Will you join London's climate march?
Mixed feelings on this one. No, I won't be there, as it's in London. But if any readers are around... I have shared.
Also she rather raises a key point. Versus X-Factor, Strictly Come Dancing and the financial crisis, is calling all to a march, whilst very people power, democratic and all, really going to motivate the masses?
Maybe effort might be better spent emulating these despised icons of modern day life and finding something like them that does get more people to care and enough to join together in making a difference? I also have a slight 'thing' about being 'against' climate change, which really is a rather sloppy rallying call. The climate changes. What is a possible problem is the way 'we' are not helping it do so, in severity and frequency. Such muddled articulations can compromise a lot of goodwill and start pushing into agenda-driven activist territory.
Kinda cute that a poster needs to help a dedicated environmental beat journalist with making more of the whole where and when thing. Almost like she lives in her own little bubble with all her green mates, eh?
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Considerations
Commercial schools
Small businesses do face very tough times (letters, 1 December). I am not the owner of a small business but a former teacher, and I strongly object to the large banners hanging on the walls or railings of innumerable junior schools, announcing that the school is collecting vouchers for one supermarket chain or another. Schools are demeaning themselves by allowing themselves to be used as advertising hoardings, and schools should not disadvantage parents who are the owners of small businesses, by giving the impression that supermarkets are the obvious place to shop.
Or, should I say... dilemmas.
Having just, with our Voucher Tree efforts, been complicit in such an effort, This has given me cause to ponder.
I must say that, when we were doing the publicity, we considered using just such a poster on a railing to highlight our collection efforts, and everyone agreed that they did not deserve the publicity. Interesting that such a 'poster site' would usually be subject to a lot of planning, and even more money if not 'in a good cause'. It seems I am not the only one who can be cynical.
Small businesses do face very tough times (letters, 1 December). I am not the owner of a small business but a former teacher, and I strongly object to the large banners hanging on the walls or railings of innumerable junior schools, announcing that the school is collecting vouchers for one supermarket chain or another. Schools are demeaning themselves by allowing themselves to be used as advertising hoardings, and schools should not disadvantage parents who are the owners of small businesses, by giving the impression that supermarkets are the obvious place to shop.
Or, should I say... dilemmas.
Having just, with our Voucher Tree efforts, been complicit in such an effort, This has given me cause to ponder.
I must say that, when we were doing the publicity, we considered using just such a poster on a railing to highlight our collection efforts, and everyone agreed that they did not deserve the publicity. Interesting that such a 'poster site' would usually be subject to a lot of planning, and even more money if not 'in a good cause'. It seems I am not the only one who can be cynical.
Corked
A small piece on BBC Breakfast which typifies why I feel the whole sorry news, and especially science & tech.. er... environment* aspects are now less than worthless.
It was on.. corks.
In the (lightly nutty with a hint of spice) red corner we have a luvvie oenophile, for whom no bottle should cost less than £100 and be 'tainted'.
In the green corner, we have some bloke on about some bit of fauna being eradicated if the cork tree orchards are converted to other uses.
Now, I will leave out the majority of the 'debate', and my feelings on the matter, because my concern was with the conduct of the moderators.
Even when the two 'experts' were accusing each other of being plain wrong and/or being strangers to the truth, the response was 'oh, well, we're running out of time, you two sort it out later'.
No.... I was trying to arrive at a view and was left with an unresolved petty spat. This is supposed to be a news programme; not Jerry Springer.
* (there's been a name change, apparently. Why? While there are cross-overs they are distinct topics)
It was on.. corks.
In the (lightly nutty with a hint of spice) red corner we have a luvvie oenophile, for whom no bottle should cost less than £100 and be 'tainted'.
In the green corner, we have some bloke on about some bit of fauna being eradicated if the cork tree orchards are converted to other uses.
Now, I will leave out the majority of the 'debate', and my feelings on the matter, because my concern was with the conduct of the moderators.
Even when the two 'experts' were accusing each other of being plain wrong and/or being strangers to the truth, the response was 'oh, well, we're running out of time, you two sort it out later'.
No.... I was trying to arrive at a view and was left with an unresolved petty spat. This is supposed to be a news programme; not Jerry Springer.
* (there's been a name change, apparently. Why? While there are cross-overs they are distinct topics)
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Greenhouse gas update
All this greenhouse gas argument; is it all a load of hot air?
Well, not according to this from NatureNews, which indicates that levels of greenhouse gases are continuing to rise, and are doing so in line with the IPCC's oft maligned forecasts.
And from the same source, an article on how Methane is released from areas of tundra even after the start of the winter re-freeze.
