Have press card, will travel (to save planet)

BERG BENCHLESS

Now I have just about got used to endless celebs and their camp following 'journalistic' mates raising 'awareness' of climate change in their sweetly ironic way by helicoptering up to a snow-covered place at the first crack of a calving glacier or to see if saying 'boo' to a polar bear will stress it out... a bit more.

Or getting in a boat which, one presumes, uses some form of internal combustion power ('No dear, you can't put your settee on the funnel as that's where the poisonous gasses belch from when Capt'n Fishstocks yells 'Hypocrisy Ho!'). They have gathered that kayaks don't work too well, especially when trying to make a point.

But I am still trying to get my jaw off the floor as I watch my BBC Breakfast News about a couple who used their Tesco ClubCard Miles to buy Business Class flights.

Hey, whatever keeps the ratings up in Sevenoaks, I guess.

However, what got me, immediately, (and, to be fair a few readers, who whose comments were jokily referred to mid-way) was that what made this advertisement for the 'buy more stuff' scheme by a major private retailer a 'good thing' to share was, apparently, the fact that the couple accrued these points by collecting recycling waste.

Now, I really endorse the notion of reward-based eco-schemes (so long as they make sense.. and work) as opposed to the usual fine or hairshirt stuff, but for the love of Gaia could they not have found someone... anyone... who did not negate the whole effect, and hence point in such a crass manner?

Apparently it was offset. Now, I am no expert, but I am pretty sure the carbon gain of recycling some plastic bottles for 12 weeks is probably going to struggle to cope with what pops out the exhaust of a 747.

I wonder if it was the same one that ferried the bouffant and crew to New York for a quick slot on how the news in America is made. Don't they have guys over there to do that?

And now, as I type, It seems that shrimps in some bay up North are vanishing on account of... the salt water being diluted by all the rain.

There was a time when I would have swallowed that hook, line and mayonnaise, but now, without a serious scientist or two elsewhere agreeing, as far as I am concerned this is more likely due to over-fishing due to ever-increasing demands for prawn-cocktails as such the BBC canteen expands with more staff to address the news 'needs' of a growing population.

Times - Honeymoon takes off with recycled Air Miles -

True eco-champions. Where did they honeymoon? Antarctica? Probably not as it's packed with celeb luvvies and media camp followers raising 'awareness'. Besides the 'irony', anyone calculated 60,000 items recycled vs. 2 on Biz Class in Jumbo, Co2-wise? Or doesn't that matter?

BBC - Recycling litter funds honeymoon

ADDENDUM:

Funny who things turn out. I used the above as a mild example of how perceptions matter on a thread about 'International conferences....' (not by me, I might add) which started a long time ago on a, how to say, 'serious' 'list'. Look how it went:

Me:

I have followed the discussions on this thus far with interest.

It is obvious the balance is never going to be easy.

Take today.

A couple is lauded (rightly) in the media for taking advantage of a
pro-active, positive, incentive-driven supermarket scheme (and well
done them) to reduce waste and encourage recycling.

Their reward is 'points', which they choose to redeem for... two
Business Class seats to an exotic location.

Which aspect did my more 'climate optimistic' readers pick up upon?

As the topic did come up, do any experts present have a ballpark of
how 60,000 pieces of mixed recyclate would stack up, carbon-wise,
versus the consequences of their flight?

The issue of offsetting did come up and, though I fear the principle
is more important here, facts on mitigation would still be helpful.

To which I got an 'off list' reply (funny how the list encourages debate) from a person how might actually know:

Gr8 stuff (privately – as i hesitate to make an ‘expert’ pronouncement here!

My guesstimate though – between you and me – is that the 60,000 pieces will be a few 100kg of CO2e

The exotic flight – perhaps as much as 10 tonnes CO2e

So yes – 100 to one against!

To which I replied (off list - I know a lost cause when it presents):

Ta for the guesstimate. Mine was a fair bit higher, but I figured the balance was not that optimal.

I do have a bit of a bee in my bonnet on those talking a lot actually doing very little, and racking up a lot of bad enviROI whilst engaging in little more than that which they seek to scold others for doing: earning a living. I don't deny them the opportunity, but do question the multiplicity of standards.

And if those don't play well with my 'hood, then my kids' futures on this planet are not being served well. IMHO:)

I then made a mistake. I added:

At least I didn't get the usual flood of 'How dare you use this list for such things!!!'

Well, yet.

'Yet'... soon came:

All a bit of a no-brainer, I would have though - but obviously not.

Recycling materials is not an excuse for profligate energy use elsewhere. The simple message is that we avoid all energy waste or the game is lost. Flying to exotic locations is, sadly perhaps, a luxury that we can no longer afford. There are a lot of interesting places in Europe, accessible by train at a lower energy cost than a flight to NY and back.

Its not about balance, its about doing things differently. One saving does not justify another case of waste; that's plainly absurd. Clearly the Government have done a poor job in communicating the problem if such inane comments are still made.

I didn't comment on xx's original email as xx is a colleague and a friend but the plethora of comments deserve a reply. Much of what is achieved at conferences lies in the social interaction that happens between sessions. That's where contacts are made and useful networks established. Video conferencing certainly has a role but it does not replace every aspect of human contact - except amongst the socially challenged. Of course there are unnecessary jollies, conducted every day, but there are also events that require human contact where the nuances of the other delegates can be seen. That is how human communication evolved and it's not going to change any time soon. Events that deal with issues such as climate change, where networks develop that can begin to make more effective change, are sensible uses of travel - and xx did point out that he's not flying. Flying off to exotic locations is, I would have thought, an example of senseless and selfish use of travel.

This is more what I expected.

Clearly the Government have done a poor job in communicating the problem if such inane comments are still made.

I wonder if he meant mine, ad hominem, or the fact that the BBC shared this story as OK because one offset the other. In which cases maybe the government, its national broadcaster and others who would claim to 'know better' are doing a p*ss poor job, I agree.

And I guess Bali is out in future? Then again, getting UK delegates to the US and vice versa will require a nifty train, too.

However, as these guys want 'my sort' out of the club, it is best not to ask in open forum... er... list.

I do fear I touched a raw nerve.

Plus recalling a few past attempts of mine - to point out that when some folk use 'us' as a separate entity to a 'them', the latter might find themselves less sympathetic to the spirit of 'Don't do as I say...' based solely on a bit of perceived 'green cred' - generating more than a couple of old boys muttering about who should be in the club.

Shame then that they are not open to other views, then. Might explain the results generated at a few conferences (very few; I go on my own dime) I have been at where the public and their daily concerns and perceptions are poorly represented.

