Talk talk vs. walk walk.
British Gas ad campaign attacks EDF Energy's 'Green Britain Day'
And I suspect all they have now done is highlight where they are both failing.
For the rest, there are always genuine green energy suppliers (but do challenge the claims as some can be equally 'optimistic' on how they get it).
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Lovely Meter, Water Aid
Just got our latest water bill.
Actually, a refund of £166!
Now, some of that may well be down to the DD being too high, but when our water meter was installed, it was even then lowered from what it had been, as it was based on the house rateable value
This all might change as newly-teenage sons discover girls and soap, but for now I am basking in both eco and fiscal glory.
Actually, a refund of £166!
Now, some of that may well be down to the DD being too high, but when our water meter was installed, it was even then lowered from what it had been, as it was based on the house rateable value
This all might change as newly-teenage sons discover girls and soap, but for now I am basking in both eco and fiscal glory.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Voltaire Revolution Power - VRP
A new 'bon mot' & Acronym.
Voltaire rather famously coined (or, depending on your source, is mostly attributed as having done so - no time to dig deeper for now; frankly it seems odd such a famous quote is not better documented) the phrase that best describes the core root of a civilised democratic society: "I do not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."
I therefore find it interesting, if a little sad, when some, and often the noisily libertarian-claiming entities, kind of miss the irony of a stance that really would generate a lot of power if M. Voltaire was connected up in his grave to a generator:
England's pork barrel politics is paying for airlines to burn the planet
Any readers new to this process will note that this thread has some interesting characteristics:
a. very few of the responses deal with the substance of the article.
b. a large number of them concern the class or other characteristics of the author, rather than anything he has to say.
c. many of them concentrate on seeking to dismiss an issue which was not the central theme of the article but nevertheless informs it: climate change.
You might wonder what on earth is going on. You are not the only one.
Is it really too much to ask that we might have an informed debate about the issues raised here, none of which are trivial: namely the absence of democracy in England, the role of the RDAs and the revelation that taxpayers' money has been used to subsidise damaging activities that the government claims to have left to the free market?
Or are we going to allow these threads to be dominated by astroturfers?
OK, he's miffed. And has some right to be. There are clearly trolls simply there to wind him, and those who agree with him, up. But I fear in reacting as he has, and writing in this way, he has also undermined much of the authority he would seek to claim.
07 Jul 09, 8:36am
I am always intrigued by the use of the words 'we' and 'you' in an open blog, especially when the former is combined with 'allow'.
I'd suggest letting folks' arguments succeed or fail on their merits, or lack of.
Some are still able to make up their own minds without being 'assisted'.
That said, I tend to agree with the rest of the sentiments.
Readers of this blog will know that I have a real issue with 'them' and us' at the best of times, and especially when I find myself rolled up into someone's claim to speak or act for me when they clearly might not.
And, logically, other than venting, on an open blog I would love to hear how Mr. Monbiot proposes that 'he/they' do not 'allow' comment 'they' do not happen to like from some vagauely ill-defined 'others' in future.
'First came the trolls, and I moderated.
Then came for the astroturfers, and I moderated.
Then came those who simply disagreed with me, and I moderated.
Finally, when I had moderated all bar myself, there was no one left to read my blog.'
Paraphrased in honour of another key quote - unarguably attributed - regarding freedoms of speech.
At best pointless. At worst, a slippery path.
Voltaire rather famously coined (or, depending on your source, is mostly attributed as having done so - no time to dig deeper for now; frankly it seems odd such a famous quote is not better documented) the phrase that best describes the core root of a civilised democratic society: "I do not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."
I therefore find it interesting, if a little sad, when some, and often the noisily libertarian-claiming entities, kind of miss the irony of a stance that really would generate a lot of power if M. Voltaire was connected up in his grave to a generator:
England's pork barrel politics is paying for airlines to burn the planet
Any readers new to this process will note that this thread has some interesting characteristics:
a. very few of the responses deal with the substance of the article.
b. a large number of them concern the class or other characteristics of the author, rather than anything he has to say.
c. many of them concentrate on seeking to dismiss an issue which was not the central theme of the article but nevertheless informs it: climate change.
You might wonder what on earth is going on. You are not the only one.
Is it really too much to ask that we might have an informed debate about the issues raised here, none of which are trivial: namely the absence of democracy in England, the role of the RDAs and the revelation that taxpayers' money has been used to subsidise damaging activities that the government claims to have left to the free market?
