I'm sure there's a default to change, but it's a pity this posts at the point it was drafted and not published.
I have not reviewed this site yet but feel the urge to share as this is a definite 'why not?'. It didn't start well as I tried to sign up (may be a Mac/Safari thing) and it wouldn't work. I've told them and no word yet.
Here's the PR blurb that went with:
Mayor of London launches extended service to help London businesses buy greener
The Mayor of London has nnounced that his Green Procurement Code is being updated and extended. It will now offer businesses specialist procurement advice to buy low carbon products in addition to the traditional focus on buying recycled products.
Previously, the Mayor of London's Green Procurement Code, focused on stimulating demand and creating markets for recycled products. Since its launch in 2001, members of the programme have spent £548.7 million on recycled products and diverted 1.8 million tonnes of waste from landfill. Using recycled materials in new products prevents the disposal of that material to landfill, which reduces emission of carbon dioxide. Over the last two years, 391,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions have been saved through the purchase of recycled products.
To build on this success, the free support service, funded by the London Development Agency will now provide businesses with procurement advice on an extended range of green products including low carbon, water saving and sustainable technologies.
Part of the new service will be interactive to reach the greatest possible number of businesses, including London's small and medium enterprises (SMEs). There is now a dedicated green procurement website www.greenprocurementcode.co.uk and organisations delivering the biggest environmental impact through their purchases can also receive five to seven days of dedicated one-to-one support.
Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, said: "I have updated my [oo, get you - for once I'd feel the 3rd person my have scanned better] Green Procurement Code so that more businesses can get specialist support to buy green products. In order to tackle climate change we have to take decisive action right now to cut our emissions of greenhouse gases. My new Green Procurement Code will help businesses to become energy efficient and use their resources more efficiently ultimately helping them to cut their carbon emissions."
The Mayor of London's new Green Procurement Code is the only service of its kind in Europe. The launch of the new service enables London to retain its leadership in the UK on green procurement.
London Remade will continue to deliver the service with new partners, Action Sustainability and Mouchel Parkman.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Do you buy it?
I got quite excited when I read this BBC and Guardian launch new eco sites
More nifty ways to find out things to do to help the planet, I thought.
What I was not quite prepared for was the flogging stuff part when I got there.
My fault, I guess, I just have a different idea in mind when I think 'eco-site'. And it's not 'shop'. Or 'car salesroom'.
Now, the Guardian can do what it likes. But I'd love to have explained to me how 'leading media group' Aunty gets to flog a Ford Focus and still stay credible on reporting climate change... under the same brand name at least.
I am sure all will indeed be extremely successful in the run-up to Christmas, but just not quite so sure as to how it all helps the planet vs. not buying stuff. Instead of the LCD, OK, but what's the betting most in the demographic fancy both, plus a quick trip to Verbier to avoid the crowds. While the snow lasts. There's always the Rockies next year.
More nifty ways to find out things to do to help the planet, I thought.
What I was not quite prepared for was the flogging stuff part when I got there.
My fault, I guess, I just have a different idea in mind when I think 'eco-site'. And it's not 'shop'. Or 'car salesroom'.
Now, the Guardian can do what it likes. But I'd love to have explained to me how 'leading media group' Aunty gets to flog a Ford Focus and still stay credible on reporting climate change... under the same brand name at least.
I am sure all will indeed be extremely successful in the run-up to Christmas, but just not quite so sure as to how it all helps the planet vs. not buying stuff. Instead of the LCD, OK, but what's the betting most in the demographic fancy both, plus a quick trip to Verbier to avoid the crowds. While the snow lasts. There's always the Rockies next year.
Star bucks
It's down to time. And money. And money is time.
I just watched a thing on the news about train travel. All I can say is great. If it takes roughly the same time and costs roughly the same amount... why wouldn't you?
Take my trip to Brussels next month.
I'm staying over at a London chum's again after a weekend event, and taking the Eurostar. Brillo. And £60 door to door. No plane to match it.
And even the timing is great, even factoring in the getting to's and fro's. Coming back not so great, but at £12.50 for London to Gloucester (please let it run!!) I can live with the 2hr bus trip back home.
No brainer for next to no money. And the time is on par. When it works, it works (now, please work.... pretty please:)
I just watched a thing on the news about train travel. All I can say is great. If it takes roughly the same time and costs roughly the same amount... why wouldn't you?