Sadly, he was also unable to help with my substantive question either. Funny how one willing and able to do so did... off list.

I now have another acronym: IYANWUYAU 'If you are not with us...'

And sadly, I cam mostly apply it to those who should be courting such as me, not driving us away by being incestuous, arrogant, know-all numpties.

But... do they recycle?

Ch 4 - Starbucks leaves the tap running in the interests of hygiene..

...but every day loses the equivalent amount that it takes to provide water for the entire population of Namibia.

Now this cannot be right in today's CSR-aware world, surely?

Don't believe a word I say

No, really. Why should you?

Check, check, and check agin. Compare and contrast. Challenge if necessary. Just make sure you have all the possible facts, and a decent spread of subjective opinion, before coming to a view.

And then be open to having it evolve if necessary.

Why do I write all this?

Well, for an envionmental campaigner, I am about to post two pieces form what can only charitably be deemed 'climate optimists'.

Thing is, it is their right to have views, and share them. So long as they are sincere, honest, well argued and referenced.

Which is why I have been so unhappy from others, who should really know better, using terms such as 'denialists' in an ongoing, and unsubtel battle of wills, and fight for the thoughts and support of the general public.

Now, I have a stated unease with focussing too much on the person and their supprters as opposed to the argument, but this can of course coem to matter.

As, I believe, it does here.

Bearing in mind my caution at the top, bearing this intoduction in mind, I think what is raised in these blogs is worth sharing, and the consequences thought about.

How the public is served its information (bear in mind that the BBC serves up only a few 'authoratative' environment reproters , with various titles that sledom to my mind are warranted form their backgrounds) is, still, to my mind, a critical aspect of how we conduct our daily lives.

Bishop Hill Blog - The amazing disappearing Roger Harrabin!

Harmless Sky - The Freedom of Information Act and the BBC’s willing little helpers

Just the facts, man... just the facts.

PROF'S POSER - Back story

Prompted by a post in a very good Gizmo site I frequent, Red Ferret, the issue of Fridge coil cooling has come up.

I was just wondering what, if anything, could be done to help improve this aspect of what is an unavoidable 24/7 energy draining system.

Reaction is probably the best form of complement

News from the "Voucher Tree" front.

We've made two, and they are in two local locations: Terry's Digital and the EnviroAbility Book Swap shop.

The PR has been picked up quite well, with local papers the Ross Gazette and Hereford Journal, and local radio BBC H&W (we think - they interviewed me for sure, but the advised date for airing keeps moving) and WyvernFM (on air and online - we'll try and get MP3s of both stations) being most supportive. It was gratifying to find hard-bitten press folk not seeing a down side to what we are trying to do.

And two more primaries, Weston-under-Penyard and Kings Caple, have asked for a 'coconut' to be added, which has been done.

Though Morrisons has yet to get back to us, we have noticed that in the last few days, if oddly well into the promotion, some 'A frames' have been put in the foyer to advise which schools have signed up. Better than nothing for sure. Shame no invitation to add a tree (or tell us they were doing this, as we could have added it to the PR), but we'd like to think our efforts may have inspired them a bit. That a sister store in the nearby city, Hereford, has only a few schools mentioned to the big list we have in Ross (like, by a factor of 10), would suggest a lot of local interest... for some reason. Still seems a pity not to just get the vouchers from till to tree in one shot.

And we've just been told of an ASDA promo around now that is very similar.

All in a good cause! As is said: 'Every little bit helps', if you know what I mean.

Just what we needed... another department

Miliband's new department - what does it mean for the climate?
'...a country safe from climate change."

'Send a letter to Miliband now, congratulating him on his new appointment and encouraging him to begin a green energy revolution.'

Dear Ed...

As we head into autumn, I do hope that a ceratin amount of climate change will still be permitted.

But I feel so much happier knowing one with your experience, backed by a whole new department and all that entails, is on the case.

Yours,

BBC - Greens welcome new climate dept - BBC says 'Greens are happy'. At least further down the piece are some more pragmatic questions being asked.

CATEGORY - GREEN POLITICS

Plenty scattered about via labels (below) , but time to try and start a list as they arise:

GENERAL

CONSERVATIVES

Indy - How green are the Tories?

Telegraph - Cameroonie wonks plan reboot of environmental policy -

Conservativehome - NEW - Green taxes have been kicked into the long grass - Oooo...kkayyyy

GREENS

LABOUR

LIB DEMS

PLAID CYMRU

SNP

Space cadets

I have been advised BBC news are advising Richard Branson is to help 'survey' the ionosphere to monitor climate change.

I have looked around on the BBC site for confirmation and have only found this, which leads to this, which seems to suggest this is unlikely. Possibly the claim, rather the story, was in error.

However I will repeat my reply, just in case this is another PR turned news item.

Whatever one's views of him, his views do get a fair amount of top billing and hence do count.

But I'm most interested in what he is actually saying and/or doing, and the impacts these words or actions may have.

Without seeing it I couldn't comment, but I am guessing this is more support for 'Virgin Galactic", whereby billionaires and their mates (and pliant media remoras) get to have a Kodak moment atop a column of greenhouse gasses.

I am kind of losing count of the attempted eco-mitigations for this jolly on the part of the empire and its media fanbase, but there was the pushing planes to the takeoff and the bio-747 on the ground. Then there was using this toy to 'transport' vital goods to war-torn outposts in a hurry. Now is it possible that instead of a G&T the next dot com whizz kid or noted physicist will get handed a straw and asked to '...check the extent of 'climate change', by sampling gases in the ionosphere.' as it arcs through.

Please tell me that is not being given screen space!

I don't know, but can't balloons do this? Or if not, unmanned, smaller, cheaper and a lot less polluting rockets?

An interesting ra-ra contrast to the 'science' behind test on Polar Bear hearing problems caused by noise from Global Warming.

AWARD/COMPETITION - Big Numbers

WHEN: Submission Deadline:October 20th, 2008

WHAT: Project 10 to the 100th
WHAT... MORE?: They'll help bring these ideas to life.

Community: How can we help connect people, build communities and protect unique cultures?
Opportunity: How can we help people better provide for themselves and their families?
Energy: How can we help move the world toward safe, clean, inexpensive energy?
Environment: How can we help promote a cleaner and more sustainable global ecosystem?
Health: How can we help individuals lead longer, healthier lives?
Education: How can we help more people get more access to better education?
Shelter: How can we help ensure that everyone has a safe place to live?
Everything else: Sometimes the best ideas don't fit into any category at all.