Or are we going to allow these threads to be dominated by astroturfers?
OK, he's miffed. And has some right to be. There are clearly trolls simply there to wind him, and those who agree with him, up. But I fear in reacting as he has, and writing in this way, he has also undermined much of the authority he would seek to claim.
07 Jul 09, 8:36am
I am always intrigued by the use of the words 'we' and 'you' in an open blog, especially when the former is combined with 'allow'.
I'd suggest letting folks' arguments succeed or fail on their merits, or lack of.
Some are still able to make up their own minds without being 'assisted'.
That said, I tend to agree with the rest of the sentiments.
Readers of this blog will know that I have a real issue with 'them' and us' at the best of times, and especially when I find myself rolled up into someone's claim to speak or act for me when they clearly might not.
And, logically, other than venting, on an open blog I would love to hear how Mr. Monbiot proposes that 'he/they' do not 'allow' comment 'they' do not happen to like from some vagauely ill-defined 'others' in future.
'First came the trolls, and I moderated.
Then came for the astroturfers, and I moderated.
Then came those who simply disagreed with me, and I moderated.
Finally, when I had moderated all bar myself, there was no one left to read my blog.'
Paraphrased in honour of another key quote - unarguably attributed - regarding freedoms of speech.
At best pointless. At worst, a slippery path.
Monday, July 06, 2009
Quango!
Q&A: the row over quangos
Mr Brown had been against them, despite reports that 70 had been set up during his time in office.
Reports????! You mean, they don't know? I'd say that makes any critique a QED.
Mr Brown had been against them, despite reports that 70 had been set up during his time in office.
Reports????! You mean, they don't know? I'd say that makes any critique a QED.
enviROI dot guv dot not
Mixed results for green IT goals
In view of the squillions of public funding pumped into comms efforts and initiatives, it is hard not to be more than a tad depressed by: 'A majority of public sector employees do not know about environmentally friendly IT targets set out in government's Greening ICT Strategy.'
In view of the squillions of public funding pumped into comms efforts and initiatives, it is hard not to be more than a tad depressed by: 'A majority of public sector employees do not know about environmentally friendly IT targets set out in government's Greening ICT Strategy.'
Soapboxes - and how to reuse them
Being a gobby sod, I noted a BBC national 'mini-plinth' story on Breakfast News this morning.
It's in complement to the art installation in London.
Basically a soapbox touring the UK. Hey, any publicity...
Today's kicked off with some first aiders on a beach.
We have made our pitch:
We would like to apply for an opportunity to use the opportunity of your plinth to advocate and share ideas on the joys of reuse.
As we have been, and are encouraged to become ever more 'green aware', the majority of personal initiatives usually involve reduction or recycling.
These, while laudable, are seldom personally rewarding. At least in more tangible ways.
Reuse can save pocket as well as planet. It is also a tad more fun in a 'green' environment that is often dominated by guilt, nanny, threat, scare and fine.
It would be good to show what can be done and inspire still more ideas from the collective imaginations of the country.
Fingers crossed:)
It's in complement to the art installation in London.
Basically a soapbox touring the UK. Hey, any publicity...
Today's kicked off with some first aiders on a beach.
We have made our pitch:
We would like to apply for an opportunity to use the opportunity of your plinth to advocate and share ideas on the joys of reuse.
As we have been, and are encouraged to become ever more 'green aware', the majority of personal initiatives usually involve reduction or recycling.
These, while laudable, are seldom personally rewarding. At least in more tangible ways.
Reuse can save pocket as well as planet. It is also a tad more fun in a 'green' environment that is often dominated by guilt, nanny, threat, scare and fine.
It would be good to show what can be done and inspire still more ideas from the collective imaginations of the country.
Fingers crossed:)
e... by gum
Or is it WEEE?
We have a studio full of old IT kit. Year upon year of outmoded or dud PCs.
I'd like to say that it was more than inertia, but really it is just that.
However, it may be that there was accidental method in our ineptitude:
Journalism students get e-waste scoop
We have a studio full of old IT kit. Year upon year of outmoded or dud PCs.
I'd like to say that it was more than inertia, but really it is just that.
However, it may be that there was accidental method in our ineptitude:
Journalism students get e-waste scoop
Striking some lights
Government ends free energy saving light bulbs scheme
Pity. Along with insulation grants (noting the critique in the piece - it should not be instead of, rather as well as), I consider this a better use of funding than most efforts. A £3 bulb does of course also save on 'leccy.
