There comes a time when you knowing it is great is not enough.
And your Mum agreeing ain't always the best way forward either.
ARTICLES
via RE:tie -
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
CHARITY
Charity is good. Charities are... mostly. But some are more than others.
Stay informed.
charitynavigator.org
fakecharities.org -
intelligentgiving.com
ARTICLES
Telegraph - Charities want a bail-out: they shouldn't get a penny - brutal, but does raise issues about what constitutes a 'charity'. A lot do seem almost like quangos, being little more than funded mouthpieces for government policy. And, like 'not for profits', I do often look at the calibre of the senior 'management' and wonder at the remuneration.
greenusesforwaste - NEW - Interview With a Charity Shop Worker - when you do engage, it's worth knowing, from the horse's mouth, what works best.
CHARITIES
There are good ones. I'll need to start listing those I rate... or get told of.
Stay informed.
charitynavigator.org
fakecharities.org -
intelligentgiving.com
ARTICLES
Telegraph - Charities want a bail-out: they shouldn't get a penny - brutal, but does raise issues about what constitutes a 'charity'. A lot do seem almost like quangos, being little more than funded mouthpieces for government policy. And, like 'not for profits', I do often look at the calibre of the senior 'management' and wonder at the remuneration.
greenusesforwaste - NEW - Interview With a Charity Shop Worker - when you do engage, it's worth knowing, from the horse's mouth, what works best.
CHARITIES
There are good ones. I'll need to start listing those I rate... or get told of.
CATEGORY - Composting
It is important to note that this cannot be divorced from other options, such as Food Waste Disposal which, as you'll gather can be a rather heated debate.
However, as one currently on his 3rd council composter (big rural garden), wherever I lay my scraps, that's my loam.
Articles
Guardian - Bin it! - A view. This, however, is not the best motivational kick off, IMHO: 'Do you still chuck out your kitchen scraps? Shame on you.'
Guardian - Emptying organic rubbish can damage health, say doctors - I share because it is relevant and a new part of the topic debate, but it is littered with a load of 'coulds' and 'some says', and had no real conclusions or counter explanations, so read in that context. It all comes across a tad 'scare story' to me.
Guardian - Compost organic waste - No mention of the piece above, oddly. Must be another department.
Beverage Daily - Green packaging still facing barriers to growth - Interesting to note the realities of some eco-alternatives being touted
Indy - Man died after inhaling spores of garden fungus - OK, I have noted and rather cranked an eyebrow at this before. Now it seems worth taking a bit more seriously.
Guardian - Man dies after inhaling fungal spores from garden compost
My Zero Waste - Is cornstarch plastic packaging (PLA) compostable or recyclable? - A worthwhile investigative journey by a fellow blogger. I have added a few comments of my own, resisting the temptation to opine that M&S's mighty PR/CSR team seems less than savvy and good mainly for trotting out soundbites.
I still concern myself with what these things end up as. Dredging up my old science, ‘matter cannot be created or destroyed’, so you have to end up with something. The question is what… and where.
In a worst case (IMHO) you end up with a plastic soup, that may not choke a turtle but still doesn’t sound great in the water table. And I have to ponder what gasses are given off during the process too; I doubt they are always benign, GHG-wise.
I’ll have to revisit my little investigation a few years back at the time of the plastic bag bans.
Frankly reuse is optimal, but I would say that, and concede it is not always practical (though I am pondering how bulk schemes may work for certain products, and indeed one is being trialled by ASDA).
Which brings us back to effective recycling. Trouble is, that means sensible coordination and cooperation between manufacturers, retailers, LGAs and… the public. Not working out so well so far.
If we are to have these breakdown-style products ‘in the mix’ they do need to be separated and delivered to appropriate processing facilities… just as one should any other recyclate. However, the plethora of options countrywide, from pack types to disposal systems, coupled with all the competing label systems, does not seem designed to encourage an already less than motivated public to act in complement.
I am having a rather unique ‘problem’ with my waste plastics, which I retain to find uses for, in that some I have stored are indeed breaking down, which makes them useless to me. Hence I am having to train up on the various labelling options to split them out. Frankly, embossed black on black doesn’t help this much, especially as at my age my eyesight is no longer what it used to be.
Also worth noting this one in complement to my own : Biodegradable plastic bags carry more ecological harm than good
plasticsnews - European Bioplastics distances itself from oxo-degradables
planetgreen - 75 Things You Can Compost, But Thought You Couldn't - Well if this doesn't deserve a slot here, I don't know what does. Just... verify first!
Information
The European Bioplastics position paper on oxo-biogradable plastics
Greenusesforwaste - NEW - Can Used Cooking Oil be Put into Garden Compost?
Suppliers
However, as one currently on his 3rd council composter (big rural garden), wherever I lay my scraps, that's my loam.
Articles
Guardian - Bin it! - A view. This, however, is not the best motivational kick off, IMHO: 'Do you still chuck out your kitchen scraps? Shame on you.'
Guardian - Emptying organic rubbish can damage health, say doctors - I share because it is relevant and a new part of the topic debate, but it is littered with a load of 'coulds' and 'some says', and had no real conclusions or counter explanations, so read in that context. It all comes across a tad 'scare story' to me.
Guardian - Compost organic waste - No mention of the piece above, oddly. Must be another department.
Beverage Daily - Green packaging still facing barriers to growth - Interesting to note the realities of some eco-alternatives being touted
Indy - Man died after inhaling spores of garden fungus - OK, I have noted and rather cranked an eyebrow at this before. Now it seems worth taking a bit more seriously.
Guardian - Man dies after inhaling fungal spores from garden compost
My Zero Waste - Is cornstarch plastic packaging (PLA) compostable or recyclable? - A worthwhile investigative journey by a fellow blogger. I have added a few comments of my own, resisting the temptation to opine that M&S's mighty PR/CSR team seems less than savvy and good mainly for trotting out soundbites.
I still concern myself with what these things end up as. Dredging up my old science, ‘matter cannot be created or destroyed’, so you have to end up with something. The question is what… and where.
In a worst case (IMHO) you end up with a plastic soup, that may not choke a turtle but still doesn’t sound great in the water table. And I have to ponder what gasses are given off during the process too; I doubt they are always benign, GHG-wise.
I’ll have to revisit my little investigation a few years back at the time of the plastic bag bans.
Frankly reuse is optimal, but I would say that, and concede it is not always practical (though I am pondering how bulk schemes may work for certain products, and indeed one is being trialled by ASDA).
Which brings us back to effective recycling. Trouble is, that means sensible coordination and cooperation between manufacturers, retailers, LGAs and… the public. Not working out so well so far.
If we are to have these breakdown-style products ‘in the mix’ they do need to be separated and delivered to appropriate processing facilities… just as one should any other recyclate. However, the plethora of options countrywide, from pack types to disposal systems, coupled with all the competing label systems, does not seem designed to encourage an already less than motivated public to act in complement.
I am having a rather unique ‘problem’ with my waste plastics, which I retain to find uses for, in that some I have stored are indeed breaking down, which makes them useless to me. Hence I am having to train up on the various labelling options to split them out. Frankly, embossed black on black doesn’t help this much, especially as at my age my eyesight is no longer what it used to be.
Also worth noting this one in complement to my own : Biodegradable plastic bags carry more ecological harm than good
plasticsnews - European Bioplastics distances itself from oxo-degradables
planetgreen - 75 Things You Can Compost, But Thought You Couldn't - Well if this doesn't deserve a slot here, I don't know what does. Just... verify first!
Information
The European Bioplastics position paper on oxo-biogradable plastics
Greenusesforwaste - NEW - Can Used Cooking Oil be Put into Garden Compost?
Suppliers
It's alive, I tell you... ALIVE!
Just opened the post and... ta-da!... fresh from the Junkk studio the latest RE:tie prototype from those lovely folk at JIIC. No, it's not quite a work of art ready to grace your love's finger, but they do lots of other nifty stuff too!
I have a good feeling about this one. Thanks to British Library Inventor in Residence & mentor Mark Sheahan of Squeezeopen it addresses some moulding issues at manufacture, and I think there is definite potential for getting support from the greater accessibility support market.
Seeing it 'in the flesh' and using it with my big paws, I now realise it could be even smaller and still work, hence saving plastic. And the slot could be narrower for a tighter sideways fit on the tie as it pulls through, but then again we could use some 'give' and more hole means less plastic.
Certainly some shavings for savings yet. But now it is time to look at a short run in the actual material. Anyone know of a moulder who does not demand first born but might accept pints of blood?
CATEGORY - Green Q&A sites/sources
Another day, another ever-evolving list 9as found, or told about), kicking off with:
GENERAL (with specific categories often)
Junkk.com - Answers - actually a bit optimistically definitive that heading. But we'll give it a heck of a stab, mind. And if we're stumped, we might know a green-whizz who knows. Failing which, we have the whole Junkketeer community. And then... Google?
