Just heard on SKY News*
Guest commentator: "I'm afraid I don't get science"
Anchor: "Yes, well, I guess that is why we became journalists"
Ne'er a truer word. Sadly.
*Discussing 'elfinsaftee removing yet more experimentation opportunities to inspire students, this time in Chemistry.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Knowledge is power
sourcemap.org
'Simply put: We believe that people have the right to know where things come from and what they are made of. '
Can't argue with that.
Hope it is accurate, mind.
'Simply put: We believe that people have the right to know where things come from and what they are made of. '
Can't argue with that.
Hope it is accurate, mind.
By example
British public refuse to fly less to reduce their carbon footprint
In many ways the headline is a perfect encapsulation of what I see as a significant issue.
'The British public...' is an odd bunch.
A 'them' that another 'us' seem to see as not cooperating despite near daily nags from those who somehow still don't find it ironic to be constantly climbing aboard (usually to wallow in the front) of aircraft to fly all about (usually to nice places) to either talk about climate, raise 'awareness' or, in the case of many media, stand in front of stuff to decry how flying is doing so much damage.
Even the Guardian is not immune, and of course is famously reluctant to drop lucrative ads suggesting its readers visit far flung places before the actions 'of others' ruin them.
And only yesterday I learn that Dame Ellen MacArthur is to give up sailing for climate change (sic) promotion. I doubt she will be do this exclusively using water-borne free air, which might lead to suggestions of hot air. 'Doing one's job' has consequences, and there is a certain arrogance in a reporter or campaigner (I can concede most pols, though Mr. Prescott took his commitments a tad far... and long) somehow figuring their 'job' is necessary and others are not.
I flew a lot in my Asia days, and I did not do it for fun. Crossing time zones in a stuffy metal tube will never be.
And when it comes to social travel I think we would need to change human nature first. The desire to go other places is ingrained. Which can only mean that the trend will be to making it unaffordable to any but... yes... a grouping I think all ready well represented above. Another social divide that cannot end well.
Just in my personal case, with half our family halfway around the world, it's already an ethical dilemma for those who care about such things, on top of a financial burden enough for those with no choice.
But when the government's latest climate quangocrat reckons he and his family might have to cut back on the long hauls...which they do for fun, annually... there is already a disconnect between the 'do as we says' and the rest. We're saving up to visit in the next few years.
So long as that is not appreciated by the nannies, I don't see much changing.
In many ways the headline is a perfect encapsulation of what I see as a significant issue.
'The British public...' is an odd bunch.
A 'them' that another 'us' seem to see as not cooperating despite near daily nags from those who somehow still don't find it ironic to be constantly climbing aboard (usually to wallow in the front) of aircraft to fly all about (usually to nice places) to either talk about climate, raise 'awareness' or, in the case of many media, stand in front of stuff to decry how flying is doing so much damage.
Even the Guardian is not immune, and of course is famously reluctant to drop lucrative ads suggesting its readers visit far flung places before the actions 'of others' ruin them.
And only yesterday I learn that Dame Ellen MacArthur is to give up sailing for climate change (sic) promotion. I doubt she will be do this exclusively using water-borne free air, which might lead to suggestions of hot air. 'Doing one's job' has consequences, and there is a certain arrogance in a reporter or campaigner (I can concede most pols, though Mr. Prescott took his commitments a tad far... and long) somehow figuring their 'job' is necessary and others are not.
I flew a lot in my Asia days, and I did not do it for fun. Crossing time zones in a stuffy metal tube will never be.
And when it comes to social travel I think we would need to change human nature first. The desire to go other places is ingrained. Which can only mean that the trend will be to making it unaffordable to any but... yes... a grouping I think all ready well represented above. Another social divide that cannot end well.
Just in my personal case, with half our family halfway around the world, it's already an ethical dilemma for those who care about such things, on top of a financial burden enough for those with no choice.
But when the government's latest climate quangocrat reckons he and his family might have to cut back on the long hauls...which they do for fun, annually... there is already a disconnect between the 'do as we says' and the rest. We're saving up to visit in the next few years.
