But then..
Telegraph - Prince Charles: 100 months to save the world
Telegraph - Britain has only four days of gas left in reserves
Telegraph - Climate change rhetoric spirals out of control
Telegraph - Climate change: When evidence battles with belief
Doesn't make it any easier to come to a conclusion, though:(
I fear in just these four I see all the problems, of message, messengers and media writ large.
With folk like me feeling ever so slightly none the wiser.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Saturday, March 07, 2009
The RE:tie - a reminder
Some may be familiar with our RE:tie concept that we are trying to market.
It has been, is, and doubtless will be a roller-coaster ride, especially as we try and assault business whose main defence against the credit crunch is to hunker down and retreat behind comfort zones rather than aggressively reach out, seek and/or embrace new ideas and USPs to ride the wave, defend and even capture new markets.
Which can be frustrating.
All I can do is direct such folk at such as this: Shoppers: Green packaging is a purchase tiebreaker
I think this rather says it all.... no more, but no less than what we claim... and offer: a tie-breaker (that word is familiar)
I merely also note, in the piece and the bar chart, that the RE:tie ALSO adds to functionality in the ease of opening and reusability areas too.... to repeat... ON TOP. I could maintain that adds to perceived quality as well.
I also happen to believe that RE:tie can talk a language shoppers can and will understand, and much more than many current 'green' initiatives pumped out by the FMCG industry, laden with jargon.
'...packaging first needs to provide value by satisfying their comfort and convenience needs. Succeed there, and shoppers just might support your efforts at green packaging—and, the studies suggest, perhaps be willing to pay a little more for it.'
It has been, is, and doubtless will be a roller-coaster ride, especially as we try and assault business whose main defence against the credit crunch is to hunker down and retreat behind comfort zones rather than aggressively reach out, seek and/or embrace new ideas and USPs to ride the wave, defend and even capture new markets.
Which can be frustrating.
All I can do is direct such folk at such as this: Shoppers: Green packaging is a purchase tiebreaker
I think this rather says it all.... no more, but no less than what we claim... and offer: a tie-breaker (that word is familiar)
I merely also note, in the piece and the bar chart, that the RE:tie ALSO adds to functionality in the ease of opening and reusability areas too.... to repeat... ON TOP. I could maintain that adds to perceived quality as well.
I also happen to believe that RE:tie can talk a language shoppers can and will understand, and much more than many current 'green' initiatives pumped out by the FMCG industry, laden with jargon.
'...packaging first needs to provide value by satisfying their comfort and convenience needs. Succeed there, and shoppers just might support your efforts at green packaging—and, the studies suggest, perhaps be willing to pay a little more for it.'
Friday, March 06, 2009
Big is beautiful, right?
Interesting article, and responses, over on the BBC Green Room, one of our featured main links.
Big Problems Need Big Solutions
It highlights the dilemmas 'we' face.
I am much more in favour of doing more than talking, so mention of solutions always catches my eye.
I am also, rather cowardly, on record as erring on dodging some highly polarised major issues, from 'climate change' to population, as so consumed and gridlocked by the extremes that I prefer to focus on where I can make more of a difference.
However, when you come to things like this you can't simply ignore the bigger pictures, and it all highlights to me how hampered we are by uncertainty.
Without going into justifications or not, the simple fact is that global geo-engineering projects will take trillions. Where the heck is that going to come from, especially short-term in a recession-ridden world, or longer term from a more populated one (unless taxes are ramped up)?
And when there is still such uncertainty, what about the law of unintended consequences. Humankind has not proven itself the best of meddlers with nature, and I think future generations might be a tad miffed if we blow our wad on a solar sunshade or unchecked algae growth that may make things worse.
Not for the first time I'm stumped. And much as I like positives, I do hope the media will not junp on bandwagons for certain endeavours without thinking to hard, just because they are big and sexy.
Big Problems Need Big Solutions
It highlights the dilemmas 'we' face.
I am much more in favour of doing more than talking, so mention of solutions always catches my eye.
I am also, rather cowardly, on record as erring on dodging some highly polarised major issues, from 'climate change' to population, as so consumed and gridlocked by the extremes that I prefer to focus on where I can make more of a difference.
However, when you come to things like this you can't simply ignore the bigger pictures, and it all highlights to me how hampered we are by uncertainty.
Without going into justifications or not, the simple fact is that global geo-engineering projects will take trillions. Where the heck is that going to come from, especially short-term in a recession-ridden world, or longer term from a more populated one (unless taxes are ramped up)?
And when there is still such uncertainty, what about the law of unintended consequences. Humankind has not proven itself the best of meddlers with nature, and I think future generations might be a tad miffed if we blow our wad on a solar sunshade or unchecked algae growth that may make things worse.
Not for the first time I'm stumped. And much as I like positives, I do hope the media will not junp on bandwagons for certain endeavours without thinking to hard, just because they are big and sexy.
In the soup
An interesting set of 'servings' in this morning's news.
I was already unclear as to why our national broadcaster was devoting prime news time to the wife of a foreign country doing some photo op work in a soup kitchen, when it soon became clear as she had obviously just served the Plane Stupid protester who then lobbed the First Lady's dollop over Business Secretary Peter (I fear his ennoblement was a step too far for me to see any substance to the honours system any more, not that I did much before) Mandelson.
However, not that he is my favourite pol, I will concede that he conducted himself pretty well afterwards, I must say.
Which brings me to the protest, and its effect. The successful 'attack' on a high profile figure (what were the security up to... or not? Maybe they'd outsourced it to Pakistan?) will have the desired result to many, namely extensive publicity. However, my immediate reaction was sympathy for Mr. Mandelson, and that takes some doing. He claimed she stated no point during her action, but I'm pretty sure I heard her mouth off quite a lot, so who knows?* And in any case the scrum who interviewed her soon after left us in no doubt that it was about the 3rd Heathrow runway. Not a bad point with a climate conference held as soon as Gordon Brown has just landed back from one of his crucial overseas jaunts.
We also were treated a lot to the hundreds of thousands of green jobs (I still am trying to equate meeting environmental aims and targets with all the rhetoric about growing economies to satisfy growing, more aspirational populations).
My ears pricked up when Mr. Mandelson was asked about the car industry in this regard, as a few things didn't quite compute, and sadly the 'reporter' (some bozo holding a mike and script) failed to press him.
First up was that I think I heard he thought cars were the major CO2 emitters in the world. Not too sure that's true.
Second was in answer to why there are notions of propping up car makers such as Vauxhall if cars are not the best thing. Ignoring the 'costs' of making new ones and simply trying not to travel so much as options, the reply was that they have plans for an electric one on the drawing board.
I have to come back to what I bang on about so often in this regard. Electric cars do emit CO2. They emit it being made, and in the generation of the energy to run them; the exhaust pipe is just in another place.
Without sensible clean generation and distribution of 'leccy in place FIRST, I can't see how they match up on any enviROI level. So my box-ticking, target meeting, subsidy-collecting, lobbyist-satisfying antennae are aquiver.
Reuters - "Green New Deal" to help fix economy
Addendum -
BBC - Mandelson custard attack probed
BBC - Degree honour Clarkson hit by pie - Different event; different reporting?
*Addendum 2 -
Indy - Why I threw green custard over the Business Secretary - from the horse's mouth, as it were. I didn't even know you could get green custard.
Guardian - This is not youthful rebellion. We see the catastrophe ahead
Times - Why I custard-pied Jeremy Clarkson - Not getting the best reaction, it seems
I was already unclear as to why our national broadcaster was devoting prime news time to the wife of a foreign country doing some photo op work in a soup kitchen, when it soon became clear as she had obviously just served the Plane Stupid protester who then lobbed the First Lady's dollop over Business Secretary Peter (I fear his ennoblement was a step too far for me to see any substance to the honours system any more, not that I did much before) Mandelson.
However, not that he is my favourite pol, I will concede that he conducted himself pretty well afterwards, I must say.
Which brings me to the protest, and its effect. The successful 'attack' on a high profile figure (what were the security up to... or not? Maybe they'd outsourced it to Pakistan?) will have the desired result to many, namely extensive publicity. However, my immediate reaction was sympathy for Mr. Mandelson, and that takes some doing. He claimed she stated no point during her action, but I'm pretty sure I heard her mouth off quite a lot, so who knows?* And in any case the scrum who interviewed her soon after left us in no doubt that it was about the 3rd Heathrow runway. Not a bad point with a climate conference held as soon as Gordon Brown has just landed back from one of his crucial overseas jaunts.
We also were treated a lot to the hundreds of thousands of green jobs (I still am trying to equate meeting environmental aims and targets with all the rhetoric about growing economies to satisfy growing, more aspirational populations).
My ears pricked up when Mr. Mandelson was asked about the car industry in this regard, as a few things didn't quite compute, and sadly the 'reporter' (some bozo holding a mike and script) failed to press him.
First up was that I think I heard he thought cars were the major CO2 emitters in the world. Not too sure that's true.
Second was in answer to why there are notions of propping up car makers such as Vauxhall if cars are not the best thing. Ignoring the 'costs' of making new ones and simply trying not to travel so much as options, the reply was that they have plans for an electric one on the drawing board.
I have to come back to what I bang on about so often in this regard. Electric cars do emit CO2. They emit it being made, and in the generation of the energy to run them; the exhaust pipe is just in another place.
Without sensible clean generation and distribution of 'leccy in place FIRST, I can't see how they match up on any enviROI level. So my box-ticking, target meeting, subsidy-collecting, lobbyist-satisfying antennae are aquiver.
Reuters - "Green New Deal" to help fix economy
Addendum -
BBC - Mandelson custard attack probed
BBC - Degree honour Clarkson hit by pie - Different event; different reporting?
*Addendum 2 -
Indy - Why I threw green custard over the Business Secretary - from the horse's mouth, as it were. I didn't even know you could get green custard.
Guardian - This is not youthful rebellion. We see the catastrophe ahead
Times - Why I custard-pied Jeremy Clarkson - Not getting the best reaction, it seems
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Rubbish needn't be a dirty word. And often anything but!
Plugs are great things.
Better yet, they can often easily be duplicated. But maybe not the kind you might be thinking of.
Just now I was talking to my tech guru, who has the unenviable job of keeping a site he inherited from someone else working, even when he 'wouldn't have done it that way'.
I was asking him about Google Analytics. Seems I should be on top of such things.
Anyways, he was guiding me through when there was a pause, and he then asked if I'd done anything lately. 'No, why?' I asked. 'Because you are showing a serious spike' he said.
And now we think we have the reason: a nice mention in a nice post from a nice person on a great blog, Karen's therubbishdiet, which is why it is on my link list.
Better yet, they can often easily be duplicated. But maybe not the kind you might be thinking of.
Just now I was talking to my tech guru, who has the unenviable job of keeping a site he inherited from someone else working, even when he 'wouldn't have done it that way'.
I was asking him about Google Analytics. Seems I should be on top of such things.
Anyways, he was guiding me through when there was a pause, and he then asked if I'd done anything lately. 'No, why?' I asked. 'Because you are showing a serious spike' he said.
And now we think we have the reason: a nice mention in a nice post from a nice person on a great blog, Karen's therubbishdiet, which is why it is on my link list.
On blogging and social networking... art & science
I went to a fascinating talk on these subjects last night at Cardiff University.
And, as a consequence, the next blog is born. The speaker, Dr. Kelly Page, shared and raised many aspects that I, at least, valued, and would suggest that if this is a topic you are interested in too (as content creator or just surfer/reader/seeker of stuff), this link is to be recommended, as this seminar, and other topics, will be uploaded, covered, and discussed.
A gifted speaker, she sparked a lot in my imagination and, I am sure others present.
As she was open to helping if she could, I have written to her, in the hope she may be able to help me with the issues, problems and opportunities I face with Junkk.com and this associated blog.
