COMPETITION - the engineer awards

WHEN: Deadline July 17 (this Friday:(
WHAT: The Engineer Technology & Innovation Awards
WHAT... MORE?: From blurb: There is no more important piece of the innovation jigsaw than the collaborative links between the UK’s businesses and universities.
The Engineer Technology & Innovation Awards 2009 will recognise and reward outstanding examples of that co-operation. With awards in eight categories spanning the key sectors of engineering and technology. Companies and universities are equally eligible to nominate their collaborative projects. An expert panel of judges will assess the entries against the key criteria that will be used to draw up the short-list in each category. These will include: the degree of technical innovation involved in the entry; the value added to the entry through the collaboration between academic and commercial partners; the actual or potential impact of the entry on its market or end-users.
HOW MUCH: Looks FREE!!!
URL: theengineerawards.co.uk
COMMENTS: Ah well; nothing ventured... the RE:tie and our work with BCU JIIC on prototyping should count.

CATEGORY - THE INCREDIBLE BULK

I see merits, and hence opportunities, in bulk buying.

I even have a few ideas of my own.

Hence I think a category is in order.

Artciles

WRAP - Retail Trials Could Signal a 'Reusables Revolution'

It even has my favourite RE:word in it!

Info

I only know a little about 'green', but I know what I prefer

I have nothing against 'awareness', so long as it has a decent enviROI+.

And hence much that is 'art' can and does qualify.

However, there is still a lot that can get the eyebrow cranking a tad...

Can an artist's wheatfield in Hackney switch the mood on climate change?

COMPETITION - The Manchester Report

WHEN: Deadline May 29
WHAT: The Manchester Report
WHAT... MORE?: Manchester International Festival and the Guardian invite submissions for innovative schemes to help tackle climate change. All types of schemes will be considered: technological, scientific and behaviour-changing.
HOW MUCH: FREE!!!
URL: http://www.mif.co.uk/events/the-manchester-report/
COMMENTS: Getting a little jaded with the disconnect between what these efforts often claim to be seeking, and what they end up awarding, but might be worth a few hours as it's free.

Addendum:

And the winners are... well, not us, sadly. Actually, looking at it, it may not be winners but a shortlist. I think. It's not awfully well laid out...or clear.

Hair shirts and thinking caps - Not exactly easy to find either

Addendum 2:

Found 'em!

The age old dilemma bites

Watching the BBC paper headlines today.

And there was much play on the fuel poverty aspects of a suggested £200 excess to meet green energy obligations.

Now, the piece in question was rather undermined by the featured family seemingly telling their kids there was no food on the table 'cos of 'leccy costs, yet apparently much of this juice was there to power the Nintendo Wii they were sadly playing with. Interesting priorities.

But there's no getting round the fact that this is quite a hike, and again pits economy vs. environment against each other big time, and at an individual level.

Beyond all the other arguments, as one who does read perhaps more than many, my issue is where the heck this money is actually going to. If it is to decent enviROI+ projects that help in the future then fine, but if it is more pork barrel box-ticking, target-meeting impositions that mainly goes into pols pet projects and subsidised EU projects' green holes, then no, I am not happy either.

It's a shame we can't harness the power of blame

Councils blame supermarkets for £1.8bn cost of excess packaging

I hold no candle for the supermarkets (lord knows, they have not made my, or Junkk.com's life very easy with their arrogant, money-grubbing ways), but 'they' seem to have become a very convenient whipping entity for failings across the whole system, from the time a product's raw materials are dug up from to when they are returned to the ground.

At the end of the day, as it is with 99.99999% of life, it is about money. Spend the least you get get away with, and make the most. From the individual to the corporation to the establishment.

All complicated by 'systems' that have evolved over decades if not centuries, and which only now are being required to make radical adjustments. And as most will appreciate, with complex systems a tweak here can have 'consequences' there.

It's interesting to ponder what a supermarket publishing the amount of packaging they produce will do to help me with my decisions. Or what goes in my bin. The stuff is either necessary, or it is not. And seemingly ignores the brands whose products sit upon those shelves too. Not all in my basket is own label.

It seems quite simple, and that is an attempt to push costs from one place to another. But at the end of the day if it goes from my rate demand to my shopping bill the same person ends up paying.

Now, if there is a way for me to influence what I pay downwards via decisions based on packaging impositions then I can see a glimmer of an end-benefit and hence value. But until there is a properly coordinated cradle to grave packaging materials creation/disposal system this mostly smacks of box-ticking and target-meeting to help public servants in LAs and quangos drive bonuses their way.

For something that costs the consuming public nothing, and then goes on to save both pocket and planet in a small way, may I commend Junkk.com to those who would like to do something proactive as others bicker.

It even offers rewards with a competition for neat reuse ideas on plastic at the moment!

PR COVERAGE - every little bit helps sign ups

An old friend gained some nice coverage recently.

And, in so doing, kindly mentioned Junkk.com.

What is amazing is the sheer number of sign-ups we got as a consequence, with a few kindly taking the trouble to write in with some nice words.

Interesting to note that our benefactress' company, Greenhaus, has also the same name as my missus' band. Small world.

You gotta larf

Green becomes the new black for luxury firms

Green luxury... an oxymoron of our time.

An Englishman's Home... Can Be Greener?

Cheap ‘green mortgages’ to foster energy-saving homes

This sounds good.

However, grants, subsidies and other means of helping folk go greener do have an odd way of vanishing as fast as the PR of their announcement has faded.

We'll see.

And a side order of polystyrene..

I remain concerned what plastics biodegrade to, but...

Irish scientist invents a way to recycle plastic

Hence I am unclear as to how this counts as recycling.

You may as well just burn it.

However, as I understand the piece there is one reuse, which I guess is a plus.