Grist - Ask Umbra
The Guardian - Ask Leo & Lucy -
The Times - Environment/Green and confused - Send you [sorry, I just had to leave that in] eco-dilemmas to greenandconfused@thetimes.co.uk
SPECIFICS
Waste
Greenusesforwaste - does what they say on the URL
GENERAL (with specific categories often)
Junkk.com - Answers - actually a bit optimistically definitive that heading. But we'll give it a heck of a stab, mind. And if we're stumped, we might know a green-whizz who knows. Failing which, we have the whole Junkketeer community. And then... Google?
Grist - Ask Umbra
The Guardian - Ask Leo & Lucy -
The Times - Environment/Green and confused - Send you [sorry, I just had to leave that in] eco-dilemmas to greenandconfused@thetimes.co.uk
SPECIFICS
Waste
Greenusesforwaste - does what they say on the URL
'Could' news
Green failures 'may hit taxpayer'
Now, there's a thing.
I am always intrigued, in matters fiscal, who constitutes the benefactor and beneficiary when it comes to 'government' largesse vs. taxpayer funding/penalty.
Nothing like a target to obscure real, tangible, and probably actually worthy aims.
Anticipate a flurry of half-baked box-ticking initiatives to extricate bonus-addicts from holes soon.
Addendum - Asian giants put the West’s targets for solar energy in the shade - 'East is East and West is West, stick it where the sun don't shine, 'cos we have the best'. Next... NZ challenges Saudi on Hydro, Chicago challenges my back yard on wind. I think this is how international 'negotiations' go, right. I feel a bit sorry for Lapland if they are in the 'West' (it's a biggish expanse), at least for half the year.
Now, there's a thing.
I am always intrigued, in matters fiscal, who constitutes the benefactor and beneficiary when it comes to 'government' largesse vs. taxpayer funding/penalty.
Nothing like a target to obscure real, tangible, and probably actually worthy aims.
Anticipate a flurry of half-baked box-ticking initiatives to extricate bonus-addicts from holes soon.
Addendum - Asian giants put the West’s targets for solar energy in the shade - 'East is East and West is West, stick it where the sun don't shine, 'cos we have the best'. Next... NZ challenges Saudi on Hydro, Chicago challenges my back yard on wind. I think this is how international 'negotiations' go, right. I feel a bit sorry for Lapland if they are in the 'West' (it's a biggish expanse), at least for half the year.
PING, and, with luck, no pong
Taking e-life into hands here. 3rd (and last) test of social posting networking service http://ping.fm. Now my blog, having tried character limited outlets such as twitter and LinkedIn. Let's also see what it does with a long URL:
http://ping.fm/03qUd
If this all works, I am impressed!
Currently, twitter has worked; LinkedIN MIA, though I may be looking in the wrong places.
There is also a danger of overlaps, so sorry for any duplicates until I suss out the default settings.
ADDENDUM
Looks promising, and a definite time saver.
I do not that, of course, you do not get a Title added ( I have now done so, manually), or any Labels (ditto). Easy to follow up.
I think I'll let it simmer awhile on the few tests (Blog, twitter & LinkedIn) to see what happens over the net 24hrs by way of duplicates as the automated aggregators do their thing.
Newsnight - Send your questions for the Twitter CEO -
How on earth do I manage all the deluge of tweets I get now I am, often as a courtesy, following those who follow me in addition to he just plain worthwhile? I see Yoko Ono manages. Do she have a horde of 'people', cloning tech, a time machine... or is just a very polite, awesomely multitasking lady who needs no sleep?
At the very least how can you go through and zap all the 'Good morning's, just brushed my teeth..' to retain in archive just he nifty ones with useful info/links?
Those latter I am finding very useful.
http://ping.fm/03qUd
If this all works, I am impressed!
Currently, twitter has worked; LinkedIN MIA, though I may be looking in the wrong places.
There is also a danger of overlaps, so sorry for any duplicates until I suss out the default settings.
ADDENDUM
Looks promising, and a definite time saver.
I do not that, of course, you do not get a Title added ( I have now done so, manually), or any Labels (ditto). Easy to follow up.
I think I'll let it simmer awhile on the few tests (Blog, twitter & LinkedIn) to see what happens over the net 24hrs by way of duplicates as the automated aggregators do their thing.
Newsnight - Send your questions for the Twitter CEO -
How on earth do I manage all the deluge of tweets I get now I am, often as a courtesy, following those who follow me in addition to he just plain worthwhile? I see Yoko Ono manages. Do she have a horde of 'people', cloning tech, a time machine... or is just a very polite, awesomely multitasking lady who needs no sleep?
At the very least how can you go through and zap all the 'Good morning's, just brushed my teeth..' to retain in archive just he nifty ones with useful info/links?
Those latter I am finding very useful.
CATEGORY - ENERGY
I have a feeling I have duplicated, but will doubtless one day amalgamate if so.
ARTICLES
Telegraph - NEW - Cities at night from space - A picture paints 1,000 words. Here's 21,000. Hard to see how these lights will be removed, or dimmed. The only chance is to make them more efficient and powered in a less polluting manner. Oh, and maybe try and avoid installing more. Fat chance. Pretty, mind.
WOOD
Indy - The Home Ecologist
INFORMATION
Carbon Trust publishes views on Green Tariffs
ARTICLES
Telegraph - NEW - Cities at night from space - A picture paints 1,000 words. Here's 21,000. Hard to see how these lights will be removed, or dimmed. The only chance is to make them more efficient and powered in a less polluting manner. Oh, and maybe try and avoid installing more. Fat chance. Pretty, mind.
WOOD
Indy - The Home Ecologist
INFORMATION
Carbon Trust publishes views on Green Tariffs
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
I don't normally applaud long downloading sites, but...
As sent by my Singapore Aunty:
HEMA is a Dutch department store, similar to IKEA.
Take a look at HEMA's product page. You can't order anything and it's in Dutch, but just wait a couple of seconds and watch what happens. Don’t click on any of the items in the picture, just wait, be patient and see what happens.
This company has a sense of humour and a great computer programmer.
Indeed, and thanks to this viral I watched all the way through.
I really must concoct something for Junkk.com in a similar vein.
HEMA is a Dutch department store, similar to IKEA.
Take a look at HEMA's product page. You can't order anything and it's in Dutch, but just wait a couple of seconds and watch what happens. Don’t click on any of the items in the picture, just wait, be patient and see what happens.
This company has a sense of humour and a great computer programmer.
Indeed, and thanks to this viral I watched all the way through.
I really must concoct something for Junkk.com in a similar vein.
EVENT - CM - Eco Innovate 09
EVENT
WHEN: October 21st 2009
WHAT: Eco Innovate 09, Towerlands Park, Essex
WHAT... MORE?: From blurb - Business-to-business event promoting the use of innovative, environmental solutions. Will showcase products and services that can help businesses become more resource efficient, sustainable and ultimately more profitable.
HOW MUCH: Delegate Ticket
£55 (earlybird until August 28th)
URL: http://www.ecoinnovate.co.uk/index.php
COMMENTS: Possibly a bit for, pricey and B2B for us, but then again....
WHEN: October 21st 2009
WHAT: Eco Innovate 09, Towerlands Park, Essex
WHAT... MORE?: From blurb - Business-to-business event promoting the use of innovative, environmental solutions. Will showcase products and services that can help businesses become more resource efficient, sustainable and ultimately more profitable.
HOW MUCH: Delegate Ticket
£55 (earlybird until August 28th)
URL: http://www.ecoinnovate.co.uk/index.php
COMMENTS: Possibly a bit for, pricey and B2B for us, but then again....
IRONY ALERT - The latest cycling innovation - power assist!
The purr of electronic gears sounds great - if you can get past the price
I am presuming (tried and failed to check via the site, which has to be one of the most indulgent, useless, time-consuming examples I have seen in a while) that these little servos use 'leccy, which is kind of quaint, above the weight, all things considered.
However, as one who can rarely access the highest a lowest gears thanks to poor spanner-technique, and has spent more than his fair time trying to get chain oil off his hands in one's posh frock at a Central London kerbside for much the same reason, I am intrigued as to whether the changing mechanism is different, and better, and if so why a human-powered/instigated version might not be created.
Money and image issues noted.
I am presuming (tried and failed to check via the site, which has to be one of the most indulgent, useless, time-consuming examples I have seen in a while) that these little servos use 'leccy, which is kind of quaint, above the weight, all things considered.