HOW MUCH: Freeeeee! Yet you can score soem BIG numbers.
URL: http://www.project10tothe100.com/index.html
COMMENTS: Thx to Martin of EnviroAbility for the share! It's big.. yet I hadn't heard of it.

The era of 'Pay To Play' is upon us?

I had to reply to this post from a media forum poster:

We all know how the credit crunch is squeezing us but I was amused by the
fact that the Open University feels that journalists should expect to pay in
order to attend a conference in Milton Keynes. Anyone else been asked to pay
to cover events from other universities or is the Open Uni about to declare
itself full of toxic debt and demand to be nationalised.

Dear

Thank you for your email and interest in the ReLIVE08 Conference.
Registration officially closed on the 22nd September however we are holding
four places for journalists and members of the press, on a first come first
served basis, for which we could offer you a special registration rate of
£325.

If you would like to attend please could you send your completed
registration and payment forms to us ASAP.

We hope to see you at the Conference in November.

Best wishes
ReLIVE08 Conference Team

I feel your pain. If it is one in your side from laughing.

Just last weekend I was not in London and Brighton for an event run with the participation of UoBrighton.

As a consequence of a kind recommendation from a PR I think I met via these pages, I was 'invited' as you were to an event. I thanked them and pointed out that 3 days away, accommodation and travel were quite enough for me to bear without a fee on top, so ta but no ta.

Having seen my email signature links on Junkk.com I was surprised then to be reinvited, only this time to speak. As it seemed a nifty networking opportunity I agreed.

Sadly, having got cracking on my topic, Powerpoints, etc, it all went the shape of a pear when it was clarified that this was still for a fee (only... that I paid them), but would be reduced vs. other delegates.

The era of 'pay to play' beyond music is with us I guess:(

However, I really struggle to see why I should fund others who go on to profit from charging an audience to share in what I am willing to bring to them, especially when it is all billed as 'helping the planet'. This whole industry is becoming thoroughly discredited, as well as being totally unrepresentative. I was at one a while ago that was £1k for the day, and the only folk there were govt. and LAs and Uni types paid for, big business and lobbyists on expenses and almost no grass roots folk to represent the average person. Which may explain why a lot of these 'summit's result in stuff few with a mortgage, Fiesta and once a week dash round Lidl can identify with.

Rgds, Peter
Junkk.com


ps: The 'RE' prefix piqued my interest as I thought this might be another 'green' effort, and hence one I might be interested in, as I am pondering holding an eco-conference using it that does not depend on your ability to pay, get there or who lobbies a slot based on 'knowing people' or being a media luvvie.

In fact I note it refers to Second Life, which I am very interested in for its ability to bring people together, for free, without needing to fly or drive further than their PC screen. My partner now holds live international concerts using it and though she may have to stay up late or get up early to catch an Asia or US audience at their favoured time, it doesn't half make for a better gig on family life, for wallet... and planet.

All change in Alaska

According to this piece from Sunday's Observer, the Yup'ik Eskimos 0f southern Alaska are amongst the planet's first climate change refugees. (There ARE others though, such as Kiribati's inhabitants.)

A fascinating article about how climate change is having really huge impacts on native Eskimo communities highlights how one village is moving location some nine miles to an island where the melting permafrost will not have quite the same effect that it is having on their current village's location.

Some fascinating insights into subsistence living in one of the planet's harshest, and, it seems, rapidly changing, environments. Well worth a read.

n.b. Just love the quote about Sarah Palin - "Alaska's new lipstick-wearing pitbull megastar, Sarah Palin, is intellectually challenged when it comes to global warming. [Ouch!!] Soon after she was thrown into the spotlight as John McCain's presidential running mate she said: 'A changing environment will affect Alaska more than any other state, because of our location. I'm not one, though, who would attribute it to being man-made.' A few days later she tried to retract her statement, but her sentiments as a global-warming denier were crystal clear."

More on bees ...

... and the potential effects of colony collapse disorder from Haaretz, an Israeli publication house.

"Bear in mind that the bee problem has implications not only for fruits and vegetables, but also for beef. Without bees there is no seed for cattle grazing, no alfalfa and no clover," says Shai Spector, head of the Israeli honey producers association. "It's a chain. Costs will skyrocket; chickens and cows will disappear. You can eat bread, but a body cannot be sustained on bread alone. A war will break out over food, with the problems already in place today."

All very worrying, especially at a time of increasing costs in most basic foodstuffs.

CATEGORY - BIOFUELS

Time to break this out as a separate category.

And also to note that when discussed before (as it is, often), the archiving separates singular from plurals, so you need to check 'BIOFUEL' and 'BIOFUELS' (see links at end) to get the full collection.

I will... one day... try to bring them all under here, but this is where it will all go from now on.

Sunday Times - Biofuels: Fields of dreams - a fair summary to kick off

BBC - Call for delay to biofuels policy

Guardian - Top scientists warn against rush to biofuel

Guardian - Biofuels: a solution that became part of the problem

Food&Drink.com - Nestle chief warns biofuels threaten food supplies - another take... from a surprising source

The Register - Dave of Solarventi has flagged this up in comments: I think it worthy of a main link: Pork and politics energise the biofuel delusion - I really like their contributors' writing style (erring on the very witty, with a touch of sarky), but the sheer logic that their science base makes for compelling argument and opinion. Plus, even if they may not see it in such terms, they are very much in the vanguard of genuine enviROI+ advocacy. I might also have to lob this in the Compost and FWD categories, too.... assuming he's right.

Had to drop a note:

'And the prize for GW claptrap reporting goes, once again to, the BBC.'

To this statement, at the very least... Amen.

Whatever else one might think about the various issues surrounding 'Probably man-worsened climate change', I am still trying to get around our national broadcaster's total lack of irony.

Around the ice shelf story they had no problem advocating moon burials and a crew flying to Midway Island to go beachcombing for plastic to show how a bag ban will solve the various e-crises.

ps: Back on-topic, kudos for a most worthwhile story for those simply keen to avoid waste and reduce unnecessary greenhouse nasties going up - no matter what - 'in the name of green'.

Beverage Daily - Biofuels policy requires focus on sustainability, says CIAA

Guardian CiF - NEW - Fuelling the debate - no post as yet, oddly

Edie - Biofuel demand 'will increase GHGs'

The Register - Boffinry bigwig puts another boot into biofuels - Obviously not a 'pro' piece. Worth reading for some interesting (and funny) science-savvy comments.