It does also serve, in edited form as a summary of some topics covered to 'give you a flavour', but mainly this shares, warts and all, what I am facing here. Read on at your discretion. Feel free to offer advice if it's constructive!
Talk about topical!
No sooner do I sit down to gather my thoughts whilst engaging in my morning trawl of the 'net and newsletters and feeds, and look what contradictory, depressing and/or inspirational information one gets bombarded with (how this is currently happened being relevant, which I'll come back to later on):
http://www.brandrepublic.com/Revmail/News/887524/Skittles-pulls-Twitter-feed-homepage/?DCMP=EMC-Revolution-Bulletin
http://www.brandrepublic.com/Revmail/News/886043/OMG-Twitter-is-like-so-2008/?DCMP=EMC-Revolution-Bulletin
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/shane_richmond/blog/2009/03/04/10_features_to_improve_twittercom
http://www.forbes.com/2009/03/04/facebook-mark-zuckerberg-technology-internet_facebook.html?partner=technology_newsletter
http://adage.com/digitalnext/article?article_id=135034
A WEE BIT OF BACKGROUND
By way of a quick potted history, I am a creative (this is significant, as so much with the web requires business experience rolled in) ad man from a dinosaur age, who nonetheless saw and still sees technology as the way forward. And as a karmic correction for being a wee bit too good at getting folk to buy stuff they don't need and fly places more often than necessary, I created Junkk.com.
Basically it was... is... 'Friend's Reunited for rubbish'. In many ways it was ahead of its time (no good thing), combining social networking with communities with databasing and search. It was, at the time, cutting edge. Now... it is steam-driven. I designed the basic concept, but it was created by experts. The kind that get Linda Evangelista to wake them up, and she famously claimed not to do so for less than $10k.
And I have blundered along, alone, making it what it is. There have been highs, such as many awards and even awesome PR on occasion, and one point a few years ago when (possibly due to that PR) it had a high of 120,000 unique monthly visitors. And even my relatively new, opt-in newsletter grows daily, now around 3,000 registrants.
But there have been, and are still lows, such as taking my eye of many balls and seeing the monthly visits drop to the few thousands, the Forum stutter and die (you mentioned possible bolt-on scripts to help here, but do remember this site is steam driven and I think HTML rather than XML, especially 'back-end') and all other manner of missed opportunities. Not good for something with a model based on ad revenue based on traffic.
I attended the talk based on a simple notion... getting the traffic back up. And when that happens, the ad revenue might yet appear to allow me to run the site as I would wish. But this belies the fact that I did have it 'working' once, and dropped that ball. There is no reason that, even if I do drive traffic again, using the methodologies shared, the same will not eventually happen again.
I lack key areas of expertise, skill sets, and strategy. Maybe there's a chance that at least I may be pointed in better directions, or indeed to some who may help. I can't work much harder, but I can work smarter. Sadly, much is down to having the personnel, but as that is an area that cannot be addressed until the chicken starts making golden eggs, I need to prioritise first, make money next, and then delegate.
I commissioned a full consultant report recently, and the site got slaughtered, over a dozen jargon-heavy pages. I think it has huge problems to be sure, but none that cannot be addressed, and make it worth persevering. Too many people like it, and what I am trying to do wit it not to at least try.
ABOUT LAST NIGHT
This would lead to my first comment about the lecture. It is hard, if not impossible to be all things to all people, but often I sense that such events, from overarching funders (EU, RDAs) down, that while the target is SME's, very often the pitch is the high end of the big "M", and very often the majority of attendees, like me, are from the very small 's' rump.
Hence, many things, whilst inspirational, can be outside of our financial, expertise and hence practical reach. Like I joked, when folk say 'get your head of IT to call our head of IT', I rather have to choke on the reply that, along with most other daily functions, that person is me. Equally, whilst I'd love to hire an intern for a year to (wo)man a webcam, that person has to eat to live, as do I. The ROI can bite, in all senses of that word. I actually had one who came for two months and ended staying two years, but sadly my funds could not sustain her immense value and contributions, hence a tail off in the site's performance and visitor levels.
The issue of monetisation was all rather left to the end, and also a tad 'high-end'. I think I identified three basic 'models', with the first two being perhaps the more highly represented in the audience and hence being satisfied more by what you covered:
* e-commerce - even to most basic levels, social networking can of course be a driver to the site, and hence purchase opps.
* branding - again, this can be of great value, but may even not result in any site linkage. Merely keeping the brand top of
mind at POP is enough
* traffic - my situation. I am trying to operate a publisher, 'build it and they will come... and if they pass through so will guys who want to reach them', rather discredited old dot bomb model. Kinda what I am stuck with.
But though advertising was referred to, it was not really in the context I would have valued knowing more about. In fact few, if any of the examples showed do I recall having a banner or button, which required a person to visit first and then click on to generate revenue.
I know, I need massive help here. I knew enough to build the site for this very purpose and did much I am proud of in this regard (inc: 1) a fortune on legals, to protect not only myself and the site, but and brands who engage with ideas and or ads; it is still well ahead in this, 2) data protection; again at the top limit, with positive opt-ins or newsletter and/or 3rd party follow ups and 3) health and safety warning options. It is not great on disability compliance any more, but that is a matter of money and the vast database I need to address, mainly uploaded by the public. I am sure it can and will be sorted).
Sadly there was not enough time for more questions in the room, but one I was going to ask related to CRM, though maybe this does not fall under social networking umbrella. I refer to reaching out to and staying in touch once someone has expressed an interest. Again my knowledge is limited to talk sensibly at this juncture, but I refer to such as RSS feeds and/or emails, etc. I can only share my own experiences, on both sides of the coin here.
Though I am registered with almost all of the social networking sites mentioned (FaceBook (hunting down after I write a possible avenue I noted on a slide... Green Patch?), MySpace, twitter, Bebo, Linked In... and many more) I barely 'use' them (may explain a lot - can't even recall half the log-ins) even as in individual (as a business not at all, yet, hence my attendance). It's a sad excuse, but I don't feel I have the time. One too many initial pokes, friend invites from 'Candy' or pointless 140-character rambles draining my day and I switched off. I have to, and enjoy reading prodigiously, and turn much into content of value for my site and/or blogs.
But I have noticed that my time-poor life means that RSS's are now left unchecked, at least as I have them on my Mac/Safari combo, as they come in to a folder I forget to access. Equally I don't check the Times or Telegraph online unless I remember I should. What I do do is open and read email summaries that come in, especially with pictures, a brief line and a link. This ranges from The Guardian to the Indy to Trade rags... to some blogs.
This, my main blog, is on Blogger. I know it is widely read and by useful folk (a pommy whinge once resulted in a Tesco Director giving me a £1k invite to a conference he was at). It is not linked to anything, and especially the very site it refers to!!!! I have tried to pop a few things as Google ads on them, but they are poorly coordinated at best.
I have no clue on Adsense vs. Adwords on any of them.
I get great stuff from folk daily (I think weekly is better, mind) usually from such as Feedburner.. FREE! I use dotmailer (waaaay too infrequently - losing hordes between mailings through folk changing newsletter recipient hot/g-mail email addys like they do underwear and firewall issues), which is as mailwashed, spam-safe as you can get... but cost me £35 a mailing... monthly... if I get my act together.
Other areas were covered, such as Wikis, the IAB (should I join?), google, vlogs, podcasts, etc. So many to check, so few to really add value?
I see the value, and hence need to do all you suggested, and get on all you shared. But my ad experience restrains me because you 'shouldn't do it until you can do it right, keep on doing it... and keep on making it ever better'. I don't want to go in half-cocked, and make a mess with the set up, running, responses, moderation, etc.
I see value in creating entities to complement a Junkk.com and Junkk Male RE:view that are themselves much better integrated first, and then use these to drive traffic in, and around, and up. Then get round to addressing monetising. The first I might be able to do on my own, with a bit of help from my basic-HTML savvy, pro-am web-designer-skilled, Second Life (we have plans to integrate this too! She runs global concerts all the time - I see enviro apps aplenty. Plus, as they present, others) champion missus.
Being very immersed as a user, one direction I see much more value in pursuing is focussing on solutions, rather than discussions. There are billions out there having spats on climate change and knocking spots off each other. The core of Junkk.com is a niche, reuse and repair, with elements of pragmatic reduction, and the much more popular (though low end-benefit to consumers, IMHO) recycling in there too. Plus it offers ideas, and the opportunity to share them.
I would seek to make the Junkk.com site the pre-eminent global portal for these topics, offering true, free value to the public, and in so doing a sustainable business model by 'green' marketers seeing the benefit of being there too to talk to and/or reach this highly targeted audience.
Sorry for the ramble. I'd have sent this as a tweet, but it may have run a tad over 140 characters:)
And, as a consequence, the next blog is born. The speaker, Dr. Kelly Page, shared and raised many aspects that I, at least, valued, and would suggest that if this is a topic you are interested in too (as content creator or just surfer/reader/seeker of stuff), this link is to be recommended, as this seminar, and other topics, will be uploaded, covered, and discussed.
A gifted speaker, she sparked a lot in my imagination and, I am sure others present.
As she was open to helping if she could, I have written to her, in the hope she may be able to help me with the issues, problems and opportunities I face with Junkk.com and this associated blog.
It does also serve, in edited form as a summary of some topics covered to 'give you a flavour', but mainly this shares, warts and all, what I am facing here. Read on at your discretion. Feel free to offer advice if it's constructive!
Talk about topical!
No sooner do I sit down to gather my thoughts whilst engaging in my morning trawl of the 'net and newsletters and feeds, and look what contradictory, depressing and/or inspirational information one gets bombarded with (how this is currently happened being relevant, which I'll come back to later on):
http://www.brandrepublic.com/Revmail/News/887524/Skittles-pulls-Twitter-feed-homepage/?DCMP=EMC-Revolution-Bulletin
http://www.brandrepublic.com/Revmail/News/886043/OMG-Twitter-is-like-so-2008/?DCMP=EMC-Revolution-Bulletin
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/shane_richmond/blog/2009/03/04/10_features_to_improve_twittercom
http://www.forbes.com/2009/03/04/facebook-mark-zuckerberg-technology-internet_facebook.html?partner=technology_newsletter
http://adage.com/digitalnext/article?article_id=135034
A WEE BIT OF BACKGROUND
By way of a quick potted history, I am a creative (this is significant, as so much with the web requires business experience rolled in) ad man from a dinosaur age, who nonetheless saw and still sees technology as the way forward. And as a karmic correction for being a wee bit too good at getting folk to buy stuff they don't need and fly places more often than necessary, I created Junkk.com.
Basically it was... is... 'Friend's Reunited for rubbish'. In many ways it was ahead of its time (no good thing), combining social networking with communities with databasing and search. It was, at the time, cutting edge. Now... it is steam-driven. I designed the basic concept, but it was created by experts. The kind that get Linda Evangelista to wake them up, and she famously claimed not to do so for less than $10k.
And I have blundered along, alone, making it what it is. There have been highs, such as many awards and even awesome PR on occasion, and one point a few years ago when (possibly due to that PR) it had a high of 120,000 unique monthly visitors. And even my relatively new, opt-in newsletter grows daily, now around 3,000 registrants.
But there have been, and are still lows, such as taking my eye of many balls and seeing the monthly visits drop to the few thousands, the Forum stutter and die (you mentioned possible bolt-on scripts to help here, but do remember this site is steam driven and I think HTML rather than XML, especially 'back-end') and all other manner of missed opportunities. Not good for something with a model based on ad revenue based on traffic.
I attended the talk based on a simple notion... getting the traffic back up. And when that happens, the ad revenue might yet appear to allow me to run the site as I would wish. But this belies the fact that I did have it 'working' once, and dropped that ball. There is no reason that, even if I do drive traffic again, using the methodologies shared, the same will not eventually happen again.