However, as one who can rarely access the highest a lowest gears thanks to poor spanner-technique, and has spent more than his fair time trying to get chain oil off his hands in one's posh frock at a Central London kerbside for much the same reason, I am intrigued as to whether the changing mechanism is different, and better, and if so why a human-powered/instigated version might not be created.
Money and image issues noted.
Recognising the role of the cock-up
A few summers ago, my family attended the Big Green Gathering.
We had a hoot. And yes, despite it heaving down. Again. In 'summer'.
So I was sad to read of its demise.
However, the back story rumbles.
Is the Big Green Gathering another victim of the crackdown on dissent?
A Monbiot piece is rarely worth commenting in (on is different:) as things get polarised very quickly (I see a 'you're a racist' got in pretty quickly), but there are some facts in there.
And by my assessment, I am erring on cock-up rather than anything else.
Which is a pity, as it was no harm at all, pretty fun, and possibly a fair bit of good.
Which is more than I can say for stirring up notions of establishment crackdowns when parties you like fall foul of legislative impositions, especially those often brought in my your mates to support parties you do.
All I will say is that when I read: 'Is it paranoia, or are they really out to get us? Most of the time it's paranoia. Every week I'm approached by people whispering about vapour trails from planes being used to control our minds, free energy devices suppressed by oil companies or missile attacks on the twin towers' at the very least it explains a fair bit. One just has to hop the author is cluey enough to at least chat with others before coming to conclusions based on whispers in his ear form the comfort zone.
We had a hoot. And yes, despite it heaving down. Again. In 'summer'.
So I was sad to read of its demise.
However, the back story rumbles.
Is the Big Green Gathering another victim of the crackdown on dissent?
A Monbiot piece is rarely worth commenting in (on is different:) as things get polarised very quickly (I see a 'you're a racist' got in pretty quickly), but there are some facts in there.
And by my assessment, I am erring on cock-up rather than anything else.
Which is a pity, as it was no harm at all, pretty fun, and possibly a fair bit of good.
Which is more than I can say for stirring up notions of establishment crackdowns when parties you like fall foul of legislative impositions, especially those often brought in my your mates to support parties you do.
All I will say is that when I read: 'Is it paranoia, or are they really out to get us? Most of the time it's paranoia. Every week I'm approached by people whispering about vapour trails from planes being used to control our minds, free energy devices suppressed by oil companies or missile attacks on the twin towers' at the very least it explains a fair bit. One just has to hop the author is cluey enough to at least chat with others before coming to conclusions based on whispers in his ear form the comfort zone.
CASH FOR CLUNKERS. The cars, not the concept?
An interesting follow up on 'scrappage'
Cash for clunkers, signs of life
Especially in the comments. I empathised with this one.
Cash for clunkers, signs of life
Especially in the comments. I empathised with this one.
POOOiNTS to ponder
Polluted Olympics
I share this merely as a prompt to ponder various issues, from 'The Two E's - Economy vs. Environment' to enviROI, especially with things that may be billed as 'green', and even more so at a point in time that may not reflect the totality of impacts.
SIR – Your report (July 31) on the air quality around the Stratford Olympic site paints a stark picture of athletes breathing polluted air, but the residents are already doing so, and there is a solution – now.
The Rail Freight Group has calculated that 800,000 truck movements could be saved in the area if rail freight were used for deliveries of steel, precast concrete and prefabricated building elements, all of which were transported by rail for the construction of Heathrow Terminal 5. Rail could also be used for the removal of contaminated waste.
The rail facilities on the Olympic site are hardly used. The Olympic Delivery Authority could require contractors to use rail, but relies instead on the media swallowing their green hype rather than confronting the facts that, unless they take urgent action, this will be the most polluted Olympics in history.
Lord Berkeley
Chairman, Rail Freight Group
London WC1
Tricky one. There can be little doubt that in terms of emissions, the mere creation of and consequences of this event cannot in any way be viewed as making the world 'greener'.
I share this merely as a prompt to ponder various issues, from 'The Two E's - Economy vs. Environment' to enviROI, especially with things that may be billed as 'green', and even more so at a point in time that may not reflect the totality of impacts.
SIR – Your report (July 31) on the air quality around the Stratford Olympic site paints a stark picture of athletes breathing polluted air, but the residents are already doing so, and there is a solution – now.
The Rail Freight Group has calculated that 800,000 truck movements could be saved in the area if rail freight were used for deliveries of steel, precast concrete and prefabricated building elements, all of which were transported by rail for the construction of Heathrow Terminal 5. Rail could also be used for the removal of contaminated waste.
The rail facilities on the Olympic site are hardly used. The Olympic Delivery Authority could require contractors to use rail, but relies instead on the media swallowing their green hype rather than confronting the facts that, unless they take urgent action, this will be the most polluted Olympics in history.
Lord Berkeley
Chairman, Rail Freight Group
London WC1
Tricky one. There can be little doubt that in terms of emissions, the mere creation of and consequences of this event cannot in any way be viewed as making the world 'greener'.
CATEGORY - Funding
Already a lot on blog in this area. Time to pull it together.
Articles
Guardian - Activists slam changes to green grants - Isn't a BERR an irritating thing that sticks to you to spread everywhere? The enviROI of the investment into the department vs. the benefit out would seem... less than optimal.
ps: sub-editors: I don't really feel that I am an activist, nor to I 'slam'. I am a concerned consumer and informed advocate of sensible enviro-practices. Stop waving silly, stirring sentences about!
BBC - Anger over climate change loans - Bit O/T, but I had nowhere else to stick it. Makes you wonder about the value of some paper things get printed on these days.
Grants
The 2008 CIP Eco-Innovation Call has been published - your chance to apply for funding for your eco-innovative pilot and market replication projects this year.
government-grants.co.uk - NEW - plus twitter
Resources
innocentive - have an invention? They may have the money. RE:tie ho!
raisecapital.com - but still, caution all round! Lock down your IP.
Resource Efficiency
Articles
Guardian - Activists slam changes to green grants - Isn't a BERR an irritating thing that sticks to you to spread everywhere? The enviROI of the investment into the department vs. the benefit out would seem... less than optimal.
ps: sub-editors: I don't really feel that I am an activist, nor to I 'slam'. I am a concerned consumer and informed advocate of sensible enviro-practices. Stop waving silly, stirring sentences about!
BBC - Anger over climate change loans - Bit O/T, but I had nowhere else to stick it. Makes you wonder about the value of some paper things get printed on these days.
Grants
The 2008 CIP Eco-Innovation Call has been published - your chance to apply for funding for your eco-innovative pilot and market replication projects this year.
government-grants.co.uk - NEW - plus twitter
Resources
innocentive - have an invention? They may have the money. RE:tie ho!
raisecapital.com - but still, caution all round! Lock down your IP.
Resource Efficiency
Monday, August 03, 2009
CATEGORY - ACRONYMS EXPLAINED
Bit of catching up on the archive required one day.
Addendum: Also decided to add new words/terms as they come up.
AWARENAFF - I have got to the point that if too many more people get on this bandwagon, travlling here and there to show us the damage we're doing... travelling here and there... the end of the world my be more nigh than even they are trying to scare up. See also 'MESSAGE+MESSENGER'.
CoRMLESS - Could, Researchers May, Latest Enviromental Studies Show (or Scientists Say) - pretty much any headline in the MSM regarding climate issues that uses all sorts of one-off science, often by dubiously-qualified 'scientists', or researchers, to whack out a totally alarmist headline, but with the convenient get-out of it actually only being 'may', 'could', etc...
E&EO - Edited (for space and/or often rampant, redundant client-laden unnecessary verbiage) & Eyebrow-cranked (if I think some claims may be a tad over-egged:) Often.
DDAIDDAIS - Don't Do As I Do, Do As I Say - Basically hypocrisy by the establishment, usually political, media, celebrity or, worst of all, green finger-waggers, where there often seems to be a disconnect between what the public is told how to behave and how those doing the telling seem to manage, usually with the only... poor... excuse, of raising 'awareness'. See AWARENAFF.
enviROI - It stands for 'environmental ROI (Return On Investment)', and can be deemed positive or negative.
Essentially is a measure of some environmental product, service or initiative that is applied to try and get to the actual positive result claimed and/or tangibly, provably delivered/deliverable in terms of our kids' futures upon this planet.
It's not always simple, as no one here needs reminding, but with a bit of knowledge, a few pertinent questions and a well cranked eye-brow it is surprising how many PR guys can end up failing to convince. And already I am finding I am in danger of running into conflicting subsets, for instance such as between the immediate and superficially obvious 'good' of a plastic bag ban vs. the possible down sides that are now emerging, at least into the public domain. The spat between the Soil Association and Fairtrade over airmiles is another example. 'Ecology' now in some cases at odds with 'environment', sadly. And both with economy almost inevitably and always, even more so.