It is also true that I now have a healthy oversupply of the things. However, I am at a loss to understand how much insulation one can install for £3, and frankly that does not 'buy' much time of an 'adviser', which seems a retrograde step towards job creation over actual tangibles.
Pity. Along with insulation grants (noting the critique in the piece - it should not be instead of, rather as well as), I consider this a better use of funding than most efforts. A £3 bulb does of course also save on 'leccy.
It is also true that I now have a healthy oversupply of the things. However, I am at a loss to understand how much insulation one can install for £3, and frankly that does not 'buy' much time of an 'adviser', which seems a retrograde step towards job creation over actual tangibles.
Tray Bon?
Reuse is my preferred option over recycling, but where there is no alternative the latter beats a hole in the ground.
And there are a few classes of waste that are, for now, defeating the collective Junkketeer imaginations.
So it is good to learn that two of the worst sources of plastic waste look to be on the recycling agenda at long last.
Yogurt pots and food trays collected in new drive to boost recycling
Not sure I like that word 'forced', but heigh ho.
Also, on reading the piece, I wonder whether the reality actually reflects the level of actual activity suggested y that headline.
And there are a few classes of waste that are, for now, defeating the collective Junkketeer imaginations.
So it is good to learn that two of the worst sources of plastic waste look to be on the recycling agenda at long last.
Yogurt pots and food trays collected in new drive to boost recycling
Not sure I like that word 'forced', but heigh ho.
Also, on reading the piece, I wonder whether the reality actually reflects the level of actual activity suggested y that headline.
Sunday, July 05, 2009
PROF'S POSER - Cans of worms?
I have certainly wondered this myself, so the question is worth sharing:
Green and confused: tin cans
The answer, however, does not start well. I frankly don't worry too much about some poor schmoe with their bottle of Fairy Liquid and scrubbing brush.
What my eye then alights upon is this: 'Also relatively clean tins make recycling easier and cheaper'. Ah.
Which follows: 'all tins that go for recycling pass through a washing, heating and crunching process which eliminates contamination from food and other products,'
Er... enviROI? What about the cumulative costs (to public pocket and planet) of all those individual sinks using water and/or heated at that? Versus a single, industrial system?
I don't know, so this Prof's Poser remains.
I do however note the conclusion: Recycling companies report that some people put their used tins in the dishwasher: that’s a bit extreme and a waste of energy. A good rinse should be enough.
Indeed. Of course, as one who has kept all his cans for years (well, the ones that slot into each other... I have a plan), I can confirm a wee splash of well-directed water as soon as the can is emptied and the food debris still soft, works a treat with all bar Stagg's chilli.
Green and confused: tin cans
The answer, however, does not start well. I frankly don't worry too much about some poor schmoe with their bottle of Fairy Liquid and scrubbing brush.
What my eye then alights upon is this: 'Also relatively clean tins make recycling easier and cheaper'. Ah.
Which follows: 'all tins that go for recycling pass through a washing, heating and crunching process which eliminates contamination from food and other products,'
Er... enviROI? What about the cumulative costs (to public pocket and planet) of all those individual sinks using water and/or heated at that? Versus a single, industrial system?
I don't know, so this Prof's Poser remains.
I do however note the conclusion: Recycling companies report that some people put their used tins in the dishwasher: that’s a bit extreme and a waste of energy. A good rinse should be enough.
Indeed. Of course, as one who has kept all his cans for years (well, the ones that slot into each other... I have a plan), I can confirm a wee splash of well-directed water as soon as the can is emptied and the food debris still soft, works a treat with all bar Stagg's chilli.
Happiness is... a carbon credit card?
Green living: 19 ways to save the planet
O.....k.
I am presuming... hoping, that this is not in order of priority.
Addendum:
Meanwhile, more on the topic of ideas, we have:
Manchester Report: Plans for renewable energy bonds among 20 climate ideas to save the world
I popped a few in to that*; guess they didn't rate:)
*Can cloud-making ships, giant algae "stomachs" and the lessons of the Serengeti save us?
O.....k.
I am presuming... hoping, that this is not in order of priority.
Addendum:
Meanwhile, more on the topic of ideas, we have:
Manchester Report: Plans for renewable energy bonds among 20 climate ideas to save the world
I popped a few in to that*; guess they didn't rate:)
*Can cloud-making ships, giant algae "stomachs" and the lessons of the Serengeti save us?
