories: Idea Stage – must have a complete business plan and no more than $100k in invested friends and family money, or Early Venture Stage – must have no more than $1M in external capital invested.

HOW MUCH: Free!
URL: http://www.sustainablelifemedia.com/events/sb10/innovation-open
COMMENTS: Might be US-only. More an investment doo-dad. Might pass here, but still in the pile.

AWARD - The Earth Awards 2010

2010-03-30T15:43:00.002+01:00

AWARD

WHEN: Deadline May 10
WHAT: The Earth Awards 2010
WHAT... MORE?: From their blurb:

WE ARE SEEKING INNOVATIONS IN SIX CATEGORIES:
BUILT ENVIRONMENT PRODUCT FUTURE SYSTEMS FASHION SOCIAL JUSTICE

WINNING INNOVATIONS WILL DISTINGUISH THEMSELVES IN SIX CRITERIA:

ECOLOGICAL ORIGINAL MEASURABLE ACHIEVABLE USEFUL SCALABLE

HOW MUCH: Free!
URL: http://www.theearthawards.org/
COMMENTS: Not an insignificant prize

COMPETITION - Barclays - 'Take one smal step'

2010-03-30T11:00:00.003+01:00

COMPETITION

WHEN: Deadline 16 May
WHAT: Barclays Take One Small Step
WHAT... MORE?: From their blurb:

The aim of the Barclays Business Take One Small Step Competition is to find people with ambition, passion and, most importantly, a great business idea.

The brief is open — it could be a lifelong ambition or a recent brainwave. It could be a personal experience or a distant dream. Even a revolutionary concept that changes the world. It’s an open invitation and anyone with a great business idea and the drive to make it happen could win.

Got a great business idea? From start-ups to existing businesses, anyone can pitch for the chance to turn a great idea into an even better reality.
Want to show your support? Do your bit for businesses. Get behind the competition and prepare to vote for your favourite idea.

£50k in the pot. That hires a lot of folk to help me upload such as this in future:) Leaving me free to go off and crank eyebrows, test enviROIs and invent odd stuff.

HOW MUCH: Free!!!!!
URL: https://www.takeonesmallstep.co.uk/
COMMENTS: See you at the awards:) And if you are not entering... vote for us!

COMPETITION - M&S - 'Your Green Idea' - @marksandspencer

2010-03-30T10:48:00.003+01:00

@marksandspencer

Sorry about sticking that @ thing in the Title and first line, but I am testing a plan to see if I can make this also of more use once the blog post gets rewteeted on twitter. Not sure how it pops up.

Anyway, without further ado (bar acknowledging that, like the No 38 bus, you get nothing for ages then a ton at once), here we go...

COMPETITION

WHEN: Deadline May 16
WHAT: Your Green Idea
WHAT... MORE?: from their blurb:

Think green, and think big. Is it something that could change the way our customers shop with us for the better?

If your brainwave is picked as the ultimate green idea it could be seen by 21 million people, every week at over 700 M&S stores. And, what's more, you could win £100,000 for your favourite organisation to spend on its green initiative. It could be for a school, local community project, a small business or charity... it's up to you.

HOW MUCH: How we like it: free
URL: http://www.yourgreenidea.co.uk/?extid=fb09
COMMENTS: Good luck. But we are pitching here too, so may the best reuse website, second use product design, etc...win. And if we don't, and you found out about it here, mention us at the awards ceremony!

IDEA - Cable catcher

2010-03-24T11:51:00.003Z

Doesn't happen nearly as often as I'd like.

But this is not a bad one:)

It's bin real, and it's bin fun...

2010-03-19T16:49:00.003Z

Well, there she is. Our new wheelie.

And surrounding her is the last 6 months' worth of recycling accumulated while we waited or her.

Why? Well, in one picture you may notice the blue RE:boxes (making not to try and find and update a very out of date page), now late and very lamented.

I had been waiting as, without the wheelie, the bags provided were not going to accept glass, which provides the majority of out non-reused waste, after paper and a horrible amount of plastic film.

So I also segregated away, just to be helpful. Sadly, all for naught. As I had this note:

I have just had a look through the previous correspondence you have had with us and would advise against separating your recyclables into separate bags. It is great to see people doing all they can to improve the recycling process, but as the bags are emptied at our recycling plant, all contents end up being mixed before the automated sorting process begins. The different sorting processes and stages are very effective.

If you're interested, have a look at the following website which explains things further (and a lot clearer than I can).

http://www.envirosort.co.uk/

Oh well.