Guardian - Demands for crackdown on biofuels scam - (links in piece to other info, some objective facts) The negatives just keep on piling up, which is a pity, as I am sure that in amongst it all there could be a positive angle to tell.. and embrace. I feel for all those who are trying to make businesses out of doing the right thing, in the right way, but will get tarred by a rather broad brush.

Guardian - Germany drops 'roadmap to biofuels' for cars

Guardian - Poor go hungry while rich fill their tanks - Lumme.. the negatives are piling up. I have to wonder if we are getting the true picture or as extreme a swing away as we had to that got the industry in this pickle.

Observer - Darling calls for urgent review of biofuel policies - That'll crack it, a 'review' is 'called for'.

Telegraph - Biofuel potential for commercially grown grass - rare good news?

Guardian - Biofuels: a blueprint for the future? - Not sure I'd call it a 'debate' as billed, but some views from a couple of bods who should know a thing or two. Trouble is, they are pols.

Newsnight & Indy - via Junkk -

Guardian - Fuelling the food crisis

Indy - Why biofuels could actually mean more CO2 emissions - That's a no form the UK's chemists (well CEO of their society), then.

gas2org - Twenty-Two Biodiesel Myths Dispelled -

Guardian - Brazil rejects biofuels criticism - And how. I have popped the Prez' comment as Quote of the Day

The Register - Royal Navy warships could run on sunflower oil - if fresh - 'Make smoke...d herrings, Number One' Actually, some interesting facts!

SAAB - Fuelling the BioPower argument - Bear in mind that this is from a company who makes a car that runs on the stuff.

Times - Biofuel: a tankful of weed juice

Guardian - The biofuel solution - Were it as simple as inferred

Guardian - Secret report: biofuel caused food crisis - Oh, dear. But shush, it's a secret. And soon there will be another report that says teh exact opposite, I'm sure.

The Grocer - Biofuels to blame for food price rises

Observer - Exclusive: we publish the biofuels report they didn't want you to read - I crank an eyebrow at anyything billed thus, mind.

Guardian - UK biofuel 'not up to standard' - That's alsmost 1 in 5! Whe do I suspect getting it to 38% might get billed by some as 100% improved!

BBC - EU in crop biofuel goal rethink

Times - NEW - Pumping the biofuels, from Rio to the Humber

INFORMATION

BBC Green - Sixty-second-guide-to-biofuels

Guardian - Q&A: Biofuels

Renewable Fuels Agency -
Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO)

You are either with 'us', or against 'us'. Apparently.

On this very blog I have had cause to disagree with the protagonist here.

Mark Lynas: the green heretic persecuted for his nuclear conversion

On a variety of green-related issues. Not that: they can be separate, and distinct.

But he has nothing but my sympathies in this turn of events. Even if I may still disagree, in part. If I am allowed.

Careful the enviormental camapaigner who crosses the othordoxy of the main mob.

The responses he has had as an, er, 'Climate change expert' reflect poorly on those who see fit to issue them.

However, I still remain concerned on the disposal of the waste.

Moguls ahead!

I often (and possibly unfairly) allude to those telling others what not to do often being a tad shy on giving up the next ski weekend.

Can you ski and be green?

Beats yellow, I guess.

Junkk is 'Blue Peter on steroids'

Always liked that quote.

Anyway, reading the Times today I came acrosss this, which seemed worth a share by way of an homage.

It's where I ended up after clicking an ad/icon.

Oddly, I'm not clear on what one is meant to do to find out more, which I would have liked to do.

Fine, maybe. But let's not forget.

The EU's Renewables Directive: unworkable and costly

Slightly O/T but related, as I read this at the same time as my council may have to dip into my wallet to pay for the landfill misses.

Just how many 'targets' are there, irrespective of any actual value they may have as an actual enviROI that helps my kids' futures, that 'we', the tax/ratepayer have been set up to fund the fines for? By whom? And where does this protection racket money go to if (no doubt) and when paid over by those who arranged it all on our behalves?

BBC - UK opposes green aviation target - The Gord caveth, and the Gord diggeth in?

Sling it

As my home for several years, I can testify that Singapore has much to offer.

Singapore slings out tradition and welcomes the bright lights of F1

This... especially at the moment, ain't one.

How to spoil a Friday

Sometimes it's good to share. This is not one of those times.

Pandora: BBC faces Ofcom row over interview edits

I share this not to give ammo to those would use it in defence of a rather extreme climatically optimistic view (which it will, even though it is just about reporting standards), but in the hope that the Nixonian notion of 'don't get caught' rarely applies. If you don't want your dirty laundry hung out for all to see... don't soil it.

If (it still looks in the realms of "what might be", but the Indy is not a great fan of those from a CO viewpoint and has chosen to share) this pans out as billed I must again raise my eyes to the heavens at the sheer, unprofessional ineptitude of those who are allowing personal or corporate agenda corrupt the spirit of objective information sharing.

And 'But Ch4 did it first!' won't cut it outside of my licence fee demand.

Who are these folk? How are they paid? Why? Is there ever an accounting?

Just lay all it all out honestly and let the public decide. The minute you start figuring you know better, then try and rig it, and then get caught, it just makes everything a whole lot worse to try and explain for those working along, steadily sharing what we know, what we think we know and what we don't. And then what we think might help now, just in case.

It will be interesting to see if this escalates as billed. If proven it has to. If not, then it will rumble along anyway I'm sure. But it would have never been an issue if the desire in some quarters to 'enhance the narrative' had not overcome professional standards.

Thank heavens I do not have to pay... for.. all... th..

Oh.

Daily Mail - QED. BBC investigated after peer says climate change programme was biased 'one-sided polemic' - That's how many million choking up their meat & two veg in suburbia?

Broadcast - BBC2 show ignites contributor row

Gaurdian - NEW - The battle caused by Climate Wars

For some reason, the author has posted this in the Guardian (I usually enjoy having a debate there, but on this issue it's really not worth it. I've just left one where 'they' are asking why someone who might have a different view to the group is allowed on, and to voice an opinion. Bless):

I must say it makes for an interesting read, even if some links to 'a bloke's blog' seems rather... unconvincing in support.

I must say on first reading I was unclear (great communicators that they are: 'Maybe that's our fault for not being clearer' - that's what £3.5B gets you, I guess) whether he was saying the climate debate was a done deal, or it wasn't..'...even if the scientific consensus is that global warming is a reality', '..makes clear, it is that there is still a furious debate going on out there.'

As to the rest, with bitter irony it mostly makes this committed environmental campaigner weep... or feel like buying a Hummer.