Take my trip to Brussels next month.
I'm staying over at a London chum's again after a weekend event, and taking the Eurostar. Brillo. And £60 door to door. No plane to match it.
And even the timing is great, even factoring in the getting to's and fro's. Coming back not so great, but at £12.50 for London to Gloucester (please let it run!!) I can live with the 2hr bus trip back home.
No brainer for next to no money. And the time is on par. When it works, it works (now, please work.... pretty please:)
The elephant in the room. I guess we eat that first.
Humankind at risk as resources dry up
True and true.
However, it always surprises me how often and to what degree population increase is not even acknowledged, much less any intelligent discussions taking place about its potentially deleterious effects. Especially in conjunction with the human demands on resources during periods of economic growth that are matching that of our race's numbers.
I just wonder what will be the point when those theoretically in charge look at the finite land area (and sea volume) there is to support an ever-increasing human footprint.
True and true.
However, it always surprises me how often and to what degree population increase is not even acknowledged, much less any intelligent discussions taking place about its potentially deleterious effects. Especially in conjunction with the human demands on resources during periods of economic growth that are matching that of our race's numbers.
I just wonder what will be the point when those theoretically in charge look at the finite land area (and sea volume) there is to support an ever-increasing human footprint.
Is there anything dumber than really simple?
'Cos I have... er... this freind.
And he...ok... I am trying to get a handle on, amongst many other IT things, RSS.
Because I know I am missing more tricks than a lady of easy virtue leaning against the Vatican walls.
I'm hoping this (which seems very helpful, which is why I URL it your way) may help... if I can understand it any batter than what I know already.
I already have an APB out for a teenager to help with MySpace, etc. I think I need another. If I can say that in public still. I'm not sure I can wait for my two to get that old.
Bloglines
The Ultimate RSS Toolbox
RSS Field Descriptions
The RSS Blog
Digital Point XML/RSS Discussion Forum
RSS Specifications Submit RSS Feeds
The MillionRSS Project
RSS Compendium RSS Resources
RSS Advertising - Pheedo
Feedburner
And he...ok... I am trying to get a handle on, amongst many other IT things, RSS.
Because I know I am missing more tricks than a lady of easy virtue leaning against the Vatican walls.
I'm hoping this (which seems very helpful, which is why I URL it your way) may help... if I can understand it any batter than what I know already.
I already have an APB out for a teenager to help with MySpace, etc. I think I need another. If I can say that in public still. I'm not sure I can wait for my two to get that old.
Bloglines
The Ultimate RSS Toolbox
RSS Field Descriptions
The RSS Blog
Digital Point XML/RSS Discussion Forum
RSS Specifications Submit RSS Feeds
The MillionRSS Project
RSS Compendium RSS Resources
RSS Advertising - Pheedo
Feedburner
Ready, steady...er...
Rubbish charging given go-ahead - Confused? You will be:)
You put your green glass in. They take the PEP 1 out. You put your compost in. They take the Tetrapak out. And you shake it all about (actually, there's a fine for that). You do the ok-dokey and you tick a box... that's what it's all about!
You put your green glass in. They take the PEP 1 out. You put your compost in. They take the Tetrapak out. And you shake it all about (actually, there's a fine for that). You do the ok-dokey and you tick a box... that's what it's all about!
Forget me not
It's not enviro, but I'm posting anyway as it goes to the core of how we are mis-governed - NHS pariahs
Oh, yes, I am angry.
My Mum has mild but deteriorating Alzheimer's. She is also quite comfortable financially. When she was no longer able to manage in her own home we moved her to a cottage next to ours where i could keep an eye on her hourly. It has worked well so far. Yes, there was some official interest (more visits and clipboards than I could count in a short period), but once it was appreciated that she had family looking after her this evaporated. Priorities. Fair enough. And we are grateful for the non means-tested attendance allowance that helps us to look after her more intimate needs via private carer visits.
However soon it may be that her medical needs will require her to go into a home, and while this will be a sad day for all there is really no option. Fortunately she is well prepared for this, and we will ensure that she has the best her money can buy.
So why I am I angry? Because, with the exception of the attendance allowance, thanks to her and my deceased father's prudence and thrift she has been near zero a burden on the state or its coffers. Helped in a small way by her family rallying round.
