You couldn't make it up...REdux

Well, at least one campaigner didn't have to cancel his trip to the protest because of snow.

Gordon Brown: A high-carbon official

Sadly, him having made the trip, it seems his host has. Nasty commute from the Oval Office to the rest of The White House when it's chilly.

Not exactly joined up government, is it?

CATEGORY - GREENWASH

It has been referred to a lot before (check label below). I think It's time to start a category for when the next in line crops up:

Articles

Indy - Inside Story: Advertising environmentalism - Is it just greenwash?
BBC - What is the meaning of 'green'? - Not the most comfortable of reading
Director of Finance Online - Green credentials face growing scrutiny - One can only ask a plaintive... why???? Like we don't know. Oh, and guess which 'green winners' are spending a fortune to tell us how green they are? Nice to see my profession is still worth its salt.
FoodNavigator - Green efforts too often fall foul of scepticism
Observer - Just more advertising greenwash? - All the more valuable for the post casting a well-cranked eyebrow at the banner ads on the piece.
Indy - Is Dove's campaign for real beauty destroying the world's rainforests? The enemy of my enemy is my friend? Interestingly, the author finds the latest Oxfam ad effective, when not one person in my family understood what it was all about, much less felt moved to act. And that, subjective appreciation aside, is what it is all about.
Brand Republic - Green media - what is your company doing to prove its green credentials? - Don't get mad; get emailing. No entries to date... in answer to the question. Oh well... here I go (on the basis that almost anything that promotes unnecessary production and consumption can hardly be green):

Whenever you're ready chaps. No hurry.. take your time.
Mind you, I do wonder if 'not getting accused of..' is quite the same as '...not engaging in...' in the whole process vs. result, perception vs. reality, spin vs. substance scheme of things, and hence which might cost more and/or take longer to prepare for public consumption.
'Ladies and gents, please start your PR budgets...'
Or maybe, and here's a thought: do what you can practically. Be sincere. And don't ram some twisted vision of 'greenness' down ever more savvy consumers' throats in some half-cocked notion of enviro/CSR box-tick marketing.

Media Week - WELCOME TO THE GREEN SUPPLEMENT - MEDIA WEEK SPECIAL - it's got footprints and green and everything

Times - Why ‘greenwash’ won’t wash with consumers - Tell us something we don't know, and for a lot less of a fee.

'Could become..' LOL.
But I am sure another summit will sort it. They have worked so well so far.

Brand Republic - TOP TEN GREENWASH LINES

Guardian - Have you been greenwashed? - Let's see what one of the nation's top media blogs can come up with.

Just after I wrote this, I got an email: 'Go Green' with an Environmentally Friendly Franchise - The future awaits. I fancy Pet Butler.

Treehugger - MINI Pedi-Cab Stunt in China: Not So Green - No such thing as bad publicity? I'm sure it seemed a good idea. Nice to see some other cranking an eyebrow, but I'm not sure this was being touted as 'enviro'. I think Sir Paul might fancy one... call Lexus now!

Junkk.com - A new Guardian Greenwash site

Indy - NEW - Inconvenient truths: Don't believe the greenwash - I share not to be negative, but to encourage sensible interrogation. The Indy is no green slouch, and the writer is a staffer, but any rebuttals will be interesting. So far... none.

Information/Suppliers (to kick off)

ASA - Report via Greenbang

climatecounts.org US-based
coopamerica.org US-based
forestethics.org US-based

Greenwash guide - do bear in mind it is from a company (one of many, inc. here, if you fancy our input. Though we do also give oodles away free) that will charge you to 'help', but is worth checking out.

Guardian - Greenwash

CATEGORY - CAR BOOT SALES

Often associated with (in other countries) 'Garage' or 'Yard' sales, these are noble examples of community reuse in action.

ARTICLES

Repurposeful - 10 steps to holding your first garage sale
Gaurdian - NEW - Sales shopping with a difference

INFORMATION

carbootcalendar.com - seems a pretty good place to start, and may make much else I can do redundant!
Time Out - London only

I do know what I am missing

And, maybe, it's no bad thing...

Last night's TV

Ah well, at least my hobby is going mainstream.

