Good start...

... but, very little, if anything, that represents an end-benefit to the consumer.

Supermarkets come in from cold as part of low carbon revolution

QUOTE OF THE DAY - It must be true, it's in the BBC!

Newsnight supports folk who support the Junkk ethos.... ish.

"Craftsmanship is the way forward. It's perfect for the credit crunch. Things like knitting and so on are very important and very English. It's definitely a good time to start making your own things" - Henry Conway, fashionista son of Tory MP Derek Conway.

An insight?

As to whether it, and the responses it has garnered, bode well is another matter:

Obsessed with saving the planet? There are worse fates

Rising to the challenge

To good to miss, really...

The great green swindle

A genuine question, but how well vetted for 'wash' are the ads that appear on this page, if not the entire Guardian site?

Great to set a bar, and a high one, but it would be best to ensure that it doesn't get knocked off by the judges. And allow critics further opportunities to chip away at 'green' advocacy.

Not greenwash, per se, and not a great example as their claims are, one presumes, verifiable, but even as I glance at the top of the page I have to crank an eyebrow that "You don't have to leave my car at home to save fuel" by fitting a Michelin tyre. They might be bett...er indeed, but I'd be hard pressed to use less on a journey with them than not taking one at all.

Equally not overt greenwash, but glancing to the side bar on a piece about corporate attitudes to eco-marketing, I am not sure that selling a paper by carrying an ad that suggests one might win a skiing holiday to Banff sends out the most coherent, or best message.

Anyway, good luck to them with their mission. Along with others I am sure, I'll be watching. Maybe even contributing, too.

YouTube Videos

Just got my act together on some video archiving on YouTube, and thought it worth listing here too:

Enviro-related

Green is Good - with thanks to Clikingo, and Kipp & Cody

Junkk.com

A quick intro to the site - with thanks to Clikingo

The 12 E-Ways of Christmas - with thanks to Phoenix J

RE:tie

The initial 'pitch' - with thanks to iMovie

A later pitch to a 'Dragon's Den - via Businesszone.co.uk - Didn't work. Still could... here 2

NEWSLETTER - September and a half

Still getting to grips with the new system.

What's not so great is a few folk have written to say the links don't work.

This is really odd. The system itself tests every which way, including pictures and links, and then before sending out to those on the opt-in mailing list I send to some test emails scattered about here.

All worked, from a Mac on OSX/Safari to PCs running FireFox/IE. Can't suss it.

Anyway, just in case it didn't work for you, and the link to the online version did not link (well, it wouldn't I guess) either, or you are just surfing this blog and might be interested (if you like it sign up by registering at Junkk.com!) then here it is.

Time, and tide, and...

I actually missed all of the originals these letters refer to today:

IoS letters, emails & texts (19 October 2008)

However they serve as worthy reminders to take anything in the world of green you read with a pinch of salt (especially in 'major' media), and avoid coming to any conclusions until you have seen a broad variety of opinions, and then take a wee while to see how they shape up.

ps: all here are put pieces in the jigsaw still

Careful what you wish for

An article which got me on board, at least initially...

Miliband's blueprint for greener homes

And that was despite stumbling over this early on...

'The drive has the full backing of the Prime Minister, who has decided that promoting energy saving should be...'

However, I knew I was in a differnt place when I got here:

10 ways to a more energy-efficient house

Eco hat - sounds good. No link. Google is my friend.

Ground source (or geothermal) heat pump - would prefer more info on this

Air source heat pump - ditto

Hydro turbine - I am a fan, but planning is a zoo

Energy meter - well yes, but while a Wattson is very cute, it is not the only one and about as expsnive vs. others as you can find. London rules showing though?

Triple-glazed window - ROI & enviROI?

Biomass burning boiler - I am tempted, if only to get Mr. Putin off my back.

Underfloor heating - new build? Or dig up my stone floor?

Solar-powered charger - just assess hwo long the panel will last. Most are cheap and don't.