So long as that is not appreciated by the nannies, I don't see much changing.
Sunday, October 04, 2009
RE:PAIR - Tip - Cleaning saws and sanders
Popped in to the local Tool Shop to get a new diamond cutter blade.
I was also asking the gurus there if it was OK to use my chop saw to cut plastic bottles (for my next Voucher Palm design) as I was worried about dulling the blade.
They said it was fine, and indeed mentioned that using plastic bottles actually can help clean both blades and even sanding discs.
I was also asking the gurus there if it was OK to use my chop saw to cut plastic bottles (for my next Voucher Palm design) as I was worried about dulling the blade.
They said it was fine, and indeed mentioned that using plastic bottles actually can help clean both blades and even sanding discs.
Buffer time!
As in... hitting 'em:(
That last post generated a new error.
Seems you can only have 2000 labels, and I have hit the limit.
How can I describe, and archive, an evolving world within this new restraint?
I guess a purge is in order... if I can figure out how.
That last post generated a new error.
Seems you can only have 2000 labels, and I have hit the limit.
How can I describe, and archive, an evolving world within this new restraint?
I guess a purge is in order... if I can figure out how.
The future's bright, the future's not looking too green
The latest Pentaward winners - Hat tip: Lovely Package
Friday, October 02, 2009
PR OPPORTUNITY - Another road trip, another possible chance to attract the media
Making and mending around Britain
Fresh from Ethical Man, it seems Newsnight is on the green trail again.
This one seems quite proactive and 'Doing-oriented', so worthy of waving at them in passing. Let's see if we can attract their attention before they hit London. Host Mary Jane Baxter is getting/generating a fair bit of coverage...
Here's our pitch:
Oh, it is not a passing trend. We have been advocating reuse as not only helping planet, but saving pocket, too: http://www.bbc.co.uk/herefordandworcester/content/articles/2006/05/16/womble_man_feature.shtml And when such as the Guardian ask Junkk.com to help run a national reuse competition with them, then it can only be a good sign:
http://www.junkk.com/newsarticle.asp?slevel=0z608z609&parent_id=609&renleewtsapf=301 Already netted some notions from the sublime:
http://www.junkk.com/junkkdetail.asp?slevel=0z622&parent_id=622&renleewtsapf=1917 To the frankly so simple, why didn't anyone think of it before?...
http://junkk.blogspot.com/2009/06/idea-cup-stack-holder.html So when you're swinging through the West Midlands (though the route on the map seems a bit East-centric), do pop by, a lot can and does happen here...
http://junkk.blogspot.com/2009/09/voucher-palm-lives-again.html And, if you're quick, we have an entire cosy cottage you can use as a base (aged parent off to care home and being marketed to let as we speak). Always welcome a hand, along with a boost, here.
Oh, and if it is mainly about fashion... Vac:Sac anyone?
http://www.junkk.com/junkkdetail.asp?slevel=0z622z709&parent_id=709&renleewtsapf=1730 Or a repair.. http://www.junkk.com/junkkdetail.asp?slevel=0z622&parent_id=622&renleewtsapf=1330 ps: You might even find out how to save some money on fuel as well. http://junkk.blogspot.com/2009/01/journeys-with-veronique-now-our-life-is.html
Fired off a hello. Let's see what results. Let us know if you apply/get coverage, too. If you do, please 'gis a mention if you found it here. I was soooo tempted not to mention and keep it to ourselves.
Thursday, October 01, 2009
AWARD - Sustainable businesses - Queen’s Awards for Enterprise
AWARD
WHEN: Deadline - 2pm on 30 October 2009
WHAT: Sustainable businesses - Queen’s Awards for Enterprise
WHAT... MORE?: From the blurb: The Queen’s Award for Enterprise is the UK’s most prestigious Awards scheme for business success. There are four categories of Queen’s Awards – three for business success (International Trade, Innovation and... Sustainable Development) and one for individual achievement in encouraging UK entrepreneurship (The Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion). Companies apply for the Business Awards but individuals must be nominated for the QAEP
HOW MUCH: Free! Just how we like it.