I lack key areas of expertise, skill sets, and strategy. Maybe there's a chance that at least I may be pointed in better directions, or indeed to some who may help. I can't work much harder, but I can work smarter. Sadly, much is down to having the personnel, but as that is an area that cannot be addressed until the chicken starts making golden eggs, I need to prioritise first, make money next, and then delegate.
I commissioned a full consultant report recently, and the site got slaughtered, over a dozen jargon-heavy pages. I think it has huge problems to be sure, but none that cannot be addressed, and make it worth persevering. Too many people like it, and what I am trying to do wit it not to at least try.
ABOUT LAST NIGHT
This would lead to my first comment about the lecture. It is hard, if not impossible to be all things to all people, but often I sense that such events, from overarching funders (EU, RDAs) down, that while the target is SME's, very often the pitch is the high end of the big "M", and very often the majority of attendees, like me, are from the very small 's' rump.
Hence, many things, whilst inspirational, can be outside of our financial, expertise and hence practical reach. Like I joked, when folk say 'get your head of IT to call our head of IT', I rather have to choke on the reply that, along with most other daily functions, that person is me. Equally, whilst I'd love to hire an intern for a year to (wo)man a webcam, that person has to eat to live, as do I. The ROI can bite, in all senses of that word. I actually had one who came for two months and ended staying two years, but sadly my funds could not sustain her immense value and contributions, hence a tail off in the site's performance and visitor levels.
The issue of monetisation was all rather left to the end, and also a tad 'high-end'. I think I identified three basic 'models', with the first two being perhaps the more highly represented in the audience and hence being satisfied more by what you covered:
* e-commerce - even to most basic levels, social networking can of course be a driver to the site, and hence purchase opps.
* branding - again, this can be of great value, but may even not result in any site linkage. Merely keeping the brand top of
mind at POP is enough
* traffic - my situation. I am trying to operate a publisher, 'build it and they will come... and if they pass through so will guys who want to reach them', rather discredited old dot bomb model. Kinda what I am stuck with.
But though advertising was referred to, it was not really in the context I would have valued knowing more about. In fact few, if any of the examples showed do I recall having a banner or button, which required a person to visit first and then click on to generate revenue.
I know, I need massive help here. I knew enough to build the site for this very purpose and did much I am proud of in this regard (inc: 1) a fortune on legals, to protect not only myself and the site, but and brands who engage with ideas and or ads; it is still well ahead in this, 2) data protection; again at the top limit, with positive opt-ins or newsletter and/or 3rd party follow ups and 3) health and safety warning options. It is not great on disability compliance any more, but that is a matter of money and the vast database I need to address, mainly uploaded by the public. I am sure it can and will be sorted).
Sadly there was not enough time for more questions in the room, but one I was going to ask related to CRM, though maybe this does not fall under social networking umbrella. I refer to reaching out to and staying in touch once someone has expressed an interest. Again my knowledge is limited to talk sensibly at this juncture, but I refer to such as RSS feeds and/or emails, etc. I can only share my own experiences, on both sides of the coin here.
Though I am registered with almost all of the social networking sites mentioned (FaceBook (hunting down after I write a possible avenue I noted on a slide... Green Patch?), MySpace, twitter, Bebo, Linked In... and many more) I barely 'use' them (may explain a lot - can't even recall half the log-ins) even as in individual (as a business not at all, yet, hence my attendance). It's a sad excuse, but I don't feel I have the time. One too many initial pokes, friend invites from 'Candy' or pointless 140-character rambles draining my day and I switched off. I have to, and enjoy reading prodigiously, and turn much into content of value for my site and/or blogs.
But I have noticed that my time-poor life means that RSS's are now left unchecked, at least as I have them on my Mac/Safari combo, as they come in to a folder I forget to access. Equally I don't check the Times or Telegraph online unless I remember I should. What I do do is open and read email summaries that come in, especially with pictures, a brief line and a link. This ranges from The Guardian to the Indy to Trade rags... to some blogs.
This, my main blog, is on Blogger. I know it is widely read and by useful folk (a pommy whinge once resulted in a Tesco Director giving me a £1k invite to a conference he was at). It is not linked to anything, and especially the very site it refers to!!!! I have tried to pop a few things as Google ads on them, but they are poorly coordinated at best.
I have no clue on Adsense vs. Adwords on any of them.
I get great stuff from folk daily (I think weekly is better, mind) usually from such as Feedburner.. FREE! I use dotmailer (waaaay too infrequently - losing hordes between mailings through folk changing newsletter recipient hot/g-mail email addys like they do underwear and firewall issues), which is as mailwashed, spam-safe as you can get... but cost me £35 a mailing... monthly... if I get my act together.
Other areas were covered, such as Wikis, the IAB (should I join?), google, vlogs, podcasts, etc. So many to check, so few to really add value?
I see the value, and hence need to do all you suggested, and get on all you shared. But my ad experience restrains me because you 'shouldn't do it until you can do it right, keep on doing it... and keep on making it ever better'. I don't want to go in half-cocked, and make a mess with the set up, running, responses, moderation, etc.
I see value in creating entities to complement a Junkk.com and Junkk Male RE:view that are themselves much better integrated first, and then use these to drive traffic in, and around, and up. Then get round to addressing monetising. The first I might be able to do on my own, with a bit of help from my basic-HTML savvy, pro-am web-designer-skilled, Second Life (we have plans to integrate this too! She runs global concerts all the time - I see enviro apps aplenty. Plus, as they present, others) champion missus.
Being very immersed as a user, one direction I see much more value in pursuing is focussing on solutions, rather than discussions. There are billions out there having spats on climate change and knocking spots off each other. The core of Junkk.com is a niche, reuse and repair, with elements of pragmatic reduction, and the much more popular (though low end-benefit to consumers, IMHO) recycling in there too. Plus it offers ideas, and the opportunity to share them.
I would seek to make the Junkk.com site the pre-eminent global portal for these topics, offering true, free value to the public, and in so doing a sustainable business model by 'green' marketers seeing the benefit of being there too to talk to and/or reach this highly targeted audience.
Sorry for the ramble. I'd have sent this as a tweet, but it may have run a tad over 140 characters:)
It's a gas, gas... er...
... that's all folks?
I have been sent the following press release from the University of Aberdeen (printed as posted, E&EO), that seems worthy of consideration.
I do so making a note to try and get my gasses sorted out soon, which may have a bearing on how and where this gets filed later for archiving.
I know that my cooker uses gas and, to the best of my knowledge this is 'natural' gas either from dwindling North Sea reserves or a tap with Mr. Putin's bear paws upon it. I also have a few bottled varieties, probably propane, for a few domestic uses such as a heater and the BBQ. And then there is my new transport option, running on LPG which, though I need to confirm this, is actually not too different (if at all) from that propane.
Natural gas as answer to oil decline could lead to catastrophe, says leading expert
Ploughing resources into the use of natural gas as an alternative energy supply could lead to global shortage within 20 years time, according to a leading energy expert.
Professor in Physics at Uppsala University in Sweden, Kjell Aleklett, says reliance on natural gas – believed by many to be a key source of alternative fuel for the future – would be a major mistake.
Whilst it could provide a short term solution to the energy issue, Professor Aleklett believes it is not the long term answer we need to tackle what he predicts will be a continuing decline in global oil production.
Professor Aleklett will outline his views this evening (Thursday 5 March) in his lecture Global Energy Resources – The Peak Oil View– which takes place as part of the institution’s Energy Controversies lecture series.
Professor Aleklett said: “The problem we should be concerning ourselves with is not climate change but the fact that there are too many people and not enough energy resources.
“We have reached a level where economic growth in the oil and gas industry is no longer possible. Looking for alternative energy sources has to become a key priority to counteract the continuing decline in global oil production which I predict we will experience.
“Many are looking to natural gas as a solution for electricity production in the future, but this is a massive mistake. Natural gas could generate enough energy to meet the demand for the next five to 10 years, but it is not a long term sustainable option.
“To expand the use of natural gas would be a mistake which could have catastrophic economical consequences for UK, Europe and across the globe in 20 years time. When we are hit by “Peak Gas” there are no alternatives for power generation. We have a discussion about future energy policy - it’s time to start to discuss the future power policy.”
The University’s Energy Controversies lecture series brings together leading international industry and academic experts to discuss the current challenges and debates facing the energy sector.
Professor Aleklett will deliver his lecture to a 250 strong audience at the sold out event which begins at 6pm at the University’s King’s College Conference Centre.
Aimed at influencing energy and social policy at a local and national level, the Energy Controversies series features seven public lectures and a discussion panel event.
Highly topical issues to be covered over the course of the series include:
The exhaustion of fossil fuel reserves and their decline as an energy source
The impact of the changing political climate on the energy industry
The concern surrounding the environmental impact of our continued use of fossil fuels
Dr Peter Jackson, Senior Director for Oil Industry Activity at Cambridge Energy Research Associates and Professor Bahman Tohidi, Director of the Centre for Gas Hydrate Research at Heriot Watt University, will be amongst the lecture speakers, providing their unique insights into critical issues high on the energy agenda over the next few weeks.
Anyone interested in booking a free place for any of the remaining lectures in the series should visit (well worth it - Ed) www.abdn.ac.uk/energycontroversies or telephone the University of Aberdeen Events Office on 01224 273874.
Now there is that word 'could' in there, much beloved by scientific experts and media looking to boost a rating with a worse case scenario, but this resonates. I invite comment form any better informed.
As with so many things pertinent to environmental debate, from population to peak oil, I simply look at the consequences of finite resources and increasing demand, and am not keen with what I see projected.
I have been sent the following press release from the University of Aberdeen (printed as posted, E&EO), that seems worthy of consideration.
I do so making a note to try and get my gasses sorted out soon, which may have a bearing on how and where this gets filed later for archiving.
I know that my cooker uses gas and, to the best of my knowledge this is 'natural' gas either from dwindling North Sea reserves or a tap with Mr. Putin's bear paws upon it. I also have a few bottled varieties, probably propane, for a few domestic uses such as a heater and the BBQ. And then there is my new transport option, running on LPG which, though I need to confirm this, is actually not too different (if at all) from that propane.
Natural gas as answer to oil decline could lead to catastrophe, says leading expert
Ploughing resources into the use of natural gas as an alternative energy supply could lead to global shortage within 20 years time, according to a leading energy expert.
Professor in Physics at Uppsala University in Sweden, Kjell Aleklett, says reliance on natural gas – believed by many to be a key source of alternative fuel for the future – would be a major mistake.
Whilst it could provide a short term solution to the energy issue, Professor Aleklett believes it is not the long term answer we need to tackle what he predicts will be a continuing decline in global oil production.
Professor Aleklett will outline his views this evening (Thursday 5 March) in his lecture Global Energy Resources – The Peak Oil View– which takes place as part of the institution’s Energy Controversies lecture series.
Professor Aleklett said: “The problem we should be concerning ourselves with is not climate change but the fact that there are too many people and not enough energy resources.
“We have reached a level where economic growth in the oil and gas industry is no longer possible. Looking for alternative energy sources has to become a key priority to counteract the continuing decline in global oil production which I predict we will experience.
“Many are looking to natural gas as a solution for electricity production in the future, but this is a massive mistake. Natural gas could generate enough energy to meet the demand for the next five to 10 years, but it is not a long term sustainable option.
“To expand the use of natural gas would be a mistake which could have catastrophic economical consequences for UK, Europe and across the globe in 20 years time. When we are hit by “Peak Gas” there are no alternatives for power generation. We have a discussion about future energy policy - it’s time to start to discuss the future power policy.”
The University’s Energy Controversies lecture series brings together leading international industry and academic experts to discuss the current challenges and debates facing the energy sector.