But I am also old enough to remember an episode of 'Doomwatch' where all the world's plastic dissolved.

Light not so fantastic? - but then there's 'Bulb Barter'

Caption: The JunkkMale household 'stash' - mostly for bayonet fittings, which we have few of.

A lightbulb went off in my head when I read this:

Low energy lightbulbs mailed to British families that cannot use them

Initially of course, I was simply appalled at how something so potentially worthy could be so mismanaged and/or abused, but then I read this: '..they have often had screw fittings that cannot be used in the bayonet sockets found in most British homes.'

It doesn't get around the 'ugly' issue (not major in this household as the bulbs are usually within a shade), but it occurs to me that it might be worth trying to set up localised (and who better than Junkk.com, with its postcode localisation system to enable people nearby to connect) system I'd tentatively call the 'Bulb Barter'.

Simply put, a place where you drop buy to exchange a bulb you can't use for one you can.

And I think I know juts the folks here in Ross to help me kick it off.

Watch this space. If it works, maybe a better, more proactive national programme than the latest Planet Ban-it?

CATEGORY - Eco Funerals

ARTICLES

Times - Making environmentally-friendly coffins from Jute

INFORMATION

BBC Green -

More links below.

SUPPLIERS

Coffins

coffins.co.uk - NEW

CATEGORY - WAVE & TIDAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

They are different, but related.

ARTICLES

Junkk - Issues pertaining to the Severn Barrage

Guardian - Second generation tidal turbines promise cheaper power

Guardian - Harnessing wave power - Lots of moving parts to maintain in a hostile environment, but still better than some; hope it works.

Telegraph Letters - NEW - Tidal turbines would see none of the local opposition that wind power provokes - Some interesting points

INFORMATION

eyeforenergy.com - covers a broad church

YouTube - Green DIY Riding radical wave power - Note the related vids

tidaltoday.com - PR, E&EO, as just in from the editor:

I know you’re interested Wave Energy and have requested info from Wave Energy Today. I wanted to let you know that Tidal Today, a sister of Wave Energy Today, has just launched our brand new website & newsletter.

This site is dedicated to the latest news, opinions, press releases and blogs relating to everything tidal.

We created the new social website with dedicated tidal news including R&D updates, funding breakthroughs, legislative developments, and environmental concerns that affect everyone who wants to play a part in delivering future Tidal Energy.

And the best part is that you can contribute too! Be a part of the online tidal community and have your voice heard. Sign up for your own Tidal Today account and start blogging.

waveenergytoday -

CATEGORY - Bees

They are concern, important and are cropping up. Hence this category.

Articles (note BEES link to further ones on this blog in 'Labels' below)

Guardian - Why bees are the most invaluable species

Info

PR from DEFRA (E&EO):

BEEKEEPERS BUZZING AS MORE REGISTER ON NATIONAL DATABASE

The number of beekeepers has grown over the last year, according to the National Bee Unit, which runs BeeBase, the national beekeepers’ database.

More than 1,500 new beekeepers have registered on BeeBase this year and much of this has been attributed to the increased publicity on bee health, leading to more people donning bee suits and picking up smokers for the first time.

Bee health Minister Lord Davies [no, really - Ed] said:

“This is great news – more beekeepers are registering on BeeBase. This entitles them to the free inspection service offered by the National Bee Unit and ensures that they are able to keep up to date on disease developments.

“It is encouraging that more people appear to be taking up beekeeping and taking up bee health training opportunities. By working with all beekeepers we can collaborate to improve bee health.”

The BeeBase database was constructed in 1991 and made live in 1992. It holds data on all the inspections made by staff of the NBU as well as laboratory samples submitted by beekeepers. BeeBase allows beekeepers to access their own apiary, diagnostic histories and details over the web. It also provides information on the functional activities of the NBU, legislation, pests and diseases including their recognition and control, interactive maps, current research areas, publications, advisory leaflets and key contacts. The database also allows beekeepers to request a free apiary visit from a local inspector who will provide help and advice.

More information on the National Been Unit is available at www.nationalbeeunit.com,
(won't work - try this: http://www.nationalbeeunit.com/) and the Government’s Healthy Bees plan can be found here.

A little less e-spam might help

I'm forwarding a forward.

It looks kosher. And considering the current 'fun & games' with accessing our mobiles, maybe a good idea:

You may already have heard about this but early next week all UK mobiles will be on a directory which will mean that anyone will be able to access your numbers. It’s easy to unsubscribe but it must be done before the beginning of next week to make sure that you are ex-directory. You may want to suggest it to all your friends and family who have UK mobiles or they could be swamped by unsolicited messages and calls. Removal is recommended by the BBC

To remove your number click on the link below, you need your mobile phone with you to do this as they text you a code

1, http://www.118800.co.uk/

2, Click on ‘Ex Directory’ at top right hand side of page, from there it’s straight forward.

ps: Just tried it and it's 'down'. Sort of typical, really. Probably all of us trying to go ex-Directory. Maybe an extension is in order?

CATEGORY - Carbon Offsetting (Trading)

I know I discussed this recently elsewhere, but while I search for that to add the topic deserves its own category.