URL: Application forms can be completed online at www.queensawards.org.uk.
COMMENTS: It's a biggie and commands a lot of respect. Might even try ourselves:) Shame the trophy couldn't be commissioned from reused materials!
WHEN: Deadline - 2pm on 30 October 2009
WHAT: Sustainable businesses - Queen’s Awards for Enterprise
WHAT... MORE?: From the blurb: The Queen’s Award for Enterprise is the UK’s most prestigious Awards scheme for business success. There are four categories of Queen’s Awards – three for business success (International Trade, Innovation and... Sustainable Development) and one for individual achievement in encouraging UK entrepreneurship (The Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion). Companies apply for the Business Awards but individuals must be nominated for the QAEP
HOW MUCH: Free! Just how we like it.
URL: Application forms can be completed online at www.queensawards.org.uk.
COMMENTS: It's a biggie and commands a lot of respect. Might even try ourselves:) Shame the trophy couldn't be commissioned from reused materials!
Freecycle - A cautionary tale?
What went wrong with Freecycle in the UK?
I have to say I never really had a problem with it, but must confess that, being at the junction of three counties, gave up paying much attention (and hence using) having joined the three groups that this geographical location necessitated (JunkkYard being radial and without limit).
The emails and posts first got side-directed... and then ignored.
Plus I also never quite 'got' the model, which seem to rely on volunteers to run it, but then, as suggested here, seemed to have a board running... meddling with... the show, and seemingly trying it figure out how to make money on top.
Anyway, I'll top up the Category next, though cranking an eyebrow at 'you can't keep taking without giving' on the, new 'musty' non-autocratic front.
Here, we kinda err on 'so long as it is genuinely helping the planet, and all sides are cool on the deal... knock yourselves out'. But that's just us.
I have to say I never really had a problem with it, but must confess that, being at the junction of three counties, gave up paying much attention (and hence using) having joined the three groups that this geographical location necessitated (JunkkYard being radial and without limit).
The emails and posts first got side-directed... and then ignored.
Plus I also never quite 'got' the model, which seem to rely on volunteers to run it, but then, as suggested here, seemed to have a board running... meddling with... the show, and seemingly trying it figure out how to make money on top.
Anyway, I'll top up the Category next, though cranking an eyebrow at 'you can't keep taking without giving' on the, new 'musty' non-autocratic front.
Here, we kinda err on 'so long as it is genuinely helping the planet, and all sides are cool on the deal... knock yourselves out'. But that's just us.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Ta twit, ta woo
I am a twit... erer. @JunkkMale:)
Jury's out still, but I can't fault the access I now have via those I follow to useful info, links and, on occasion, 140 characters or less of worthy philosophy.
And I also share. Not as often as some, but more than others. I hope those that read value what I post.
Also bearing in mind that, thanks to the aggregation software kindly loaded in here, this post will pop up on Twitter within 24hrs.
Anyhoo, as one still finding my feet, I value useful ways to improve, and even the odd critique to spot things to avoid:
RandyGage.com - The Twitter Manifesto Remix…
Jury's out still, but I can't fault the access I now have via those I follow to useful info, links and, on occasion, 140 characters or less of worthy philosophy.
And I also share. Not as often as some, but more than others. I hope those that read value what I post.
Also bearing in mind that, thanks to the aggregation software kindly loaded in here, this post will pop up on Twitter within 24hrs.
Anyhoo, as one still finding my feet, I value useful ways to improve, and even the odd critique to spot things to avoid:
RandyGage.com - The Twitter Manifesto Remix…
CATEGORY - Hydro
ARTICLES
Register - ‘NZ hydropower drought could see leccy rationing’ - Sorry to start on a negative, as I rather like Hydro, but the comments in support are worth reading.