Wind turbine - er.... this option is really under challenge on both ROI and enviROI.

and what you should be doing already

Using energy-efficient lightbulbs - OK

Turning down your thermostat by at least 1C - OK

Switching to a green energy supplier - er....

Making sure your home – including potentially wasteful areas such as the loft space – is well insulated - OK

Turning off appliances such as computers and televisions when they not in use, rather than leaving them on standby - depending on...

Using energy-efficient washing machines and fridge-freezers - er...

Getting a free Home Energy check by logging on to www.energy savingtrust.org.uk - if it helps, go for it

CATEGORY - GREEN NAPPIES

But it's worth sharing other, related stuff as it comes our way:

Articles

Guardian - UK's first nappy recycling plant - Must apply for a job(by). Hey, it's not before time!

Letsrecycle - Firm seeks site for first UK nappy recycling plant

Telegraph - NEW - Nappies: terry cloth more environmentally-friendly than disposable

Times - NEW - Blow to image of ‘green’ reusable nappy - Guess it depends on where you read?

Times - NEW - Washable nappies greener than disposables, suggests report - and, indeed, who

Grants


Information

Real Nappy Campaign -
Women's Enviromental Network -

Suppliers

Junkk.com is of course quite in the... er.. thick of this, via a local relationship with aptly-named Green Nappies.


Anything that gets out of the deep doo-doo that our little future generations can crank out!

AWARD - The MediaGuardian Innovation Awards

er... who sez*?

WHEN: Dec 5
WHAT: The MediaGuardian Innovation Awards
WHAT... MORE?: The Awards are open to innovative work in any media or across a variety of media. There are 14 Awards categories each seeking to reward the mould breakers, scene shifters and upstarts in the media industry.

HOW MUCH: Free
URL: http://megas.guardianprofessional.co.uk/
COMMENTS: You never know. *Assuming reuse counts, too.

Worth a ponder or, well, four trillion

I certainly would prefer it go to some of these vs. a pol's pension or City type's bonus.

What would the bank-bail out money buy for the environment?

RE:pair - IT - Answer - Fixing a Mac monitor

Just dashing this out, having scrabbled about for answers to include in the next newsletter.

I really need a better system! And help. And...

Qu: From Junketeer Susan:

'Hi. I have a 17inch Apple monitor which has about a minute to live. Any ideas where it can go to be mended/refurbished and reused?'

Ans: You don't mention where you are located so I can only respond in general terms.

The sad fact is, of course, that repair is seldom cost effective. But that doesn't mean it's not worth trying.

For instance, here in our neck 'o the woods, Herefordshire, I have found a shop which still does just that. In fact just a few weeks ago I took in a TV (which is a CRT monitor in most ways that matter) that didn't work, and now it does. £49, done and dusted. Here's their email: therepairstation@aol.com

If you're not in the area then I am sure there might be a similar outfit around. Google is your friend!

You could also try any of the Mac resources from http://junkk.blogspot.com/2008/04/category-repair.html . http://www.macfixcentre.com/ , http://www.e-repair.co.uk/tipsmon.htm , http://www.applemacrepair.com/apple-emac-repair.html

If it is 'worse than that, it's dead, Jim', or still dying without much hope, then the best you can do is dispose. Your local council site (dump) may well have a dedicated section for this, and even a site (URL) to guide you before making the trip. This will be a one way trip to the knacker's yard, though.

One resort is of course to let another try. Hence an honest post on any one of these from http://junkk.blogspot.com/2007/10/reuse-exchange-sites.html may get a hit and find it's gone to a better home. No money, but a warm and fuzzy glow at least... a bit like the last time it worked as it should?;)

Auto default

Can you be a green petrolhead?

Agree on most. Especially on the size of machine required. A point a few of our green-auto advocates who need 6litre Hummers and 7-series Beemers still miss, even if they stick h2 in 'em to show their eco-cred.