Professor Aleklett will deliver his lecture to a 250 strong audience at the sold out event which begins at 6pm at the University’s King’s College Conference Centre.
Aimed at influencing energy and social policy at a local and national level, the Energy Controversies series features seven public lectures and a discussion panel event.
Highly topical issues to be covered over the course of the series include:
The exhaustion of fossil fuel reserves and their decline as an energy source
The impact of the changing political climate on the energy industry
The concern surrounding the environmental impact of our continued use of fossil fuels
Dr Peter Jackson, Senior Director for Oil Industry Activity at Cambridge Energy Research Associates and Professor Bahman Tohidi, Director of the Centre for Gas Hydrate Research at Heriot Watt University, will be amongst the lecture speakers, providing their unique insights into critical issues high on the energy agenda over the next few weeks.
Anyone interested in booking a free place for any of the remaining lectures in the series should visit (well worth it - Ed) www.abdn.ac.uk/energycontroversies or telephone the University of Aberdeen Events Office on 01224 273874.
Now there is that word 'could' in there, much beloved by scientific experts and media looking to boost a rating with a worse case scenario, but this resonates. I invite comment form any better informed.
As with so many things pertinent to environmental debate, from population to peak oil, I simply look at the consequences of finite resources and increasing demand, and am not keen with what I see projected.
Where will it all... um.. end?
First they came for the 4x4s, and then it snowed....
Then they came for the bottled water and the purification plant got flooded...
Sorry, a flippant take on a serious issue.
Leading first to a 'too much info' alert for those of weak tummy dispositions.
American taste for soft toilet roll 'worse than driving Hummers'
Thing is, I have to say I cannot see why... make that believe it's not possible to make suitably soft products without cutting down a virgin forest.
This is key. Because one has to be pragmatic. I come from an era when the school loos offered what was known as 'British Rail Smoothies' (giving you a hint as to the fun that train travel offered the hapless commuter) which, whilst not offering the tactile sensation of some other sandpaper varieties, was about as much use as a plastic bag.
And there is no way my missus and the golden boys are going to willingly go back to that in a hurry.
This household is already a bit divided on the porcelain front. Even before the water meter was but in, I was a a bit of a 'let it mellow' advocate, but after a few long days, hot summers and a bit of male forgetfulness on the bedtime flush front, it became an 'issue'.
There's also be the amount of tissue and where it gets used. I have a certain sympathy with my wife's views on the basic differences of the female anatomy to the males, and how certain functions are carried out. Let's just say what goes down can also splash back up. Hence I became aware that a little 'nest' was being created first, partly for hygiene but also to avoid the brush. Fair enough. But now I found the boys see merit in this too.
In some attempt at mitigation, I have instituted a dual roll (geddit?) policy, whereby cheap, recycled, rough stock is on hand to 'prepare', leaving, with luck, more 'high end' (sorry) material for the softer touch function.
However, having written all that, even the soft tissue we use is bog-standard (sorry again) supermarket recycled, and it seems pretty up to the task delicate-wise to all of us.
And so, flushed with .... no, I better get out while the going is still decent. If not the puns.
Telegraph - Fluffiness comes at a price': the eco-loons are after our loo paper! - A rather less than insightful diatribe. I include it because of a point made on bleaching making recycled worse in some cases (enviROI!). Now, how to confirm?
Guardian - American taste for soft toilet roll 'worse than driving Hummers' - At least they are recycling the images - Not these wise words: Yes - it should be recycled - here in California I buy "Bright Green" brand, which is recycled. But if you buy the thin stuff you only use more.
Gaurdian - NEW - Let's wipe out toilet paper - To date... 237 comments! The first dozen were enough. What would we do without our media?
Then they came for the bottled water and the purification plant got flooded...
Sorry, a flippant take on a serious issue.
Leading first to a 'too much info' alert for those of weak tummy dispositions.
American taste for soft toilet roll 'worse than driving Hummers'
Thing is, I have to say I cannot see why... make that believe it's not possible to make suitably soft products without cutting down a virgin forest.
This is key. Because one has to be pragmatic. I come from an era when the school loos offered what was known as 'British Rail Smoothies' (giving you a hint as to the fun that train travel offered the hapless commuter) which, whilst not offering the tactile sensation of some other sandpaper varieties, was about as much use as a plastic bag.
And there is no way my missus and the golden boys are going to willingly go back to that in a hurry.
This household is already a bit divided on the porcelain front. Even before the water meter was but in, I was a a bit of a 'let it mellow' advocate, but after a few long days, hot summers and a bit of male forgetfulness on the bedtime flush front, it became an 'issue'.
There's also be the amount of tissue and where it gets used. I have a certain sympathy with my wife's views on the basic differences of the female anatomy to the males, and how certain functions are carried out. Let's just say what goes down can also splash back up. Hence I became aware that a little 'nest' was being created first, partly for hygiene but also to avoid the brush. Fair enough. But now I found the boys see merit in this too.
In some attempt at mitigation, I have instituted a dual roll (geddit?) policy, whereby cheap, recycled, rough stock is on hand to 'prepare', leaving, with luck, more 'high end' (sorry) material for the softer touch function.
However, having written all that, even the soft tissue we use is bog-standard (sorry again) supermarket recycled, and it seems pretty up to the task delicate-wise to all of us.
And so, flushed with .... no, I better get out while the going is still decent. If not the puns.
Telegraph - Fluffiness comes at a price': the eco-loons are after our loo paper! - A rather less than insightful diatribe. I include it because of a point made on bleaching making recycled worse in some cases (enviROI!). Now, how to confirm?
Guardian - American taste for soft toilet roll 'worse than driving Hummers' - At least they are recycling the images - Not these wise words: Yes - it should be recycled - here in California I buy "Bright Green" brand, which is recycled. But if you buy the thin stuff you only use more.
Gaurdian - NEW - Let's wipe out toilet paper - To date... 237 comments! The first dozen were enough. What would we do without our media?
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Severn Barrage Payback Less Than Six Months
When I saw that headline in Building Talk, I had to force myself to not spin into a hysterical laughing fit; the UK's record at large scale civil engineering projects is not, well, exactly what you could define as top notch. But, reading the article, it does not mean payback in the usual ROI sense of things; what they are claiming is that the carbon costs incurred during construction will be paid for in just six months of operation.
Now that is an equally strong claim, and one that I find a little difficult to believe; but I'm no expert in these things, and if the barrage does eventually produce something like 5% of the UK's entire power requirements, then maybe they are correct.
We may have to wait more than a few years before the actual benefits, both in terms of ROI and in terms of carbon saved are realised, however, as the downside to the Severn Barrage concept is almost certainly going to be the environmental arguments that will inevitably hold the project up for another decade or so before construction even begins.
Now that is an equally strong claim, and one that I find a little difficult to believe; but I'm no expert in these things, and if the barrage does eventually produce something like 5% of the UK's entire power requirements, then maybe they are correct.
We may have to wait more than a few years before the actual benefits, both in terms of ROI and in terms of carbon saved are realised, however, as the downside to the Severn Barrage concept is almost certainly going to be the environmental arguments that will inevitably hold the project up for another decade or so before construction even begins.
CATEGORY - US ZIPCODE GREEN INFO
Another I may be taking on too much to do, but this way may work...:)
CALIFORNIA
LA
Information
News
LA top city for green buildings
CALIFORNIA
LA
Information
News
LA top city for green buildings
UK COUNTY NEWS - Postcodes BA&TA - Somerset is UK’s top recycling county
Trying to extend the national (and international) reach wherever possible, let's see if the archiving/search works...
Somerset is UK’s top recycling county
PR as received, E&EO...
Somerset is the UK’s top county for recycling, new figures show – re-enforcing the potential for green businesses (make it reuse and we might have to move -Ed)
Somerset recycled an average of 51% of its household waste in 2007/08, more than any other county, saving £7million costs. In addition, 92% of it was recycled in Britain.
Rupert Cox, Into Somerset’s interim CEO, says, “Our fast-growing energy and environmental sector is diverse, but has key strengths, particularly in renewable energy and nuclear power.
“Somerset County Council has been proactive in the development of wind power initiatives and renewables, with a target of 15% of its sub-regional energy to be renewable by 2010.
Somerset reused and recycled 163,282 tonnes of waste in 2007/08, saving an estimated 117,934 tonnes of carbon emissions – equivalent to taking 32,750 cars off the road for a year, show figures released by DEFRA, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Sustainable construction companies, renewable energy specialists, waste disposal companies, water technology firms and biomass plants are all represented by Somerset businesses.
Mr Cox added, “Into Somerset has carried out extensive market research, which shows the potential for businesses in this sector.
“The county has so much to offer companies working in this sector and with both existing and future projects like the Genesis Project and the possibility of the Severn Barrage; we are well positioned as one of the leading environmental counties in the UK.”
Hinkley Point B and the likely development of Hinkley Point C, plus a centre of excellence for decommissioning in Bridgwater College and a centre of excellence for energy, makes Somerset a key location for further research centres and specialist companies to develop bases in the region.
Somerset is UK’s top recycling county
PR as received, E&EO...
Somerset is the UK’s top county for recycling, new figures show – re-enforcing the potential for green businesses (make it reuse and we might have to move -Ed)
Somerset recycled an average of 51% of its household waste in 2007/08, more than any other county, saving £7million costs. In addition, 92% of it was recycled in Britain.
Rupert Cox, Into Somerset’s interim CEO, says, “Our fast-growing energy and environmental sector is diverse, but has key strengths, particularly in renewable energy and nuclear power.
“Somerset County Council has been proactive in the development of wind power initiatives and renewables, with a target of 15% of its sub-regional energy to be renewable by 2010.
Somerset reused and recycled 163,282 tonnes of waste in 2007/08, saving an estimated 117,934 tonnes of carbon emissions – equivalent to taking 32,750 cars off the road for a year, show figures released by DEFRA, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Sustainable construction companies, renewable energy specialists, waste disposal companies, water technology firms and biomass plants are all represented by Somerset businesses.
Mr Cox added, “Into Somerset has carried out extensive market research, which shows the potential for businesses in this sector.
“The county has so much to offer companies working in this sector and with both existing and future projects like the Genesis Project and the possibility of the Severn Barrage; we are well positioned as one of the leading environmental counties in the UK.”
Hinkley Point B and the likely development of Hinkley Point C, plus a centre of excellence for decommissioning in Bridgwater College and a centre of excellence for energy, makes Somerset a key location for further research centres and specialist companies to develop bases in the region.
OK, so it's not been a good Tuesday so far...
I need to vent.
Environmental doublespeak
Only double? Then multiply by the number of languages.
But you can bet that one thing that won't be empty is a few coffers.
Think of the jobs! Think of the subsidies! Think of the lobbyist fees! Think of the conferences!
We are in an era when DOING has now been totally overtaken by looking like you are doing or, worse, talking about looking like you are doing. And, worse still, doing the exact reverse of what you tell others to do.
And, sadly, all the money seems to have been directed that way too to keep the circus rolling.
I'd love to know how many are in, and paid to be in productive climate-related industries, and how many and how much is creamed off to the parasites, who seem awfully good at telling folk what to do, but not so great at setting examples.
Until that is resolved, you won't get much public support behind anything, even sensible stuff, but as resolving such an entrenched, complex, corrupt system is nigh on impossible now, I fear this is just one waste that will keep on draining us, and the planet we live on, dry.
FT - Eco-groups fear an opportunity lost - Not just the EU, and not really as some reports would suggest: 'For instance, Barack Obama, the US president, wants $27bn (€21bn, £19bn) to be spent on new roads, which will raise traffic emissions.'
FT - EU split on carbon capture intensifies - Then again...
Environmental doublespeak
Only double? Then multiply by the number of languages.
