Articles
Observer - Why aren't we warming to solar? - Good question, and start to kick off with.
Observer - Solar so good for our house - It doesn't look like Nevada, so what's good enough for him...? Note the caveat, mind.
Guardian - Keep on the sunny side - Concentrating Solar Power
Junkk (et all) - o-solar-mi-o-mi
Got this in a forum: Is $339,000 For This Green Solar-Roof Home In Chicago Affordable? - Kind of depends what one means by 'affordable', I guess.The maths is pretty well laid out in the piece, though there are of course imponderables on future costs/values that make them best guesses. There's also whether you are 'affording' it to save and/or make money on operational costs & added value at resale over the duration of habitation, or 'affording' it to reduce one's emissions (after construction contribution) on an enviROI+ measure, without being so worried about money.
Greenbang - Carrot wins, Aussies go solar - It's worth repeating...'Carrot wins'
Indy - Solar panels 'not cost effective' - Hmnn. Do, should they mean yet? enviROI?
In reply - Letters
Greenbang - 208 years to pay back cost of solar panels? - Of course, making money need not be an issue at all to some, but this does seem to suggest the numbers on any count are hard to come by to make an informed decision.
Telegraph - What's the point of solar panels?
Mongabay.com - Solar cells, flat-panel screens are source of potent greenhouse gas - certainly a potential back-of-mind aspect in enviROI calculations
Indy - Solar panels 'take 100 years to pay back installation costs' - making a good choice is certainly not easy. Maybe procrastination pays.
Times - Greenhouse effects: Smarter Energy PV panels - Useful!
Times - Solar panels in the Sahara 'could power the whole of Europe' - I'd love to go along, but there's that word again. Promising, but I had read about this before, and there was some debate about the scouring effect of sand on the mirrors and the drop of inefficiency over distance the 'leccy gets sent. Any mention of that?
Guardian - Starving UK plc's green energy shoots - Normally I wouldn't link to such as this, as I share some thread posters' disquiet about the medium handing over an admittedly commentary-oriented piece to an author with a clearly subjective view, at least with no mention of what it might be. However, there are some interesting points, and numbers, especially in the thread.
Guardian - Concentrated solar power could generate 'quarter of world's energy' - Note my favourite word in that headline.
Telegraph - NEW - Why Whitehall hates solar panels - Perversely, part of me would wish they were actually smart enough to be that venal in support of their own petty interests. The piece, and some comments, does make me keen to see how solar has progressed to be viable on these shores which, let's face it, are not that sunny.
Grants
lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk
Information
Smart Planet - NEW - How does a solar cell work? - I miss Tomorrow's World.. and Look & Learn.
Trendhunter - Top 100 Solar Inventions - Part I: Gadgets & Fashion (SUPER GALLERY) - heck of a start, I'd say!
Part II - Though how what gets in does and what doesn't hasn't I have no clue. I'll keep looking for more 'down to earth' examples as they come by.
Suppliers
Solartrac
Solartwin
Solarventi
trianco -
windandsun.co.uk -
See labels below, especially under 'Alt. Energy' for previous notes. If you have anything to add to the headings above... share 'em! Direct to info[at]junkk.com or via the comments on the blog.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
GULP!
Bear in mind... you are reading this on a blog.
Blogs are big business…just not here
Not sure if I am in the wrong business... or country.
Blogs are big business…just not here
Not sure if I am in the wrong business... or country.
Double Take
I misread this at first:
Microsoft Chooses ‘Doing Good’ Over ‘Looking Good’
Silly me, I thought they were using the greenwash funds to reduce emissions.
I feel... done.
Microsoft Chooses ‘Doing Good’ Over ‘Looking Good’
Silly me, I thought they were using the greenwash funds to reduce emissions.
I feel... done.
Nudge, nudge, and, er... another nudge
Hey, if the opportunity presents:
Unilever launches sustainability drive
The Cleaner Planet Plan sounds interesting and to be applauded*. I shall look forward to hearing more about its scope, and especially if it covers such as recycling and/or reuse (my personal favourite) beyond the commitment to reduction.
Reuse especially offers great opportunity to affect the habits of consumers on top of any feel good factor with tangible rewards to pocket as well as planet. A rare 'win-win' for all in the mix, from marketer to consumer. Even some often at the sharp end, such as LGAs, who too often are lumbered with wielding threat, guilt, nanny or scare: none of which are over-motivating.