Simply put (and I do not intend to get into any debates about global warming, climate change and or the human race's part in it, or not) it tends to be based on what the ground to ground (dig it up, make it, ship it, sell it, use it, maintain it, dispose of it) consequence is in terms of emissions (carbon or otherwise) 'it' will impose. Will it add (bad), mitigate (better than nothing... usually) reduce or prevent any more (good, I hope, almost invariably). Much smarter folk paid a lot more are doing much more complex things with food miles/carbon footprints and all sorts at this very moment I know, but often I don't quite understand or trust them as they can often be rather selective in the parameters, and the provenance of the authors/supporters can also raise an eyebrow too.
It is related, but different to ROI, as it is perfectly possibly to have a good enviROI yet deliver no financial reward. So long as the costs and benefits are understood, and accepted, someone can choose to lose money but do better by the future.
That said, there is of course a lower limit, where one has to wonder if the money is being spent on something seemingly with a good enviROI when it could in fact be invested in something 'better'. This is less serious in the case of the individual, but can apply when deciding between systems, say solar vs. wind or ground heat. However, when one gets to national initiatives such as windfarms, the balance does need to be more carefully weighed. Hence while I am a huge supporter of the principle of renewables, and accept that they will impose extra costs (though not always.. a win-win!), I can remain to be convinced on the enviROI of some. Just because it is green...er, may not mean it's the most sensible choice, even to holding fire a wee while longer.
I seek not to impose this on anyone. I simply am guided by it and share as something to ponder in discussions and debates. As here.
examplist - A more favoured term for 'activist'
FATWa... 'First Against The Wall.. when the revolution comes!'
GOATs - Government Of All Talents - A self-describing description that one feels may be coming to haunt the nanny state that came up with it.
Inspirist - A more favoured term for 'activist'
IYANWUYAU - 'If You Are Not With Us...' - And sadly, I can mostly apply it to those who should be courting such as me, not driving us away by being incestuous, arrogant, know-all numpties.
hectorvists - Especially on social media. Folk who, once they have your email or @name, etc, seem to think a barrage of bans, days, etc will swing you to their way of thinking. Without enough doing in complement... it won't.
MESSAGE + MESSENGER - Simply put, I am off the view that often good messages can be neutered or indeed bigger issues badly compromised by various messengers (usually self-appointed, but there is a large and dishonourable roll call of pols in there) saying, or worse doing something that pretty much shows them to be false prophets. The danger of one small negative tainting many positives cannot be underestimated. I expect green campaigners to be consistent, honest and sincere. And, preferably, lead by example. See 'DDIDDAIS'. That said, I am not perfect, but then I do not claim to be. But I hope I can inspire by waht I do, and only critique when I feel others are leading the cause of sensible environmental practice astray.
Nagvocacy Groups - NEW - Those who are pushing a cause but erring too much on the nag, fine, guilt, scare aspects at the expense of more motivating methods.
NiWiYCGI - 'Niwikki' - 'Nice Work if You Can Get It'
ORFTARFU (one rule for them; another rule for us)
Polishing a Terminally Unpopular/Unpleasant Rationale, Reprobate or Device - Trying to paint a lost cause in glowing terms, despite all evidence to the contrary.
Ptoo! - Pull the other one!
RE:GOOD packaging... Reuse Executions: Great Opportunities Offered Designers
SOSO - Same Old, Same Old
TMTOTH (prn: 'Tumtoth") - Too Much Time On Their Hands
TOCOTA - Two Opposing Corners of the Apocalypse
VRP - Voltaire Revolution Power - The power that can be generated by hooking up M. Voltaire (he of 'I may not agree..' fame, probably) in his grave to a generator to harness the revolutions he turns when so-called libertarians get a tad irony-free in word and/or deed when it comes to others not agreeing with them.
WPD - WooPeeDoo - mainly for press releases or GO3 written diarrhea that tries to create a lot more out of something than it deserves.
Addendum: Also decided to add new words/terms as they come up.
AWARENAFF - I have got to the point that if too many more people get on this bandwagon, travlling here and there to show us the damage we're doing... travelling here and there... the end of the world my be more nigh than even they are trying to scare up. See also 'MESSAGE+MESSENGER'.
CoRMLESS - Could, Researchers May, Latest Enviromental Studies Show (or Scientists Say) - pretty much any headline in the MSM regarding climate issues that uses all sorts of one-off science, often by dubiously-qualified 'scientists', or researchers, to whack out a totally alarmist headline, but with the convenient get-out of it actually only being 'may', 'could', etc...
E&EO - Edited (for space and/or often rampant, redundant client-laden unnecessary verbiage) & Eyebrow-cranked (if I think some claims may be a tad over-egged:) Often.
DDAIDDAIS - Don't Do As I Do, Do As I Say - Basically hypocrisy by the establishment, usually political, media, celebrity or, worst of all, green finger-waggers, where there often seems to be a disconnect between what the public is told how to behave and how those doing the telling seem to manage, usually with the only... poor... excuse, of raising 'awareness'. See AWARENAFF.
enviROI - It stands for 'environmental ROI (Return On Investment)', and can be deemed positive or negative.
Essentially is a measure of some environmental product, service or initiative that is applied to try and get to the actual positive result claimed and/or tangibly, provably delivered/deliverable in terms of our kids' futures upon this planet.
It's not always simple, as no one here needs reminding, but with a bit of knowledge, a few pertinent questions and a well cranked eye-brow it is surprising how many PR guys can end up failing to convince. And already I am finding I am in danger of running into conflicting subsets, for instance such as between the immediate and superficially obvious 'good' of a plastic bag ban vs. the possible down sides that are now emerging, at least into the public domain. The spat between the Soil Association and Fairtrade over airmiles is another example. 'Ecology' now in some cases at odds with 'environment', sadly. And both with economy almost inevitably and always, even more so.
Simply put (and I do not intend to get into any debates about global warming, climate change and or the human race's part in it, or not) it tends to be based on what the ground to ground (dig it up, make it, ship it, sell it, use it, maintain it, dispose of it) consequence is in terms of emissions (carbon or otherwise) 'it' will impose. Will it add (bad), mitigate (better than nothing... usually) reduce or prevent any more (good, I hope, almost invariably). Much smarter folk paid a lot more are doing much more complex things with food miles/carbon footprints and all sorts at this very moment I know, but often I don't quite understand or trust them as they can often be rather selective in the parameters, and the provenance of the authors/supporters can also raise an eyebrow too.
It is related, but different to ROI, as it is perfectly possibly to have a good enviROI yet deliver no financial reward. So long as the costs and benefits are understood, and accepted, someone can choose to lose money but do better by the future.
That said, there is of course a lower limit, where one has to wonder if the money is being spent on something seemingly with a good enviROI when it could in fact be invested in something 'better'. This is less serious in the case of the individual, but can apply when deciding between systems, say solar vs. wind or ground heat. However, when one gets to national initiatives such as windfarms, the balance does need to be more carefully weighed. Hence while I am a huge supporter of the principle of renewables, and accept that they will impose extra costs (though not always.. a win-win!), I can remain to be convinced on the enviROI of some. Just because it is green...er, may not mean it's the most sensible choice, even to holding fire a wee while longer.
I seek not to impose this on anyone. I simply am guided by it and share as something to ponder in discussions and debates. As here.
examplist - A more favoured term for 'activist'
FATWa... 'First Against The Wall.. when the revolution comes!'
GOATs - Government Of All Talents - A self-describing description that one feels may be coming to haunt the nanny state that came up with it.
Inspirist - A more favoured term for 'activist'
IYANWUYAU - 'If You Are Not With Us...' - And sadly, I can mostly apply it to those who should be courting such as me, not driving us away by being incestuous, arrogant, know-all numpties.
hectorvists - Especially on social media. Folk who, once they have your email or @name, etc, seem to think a barrage of bans, days, etc will swing you to their way of thinking. Without enough doing in complement... it won't.
MESSAGE + MESSENGER - Simply put, I am off the view that often good messages can be neutered or indeed bigger issues badly compromised by various messengers (usually self-appointed, but there is a large and dishonourable roll call of pols in there) saying, or worse doing something that pretty much shows them to be false prophets. The danger of one small negative tainting many positives cannot be underestimated. I expect green campaigners to be consistent, honest and sincere. And, preferably, lead by example. See 'DDIDDAIS'. That said, I am not perfect, but then I do not claim to be. But I hope I can inspire by waht I do, and only critique when I feel others are leading the cause of sensible environmental practice astray.
Nagvocacy Groups - NEW - Those who are pushing a cause but erring too much on the nag, fine, guilt, scare aspects at the expense of more motivating methods.