IDEA - Voucher Tree

This, I hope, can be the start of something big.

Let me quote from some PR going out, which I hope will explain:

Sow What?

Local schools and businesses team up to make the most of national retail chain promotional opportunity

Have you got a bunch of vouchers still in your kitchen draw from some supermarket promotion that was over last year? It seems such a pity that these opportunities to get free stuff to the benefit of the local community, especially when they are our schools, often pass by without really being taken advantage of fully.

Well, a locally-organised community collaboration has been launched to try and avoid any such waste this time, and help our nearby schools too.

Shoppers in Ross may have noticed that Morrisons supermarket is running a 'Let's Grow' promo, whereby your purchases can generate free vouchers that your school can use to buy gardening equipment.

There have been many such similar schemes before, but how easy is it to pop these in you wallet at checkout and then never get them to the right person at the right school to be of use?

Well, meet the 'Voucher Tree'. Made by local re:use-advocacy voluntary Junkketeers from old packaging, the 'Voucher Tree' will be available for you to post vouchers when in around town shopping.

Initially, local environmental social enterprise EnviroAbility have kindly offered to place one in their Cantilupe Road shop.

They will then make sure they get to the school you specify (each 'coconut' lists a local choice, plus a generic one whose contents will be divided equally) at the end of the promo.

It is very much hoped that the store itself will also soon be able to have one behind the checkout rows so it can be a simple ‘shop and pop’ in one smooth motion as you leave. But first head office approval is being sought before this will be possible.

As an interesting aside, with some experience in such charitable endeavours, Dennis Humble of EnviroAbility has advised that for some reason many customers still turn down such free vouchers even when offered at the till. Hopefully this initiative, and any publicity that may be generated, will result in higher responses through better awareness combined with more immediate and convenient ways to get the vouchers where they will do most good.

So, when you shop, remember when they ask if you'd like your vouchers – please think 'Sow What' and then come and add them to the tree.

The scheme runs until November 6th.

Now, what we're hoping is that the big guns at Head Office see opportunity staring them in the face. It's happening with or without them. With is better for all, all round.

Because... there's more sinking in:

As an interesting aside, with some experience in such charitable endeavours, Dennis has advised that for some reason many customers still turn down such free vouchers even when offered. Hopefully this initiative, and any publicity that may be generated, might result in higher responses through better awareness combined with more immediate and convenient ways to get the vouchers where they will do most good.

If it works here in Ross, it is hoped it may catch on elsewhere in the county and country and with other promos, too. Hey, it’s a free and easy way to get free and useful stuff to help the community!

If anyone wants to copy the “Voucher Tree” just go to Junkk.com and look in the 'Ideas Section'. But feel free to adapt and/or improve!

OK, this is no longer funny...

... well, of course it is, really. Hilarious frankly. But I still have this sneaking suspicion that Dilbert is using this blog for ideas.

Rewind, review and really enjoy.

ps: some of my best friends are... will be Directors of Green, I hope:)

AWARD - Rushlight Awards 2008

WHEN: 31 October 2008
WHAT: Rushlight Awards 2008

WHAT... MORE?: The Rushlight Awards are a unique set of awards designed to celebrate and promote UK and Irish organizations that are developing environmental technology and innovation. The categories cover renewable energy, clean fuels, power generation, waste, water and pollution management, including a number of new award categories for 2008 such as nuclear, energy efficiency and water management.

HOW MUCH: There is a 20% discount off the entry fee (£100) for members of the supporting partners and readers of the media partners’ publications.
URL: http://www.rushlightawards.co.uk/
COMMENTS: A new one to us, but the pedigree looks very impressive. Not the cheapest but by no means the most expensive. We are thinking of having a crack ourselves.

Tyred and emotional

Scrap Values

Ready, aim.. missed. Off to another meeting, guys!

The strange science of setting targets

If it's anything, it's an art. If a rather dubious one. The Damien Hirst of social breast-beating as a veneer over rampant self-interest, where you might get to fool the 'smart set' to fork out bazillions for a rotting corpse as it keeps a lot in work even if no one actually benefits.

On the one hand, I accept the need for measures, whereby you can assess what you are aiming for (and have agreed with others), how you're doing en route (in case corrective actions are needed) and how well all involved performed in meeting them.

However, these days, when I hear the word 'targets', and all the associated waffle from those with a box-ticking, bonus-addicted, media-ratings reason to deal in them, I rather switch off.

Perhaps because they, and the industries surrounding them, have been totally discredited?

Jobs for the boys, and girls. Makes you green with envy, eh?

Labour's shocking CO2 admissions

I am, I must admit, still trying to get my head around who actually funds my having my own personal waste / compost advisor / bin checker / sustainability executive / WEEE consultant as I don't think that their pay and pension is covered by them producing anything that actually generates income. Or the vast comms budgets that accompany their roles in Gov, LAs, Edu or quangos.

I know these are not 'meant' to be included in the noble list suggested, but why do I feel they might? I sense, with dread, a pen hovering over a box.

I am wondering who the last poor soul left in the UK will be who is making anything that creates enough wealth enough to support all who need to feed of their taxes.

The right person for the job

We're on a roll.

Well, it's certainly true that when life serves of lemons, there are those who can have fun whilst making lemonade.

And as a lot of what ails seems to come from 'politics' (though not just in government), I have recently learned a trick or two.

For instance, if you want to get across something, but don't want to be nailed to or by it too closely (just in case), you refer to what another may have said without comment, in passing, like.

Oh look, I wonder what the genius Dilbert might be saying today...

Proof that it can pay to recycle..

From my lovely wife (and a series of others back to its genius, if sadly now 'anon' originator):

> If you had purchased £1,000 of Northern Rock shares one
> year ago, they would now be worth £4.95.
>
> If instead you had purchased HBOS shares, earlier this week
> your £1,000 would have been worth £16.50.
>
> If you'd invested in XL Leisure your £1,000 would now
> be worth less than £5.00.
>
> However if you'd bought £1,000 worth of Stella Artois
> one year ago, drank it all, then took the empty cans to an
> aluminium re-cycling plant, you would currently get £214.
>
> Based on the above statistics the best investment advice I
> can give you is to drink heavily and recycle.

'The journey of two thousand more ideas starts with the first second use concept'

All a bit 'doom and gloomy' on the economy front at the moment, so it's nice to share a bit of breaking, ongoing and all-round re-evolving news from Junkk Towers!