But do cut those poor Americans, especially the teenagers, a wee bit of slack. (Oops, I forgot the host of this blog)

I haven't been there too often, but in many states they can't drink 'til they are 21, in others where there are reasonable, practical public transport systems it's no diff to London (Centre of the Universe), but in some places there's the small matter of most living in a country that is the same distance across as it is from here to Turkey.

Aside from the money, and the logistics and a few other things, if you live in a county where some kids need to travel often scores of miles to get in to school/cinema/etc, it's hard to imagine how else they would do it.

With those Yellow bus jobbies they seem to have the school run better sorted than we do here. As to the rest, if you can re-shoot Bullitt with a Prius...

Trailer Trash

Green film festival: the best clips

I almost switched off when I saw some odd movie with Ricky Gervais in it.

But then it clicked. Trailer... then Trash.

I was interested in 'Garbage! The revolution starts at home'

Not now.

This is old territory. We are trying to inspire folk and get the majority onside. A 'P-EU' rant is not going to do that, sorry.

If this is one of the best... oh, dear.

FWIW, my family has barely thrown out anything in several years. Thing is, we separate it out and either Green Cone, compost... or reuse (a few things piling up that have us currently stumped).

No stinky. No messy. Much savey. Even a bit of ma£ey.

Maybe I should film it. And then fly, Irony Air, to get my award in Turin.

Bless.

Messages... and messengers

Piers Morgan solves energy crisis

I was driving to a meeting today (Oh, the irony. However, I did stop off at Ledbury to check out how to get to Brum or London in a more eco and possibly cheaper way... IF the train runs) and listening to the Jeremy Vine show.

It was about charity reverting to home.

Usual wind up. In the stir-up corner was Kelvin McKenzie saying 'sod the rest; Brit is best'.

Against him were lined up at least three fragrant ladies who obviously lunch, but also do good works for 'those less fortunate'. They were very much of the view that more aid rather than less was the order of the day. Folk were starving (true), it wasn't their fault (true. Well, at least the starving ones. I keep seeing nice limos when the Pres lobs up) and 'it's all down to global warming'.

Now, on that last one I am still in a jury that is out. However that all of them opened their pitch with 'I have just got back from flying around...', irony-free, to my mind did not help what else they uttered.

Some are just more equally allowed to 'study the situation' than others, I guess.

Oh, what a state(sperson)

Finding a climate for growth

As to the agreeable (new adjective du jour?:) Mr. Brown, it might be worth looking back and seeing what he has said (or, more likely open-endedly mis- or possibly not spoke) vs. what he has done, on most things but in particular anything to do with my kids' futures on this planet.

As to the awesome thought and authority that has gone in to this... "This is not the time to abandon a climate change agenda which is important for the future... The climate change agenda is part of the solution for many of the problems we face as a world economy"... well, I bet those words stopped all those rowing in their tracks with their substance, depth, detail and insight.

But at least some, somewhere, will be happy. 'We' have yet another, brand new target. Apparently.

Let the lobbyists out of the traps and the subsidies flow!

Telegraph - Ed Miliband promises less hot air

Well, when it comes to assessing talent, everything is relative I suppose. Is there a bar on the shores of the Dead Sea?

Newsnight -

You know what I found most telling about Mr. Miliband (the Even Younger)'s vox pop was his acknowledging that he, and indeed most, involved would not be around in 2050.

For a pol today, that is enough for me to know that a) it ain't going to happen, but b) a lot of folk are going to see target-based careers enhanced and/or making a load of money in the short term looking like they are trying.

Meanwhile, this is another press release that I imagine is already filed.

If we are going to be exposed to this government's latest whirly wheeze, and especially with a ringing stamp of 'You're all doing very well, aren't I' from Young PM Queeg, might we at least have a bit of historical context from the last decade to see how the latest claims might stand up and/or work out.

INdy - Loophole in minister's new emissions target - Rather sets the tone: like "telling everyone you're going on a calorie-controlled diet but not counting cream cakes".

Guardian - Can Ed Miliband deliver?