Saturday, July 04, 2009
I just wanted to see it again in print...
Could Gordon Brown save the Earth from climate change?
If only to see the words 'Gordon Brown' in the same sentence with 'save'.
At least it has my favourite qualifier to kick off.
If only to see the words 'Gordon Brown' in the same sentence with 'save'.
At least it has my favourite qualifier to kick off.
Hearts & Minds
... and how not to win them (again... and again..)
Binmen refused to collect bin three inches out of position
'Management will be taking steps to ensure this never happens again.'
Now, call me cynical, but what's the betting...
Binmen refused to collect bin three inches out of position
'Management will be taking steps to ensure this never happens again.'
Now, call me cynical, but what's the betting...
Friday, July 03, 2009
Oh, Blogger
They say the most valued 'customer' is one who complains.
Well, there's one step up from that: one who writes in to help.
From Dave at Solarventi:
Don’t know what the cause might be, but Junkk.blogspot is fine with firefox, but now seems to freeze on any attempt I make to open it using internet explorer. Maybe some of the new bits and bobs you have added in are not compatible with IE? If so, it will radically reduce your readership as 95%+ of the planet’s www users are still using IE. It does the same on two machines here, one running XP and one running Win2000. Might be worth asking someone else using IE to try?
Well, I recently added some 'add this' scripts that may have been the cause, and they are now gone.
I then tried my Mac on IE. It worked...sort of. No freezing, but the page layout was all over the show, and the typeface seems to have defaulted to some 'all caps' job. It's fine on Safari and FireFox.
Readable, but not optimal on IE then.
Now tried two PCs on IE and...phew, it works fine.
With luck it was those new scripts.
Otherwise I'd have been left with asking Blogger to help with IE. Not a prospect to relish:)
Well, there's one step up from that: one who writes in to help.
From Dave at Solarventi:
Don’t know what the cause might be, but Junkk.blogspot is fine with firefox, but now seems to freeze on any attempt I make to open it using internet explorer. Maybe some of the new bits and bobs you have added in are not compatible with IE? If so, it will radically reduce your readership as 95%+ of the planet’s www users are still using IE. It does the same on two machines here, one running XP and one running Win2000. Might be worth asking someone else using IE to try?
Well, I recently added some 'add this' scripts that may have been the cause, and they are now gone.
I then tried my Mac on IE. It worked...sort of. No freezing, but the page layout was all over the show, and the typeface seems to have defaulted to some 'all caps' job. It's fine on Safari and FireFox.
Readable, but not optimal on IE then.
Now tried two PCs on IE and...phew, it works fine.
With luck it was those new scripts.
Otherwise I'd have been left with asking Blogger to help with IE. Not a prospect to relish:)
QUOTE OF THE DAY - So it must be true
Climate change is shrinking sheep
On the brighter side.... smaller sheep: less methane? Ain't evolution wunnerful?
"But it's too early to say if, in 100 years, we will have chihuahuas herding pocket-sized sheep."
However, on past and present evidence, I am prepared to bet there may be an attempt.
On the brighter side.... smaller sheep: less methane? Ain't evolution wunnerful?
"But it's too early to say if, in 100 years, we will have chihuahuas herding pocket-sized sheep."
However, on past and present evidence, I am prepared to bet there may be an attempt.
The law vs. the environment.
Often not a happy balance.
As with 'the economy' and the environment.
With my dear old Mum now ensconced, if not yet very happily, in her new nursing home, I have found myself still diverted with the consequences and fallout, and look to be a while yet.
One major aspect is the funding of her care which, thanks to her being over the £23,000 assets (inc. property value. The temptation to flog the cottage and buy a Ferrari is hard to resist in this new 'tax the saver to pay the squanderer' world) limit, is pretty much all in our court.
Hence, to help contribute to the fees, we have opted to rent out the cottage, and I am currently in full renovation mode. Oddly satisfying, if sweaty, these last few days.
One thing that has made it easier, but also inspired the blog, is that the place is totally empty. This is because, unlike the last time I was a slumlord (over two decades ago) the rules have changed a lot. And now, even though they were all there, and we have no need, or space, here, it is simply not worth going 'fully furnished'. All the electricals need annual certification, and all furniture (probably just that with material components, such as chairs and beds) need to be kitemarked. Hence it's simpler, and cheaper, to clear the joint.