Frequent readers of this blog will recall that a wee while ago we were rather chuffed that budget family retail (you know, the ones who are now doing better and better in the current, if sadly looking more and more austere economic climate) chain Poundland had got in touch to say they liked what we're up to, thought re:use was well worth promoting as another 'green' option, and hoped it was OK if they pointed at our site as a way for folk to seek alternative options to the bin and landfill with what they buy.

Well, having recently already noticed a few, we have to say often rather confused/incredulous sign-ups already already on the site, we were pleased to a few days ago at last make these nice folks' acquaintance.

Seems a bit grand to call it a 'meeting', but we had a good chat with both the packaging and PR division heads, and whilst the order of the day is till 'softly-softly' baby steps, we're rather excited at what can, and hopefully will be done by them, by Junkk.com and the two organisations together.

Somewhat of a priority is to get as many bits of data and/or ideas as we can up on site to help and/or inspire those who are tempted our way by the URL on pack. This does actually get rather daunting as we have been told that there is the order of 2,000 lines coming on stream.

Anyway, the journey of two thousand more ideas starts with the first second use concept, so here's one I made just before the progamme (er, blog - you know Junkk is on record as 'Blue Peter on steroids, right?) having been given a sample of the coming Xmas range:

http://www.junkk.com/junkkdetail.asp?slevel=0z622&parent_id=622&renleewtsapf=1858

So... the first, perhaps not the best (yet), but then it won't be the last. All you need to do is engage (left) brain and see what transpires.

Ideally...

It needn't cost the earth

A few good points to a well meant article.

I'd just offer that instead of trying to be 'green' (whatever that is) but being allowed to be and (as you say) properly supported in becoming green-er would, as any baby knows, make the steps easier to cope with, learn and seek to master if not improve upon.

Being slammed with all-or-nothing from what is more and more looking like a truly double-standard ridden 'industry'... not so much.

Why I love research. And newspapers. And activists. And...

Maybe in different ways for different reasons, mind.

Green idealists fail to make grade, says study

Amazingly, from the Gaurdian.

Have celebrity, will travel

It has already been noted that 'environment' is creeping down the agenda.

Even on Aunty it hasn't cropped up in a while.

So I guess there is no one around to concern themselves with all these celebrities and crews off hither and thither to raise awareness on this and that. Just two today.

Message and messengers again. While the topics may be valid, when Zoe Ball tells me Mrs. Brown and hubby are with her off to sorts things out elsewhere I am not sure my reaction is the one being sought.

At least she dodn't seem to have a book/show to sell.

Rule 1: If it seems obvious to you, it may still not be

Environmentalism needs to take account of cost

While I can only agree, and applaud the sober attempt to articulate and expand upon this, I fear I still have my first thought ringing in my ears:

'Well...D'Uh!'

But then, maybe it does need repeating. Seems an awful lot have not connected a few rather basic dots. Just so long as in getting from ROI to enviROI those coming from a more bean-counting, as opposed to bean-eating, viewpoint don't ignore the social aspects of our continued healthy existence on this planet in the rush to make even more green by now being, or being seen to be it.

In the 'no'

In many ways this is more appropriate for the more political 'El Burro Hotay' sister blog.

Especially today, as our Dear Leader articulates his vision for the future (for the next 10 years?) at the Labour Party Conference.

Thing is, I have come to feel that people, myself often included, seem 'persuaded' by those who claim to know all (and actually know sod) above those honest enough to say they are not too sure, especially about things in the future which, often, and by obvious examples in the past, are hard to predict with accuracy.

Pity.

Talk... or action?

The methane time bomb

Whatever your climate change combo of choice (man-made, nature only, etc), I would imagine few would argue that methane being released is not a good thing.
Now... is this rather serious, and relatively immediate concern going to be tackled directly, with thought and deed, or will it just get rolled into the ongoing, endless debate about 'global warming' and calls to devote money (in large amounts) to combat 'it'? And oodles on 'awareness', of course.

As with the logic of not cutting down trees (ok, it is inaction, but still counts) that surrounds deforestation as part of the totality, I rather feel this little scenario rather deserves some thought perhaps not so much on stopping it (which seems unlikely as any global fix is still being discussed endlessly) by dealing with it.

No idea how, even if it is possible. But if we can cover half the Atlantic in plastic maybe that's an avenue for here, with a a hole connected to a pipe to capture and then use it.

(Sadly the replies to the theme have tended to fall into the 't'is/t'isn't' camp already.)

I didn't have space to raise the point in more detail, but by way of contradiction/devil's advocacy there is also the need to understand the problem more, or at least to the point that addresses the enviro vs. ecomomic challenges. Still huge, but maybe more manageable than dealing with the whole planet.

Indy - The ultimate gas leak that scientists have long dreaded

Indy Letters - NEW - Methane threat to the climate

In the article "The methane time bomb" (23 September), the common misconception is reiterated that methane is "a greenhouse gas 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide". In fact the situation is worse than this, and methane is actually around 100 times more potent than CO2.

If equal masses, say one tonne each, of CH4 and CO2 were emitted simultaneously into the atmosphere, over 100 years the effect of methane would be 20 times that of CO2, 60 times over 20 years but 100 times when their warming potential is compared directly. If both methane and CO2 are being emitted continually, rather than as one-off events, the factor of 100 is the more salient.

Thus, alarming though the tale of the melting permafrost is, as told, its consequences may prove far worse. Runaway melting of permafrost will almost certainly cause a steady or accelerated release of methane over decades, and so climate models will need to be compensated.

Professor Chris Rhodes

CATEGORY - COMMERCIAL/PROMO 'GREEN' SITES

With a suggestion to keep eyebrows cranked ready for any signs of greenbait or greenwash, at least there can be freebies:

generationgreen.co.uk - from British Gas
savetodaysavetomorrow.com - from edf (see a theme here?)

Note: I might forget in time, so make sure any you check have not expired.

Cold Comfort

Loopholes in £1bn insulation plan mean millions struggling with ‘fuel poverty’ will lose out

Aren't loopholes what dodgy folk use to get out of Government obligations; not the other way round?

Despite my wife's best efforts, thanks to Junkk.com and RE:tie's investment/return plot I think we might have qualified, except..

For example, any home with more than 60mm of loft insulation will not qualify for the scheme The recommended standard is 270mm. - er, tick

Nor will most homes built before the 1930s, which are unsuitable for cavity-wall insulation. - tick, again.

Two strikes and we're already out.

“It’s a classic piece of government spin — it sounds great, but it is actually a completely unworkable plan,”

However, looks like we're not the only ones with not as much as we could have upstairs.

Jobs for the boys, and girls

Green growth is the path to economic recovery

An interesting essay, as are some of the comments in reply.