Guardian - Post-bubble possibility

Guardian - Saving the economy or saving the planet is not an either-or

See, there I was, getting all awed by the massive brainpower and seduced by the compelling skills of persuasion that score one the big bucks in the halls of power, and then I got to this:

"I am confident that we have the bold and challenging leadership we need."

I am sure you are, dear.

Is the Guardian now in the business of posting job applications as well?

At least the posts in reply made the energy consumed reading on worthwhile.

Guardian - Another green dream?

I am continually amazed by the way some manage to divorce 'Britain' from its 'government' - especially in terms of words and deeds carried out in its name - and the 'people' who in theory have given their mandates through 'votes' to others, especially to blow their money in their name via taxes.

Telegraph - Ed Miliband, Energy and Climate Change Secretary, has his work cut out

Indy - Miliband's blueprint for greener homes - while I was on board with much here, some of the suggestions do fail on my current enviROI measures, and hence rather colour the overall thing with a wash of green.

Guardian - On our present course, the bold new carbon target is worthless

When one's course is set by PM Queeg of the U.S Less 'I feel your pain (well, the pay, perks and pension might help ease it a bit)', cheered on at every repeated Titanic iceberg-ramming by a collection of Westminster Useful Village Idiots already nice and comfy in the few lifeboats, I must say 'worthless' is what first sprang to mind, too.

This is one mutineer ready to sign up on this 'ship in a state'.

Guardian - The greening of Brown

So, if I read the first para right it is basically: 'A distracting chance to just look good to your mates in high places whilst blowing yet more on saying a lot but again doing b-all'.

If his 'towering intellect' hadn't understood and/or got interested until now, then he's a few gigawatts short of a becalmed wind farm.

You damn the man with the faintest of praise.

Indy - Rebels to force climate change Bill concessions

I'd just be happy with a world-class climate my kids can enjoy.

But hey-ho....

Unleash the targets, crank up the bonuses and let the box-ticking commence!

Pedal power

I have had cause to be less than impressed with this 'writer' before.

Let by this 'A cab driver's blog has criticised the Public Carriage Office for allowing tourist rickshaws on the capital's streets' I got to:

Against rickshaws

An interestingly economical form of written communication, but we've established before where the 'journalism' aspect figures.

And obviously remuneration is not by the word (at time of writing they were: 'Cabbies are' ... or is it?

Wonder where Ken or, more relevantly I suppose Boris would stand on this eco vs. econo. vs. safety issue.

Guess we'll never know.

Go figure

It's a list. In a paper. Of the top 100 enviromentalists.

The IoS Green List: Britain's top 100 environmentalists

If they (who?) say so. Fills a page or two, I guess.

I wonder what the criteria were? Volume? Being in (or luvv'd) in London? Applying mine of achieving better enviROI does come up with a rather different result.

I know more, doing more, within 20 miles of here.

ps: No 99. I think it's a water butt? But, then again, maybe not.

Addendum:

But just when you thought the trendy luvvie media had lost the green plot...

20 great green designs

Some are great. So I am just glad this is not claiming the best. Give 'em time, mind.

Department Next

Ed Miliband, Energy and Climate Change Secretary, has his work cut out

Interesting analysis, but the replies are worth a scope.

AWARD - Shell Springboard 2008

WHEN: Friday Nov 7
WHAT: Shell Springboard 2008
WHAT... MORE?: A programme that provides a financial boost to innovative, low carbon business ideas from across the UK. The idea behind the programme is that the business response to climate change should not be all about compliance and cost. There is a huge business opportunity if society is to move from a carbon-constrained world.

The criteria for those businesses which apply are very simple. Applications will be considered if the product or service will lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emmissions, is commercially viable and is innovative.
HOW MUCH: Free
URL: http://www.shellspringboard.org/about/
COMMENTS: Been going a while. We keep entering, too. Like Robert the Bruce's spider... one day! And yes, we do know that they are an oil company. Thing is, we don't go around telling folk what not to do all the time... so whatever gets the dosh to DO good... we'll live with them trying to PR it.