NiWiYCGI - 'Niwikki' - 'Nice Work if You Can Get It'
ORFTARFU (one rule for them; another rule for us)
Polishing a Terminally Unpopular/Unpleasant Rationale, Reprobate or Device - Trying to paint a lost cause in glowing terms, despite all evidence to the contrary.
Ptoo! - Pull the other one!
RE:GOOD packaging... Reuse Executions: Great Opportunities Offered Designers
SOSO - Same Old, Same Old
TMTOTH (prn: 'Tumtoth") - Too Much Time On Their Hands
TOCOTA - Two Opposing Corners of the Apocalypse
VRP - Voltaire Revolution Power - The power that can be generated by hooking up M. Voltaire (he of 'I may not agree..' fame, probably) in his grave to a generator to harness the revolutions he turns when so-called libertarians get a tad irony-free in word and/or deed when it comes to others not agreeing with them.
WPD - WooPeeDoo - mainly for press releases or GO3 written diarrhea that tries to create a lot more out of something than it deserves.
Save planet.. and pocket. Pass it on.
Eco gadgets for the home
Caution: some are silly money, literally.
For instance, whilst stylish, at £99.95 for an energy monitor, right away in this household, it is easy to ignore. And it may be we get forced to install one by the 'leccy companies anyway soon.
As a user I'll endorse Bye Bye Standbye.*
There's also buying something new to 'save', though sometimes the ROI and enviROI numbers can work out.
* A tad dubious about the ad next to it, mind...
IRONY ALERT - Ways to save planet; with FREE plastic bag
Better yet, you get points if you stick it in your hemp jobbie at the checkout.I was tempted, but £1.99 just to find out what was within the wrapper was a step too far.
RE:tie - another evolution
Well, things progress on RE:tie.Working with JIIC at BCU, we now have the CAD rendering of its latest incarnation.
This solves some moulding issues, but at the same time enabled us mentor Mark Sheahan's input to incorporate what we hope will be a design aid for those who might have trouble gripping and tearing off tamper evident closures.
Oh, and it looks like it also uses just the same amount, and possible even less plastic to do the same job.
The prototype is en route as I type.
packaging news - Prototypes: Giving design an extra dimension - good piece to note!
I don't like Monday... so far
The new site feature evolution is still a roller-coaster.
One the the real scores with a glitch is knowing what is causing it it, so you can then solve it.
And we seem to have figured that the new site doesn't like the old splash page: the one that you see with a video of me and the latest blogs, ideas etc. So we have disconnected this for now and it defaults to the home page instead.
Yay! At least it works.
However...
In trying to add some new pictures and URLs using our spiffy new Ideas upload features, I got a brand new, and not exactly welcome error message.
Guess how my day is shaping up. And not, as intended, on the newsletter.
One step forward.... :(((((((((
One the the real scores with a glitch is knowing what is causing it it, so you can then solve it.
And we seem to have figured that the new site doesn't like the old splash page: the one that you see with a video of me and the latest blogs, ideas etc. So we have disconnected this for now and it defaults to the home page instead.
Yay! At least it works.
However...
In trying to add some new pictures and URLs using our spiffy new Ideas upload features, I got a brand new, and not exactly welcome error message.
Guess how my day is shaping up. And not, as intended, on the newsletter.
One step forward.... :(((((((((
WRAP rage!
No, not my favourite quango.
A term I have heard before, but thanks to My Zero Waste have not before seen it articulated as well.
Other than nodding along, I also see opportunity for the RE:tie, as we are working on evolving the design to make it not only reusable, but easier for those who may have trouble 'unzipping' tamper-evidents, through such as arthritis.
A term I have heard before, but thanks to My Zero Waste have not before seen it articulated as well.
Other than nodding along, I also see opportunity for the RE:tie, as we are working on evolving the design to make it not only reusable, but easier for those who may have trouble 'unzipping' tamper-evidents, through such as arthritis.
Sunday, August 02, 2009
CATEGORY - INSULATION
One of the better 'win-wins'. I am lofted up. Shame our walls are solid.
ARTICLES
Guardian - Tread lightly: Install cavity wall insulation
Guardian - Tread lightly: Draught-proof the home
Times - Insulation will pay for itself over years
Times - No windfall tax: it’s energy-saving instead
Indy - Energy efficient households 'can save £270 a year'
Guardian - Yes, do lag your loft - Some great suggestions in the posts, including a few I floated a wee while ago.
Indy - How much energy-saving help can you expect to get?
Indy - Not flash, just Gordon. And that's the problem
Guardian - Mind the gaps – time to insulate and save on heating -
INFORMATION
bricksandbread.com - NEW - Local focus but globally relevant info
Draught Proofing Advisory Association
freeinsulation.co.uk -
nationalinsulationassociation.org.uk
government-grants.co.uk
secondaryglazing.com -
SUPPLIERS
doubleglazingquotes.org -
I wonder how all the various grants/ratings account for those who may want to insulate, but cannot?
ARTICLES
Guardian - Tread lightly: Install cavity wall insulation
Guardian - Tread lightly: Draught-proof the home
Times - Insulation will pay for itself over years
Times - No windfall tax: it’s energy-saving instead
Indy - Energy efficient households 'can save £270 a year'
Guardian - Yes, do lag your loft - Some great suggestions in the posts, including a few I floated a wee while ago.
Indy - How much energy-saving help can you expect to get?
Indy - Not flash, just Gordon. And that's the problem
Guardian - Mind the gaps – time to insulate and save on heating -
INFORMATION
bricksandbread.com - NEW - Local focus but globally relevant info
Draught Proofing Advisory Association
freeinsulation.co.uk -
nationalinsulationassociation.org.uk
government-grants.co.uk
secondaryglazing.com -
SUPPLIERS
doubleglazingquotes.org -
I wonder how all the various grants/ratings account for those who may want to insulate, but cannot?
At least the British 'summer' has a defence
What's the environmental impact of a sky lantern? - Hefty, I'd say
"There is also the danger that if they come down alight they could start a fire..
Obvious now, but never having seen one I hadn't realised they actually had naked flames.
That would really make them little better than 'ethically-sourced', unguided airborne incendiary devices, like those Japanese balloon bombs targetting the US via the jetstream during WW2.
So I do wonder if the biodegradability aspects are the main issue, and frankly why they are allowed. Mind you, every Nov. 5 the UK does seem to put its pyromaniac's hat and mask on.
Love the 'but they are ethically-sourced' counter.
"There is also the danger that if they come down alight they could start a fire..
Obvious now, but never having seen one I hadn't realised they actually had naked flames.
That would really make them little better than 'ethically-sourced', unguided airborne incendiary devices, like those Japanese balloon bombs targetting the US via the jetstream during WW2.
So I do wonder if the biodegradability aspects are the main issue, and frankly why they are allowed. Mind you, every Nov. 5 the UK does seem to put its pyromaniac's hat and mask on.
Love the 'but they are ethically-sourced' counter.
Saturday, August 01, 2009
CATEGORY - ORGANIC
Has to start somewhere..
ARTICLES
INFORMATION
Indy - The great organic myths rebutted - Still 'a view' mind
Indy - The great organic myths: Why organic foods are an indulgence the world can't afford - and another. At leasy we have baalnced argument! No clue still, mind.
BBC - Organic 'has no health benefits' - Frankly it surprised me. So the decisions are now on matters of taste (personal ROI) and environment (enviROI)? Sadly, the costs usually mitigate against this option in our household. Of course, we are talking 'research' and the inevitable to-ing and fro'ing that follows. So take with a pinch of (organic) salt.
Telegraph - Organic food has no added nutritional benefit, says Food Standards Agency
Just watched a 'discussion' on BBC news, with a classic twofer trading research and what was and was not included in the study. I suspect the only winners will be the media and not the cause of informed choice. Lumme, proving my point, it has now descended into a row about poison levels and how it gets defined.
Indy - NEW - Letters - More reasoned counters
Guardian - NEW - Organic food: the natural choice - Ditto - We try to buy local more than organic, but often cost is a counter-factor. I rather fear that, in our modern world, the word 'natural' has little practical meaning. 'We' as a race have surely over-run any 'natural' systems of checks and balances buy now.
ARTICLES
INFORMATION
Indy - The great organic myths rebutted - Still 'a view' mind
Indy - The great organic myths: Why organic foods are an indulgence the world can't afford - and another. At leasy we have baalnced argument! No clue still, mind.
BBC - Organic 'has no health benefits' - Frankly it surprised me. So the decisions are now on matters of taste (personal ROI) and environment (enviROI)? Sadly, the costs usually mitigate against this option in our household. Of course, we are talking 'research' and the inevitable to-ing and fro'ing that follows. So take with a pinch of (organic) salt.