But you can bet that one thing that won't be empty is a few coffers.
Think of the jobs! Think of the subsidies! Think of the lobbyist fees! Think of the conferences!
We are in an era when DOING has now been totally overtaken by looking like you are doing or, worse, talking about looking like you are doing. And, worse still, doing the exact reverse of what you tell others to do.
And, sadly, all the money seems to have been directed that way too to keep the circus rolling.
I'd love to know how many are in, and paid to be in productive climate-related industries, and how many and how much is creamed off to the parasites, who seem awfully good at telling folk what to do, but not so great at setting examples.
Until that is resolved, you won't get much public support behind anything, even sensible stuff, but as resolving such an entrenched, complex, corrupt system is nigh on impossible now, I fear this is just one waste that will keep on draining us, and the planet we live on, dry.
FT - Eco-groups fear an opportunity lost - Not just the EU, and not really as some reports would suggest: 'For instance, Barack Obama, the US president, wants $27bn (€21bn, £19bn) to be spent on new roads, which will raise traffic emissions.'
FT - EU split on carbon capture intensifies - Then again...
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
You couldn't make it up...REdux
Well, at least one campaigner didn't have to cancel his trip to the protest because of snow.
Gordon Brown: A high-carbon official
Sadly, him having made the trip, it seems his host has. Nasty commute from the Oval Office to the rest of The White House when it's chilly.
Not exactly joined up government, is it?
Gordon Brown: A high-carbon official
Sadly, him having made the trip, it seems his host has. Nasty commute from the Oval Office to the rest of The White House when it's chilly.
Not exactly joined up government, is it?
CATEGORY - GREENWASH
It has been referred to a lot before (check label below). I think It's time to start a category for when the next in line crops up:
Articles
Indy - Inside Story: Advertising environmentalism - Is it just greenwash?
BBC - What is the meaning of 'green'? - Not the most comfortable of reading
Director of Finance Online - Green credentials face growing scrutiny - One can only ask a plaintive... why???? Like we don't know. Oh, and guess which 'green winners' are spending a fortune to tell us how green they are? Nice to see my profession is still worth its salt.
FoodNavigator - Green efforts too often fall foul of scepticism
Observer - Just more advertising greenwash? - All the more valuable for the post casting a well-cranked eyebrow at the banner ads on the piece.
Indy - Is Dove's campaign for real beauty destroying the world's rainforests? The enemy of my enemy is my friend? Interestingly, the author finds the latest Oxfam ad effective, when not one person in my family understood what it was all about, much less felt moved to act. And that, subjective appreciation aside, is what it is all about.
Brand Republic - Green media - what is your company doing to prove its green credentials? - Don't get mad; get emailing. No entries to date... in answer to the question. Oh well... here I go (on the basis that almost anything that promotes unnecessary production and consumption can hardly be green):
Whenever you're ready chaps. No hurry.. take your time.
Mind you, I do wonder if 'not getting accused of..' is quite the same as '...not engaging in...' in the whole process vs. result, perception vs. reality, spin vs. substance scheme of things, and hence which might cost more and/or take longer to prepare for public consumption.
'Ladies and gents, please start your PR budgets...'
Or maybe, and here's a thought: do what you can practically. Be sincere. And don't ram some twisted vision of 'greenness' down ever more savvy consumers' throats in some half-cocked notion of enviro/CSR box-tick marketing.
Media Week - WELCOME TO THE GREEN SUPPLEMENT - MEDIA WEEK SPECIAL - it's got footprints and green and everything
Times - Why ‘greenwash’ won’t wash with consumers - Tell us something we don't know, and for a lot less of a fee.
'Could become..' LOL.
But I am sure another summit will sort it. They have worked so well so far.
Brand Republic - TOP TEN GREENWASH LINES
Guardian - Have you been greenwashed? - Let's see what one of the nation's top media blogs can come up with.
Just after I wrote this, I got an email: 'Go Green' with an Environmentally Friendly Franchise - The future awaits. I fancy Pet Butler.
Treehugger - MINI Pedi-Cab Stunt in China: Not So Green - No such thing as bad publicity? I'm sure it seemed a good idea. Nice to see some other cranking an eyebrow, but I'm not sure this was being touted as 'enviro'. I think Sir Paul might fancy one... call Lexus now!
Junkk.com - A new Guardian Greenwash site
Indy - NEW - Inconvenient truths: Don't believe the greenwash - I share not to be negative, but to encourage sensible interrogation. The Indy is no green slouch, and the writer is a staffer, but any rebuttals will be interesting. So far... none.
Information/Suppliers (to kick off)
ASA - Report via Greenbang
climatecounts.org US-based
coopamerica.org US-based
forestethics.org US-based
Greenwash guide - do bear in mind it is from a company (one of many, inc. here, if you fancy our input. Though we do also give oodles away free) that will charge you to 'help', but is worth checking out.
Guardian - Greenwash
Articles
Indy - Inside Story: Advertising environmentalism - Is it just greenwash?
BBC - What is the meaning of 'green'? - Not the most comfortable of reading
Director of Finance Online - Green credentials face growing scrutiny - One can only ask a plaintive... why???? Like we don't know. Oh, and guess which 'green winners' are spending a fortune to tell us how green they are? Nice to see my profession is still worth its salt.
FoodNavigator - Green efforts too often fall foul of scepticism
Observer - Just more advertising greenwash? - All the more valuable for the post casting a well-cranked eyebrow at the banner ads on the piece.
Indy - Is Dove's campaign for real beauty destroying the world's rainforests? The enemy of my enemy is my friend? Interestingly, the author finds the latest Oxfam ad effective, when not one person in my family understood what it was all about, much less felt moved to act. And that, subjective appreciation aside, is what it is all about.
Brand Republic - Green media - what is your company doing to prove its green credentials? - Don't get mad; get emailing. No entries to date... in answer to the question. Oh well... here I go (on the basis that almost anything that promotes unnecessary production and consumption can hardly be green):
Whenever you're ready chaps. No hurry.. take your time.
Mind you, I do wonder if 'not getting accused of..' is quite the same as '...not engaging in...' in the whole process vs. result, perception vs. reality, spin vs. substance scheme of things, and hence which might cost more and/or take longer to prepare for public consumption.
'Ladies and gents, please start your PR budgets...'
Or maybe, and here's a thought: do what you can practically. Be sincere. And don't ram some twisted vision of 'greenness' down ever more savvy consumers' throats in some half-cocked notion of enviro/CSR box-tick marketing.
Media Week - WELCOME TO THE GREEN SUPPLEMENT - MEDIA WEEK SPECIAL - it's got footprints and green and everything
Times - Why ‘greenwash’ won’t wash with consumers - Tell us something we don't know, and for a lot less of a fee.
'Could become..' LOL.
But I am sure another summit will sort it. They have worked so well so far.
Brand Republic - TOP TEN GREENWASH LINES
Guardian - Have you been greenwashed? - Let's see what one of the nation's top media blogs can come up with.
Just after I wrote this, I got an email: 'Go Green' with an Environmentally Friendly Franchise - The future awaits. I fancy Pet Butler.
Treehugger - MINI Pedi-Cab Stunt in China: Not So Green - No such thing as bad publicity? I'm sure it seemed a good idea. Nice to see some other cranking an eyebrow, but I'm not sure this was being touted as 'enviro'. I think Sir Paul might fancy one... call Lexus now!
Junkk.com - A new Guardian Greenwash site
Indy - NEW - Inconvenient truths: Don't believe the greenwash - I share not to be negative, but to encourage sensible interrogation. The Indy is no green slouch, and the writer is a staffer, but any rebuttals will be interesting. So far... none.
Information/Suppliers (to kick off)
ASA - Report via Greenbang
climatecounts.org US-based
coopamerica.org US-based
forestethics.org US-based
Greenwash guide - do bear in mind it is from a company (one of many, inc. here, if you fancy our input. Though we do also give oodles away free) that will charge you to 'help', but is worth checking out.
Guardian - Greenwash
CATEGORY - CAR BOOT SALES
Often associated with (in other countries) 'Garage' or 'Yard' sales, these are noble examples of community reuse in action.
ARTICLES
Repurposeful - 10 steps to holding your first garage sale
Gaurdian - NEW - Sales shopping with a difference
INFORMATION
carbootcalendar.com - seems a pretty good place to start, and may make much else I can do redundant!
Time Out - London only
ARTICLES
Repurposeful - 10 steps to holding your first garage sale
Gaurdian - NEW - Sales shopping with a difference
INFORMATION
carbootcalendar.com - seems a pretty good place to start, and may make much else I can do redundant!
Time Out - London only
I do know what I am missing
And, maybe, it's no bad thing...
Last night's TV
Ah well, at least my hobby is going mainstream.
Just not sure in the best way to encourage normal folk to cooperate sensibly.
That said, I must watch it to see if the reality conforms to the critique.
Last night's TV
Ah well, at least my hobby is going mainstream.
Just not sure in the best way to encourage normal folk to cooperate sensibly.
That said, I must watch it to see if the reality conforms to the critique.
Reporting - information vs. opinion?
I have usually appreciated Ethical Man... when I learn useful new stuff.
What we've been up to...
But not when I feel an agenda is at play, and the science gets tinkered with.
Merry Japes, eh?
Full load in a car... excellent. Be interesting to see how that equates to other forms of transport when you're off on a protest when you're not off on spring break skiing I guess.
Just wondering, how does a hybrid perform in such cases at high speed over long distances, lugging that battery along?
I guess it can be used for the all the laptops and iPod battery chargers no student would be seen without. Even on an Amish visit.
Pity about the hitch-hiking law (?)... very nanny-state. The rationale will be interesting, and how that gets reported vis a vis other government-imposed efforts 'for our own good'.
What we've been up to...
But not when I feel an agenda is at play, and the science gets tinkered with.
Merry Japes, eh?
Full load in a car... excellent. Be interesting to see how that equates to other forms of transport when you're off on a protest when you're not off on spring break skiing I guess.
Just wondering, how does a hybrid perform in such cases at high speed over long distances, lugging that battery along?
I guess it can be used for the all the laptops and iPod battery chargers no student would be seen without. Even on an Amish visit.
Pity about the hitch-hiking law (?)... very nanny-state. The rationale will be interesting, and how that gets reported vis a vis other government-imposed efforts 'for our own good'.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Are you.. one of us?
Stated like that... would you want to be?
Obama harnesses the green power of the crowd
I really felt like kicking back, despite a desire to support any positives. It was just all... so... smug
a movement that will battle for action on global warming
If they are rallying behind the cry of 'Global warming' I rather fear it's not the best of starts.
This has rather been discredited as a major motivator. Even the next incarnation, climate change (at least shared by Ms. Tolkan, Jesse or Jessy?), is now being scheduled by some for another incarnation.
I maintain my view that while the message may well be pretty vital, and some elected representatives seem pretty sensible, the number of unelected messengers and their often rather contradictory if not rather 'elitist' 'one of us' (at best) messages does not seem to be moving the masses terribly well.
I wonder why?
Obama harnesses the green power of the crowd
I really felt like kicking back, despite a desire to support any positives. It was just all... so... smug
a movement that will battle for action on global warming
If they are rallying behind the cry of 'Global warming' I rather fear it's not the best of starts.
This has rather been discredited as a major motivator. Even the next incarnation, climate change (at least shared by Ms. Tolkan, Jesse or Jessy?), is now being scheduled by some for another incarnation.
I maintain my view that while the message may well be pretty vital, and some elected representatives seem pretty sensible, the number of unelected messengers and their often rather contradictory if not rather 'elitist' 'one of us' (at best) messages does not seem to be moving the masses terribly well.
I wonder why?