You'll wonder where the yellow went

Well, strike one for planet... and pocket.

For a while now we have had a policy of 'When it's yellow, let it mellow' when it comes to flushing practice.

The boys have been on baord, mainly because they usually forgot anyway and now they had an excuse. I just have becoem a bit more keen since we had the water meter installed.

She who must be obeyed was never keen.

Anyway, one warm day (and we haven't even had the heating on yet), a less used little boys room and an early return from work on Friday means that from now on we're back to 'once in the loo, pull the handle too, and not just for... well, you can guess the rest'.

Tricky, this green lark.

Numbers games

I debated a wee while before plumping for this blog to post upon.

It's nothing to do with enviro issues (well, a tad), but does go to reaching audiences.

Americans get the internet, and are British bloggers' best market

I just found the numbers interesting.

Not just the ones quoted (which is how they attract, and get paid by advertisers), but just a few observations of my own in complement.

I blog prodigioulsy here, but I also often get moved to comment elsewhere.

It just seemed intriguing to me that the author got/gets 65k weekly visitors, yet only 7 commented here for instance. Meanwhile over at the Guardian blog I posted a few days back on the Clean Technology 100, so far... zippy. OK, maybe my crass punt was a put off, but no one else reading felt like lobbing in a wee hello too?

All these folk lurking, with so little to say.

I just have to figure out how to seduce them over here... and then how to make a crust having doen so.

Quote of the day - it doesn't always need to look black

If from an ironic source (the person, not the piece), all things considered, currently:

“Don't find fault, find a remedy. Anybody can complain.”

Henry Ford

News from the retail front

I have had of late to get a bit closer to the innermost workings of the retail world than is healthy.

And a few things have become clear: the shenanigans of their marketing would do Machiavelli proud, and the corporate structures are so rigid, and the level of fear of making a mistake so palpable so as to make the Russian military look like an anarchists' brainstorming session.

A few months ago we approached the manager of our local supermarket with a proposal to hold a little research on shoppers attitudes to packaging by using the RE:tie as the focus. It would help us get data, him get PR, and the store some 'we care about the future' kudos. Win-win-win.

He was well up for it. But... he needed to run it by head office. To OK a stand in the local carpark.

Several months and countless cross shuntings and requests for more and more info (Ans: 'Er, we'd have a table, and we'd ask if folk would see merit in second use ideas being put in pack designs. Maybe like the way Innocent did it, with a 'Yes/no' bin you pop bottles in. Bit of fun, really. Bound to get the local press covering it') from a bevvy of backside-concerned minions later, we got our answer.. from board level: No, best not.

Bless.

So I wonder how many person hours in meetings this bit of genius required:

The Grocer - Tesco Extra takes bags under the counter

'Don't ask..don't tell'. Hey, it works in the military!

Talking Retail - Tesco Extra pushes plastic bags under the counter

MRW - Tesco introduces 'bag on demand' initiative

PRW - NEW - Tesco points scheme cuts bag use - This, however, adds up

Plugging away*

Clean technology 100

Don't know if it counts, but...'...don't try, don't get...'

http://www.junkk.com/ - finding uses for rubbish

Leading to:

http://www.junkk.com/junkkdetail.asp?slevel=0z622&parent_id=622&renleewtsapf=1828

A bit like another cable tie idea in the news today, but sadly not yet as Dragon Den-friendly. Though we'd like to think it also offers business, consumers... and planet certain benefits.

*Sorry, had to go first.

And why not..?

A wee bittie too much doom and gloom around. Time for a wee boost of +vity:)

Meet the CarrotMob

Forget negative campaigning, why not reward green businesses instead - Yay!

...with a group spending spree? - Oh, that's us out then:(

Carrotmob.com

PLAYING THE PERSON - how not to serve the future

On a more than slightly Climate Optimistic blog (all sides need to be understood) I frequent this review was posted:

When I Am King

Which garnered this by way of slick rebuttal. By, no surprise, 'Anon':

'And Delingpole's qualification's for commenting on scientific matters are? He even decribes the programme presenter as a 'Doctor of Geology'. Thee is no such thing.'
I fear a green mist descended:

As it is so critical to some... er... one:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iai...ki/ Iain_Stewart

Holy heatwaves! He is not a Doctor of Geology, he is.. a Senior Lecturer instead.

This obviously undermines any credibility a subjective (if one-sided, sort of by definition) humourous critique might have on the value of this person's programme and how it may play with a non-scientific audience.

Sod the arguments pro and con... the critic got the main protagonist's title wrong!!!

I am a committed environmental campaigner, and subscribe to the notion of 'Probably Man-worsened negative climate change, so it's possibly best to find out what we can and then do what's practical and possible to deal with the potential consequences before it's too late.'

OK, it's not as snappy as 'Global warming' but seems to me a bit more accurate scientifically and may even serve to act as a better basis for helping the vast majority of the public to understand the issues, make their own minds up and, if so motivated, DO what they can to help self, others and future.

So I also passionately believe in the power of persuasion as a tool, through education, fact, logic, debate, sharing, understanding and empathy.

I DO NOT see any merit to the cause of encouraging environmentally positive behaviours though the mindset of 'I'm/we're right. If you disagree you're wrong. And it's our ball, pitch and everything in it, so nar-nee-na-na until we bludgeon you into seeing things our... 'correct' way'.

And this is typified by any, and I mean any eyebrow crank on dogma, and/or its various publicists' methods, getting slapped back with totally facile counter-argument. Pretty much top of this list - which never works and simply serves to undermine credibility still further - is to play the person rather than the ball in an irrelevant manner.

Dr. Stewart - scientist, and climate change programme maker: qualified, eligible and well capable of dishing out and taking science-related bouquets and brickbats

Mr. Delingpole - humourist writer and commentator on TV and how it relates to the public: eligible and well capable of dishing out and taking media writing-related bouquets and brickbats

Such as Roger Harrabin, the face of climate change to 60M UK citizens via our objective national news reporting broadcast medium - arts graduate yet (I may have his title a bit wrong, so sue me) environment analyst: questionably qualified, not really eligible and well capable of dishing out if not taking science-related bouquets and brickbats.

At least he is now joined by Dr. Stewart, but some might argue this hardly adds to the heft of the BBC's output on this critical issue, nor indeed the level of balance.

In their little airmiles-cranking bubble ('But... I flew to the Artic to do this piece to camera to raise awareness'!) it might all seem tickedy boo, but whatever a late-night BBC2 or Guardian piece might do for the already converted (though the level of slap being laid on in these major-lite media almost makes even me want to buy a Humvee) hardly serves when hung out to dry in media that do reach a slightly broader audience.