Treehugger - NEW - Clever Floating Hydro-Electric Barrel Generator Works Almost Anywhere
INFORMATION
See the label links below for more/previous
Herefordshire Hydro - NEW
Register - ‘NZ hydropower drought could see leccy rationing’ - Sorry to start on a negative, as I rather like Hydro, but the comments in support are worth reading.
Treehugger - NEW - Clever Floating Hydro-Electric Barrel Generator Works Almost Anywhere
INFORMATION
See the label links below for more/previous
Herefordshire Hydro - NEW
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
PR OPPORTUNITY - When it comes to throwing stuff away, there's no such thing as "away"
How a rubbish idea could save the planet
I was intrigued by this as much for the the story (using pretty much every phrase I have used about Junkk & reuse) as the responses to it.
Shame the Telegraph (non blog) system doesn't hyperlink URLs.
Fortunately, we do:
But we are also offering 10 British residents the chance to tag their own property for an experiment over here. Nominations close tomorrow, so visit newscientist.com/projects/forms/trash to submit your ideas for what I reckon is the best rubbish experiment ever.
I was intrigued by this as much for the the story (using pretty much every phrase I have used about Junkk & reuse) as the responses to it.
Shame the Telegraph (non blog) system doesn't hyperlink URLs.
Fortunately, we do:
But we are also offering 10 British residents the chance to tag their own property for an experiment over here. Nominations close tomorrow, so visit newscientist.com/projects/forms/trash to submit your ideas for what I reckon is the best rubbish experiment ever.
The Voucher Palm lives!... again:)
Just had a call from my chums at EnviroAbility.
Seems they have had customers coming in all week asking why there is not another voucher tree in the place as the Morrisons Let's Grow promo is back.
Their wish... is my not really needed excuse to get back in the shed to make some more coconuts (as all the schools in the last one got their vouchers in theirs).
Nice to see a bit of reuse... reused:)
And to think I wasn't going to 'push it' by suggesting we do it again. Especially as, following the massive redemption success of the last one, Morrisons have again forgotten to mention it to me to see if we can put one in their foyer, where it would do most good:)
Curse this shy, retiring personality.
Seems they have had customers coming in all week asking why there is not another voucher tree in the place as the Morrisons Let's Grow promo is back.
Their wish... is my not really needed excuse to get back in the shed to make some more coconuts (as all the schools in the last one got their vouchers in theirs).
Nice to see a bit of reuse... reused:)
And to think I wasn't going to 'push it' by suggesting we do it again. Especially as, following the massive redemption success of the last one, Morrisons have again forgotten to mention it to me to see if we can put one in their foyer, where it would do most good:)
Curse this shy, retiring personality.
Peaks and troughs
I was going to label that 'pros' and cons', but that would not be accurate.
Or, maybe, two sides to the coin?
Actually it's an amalgamation of all.
Earlier today I spotted this:
Telegraph - Half of Paris rental bikes stolen
But decided against sharing, as it was, well, a bit negative.
However, having now seen this:
FoE - New cash for cycling facilities at stations
I have decided on a post, as the information is precautionary and worth bearing in mind. And does suggest an enviROI aspect.
If also being a bit depressing about the human condition, mind.
Or, maybe, two sides to the coin?
Actually it's an amalgamation of all.
Earlier today I spotted this:
Telegraph - Half of Paris rental bikes stolen
But decided against sharing, as it was, well, a bit negative.
However, having now seen this:
FoE - New cash for cycling facilities at stations
I have decided on a post, as the information is precautionary and worth bearing in mind. And does suggest an enviROI aspect.
If also being a bit depressing about the human condition, mind.
CATEGORY - LABELLING
Wow, I can't believe I'd missed giving this its own 'label' (sorry) 'til now!
There is a lot more already; just click 'LABELLING' in the label (whoops, again:) list at the end.
Articles
Food&DrinkEurope.com - Deal could make traffic lights mandatory, claims report - For now, let's kick off with this, which isn't actually about pack labelling at all, but puts the state of the industry and legislation in context.
Guardian - Tesco labels will show products' carbon footprints - I await, with interest, by what agreed standard these footprints are derived/assessed, and what, if anything, the bemused shopper will make of them... and then do.