OK, we simply do not know what the future impacts might be, but does anyone else, like me, find such facts and figures rather disturbing?
Well, not according to this from NatureNews, which indicates that levels of greenhouse gases are continuing to rise, and are doing so in line with the IPCC's oft maligned forecasts.
And from the same source, an article on how Methane is released from areas of tundra even after the start of the winter re-freeze.
OK, we simply do not know what the future impacts might be, but does anyone else, like me, find such facts and figures rather disturbing?
Yet another species extinction....
....appears to have occurred. This time the Australian white lemuroid possum. Full story from the Telegraph.
Now (as I sit and freeze in my under-insulated office, with snow lying on the ground outside and a minimum of -4.5C last night) whether you believe in anthropogenic caused [or enhanced] global warming or not, it is clear that something is happening to our little lump of rock, and it don't seem to be too good.
Now (as I sit and freeze in my under-insulated office, with snow lying on the ground outside and a minimum of -4.5C last night) whether you believe in anthropogenic caused [or enhanced] global warming or not, it is clear that something is happening to our little lump of rock, and it don't seem to be too good.
Zero-carbon homes
These don't appear to be doing too well at the moment according to this from EDIE.
Just 15 new homes that meet the Gov's definition of zero-carbon have been built in the last 12 months, despite the backing of £15 Million of taxpayers money.
Hmmm, perhaps they need to think about redefining just what zero-carbon actually means?
Meanwhile, there are those (see this piece from AlterNet.org) who think that total decarbonisation is the only possible way forward. Sounds rather overtly radical to me, but what do I know?
Just 15 new homes that meet the Gov's definition of zero-carbon have been built in the last 12 months, despite the backing of £15 Million of taxpayers money.
Hmmm, perhaps they need to think about redefining just what zero-carbon actually means?
Meanwhile, there are those (see this piece from AlterNet.org) who think that total decarbonisation is the only possible way forward. Sounds rather overtly radical to me, but what do I know?
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Surprised?
At what?
That the EU has backed down on the CO2 emission targets for new vehicles.
Well, I, for one, am not at all. It just shows what power big automotive industries still have over our Pols, elected or otherwise.
That the EU has backed down on the CO2 emission targets for new vehicles.
Well, I, for one, am not at all. It just shows what power big automotive industries still have over our Pols, elected or otherwise.
- CO2 goals relaxed
- Car makers now have until 2015 to hit 130g/km
- Niche car makers such as Jaguar Land Rover exempt
One man's myth...
Worth sharing... but I suggest with cranked eyebrows cocked if necessary.
The 10 big energy myths
Especially as there is a book available.
Some are well worth noting. But, as with all things, just becuase there are clear cases of a good enviROI, it does not mean one does not challenge all others to prove themselves first.
The 10 big energy myths
Especially as there is a book available.
Some are well worth noting. But, as with all things, just becuase there are clear cases of a good enviROI, it does not mean one does not challenge all others to prove themselves first.
Fancy being one of the 3,000?
UK set to trial 'smart fridges' - 3,000 refrigerators, which adapt their power use to the ebb and flow of demand, are to be given away
Me too.
Thing is, there doesn't seem to be any mention of how 'we' apply.
Maybe it's 'in-house'... as in the houses of those sharing the burden along with 'us'?
We have a smart freezer already. It accumulates food way past safety dates, then frosts up and leaves the door ajar so it all spoils and we throw it away.
Me too.
Thing is, there doesn't seem to be any mention of how 'we' apply.
Maybe it's 'in-house'... as in the houses of those sharing the burden along with 'us'?
We have a smart freezer already. It accumulates food way past safety dates, then frosts up and leaves the door ajar so it all spoils and we throw it away.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Logic Free?
Or, at least consistency.
As domestic sales are trying to be boosted, and with an in theory commitment to the environment, I am unsure as to why the government and BBC is promoting flying overseas to buy iPods and bring back 16 litres of extra weight, duty free, in a plane.
Indy - Duty-free allowances double, thanks to Brown
Newsnight -
I'm still getting to grips with the logic of trumpeting encouragement to fly overseas to bring back an extra 16 kilos as an assist to economy and environment....
"Bing bong! We will shortly be bringing around the Duty Free bowser. Please have your credit cards ready. An additional irony-free amount may be deducted for lugging all this extra on board to satisfy newly-created demand, and then pad a few carbon credit schemes concocted between Brussels, Westminster and the City. Thank yew! Bing bong"
It must all add up somewhere.
I was an engineer once. Then I became an ad man (sadly no qualifications that get you in or on TV news commenting on 'stuff' in any form).