And I know they are different, but as they are most surely related, I lump offsetting and trading here (for now, until they need splitting)

Telegraph - Offsetting your carbon is 'confusing' - at the very least
Reuters - Carbon offset schemes "confusing" - seeing a trend?
Indy - The great carbon con: Can offsetting really help to save the planet? - I recall Sting copping it even then, but he was really a celeb ahead of his time.
Indy Letters - replies to above
Indy letters - more - Reply from Rainforest Alliance
Greenbang - Carbon trading ‘paid for by small business, car users’ - 'So, how do you feel about that Mr. Public? Or may I call you Joe?"
Guardian - Europe's vital step to make carbon markets work - The commenter who made the point about the small war next door might be nearer the mark for now.
Guardian - Can carbon offsetting ever be truly green?
Guardian - A permit to print money - Quite spoils my Friday
Guardian - Carbon trading may be the new sub-prime, says energy boss - Another Friday, and guess what? The phrase 'sub-prime' does not inspire optimism.
Guardian - An environmental market
Which? - Has this online link, but the July '09 magazine has a special feature: 'Which way to reduce your carbon footprint' - where they investigate current schemes... and their claims.
Guardian - NEW - Should we care about the UK's place in plastic bag league tables?
I am with George on this one though, having raised some concerns initially (which I still have, especially on the enviROI of alternatives, more on the consequences of biodegradation than reuse options - too big to go into here) as it stands I am erring on the publicity being basically helpful in shaping public actions.

That said, in matters green I usually view targets and tables a short route to all sorts of pointless and unhelpful consequences, and if box-tickers get involved lord help the planet.

Now I notice an Oz town has now become, Modbury-like, 'the first' to ban bottled water. So, who next will get to be a ban-twin town with Boondoggle or whatever it is, and blow any benefits sending the mayor out Business Class to shake hands with half of Fleet Street and the BBC's Ethical man along for the flight?

Not sure the two are quite equivalent, so how this one might radiate will be interesting. Having lived in Asia, if it works its way to here organically country by country then I rather fear it may have unwelcome consequences as those at the top impose a ban-wagon on those less able to afford it in many countries between here and there.

Honestly, I am not in favour of bans or fines, and am happy that my half dozen hemp efforts seem to get noticed and appreciated at the check-out and might even score me some points at a reward-motivating outlet.

I also appreciate the odd plastic for meats and frozens, which I then find good reuses for around the home.

RE:VIEW - Green Cone - Talking Rot

A wee while ago I had a press release on this item, leading to my taking an interest.

Well, I am glad to say it has now arrived to test, and this will form the start of an ongoing review.

Weather permitting (I am total woos when it comes to digging in the garden in anything bar sunshine) this weekend it will get installed.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Speaking of sunshine, having read the instructions this presents a slight complication, in that the unit needs to be in a location that gets as much sun as possible. Fair enough technically (I'll share the way it works later), but the way the sun arcs over my garden this limits options. And as I pop out now to have a gander and a ponder, I am going to have to weigh a few issues.

Despite assurances on the safety of the results on the decomposition going into the ground, outside protection in from animals and inside out from flies, it would really be preferred by all in the family further away from the main home (the composters are all at the end of the garden under/behind some trees... not an option here now. Which is a pity as that would make the 'top-up' runs more convenient).

There's also the not small matter of the image it presents, especially as the sunny bits tend to be in view of where we look more often. It's not small (you can get a sense of size as it sits next to its box from the small boy peeking out - at least my sons proved the adage about packaging... and found a second use!), but not ugly.

The trick will be to find that combination of distance, exposure, suitable ground (that's a fair hole to dig, and it needs good drainage below) and screening.

Let me pop the next heading here and I'll report soon. With more pictures!

INSTALLATION

Not a great start. Having scouted the optimal sunlight location, it is pretty much going to be at the SW corner of the house. OK, maybe we can live with that. So I start excavating away. Now this baby needs to sit in a fairly deep hole to do its job and not let in the nasties, so the spade is flying. Crunch! I have now discovered the drainage pipe from the downpipes on the South wall, which joins the sewer line I know runs across from a manhole to another manhole at right angles across the back of the house. Unfortunately I have broken the pipe with my spade. Junkk.com to the rescue! A patch will be made and affixed. So.. a learning tip: before digging a hole try and know what's down there (not that I could). Trouble is, I don't think this location will now do. Problem is... where else? I fear the next option will be good for about 3 hrs sunlight tops... on a good day.

Addendum - 05/04/08

Learn more about the related issues to do with composting here. I should point to the cautions on fungal spores that have been raised. In checking with Green Cone, the rather curt reply was that it 'should not be a problem'.

Addendum - 10/07/09

Just had an interesting conversation with the Green Cone Co's new PR lady, and this has reminded me to update this re:view.

In the end I decided to stay with the location I'd found, as it is really the only point with a fair chance of sunlight, which seems pretty key to the decomposition process.

Speaking of which, we got chatting on this aspect. If there is a chicken carcase in there, that is really no different to burying a corpse surely? And it's not 6' down. Perhaps not an issue in a country garden (albeit near the house... too near for the missus) with some acres to 'absorb' the soup (too much CSI), but I do wonder if there is a minimum volume required to handle the resulting waste via the basket.

I say volume because on top of area there is depth, and from this we got on to a smaller version, and if it could be used on a rooftop planter in a city flat, for instance. I know there are hibachis (or is that a BBQ grill?) that seem OK, so maybe.

She has promised to come back with a few answers, including my ongoing concern on fungal spores, and I'll update as and when.

Making A Statement

Bearing in mind how 'green' our banks like to claim they are, I am sure there is a good reason for this. If so, I would love to know what it is.

I am more chilled about paper than many examples of waste, but this seems quite bizarre: they create an extra page to tell you that they are not using it on purpose?

Junkk - PLASTIC/BOTTLED WATER

This* came a while ago and was discussed here: DON'T LEAVE BOTTLED DRINKS IN CARS

I have now changed it from a Prof's Poser to a CATEGORY, as it is topical, ongoing and certainly contentious.

Note: new update added below

As you'll gather, there was some debate and obviously still some more to come. As I promised at the time, it's too important not to kee on top of. So I am. And share more in the ADDENDUM as they arrive (see end).

*With the really warm weather just around the corner [it came from Singapore], please read, if there's even a slight chance, and share with all the gal-pals.