Just not sure in the best way to encourage normal folk to cooperate sensibly.

That said, I must watch it to see if the reality conforms to the critique.

Reporting - information vs. opinion?

I have usually appreciated Ethical Man... when I learn useful new stuff.

What we've been up to...

But not when I feel an agenda is at play, and the science gets tinkered with.

Merry Japes, eh?

Full load in a car... excellent. Be interesting to see how that equates to other forms of transport when you're off on a protest when you're not off on spring break skiing I guess.

Just wondering, how does a hybrid perform in such cases at high speed over long distances, lugging that battery along?

I guess it can be used for the all the laptops and iPod battery chargers no student would be seen without. Even on an Amish visit.

Pity about the hitch-hiking law (?)... very nanny-state. The rationale will be interesting, and how that gets reported vis a vis other government-imposed efforts 'for our own good'.

Are you.. one of us?

Stated like that... would you want to be?

Obama harnesses the green power of the crowd

I really felt like kicking back, despite a desire to support any positives. It was just all... so... smug

a movement that will battle for action on global warming

If they are rallying behind the cry of 'Global warming' I rather fear it's not the best of starts.

This has rather been discredited as a major motivator. Even the next incarnation, climate change (at least shared by Ms. Tolkan, Jesse or Jessy?), is now being scheduled by some for another incarnation.

I maintain my view that while the message may well be pretty vital, and some elected representatives seem pretty sensible, the number of unelected messengers and their often rather contradictory if not rather 'elitist' 'one of us' (at best) messages does not seem to be moving the masses terribly well.

I wonder why?

EVENT - GL - A Crash Course on Climate Change

WHEN:

Tewkesbury
Wednesday 18th March, 6-9pm
Tewkesbury Borough Council Offices,

Cirencester
Thursday 19th March, 6-9pm
Cotswold District Council Chamber,

Forest of Dean (Coleford)
Tuesday 24th March, 6-9pm
Royal Forest of Dean College,

Gloucester
Thurs 26th March, 6-9pm
Gloucester Guildhall,
23 Eastgate St

WHAT: A Crash Course on Climate Change
WHERE: See above
WHAT... MORE?: All you ever wanted to know about global warming but were afraid to ask
If the science is so certain, why do so many people remain unconvinced? How will climate change affect the UK and the rest of the world? Can it be stopped and who should do it?

All answered with a recipe mixing expert knowledge, group discussion and pair work. Featuring scientists with a gift for communication and popular climate change journalists, George Monbiot and Mark Lynas, these experts guide participants through the issues with short video presentations. Leave feeling inspired and confident with a personal strategy for tackling climate change.

HOW MUCH: Not Free, sadly.
£12 for individuals (concessions available),
£24 charities and local authorities,
£35 businesses.

URL: www.vision21.org.uk
COMMENTS: I might try and attend but that entry fee is a tad steep on top of the journey.

See no poverty or waste... presto... it doesn't exist!

Rubbish police to patrol Madrid streets

She sounds a sweetheart.

'Countering criticisms that she was punishing the poor, Ms Botella said: “I refuse to live in a society where I must accept that people rummage in rubbish for food.”'

Well, yes, I can see how it must be better that it goes to waste. Or doesn't she want to 'accept' that either.

Funny it's a 'conservative' council. I wonder how the various establishment protagonists here will spin this one.

EVENT - LONDON - Ecobuild

WHEN: March 3-5,
WHAT: Ecobuild
WHERE: Earl's Court, London
WHAT... MORE?: Ecobuild is the world’s biggest event dedicated to sustainable design, construction and the built environment

HOW MUCH: Free!
URL: http://www.ecobuild.co.uk/
COMMENTS: Too late; too far for me. Next year!

CATEGORY - HOME & GARDEN

Another new category to pull a few others in line. Not sure if it's the best umbrella term, but let's see how it goes.

ARTICLES

Cleaning

Times - Squeaky Green

General

Times - NEW - The green streets of Britain

Loos

Guardian - What is the most eco-friendly loo?