But I do have an ability to be inspired by substance, and also sniff out when the smoke and mirrors are being deployed (and not to focus the power of illumination).
At the moment... erring on the latter.
My poor kids.
Gaurdian - End of the party
This a brave, bold step and Gordon Brown is to be congratulated for taking it
Well, some might still see it that way.
Much like this glowing report, from another Friend of Gordon:
Duty-free allowances double, thanks to Brown
Now, remind me. How does flying to another country, buying their stuff and lugging an extra 16 kilos back here help our economy and the planet?
As domestic sales are trying to be boosted, and with an in theory commitment to the environment, I am unsure as to why the government and BBC is promoting flying overseas to buy iPods and bring back 16 litres of extra weight, duty free, in a plane.
Indy - Duty-free allowances double, thanks to Brown
Newsnight -
I'm still getting to grips with the logic of trumpeting encouragement to fly overseas to bring back an extra 16 kilos as an assist to economy and environment....
"Bing bong! We will shortly be bringing around the Duty Free bowser. Please have your credit cards ready. An additional irony-free amount may be deducted for lugging all this extra on board to satisfy newly-created demand, and then pad a few carbon credit schemes concocted between Brussels, Westminster and the City. Thank yew! Bing bong"
It must all add up somewhere.
I was an engineer once. Then I became an ad man (sadly no qualifications that get you in or on TV news commenting on 'stuff' in any form).
But I do have an ability to be inspired by substance, and also sniff out when the smoke and mirrors are being deployed (and not to focus the power of illumination).
At the moment... erring on the latter.
My poor kids.
Gaurdian - End of the party
This a brave, bold step and Gordon Brown is to be congratulated for taking it
Well, some might still see it that way.
Much like this glowing report, from another Friend of Gordon:
Duty-free allowances double, thanks to Brown
Now, remind me. How does flying to another country, buying their stuff and lugging an extra 16 kilos back here help our economy and the planet?
Friday, November 28, 2008
Oh Lor, summit all up
Faiths in climate change summit
I guess they have to meet somewhere to discuss and ...er..act (They aim to set a manifesto to encourage..). But really, I'd love to know the carbon consequence of all these 'summits'.
I wonder if Aunty has sent a team, too?
I guess they have to meet somewhere to discuss and ...er..act (They aim to set a manifesto to encourage..). But really, I'd love to know the carbon consequence of all these 'summits'.
I wonder if Aunty has sent a team, too?
Thinking of boxes... another way
It's been a dodgy week at the end of a dodgy month. Time for some levity.
'Thinking outside the box' is most despised business jargon
Of course, some us spend more time thinking about the box.
Pushing the envelope is evil
'Thinking outside the box' is most despised business jargon
Of course, some us spend more time thinking about the box.
Pushing the envelope is evil
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Or.... reuse?
Getting a bit frustrating banging on about other alternatives, but as Aunty has investigated...
Throw-away Britain
Service? Or meeting a target?
Addendum (from a thread):
'...this "empowerment" is a growing trend. Doing it yourself whilst the people that you pay to deliver a 'service' spend all their time "incentivising you" with chip and bin fines, cameras and ASBOS..'
[This] horrifying bin scheme is a manifestation of this "empowerment" - bullshit of course and the worst of all worlds. You pay for the service, do it yourself and have to endure bullying from the state.'
As pithy a summary as I have seen of how these new 'initiatives' are concocted, mis-promoted and, if history is judge, will be more effective at generating money then helping my kids' planetary futures.
I have to put my hand up and say I am a believer in some sort of incentive-based schemes that are, effectively, pay as you go/throw. But only if this contribution by the consumer/rate payer in money and effort is rewarded with consequent reductions in related areas.
Mind you, I was a young home owner who though the Poll Tax seemed relatively fair. But I guess that was 'different'.
How times have changed, and changed views.
Newsnight - An exchange that seems pertinent for now.
Waste not, want not.
Well put.
Reduce: don't buy so much tat in the first place - Agree, though being told to spend like there's no tomorrow is a wee bit contradictory at the 'mo.
Recycle: encourage easier and more widespread recycling facilities - Agree. Plus much better national connectivity, from logistics to communications. It doesn't help that I am hearing that recyclate is deemed to still count on EU targets as 'recycling' even if its quality is useless to those seeking to make something of it. Or see budgets of multimillion £'s being sunk in Charlotte St or SoHo to create 'awareness' levels that tick boxes and add to the bonuses of the quango directors and Ministers who commission them. This seems a direct conflict of interest.