EVENT - GL - A Crash Course on Climate Change
WHEN:
Tewkesbury
Wednesday 18th March, 6-9pm
Tewkesbury Borough Council Offices,
Cirencester
Thursday 19th March, 6-9pm
Cotswold District Council Chamber,
Forest of Dean (Coleford)
Tuesday 24th March, 6-9pm
Royal Forest of Dean College,
Gloucester
Thurs 26th March, 6-9pm
Gloucester Guildhall,
23 Eastgate St
WHAT: A Crash Course on Climate Change
WHERE: See above
WHAT... MORE?: All you ever wanted to know about global warming but were afraid to ask
If the science is so certain, why do so many people remain unconvinced? How will climate change affect the UK and the rest of the world? Can it be stopped and who should do it?
All answered with a recipe mixing expert knowledge, group discussion and pair work. Featuring scientists with a gift for communication and popular climate change journalists, George Monbiot and Mark Lynas, these experts guide participants through the issues with short video presentations. Leave feeling inspired and confident with a personal strategy for tackling climate change.
HOW MUCH: Not Free, sadly.
£12 for individuals (concessions available),
£24 charities and local authorities,
£35 businesses.
URL: www.vision21.org.uk
COMMENTS: I might try and attend but that entry fee is a tad steep on top of the journey.
Tewkesbury
Wednesday 18th March, 6-9pm
Tewkesbury Borough Council Offices,
Cirencester
Thursday 19th March, 6-9pm
Cotswold District Council Chamber,
Forest of Dean (Coleford)
Tuesday 24th March, 6-9pm
Royal Forest of Dean College,
Gloucester
Thurs 26th March, 6-9pm
Gloucester Guildhall,
23 Eastgate St
WHAT: A Crash Course on Climate Change
WHERE: See above
WHAT... MORE?: All you ever wanted to know about global warming but were afraid to ask
If the science is so certain, why do so many people remain unconvinced? How will climate change affect the UK and the rest of the world? Can it be stopped and who should do it?
All answered with a recipe mixing expert knowledge, group discussion and pair work. Featuring scientists with a gift for communication and popular climate change journalists, George Monbiot and Mark Lynas, these experts guide participants through the issues with short video presentations. Leave feeling inspired and confident with a personal strategy for tackling climate change.
HOW MUCH: Not Free, sadly.
£12 for individuals (concessions available),
£24 charities and local authorities,
£35 businesses.
URL: www.vision21.org.uk
COMMENTS: I might try and attend but that entry fee is a tad steep on top of the journey.
See no poverty or waste... presto... it doesn't exist!
Rubbish police to patrol Madrid streets
She sounds a sweetheart.
'Countering criticisms that she was punishing the poor, Ms Botella said: “I refuse to live in a society where I must accept that people rummage in rubbish for food.”'
Well, yes, I can see how it must be better that it goes to waste. Or doesn't she want to 'accept' that either.
Funny it's a 'conservative' council. I wonder how the various establishment protagonists here will spin this one.
She sounds a sweetheart.
'Countering criticisms that she was punishing the poor, Ms Botella said: “I refuse to live in a society where I must accept that people rummage in rubbish for food.”'
Well, yes, I can see how it must be better that it goes to waste. Or doesn't she want to 'accept' that either.
Funny it's a 'conservative' council. I wonder how the various establishment protagonists here will spin this one.
EVENT - LONDON - Ecobuild
WHEN: March 3-5,
WHAT: Ecobuild
WHERE: Earl's Court, London
WHAT... MORE?: Ecobuild is the world’s biggest event dedicated to sustainable design, construction and the built environment
HOW MUCH: Free!
URL: http://www.ecobuild.co.uk/
COMMENTS: Too late; too far for me. Next year!
WHAT: Ecobuild
WHERE: Earl's Court, London
WHAT... MORE?: Ecobuild is the world’s biggest event dedicated to sustainable design, construction and the built environment
HOW MUCH: Free!
URL: http://www.ecobuild.co.uk/
COMMENTS: Too late; too far for me. Next year!
Sunday, March 01, 2009
CATEGORY - HOME & GARDEN
Another new category to pull a few others in line. Not sure if it's the best umbrella term, but let's see how it goes.
ARTICLES
Cleaning
Times - Squeaky Green
General
Times - NEW - The green streets of Britain
Loos
Guardian - What is the most eco-friendly loo?
INFORMATION
SUPPLIERS
Salvo Recraft -
ARTICLES
Cleaning
Times - Squeaky Green
General
Times - NEW - The green streets of Britain
Loos
Guardian - What is the most eco-friendly loo?
INFORMATION
SUPPLIERS
Salvo Recraft -
CATEGORY - TRAIN
I have a feeling I have duplicated, but until I see where...
Articles
Observer - Don't get the train on a Friday
Information
nationalexpresseastcoast.com -
nationalrail.co.uk -
railcard.co.uk -
seat61.com -
Articles
Observer - Don't get the train on a Friday
Information
nationalexpresseastcoast.com -
nationalrail.co.uk -
railcard.co.uk -
seat61.com -
CATEGORY - POPULATION
One thing is for sure, you won't see much opinion from me on this one!
Yes, I am a wuss.
ARTICLES
Newsnight - How do we feed the world in the future?
Indy - Are there just too many people in the world?
There are a few, very few, with the courage to write about the topic of population. Even fewer in positions of leadership amongst them, much less prepared to consider how to address the issue.
If, as seems evident, our global numbers are expanding, as there is a fixed, finite area to accommodate and support us all, and the consequences of our existing, there has to be an end point.
And it's worth noting to all the vegetarian advocates who often crop up in such discussions that their... very worthy... case simply buys more time, even if we ignore the design fault that made most of us omnivores.
And speaking of Mother Nature, she might be argued to have erred in other aspects of her creation. Our newly found ethical overrides, on top of technology, pretty much ensure most checks and balances she put in place to maintain an ideal level of our race are negated.
Mind you, with SARS or 'global warming' maybe she has indeed already have ready all she needs ready to get things back under control. And, brutally, one view being suggested is that such as a multi-year drought (however caused 'globally') might be her way of trying to do as she intended, but gets rather countered by keeping vast populations barely alive in camps where there is little to do that what else comes naturally by artificial drip-fed means isn't that sustainable. Of course, like many caring Western celebs and commentators, this notion appalls me, and hence no alternatives can really be easily discussed for fear of the inevitable reactions to even raising the point. So, having slammed the lack of international statespersonship, I certainly would not envy anyone who tried to should the burden of Global Triage.
However, voluntary birth control certainly seems a heck of a good start. Just... bear in mind, it still only buys time.
Times - The population explosion on Europe’s doorstep - I am reassured that 'we' are going to 'peak' at 9.5 (not 10 in round figures?) Billion, but don't fancy the notion on how this is arrived at, literally or figuratively
Times - Fatal Misconception: The Struggle to Control World Population by Matthew Connelly - A book review
Newsnight -
Amazing level of intellectual heft and experience brought to bear on this important subject. Well, from Mr. Porritt at least. So one of four non-blondes wasn't bad.
As I pour chocolate sauce over a profiterole, I am struck by the finite area of the globe as the brown stuff covers it.
Not that we are likely to get to full coverage, even with technology stacking us up as it sends our waste below (not too sure on where the feeding bits go...oh well).... I do believe the planet (which will persist well after we have gone) already is demonstrating corrective systems of its own.
Guardian - No kidding, BMJ - Points being made, and missed, in spades
Indy - No coercion in family planning - missed the original, sadly
Science Daily - courtesy of Dave from Solarventi - Population Policy Needed In Order To Combat Climate Change, Experts Argue - Sheesh, we Westerners certainly have an impact.
Indy Letters - More people than the planet can hold
Telegraph - Save the planet by cutting down on meat? That's just a load of bull - Pull out pin, lob... and duck
Indy - Some hints for saving the world - Or... just get the extremes agitated again
Times - Cassandra: stay childless and save the environment - My mute observations continue.
Times - EU and Green envy at China-style restrictions on family size
Times - Two children should be limit, says green guru - 416 comments. 'Nuff said.. well, obviously not.
BBC - Is it selfish to have more than two children?
Guardian - Cutting consumption is more important than limiting population
Guardian - NEW - Lack of water still kills
INFORMATION (cautions on objectivity)
optimumpopulation.org
Yes, I am a wuss.
ARTICLES
Newsnight - How do we feed the world in the future?
Indy - Are there just too many people in the world?
There are a few, very few, with the courage to write about the topic of population. Even fewer in positions of leadership amongst them, much less prepared to consider how to address the issue.
If, as seems evident, our global numbers are expanding, as there is a fixed, finite area to accommodate and support us all, and the consequences of our existing, there has to be an end point.
And it's worth noting to all the vegetarian advocates who often crop up in such discussions that their... very worthy... case simply buys more time, even if we ignore the design fault that made most of us omnivores.
And speaking of Mother Nature, she might be argued to have erred in other aspects of her creation. Our newly found ethical overrides, on top of technology, pretty much ensure most checks and balances she put in place to maintain an ideal level of our race are negated.
Mind you, with SARS or 'global warming' maybe she has indeed already have ready all she needs ready to get things back under control. And, brutally, one view being suggested is that such as a multi-year drought (however caused 'globally') might be her way of trying to do as she intended, but gets rather countered by keeping vast populations barely alive in camps where there is little to do that what else comes naturally by artificial drip-fed means isn't that sustainable. Of course, like many caring Western celebs and commentators, this notion appalls me, and hence no alternatives can really be easily discussed for fear of the inevitable reactions to even raising the point. So, having slammed the lack of international statespersonship, I certainly would not envy anyone who tried to should the burden of Global Triage.
However, voluntary birth control certainly seems a heck of a good start. Just... bear in mind, it still only buys time.
Times - The population explosion on Europe’s doorstep - I am reassured that 'we' are going to 'peak' at 9.5 (not 10 in round figures?) Billion, but don't fancy the notion on how this is arrived at, literally or figuratively
Times - Fatal Misconception: The Struggle to Control World Population by Matthew Connelly - A book review
Newsnight -
Amazing level of intellectual heft and experience brought to bear on this important subject. Well, from Mr. Porritt at least. So one of four non-blondes wasn't bad.
As I pour chocolate sauce over a profiterole, I am struck by the finite area of the globe as the brown stuff covers it.
Not that we are likely to get to full coverage, even with technology stacking us up as it sends our waste below (not too sure on where the feeding bits go...oh well).... I do believe the planet (which will persist well after we have gone) already is demonstrating corrective systems of its own.
Guardian - No kidding, BMJ - Points being made, and missed, in spades
Indy - No coercion in family planning - missed the original, sadly
Science Daily - courtesy of Dave from Solarventi - Population Policy Needed In Order To Combat Climate Change, Experts Argue - Sheesh, we Westerners certainly have an impact.
Indy Letters - More people than the planet can hold
Telegraph - Save the planet by cutting down on meat? That's just a load of bull - Pull out pin, lob... and duck
Indy - Some hints for saving the world - Or... just get the extremes agitated again
Times - Cassandra: stay childless and save the environment - My mute observations continue.
Times - EU and Green envy at China-style restrictions on family size
Times - Two children should be limit, says green guru - 416 comments. 'Nuff said.. well, obviously not.
BBC - Is it selfish to have more than two children?
Guardian - Cutting consumption is more important than limiting population
Guardian - NEW - Lack of water still kills
INFORMATION (cautions on objectivity)
optimumpopulation.org
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Respect where it is due
Revealed: The secrets of belly button fluff
Mr Barker has been collecting his own navel fluff in jars every day since 1984. The achievement has won him a place in the Guinness Book of Records for the world's largest collection of navel lint.
We have even gone so far as to keep the boys' hair trimmings (they and I get a two-monthly number 2 razor trim from the missus), and they are lustrous and may yet have a use (mine are a sad salt and pepper mix and we decided they had no value). But this is a step beyond.