Sorry State

2010-03-19T11:10:00.003Z

That 'state' can apply to much.

'Of affairs'. 'Of reporting'. 'Of state broadcasting standards'. 'Of draconian censorship'

The other day I found myself perturbed by the PRasNews reporting of a story I was being subjected to, pretty much across the board, but extensively on the BBC.

What irked was that, during the morning news, they were corrected on a less than accurate claim. Which was jokingly acknowledged, but not acted upon.

So I wrote the following commentary on two of the BBC's main blogs.

Both were rejected for 'defamation'. Other than holding up to ridicule journalistic standards these days, I am stumped as to where it was.

Yesterday morning I was intrigued by a 'report' on BBC Breakfast News regarding the proposed Nissan leaf factory.

The claim made was that it was going to be 'zero emission'. In a subsequent slot it was bashfully conceded that, as the consequence of 'an email', this might be hard to substantiate. Sadly, subsequent BBC 'reports' throughout the day failed to accommodate this input.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8573724.stm

'Nissan said the Leaf hatchback would be the world's first affordable, mass-produced, zero-emission car.'

'Nissan said', indeed? We are now in an era of PR as news, it seems. Or, at the very least, PR untroubled by much in the way of follow-up.

At least we get something more accurate here:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8573737.stm

'But as policy makers will get jobs and emission reductions in return, this may well prove to be money well spent.'

Well, it is 'good' news:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/chrisjackson/2010/03/we_do_cover_the_good_news.html

Thing is, is it news in a form that adequately outlines the issues. There seems to be no doubt that the economic story is good, but what about the much touted environmental complement?

'The Japanese carmaker said today the Leaf will be the world's first mass-produced zero-emission car.'

I have seen that a lot in print and heard it broadcast.

Until the generation of 'leccy is properly sorted to a decent enviROI, it might be worth popping in the caveat that this is possibly true at point of running, but the exhaust pipe still exists, just in another place.

And no matter what, short of pixie dust, it will have a GHG consequence even after ignoring manufacture.

But the BBC is in good company. Spot the similarities, so far:

http://www.theengineer.co.uk/news/nissan-set-to-manufacture-all-electric-car-in-uk/1001427.article

http://www.edie.net/news/news_story.asp?id=17809&src=tw

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/news/7469020/Nissan-to-build-electric-car-in-Britain.html

http://www.24dash.com/news/Local_Government/2010-03-18-Nissan-to-build-new-electric-car-in-Sunderland

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Business/Nissan-Leaf-Electric-Car-Will-Be-Built-In-Sunderland-The-Firm-Confirms-After-Sky-Breaks-The-News/Article/201003315576005?f=rss

I note most have that caveat that Nissan 'say'. Hardly in-depth reporting at its best, though, is it?

Look, this could well be a good thing, economically and environmentally, but after Mr. Miliband's recent little outing on climate claims (But his party is obviously as green as it gets, so: @EdMilibandMP Tory silence on climate change and on energy deafening … co-sign my letter to Cameron http://bit.ly/c2iw26 *, if you think Ms. Lucas' thoughts to be inaccurate: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/jun/03/how-green-is-labour ), trotting out a day later anything via Peter Mandelson as gospel 'green is good no matter what' hardly seems to be the best journalistic route to credibility and public confidence in professional objectivity either.

I will seek clarification, for all the good it will do me.

* in my original posting one digit was dropped. But as the BBC has a 'broken URL' facility this could not be the reason.

CATEGORY - ART - Finding a niche

2010-03-12T09:16:00.002Z

OK, it's more fun than real reuse, but...

Lego finds a new niche

... I just had to share.

Even though the contrast between ancient stone and modern plastic is glaring, for me, at least, it works.

I really do know sod all about 'art', but I know what I like.

PR COVERAGE - Hurd, and quoted

2010-03-11T16:32:00.004Z

If something interesting cops up locally I do like to visit.

So an invite from Conservative PPC Jesse Norman to Hereford to hear Nick Hurd (who was responsible for its passing) outline the Sustainable Communities Act was too good to pass up.

Can't complain if you don't take the pain (well, the hit of a round trip and a few hours).

Little did I know Junkk.com might also end up in print as well.

Nick Hurd MP visits Hereford city

My greater concern was that this might simply add more to an already crowded scene dominated by a frankly tiresome bunch who have already bored me away before, plus doubts on how those who love power might be persuaded to relinquish it.