But when the time comes and she passes on, should she yet be able to leave some funds to ease the personal, familial and national burden of geriatric care for future generations, it first has to run the gamut of IHT so the government can suck out as much as it can to fund useless box-tickers and gold-plated civil service pensions.
And yet in defence of this all I see is smug Brown babes and comfy Islington media luvvies trying to claim it is just to redistribute wealth to prevent rich landed gentry spoiling their heirs.
Where is the incentive to save for your old age and the benefit of others who may play a great part in making its consequences less onerous... for all concerned???!
Oh, yes, I am angry.
My Mum has mild but deteriorating Alzheimer's. She is also quite comfortable financially. When she was no longer able to manage in her own home we moved her to a cottage next to ours where i could keep an eye on her hourly. It has worked well so far. Yes, there was some official interest (more visits and clipboards than I could count in a short period), but once it was appreciated that she had family looking after her this evaporated. Priorities. Fair enough. And we are grateful for the non means-tested attendance allowance that helps us to look after her more intimate needs via private carer visits.
However soon it may be that her medical needs will require her to go into a home, and while this will be a sad day for all there is really no option. Fortunately she is well prepared for this, and we will ensure that she has the best her money can buy.
So why I am I angry? Because, with the exception of the attendance allowance, thanks to her and my deceased father's prudence and thrift she has been near zero a burden on the state or its coffers. Helped in a small way by her family rallying round.
But when the time comes and she passes on, should she yet be able to leave some funds to ease the personal, familial and national burden of geriatric care for future generations, it first has to run the gamut of IHT so the government can suck out as much as it can to fund useless box-tickers and gold-plated civil service pensions.
And yet in defence of this all I see is smug Brown babes and comfy Islington media luvvies trying to claim it is just to redistribute wealth to prevent rich landed gentry spoiling their heirs.
Where is the incentive to save for your old age and the benefit of others who may play a great part in making its consequences less onerous... for all concerned???!
But carry a big pointy stick
Tread Lightly is a new(ish Guardian blog site. Some nice ideas and useful debate.
Trouble is, I'm having a problem working it as will be gathered by my posting on the section. However, I have my reasons.
EnvironmentEditor Comment No. 76060October 29 16:17 Blimey, what fantastic tips...
Yes, tips are good. Long may they be shared.
And this looks like a good place to share them. However I must confess to having a few navigational problems.
This thread, obviously, is about light bulbs. And I have more I'd like to share on other things in other enviro-areas. But this is not so easy.
Take my main area of reuse. There is a link to a more promising zone of the Tread Lightly Section, Waste, but when I tried to read more and contribute to Reuse or throw away? the link didn't work and comments were closed (so please go to http://www.junkk.com/ideas.asp?slevel=0z622&parent_id=622 to get some hopefully useful options by way of a contribution to that section).
Is it possible to keep such things archived and open a bit longer?
Trouble is, I'm having a problem working it as will be gathered by my posting on the section. However, I have my reasons.
EnvironmentEditor Comment No. 76060October 29 16:17 Blimey, what fantastic tips...
Yes, tips are good. Long may they be shared.
And this looks like a good place to share them. However I must confess to having a few navigational problems.
This thread, obviously, is about light bulbs. And I have more I'd like to share on other things in other enviro-areas. But this is not so easy.
Take my main area of reuse. There is a link to a more promising zone of the Tread Lightly Section, Waste, but when I tried to read more and contribute to Reuse or throw away? the link didn't work and comments were closed (so please go to http://www.junkk.com/ideas.asp?slevel=0z622&parent_id=622 to get some hopefully useful options by way of a contribution to that section).
Is it possible to keep such things archived and open a bit longer?
Reality Bites Again... Literally
Malaria moves in behind the loggers
As most will know, I have a bee in my bonnet about deforestation. Mainly revolving around the logic of cutting down mature trees that are doing what carbon offset saplings may manage in 40 years.
However this adds more to my advocacy.
I have often seen certain insect borne diseases springing up in various locations being put down to global warming. Logically of course, if it does get warmer then the environment will be more appealing. So yes, it is an inevitable consequence.
But I think much more real, and immediate, is all the negative effects of man simply doing what comes unnaturally. Flying from a hotbed of nasties in a sealed tube and in two hours being in a climate-controlled building halfway around the world. With unwelcome co-passengers in the blood stream alkready, or about to get some.