*With a big eyebrow ready to crank.
And, while we're at it:
Tesco and Asda slip down WPP Green survey
I'm trying to get a scope and will report if anything interesting evolves.
Unilever launches sustainability drive
The Cleaner Planet Plan sounds interesting and to be applauded*. I shall look forward to hearing more about its scope, and especially if it covers such as recycling and/or reuse (my personal favourite) beyond the commitment to reduction.
Reuse especially offers great opportunity to affect the habits of consumers on top of any feel good factor with tangible rewards to pocket as well as planet. A rare 'win-win' for all in the mix, from marketer to consumer. Even some often at the sharp end, such as LGAs, who too often are lumbered with wielding threat, guilt, nanny or scare: none of which are over-motivating.
*With a big eyebrow ready to crank.
And, while we're at it:
Tesco and Asda slip down WPP Green survey
I'm trying to get a scope and will report if anything interesting evolves.
Nudge, nudge...
Well, she asked:
Can sandals ever be fun?
And it seemed/s a good opportunity for a plug:)
I'd have hoped... thought that it is entirely possible to introduce a variety of functions into anything, if you use a bit of imagination.
Heavens, how many times to we hear the old chestnut that kids prefer to play with the box than the present?
Hence anything that adds value, and especially second use, to any packaging design should be desired, attempted... and applauded.
I have to say my two have rather outgrown the brief distraction of some packside imagery, but are still not above reusing all manner of boxes, tubes, etc in all sorts of creative ways.
ps: Speaking of sandals and fun, if you have a decent idea to add to the free online plastics reuse competition currently on Junkk.com, the runner-up prizes are... recycled plastic sandals!
Can sandals ever be fun?
And it seemed/s a good opportunity for a plug:)
I'd have hoped... thought that it is entirely possible to introduce a variety of functions into anything, if you use a bit of imagination.
Heavens, how many times to we hear the old chestnut that kids prefer to play with the box than the present?
Hence anything that adds value, and especially second use, to any packaging design should be desired, attempted... and applauded.
I have to say my two have rather outgrown the brief distraction of some packside imagery, but are still not above reusing all manner of boxes, tubes, etc in all sorts of creative ways.
ps: Speaking of sandals and fun, if you have a decent idea to add to the free online plastics reuse competition currently on Junkk.com, the runner-up prizes are... recycled plastic sandals!
Squeezing the most
I like low waste solutions.
Especially when they mean using less materials too:
Treehugger - Clever Toothbrush Stops Paste Waste with Haste
Especially when they mean using less materials too:
Treehugger - Clever Toothbrush Stops Paste Waste with Haste
Leek investigations
Biology came third in my sciences, but this looks interesting.
Leeks to the rescue
SIR – Earlier in the year, Professor Steven Chu, America’s Energy Secretary, suggested that the roofs of houses should be painted white to combat global warming (report, May 28).
A more effective way would be to introduce the houseleek (Sempervivum tectorum) to suburban roofs. These plants, of the Crassulaceae family, capture carbon dioxide at night and use it during the day – a method of photosynthesis known as crassulacean acid metabolism.
Now, how one configures roofs to sustain the load, maintain ('acid' being a word that sets up some red flags) and manage the crop is a whole new ball of enviROI, but if the claim is true it seems at first blush a better plan than some.
Leeks to the rescue
SIR – Earlier in the year, Professor Steven Chu, America’s Energy Secretary, suggested that the roofs of houses should be painted white to combat global warming (report, May 28).
A more effective way would be to introduce the houseleek (Sempervivum tectorum) to suburban roofs. These plants, of the Crassulaceae family, capture carbon dioxide at night and use it during the day – a method of photosynthesis known as crassulacean acid metabolism.
Now, how one configures roofs to sustain the load, maintain ('acid' being a word that sets up some red flags) and manage the crop is a whole new ball of enviROI, but if the claim is true it seems at first blush a better plan than some.
Joining up thinking?
Conservative think tank urges recycling reform
I fear I find almost anything from any political party (or the odd new breed of separation stages, be it think tanks or quangos) suspect, but this report smacks of common sense. At least, as summarised here. I'll get around to reading it (57pp) one day.
