A rest is as good as anything for a change

Yeah, yeah.

Been off the radar a while.

Well I will be a while longer.

Only, this time, with an excuse.

Just stuck the boys on the coach, again to Germany, but this time for an exchange visit.

I hope their German improves. Signs aren't good. Last weekend I called their respective hosts and stumbled through my 'O' level best in greeting. In both cases there was a pause, followed by a polite 'Would it be easier for you if we spoke in English?'.

Anyhoo. They are gone for the week. So the missus and I are too. First romantic getaway in 14 years.

But also a time for us to reflect on stuff, especially where are are, and going.

I am a chunk to be on the future Junkk.com. And RE:tie.

There are a few more awards pending, plus some irons in fires.But profile doesn't pay the rent.

I think some more tweaks on what folk 'get' when the land at Junkk.com are required, especially with all that such as twitter can lead to.

But at it's core it will be unchanged, and I am not sure it needs to..

Packaging Update

Well, I share your bias, obviously. And your enthusiasms, too.
And if the growing Junkk.com archive is to be a guide, many others do too, especially when it comes to the potential of margarine tubs.
One might wish imaginations might run wilder, mind, from those sparking ideas to those building them in for second use.
I am also amazed how coy many who have got a great story to tell, and share, are.
For instance, on that nice, big red, Celebrations container I bought my kids for Xmas is tucked away that it can be reused in the microwave or freezer.
How cool (or hot) is that! Yet, as far as I am aware, merely popped on a label at the side.
No effort to coordinate those in the community who may have one and not need it with one who doesn’t and has a use.
Oh, hang on…

PR OPPORTUNITY - Making the best of it

The Telegraph has kindly published a list of:

Best Green websites

Oddly Junkk.com was not in the top 10... of green websites. For shame.

I have, however, done the next best thing... blagged!

So far... poll position.

PR OPPORTUNITY - Here come de judge

Like I always say, as he asked...

'Take a look at Mashable’s list of 75 green tweets and see how many you would really want in your Twitter window every day.'

Green web awards: upwards, onwards

I was grateful for that list, and pleased to add a few more I did not already have.

But you are right, a few really didn't seem to float my boat at all. Not to say some were not sincere or well done, but I found many that resided at the two extremes that frustrate me most (other than the two at each end of (A)GW), either preaching to a very faithful hairshirt flock in such a way as to repel 'liter' greens still keen to find out and change, to high-end fashionistas way above my pay grade. I am more Fiesta Family on a Friday Tesco run for the whole week rather than Prius Person using the wicker basket bike to get organic veg for a dinner do at the weekend Devon retreat.

Personally (and flying a wee selfish, self-promo flag here), I think (and hope) the future is in the hands of those who seek to inspire rather than hector, reward rather than punish and educate/entertain rather than strike fear or promote guilt.

It's a great world. We should enjoy every moment of making it even better, even when we are rolling up our sleeves to help support it while in need.

Thinking back, I believe I entered Junkk.com. Hope this little effort hasn't scr*wed our chances

Inspiration is the worthiest form of flattery

30 Clever And Creative Package Designs

So much already done, so much more to do...

Dumbells

Characters

Christmas Decorations

...so little (if still too ahead of our) time.

Well, at least our message is spreading:)

A headline to savour 2

And what... is not to like?

Move Over Recycling: Creative Reuse Is Dethroning You as the More Impactful 3R

PR OPPORTUNITY - Another road trip, another possible chance to attract the media

Making and mending around Britain

Fresh from Ethical Man, it seems Newsnight is on the green trail again.

This one seems quite proactive and 'Doing-oriented', so worthy of waving at them in passing. Let's see if we can attract their attention before they hit London. Host Mary Jane Baxter is getting/generating a fair bit of coverage...

Here's our pitch:

Oh, it is not a passing trend. We have been advocating reuse as not only helping planet, but saving pocket, too: http://www.bbc.co.uk/herefordandworcester/content/articles/2006/05/16/womble_man_feature.shtml And when such as the Guardian ask Junkk.com to help run a national reuse competition with them, then it can only be a good sign:
http://www.junkk.com/newsarticle.asp?slevel=0z608z609&parent_id=609&renleewtsapf=301 Already netted some notions from the sublime:
http://www.junkk.com/junkkdetail.asp?slevel=0z622&parent_id=622&renleewtsapf=1917 To the frankly so simple, why didn't anyone think of it before?...
http://junkk.blogspot.com/2009/06/idea-cup-stack-holder.html So when you're swinging through the West Midlands (though the route on the map seems a bit East-centric), do pop by, a lot can and does happen here...
http://junkk.blogspot.com/2009/09/voucher-palm-lives-again.html And, if you're quick, we have an entire cosy cottage you can use as a base (aged parent off to care home and being marketed to let as we speak). Always welcome a hand, along with a boost, here.
Oh, and if it is mainly about fashion... Vac:Sac anyone?
http://www.junkk.com/junkkdetail.asp?slevel=0z622z709&parent_id=709&renleewtsapf=1730 Or a repair.. http://www.junkk.com/junkkdetail.asp?slevel=0z622&parent_id=622&renleewtsapf=1330 ps: You might even find out how to save some money on fuel as well. http://junkk.blogspot.com/2009/01/journeys-with-veronique-now-our-life-is.html

Fired off a hello. Let's see what results. Let us know if you apply/get coverage, too. If you do, please 'gis a mention if you found it here. I was soooo tempted not to mention and keep it to ourselves.

PR OPPORTUNITY - When it comes to throwing stuff away, there's no such thing as "away"

How a rubbish idea could save the planet

I was intrigued by this as much for the the story (using pretty much every phrase I have used about Junkk & reuse) as the responses to it.

Shame the Telegraph (non blog) system doesn't hyperlink URLs.

Fortunately, we do:

But we are also offering 10 British residents the chance to tag their own property for an experiment over here. Nominations close tomorrow, so visit newscientist.com/projects/forms/trash to submit your ideas for what I reckon is the best rubbish experiment ever.

PR OPPORTUNITY - Ch 4 Show 'Dream Farms'

I've had a call from my chum Tracey at Downshifting Week passing on a potential PR opportunity for any green-minded folk who might fit this bill.

It's from Rachel of production company 'betty':

I am currently researching a 6 part series for Channel 4 called: Dream Farms (working title). The aim of the series is to follow a number of people as they pursue their dreams of leaving city life and stresses behind, in favour of setting up a small holding, or farm. The series would aim to film over the course of a year– so key moments in the farming calendar would be captured. Its early days, but we are very keen to speak to anyone who may be about to embark on such a venture. All types of agriculturally related projects are of interest, from the traditional, to perhaps the more obscure (or becoming less so) Alpaca farming.

Throughout the series we will be looking to enlist an expert, or range of experts, who will be able to offer practical support and guidance to individuals, as they attempt to get their projects off the ground.

As you can tell, it’s quite broad brushed at the moment and I am very open to new ideas and thoughts. Any conversations would initially be for research purposes.

If you think you may meet the brief and are interested, email her direct at Rachel.Hellings@betty.co.uk