However, there are some aspects that appeal, if they can be done right, and I will try to stay on top of it.

Talk, talk... and, then...

2010-03-11T12:54:00.002Z

Telegraph - The Tories have listened to James Dyson's advice – now they must act on it

Possibly a few fewer ‘Heads of’ at entities might also help.
I was inspired by county councillor over at another post who bet ‘a pound to a penny’ on the matter of quangos, and it seems apposite here, too..
It is my experience that in this era of spin over substance, £1 of funding usually does end at about a penny delivered to the intended beneficiary once every entity in the process has built its empire, stuffed its board, created the pension pot, established regional outposts and hired consultants to assess and dispense.
Why most bother wasting their time applying and simply leave this lot to bask in their own bubbles is beyond me.
Let us see if what is talked gets walked.
Which reminds me, I downloaded the report, but at 57pp have yet to get around to reading it. Which I must.

One for the pot

2010-03-11T12:32:00.003Z

Don't get mad; get posting:

http://www.potholes.co.uk/

Yes, it costs the authorities, and hence us in taxes, money... short term.

Fixing bust machinery costs us, and the environment... a lot more

Ch 4 - Pothole Britain

Any colour you like, so long as it still adds up

2010-03-10T09:30:00.005Z

A short while ago I was asked to join a political 'team'.

I had to refuse, despite, evidently with age and growing grumpy old man-ness, and a liking for the individual (my views on the representative flaws of our current system being for another time... and blog), as I wish to keep Junkk.com apolitical.

That doesn't however mean that if one outfit does something I like I won't applaud, or when it errs I won't crank an eyebrow.

With this one, both went sky-high; one for green political shenanigans, and the other for reporting of same:

Tory climate bores will eat each other

But I will go along with the frustration at the two tribal extremes we are almost exclusively presented with, Monbiot vs. Delingpole (though actually sort of ‘in concert’ over some energy issues at the mo’ that it might be interesting to get a sensible, unspun thought from any ‘green’ pol on), Guardian vs. Express, Andrew Neil vs. the rest of the BBC, where you are either ‘with’ the notion of AnthroCC totally or ‘with’ the notion that some snow shows GW to be a crock.

I am concerned about where the ‘climate’ is going, but not to the extent of then blindly signing off on any hare-brained, green-daubed scheme with an EU box tick just because it meets a target that may or may not tangibly end up in a GHG reduction, without numbers that add up and feedback systems that ensure proper monitoring.

Beyond the cute choice of picture to illustrate their piece, almost designed to undermine the credibility of any eco-claims, it also seems extraordinary to have pinned so much on the party leader’s credibility in this arena, which is as mixed as he seems confused on many underlying facts.

Not that the other parties are any better. Have any got qualified advisers of proven competence, untainted by affiliations to money, career paths or beliefs that near immediately compromise the value of their input?

And when will any in the media truly serve the middle ground that some concede might exist and be worth addressing to move on sensibly? Surely ratings can’t be that addictive that journalistic integrity almost always defers to agenda?

CATEGORY - JUNK MAIL

2010-03-09T15:11:00.004Z

All things considered, a wee while in coming.

The name does resonate. Better late than never, eh?

Articles

Guardian - Junk mail deluge feared as postal union and Royal Mail reach deal to end strikes - impressed? You probably won't be.

Info Sources

Freepost RRBT-ZBXB-TTTS
Royal Mail Door to Door Opt Outs
Kingsmead House
Oxpens Road
OXFORD
OX1 1RX

e: optout@royalmail.com

Royal Mail Door-to-Door Opt Out Dept,
Room 130,
Wheatstone House,
Faraday Rd,
Swindon, SN3 5JW

e: mediacentre.customer.service@royalmail.co.uk

Your Choice Preference Scheme run by the Direct Marketing Association. The contacts details are:

Your Choice Preference Scheme
Direct Marketing Association (UK) Ltd
DMA House
70, Margaret Street,
London W1W 8SS

Telephone: 020 7291 3300
Fax: 020 7323 4165
Email: yourchoice@dma.org.uk

ADDENDUM - If you would like to stop any other unwanted communications please visit www.mydm.co.uk, which provides details on all other preference services, or call the Mailing Preference Service on 0845 703 4599 - NOTE: per advice by commenter Robert, this no longer applies.

Telecoms

Not much to do with eco, save wasted time, but:

ukdatait.co.uk/cgi-bin/sgAddNumber.cgi
http://www.tpsonline.org.uk
whocallsme.com/

Innovation - the word vs. the deed

2010-03-08T10:37:00.002Z

I have stumbled across an interesting discussion on 'innovation'.