Or, as in the case above, simply trashing the joint.
As most will know, I have a bee in my bonnet about deforestation. Mainly revolving around the logic of cutting down mature trees that are doing what carbon offset saplings may manage in 40 years.
However this adds more to my advocacy.
I have often seen certain insect borne diseases springing up in various locations being put down to global warming. Logically of course, if it does get warmer then the environment will be more appealing. So yes, it is an inevitable consequence.
But I think much more real, and immediate, is all the negative effects of man simply doing what comes unnaturally. Flying from a hotbed of nasties in a sealed tube and in two hours being in a climate-controlled building halfway around the world. With unwelcome co-passengers in the blood stream alkready, or about to get some.
Or, as in the case above, simply trashing the joint.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Bums and seats (I'm the former)
A little while ago I was asked by our local enviro-community group, EnviroAbility, if I could help them with some design work for a new service, rather entertainingly called 'Take A Pew".
Basically it is a furniture reuse project that aims to place reclaimed custom-prepared church pews in new homes. Once it is fully up and running I'll be sharing more on it, both here and on the main site.
I am happy to say that my design was liked and accepted, and even more so that the strapline suggested was too. Shows there is a thick vein of fun still to be found in secular parts!
I wish them well and will do all I can to help. It was great fun, and the results, I hope, are, and will be, worth it.
AWARDS - MediaGuardian Innovation Awards
WHEN: By Friday, 2 Nov
WHAT: MediaGuardian Innovation Awards
WHAT... MORE?: Blurb: If you, your company, or your colleagues have taken part in a truly innovative, forward-thinking project this year or if you’ve pushed the boundaries or pioneered a different way of thinking then you could triumph at the awards ceremony at the O2 arena in March 2008. The MediaGuardian Innovation Awards are open to media owners, clients, agencies and individuals in the UK and feature a high-profile panel of judges from many disciplines and backgrounds who will work hard to select the worthiest winners. If you’ve been part of something that deserves recognition, get your entry in now. But hurry, this is the last call for entries.
HOW MUCH: There's the rub. Not cheap (well to me). £200 + VAT per category. And I could easily enter half a dozen.
URL: mediaguardian.co.uk/awards
COMMENTS: I was going to blow it out, but getting Junkk.com, and RE:tie, and what we're trying to do in front of some heavy hitters judging-wise is tempting. But oh lord, how can you trust it even gets to them?
WHAT: MediaGuardian Innovation Awards
WHAT... MORE?: Blurb: If you, your company, or your colleagues have taken part in a truly innovative, forward-thinking project this year or if you’ve pushed the boundaries or pioneered a different way of thinking then you could triumph at the awards ceremony at the O2 arena in March 2008. The MediaGuardian Innovation Awards are open to media owners, clients, agencies and individuals in the UK and feature a high-profile panel of judges from many disciplines and backgrounds who will work hard to select the worthiest winners. If you’ve been part of something that deserves recognition, get your entry in now. But hurry, this is the last call for entries.
HOW MUCH: There's the rub. Not cheap (well to me). £200 + VAT per category. And I could easily enter half a dozen.
URL: mediaguardian.co.uk/awards
COMMENTS: I was going to blow it out, but getting Junkk.com, and RE:tie, and what we're trying to do in front of some heavy hitters judging-wise is tempting. But oh lord, how can you trust it even gets to them?
And that's all we have time f..
I'll be brief. I have seen some pieces that put the state of government in sharp contrast. This is a small but telling piece on the state of our media: Today for ever
It's actually in the Times' Radio review section, when frankly I think it should be the front page. Especially as 'Today remains the indispensable soundtrack to all that activity for some 6m people.' That's 10% of the population. Or half who vote... ish.
And I do see, and express real frustration at its weakness. No, not everything can be covered in three minutes. And if it cannot, it should not be attempted. Or excused.
It's actually in the Times' Radio review section, when frankly I think it should be the front page. Especially as 'Today remains the indispensable soundtrack to all that activity for some 6m people.' That's 10% of the population. Or half who vote... ish.
And I do see, and express real frustration at its weakness. No, not everything can be covered in three minutes. And if it cannot, it should not be attempted. Or excused.
It's big. It's not so bad. Is it?