As, with renewables, there is much good, honest engineering thinking - 'Our waste system has developed piecemeal over the past 150 years without ever being reformed properly" - to assess the enviROI from instigation to operation that will be into many administrations hence, I just hope the number crunchers are up to the task and are allowed to do a proper job without 'influences' based on short-termism or lobbying from subsidy junkies.
I really hope it can be reformed, as the current piecemeal efforts are serving neither planet nor public understanding of what can be one to help it at all. But let's hope there is a political will to be honest about consequences without trying to please all, and right away, with fudges.
It will take an upfront hit to see benefits later on. But... have we the money now? There will always be...consequences.
Addendum
Telegraph Letters - Fine way to collect rubbish
SIR – At last saner voices seem to be prevailing in the debate over the best way to collect and recycle rubbish from the nation’s doorsteps (“Household waste bills warning”, report, July 20).
Policy Exchange is correct in suggesting that fortnightly collections encourage recycling as long as they are accompanied by a weekly collection for food waste. That is the system run in our part of north London, and we are now the second-best recycler in the capital, with an overall recycling rate of 44 per cent.
It is also right to highlight the punitive role of government fines for the extra rubbish we send to landfill. This is why councils put three wheelie bins on your doorstep. It is not because council managers like to torment residents with a baffling variety of bins, but because recycling at the earliest stage possible (on the doorstep) helps us to fend off government fines further down the line.
I fear I find almost anything from any political party (or the odd new breed of separation stages, be it think tanks or quangos) suspect, but this report smacks of common sense. At least, as summarised here. I'll get around to reading it (57pp) one day.
As, with renewables, there is much good, honest engineering thinking - 'Our waste system has developed piecemeal over the past 150 years without ever being reformed properly" - to assess the enviROI from instigation to operation that will be into many administrations hence, I just hope the number crunchers are up to the task and are allowed to do a proper job without 'influences' based on short-termism or lobbying from subsidy junkies.
I really hope it can be reformed, as the current piecemeal efforts are serving neither planet nor public understanding of what can be one to help it at all. But let's hope there is a political will to be honest about consequences without trying to please all, and right away, with fudges.
It will take an upfront hit to see benefits later on. But... have we the money now? There will always be...consequences.
Addendum
Telegraph Letters - Fine way to collect rubbish
SIR – At last saner voices seem to be prevailing in the debate over the best way to collect and recycle rubbish from the nation’s doorsteps (“Household waste bills warning”, report, July 20).
Policy Exchange is correct in suggesting that fortnightly collections encourage recycling as long as they are accompanied by a weekly collection for food waste. That is the system run in our part of north London, and we are now the second-best recycler in the capital, with an overall recycling rate of 44 per cent.
It is also right to highlight the punitive role of government fines for the extra rubbish we send to landfill. This is why councils put three wheelie bins on your doorstep. It is not because council managers like to torment residents with a baffling variety of bins, but because recycling at the earliest stage possible (on the doorstep) helps us to fend off government fines further down the line.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Selectivity in action
I found this interesting, if sort of funny, in a tragic way...
Minister says he will boycott Nobu over sale of bluefin tuna
Just read the comments (I refrained) to see the way that this is going, and how the very actions PR'd has again been mired in accusations of 'selectivity' at best from another messenger who is in the spotlight for the message they seek to share.
I also predict an 'interesting' if not edifying spectacle of those who are high-profile on the advocacy front being targeted and hence rather restricted in their lifestyle choices. Hard to imagine this working out well in any way in the long term.
As it happens, as it seems a 'delicacy' only for those who can afford to go to flash restaurants I can't see this as a bad bit of publicity as those luvvies who wallow in this area might respond, but as a lover of 'normal' tuna in his weekly lunch sarny I am hoping this is not an issue that will really affect me, but fear it will eventually.
BBC - NEW - Tuna: Fin words, suspicious tail
Minister says he will boycott Nobu over sale of bluefin tuna
Just read the comments (I refrained) to see the way that this is going, and how the very actions PR'd has again been mired in accusations of 'selectivity' at best from another messenger who is in the spotlight for the message they seek to share.
I also predict an 'interesting' if not edifying spectacle of those who are high-profile on the advocacy front being targeted and hence rather restricted in their lifestyle choices. Hard to imagine this working out well in any way in the long term.