With all surrounding RE:tie especially, it is an area of interest.

These guys are obviously operating at a different plane, but this piece does have some useful links and mayeb thhey might not be too offended by a view from the trenches.

What is Innovation?

As a creator of ideas (‘entrepreneur’ being one who has actually made money from them, hence my following such discussions living in hope of the business lightbulb moment that allows me to claim that title) I have found these threads very interesting, if a tad depressing.

It is clearly accepted that ‘innovation’ is all things to all people, from academics to business leaders to politicians to… the public, and hence loses any real value as a well defined descriptive term.

But exist it does, with entire government departments, corporate divisions and huge funding structures devoted to ‘it’, so it is pretty important to grasp if one is to take advantage of all the opportunities swirling around the rallying cry. In particular if one wishes to bring an idea to fruition as a business.

I am minded of a major pitch I made once for a grant that rejoiced under the title ‘Creative Innovations Fund’. Sadly unsuccessful. But in the spirit of ‘if at first you don’t succeed, find out why and don’t repeat unnecessary errors’ I badgered to find out why.

The answer was long in coming and short in everything, including value, as well as logic: ‘It was too left field and hasn’t been proven’.

My follow-up request for what, precisely was understood for ‘creativity’ and/or ‘innovation’ that was so at odds with mine, remains unanswered.

Suffice to say that I fully appreciate that any fool (mea culpa) can have a great idea, but turning it into an attractive, saleable product/service takes a lot more, with an awful lot more folk getting involved. And if one is lucky enough to manage the rocky waters the gatekeeper community represents, then you might end up with an ‘innovation’ which, in time, simply becomes a branded entity.

My background is advertising, if from the creative side. But the disciplines that career imposes are quite solid. And the basics are pretty clear. Getting a USP is a rare, happy event. Combining it well into an end-benefit proposition pretty much the perfect combo… so long as there is a need.

Sorry to be trite, but I do tend to agree with some notions suggested above that the term has been elevated (or is it debased?) to a meaningless buzz-phrase.

I have had the misfortune to be involved with too many business support entities that are attracted to my companies’ activities but have certainly not understood innovation (or innovators) as I do. And also businesses that talk the talk but really have stopped at that point and allowed rhetoric to take over instead of keeping on and walking.

I was at a packaging event recently to promote a patented, awarded design. The show’s title even had the word ‘innovation’ in it. But I was hard pressed to see any evidence of it anywhere, from the inbound mindset of those on the stands to the products on their shelves and the way they were being promoted… save for the use of the word ‘innovation’. I now have a montage of scores of poster titles using it in all manner of incarnations.

So I hope guys like you can pin an definition of innovation down better than it is currently, such that those who claim to wish to embrace it have better idea themselves of what they seek and how best to find (or be open to it) and, more selfishly, guys like me can grasp what they are looking for and how they like it served up.

For now, a CEO mouthing off stuff in the media when a bunch of middle managers clearly didn’t get the memo on long term seed nurturing over short term bean counting can be… frustrating.

RE:view - ECObuild - (actually more a stimulation to think)

2010-03-05T16:43:00.005Z

First, the bad news.

Junkk/RE:tie, while praised for getting as far as the shortlist against stiff competition (Veolia, for one apparently. Hey, little victories), sadly did not win in the Sustain Awards.

But it was a good, good natured (some of the awards created hoots) evening, and I did meet some nice folk.

It also gave me an excuse to be at other stuff in London, such as ECObuild. For two days, indeed, as I was further combo'ing the transport opps by hitching a ride home from my missus, who had driven in the next evening for a gig.

[Pause] - I started drafting this pretty soon after returning, and have 'dipped in' from time to time thereafter as time permitted.

In so doing, at almost a week later I have to say it is less and less a RE:view of an event and more and more a pondering of issues.

In that I credit the show with great value in some areas (at least, as regards my major personal interests) though, as will be gathered, may raise some eyebrows that as a source of any great new ideas across the board, I found it sadly lacking.

Now I fully appreciate that as one perhaps more immersed in matters green and 'innovative' (that dreaded term again) than some, I may well be proving trickier to please or am simply jaded now, but really, little at the stands did much to float my boat.

Heaven knows I tried. I was there for two days. And in that time I think I covered it all. Hard to tell as the aisle arrangements were not conducive to knowing where you were are going, and hence I may well have missed chunks. Also I think the lack of 'zones' was mistake.