Telegraph - Organic food has no added nutritional benefit, says Food Standards Agency
Just watched a 'discussion' on BBC news, with a classic twofer trading research and what was and was not included in the study. I suspect the only winners will be the media and not the cause of informed choice. Lumme, proving my point, it has now descended into a row about poison levels and how it gets defined.
Indy - NEW - Letters - More reasoned counters
Guardian - NEW - Organic food: the natural choice - Ditto - We try to buy local more than organic, but often cost is a counter-factor. I rather fear that, in our modern world, the word 'natural' has little practical meaning. 'We' as a race have surely over-run any 'natural' systems of checks and balances buy now.
Friday, July 31, 2009
QUOTE OF THE DAY - Weasels 'R Them
In my new guise as an 'entrepreneur' (not quite right: that's a guy with an idea that has made money), I keep slamming into new and ever more painful business realities.
One is that the words 'fixed price' don't actually need to mean what you are told is how what you are expected to pay works out.
Especially with some lawyers (though I have met a few goods ones, if not enough to balance out the blood-sucking, firstborn-taking, ethical black holes that are most).
Which is why I turn to Dilbert. Not for restitution, for even he knows this is not possible, but simply for empathy.
Ch 7. Negotiating Like a Weasel
When you are planning to buy anything expensive, you probably call around to compare prices. Companies have wised up to that strategy and counter it with the weasel tactic known as the accidental misquote...
He goes on:
Why are there no accidental misquotes in the too high direction?
Green tech I can get behind
Thermal images make a home's heat loss easy to plug
Like it.
As opposed to blowing bazillions on 'campaigns' or 'officers' to raise 'awareness' on intangibles.
Use the dosh on stuff like this and promoting it sensibly.
I can't think of a home-owner who couldn't see the merits, the benefits and engage.
You might even find few boxes actually get ticked and targets get met that may mean something.
Like it.
As opposed to blowing bazillions on 'campaigns' or 'officers' to raise 'awareness' on intangibles.
Use the dosh on stuff like this and promoting it sensibly.
I can't think of a home-owner who couldn't see the merits, the benefits and engage.
You might even find few boxes actually get ticked and targets get met that may mean something.
Facts are sacred. Use them with care.
I have highlighted a few polls, etc, today.
And not in a good way.
But here's some stuff that looks well worth treating wiv' respect.
Interesting uses of the Data Store
And not in a good way.
But here's some stuff that looks well worth treating wiv' respect.
Interesting uses of the Data Store
Data, Gosh-darned data, and 'it's how you ask' data
I share it, but would have no clue how to answer the question, if asked:
Which countries believe in climate change?
To be fair, drilling down the questions are more specific. Then we get to methodology.
Which countries believe in climate change?
To be fair, drilling down the questions are more specific. Then we get to methodology.
QUOTE OF THE DAY - Smart for whom?
Smart meters in every home will cost each household more than £300
"We don't see how the Government can justify asking consumers to pay for something that will save energy companies hundreds of millions a year, while the average household will make only minimal savings."
I don't think this mob 'do' justifying to the public.
And I can think of a few things I could direct that dosh to that might help the planet more.
"We don't see how the Government can justify asking consumers to pay for something that will save energy companies hundreds of millions a year, while the average household will make only minimal savings."
I don't think this mob 'do' justifying to the public.
And I can think of a few things I could direct that dosh to that might help the planet more.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
China sin dumb?
What can China do about climate change?
I must say I am wondering when China does get to qualify as a first world country, with all the joys we have to offer, and share in.
Maybe we could send back our GOATs (Guv of all talents) in a couple of containers to help work the same magic on their economy that has been conjured here?
Meanwhile...
Guardian - NEW - India gets serious on climate change
I must say I am wondering when China does get to qualify as a first world country, with all the joys we have to offer, and share in.
Maybe we could send back our GOATs (Guv of all talents) in a couple of containers to help work the same magic on their economy that has been conjured here?
Meanwhile...
Guardian - NEW - India gets serious on climate change
This struck a chord
I just like the idea of making things.
How To Make A Rain Barrel (DIY Video)
Especially when they go on to save others.
Some useful links, too.
How To Make A Rain Barrel (DIY Video)
Especially when they go on to save others.
Some useful links, too.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
IDEA - Composter
I have not been 'down the shed' for a while. Pity. That's where I do my best... er... better work.But I thought this was an idea en route to the shed worth sharing.
Well, Barnes Wallis may have liked it.
POOH CORNER - Flushed with inspiration
Over at My Zero Waste: How to reuse your toilet
So, there are reuses for the hardware as well as the ...ahem.. software.
Funnily enough, in her post Rae mentions washing machine drums, and I have a new idea coming up on these soon. Watch this (well, Junkk.com's) space.
Well...
I must take this opportunity to blog on the trails and tribulations of making changes to a system that seems more finely tuned and jittery than an Arab stallion on speed driving a 60's Ferrari.
For a start, when we uploaded the new upgrades, it all also got moved to a new server, and that's just where the 'fun' started, and looks like it continues.
Because for a magic period the system seems to have posted to an ancient test page which, ironically, uploaded in a heartbeat. And then buried itself in the cache of some who logged on while it was up.
However, in sorting that out, it looks like we are currently bouncing off Mars via Uranus, and if the site loads at all , it is coming by man with cleft stick being towed by a three-legged tortoise.
Not. A. Good. Day!
So, there are reuses for the hardware as well as the ...ahem.. software.
Funnily enough, in her post Rae mentions washing machine drums, and I have a new idea coming up on these soon. Watch this (well, Junkk.com's) space.
Well...
I must take this opportunity to blog on the trails and tribulations of making changes to a system that seems more finely tuned and jittery than an Arab stallion on speed driving a 60's Ferrari.
For a start, when we uploaded the new upgrades, it all also got moved to a new server, and that's just where the 'fun' started, and looks like it continues.
Because for a magic period the system seems to have posted to an ancient test page which, ironically, uploaded in a heartbeat. And then buried itself in the cache of some who logged on while it was up.
However, in sorting that out, it looks like we are currently bouncing off Mars via Uranus, and if the site loads at all , it is coming by man with cleft stick being towed by a three-legged tortoise.
Not. A. Good. Day!
Playing Chicken Little
Today there was a classic example of how rushing out notions in support of your beliefs can end up doing more harm than good.
It cannot have escaped most folks' notice that of late, the weather has been less than clement. As I write a cold drizzle decorates my window. I can only imagine how those in the campsite opposite are feeling.
And this has been picked up by the 'news'. So we have the odd spectacle of the BBC reporting crew exchanging barbed commentary with the weather guys. 'How did you get it so wrong', was about the most polite interrogation.
To which, reasonably, the reply was that such things were almost impossible to predict.
Trouble is, a lot of folk seem to make a lot of noise based on predictions. And this summer was going to be long, hot, and non-stop BBQ. It may yet get there, and I am hoping for something nicer for our camping trip in a few weeks' time. It's hard to keep kids entertained under wet canvas for long.
But for now, there is quite a lot of egg on faces, and I rather fear more sober cautions on climate will get rather swamped by overly enthusiastic folk - using what they think will 'prove' their case - getting a bit of a hammering from those equally keen to 'prove' the exact opposite.
Frankly, from floods to heatwaves to hurricanes to even melting Greenland glaciers (some have used a piece on this to enquire as to how this country acquired its name, pre-Humvee), I think those advocating caution, moderation and even reduction might be better tasked looking at ways to motivate other than 'the sky is falling'. Especially when they put quantitative data on it all which proves unsound.
Telegraph - NEW - Start with the Met Office, Dave - It seems others have noticed, and views
BBC - NEW - Met Office cools summer forecast - Ten ways to beat the heat
Indy - NEW - The Big Question: Why did the Met Office get it so wrong?
Guardian - NEW - Rain puts dampers on 'barbecue summer' - the inevitable exchanges have rather made my point
It cannot have escaped most folks' notice that of late, the weather has been less than clement. As I write a cold drizzle decorates my window. I can only imagine how those in the campsite opposite are feeling.
And this has been picked up by the 'news'. So we have the odd spectacle of the BBC reporting crew exchanging barbed commentary with the weather guys. 'How did you get it so wrong', was about the most polite interrogation.
To which, reasonably, the reply was that such things were almost impossible to predict.
Trouble is, a lot of folk seem to make a lot of noise based on predictions. And this summer was going to be long, hot, and non-stop BBQ. It may yet get there, and I am hoping for something nicer for our camping trip in a few weeks' time. It's hard to keep kids entertained under wet canvas for long.
But for now, there is quite a lot of egg on faces, and I rather fear more sober cautions on climate will get rather swamped by overly enthusiastic folk - using what they think will 'prove' their case - getting a bit of a hammering from those equally keen to 'prove' the exact opposite.