Stop drinking that water left or stored in the car!! This is how Sheryl Crow got breast cancer. She was on the Ellen show and she said this same exact thing. So please be very careful, ladies. Drinking Bottled Water Kept in Car.... A friend whose mother recently got diagnosed with breast cancer. The doctor told her: women should not drink bottled water that has been left in a car.

The doctor said that the heat and the plastic of the bottle have certain chemicals that can lead to breast cancer. So please be careful! Do not drink that water bottle that has been left in a car. Pass this on to all the women in your life. This information is the kind we need to know and be aware and just might save us!!!! The heat causes toxins from the plastic to leak into the water and scientists have found these toxins in breast tissue. Use a stainless steel canteen or a glass bottle when you can!!!

I don't know. It seems credible, but also astounding if true, if only on a Food Standards basis. I guess it struck a chord as we have several in our car from ages ago (and I presume juice and fizzies are even worse for their corrosive actions).

Anyone? I am, of course, now off on a(nother) mission to find out.

ADDENDUM -

Grist - More info

Food Navigator -Back to tap: bottled water's enviro-woes - An industry view

Times - Number of genital defects on rise - Just when you thought it was safe to drink the bottled water. Another media scare story with as much on one side to say 'Yay' as there is on the other to say 'Nay'. I'd err on caution & limit the number of reuses, but don't get to freaked yet.

ENN - Polycarbonate Bottles unsafe for hot liquids - I'd say avoid the things if you can

Grist - Use the Force: Lukewarm - And certainly with hot liquids!

Daily Mail - We throw away ten billion bottles a year; we have GOT to think again, says environment minister - The DM... who'd have thunk?

PRW - Bottled water industry faces growing eco pressures

Indy - Should restaurateurs charge for tap water?

Times - AA Gill at Waterhouse - an odd, but interesting take in a food review

BeverageDaily - 'Ethical' water brands may boost flagging UK sales

Grist - Flex and Effects - plastic bottles and BPA - not sure that 'stop using a fundamental aspect of modern life, that is still legal and approved, is quite the kick-off to start with. This seesm to be the new mantra for the shop fresh/local brigade, who are worthy but seem to have a lot more money and time on their hands than most.

Plastics News - Are industry-funded studies biased?

Plastics News - Consumerist on degradable water bottles

FoodProductionDaily - Regulator confirms safety of BPA for use in food packaging

Gaurdian - We have a drinking problem, and it makes oil seem cheap - 'Come on: more of it is being sold than beer - you and I know that can't be right.' An interesting statement; even ignoring the health implications I wonder hwo many litres of water are consumed 'making' a pint of beer vs. a pint of water?

Foodanddrink - Which? survey adds to bottled water woes

Guardian - Packaging chemical linked to greater risk of diseases - Again, caution all round. Don't take risks, but also don't freak out.

Indy - Bottled water sales starting to run dry

BBC - NEW - Australia town bans bottled water - It will be interesting to see if this evolves in the same way as the plastic bag campaign. Our family doesn't use much, if any, as in this country the alternative is cheaper and just as good. That said, there always seems to be a bottle lurking in the car or bought around town to walk with. So I wonder if this might be a Planet Ban-it that will end up distracting from more pressing issues. That a small town in Oz gets the full UK media treatment seems... odd. I concede many of the arguments against, but in the global society (some not blessed with quality on tap) this might be a 'careful what you wish for'. Frankly I'd prefer a town to ban paying water utility bonus payments until he vast waste through leaks is addressed.

It's a gas, gas, gas... gasbag

Talk talk vs. walk walk.

British Gas ad campaign attacks EDF Energy's 'Green Britain Day'

And I suspect all they have now done is highlight where they are both failing.

For the rest, there are always genuine green energy suppliers (but do challenge the claims as some can be equally 'optimistic' on how they get it).

Lovely Meter, Water Aid

Just got our latest water bill.

Actually, a refund of £166!

Now, some of that may well be down to the DD being too high, but when our water meter was installed, it was even then lowered from what it had been, as it was based on the house rateable value

This all might change as newly-teenage sons discover girls and soap, but for now I am basking in both eco and fiscal glory.

Voltaire Revolution Power - VRP

A new 'bon mot' & Acronym.

Voltaire rather famously coined (or, depending on your source, is mostly attributed as having done so - no time to dig deeper for now; frankly it seems odd such a famous quote is not better documented) the phrase that best describes the core root of a civilised democratic society: "I do not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."

I therefore find it interesting, if a little sad, when some, and often the noisily libertarian-claiming entities, kind of miss the irony of a stance that really would generate a lot of power if M. Voltaire was connected up in his grave to a generator:

England's pork barrel politics is paying for airlines to burn the planet

Any readers new to this process will note that this thread has some interesting characteristics:

a. very few of the responses deal with the substance of the article.

b. a large number of them concern the class or other characteristics of the author, rather than anything he has to say.

c. many of them concentrate on seeking to dismiss an issue which was not the central theme of the article but nevertheless informs it: climate change.

You might wonder what on earth is going on. You are not the only one.

Is it really too much to ask that we might have an informed debate about the issues raised here, none of which are trivial: namely the absence of democracy in England, the role of the RDAs and the revelation that taxpayers' money has been used to subsidise damaging activities that the government claims to have left to the free market?

Or are we going to allow these threads to be dominated by astroturfers?

OK, he's miffed. And has some right to be. There are clearly trolls simply there to wind him, and those who agree with him, up. But I fear in reacting as he has, and writing in this way, he has also undermined much of the authority he would seek to claim.

07 Jul 09, 8:36am

I am always intrigued by the use of the words 'we' and 'you' in an open blog, especially when the former is combined with 'allow'.

I'd suggest letting folks' arguments succeed or fail on their merits, or lack of.

Some are still able to make up their own minds without being 'assisted'.