Re-use: think of ways in which the packaging etc. can be re-used about your home. Agree. Especially if it can be designed-in to be second used. I might suggest that one, a namesake, exists already: Junkk.com
There are others of course, though mainly in the area of redirecting away from the landfill. Hence well of value. These are linked here
Alas, we seem to be losing that Blue Peter spirit that was so much a part of my childhood.
FWIW, Junkk.com has been described as 'Blue Peter on steroids'
With luck, by getting back to fun and reward over guilt, thread, nanny and fine, the general public may yet see merit, and profit, in getting back to make and mend. Especially in these crunchier, more eco-concerned times.
And maybe business will follow too. Who knows, the government and its various organs of efficiency might get on board, too.
Throw-away Britain
Service? Or meeting a target?
Addendum (from a thread):
'...this "empowerment" is a growing trend. Doing it yourself whilst the people that you pay to deliver a 'service' spend all their time "incentivising you" with chip and bin fines, cameras and ASBOS..'
[This] horrifying bin scheme is a manifestation of this "empowerment" - bullshit of course and the worst of all worlds. You pay for the service, do it yourself and have to endure bullying from the state.'
As pithy a summary as I have seen of how these new 'initiatives' are concocted, mis-promoted and, if history is judge, will be more effective at generating money then helping my kids' planetary futures.
I have to put my hand up and say I am a believer in some sort of incentive-based schemes that are, effectively, pay as you go/throw. But only if this contribution by the consumer/rate payer in money and effort is rewarded with consequent reductions in related areas.
Mind you, I was a young home owner who though the Poll Tax seemed relatively fair. But I guess that was 'different'.
How times have changed, and changed views.
Newsnight - An exchange that seems pertinent for now.
Waste not, want not.
Well put.
Reduce: don't buy so much tat in the first place - Agree, though being told to spend like there's no tomorrow is a wee bit contradictory at the 'mo.
Recycle: encourage easier and more widespread recycling facilities - Agree. Plus much better national connectivity, from logistics to communications. It doesn't help that I am hearing that recyclate is deemed to still count on EU targets as 'recycling' even if its quality is useless to those seeking to make something of it. Or see budgets of multimillion £'s being sunk in Charlotte St or SoHo to create 'awareness' levels that tick boxes and add to the bonuses of the quango directors and Ministers who commission them. This seems a direct conflict of interest.
Re-use: think of ways in which the packaging etc. can be re-used about your home. Agree. Especially if it can be designed-in to be second used. I might suggest that one, a namesake, exists already: Junkk.com
There are others of course, though mainly in the area of redirecting away from the landfill. Hence well of value. These are linked here
Alas, we seem to be losing that Blue Peter spirit that was so much a part of my childhood.
FWIW, Junkk.com has been described as 'Blue Peter on steroids'
With luck, by getting back to fun and reward over guilt, thread, nanny and fine, the general public may yet see merit, and profit, in getting back to make and mend. Especially in these crunchier, more eco-concerned times.
And maybe business will follow too. Who knows, the government and its various organs of efficiency might get on board, too.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Crisis, what...
Financial crisis? That's nothing
It's a shame The Grauniad seems to close comments early when they know what may follow.
As here...
Is Gordon Brown ready for this one?
I may have been moved to ask if he has been ready for anything so far.
It's a shame The Grauniad seems to close comments early when they know what may follow.
As here...
Is Gordon Brown ready for this one?
I may have been moved to ask if he has been ready for anything so far.
CATEGORY - The Two E's
I think this deserves its own category now.
For those who have seen it before, this refers to discussions or debates where the needs of the Environment might end up at odds with Economic drivers (I have often called this the two 'Ecos' before, but actually environment and ecology are distinct and, sadly if ironically, can also compete).
Greenbuzz - Taking Care of Business
Guardian - It's the economists, stupid - I'd have to say that, while opinions are fine, if I were not an economist, I'd tread a wee bit cautiously, especially on an open blog, telling those who are their business.
Indy - The eco-crunch: Can Britain still afford to go green? - And in case you wonder who is an eco-expert, they are in here, too. Apparently.
The Guardian - The green squeeze - Do read the comments.... they're free.
Times - Trade minister Lord Jones hits out at green tax on flights
Guardian - Will the Green New Deal deliver? - There are an awful lot of folk on an awful lot of pedestals telling those below what's good for 'em these days. Glad to be spending more time on doing stuff to help most of my day. Might help when the revolution comes.
The Register - The FDRs of Green explain the gentle art of planet saving
Real Climate - A worthwhile read: Bridging the divides
Guardian - Free trade breakdown
The Register - What's the cost of global warming?