Guardian - Why the Co-op is wary of 'food miles' labelling - Is it not all rather boiling down a bit to 'my science is better than your science', and when the science objectivity doesn't suit then ethics trump all? Meanwhile, what the heck is the poor consumer supposed to DO...assuming they care enough to try and figure it all out? I sure am having trouble, as it's not my day job (well, not to the exclusion of all else) and I have waaaaay better things to do as I stroll down the aisles once a week. We seem to be getting a heck of a lot served up in short order to 'help' with shunting the attention away to us...:
Greenbang - Tesco’s food labels to carry carbon confessions
'These carbon labels will mean customers can measure the eco-friendliness of their shopping'
And...?
I can just see my missus flouncing out of Hereford Tesco to Gloucester Waitrose because the pack of Walker's stoat and hemlock flavour demanded by 'they-who-must be fed-junk-food' might have 5g less CO2 in it than the current 75g... whatever that actually means or translates into. Versus what? And from where (who WILL have a different set of measures, trust me)? And doing the same with the 50-100 other items that she needs to get from shelf to trolley in 30 minutes of a Friday night. She's freaked out enough that in sorting out the polyfiller-unmentionables in their tuck boxes she has actually sent their salt and vinegar levels to a point where the NHS can opt out once they hit 30.
At the mo, all I can sense is the cringing screech of a box being ticked, soon to be followed by a generous ladle of a mighty ad campaign to tell us that said box is now ticked.
Wouldn't it be great if the guv'mint, manufacturers and retailers got together on a few more well-coordinated, high enviROI initiatives that the public could surely be encouraged to work with, but without dumping the whole sorry mess on the poor consumer to figure out and deal with (which they won't) whilst slapping mutual backs at the next target-for-tonight enviro-conference.
Treehugger - Should Food Labelling Show Water Footprint? -
Super. Pretty soon we'll need a DVD-R on a pack of Tik-Taks to contain all the information we are deemed... or maybe required to know before purchase.
So far, in just the last few months, I am up to health (at least 3 versions here in the UK), carbon footprint, airmiles, Fairtrade, Organics (I think they are now fighting it out) and now water.
And you know what? Even with 75g of C02 on my pack of crisps I have no clue what it means, what to compare it to or what I can do (drive to another shop?)
It will make the weekly shopping a fun event.
But at least a whole new raft of green saviours can score funding on the back of it.
Will the last guy actually doing something to help spare the future please stop pedalling before they leave.
The Telegraph - Tesco to put carbon scores on goods - They shoots... ?
Food&DrinkEurope - Green logos create brand tension - Maybe we need a 'no-go' logo area?
BBC - Supermarket trials carbon labels - In many ways it's better than nothing, but I'm just having trouble seeing how it works. And I doubt a visit to the store will make much difference, though I will keep my eye open next time. This BBC piece suggests 'Shoppers will be able to compare products' carbon footprints' But with what? And then...? We are talking 20 pretty diverse items out of how many in those 20+ aisles you have 30 minutes to zip up and down? One interesting aspect is the totality of the experience, highlighted by the way in which you cook a spud making a big difference.
Enviromental Leader - Carbon Trust Rolls Out Carbon Label Program - Though I do crank an eyebrow at this: 'A number of other carbon label programs are in the works from various organizations.'
Brand Channel - Coffee Brands: Wake Up and Smell the Morality - I need a drink
BBC - Foods 'should label up eco-costs'
Indy - Call for new 'universal' food labelling - well, we are so good at cross-national cooperation, so it's going to be a cinch
Guardian - Government urged to introduce 'omni-standards' for food - Guess the PR is doing the rounds then
FoodandDrinkEurope - Could consumers suffer from green logo overload? - Nice they ask, though I'd say it's more 'Are consumers already suffering...' with a consequent total lack of enviROI+.
Indy - Crackdown ordered on food label loopholes - Again, only related, but still a worthy caution on how any scheme can be manipulated.
Food&DrinkEurope - Half of all consumers ignore food labels - only half?