Frankly, from floods to heatwaves to hurricanes to even melting Greenland glaciers (some have used a piece on this to enquire as to how this country acquired its name, pre-Humvee), I think those advocating caution, moderation and even reduction might be better tasked looking at ways to motivate other than 'the sky is falling'. Especially when they put quantitative data on it all which proves unsound.
Telegraph - NEW - Start with the Met Office, Dave - It seems others have noticed, and views
BBC - NEW - Met Office cools summer forecast - Ten ways to beat the heat
Indy - NEW - The Big Question: Why did the Met Office get it so wrong?
Guardian - NEW - Rain puts dampers on 'barbecue summer' - the inevitable exchanges have rather made my point
QUOTE OF THE DAY - Keep taking the blue pills
Worth sharing: Human activity is driving Earth's 'sixth great extinction event'
If only for this quote post which at the time I thought was curiously sympathetic to the 'baddies' in the Matrix:
"I'd like to share a revelation that I've had during my time here. It came to me when I tried to classify your species and I realized that you're not actually mammals. Every mammal on this planet instinctively develops a natural equilibrium with the surrounding environment but you humans do not. You move to an area and you multiply and multiply until every natural resource is consumed and the only way you can survive is to spread to another area. There is another organism on this planet that follows the same pattern. Do you know what it is? A virus. Human beings are a disease, a cancer of this planet. You're a plague and we are the cure".
Agent Smith
(worth also checking out Titan AE to feel the Drej might have had a point):
If only for this quote post which at the time I thought was curiously sympathetic to the 'baddies' in the Matrix:
"I'd like to share a revelation that I've had during my time here. It came to me when I tried to classify your species and I realized that you're not actually mammals. Every mammal on this planet instinctively develops a natural equilibrium with the surrounding environment but you humans do not. You move to an area and you multiply and multiply until every natural resource is consumed and the only way you can survive is to spread to another area. There is another organism on this planet that follows the same pattern. Do you know what it is? A virus. Human beings are a disease, a cancer of this planet. You're a plague and we are the cure".
Agent Smith
(worth also checking out Titan AE to feel the Drej might have had a point):
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
New bins for old
In November, my area swaps recycling systems.Out goes the RE:box, a two-container system that I helped name, design and market, and in comes the now ubiquitous green wheelie.
I have mixed feelings on this. So, following an invitation in the local paper, I trooped off t'other day 'to get all my questions answered'.
Well, I got a leaflet (Polish and Portuguese also available) and a free pencil, so it was not a complete waste, but sadly the questions I had (about recyclcate quality at the MRF (materials Reclamation Facility), etc) were not on the list. Nor what these 'new products' might be.
Still, I did learn a few things.
By virtue of having a house on the street, I may not be issued with one. I think I will manage by virtue of having off road space, but the issue is me getting it out for collection without blocking the footpath. Even a few minutes if I get up and get it out early might be a hazard.
So that's pretty much our whole road out, then. Strikes me as already a step backwards as the alternative is to lob out black binliners.
I am also 'required' to rinse and clean everything... apparently. No bin liners in the wheelie means that in the two hot weeks of summer between collections... 'I would want to anyway'. Hmnnn. Oddly, we get to retain our bin liners for 'other waste'.
There's also a leaflet on what they will take and what they won't. I could not get much feedback on what steps would be taken in the event of incorrect placement, either by self or 3d parties. Hmnnn 2.
What is good is they will now take plastics, but again we are in label territory. The lady said 'if it's a bottle we'll take it'. Not sure she, or consumers, will be getting their heads round this one any time soon. They also don't want biodegradables. Good luck with that.
We'll see. But even after what I am sure will be an inevitably troubled settling in period, I remain to be convinced that this has been thought through.
And as one who helped deliver them, I wonder what will become of 20,000 heavy duty blue plastic RE:tie containers after just a few years. Landfill?
Monday, July 27, 2009
Descendants of King Tut?
Or should that be 'tat'?
I am naturally drawn to any piece that mentions 'junk', even if in less than glowing terms.
Like the Pharaohs, we’re getting buried by our own possessions
However, in my case, several years' worth of old packaging secreted around house, garden and shed might stretch to qualify as 'possessions'.
I am naturally drawn to any piece that mentions 'junk', even if in less than glowing terms.
Like the Pharaohs, we’re getting buried by our own possessions
However, in my case, several years' worth of old packaging secreted around house, garden and shed might stretch to qualify as 'possessions'.
My name is URL... and Mud
You know that bowl of petunias in the HitchHiker's Guide?
'Oh, no; not again'
Last week the upgrades to the site went live. Tested every which way and looking well spiffy.
However, behind the scenes, there were 'consequences' brewing.
Because along with the change there was a change of server and, it turns out, that meant links elsewhere got lost.
So I noticed that Junkk.com was no longer getting emails.
However, in solving that, it then seems that the site was linking to an ancient incarnation held in the cache.
And now, in solving that in turn, I now no longer have access to the back end admin. There is something about a scrolling page headed 'Error Code...' that can really spoil a day.
'Oh, no; not again'
Last week the upgrades to the site went live. Tested every which way and looking well spiffy.
However, behind the scenes, there were 'consequences' brewing.
Because along with the change there was a change of server and, it turns out, that meant links elsewhere got lost.
So I noticed that Junkk.com was no longer getting emails.
However, in solving that, it then seems that the site was linking to an ancient incarnation held in the cache.
And now, in solving that in turn, I now no longer have access to the back end admin. There is something about a scrolling page headed 'Error Code...' that can really spoil a day.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Just needs sharing
Building a windmill in Africa from scrap
No reason why one can't do it here too.
Well, there's planning, of course.
Then there's 'elfinsaftee...
But Afrigadget is a find:)
No reason why one can't do it here too.
Well, there's planning, of course.
Then there's 'elfinsaftee...
But Afrigadget is a find:)
Ponderings
Don't recall signing up, but I thought this that just came in was interesting:
WHY WE STILL DON’T BELIEVE IN CLIMATE CHANGE
What I liked was the relatively measured way it was argued.
Having shared it, I'll still keep quiet on the bits I agreed with, and, possibly, do not.
WHY WE STILL DON’T BELIEVE IN CLIMATE CHANGE
What I liked was the relatively measured way it was argued.
Having shared it, I'll still keep quiet on the bits I agreed with, and, possibly, do not.
CATEGORY - Packaging
For more 'informational' packaging-related sources:
ARTICLES
Gaurdian - Supermarkets failing to reduce packaging
LetsRecycle - Councils call for urgent action over packaging
Indy - From tomatoes to yoghurts, soap powder to beer, the packaging that infuriates you
...and for the rest, there's Junkk.com. There are some.. too many examples of egregious excess packaging.
But it is worth asking... why do it? And challenge the answers. It may be the additional costs, and bad PR of having such things may have a valid, eco-supportive reason. If not... are they bonkers? This stuff costs them, and hence us... extra money. Odd sales model.
And while reduction is tops (where possible/enviROI-sensible), before we get to recycling may I insert a small flag for reuse and repair... and a funny little notion to help them along on http://www.junkk.com
Sometimes it is possible, to work with what we've got, change what were getting, and in so doing help pocket and planet... whilst having some fun.
INFORMATION
scrapthispack.com - Not exactly 'pro', but a worthy source of what is out there, especially to excess.
WRAP - What packaging does - Silly billies. They have forgotten to mention us... again. Tempting as it is to return the compliment, we will mention them.
packagingnews - Environment Report 2009 - oddly, little industry comment at all, as yet. Let's see what I can do:)
Introduction - Reuse gets a mention:) Junkk.com does not:( I have tried to rectify that:
"reusable packaging is a great idea that hasn’t really hit the mainstream"
Indeed. But its time is coming.
'Is now the time to bring back reusable packaging'
Yes, along with packaging with second use designed-in, in complement. As has Gillette, evidently. I'd love to see it.
'the packaging is designed to be kept then more time and resources can be dedicated to it.'
Worth it, I'd say. As you mention ecover, they do too. Even without designed-in, for now. They have uploaded all their packs to Junkk.com, with reuse ideas attached.
"The packaging still represents the brand when it is being reused'
A key point. Imagine the value of valued, branded, packaging, retained.
'To encourage customers to keep and reuse their empty packaging... requires changes in customer behaviour.'
For sure, but worth it, IMHO.
'It requires retailers to give up shelf space'
Or... not at all.
Review of the year
Fears of recycling meltdown, bin taxes, carrier bags - all the environment stories that have hit the headlines over the past 12 months
Where waste really goes
Forget the sensationalist headlines and recycling naysayers; we visit a London borough to discover the truth about our kerbside collections
Drinks industry calls time on CO2
Beer producers are working hard to manage the sector's environmental impact. But what is the best material for the job?