It was VAST. And for some, with limited time, I think it may have helped to target areas and blitz. The brochure also gave you little lead on who did what save or a name (major support for 'does what it says on the company banner' guys (look who is talking)!).

All I know was that it just seemed to blur in endless guys flogging tiles, wood floors, various renewables and the odd gizmo. And while I can see a high % might have floated the boat of a trade or industry visitor, it honestly felt pretty challenging to any but the most dedicated, interested member of the public. Can't speak for all eco-families, but mine would have lasted 15 minutes. Maybe that wasn't their target, possibly confirmed by it running mid-week. But it seems a shame there was not much there to excite and inspire a broader audience, evidenced by me not noticing much media coverage during or after. Again, maybe it will all be in the trades. There was also the frustrating matter that there were talks overlapping talks that no one person could hope to cover. I just see in my notes that I missed one on Plan A from an M&S speaker... cloning tech needed!

So, having passed by (and here in RE:view mostly over all of the several hundred outfits who forked out a few thousand for 3 days' exposure of their wares), what did keep me there for two days?

Well, it was the 'big issue' seminars, actually all confined to the arena.

There were some heavy hitters there, on big subjects which, ironically, as time progressed highlighted more and more disconnects between what they were saying, and they and all around were doing. Time and time again my core debating interests, namely enviROI & MESSAGE vs. MESSENGERS, were piqued.

Having availed myself of the finest, cheapest, greenest travel options, I arrived at lunchtime on the first day just in time to miss half of 'Selling the 'S' Word: the role of the media', hosted by Andrew Neil within panellists Eve Pollard, Alastair McGowan and Peter Bazalgette, representing an interesting mix.

And very much grist to my mill. Mr. Neil was in combative form. The others were more nuanced. I think safe to say most were pretty pro-green. Mr. McGowan perhaps the most committed, with a few "'we' must's" that had Mr. Neil pouncing a few times for presuming to know better and speak for others. Mostly worryingly, once erring down a 'people might have to be forced' route which fortunately did not progress far and hence flare. Actually, for a celeb he was pretty up to speed, and I very much respect him (as I do anyone who shares the trait) for saying 'I don't know' rather than blustering.

Speaking of Mr. Neil, I popped in a point on how the media does seem to prefer its debates polarised, though most did not seem to share my views.

I fear I still do feel this to be the case. Take this as an example that happened right on top of it all:

George Monbiot vs. James Delingpole (Politics Show 4/03 - 23 ins in - or, more neatly, here)

This rather neatly segues into enviROI aspects of eco taken from big picture 't'is/t'isn't debates (endless ones) about CC/AGW/etc, to rather more down to earth-saving tangibles. The bits and bobs proudly on display all about us.

But it's all well getting all excited about green, but it does rather have to deliver, tangibly, or it is really just so much hype-driven, bandwagon-jumping extra hot air.

Hence I was very pleased to have stayed over and caught the lecture by Prof. Michael Braungart, based on his global best-selling co-authored concept/book: 'Cradle-to-Cradle: Re-thinking the way we make things'.

You can see why that had an appeal.

He's a fun guy (in a laconic way), and a great speaker. Maybe the two are related?

He was also more than happy to stir things up.

I think his first 'fact' (there is a point to be made that allowing such folk sole control of the turf - though there was a Q&A - might lead to a danger of 'he who has the mike is in the right'. His conviction, and powers of oratory were hard to resist in taking all shared as done and dusted): Use an elevator - it's 5 x better than walking. Something to do with our CO2 exhalations vs. mechanical advantages. If true, it's a nifty one to store away making a point on enviROI.

Less hard to argue with, at least as his opinion, and one I share, is that the UK is obsessed with blaming and shaming.

The human aspect is one he came back to often. Frankly he stated it's better that 'one' is not here at all. But as we are he then went on to challenge the notion of 'Carbon neutral', claims of which surrounded the arena, vs. 'Carbon positive', which he seemed less impressed was much on display.

He was also, I felt, at times quiet presumptuous in his idealism:'Why,' he thundered, ' didn't we demand to get rid of the carpets?!' Turns out they are very much kicking out toxic fumes on top of being pretty one-shot non-eco. Well... I did! Years ago! Waaaaay back at my abortive month as the near sole green stand at the supposed 'green' Ideal Home.