Food&DrinkEurope - What consumers make of food labels - it's about health, but most will apply to 'green'.
Greenbang - New barcode to provide products’ carbon footprint - interesting, mind you as it is noted recently that 50% consumers ignore health labels, there may be some way to go yet. I also wonder what 'measure' it is operating to, as there are several I have heard of. Maybe they have standardised?
Guardian - Shoppers need clear labels to put a stop to 'greenwash' - of course, there's 'should', and 'calling for', and 'actually happening'.
Packaging News - Valpak issues Green Dot guidance for UK brand owners - '..concerns that consumers believed a pack that displayed the Green Dot was recyclable.' There is no equivalent symbol in the UK that denotes whether a company had complied with its packaging waste obligations, although the information is available via the Environment Agency public register.
Packaging News - Why green logos are all Greek - With certain irony, I just visited a council roadshow where they were explaining why we were losing our - very effective - weekly double RE:box kerbside system for a fortnightly all-in-one, 'the MRF will sort it all out' wheelie.
And, in addition to pencils and stickers, I also ha a choice of multiple leaflets saying roughly the same thing... with choices also printed in Portuguese and Polish.
However, what I did notice, in very small print, was that the onus is still being lobbed on the consumer to try and find,and suss out various small, often embossed only, signs of what is 'acceptable'. I was met by a wall of fudge when asking what would happen should my kids do the wrong thing, or a passer-by 'contribute' to my new outdoor rubbish-practices proxy representative.
I agree that information is necessary to inform and get the public to engage, but only when it is in forms that the layperson can comprehend and work with, and only when the systems are configured to handle the cooperation demanded in a proper manner.
This is not yet the case. A bunch of box-ticking wonks and target-meeting bureaucrats living in a jargon-filled world of niche conferences and metrics are not the best folk to understand and deliver ways to motivate consumers or spare the planet. And neither in complement are marketers more interested in getting the former off their backs than doing anything with a decent enviROI. IMHO.
Times - Green labels to show foods’ eco-credentials - one also for the 'could' files
Marketing Week - Green labelling could overwhelm shoppers with data - Ya think?
Good Human - Greenwash Of The Week: Climate-Friendly Food Labels - Not a fan, I'd say
Treehugger - NEW - Via Junkk - Can 400 Green Labels Do Anything But Confuse The World's Consumers?
Information
Budget Ecoist - Plastics Numbering System Demystified: Go Green
BusinessGreen - Report urges firms to "edit" out non-green choices - worth a read if your life is that long and you have no mates
co2code.info - NIFTY!!!
Planet Green - Get to Know Your Recyclable Plastics by Number
environmentalleader.com - Green Labels Positively Impact Purchase Behavior
wrap-symbols - it's PR, but useful
WRAP - Recycling symbols explained
Logos (currently in development - ignore for now)
As the visual imagery behind all this goes hand in had with a plethora of logos, I have decided to start noting 'em down as I stumble across them.
Now, the blogger limit in images per post will preclude all that will be going up eventually, so until I can figure a better way I will post one by one as a 'Logo' and then link from here to that, with picture, if you see what I mean
carbon neutral - saw it in my SKY magazine. No idea what it means. And it is not the only one of its type, either.
ecolingo.com - a goodly spread of logos and definitions
recycle now -
valpak green dot -
Packaging News - Why green logos are all Greek
Courtesy of a blog exchange, I can kick off a sub-set list with an odd first attempt:
PRINTING INKS (first point of business is that, so far, no one seems to really know if there is a standard)
recycledproducts.com - 'Switching to soy inks'
soybiobased.org -
wgiprint.com -
There is a lot more already; just click 'LABELLING' in the label (whoops, again:) list at the end.
Articles
Food&DrinkEurope.com - Deal could make traffic lights mandatory, claims report - For now, let's kick off with this, which isn't actually about pack labelling at all, but puts the state of the industry and legislation in context.