That said, I tend to agree with the rest of the sentiments.

Readers of this blog will know that I have a real issue with 'them' and us' at the best of times, and especially when I find myself rolled up into someone's claim to speak or act for me when they clearly might not.

And, logically, other than venting, on an open blog I would love to hear how Mr. Monbiot proposes that 'he/they' do not 'allow' comment 'they' do not happen to like from some vagauely ill-defined 'others' in future.

'First came the trolls, and I moderated.
Then came for the astroturfers, and I moderated.
Then came those who simply disagreed with me, and I moderated.
Finally, when I had moderated all bar myself, there was no one left to read my blog.'

Paraphrased in honour of another key quote - unarguably attributed - regarding freedoms of speech.

At best pointless. At worst, a slippery path.

Quango!

Q&A: the row over quangos

Mr Brown had been against them, despite reports that 70 had been set up during his time in office.

Reports????! You mean, they don't know? I'd say that makes any critique a QED.

enviROI dot guv dot not

Mixed results for green IT goals

In view of the squillions of public funding pumped into comms efforts and initiatives, it is hard not to be more than a tad depressed by: 'A majority of public sector employees do not know about environmentally friendly IT targets set out in government's Greening ICT Strategy.'

Soapboxes - and how to reuse them

Being a gobby sod, I noted a BBC national 'mini-plinth' story on Breakfast News this morning.

It's in complement to the art installation in London.

Basically a soapbox touring the UK. Hey, any publicity...

Today's kicked off with some first aiders on a beach.

We have made our pitch:

We would like to apply for an opportunity to use the opportunity of your plinth to advocate and share ideas on the joys of reuse.

As we have been, and are encouraged to become ever more 'green aware', the majority of personal initiatives usually involve reduction or recycling.

These, while laudable, are seldom personally rewarding. At least in more tangible ways.

Reuse can save pocket as well as planet. It is also a tad more fun in a 'green' environment that is often dominated by guilt, nanny, threat, scare and fine.

It would be good to show what can be done and inspire still more ideas from the collective imaginations of the country.

Fingers crossed:)

e... by gum

Or is it WEEE?

We have a studio full of old IT kit. Year upon year of outmoded or dud PCs.

I'd like to say that it was more than inertia, but really it is just that.

However, it may be that there was accidental method in our ineptitude:

Journalism students get e-waste scoop

Striking some lights

Government ends free energy saving light bulbs scheme

Pity. Along with insulation grants (noting the critique in the piece - it should not be instead of, rather as well as), I consider this a better use of funding than most efforts. A £3 bulb does of course also save on 'leccy.

It is also true that I now have a healthy oversupply of the things. However, I am at a loss to understand how much insulation one can install for £3, and frankly that does not 'buy' much time of an 'adviser', which seems a retrograde step towards job creation over actual tangibles.

Tray Bon?

Reuse is my preferred option over recycling, but where there is no alternative the latter beats a hole in the ground.

And there are a few classes of waste that are, for now, defeating the collective Junkketeer imaginations.

So it is good to learn that two of the worst sources of plastic waste look to be on the recycling agenda at long last.

Yogurt pots and food trays collected in new drive to boost recycling

Not sure I like that word 'forced', but heigh ho.

Also, on reading the piece, I wonder whether the reality actually reflects the level of actual activity suggested y that headline.

PROF'S POSER - Cans of worms?

I have certainly wondered this myself, so the question is worth sharing:

Green and confused: tin cans

The answer, however, does not start well. I frankly don't worry too much about some poor schmoe with their bottle of Fairy Liquid and scrubbing brush.

What my eye then alights upon is this: 'Also relatively clean tins make recycling easier and cheaper'. Ah.

Which follows: 'all tins that go for recycling pass through a washing, heating and crunching process which eliminates contamination from food and other products,'

Er... enviROI? What about the cumulative costs (to public pocket and planet) of all those individual sinks using water and/or heated at that? Versus a single, industrial system?

I don't know, so this Prof's Poser remains.

I do however note the conclusion: Recycling companies report that some people put their used tins in the dishwasher: that’s a bit extreme and a waste of energy. A good rinse should be enough.

Indeed. Of course, as one who has kept all his cans for years (well, the ones that slot into each other... I have a plan), I can confirm a wee splash of well-directed water as soon as the can is emptied and the food debris still soft, works a treat with all bar Stagg's chilli.

Happiness is... a carbon credit card?

Green living: 19 ways to save the planet

O.....k.

I am presuming... hoping, that this is not in order of priority.

Addendum:

Meanwhile, more on the topic of ideas, we have:

Manchester Report: Plans for renewable energy bonds among 20 climate ideas to save the world

I popped a few in to that*; guess they didn't rate:)

*Can cloud-making ships, giant algae "stomachs" and the lessons of the Serengeti save us?

I just wanted to see it again in print...

Could Gordon Brown save the Earth from climate change?

If only to see the words 'Gordon Brown' in the same sentence with 'save'.

At least it has my favourite qualifier to kick off.

Hearts & Minds

... and how not to win them (again... and again..)

Binmen refused to collect bin three inches out of position

'Management will be taking steps to ensure this never happens again.'

Now, call me cynical, but what's the betting...

Oh, Blogger

They say the most valued 'customer' is one who complains.

Well, there's one step up from that: one who writes in to help.

From Dave at Solarventi:

Don’t know what the cause might be, but Junkk.blogspot is fine with firefox, but now seems to freeze on any attempt I make to open it using internet explorer. Maybe some of the new bits and bobs you have added in are not compatible with IE? If so, it will radically reduce your readership as 95%+ of the planet’s www users are still using IE. It does the same on two machines here, one running XP and one running Win2000. Might be worth asking someone else using IE to try?

Well, I recently added some 'add this' scripts that may have been the cause, and they are now gone.