INFORMATION


SUPPLIERS

Salvo Recraft -

CATEGORY - GARDENING

Articles

Green economy

CATEGORY - SHOPPING, SUPERMARKETS, RETAIL

Articles

Observer - At the supermarket -

CATEGORY - TRAIN

I have a feeling I have duplicated, but until I see where...

Articles

Observer - Don't get the train on a Friday

Information

nationalexpresseastcoast.com -
nationalrail.co.uk -
railcard.co.uk -
seat61.com -

CATEGORY - POPULATION

One thing is for sure, you won't see much opinion from me on this one!

Yes, I am a wuss.

ARTICLES

Newsnight - How do we feed the world in the future?

Indy - Are there just too many people in the world?

There are a few, very few, with the courage to write about the topic of population. Even fewer in positions of leadership amongst them, much less prepared to consider how to address the issue.

If, as seems evident, our global numbers are expanding, as there is a fixed, finite area to accommodate and support us all, and the consequences of our existing, there has to be an end point.

And it's worth noting to all the vegetarian advocates who often crop up in such discussions that their... very worthy... case simply buys more time, even if we ignore the design fault that made most of us omnivores.

And speaking of Mother Nature, she might be argued to have erred in other aspects of her creation. Our newly found ethical overrides, on top of technology, pretty much ensure most checks and balances she put in place to maintain an ideal level of our race are negated.

Mind you, with SARS or 'global warming' maybe she has indeed already have ready all she needs ready to get things back under control. And, brutally, one view being suggested is that such as a multi-year drought (however caused 'globally') might be her way of trying to do as she intended, but gets rather countered by keeping vast populations barely alive in camps where there is little to do that what else comes naturally by artificial drip-fed means isn't that sustainable. Of course, like many caring Western celebs and commentators, this notion appalls me, and hence no alternatives can really be easily discussed for fear of the inevitable reactions to even raising the point. So, having slammed the lack of international statespersonship, I certainly would not envy anyone who tried to should the burden of Global Triage.

However, voluntary birth control certainly seems a heck of a good start. Just... bear in mind, it still only buys time.

Times - The population explosion on Europe’s doorstep - I am reassured that 'we' are going to 'peak' at 9.5 (not 10 in round figures?) Billion, but don't fancy the notion on how this is arrived at, literally or figuratively

Times - Fatal Misconception: The Struggle to Control World Population by Matthew Connelly - A book review

Newsnight -

Amazing level of intellectual heft and experience brought to bear on this important subject. Well, from Mr. Porritt at least. So one of four non-blondes wasn't bad.

As I pour chocolate sauce over a profiterole, I am struck by the finite area of the globe as the brown stuff covers it.

Not that we are likely to get to full coverage, even with technology stacking us up as it sends our waste below (not too sure on where the feeding bits go...oh well).... I do believe the planet (which will persist well after we have gone) already is demonstrating corrective systems of its own.

Guardian - No kidding, BMJ - Points being made, and missed, in spades

Indy - No coercion in family planning - missed the original, sadly

Science Daily - courtesy of Dave from Solarventi - Population Policy Needed In Order To Combat Climate Change, Experts Argue - Sheesh, we Westerners certainly have an impact.

Indy Letters - More people than the planet can hold

Telegraph - Save the planet by cutting down on meat? That's just a load of bull - Pull out pin, lob... and duck

Indy - Some hints for saving the world - Or... just get the extremes agitated again

Times - Cassandra: stay childless and save the environment - My mute observations continue.

Times - EU and Green envy at China-style restrictions on family size

Times - Two children should be limit, says green guru - 416 comments. 'Nuff said.. well, obviously not.

BBC - Is it selfish to have more than two children?

Guardian - Cutting consumption is more important than limiting population

Guardian - NEW - Lack of water still kills

INFORMATION (cautions on objectivity)

optimumpopulation.org

Respect where it is due

Revealed: The secrets of belly button fluff

Mr Barker has been collecting his own navel fluff in jars every day since 1984. The achievement has won him a place in the Guinness Book of Records for the world's largest collection of navel lint.

We have even gone so far as to keep the boys' hair trimmings (they and I get a two-monthly number 2 razor trim from the missus), and they are lustrous and may yet have a use (mine are a sad salt and pepper mix and we decided they had no value). But this is a step beyond.