As it happens, as it seems a 'delicacy' only for those who can afford to go to flash restaurants I can't see this as a bad bit of publicity as those luvvies who wallow in this area might respond, but as a lover of 'normal' tuna in his weekly lunch sarny I am hoping this is not an issue that will really affect me, but fear it will eventually.
BBC - NEW - Tuna: Fin words, suspicious tail
Let's never forget how wonderful nature is
Why raindrops come in many sizes
Of course, if the number dropping here continues, and the Wye River rises further, I may have to revise that!
Of course, if the number dropping here continues, and the Wye River rises further, I may have to revise that!
Postcodes that don't zip?
Top 1,000 most polluting postcodes
I guess if you're not on the list that is a chance to be Much Smugness-in-the-Mire, but without knowing the scope of the parameters it's hard to see much value to this either.
And it does rather tar the 'good' with the 'bad'. Which makes me nervous when box-tickers see money to be made without worrying to much about detail.
I guess if you're not on the list that is a chance to be Much Smugness-in-the-Mire, but without knowing the scope of the parameters it's hard to see much value to this either.
And it does rather tar the 'good' with the 'bad'. Which makes me nervous when box-tickers see money to be made without worrying to much about detail.
And no Kelly McGillis in sight
I fear my knowledge of the Amish is based mainly on 'Witness'
The modern world intrudes on the Amish
And the closest in this piece to a young woman was a teen in some Nike trainers who was in fact a Born-Again Christian.
Ethical Man and his travels is on my review list, so when he posts I read, and often feel the need to comment:
It was an interesting travel/social piece, but I am unsure if there is much one can take by way of dealing with future world/climate related issues. Even these fine folk seem unable to resist the shiny cameras and boom mikes (where did the crew sleep?) that squirt electrons around; shame they will never get to see this piece about them.
True, these guys are living a relatively self-sustaining agrarian-based lifestyle, but with six brothers it seems little wonder the moppet and her siblings are finding things are constraining. That is kind of what happens as populations expand. Then you end up with millions in cities with high-intensity farming to feed 'em.
And it is hard to resist the human urge to roam (and all its consequences), which is why these fine folk were first to be found in a train. I'd be intrigued to learn (though I'm sure 'No, you're wrong. Period. So stop having opinions' will explain, and within 2mins of posting - is it on shifts?) how the motive power of this vehicle differs from that of a car to render it more acceptable. Is diesel OK but petrol not? Do the Amish carry out a per head Co2 analysis before trips? On the basis of the explanation I think I heard, a chauffeured Hummer seems to be the next option from a pony and trap.
Or cradle to grave on systems or products? Does that plastic bucket in the barn actually impose fewer emissions being made, used and eventually recycled than one made from wood and turned, or from clay and fired?
So I think this piece has served to highlight the dilemmas faced, though in many ways a more interesting aspect is how the 'resistance' to 'temptation' is being eroded by succumbing to desire rather than necessity. The interpretations on the acceptability of transport options seemed 'flexible' at best, much like a person in an eco-town deciding a car is OK because they work in another place (maybe a factory that makes foot-treadle sewing machines for folk who like labour-saving devices without thinking too hard on how they happen to exist) or, as Justin noted, battery packs but not the electricity that is required to charge them.
ps: When you muck out a stable, is it best to do it in a suit that will need dry cleaning, or on clothes that can be simply washed and hung out to dry? I think the Amish may have some things yet to share.
Hence I am still unsure as to what this series is trying to do. Is it a travel series (that is trying to hint that travel is bad?). An anti-technology advocacy (that uses technology and depends on others watching it?). Or an 'entertainment' , where green practices get dropped for the sake of a prop to help ratings? What?
Even with the Amish, I had to feel the varied actions of the messengers seemed to raise more questions about their messages than any solutions offered. I felt this was less the modern world intruding and more the Amish reaching out. And that, is human nature.
The modern world intrudes on the Amish
And the closest in this piece to a young woman was a teen in some Nike trainers who was in fact a Born-Again Christian.
Ethical Man and his travels is on my review list, so when he posts I read, and often feel the need to comment:
It was an interesting travel/social piece, but I am unsure if there is much one can take by way of dealing with future world/climate related issues. Even these fine folk seem unable to resist the shiny cameras and boom mikes (where did the crew sleep?) that squirt electrons around; shame they will never get to see this piece about them.