I then tried my Mac on IE. It worked...sort of. No freezing, but the page layout was all over the show, and the typeface seems to have defaulted to some 'all caps' job. It's fine on Safari and FireFox.

Readable, but not optimal on IE then.

Now tried two PCs on IE and...phew, it works fine.

With luck it was those new scripts.

Otherwise I'd have been left with asking Blogger to help with IE. Not a prospect to relish:)

QUOTE OF THE DAY - So it must be true

Climate change is shrinking sheep

On the brighter side.... smaller sheep: less methane? Ain't evolution wunnerful?

"But it's too early to say if, in 100 years, we will have chihuahuas herding pocket-sized sheep."

However, on past and present evidence, I am prepared to bet there may be an attempt.

The law vs. the environment.

Often not a happy balance.

As with 'the economy' and the environment.

With my dear old Mum now ensconced, if not yet very happily, in her new nursing home, I have found myself still diverted with the consequences and fallout, and look to be a while yet.

One major aspect is the funding of her care which, thanks to her being over the £23,000 assets (inc. property value. The temptation to flog the cottage and buy a Ferrari is hard to resist in this new 'tax the saver to pay the squanderer' world) limit, is pretty much all in our court.

Hence, to help contribute to the fees, we have opted to rent out the cottage, and I am currently in full renovation mode. Oddly satisfying, if sweaty, these last few days.

One thing that has made it easier, but also inspired the blog, is that the place is totally empty. This is because, unlike the last time I was a slumlord (over two decades ago) the rules have changed a lot. And now, even though they were all there, and we have no need, or space, here, it is simply not worth going 'fully furnished'. All the electricals need annual certification, and all furniture (probably just that with material components, such as chairs and beds) need to be kitemarked. Hence it's simpler, and cheaper, to clear the joint.

I can see the reasons, and merits (even the gas check, the energy cert, electric cert... etc... which all add up to a pretty penny already. I think, after agent's fees, we'll see our first income November), but part of me does feel a pang that all this totally useful kit is now going to have to be disposed of. At long last the main house has exhausted its ability to absorb 'stuff'. Equally, the poor old tenants will need to buy, and transport when they move, a full house load.

Pity.

Going too far. Literally as well as figuratively.

Sometimes, I think the 'green' media rather lose the plot.

What's the carbon cost of the online reaction to Michael Jackson's death?

When they are not being, possibly, total hypocrites (and a tad insensitive).

Maybe the BBC could get on the case?

I think Newsnight's Ethical Man has a colleague well placed...

Next time, Jacko, try to die in London*

Bless.

I know it was just a question. But the irony of online eco-breast beating about the online costs of 'stuff' being reported was rather rich.

And yes, I see the irony of me adding to this still further. But I think there are areas that, just possibly, set back the notion of sensible environmental progress.

*The further irony of which publicaion has penned this is also not lost on me.

How to stop getting wet feet?

According to an eyebrow raising piece (I'm unsure if it was meant to be amusing) from the Telegraph, 'happiness lessons', and 'more outdoor education', are but two of the ways we can help to 'save the planet'.

Hmmmmm. Anyone care to explain just how that is going to help those unfortunate enough to inhabit what may well become 'waterworld' territory?

Something to bear in mind when targets get mentioned in certain quarters

And at certain odd, rare, times....

Why did the government dump its green building regulations plan?

I often disagree with Mr. Monbiot*, but he does raise a worthy question here.

Maybe one for Ed Miliband, who was out and about recently.

*Especially on matters of 'tis/t'isn't climate change. When he comes up with stuff like this, it steer well clear as it really can only end up in tears... and no winners.

Phones of the charge brigade

Sorry, I just liked that headline.

I felt this was good news:

A standard phone charger? About time too

At least I think it is. Part of me suspects the actual enviROI may not work out as hoped.

At least we're not last:)

Britain's green shame

Actually this story, and the comments that accompany it, seem to illustrate the rather yawning gaps between what is actually meant by 'green', what is done to 'be' it and, perhaps most significantly in terms of targets and subsidies, why.

Especially at a major political level. I for one have never been able to grasp how it is possible to have economic growth without 'consequences'. Hence the solution seems to have been to say one thing, do another and hope no one will notice. Trouble is, when they do, trust is blown and things tend to get a lot worse.

Not a great way to run a country. IMHO.

COMPETITION - Doing the Right Thing

WHEN:This week
WHAT: Classic FM - Doing the Right Thing
WHAT... MORE?: See the website
HOW MUCH: Free
URL: http://promo.classicfm.co.uk/contests/2009/m_s/index.php
COMMENTS: A bit of green PR. Can't hurt. I'll be plugging Junkk!

Head 2 head with Mr. Ed

Post your questions for the energy and climate change minister Ed Miliband

They have their flaws these efforts (esp. what gets chosen to be answered...Michael Jackson's passing???!), but can still be enlightening. I did note this:

Q - Have you read David MacKay's book Sustainable Energy - without the hot air? How will you ensure arithmetic is at the heart of energy policy given it doesn't seem to have been up to now?

Ed Miliband: MacKay's a smart guy. His book is by my bedside and my permanent secretary keeps telling me I have to finish it!

Actual answer seems to be.. 'No, I haven't read it and I just do what other folk tell me'

Explains a lot.

No excuses

I just happen to like the song.

And this now allows me listen to it whenever I want. And the emotive imagery is effective.

Michael Jackson's biggest selling UK single wasn't Thriller or Billie Jean — but a song about the environment

A major talent with a troubled life. Worth acknowledging the contribution, but the flaws cannot be ignored. Especially those of a 24/7 media-dominated world that has lost ALL perspective. This did not warrant a news blackout in the UK on any other topic.

I must get back to writing again with the missus. But our protest stuff was not wanted so much back then. Now...? For now there's always Junkk.