Mr Barker has been collecting his own navel fluff in jars every day since 1984. The achievement has won him a place in the Guinness Book of Records for the world's largest collection of navel lint.
We have even gone so far as to keep the boys' hair trimmings (they and I get a two-monthly number 2 razor trim from the missus), and they are lustrous and may yet have a use (mine are a sad salt and pepper mix and we decided they had no value). But this is a step beyond.
EVENT - HR - Climate Change Event - Ross-on-Wye
With all due apologies to those not 'local'.
I know this is now a national, even internationally-read blog, so I hope putting the postcode in the title will suffice for now until I can figure a better system (which I think will need to be on the main site)
WHEN: March 4, 2-3.30PM
WHAT: Herefordshire Council Climate Change Event
WHERE: Ross Library (note for those in Hay, there are other venues & dates)
WHAT... MORE?: Antonia Fitch, Herefordshire Council's sustainability officer, says, 'No background knowledge of climate change is needed and we want people to share their own experiences about how the issues are affecting their own families. We are working hard to raise awareness of the issues but also want to hear directly from county residents so we can target our actions to meet what they need.
HOW MUCH: Free
URL: Courtesy of Wyenot.com
COMMENTS: I'll definitely try and attend.
I know this is now a national, even internationally-read blog, so I hope putting the postcode in the title will suffice for now until I can figure a better system (which I think will need to be on the main site)
WHEN: March 4, 2-3.30PM
WHAT: Herefordshire Council Climate Change Event
WHERE: Ross Library (note for those in Hay, there are other venues & dates)
WHAT... MORE?: Antonia Fitch, Herefordshire Council's sustainability officer, says, 'No background knowledge of climate change is needed and we want people to share their own experiences about how the issues are affecting their own families. We are working hard to raise awareness of the issues but also want to hear directly from county residents so we can target our actions to meet what they need.
HOW MUCH: Free
URL: Courtesy of Wyenot.com
COMMENTS: I'll definitely try and attend.
Friday, February 27, 2009
EVENT - HR - Herefordshire Greenlinks Public Event and Green Business Expo
WHEN: Tuesday 17 March 2009 7.30 pm - 10 pm
WHAT: Health, Wealth, and Green Living
WHERE: The Courtyard, Hereford
WHAT... MORE?: From the site:
Public Event & Greenlinks Exhibition
Come and join the 400 businesses, public, media, and panel of well known speakers
discussing innovative ways to beat the recession and develop a vibrant local economy.
After the panel speakers, the discussion groups will focus on the stand holders and speakers, giving opportunities for everyone to get to know a growing network of green businesses and enthusiastic supporters.
7:30 pm
Panel discussion and questions with:
Alistair Sawday, Sawday Publishing
Elaine Brook, Gaia Partnership & Greenlinks
Satish Kumar, Resurgence Magazine
Brigit Strawbridge, TV's 'Not Easy Being Green'
Stewart Walllis, New Economics Foundation
Bianca Madison, Celebrity health advisor
Geoff Hughes, Head of Regeneration, Herefordshire Council
8:40pm
Small-group discussions focused on stand-holders and speakers, with people moving on every 12 minutes to ensure maximum networking.
Emerging 'good ideas' will be posted on a giant banner above the stands
HOW MUCH: Main House Event £6 or £3 from Box Office 01432 340 555
URL: http://www.herefordshiregreenlinks.info/Latest/health-wealth-and-green-living.html
COMMENTS: I'll definitely try and attend. May even be seduced by a stand
WHAT: Health, Wealth, and Green Living
WHERE: The Courtyard, Hereford
WHAT... MORE?: From the site:
Public Event & Greenlinks Exhibition
Come and join the 400 businesses, public, media, and panel of well known speakers
discussing innovative ways to beat the recession and develop a vibrant local economy.
After the panel speakers, the discussion groups will focus on the stand holders and speakers, giving opportunities for everyone to get to know a growing network of green businesses and enthusiastic supporters.
7:30 pm
Panel discussion and questions with:
Alistair Sawday, Sawday Publishing
Elaine Brook, Gaia Partnership & Greenlinks
Satish Kumar, Resurgence Magazine
Brigit Strawbridge, TV's 'Not Easy Being Green'
Stewart Walllis, New Economics Foundation
Bianca Madison, Celebrity health advisor
Geoff Hughes, Head of Regeneration, Herefordshire Council
8:40pm
Small-group discussions focused on stand-holders and speakers, with people moving on every 12 minutes to ensure maximum networking.
Emerging 'good ideas' will be posted on a giant banner above the stands
HOW MUCH: Main House Event £6 or £3 from Box Office 01432 340 555
URL: http://www.herefordshiregreenlinks.info/Latest/health-wealth-and-green-living.html
COMMENTS: I'll definitely try and attend. May even be seduced by a stand
CATEGORY - DIRECTORY
Oh heck, I have tons in other places. Time to pull 'em together as they come up (or I get told).
Anyways, the list of thousands of sources of info starts with the first few links...
ecological-living.co.uk - NEW
greenprofs.com
Junkk diRE:ctory
UK - Postcode Dependent
HR -Herefordshire
herefordshiregreenlinks -
Anyways, the list of thousands of sources of info starts with the first few links...
ecological-living.co.uk - NEW
greenprofs.com
Junkk diRE:ctory
UK - Postcode Dependent
HR -Herefordshire
herefordshiregreenlinks -
Finding the energy
It came to me more targeted at 'energy professionals', but having clicked the link I see no harm in sharing here.
If any of you have expertise/experience of energy saving/renewable and low carbon energy technologies and can advise the households involved in the Big Energy Shift your input would be gratefully received. They have asked a load of questions which they would like people's views on.
It has a few links and pages some may value for info, or have the experience to contribute to.
Do love the current 'freeze frame' of Minister Ed Miliband on the home page. Not sure he would:)
If any of you have expertise/experience of energy saving/renewable and low carbon energy technologies and can advise the households involved in the Big Energy Shift your input would be gratefully received. They have asked a load of questions which they would like people's views on.
It has a few links and pages some may value for info, or have the experience to contribute to.
Do love the current 'freeze frame' of Minister Ed Miliband on the home page. Not sure he would:)
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Walk walk vs. talk talk
With all due apologies to Winston Churchill for the paraphrase.
I tend now to avoid getting into much about climate change (or whatever its incarnation du jour is), much less the man-made aspect.
It seems pretty clear that some odd things are going on, and mostly not good. As I am not so keen on bans, while I do see merit in sensible reductions, mitigations, etc, and ways to effect these.
But I am also a fan of pragmatism, so while there are many (in fact I'd say too many) who still seem to enjoy rearranging deckchairs on the Titanic whilst discussing the number of angels who can dance atop the head of a pin, I tend to get more exciting by things to do. Especially by way of contingencies should what is predicted by many take place.
Hence I, and possibly you dear reader, might find this report from the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, commissioned by Ch4, a worthy, if sobering read. Of course, as with all things, the spectre of 'The Two E's' is again a major elephant in the room.
I tend now to avoid getting into much about climate change (or whatever its incarnation du jour is), much less the man-made aspect.
It seems pretty clear that some odd things are going on, and mostly not good. As I am not so keen on bans, while I do see merit in sensible reductions, mitigations, etc, and ways to effect these.
But I am also a fan of pragmatism, so while there are many (in fact I'd say too many) who still seem to enjoy rearranging deckchairs on the Titanic whilst discussing the number of angels who can dance atop the head of a pin, I tend to get more exciting by things to do. Especially by way of contingencies should what is predicted by many take place.
Hence I, and possibly you dear reader, might find this report from the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, commissioned by Ch4, a worthy, if sobering read. Of course, as with all things, the spectre of 'The Two E's' is again a major elephant in the room.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Mushroom time again
Kept in the dark. Fed... well, in the cause of coming to a view, not much of use.
I remain dubious about nuclear for a variety of reasons, articulated before, but mainly for the ongoing lack of guarantees for what happens 'down the road'. Space 1999 and all that.
But I do concede that, if on the other hand we are facing more immediate peril from the consequences of our energy addictions currently met by burning fossil fuels, with growing populations and recovering economies we are in between a rock an a hard place.
I am not really in the mood, or of a mind to go into all that throws up here, but it is complex, and I if that were not enough of a worry given the evident competencies of our current 'leaderships', the selfish, careerist, money-driven short-termism shown so far suggests that some things are often seen as just alternatives, rather than as part of a time-buying strategy on the road to stability.
However, or maybe because of this, this worries me...
Pro-nuclear Green candidate faces axe
And it worries me because of the politics. We are in an era of either/or, black and white, all or nothing. Nuance is not an option. Especially in the politico-media establishment.
My frustrations with the, in theory 'democratic' political process is now almost total. I have no faith that anything I do via my MP matters any more. And much of this is because too often I see him 'told' how to vote for party reasons rather than any hint of representing my views, or what he sees as the good of the county and country he represents.
Now I can see how the views of these individuals can clash with that of the party, and indeed the manifesto it needs to stand behind in campaigning, but there strikes me as something worrying about that last phrase: “We will be taking appropriate measures.”
I remain dubious about nuclear for a variety of reasons, articulated before, but mainly for the ongoing lack of guarantees for what happens 'down the road'. Space 1999 and all that.
But I do concede that, if on the other hand we are facing more immediate peril from the consequences of our energy addictions currently met by burning fossil fuels, with growing populations and recovering economies we are in between a rock an a hard place.
I am not really in the mood, or of a mind to go into all that throws up here, but it is complex, and I if that were not enough of a worry given the evident competencies of our current 'leaderships', the selfish, careerist, money-driven short-termism shown so far suggests that some things are often seen as just alternatives, rather than as part of a time-buying strategy on the road to stability.
However, or maybe because of this, this worries me...
Pro-nuclear Green candidate faces axe
And it worries me because of the politics. We are in an era of either/or, black and white, all or nothing. Nuance is not an option. Especially in the politico-media establishment.
My frustrations with the, in theory 'democratic' political process is now almost total. I have no faith that anything I do via my MP matters any more. And much of this is because too often I see him 'told' how to vote for party reasons rather than any hint of representing my views, or what he sees as the good of the county and country he represents.
Now I can see how the views of these individuals can clash with that of the party, and indeed the manifesto it needs to stand behind in campaigning, but there strikes me as something worrying about that last phrase: “We will be taking appropriate measures.”
The THREE E's, again?
An interesting piece that at first blush is more concerned with my 'Two E' dilemma, namely economics 'vs.' environment.
However, a third is worked in, namely electricity. With a hue of greencloaking around too, perhaps.
Don’t let’s fall for all these ‘green’ credentials
What is interesting is how little is devoted to enviROI still. Even by the author. I have lost count of the number of puff pieces with some mic-toting moppet gushing that these things do not create emissions.
Personally I think there is great merit in pursuing electricity as a power option for vehicles. But it has to be done in concert with a realisation, and acceptance that until the method of electricity generation is developed in complement, they can hardly be deemed to be 'green'. 'Greener', perhaps, at least in some aspects, such as localised pollution (though it still ends up in the air elsewhere), hence the value even now in certain applications. Just... so long it is not just to tick a box somewhere that has little bearing on my kids' futures and more on meeting targets, propping up constituency votes, delivering to lobbyists or scoring a bonus.
Plus, as the comments show, there is also this rather unseemly, and uncritical rush to support anything that slaps a green sticker on it. I watch the BBC report on this, and came away thinking it a tad churlish to turn them down.
Now I read the fuller facts, and that there are already niche players well entrenched to tackle such markets as can be gained, there is different picture emerging. Especially to me as a taxpayer, and environmentally-concerned one at that.
However, a third is worked in, namely electricity. With a hue of greencloaking around too, perhaps.