True, these guys are living a relatively self-sustaining agrarian-based lifestyle, but with six brothers it seems little wonder the moppet and her siblings are finding things are constraining. That is kind of what happens as populations expand. Then you end up with millions in cities with high-intensity farming to feed 'em.
And it is hard to resist the human urge to roam (and all its consequences), which is why these fine folk were first to be found in a train. I'd be intrigued to learn (though I'm sure 'No, you're wrong. Period. So stop having opinions' will explain, and within 2mins of posting - is it on shifts?) how the motive power of this vehicle differs from that of a car to render it more acceptable. Is diesel OK but petrol not? Do the Amish carry out a per head Co2 analysis before trips? On the basis of the explanation I think I heard, a chauffeured Hummer seems to be the next option from a pony and trap.
Or cradle to grave on systems or products? Does that plastic bucket in the barn actually impose fewer emissions being made, used and eventually recycled than one made from wood and turned, or from clay and fired?
So I think this piece has served to highlight the dilemmas faced, though in many ways a more interesting aspect is how the 'resistance' to 'temptation' is being eroded by succumbing to desire rather than necessity. The interpretations on the acceptability of transport options seemed 'flexible' at best, much like a person in an eco-town deciding a car is OK because they work in another place (maybe a factory that makes foot-treadle sewing machines for folk who like labour-saving devices without thinking too hard on how they happen to exist) or, as Justin noted, battery packs but not the electricity that is required to charge them.
ps: When you muck out a stable, is it best to do it in a suit that will need dry cleaning, or on clothes that can be simply washed and hung out to dry? I think the Amish may have some things yet to share.
Hence I am still unsure as to what this series is trying to do. Is it a travel series (that is trying to hint that travel is bad?). An anti-technology advocacy (that uses technology and depends on others watching it?). Or an 'entertainment' , where green practices get dropped for the sake of a prop to help ratings? What?
Even with the Amish, I had to feel the varied actions of the messengers seemed to raise more questions about their messages than any solutions offered. I felt this was less the modern world intruding and more the Amish reaching out. And that, is human nature.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Waste miles?
In every way.
UK 'will take back toxic waste found in Brazil'
Makes you proud. Can't help but feel that it might be 'better' in terms of enviROI (if not symbolism) to locate a Brazilian HaZMAT company and force the guilty parties to pay them to deal with it there.
UK 'will take back toxic waste found in Brazil'
Makes you proud. Can't help but feel that it might be 'better' in terms of enviROI (if not symbolism) to locate a Brazilian HaZMAT company and force the guilty parties to pay them to deal with it there.
Home Comforts
Is it greener to shop online?
Well, now you can ask.leo.and.lucy@guardian.co.uk... um... online
Living in the heart of a market town we have no need of the food aspect. However, my missus pretty much gets all her gear via the web. Working from home I accept the parcels in, dispatch the rejects back, and appreciate the results retained.
Hard to say whether the planet is better served, but for sure she is not driving off at the weekend hither and thither, and better yet me and the boys are not in tow.
However, this all seems a) rather complex to get one's head around and b) possibly not something worth obsessing about too much. Until we're knocked back to the stone age and are born, live work and die within ten miles of a self-sustaining community it seems rather fanciful tinkering.
If money were no object, I would buy that joint of lamb from our local butchers, who sources just down the road. But I'd do it for flavour mainly. We now have a news Sainsbury's and I got a truly lovely bit of meat for one third the price... all the way from New Zealand. Eco-shame? Well, maybe not, if the various conflicting food mile arguments fly (sorry).
In fact, this debate could shape up like any climate change one, keeping lot of extreme views negatively preoccupied and the majority of us in the middle in the dark and simply confused and slighly uneasy.
Still, as a data junkie the tip about shoeboxx as a way of moving away from and/or filing receipts was worth it. I wonder way the graphic has $ in it?
Well, now you can ask.leo.and.lucy@guardian.co.uk... um... online
Living in the heart of a market town we have no need of the food aspect. However, my missus pretty much gets all her gear via the web. Working from home I accept the parcels in, dispatch the rejects back, and appreciate the results retained.