I know that the green-elite ('you don't get backstage at the concert like we do') 'Coven of Climate Concern' wishes the likes of the Daily Mail, Sun/Clarkson or Ch4 'Axis of Denial' did not exist, but they do. Live with it.

Then work around that fact... and their much bigger, more influential (I know they are deemed unworthy of votes in some quarters by never coming up with the 'right' result, but it's still a democracy... just) audiences.

People join you if they like the invitation; not if you threaten them if they don't.

Me, I'm now off to do my thing, make a few more fun things, and share what I'm up to to try make a bit of dough, feed the family and with luck make the future for them a bit better by being a good provider, slightly less selfish world citizen (I hope) and example (I need the audience ratings).

http://antigreen.blogspot.com/ - Sept 18

http://climatescience.blogspot.com/2008/09/earth-climate-wars.html

http://www.climate-resistance.org/2008/09/biased-broadcasting-climate.html 4:

Caan Do

Just watching James Caan, Dragon's Den entrepreneur, on the BBC News.

I do note that he has a book to sell, but he comes across as a rather charming bloke.

However, I do note major reference to a product he backed, called the 'Rapstrap', by another nice, lucky chap, Andrew Harsley. It is a cable tie variant. Using existing polyprop grade plastic and part-selling on eco-savings.

I think I need look into this. It's not like there is not a precedent.

PROFS POSER - Idle talk saves planets

This is the 'inspiration':

Stuck at a level crossing? Turn off the engine or pay £20 fine

Thing is, if you are not in Prius or snazzy Beemer, when is the right time to switch off, and even if there is one (there must be, like for flourescent bulbs) how can it be assessed in advance (ever switched off in a jam afater 5 minutes, only to find that's when it moves off?).

Thing is, I have an old wife nagging that says starting ans stoping uses 'more' (over a period tba) than shutting down.

All the research that's fit to print

WRAP research shows four main barriers to recycling

The study found that the barriers are:

Physical – when containers for collecting recycling are unsuitable; when there is no space for storage, when collections are unreliable; when people have no way of getting to recycling sites

Behavioural – if people are too busy; if they struggle with establishing a routine for sorting out recycling; if they forget to put it out

Lack of knowledge – not knowing which materials can be recycled; not understanding how their local scheme works

Attitudes and perceptions – not believing recycling is good for the environment; not wanting to sort waste; not feeling personally rewarded for recycling

The phrase 'Well, D'uh!' springs to mind, Closely followed by 'Has this not been done before?', and then 'If not why not; if so, why again?" and... "How much this time?"

Let's see who dutifully reports this 'wishful list'...

We shall fight then in the malls, we shall fight them in the car parks...

Lib Dems oppose eco-towns, back CCS and £2,500 ‘4×4′ tax

Just wondering and all (it's not covered here but may be elsewhere), but when 'Transport spokesman Norman Baker proposed road taxes of up to £2,500 per year on gas guzzling 4×4s, which would help fund £1,000 payouts to those buying more fuel efficient cars', where any plans in place to help my neighbours here in the country who use them on their farms? And when this aspect of car industry collapses through there being insufficient market to warrant production (along with local food production, possibly), I question how well our troops gad about various un-tarmac'd hotspots in armoured Priuses.

Not saying certain areas don't need addressing, but have to say I am a little nervous about the priorities and focus and capabilities of those who would choose to lead outside a rather small village in London.

From your other post they may have a rethink on CCS, but nice to see they suss the wind is blowing on 'eco' (they almost come with quotes now as standard, eh?) towns.

Another day, another 'Day'

It's more a 'why not' than a BTN, but I will still pass it on:

National Carbon Footprint Day

I will pass personally however, as I do most other such days, weeks, pledges, etc. They tend to blur into one another, and I am coming to wonder what the total enviROI adds up to vs. not having any at all, and simply applying the cash and energy to doing more enviro stuff than getting on the awareness/measuring roundabout. And I am still rather unclear what a carbon footrpint is.

But I guess some need rallying points. So here is another, neatly hyperlinked for your convenience: www.nationalcarbonfootprintday.org

NEWS/GO3 PR - Greenprofs.com Directory

Just been told of a new directory that looks well worth being part of if you qualify:

greenprofs.com

And the best part is that it is our favourite kind.... free!

Junkk lauds LA councillor shock!

Barmy bureaucratic bin laws make a mockery of justice says Enfield councillor and magistrate

Go, Tel.. go!

But seriously, this does show such 'initiatives' are not just the scares whipped up by the tabloids.

Data, and how to use it...

Had a few dealings with NISP, and they seem to have a better idea than some...

NISP data may kickstart government waste campaign

Careful you don't wake up next to a horse's head

WRAP seeks packaging partner

I see Dick Searle in there, who I have met and seems pretty straight. Let's see, eh?

• Full details are here . The deadline for submissions is 12.30pm on 8 October.

I doubt it's worth us having a go, mind.

As opposed to 'ineffective', I guess...

Effective mixed plastics collection needed in UK

Not quite being fair, but it does highlight how we are here, and now, at a point where such a headline in an industry magazine is still on the front page.

Interesting also to note my chums WRAP in there, too. Mixed messages are a problem I guess, unless of course you get paid whatever the message is.

EU new car CO2 rules

The EU's rules on all new cars averaging CO2 emissions of under 130 g/km now look as if they are not going to come to pass, as the EU's own internal legal committee has declared the new rules to be illegal, according to this from AutoWired.

Oh, the joys of large scale bureaucracy. You simply couldn't make this up, could you?

PROF'S POSER - Don't chill, man?

For once the question is answered as posed (well, presuming the answer(s) provided by the author below are universally agreed).

Is it better to buy canned or frozen food?

I had actually thought fresh was best, but allowing this option to be a given (or...is it? If an NZ lamb can have a better enviROI than near home... as I have heard it suggested).

The points on freezing being an ongoing energy draw are well taken (which is why we have decommissioned one big effort to no more than an insulated larder in fvaour of a wee one to keep the ice cream and a few other, er, 'essentials'), and the recycling aspect of cans is 'interesting' (another PP on the ground to ground cycle of steel/alumimium per gram of food vs. a plastic sack). As to chilled, well, today I fear I (other 3 not too keen) might well enjoy a salad sideplate with lunch, and mostly for coneveince, but also with a hat-tip to waste (too many soggy, smelly, leaves ejected if not used that day), it may well be an option I still consider.