EVENT - HR - Climate Change Event - Ross-on-Wye

With all due apologies to those not 'local'.

I know this is now a national, even internationally-read blog, so I hope putting the postcode in the title will suffice for now until I can figure a better system (which I think will need to be on the main site)

WHEN: March 4, 2-3.30PM
WHAT: Herefordshire Council Climate Change Event
WHERE: Ross Library (note for those in Hay, there are other venues & dates)
WHAT... MORE?: Antonia Fitch, Herefordshire Council's sustainability officer, says, 'No background knowledge of climate change is needed and we want people to share their own experiences about how the issues are affecting their own families. We are working hard to raise awareness of the issues but also want to hear directly from county residents so we can target our actions to meet what they need.

HOW MUCH: Free
URL: Courtesy of Wyenot.com
COMMENTS: I'll definitely try and attend.

EVENT - HR - Herefordshire Greenlinks Public Event and Green Business Expo

WHEN: Tuesday 17 March 2009 7.30 pm - 10 pm
WHAT: Health, Wealth, and Green Living
WHERE: The Courtyard, Hereford
WHAT... MORE?: From the site:
Public Event & Greenlinks Exhibition
Come and join the 400 businesses, public, media, and panel of well known speakers
discussing innovative ways to beat the recession and develop a vibrant local economy.
After the panel speakers, the discussion groups will focus on the stand holders and speakers, giving opportunities for everyone to get to know a growing network of green businesses and enthusiastic supporters.

7:30 pm
Panel discussion and questions with:
Alistair Sawday, Sawday Publishing
Elaine Brook, Gaia Partnership & Greenlinks
Satish Kumar, Resurgence Magazine
Brigit Strawbridge, TV's 'Not Easy Being Green'
Stewart Walllis, New Economics Foundation
Bianca Madison, Celebrity health advisor
Geoff Hughes, Head of Regeneration, Herefordshire Council

8:40pm
Small-group discussions focused on stand-holders and speakers, with people moving on every 12 minutes to ensure maximum networking.
Emerging 'good ideas' will be posted on a giant banner above the stands

HOW MUCH: Main House Event £6 or £3 from Box Office 01432 340 555
URL: http://www.herefordshiregreenlinks.info/Latest/health-wealth-and-green-living.html
COMMENTS: I'll definitely try and attend. May even be seduced by a stand

CATEGORY - DIRECTORY

Oh heck, I have tons in other places. Time to pull 'em together as they come up (or I get told).

Anyways, the list of thousands of sources of info starts with the first few links...

ecological-living.co.uk - NEW
greenprofs.com

Junkk diRE:ctory

UK - Postcode Dependent

HR -Herefordshire
herefordshiregreenlinks -

Finding the energy

It came to me more targeted at 'energy professionals', but having clicked the link I see no harm in sharing here.

If any of you have expertise/experience of energy saving/renewable and low carbon energy technologies and can advise the households involved in the Big Energy Shift your input would be gratefully received. They have asked a load of questions which they would like people's views on.

It has a few links and pages some may value for info, or have the experience to contribute to.

Do love the current 'freeze frame' of Minister Ed Miliband on the home page. Not sure he would:)

Walk walk vs. talk talk

With all due apologies to Winston Churchill for the paraphrase.

I tend now to avoid getting into much about climate change (or whatever its incarnation du jour is), much less the man-made aspect.

It seems pretty clear that some odd things are going on, and mostly not good. As I am not so keen on bans, while I do see merit in sensible reductions, mitigations, etc, and ways to effect these.

But I am also a fan of pragmatism, so while there are many (in fact I'd say too many) who still seem to enjoy rearranging deckchairs on the Titanic whilst discussing the number of angels who can dance atop the head of a pin, I tend to get more exciting by things to do. Especially by way of contingencies should what is predicted by many take place.

Hence I, and possibly you dear reader, might find this report from the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, commissioned by Ch4, a worthy, if sobering read. Of course, as with all things, the spectre of 'The Two E's' is again a major elephant in the room.