Don’t let’s fall for all these ‘green’ credentials
What is interesting is how little is devoted to enviROI still. Even by the author. I have lost count of the number of puff pieces with some mic-toting moppet gushing that these things do not create emissions.
Personally I think there is great merit in pursuing electricity as a power option for vehicles. But it has to be done in concert with a realisation, and acceptance that until the method of electricity generation is developed in complement, they can hardly be deemed to be 'green'. 'Greener', perhaps, at least in some aspects, such as localised pollution (though it still ends up in the air elsewhere), hence the value even now in certain applications. Just... so long it is not just to tick a box somewhere that has little bearing on my kids' futures and more on meeting targets, propping up constituency votes, delivering to lobbyists or scoring a bonus.
Plus, as the comments show, there is also this rather unseemly, and uncritical rush to support anything that slaps a green sticker on it. I watch the BBC report on this, and came away thinking it a tad churlish to turn them down.
Now I read the fuller facts, and that there are already niche players well entrenched to tackle such markets as can be gained, there is different picture emerging. Especially to me as a taxpayer, and environmentally-concerned one at that.
Monday, February 23, 2009
It's good to share
As does the author, so do I...
Around the world with Richard Branson in eight days: jetlagged in Sydney
I leave you, dear reader, to draw your own conclusions. Especially when the next dodgy eco-adventure is given lots of lovely PR by way of 'mitigation'.
I wonder who else was on board... in every sense of the word?
Around the world with Richard Branson in eight days: jetlagged in Sydney
I leave you, dear reader, to draw your own conclusions. Especially when the next dodgy eco-adventure is given lots of lovely PR by way of 'mitigation'.
I wonder who else was on board... in every sense of the word?
Good news for once?
Well, I think that this bit of research, reported in the Chicago Tribune, which indicates a potentially major breakthrough against one of mankind's longest established and most effective killers, influenza, probably is just so. The newly developed monoclonal antibody even appears to be effective against H5N1 (that's the much touted, very scary bird flu, for those of you that have forgotten about it).
OK, so it has only been tested on mice so far, but isn't it a little odd that the UK press appears not even to have spotted this?
Ohhh, silly me. Alongside the likes of global warming, the credit crunch, global recession, wars, food shortages, etc. etc., it would have to be regarded as good news, wouldn't it.
Maybe I'm being a little hasty and overtly critical, as I've just spotted that it HAS been mentioned in the Express ('Wonder jab to cure all flu') and the Telegraph ('Flu Vaccine Breakthrough') [though technically, it is not a vaccine].
OK, so it has only been tested on mice so far, but isn't it a little odd that the UK press appears not even to have spotted this?
Ohhh, silly me. Alongside the likes of global warming, the credit crunch, global recession, wars, food shortages, etc. etc., it would have to be regarded as good news, wouldn't it.
Maybe I'm being a little hasty and overtly critical, as I've just spotted that it HAS been mentioned in the Express ('Wonder jab to cure all flu') and the Telegraph ('Flu Vaccine Breakthrough') [though technically, it is not a vaccine].
The rise of the rest
I actually don't think of other countries as 'the rest', but this is an interesting set of stats, especially if you consider the enviro-impacts.
Rise of the Rest - Futuresgroup.wordpress.com
Mind you, it's good our PM is concerned about Mrs. Tweed, nee Goody, as a matter of priority.
Rise of the Rest - Futuresgroup.wordpress.com
Mind you, it's good our PM is concerned about Mrs. Tweed, nee Goody, as a matter of priority.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Packing 'em in
I just got back last night from a two-day trip to an intellectual property conference in Glasgow.
And it was one to which I had been invited to as a speaker. The roller-coaster ride that is RE:tie was and still is deemed to be an interesting study. And this time it was in the awesome, but imposing setting of the University's stunning Bute Hall.
Mostly pretty high-end legal stuff which was waaaay over my head, but some useful material which I'll share here for budding researchers and/or inventors. One of my points was that those who 'create' are often not that well served by the highly necessary complementary business aspects to get to sustainable models, and that is often down to not knowing about a lot that is in fact out there for free.
For instance, a speaker from the IPO shared these latest, and highly useful IP tools on their site:
Lambert Agreements - http://www.innovation.gov.uk/lambertagreements/
Gowers Review - http://www.ipo.gov.uk/licensingbooklet.pdf
Patent Licensing - http://www.ipo.gov.uk/licensingbooklet.pdf
IP Healthcheck - http://www.ipo.gov.uk/iphealthcheck - worth doing!
Meanwhile another speaker, from the British Library, shared this:
Business & IP Centre - http://www.bl.uk/bipc/
Plus the fact that they really do have an awful lot of information available that one might not realise is there to be had. For instance, I have been staring at a price of £1200 for a report on the packaging market for bottle caps, and wishing I could have a look. Seems that, via the Library, I may be able to just that! For nothing.
And then, in the course of some spirited discussion between podium and floor, I ended up with some key offers of direct help which I am hoping will prove highly valuable.
One little bit of Kismet was that the very day I spoke the news media were alive with top stories about packaging, and manufacturers and retailers were not coming out well and/or struggling to find and share solutions, and certainly few that would be deemed positive in a consumer sense.
As I was there I missed them, but have had a quick trawl to try and capture a few. They did not hurt my advocacy for Junkk.com or the cause of RE:tie, a redesign that turns grams of plastic from litter or landfill... to reuse.
Telegraph - 'Excessive' supermarket packaging is leading to higher council tax bills
Examples included Britvic saving 1,670 tons of plastic a year by redesigning Robinsons squash bottles
Telegraph - M&S bottom of packaging recycling list - Time for Plan, er... reuse?
Telegraph - There is a Plan B - with a link to a comment I made a while ago! One of ... two so far, even with the revisit.
Telegraph - Packaging 'sinks Marks & Spencer green bid' - Not a headline I fancy they will appreciate. To be fair, and the MSM seem hardly capable of this when a good headline beckons, the last para does suggest 'M&S disputed the research, which looked at 29 of their 5,500 products, and said 91 per cent of their food packaging could be recycled.' Might have been worth a follow-up to check? Or... moving on.
Telegraph - M&S worst supermarket in green report - Archive stuff, but when you end up bottom I guess that is what gets focused upon. Especially if you make some big claims that seem poorly borne out in fact.
Times - Supermarkets fail to shine in packaging study to find the greenest of them all - Interesting that they single out Waitrose instead. It is worth noting the first comment that councils, or rather the national policies, are by no means helping.
Indy - Pay packaging recycling costs, stores told - Just so's we're clear: when they pay... we pay.
Guardian - Supermarkets' excessive packaging exposed by survey - I'm surprised there was not more comment.
Packaging News - Supermarket 'excess packaging' report dismissed as "nonsense"
Packaging News - Retailers fight back as media storm erupts over 'excess packaging'
Packaging News - Soap Box: packaging's public image
Packaging News - The LGA's 'War on Waste': a response
An industry response that is, as might be expected.. 'robust'. But before we go all Mandy Rice Davis WeTWoST (Well, They Would Say That), read some of the responses. Not sure any MSM types did, especially on broadcast. Lots of emotive, and illogical, vox pops supported by often rather conveniently forgetful 'experts' with axes to grind and targets to meet. It IS all vastly more complex and serving the public ill to pretend otherwise.
'..a constructive debate about packaging in the media.'
Bless. When there are agendas to push, ratings to drive and targets to meet, I have long since given up on anything well researched and/or objective from the MSM, complicit at the hands of those who are happy to use their less than challenging reporting abilities to push press releases out as stories.
And I am a green campaigner!
My frustration lies in that all too often the cause of actual overall reductions (waste, emissions, etc... that I categorise under enviROI) is poorly served. Also there can be a highly negative, and damaging backlash if these 'messengers' have their messages shown to be poorly thought through or, worse, often more in the cause of their own self-interest.
Fool the public once, shame on you...
The ever worthwhile Almost Mrs. Average has a balanced, consumer-centric take... Recycling Blame
The public... is not daft.
But is it...
Ethical Man is reborn
Like the last one, I'll probably value some of the information, but I suspect the overall message will crank an eyebrow as various aspects are 'cherry picked' and just as casually dropped later as part of the 'enhanced narrative'.
Ethical Man Project
Facebook Group
Twitter
Blog
Can't wait. Even aspects of the first sentence starts my eyebrow quivering... '..buy a hybrid car'.
Then of course there was what got done for the story, and what happened in fact...
'We stopped flying,'
But he didn't. He flew to Jamaica to 'report' on energy saving bulbs. And the family may have had a year out camping, and very nice too, but I very much doubt when it was all over there was not the odd ski trip with the rest of the BBC school break crew subsequently.
'..got rid of the car'
Not sure that's quite a fair representation. They sold their car to a friend on the basis they could use it when required, and/or rented.
Plus of course all that goes on behind the camera to make what is in front look slick.
And finally... and again... when it's all over then what? Fly back and take a nice holiday?
Looking at the comments so far (I have refrained), it is already shaping up as pretty polarised with, I am surprised to note, a large chunk not best impressed. Not sure this is working out as well as it might for the message, though the messeners look liek they'll be having some fun. It's a journey I'd love to do one day.
Like the last one, I'll probably value some of the information, but I suspect the overall message will crank an eyebrow as various aspects are 'cherry picked' and just as casually dropped later as part of the 'enhanced narrative'.
Ethical Man Project
Facebook Group
Blog
Can't wait. Even aspects of the first sentence starts my eyebrow quivering... '..buy a hybrid car'.
Then of course there was what got done for the story, and what happened in fact...
'We stopped flying,'
But he didn't. He flew to Jamaica to 'report' on energy saving bulbs. And the family may have had a year out camping, and very nice too, but I very much doubt when it was all over there was not the odd ski trip with the rest of the BBC school break crew subsequently.
'..got rid of the car'
Not sure that's quite a fair representation. They sold their car to a friend on the basis they could use it when required, and/or rented.
Plus of course all that goes on behind the camera to make what is in front look slick.
And finally... and again... when it's all over then what? Fly back and take a nice holiday?
Looking at the comments so far (I have refrained), it is already shaping up as pretty polarised with, I am surprised to note, a large chunk not best impressed. Not sure this is working out as well as it might for the message, though the messeners look liek they'll be having some fun. It's a journey I'd love to do one day.
I'll drink to that!
Buddhist temple built out of one million beer bottles
Now, imagine if, instead of recycling to box-ticking 'waste mountains', this effort was coordinated in the direction of reuse, and complemented by designed-in second-use materials.
Now, imagine if, instead of recycling to box-ticking 'waste mountains', this effort was coordinated in the direction of reuse, and complemented by designed-in second-use materials.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Up to our necks in sh*t?
Not in the future, according to this from BusinessGreen, as manure can readily be turned in methane using anaerobic digestors, which can then be burned to create electricity, or converted into a feed-stock for biofuels.
"Anaerobic digestors work like small-scale landfill sites, trapping methane from waste organic matter, such as slurry, manure and food waste, that can then be burnt off to produce heat and electricity or converted into biofuel, while also producing a nutrient rich digestate that can be used as a fertiliser."
"This material could produce enough heat and power to run more than two million homes, helping to prevent dangerous climate change by providing a renewable energy source as well as reducing our reliance on landfill."
So there you have it - even cow manure could become a renewable energy source!
"Anaerobic digestors work like small-scale landfill sites, trapping methane from waste organic matter, such as slurry, manure and food waste, that can then be burnt off to produce heat and electricity or converted into biofuel, while also producing a nutrient rich digestate that can be used as a fertiliser."
"This material could produce enough heat and power to run more than two million homes, helping to prevent dangerous climate change by providing a renewable energy source as well as reducing our reliance on landfill."
So there you have it - even cow manure could become a renewable energy source!
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