A burning question
Energy from waste continues to be a contentious issue, but with the size of the population only going one way, now could be the time to invest
The space race
As online shopping increases the need for products to keep purchases safe in transit, many new eco-conscious void fillers are coming to market
How green is the material world?
As lighter packs and cutting carbon footprints remain at the top of the industry's green agenda, how do the major packaging materials stack up?
Of course, another acorn in reducing the impact of plastic materials is designed-in reuse, possibly with such as RE:tie?
The benefits of bioplastics
Myles Barker of cereals body the HGCA argues that using the controversial plastics could help the industry, and the country, tackle emissions
Worthy of linking to the Plastics, Composting and Plastic Bags links below.
The age of the green machine
Is a lack of clear information and dearth of support from the big players stifling the development of ‘eco' machines?
See the light and cut energy costs
As firms search for new ways to tighten their belts, energy-efficient lighting could bring vital savings
Packaging's environmental impact
Eco-design consultancy Giraffe Innovation's Rob Holdway examines the benefits of managing the carbon footprint of packaging
Refills get on-shelf road test
Reusable packaging has fallen out of favour due to issues with convenience and conformity, but that could be set to change
ARTICLES
Gaurdian - Supermarkets failing to reduce packaging
LetsRecycle - Councils call for urgent action over packaging
Indy - From tomatoes to yoghurts, soap powder to beer, the packaging that infuriates you
...and for the rest, there's Junkk.com. There are some.. too many examples of egregious excess packaging.
But it is worth asking... why do it? And challenge the answers. It may be the additional costs, and bad PR of having such things may have a valid, eco-supportive reason. If not... are they bonkers? This stuff costs them, and hence us... extra money. Odd sales model.
And while reduction is tops (where possible/enviROI-sensible), before we get to recycling may I insert a small flag for reuse and repair... and a funny little notion to help them along on http://www.junkk.com
Sometimes it is possible, to work with what we've got, change what were getting, and in so doing help pocket and planet... whilst having some fun.
INFORMATION
scrapthispack.com - Not exactly 'pro', but a worthy source of what is out there, especially to excess.
WRAP - What packaging does - Silly billies. They have forgotten to mention us... again. Tempting as it is to return the compliment, we will mention them.
packagingnews - Environment Report 2009 - oddly, little industry comment at all, as yet. Let's see what I can do:)
Introduction - Reuse gets a mention:) Junkk.com does not:( I have tried to rectify that:
"reusable packaging is a great idea that hasn’t really hit the mainstream"
Indeed. But its time is coming.
'Is now the time to bring back reusable packaging'
Yes, along with packaging with second use designed-in, in complement. As has Gillette, evidently. I'd love to see it.
'the packaging is designed to be kept then more time and resources can be dedicated to it.'
Worth it, I'd say. As you mention ecover, they do too. Even without designed-in, for now. They have uploaded all their packs to Junkk.com, with reuse ideas attached.
"The packaging still represents the brand when it is being reused'
A key point. Imagine the value of valued, branded, packaging, retained.
'To encourage customers to keep and reuse their empty packaging... requires changes in customer behaviour.'
For sure, but worth it, IMHO.
'It requires retailers to give up shelf space'
Or... not at all.
Review of the year
Fears of recycling meltdown, bin taxes, carrier bags - all the environment stories that have hit the headlines over the past 12 months
Where waste really goes
Forget the sensationalist headlines and recycling naysayers; we visit a London borough to discover the truth about our kerbside collections
Drinks industry calls time on CO2
Beer producers are working hard to manage the sector's environmental impact. But what is the best material for the job?
A burning question
Energy from waste continues to be a contentious issue, but with the size of the population only going one way, now could be the time to invest
The space race
As online shopping increases the need for products to keep purchases safe in transit, many new eco-conscious void fillers are coming to market
How green is the material world?
As lighter packs and cutting carbon footprints remain at the top of the industry's green agenda, how do the major packaging materials stack up?
Of course, another acorn in reducing the impact of plastic materials is designed-in reuse, possibly with such as RE:tie?
The benefits of bioplastics
Myles Barker of cereals body the HGCA argues that using the controversial plastics could help the industry, and the country, tackle emissions
Worthy of linking to the Plastics, Composting and Plastic Bags links below.
The age of the green machine
Is a lack of clear information and dearth of support from the big players stifling the development of ‘eco' machines?
See the light and cut energy costs
As firms search for new ways to tighten their belts, energy-efficient lighting could bring vital savings
Packaging's environmental impact
Eco-design consultancy Giraffe Innovation's Rob Holdway examines the benefits of managing the carbon footprint of packaging
Refills get on-shelf road test
Reusable packaging has fallen out of favour due to issues with convenience and conformity, but that could be set to change
Just, don't walk inbetween the two?
Wireless power system shown off
I'm quite easily impressed, so this appealed. And it seems a nifty evolution from my electric toothbrush being charged soaking wet by sticking on a plastic spike.
So I can see applications that may be worthy one day, for instance sorting out the vandalism problems I foresee with electric car charging posts and their tempting cables (remember late night BT phone boxes and their forlorn handset on the floor?)
Not sure about the heated dog bowl, mind.
Forbes - Look Ma, No Wires
I'm quite easily impressed, so this appealed. And it seems a nifty evolution from my electric toothbrush being charged soaking wet by sticking on a plastic spike.
So I can see applications that may be worthy one day, for instance sorting out the vandalism problems I foresee with electric car charging posts and their tempting cables (remember late night BT phone boxes and their forlorn handset on the floor?)
Not sure about the heated dog bowl, mind.
Forbes - Look Ma, No Wires
I love to say 'I told you so', so...
Drivers 'don't trust' road taxes
...I (ok, and a few others) told them so!
And this from a 'pay to pollute' (within limits) advocate! Mind you, I was about the only young flat dweller in London who didn't see the big problem with Poll Tax. Which, by my recollection, would have saved me money, too.
So... '...taxes have been handled so badly that [people] no longer trust what ministers say the charges pay for..'. Well, D'uh. And '...tarnished the image of environmental taxes'. Well, double D'uh'.
I don't claim it's easy to resolve ('Taxing drivers according to how much they use their cars remained the fairest method' - Uh... not so fast. What about rural vs. urban, where taxes have been used to provide public transport system that favours one - that would be the Metro types who have a tube at every corner to whisk them to their next interview, whilst claiming for taxis - over the other. Plus a host of other issues) , but boy, have they made it 10x more difficult for any green initiative in the future.
And as for this: '...drivers were given "no clear explanation" of what they got in return for around £45bn paid in taxes each year'. Farcical.
...I (ok, and a few others) told them so!
And this from a 'pay to pollute' (within limits) advocate! Mind you, I was about the only young flat dweller in London who didn't see the big problem with Poll Tax. Which, by my recollection, would have saved me money, too.
So... '...taxes have been handled so badly that [people] no longer trust what ministers say the charges pay for..'. Well, D'uh. And '...tarnished the image of environmental taxes'. Well, double D'uh'.
I don't claim it's easy to resolve ('Taxing drivers according to how much they use their cars remained the fairest method' - Uh... not so fast. What about rural vs. urban, where taxes have been used to provide public transport system that favours one - that would be the Metro types who have a tube at every corner to whisk them to their next interview, whilst claiming for taxis - over the other. Plus a host of other issues) , but boy, have they made it 10x more difficult for any green initiative in the future.
And as for this: '...drivers were given "no clear explanation" of what they got in return for around £45bn paid in taxes each year'. Farcical.
Bugging Nature
Insects to be brought in to control Japanese Knotweed
A knotty problem: Could a tiny insect help rid us of knotweed?
As one who used to have a natural but nice garden, now a tad over-run, I have to state an interest.
But let's not forget it was bringing in a foreign organism that caused the problem in the first place.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Solutions are rare
Hence I will make a rare exception and cite a poll (for all they are worth) on them.
Make your vote count in the battle against global warming
Won't tell you how I voted.
Interestingly, until this I had never heard of the current Number 1: Thorium nuke.
Which might reflect the methodology.
Guardian - TEDGlobal: The genius of the natural world
Make your vote count in the battle against global warming
Won't tell you how I voted.
Interestingly, until this I had never heard of the current Number 1: Thorium nuke.
Which might reflect the methodology.
Guardian - TEDGlobal: The genius of the natural world
OK, it's political
But I clicked on it because of the picture.
They'll need a mass grave to bury this bad news
Now I share it because of what is crammed into 3 short(ish) paras.
Very little opinion. A lot of depressing fact.
They'll need a mass grave to bury this bad news
Now I share it because of what is crammed into 3 short(ish) paras.
Very little opinion. A lot of depressing fact.
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