Gaurdian - Green routes to growth
BBC - Climate law 'could cost billions' - Of course, it 'might' not.
Guardian - NEW - The green revolution postponed
For those who have seen it before, this refers to discussions or debates where the needs of the Environment might end up at odds with Economic drivers (I have often called this the two 'Ecos' before, but actually environment and ecology are distinct and, sadly if ironically, can also compete).
Greenbuzz - Taking Care of Business
Guardian - It's the economists, stupid - I'd have to say that, while opinions are fine, if I were not an economist, I'd tread a wee bit cautiously, especially on an open blog, telling those who are their business.
Indy - The eco-crunch: Can Britain still afford to go green? - And in case you wonder who is an eco-expert, they are in here, too. Apparently.
The Guardian - The green squeeze - Do read the comments.... they're free.
Times - Trade minister Lord Jones hits out at green tax on flights
Guardian - Will the Green New Deal deliver? - There are an awful lot of folk on an awful lot of pedestals telling those below what's good for 'em these days. Glad to be spending more time on doing stuff to help most of my day. Might help when the revolution comes.
The Register - The FDRs of Green explain the gentle art of planet saving
Real Climate - A worthwhile read: Bridging the divides
Guardian - Free trade breakdown
The Register - What's the cost of global warming?
Gaurdian - Green routes to growth
BBC - Climate law 'could cost billions' - Of course, it 'might' not.
Guardian - NEW - The green revolution postponed
Monday, November 24, 2008
Wot 'e sed
EcoLogical
Sadly, quite a lot of the time one can discern the siren call of a target, with process rather than result being more important.
Recycling is OK (or not, if you check one of the sister articles here), but I'd still wave a small flag for reuse.
Sadly, quite a lot of the time one can discern the siren call of a target, with process rather than result being more important.
Recycling is OK (or not, if you check one of the sister articles here), but I'd still wave a small flag for reuse.
CATEGORY - IDEA REQUIRED - Siphon says
On the main site we are starting to see more and more ideas spun from waste product data.
Many are simple, some are not. All are great, because if just one bit of stuff ends up being reused that's one bit less in the bin and hence landfill.
A Junkketeer has just uploaded this very simple but nonetheless sensible suggestion*:
Liquid soap container
However, I am using this opportunity to create this new category, to see if a piece of waste product data with no idea.... at least yet, can be pondered for other applications by the collective imaginations out there.
In this case I am thinking the siphon pump component.
Think about it. You have a device that moves 1-2" with relatively little effort, and moves a small amount of fluid around. What could this device be introduced into, even in multiples, to 'make something useful rather than throwing them out?
You never know, it may be good enough that we end up arranging collections in towns around the country just for these pumps so an enterprising soul can make them into a whizzo device.
*Note to self: must make clearer/remind posters that there is a wealth of extra info that can be added under the Advanced Details, with "colour' unfortunately set to default to Black at present.
Many are simple, some are not. All are great, because if just one bit of stuff ends up being reused that's one bit less in the bin and hence landfill.
A Junkketeer has just uploaded this very simple but nonetheless sensible suggestion*:
Liquid soap container
However, I am using this opportunity to create this new category, to see if a piece of waste product data with no idea.... at least yet, can be pondered for other applications by the collective imaginations out there.
In this case I am thinking the siphon pump component.
Think about it. You have a device that moves 1-2" with relatively little effort, and moves a small amount of fluid around. What could this device be introduced into, even in multiples, to 'make something useful rather than throwing them out?
You never know, it may be good enough that we end up arranging collections in towns around the country just for these pumps so an enterprising soul can make them into a whizzo device.
*Note to self: must make clearer/remind posters that there is a wealth of extra info that can be added under the Advanced Details, with "colour' unfortunately set to default to Black at present.
So good, we created it twice...
Nothing like job creation schemes. Is Trust the new quango?
Two energy trusts is a doubling of bureaucracy
I can think of some more if anyone's interested...
Sadly, one can intone, Yoda-like, 'There are more'.
Many more.
Process has now become more important than product.
Just think of the tangible good that could be DONE with all the comms budgets alone splurged on 'awareness'.
Talk is certainly not cheap anymore, but it ticks many target boxes.
If only all this could 'effort' be harnessed.
Two energy trusts is a doubling of bureaucracy
I can think of some more if anyone's interested...
Sadly, one can intone, Yoda-like, 'There are more'.
Many more.
Process has now become more important than product.
Just think of the tangible good that could be DONE with all the comms budgets alone splurged on 'awareness'.
Talk is certainly not cheap anymore, but it ticks many target boxes.
If only all this could 'effort' be harnessed.
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