Plus ca change

After my Monthus Suckius on personal matters, I am starting to get my head around getting various ongoing projects back on track.

For Junkk.com there is the reuse competition, which I had left woefully to its own devices.

There are still not that many entries, but a few more have come in, and one is, frankly, excellent. And it only just came in.

Hence I have asked for and got permission for another extension of a month from the Guardian's organisers. And will try and promote it more.

In complement, and with luck soon, we will also be improving the Junkk.com website with a few new features, added at the same time as trying to sort out some persistent glitches. Frustratingly, these latter seem to pop up without warning, rhyme or reason and are as hard to cure as they are impossible to predict.

And to share all this I will try and get the next newsletter out early July, and will be using a new improved creation system from dotmailer to do so.

And I will also be be trying to relight the fire under RE:tie. The international patents are well underway, so a major sales push is needed.

But as money is now really tight, I have to be even more careful, and ruthless.

A few days ago I mentioned a post that highlighted a website called quirky.

It looks fun. But so do many others. The trick is to try and guess the ROI on this potential avenue to....what?... more PR?...investors? ...an audience? It looks cute and slick, and that's the danger of the internet. There might only be six people using or viewing it.

Oh, blog off!

Or... how not to mess with your blog.

I'll let this set the scene as it is pertinent: quirky-social-product-development

I came here specifically to post to you, and was going to apologise for being O/T as the thread more appropriate to my intended comment (follows below) - the green gadget one - is no longer so enabled with this spiffy new system.

However, I think I can kick off by still being being relevant.

As an international Gold Medal-winning, multi-awarded, all-the-PR-you-can't-pay-the-bills-with-yet inventor of an eco packaging design, I gave quirky a gander.

Sadly, as most of us are, they are in competition with a horde of others, and I have lost count of the number that will charge one 'just' $99 for an intro to some folk they might know who might help.

Which may explain the lack of decent entries? I'd be hard pressed to see it as worth it, especially as my design is for mass marketing and really won't fit the model. I am seeking to licence about a billion a day. And moving from design to prototype to short-run moulds to full-blown seems a stretch at first glance.

However, the value of the PR and market research may tip the balance, especially if the founders have some IT scores on the board that gets PR from IT types like you. Reflected glory and all.

Now, on to the reason for seeking you out. Not easy as you and some other valued (to me) colleagues don't seem to be quite as valued (by the head honchos) in this spiffy revamp, and took a bit of locating under all the politico, sporty & opinion big guns who I will now be sparing my blood pressure by mostly passing on in future.

Just wanted to say that where I used to surf, skim & select all in the main scrolling version, I no longer have the time to do what the system demands and cherry pick, but will make a note of checking back here specifically as the odds of a green post are good. Maybe not as often as I did,but there you go.

A real pity, as I have found worthy enviro posts in odd places across many of the blogs, but will have to forgo most as there really is not enough time.

Seems an odd way to drive viewing figures, but there you go.

What this does not do is fully address the horror of what these clowns have done to a system that seemed to work pretty well, and by not being broke as far as I could see, didn't need fixing.

For those that don't know, all the blogs went up chronologically in a massive scrolling page, broken up by 'back' & 'next' breaks. Hence you could see exactly what was new simply by starting at the top and working back to where you left off last. If it was of no interest (such as sport) you skipped by. But there was usually a headline, subhead, picture and first para to scope to see if it was worth delving further.

No they expect me to check a few score specific thread channels..in case there might be a new or interesting piece? Numpties. Just waiting for a page to load takes 30". Multiply that by the number of channels and there's my tea breaks gone before I see anything.

And I am not sure I am alone in not thinking this has been a real advance.

But at least I got a blog out of it. Though I will miss the odd green avenue I stumbled across, often from non-tech or green authors.

And as we try and make this blog and Junkk.com better, boy, do I have some great examples of what not to do!

A new look

Welcome to the new Telegraph blogs

Thank you for your feedback

Some of the ostrich/'hear no evil' monkey responses from the Telegraph's great and good puts one more in mind of the current Government. And such as 'listening' and 'responding' to minor stuff and ignoring dirty great elephants in the room. Which is odd, as this is just what they seem to mock them for.

I can live with a light grey type. I have no time to devote to scores of separate threads. Which one are they now 'urgently looking at'?

Addendum 1 -

Of course, one constant drip from the 'professional', 'quality', paid, establishment media is that you can't trust what Bloggers write. If they say so: Press Association and Big Media Fail to Double Source

I can't afford the resources of these guys. But I do have a well-primed eyebrow and tend to slap a few caveats in if the sources are dubious, such as the Government, the BBC, any press spokesperson, 'scientists', quangos, charities, 'research', 'polls'....

Addendum 2 -

Just scoping the Indy. Their 'system' is called Live Journal, and it sucks too. Just looking at some major stories and they have no comments. This seems unlikely. So it's not just my Mac OS and Safari browser then. I wrote to the web, IT and editors to tell them, but no reply. They really are an insular bunch who don't take well to customer feedback.

Guardian - Telegraph relaunches blogs, now powered by WordPress

RE:view - Which? does packaging

The July '09 Which Magazine is a bit of a greenie bumper edition.

I have already mentioned two other topics covered, but just as recent additions to the CATEGORY sections they complemented (see recent CARBON TRADING and PLASTIC BAGS Labels).

However, there is one main one they have tackled which, for obvious reasons, piqued my interest: PACKAGING, with a piece called 'Don't keep it under wraps'.

So, what was of note?

The first thing is that it concentrated pretty much on supermarkets and own labels. Therefore the big brands escaped investigation. You will not find Heinz or P&G or Unilever there, and that's a lot of plastic (which, at the end of the day, was the near exclusive focus).