I can see the reasons, and merits (even the gas check, the energy cert, electric cert... etc... which all add up to a pretty penny already. I think, after agent's fees, we'll see our first income November), but part of me does feel a pang that all this totally useful kit is now going to have to be disposed of. At long last the main house has exhausted its ability to absorb 'stuff'. Equally, the poor old tenants will need to buy, and transport when they move, a full house load.
Pity.
As with 'the economy' and the environment.
With my dear old Mum now ensconced, if not yet very happily, in her new nursing home, I have found myself still diverted with the consequences and fallout, and look to be a while yet.
One major aspect is the funding of her care which, thanks to her being over the £23,000 assets (inc. property value. The temptation to flog the cottage and buy a Ferrari is hard to resist in this new 'tax the saver to pay the squanderer' world) limit, is pretty much all in our court.
Hence, to help contribute to the fees, we have opted to rent out the cottage, and I am currently in full renovation mode. Oddly satisfying, if sweaty, these last few days.
One thing that has made it easier, but also inspired the blog, is that the place is totally empty. This is because, unlike the last time I was a slumlord (over two decades ago) the rules have changed a lot. And now, even though they were all there, and we have no need, or space, here, it is simply not worth going 'fully furnished'. All the electricals need annual certification, and all furniture (probably just that with material components, such as chairs and beds) need to be kitemarked. Hence it's simpler, and cheaper, to clear the joint.
I can see the reasons, and merits (even the gas check, the energy cert, electric cert... etc... which all add up to a pretty penny already. I think, after agent's fees, we'll see our first income November), but part of me does feel a pang that all this totally useful kit is now going to have to be disposed of. At long last the main house has exhausted its ability to absorb 'stuff'. Equally, the poor old tenants will need to buy, and transport when they move, a full house load.
Pity.
Going too far. Literally as well as figuratively.
Sometimes, I think the 'green' media rather lose the plot.
What's the carbon cost of the online reaction to Michael Jackson's death?
When they are not being, possibly, total hypocrites (and a tad insensitive).
Maybe the BBC could get on the case?
I think Newsnight's Ethical Man has a colleague well placed...
Next time, Jacko, try to die in London*
Bless.
I know it was just a question. But the irony of online eco-breast beating about the online costs of 'stuff' being reported was rather rich.
And yes, I see the irony of me adding to this still further. But I think there are areas that, just possibly, set back the notion of sensible environmental progress.
*The further irony of which publicaion has penned this is also not lost on me.
What's the carbon cost of the online reaction to Michael Jackson's death?
When they are not being, possibly, total hypocrites (and a tad insensitive).
Maybe the BBC could get on the case?
I think Newsnight's Ethical Man has a colleague well placed...
Next time, Jacko, try to die in London*
Bless.
I know it was just a question. But the irony of online eco-breast beating about the online costs of 'stuff' being reported was rather rich.
And yes, I see the irony of me adding to this still further. But I think there are areas that, just possibly, set back the notion of sensible environmental progress.
*The further irony of which publicaion has penned this is also not lost on me.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
How to stop getting wet feet?
According to an eyebrow raising piece (I'm unsure if it was meant to be amusing) from the Telegraph, 'happiness lessons', and 'more outdoor education', are but two of the ways we can help to 'save the planet'.
Hmmmmm. Anyone care to explain just how that is going to help those unfortunate enough to inhabit what may well become 'waterworld' territory?
Hmmmmm. Anyone care to explain just how that is going to help those unfortunate enough to inhabit what may well become 'waterworld' territory?
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Something to bear in mind when targets get mentioned in certain quarters
And at certain odd, rare, times....
Why did the government dump its green building regulations plan?
I often disagree with Mr. Monbiot*, but he does raise a worthy question here.
Maybe one for Ed Miliband, who was out and about recently.
*Especially on matters of 'tis/t'isn't climate change. When he comes up with stuff like this, it steer well clear as it really can only end up in tears... and no winners.
Why did the government dump its green building regulations plan?
I often disagree with Mr. Monbiot*, but he does raise a worthy question here.
Maybe one for Ed Miliband, who was out and about recently.
*Especially on matters of 'tis/t'isn't climate change. When he comes up with stuff like this, it steer well clear as it really can only end up in tears... and no winners.
Phones of the charge brigade
Sorry, I just liked that headline.
I felt this was good news:
A standard phone charger? About time too
At least I think it is. Part of me suspects the actual enviROI may not work out as hoped.
I felt this was good news:
A standard phone charger? About time too
At least I think it is. Part of me suspects the actual enviROI may not work out as hoped.
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