Airbus A380 - the complete guide
All I could do was wonder how many media outlets that spend a % of their time (and sincerity) on climate change were on board, simply being taken for a ride. Like their readers.
All I could do was wonder how many media outlets that spend a % of their time (and sincerity) on climate change were on board, simply being taken for a ride. Like their readers.
Recommended maximum alcohol intake
figures issued 20 years ago were numbers that were scientifically ............. plucked entirely out of thin air!
OK, so this is neither eco nor enviro, but it is another example of hogwash 'targets' being set without any scientific basis whatsoever, and then being used to bash the man in the street into changing his habits. See TimesOnline.
Me, I think I'll go along with the World Health Organisation figures, they look much more realistic! Anyone fancy a pint after work?
OK, so this is neither eco nor enviro, but it is another example of hogwash 'targets' being set without any scientific basis whatsoever, and then being used to bash the man in the street into changing his habits. See TimesOnline.
Me, I think I'll go along with the World Health Organisation figures, they look much more realistic! Anyone fancy a pint after work?
'Ah did not have relations with them honours'
In light of the words vs. actions of those who would govern us, this is worth sharing: Aha, the getaway map for anyone planning a cash for honours caper
Times - A sharp little piece of honesty getting under Whitehall’s skin
I'm about ready for a 'why don't the public trust us/engage with politics' chestbeat any time soon.
Oh, then there's this: Brown rewards the PC brigade, not the diligent
Gosh, I am sooo glad I'm trying to found my own business using my savings.
Times - A sharp little piece of honesty getting under Whitehall’s skin
I'm about ready for a 'why don't the public trust us/engage with politics' chestbeat any time soon.
Oh, then there's this: Brown rewards the PC brigade, not the diligent
Gosh, I am sooo glad I'm trying to found my own business using my savings.
Trust me, I'm your leader. I know stuff.
The words of the then Environment Minister still resonate as I read this: Eat your words, all who scoff at organic food
So, who do we believe now? On anything?
All I am sure of is that the organic counter at the local supermarket will be doing a nice new surge of custom.
Times - Official: organic really is better - Depends rather on which official, mind
Guardian - Organic's better. Admit it
So, who do we believe now? On anything?
All I am sure of is that the organic counter at the local supermarket will be doing a nice new surge of custom.
Times - Official: organic really is better - Depends rather on which official, mind
Guardian - Organic's better. Admit it
The Hummer H2...Oh
Mass-market hydrogen car is ready to roll
I always have to start these critiques with 'but I do like the idea of hydrogen'.
Two things. The car may be ready to roll. Getting the fuel into the car in any way that saves the planet... less so.
Plus, let's not forget that car makers don't really want us to travel any less. And whichever way you cut it, it's the travelling that uses the fuel that is simply energy that has to be created somehow.... that, for now, means CO2.
But it's a nice thing to look at for the future. Just let's be careful with the zero emissions claims, eh?
Times - Fuel cells drive into the future -
Times - Up, up and away – the hydrogen car is here
I always have to start these critiques with 'but I do like the idea of hydrogen'.
Two things. The car may be ready to roll. Getting the fuel into the car in any way that saves the planet... less so.
Plus, let's not forget that car makers don't really want us to travel any less. And whichever way you cut it, it's the travelling that uses the fuel that is simply energy that has to be created somehow.... that, for now, means CO2.
But it's a nice thing to look at for the future. Just let's be careful with the zero emissions claims, eh?
Times - Fuel cells drive into the future -
Times - Up, up and away – the hydrogen car is here
RE:PAIR - Car bodywork dings
Another Aunty sent me this; this time all the way from Singapore.It was a video, but I'm too tight to gobble up several Meg on Google cache, so you get just a frame. Ain't brain surgery.
Now, there are a few caveats. I have no clue where you get dry ice. And it looks dangerous if the thickness of that glove is anything to go on.
Plus it may not work, but seemed to on the video (like those are always true). Certainly I can see who creating localised colling would pull the metal tighter.
Call this one a 'possible'. I'll await confirmation before putting it on site.
One good turn...
How do you resist someone who writes to say how nice your site is... and would you mind helping her help others get on TV?
Well, you don't (plus it looks like a nifty show - just watch out for what is said will be shot, what is shot... and what ends up on the cutting room floor).
Karma, I am keeping my fingers crossed.
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