Hard to say whether the planet is better served, but for sure she is not driving off at the weekend hither and thither, and better yet me and the boys are not in tow.
However, this all seems a) rather complex to get one's head around and b) possibly not something worth obsessing about too much. Until we're knocked back to the stone age and are born, live work and die within ten miles of a self-sustaining community it seems rather fanciful tinkering.
If money were no object, I would buy that joint of lamb from our local butchers, who sources just down the road. But I'd do it for flavour mainly. We now have a news Sainsbury's and I got a truly lovely bit of meat for one third the price... all the way from New Zealand. Eco-shame? Well, maybe not, if the various conflicting food mile arguments fly (sorry).
In fact, this debate could shape up like any climate change one, keeping lot of extreme views negatively preoccupied and the majority of us in the middle in the dark and simply confused and slighly uneasy.
Still, as a data junkie the tip about shoeboxx as a way of moving away from and/or filing receipts was worth it. I wonder way the graphic has $ in it?
Friday, July 17, 2009
New Chapters?
I am hoping today will mark a significant watershed.
After a pretty dire few months, my Mum seems to settling into her new nursing home, and today I go over to her cottage to put the finishing touches to it in anticipation of our first tenant in residence to help us pay for her care.
And, hopefully, one major distraction ticked off a list that has been preoccupying a male mind that does not handle multi-tasking well.
So I can get back, if not refreshed, but more refocused, on Junkk.com and RE:tie.
For the former there is more good news.
As I have been dotting in and out on more personal matters, I have been liaising with David of sound-i, who took over the site from the original designers a few years ago, and have been looking after and/or evolving it ever since.
This has not always been easy. What was, once, state of the art, is now more of being in a bit of a state, with creeping glitches (often as a consequence of new, or updated features clashing - it's a zoo back there) and features that are/were frankly pretty dated.
Well, tempting providence on the glitches, we have upgraded some key ones, mainly in the Ideas section, that I hope will solve a few issues and add welcome new functionality to the site experience.
These are:
Ideas - URL checker in description box with warning message - People have been trying to add URLs in the ideas box, and why not? Nothing like showing a reference. Trouble is, it has been crashing the system. Now there is a warning.... AND... better than that...:
Ideas - 3 x new url fields for adding links (and added to idea display) - so if you do wish to cite URLS you can add up to three of them here.
Ideas Preview amended to show new fields - Once you have uploaded, this new data will be shown too
Ideas Image upload now fixed and solid (no more errors), includes progress bar for large images - Uploading images was causing all sorts of issues, and large files were timing out. This was causing a crash. Not only does this now show status, but...
Ideas Images are now automatically resized on upload so you can upload a 2mb 1500x1500 pixel if you want and it auto resizes to max of 200x200, also maintains aspect ratio and optimises it for speed - OK, it's old school to most, but for us it is a huge step forward and hopefully a real help to posters.
'Delete Stuff' in the 'Edit My Stuff' edit of My Junkk now resurrected - this was crashing a lot. With luck, now fixed. So you can remove what is taken/dated/now embarrassing:)
They will, all things working out, kick in early next week after a bit of weekend testing and downtime to swap sites and servers.
I am also hoping that I can coincide this with the (mid-late) July newsletter and an invitation to tackle the competition, as there is extra stuff to help post ideas.
We're also working on new features all the time, so do let us know if anything will help and we'll see what we can do.
After a pretty dire few months, my Mum seems to settling into her new nursing home, and today I go over to her cottage to put the finishing touches to it in anticipation of our first tenant in residence to help us pay for her care.
And, hopefully, one major distraction ticked off a list that has been preoccupying a male mind that does not handle multi-tasking well.
So I can get back, if not refreshed, but more refocused, on Junkk.com and RE:tie.
For the former there is more good news.
As I have been dotting in and out on more personal matters, I have been liaising with David of sound-i, who took over the site from the original designers a few years ago, and have been looking after and/or evolving it ever since.
This has not always been easy. What was, once, state of the art, is now more of being in a bit of a state, with creeping glitches (often as a consequence of new, or updated features clashing - it's a zoo back there) and features that are/were frankly pretty dated.
Well, tempting providence on the glitches, we have upgraded some key ones, mainly in the Ideas section, that I hope will solve a few issues and add welcome new functionality to the site experience.