What was interesting was when they got into 'like-for-like' comparisons on weight which, bearing in mind the constant reminders I have been getting from WRAP for donkeys on the joys and successes of lightweighting with the Courthauld Cabals , struck a few chords.

Try good old Plan A M&S bacon slice packs a stonking 40% more than Sainsbury's, and explained away as 'within expected variations'. Such airy ways with numbers might explain a few things in the boardroom of late! Or try Morrisons Cheddar slices at 86% more than 'eco-evil' Tescos.

Thing is, such specific samples and examples really don't address the overall main issue, and the piece acknowledges this and merely ends up repeating what we know and bang on about, seemingly to very deaf ears, as quangos, councils, government and big business all point at each other in tut-tutting at how tricky it is to deal with all this due to the huge variations in rules, regs and waste disposal systems.

And, often, it seems that those who often like to claim how green they are can often... slip. Don't know about you, but this latest Waitrose ad looks to me more like a plastics' packaging showcase.

What we do at Junkk can't help mitigate much either, as we are mainly here to advocate reuse. But every little bit helps:) There was a feature on a chap who Which? had asked to keep what he couldn't recycle... for a week. Well, try 5 years, and counting, as I have! I am struggling on most of these trays too, but when you have a stack 100 high of identical ones, you do start to think big. So I am getting glimmers. They are plastic, so they are invincible to weather. And they are black, so they absorb heat. You'll see where I am going. Just my luck when they all end up on biodegradables, which initially might seem a solution, but then one needs to ponder, as I have before, on what organics biodegrade to. Not easy, this being green and not just looking it.

But, for now, if anyone else has some ideas of their own, don't forget the Junkk.com plastics reuse competition.

Return fair?

Newsnight's 'Ethical Man' has enjoyed a high profile journey of late.

And I have followed, not always approvingly.

Now his latest has come to an end: Looking back over an action-packed odyssey

Sadly, I feel we are again in an area of the best messengers for the message, as this frank if perhaps not wise introductory justification from his plane seat* would suggest :

'... to be honest, I have had enough... I know it's a cop out'. Ain't flying great (well, in most ways) when others pay (especially if it's for the family, too... ask the DG). There's also the small matter of *'Doing this 6500 mile trip around America without flying' So, basically, it has all just been a bit of show for a show that has green more as a theme. Hmn. Inspiring. But I have enjoyed the bits without the agenda bolted on, especially anything that reduces practically, improves efficiencies and minimises waste. These, and those who create them, are who I hold out real hope for.

His last series ended after a year with him dropping most things mainly because, as far as I could judge, on a personal basis he didn't find it much fun and, fortunately for him, professionally there was no need to keep on doing it as the cameras were now off.

Not sure things will work out too well if the rest of the population being treated to programmes of this nature adopt the same attitude.

Not very social networking

If you take a gander over to the RHS Nav Bar of the blog (or here), you'll see a few social networks I've hooked into.

Especially following the competition, not that I have actually had a chance to do anything about it all yet, with a 'Here's One I RE:made Earlier' Group on FaceBook.

What you don't see is the MySpace equivalent.

I tried... hard... but it didn't seem to work. So I gave up. Plus I was getting a lot of friend requests on my personal from nice ladies in Eastern Europe.

So I guess I erred FaceBookwards.

A pity, but this might explain why it's headed this way:

MySpace to axe two-thirds of global workforce

I won't ditch it, but in a world of priorities, and time poverty, you go where the biggest bang for the buck is.

COMPETITION - Finish Diamond Standard Innovation Challenge

WHEN: Deadline July 16
WHAT: Finish Diamond Standard Innovation Challenge
WHAT... MORE?: From the site:

The challenge Looking for your ideas for an innovative product to make life easier in the kitchen. The Challenge is being led by world-renowned chef and culinary innovator, Heston Blumenthal, who – as in his role as head judge - will decide the winner along with an expert panel. The Prize You could win a £10,000 cash prize courtesy of Finish and see your very own kitchen innovation produced by Lakeland – in total a package worth an estimated £50,000. You’ll work with Lakeland to develop the design and help bring your innovation to market, receive royalties from future sales, and you’ll benefit from extensive business support and publicity. Ten finalists will be invited to attend a judging event in London in August 2009, where you’ll pitch your design to the judging panel. Four runners up will receive £1,000 worth of Lakeland vouchers and a year’s supply of Finish Quantum dishwasher tablets. Judges Alongside Heston, the judges include Dr Paul Pankhurst, the CEO and Chairman of British Design Innovation; Rosie Nagra, Finish Marketing Manager; and Wendy Miranda, Customer Ambassador of Lakeland. HOW MUCH: FREE!!!
URL: http://www.finish.co.uk/competition_start.php
COMMENTS: OK, this is not, at first blush, that eco.... but it could be! I for one am thinking of sending in 'RE:tie' for them to chew on. Not a hope in heck of winning, but it can't hurt to get on the radar. Then there is simply bending one's mind around other eco-notions that could apply kitchen-wide.

I have not gone through the t&cs in detail as yet, so be cautious. Not quite sure what 'a total package worth...' means, and the royalties on sales might need the Dragon's Den treatment before signing.

As to the enviROI's of washing in the sink vs. Dishwashers, and using chemicals that end up in the waste stream... another story (worthy of a Prof's Poser soon. And it looks like I had already been pondering).

For now... any publicity be good publicity.

IDEA - Cup stack holder

After a nightmare period with site glitches, it's great to see another really nice, simple idea up there that we can add to the competition (which I am thinking of extending for another month as I have really done zippy to help promote during June so far thanks to being so distracted on personal stuff).

Good job there are other judges who will vote 'blind' (I am there as casting), but this is in with a chance as far as I am concerned, especially as the entrant is a 'tween': Cup stack holder