As his gaze, and pointed finger swept the hall, I do suspect some exhibitors were very much hoping the person they were selling to was not pondering the more complex issues that lay behind their desire to make an 'eco' purchase.

As I say, little there really piqued my interest, even without delving deeper into the actually numbers. But nail me down and ask what was for me the most interesting 'thing' there: ecosheet Just ticked a lot of boxes for me. About the same price as plywood. About the same weight. Only waterproof. Not sure on its woodworking characteristics but will try and find out. Thing is, as with so many good 'new' ideas, despite my not really seeing a downside (OK, have not checked its enviROI either), why do I doubt my local Travis Perkins will have a clue what I'm on about or be able to get it? Because I have many home projects where having a supply of these around would be well handy... if really eco. Addendum: reviewed here

In all this, there is of course a danger of pitting the 'evil' of capitalism vs. those noble traits that might be stood 'against it: ethics, morals, etc. They of course need not be mutually exclusive. But what is interesting is how often things do get discussed in the terms off trade offs such as these, but so often leave out one very human, on the face of it most noble trait of all: compassion.

Nature is not, as a general rule, very compassionate. We humans are, mostly, and as we evolve will get more so. But it's an uneasy split. We are of nature, but by our actions forcing major impositions upon her all the time in the name of more cerebral concept than survival of the fittest. And while unrestricted, consumer-driven growth is pouring a lot up, down and around, it's all complemented by various balances being upset technologically or on compassionate grounds.

I came away very stimulated but, I suspect, not for the reasons it was created as an event or why 99.999% will have come and/or left feeling most satisfied. Certainly I am even more determined to crank an eyebrow at anything being sold, initiative or product, in the name of eco, unless I am sure it has been well tested by those who know what they are doing. Which pretty much excludes most in the media and many self-elected but well-entrenched (and hence shoo-in invitee speaker) eco advocates. Many have niches they are there to promote or defend, and not always manage to convince that their activism is altruistic.

Lurking around before leaving I caught one seminar with another solo speaker, entitled 'Politicans going green make me see red'. Well, I can see how that can happen on occasion, but the event seemed mainly a pulpit for him to berate Tesco and various powers that be from wanting to spoil his bucolic village. It could have been an interesting roam around planning rules based on a personal experience, but without the context of one who might have explained why these things happen it all was a bit a rant.

What eventually saw me off was one called 'Politics and environmental responsibility'. Sir Jonathan Porritt was an urbane and effective first speaker, but was followed by a shrill activist who really managed to prove that berating is often a poor way to engage and then persuade. After just a few minutes of her reading from an iBook manifesto I was off.

Caption: Final pic. Highly descriptive, and no doubt accurate, but I have to say that I was very pleased not to have the two young teens with me when passing this stand.

Site RE:view - greenpowerscience.com

2010-03-05T15:48:00.002Z

I very much like this site.

Came to it via a specific post on glass cutting. A major area of interest, and frustration, of mine for some reuse projects.

It's a video, 'show & tell' based format which, for clarity, is hard to fault.

And there is a nice, 'one of us' feel to it all. In the example above I felt/feel I can indeed tackle this project with some confidence of success.

I have to say the site layout does rather reflect this chilled approach, and is a smidge hard to follow.

Plus navigation around, especially to engagement areas, is a trial.

But as the sample above shows, if you pan for gold here, you do end up with nuggets worth treasuring.

CATEGORY - GREMLIN ALERT

2010-03-05T12:33:00.000Z

The Junkk.com site is like a pedigree filly: mostly she flies, but every so often we're talking Shergar deadness, along with no clue why or where.

This is specially true when we 'tinker'. Hey no omlettes without eggs:)

One major problem is that she was created on a very old platform (cutting edge in its day) and scripts have moved on. Plus she is now being tended by folk who did not build her (the engines won't take it Capt'n!') and are dealing with some very off dials.

Here's a list of what we know of currently:

Splash Page (the one you first land on with the video and latest blog/ideas)

Features currently disabled as it seems to be causing problems with access - looking into wit a new design en route

Home Page (the page you end back at internally)

The new landing page for now - OK

My Junkk (the left hand Nav Bar where you can alter your settings & stuff)

Possible issues updating existing ideas via 'edit my stuff'. New text, added/changed pictures and/or URLs via the upgraded submit ideas page may cause an error message - looking into

diRE:ctory - On some browers (certainly Safari), the alphabetical search function is 'down'. The only way to view entries is by hitting 'All' and scrolling

If you find one, please... tell us here, or via info[at]junkk.com