These are:
Ideas - URL checker in description box with warning message - People have been trying to add URLs in the ideas box, and why not? Nothing like showing a reference. Trouble is, it has been crashing the system. Now there is a warning.... AND... better than that...:
Ideas - 3 x new url fields for adding links (and added to idea display) - so if you do wish to cite URLS you can add up to three of them here.
Ideas Preview amended to show new fields - Once you have uploaded, this new data will be shown too
Ideas Image upload now fixed and solid (no more errors), includes progress bar for large images - Uploading images was causing all sorts of issues, and large files were timing out. This was causing a crash. Not only does this now show status, but...
Ideas Images are now automatically resized on upload so you can upload a 2mb 1500x1500 pixel if you want and it auto resizes to max of 200x200, also maintains aspect ratio and optimises it for speed - OK, it's old school to most, but for us it is a huge step forward and hopefully a real help to posters.
'Delete Stuff' in the 'Edit My Stuff' edit of My Junkk now resurrected - this was crashing a lot. With luck, now fixed. So you can remove what is taken/dated/now embarrassing:)
They will, all things working out, kick in early next week after a bit of weekend testing and downtime to swap sites and servers.
I am also hoping that I can coincide this with the (mid-late) July newsletter and an invitation to tackle the competition, as there is extra stuff to help post ideas.
We're also working on new features all the time, so do let us know if anything will help and we'll see what we can do.
Go Figure
I don't usually 'do' politics here, but I must say this caught my eye.
Only a few hours ago I was watching BBC lunch news with much gush on the 400k jobs in 'green' industries, and then I read this....
Miliband promises more green jobs but Vestas wind turbine plant is closing
Now there may be all sorts of nuances behind the optimism of one and the facts of the other, but something is really struggling to add up here.
And another nail in the coffin of Ministerial 'R&R' rhetoric vs. reality? And another reason to wonder just what some of our media actually does these days bar churning out press releases from Whitehall.
I was going to say we deserve more honesty from our pols, but really that is a boat that has sailed, been holed, sunk and is now at the bottom of the Marinas Trench.
Daily Politics - Green shoots and wind turbines -
Telegraph - NEW - Miliband's brilliant plan to combat climate change: 'We'll export unicorns to China' - using the pejoratives, I'd say the 'denier'/'warmist' ratio here is about 20:1 (on the Guardian it is reversed - go figure. I'd say Mr. Delingpole and Monbiot could be hired to remake the 'When Two Tribes Go To War' FrankieGTH video), so there is no point joining in. And again, verifiable facts are thin on the ground, so we are in the realms of conviction and hyperbole. But I was interested in the claimed job loss stat in Spain. Just as matter cannot be created or destroyed, it is often the case that a job in one area results with a loss in another. And this government seems very poor at thinking in... well, just thinking.
Only a few hours ago I was watching BBC lunch news with much gush on the 400k jobs in 'green' industries, and then I read this....
Miliband promises more green jobs but Vestas wind turbine plant is closing
Now there may be all sorts of nuances behind the optimism of one and the facts of the other, but something is really struggling to add up here.
And another nail in the coffin of Ministerial 'R&R' rhetoric vs. reality? And another reason to wonder just what some of our media actually does these days bar churning out press releases from Whitehall.
I was going to say we deserve more honesty from our pols, but really that is a boat that has sailed, been holed, sunk and is now at the bottom of the Marinas Trench.
Daily Politics - Green shoots and wind turbines -
Telegraph - NEW - Miliband's brilliant plan to combat climate change: 'We'll export unicorns to China' - using the pejoratives, I'd say the 'denier'/'warmist' ratio here is about 20:1 (on the Guardian it is reversed - go figure. I'd say Mr. Delingpole and Monbiot could be hired to remake the 'When Two Tribes Go To War' FrankieGTH video), so there is no point joining in. And again, verifiable facts are thin on the ground, so we are in the realms of conviction and hyperbole. But I was interested in the claimed job loss stat in Spain. Just as matter cannot be created or destroyed, it is often the case that a job in one area results with a loss in another. And this government seems very poor at thinking in... well, just thinking.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
O......k
Climate change: Green dreams
Editorial: Everything must change and yet nothing must change, Ed Miliband insisted yesterday
Yes, I can see how that will work. At least as articulated in the subhead.
I do think we are on dangerous ground these days if consequences are not appreciated, but such facile spinning seems to be the order of the day, and such mismanaging expectations of is a very dangerous, downward path that if followed makes it ever more difficult to reverse within democratic processes.
Editorial: Everything must change and yet nothing must change, Ed Miliband insisted yesterday
Yes, I can see how that will work. At least as articulated in the subhead.
I do think we are on dangerous ground these days if consequences are not appreciated, but such facile spinning seems to be the order of the day, and such mismanaging expectations of is a very dangerous, downward path that if followed makes it ever more difficult to reverse within democratic processes.
What's the Climate like up there?
I tend to avoid the whole 'climate debate'.
At best it seems to be mostly a bunch of folk arguing about the number of angels who dance on the head of a pin; at worst a bunch of entrenched interest groups from two dogmatic extremes lobbing pretty much the same justifications for their views at each other over and over.
I am not saying it is not important, just that I feel it more productive to get on with what I think can help all sides and let others hopefully deal with an area I can see no value in get involved with, bar seeking to ensure the enviROI is always positive.
However, it is a pretty key aspect of many debates, and one thing that always comes up is the difference between 'climate' and 'weather'.
And I would hope these guys would know better than most what it is:
What's the Difference Between Weather and Climate?
At best it seems to be mostly a bunch of folk arguing about the number of angels who dance on the head of a pin; at worst a bunch of entrenched interest groups from two dogmatic extremes lobbing pretty much the same justifications for their views at each other over and over.
I am not saying it is not important, just that I feel it more productive to get on with what I think can help all sides and let others hopefully deal with an area I can see no value in get involved with, bar seeking to ensure the enviROI is always positive.
However, it is a pretty key aspect of many debates, and one thing that always comes up is the difference between 'climate' and 'weather'.
And I would hope these guys would know better than most what it is:
What's the Difference Between Weather and Climate?
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
POOH CORNER - Gentlemen, fill your engines...
OK, I'm half right (think number 1's)
Pee Power Potential Fuel: Convenient and Greener
And to think I'm plotting LPG stations round France for our camping trip.
Pee Power Potential Fuel: Convenient and Greener
And to think I'm plotting LPG stations round France for our camping trip.
Range on the home
I'm still smarting having been blanked by Mr. McC (or his people) on another issue, but this seems worth sharing:
Make existing homes greener, says McCloud
Of course it ties in with my reuse/pair notions anyway, but also sets up the obsession some have with making new things to solve PMWNCC. Which usually translates as making money or giving it away with a dodgy enviROI sticker on it.
And let's be sensible. I live in a 400/300/200/100/50/5 year old property. Only that last 5 is in any way shape or form designed and built to high green standards.
Hence I, and I suspect others, need all the help we can get to do our best to make the most of what we have got. Not snappy new initiatives all the time.
Make existing homes greener, says McCloud
Of course it ties in with my reuse/pair notions anyway, but also sets up the obsession some have with making new things to solve PMWNCC. Which usually translates as making money or giving it away with a dodgy enviROI sticker on it.
And let's be sensible. I live in a 400/300/200/100/50/5 year old property. Only that last 5 is in any way shape or form designed and built to high green standards.
Hence I, and I suspect others, need all the help we can get to do our best to make the most of what we have got. Not snappy new initiatives all the time.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
3,000 words and a few more on Greenwashing
I was an engineer once.Scott Adams was an engineer.
The ever excellent Dilbert is an engineer.
At the moment this one hit the mark, as I have found that some attempts at asking questions to establish enviROIs are getting met more and more by stupid 'you're just a Daily Mail reader' style comebacks from a way too powerful minority greeleet lobby empowered by media ownership and dogma over science. Just because a PR says it ticks a green box does not mean it is.
As it happens, I would like to know the answer to this one. Dilbert usually has a basis in fact, so is it possible Styrofoam may be 'better' than paper? All my instincts say not.
However, the overall message is, still on the money.
Monday, July 13, 2009
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.
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 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?
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!
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.
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!
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!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
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.
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
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
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 -
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 -
Friday, July 10, 2009
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, July 09, 2009
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).
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, July 06, 2009
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.
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.'
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:)
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
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, July 05, 2009
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.
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?
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?
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