Guardian - Tesco labels will show products' carbon footprints - I await, with interest, by what agreed standard these footprints are derived/assessed, and what, if anything, the bemused shopper will make of them... and then do.
Guardian - Why the Co-op is wary of 'food miles' labelling - Is it not all rather boiling down a bit to 'my science is better than your science', and when the science objectivity doesn't suit then ethics trump all? Meanwhile, what the heck is the poor consumer supposed to DO...assuming they care enough to try and figure it all out? I sure am having trouble, as it's not my day job (well, not to the exclusion of all else) and I have waaaaay better things to do as I stroll down the aisles once a week. We seem to be getting a heck of a lot served up in short order to 'help' with shunting the attention away to us...:
Greenbang - Tesco’s food labels to carry carbon confessions
'These carbon labels will mean customers can measure the eco-friendliness of their shopping'
And...?
I can just see my missus flouncing out of Hereford Tesco to Gloucester Waitrose because the pack of Walker's stoat and hemlock flavour demanded by 'they-who-must be fed-junk-food' might have 5g less CO2 in it than the current 75g... whatever that actually means or translates into. Versus what? And from where (who WILL have a different set of measures, trust me)? And doing the same with the 50-100 other items that she needs to get from shelf to trolley in 30 minutes of a Friday night. She's freaked out enough that in sorting out the polyfiller-unmentionables in their tuck boxes she has actually sent their salt and vinegar levels to a point where the NHS can opt out once they hit 30.
At the mo, all I can sense is the cringing screech of a box being ticked, soon to be followed by a generous ladle of a mighty ad campaign to tell us that said box is now ticked.
Wouldn't it be great if the guv'mint, manufacturers and retailers got together on a few more well-coordinated, high enviROI initiatives that the public could surely be encouraged to work with, but without dumping the whole sorry mess on the poor consumer to figure out and deal with (which they won't) whilst slapping mutual backs at the next target-for-tonight enviro-conference.
Treehugger - Should Food Labelling Show Water Footprint? -
Super. Pretty soon we'll need a DVD-R on a pack of Tik-Taks to contain all the information we are deemed... or maybe required to know before purchase.
So far, in just the last few months, I am up to health (at least 3 versions here in the UK), carbon footprint, airmiles, Fairtrade, Organics (I think they are now fighting it out) and now water.
And you know what? Even with 75g of C02 on my pack of crisps I have no clue what it means, what to compare it to or what I can do (drive to another shop?)
It will make the weekly shopping a fun event.
But at least a whole new raft of green saviours can score funding on the back of it.
Will the last guy actually doing something to help spare the future please stop pedalling before they leave.
The Telegraph - Tesco to put carbon scores on goods - They shoots... ?
Food&DrinkEurope - Green logos create brand tension - Maybe we need a 'no-go' logo area?
BBC - Supermarket trials carbon labels - In many ways it's better than nothing, but I'm just having trouble seeing how it works. And I doubt a visit to the store will make much difference, though I will keep my eye open next time. This BBC piece suggests 'Shoppers will be able to compare products' carbon footprints' But with what? And then...? We are talking 20 pretty diverse items out of how many in those 20+ aisles you have 30 minutes to zip up and down? One interesting aspect is the totality of the experience, highlighted by the way in which you cook a spud making a big difference.
Enviromental Leader - Carbon Trust Rolls Out Carbon Label Program - Though I do crank an eyebrow at this: 'A number of other carbon label programs are in the works from various organizations.'
Brand Channel - Coffee Brands: Wake Up and Smell the Morality - I need a drink
BBC - Foods 'should label up eco-costs'
Indy - Call for new 'universal' food labelling - well, we are so good at cross-national cooperation, so it's going to be a cinch
Guardian - Government urged to introduce 'omni-standards' for food - Guess the PR is doing the rounds then
FoodandDrinkEurope - Could consumers suffer from green logo overload? - Nice they ask, though I'd say it's more 'Are consumers already suffering...' with a consequent total lack of enviROI+.
Indy - Crackdown ordered on food label loopholes - Again, only related, but still a worthy caution on how any scheme can be manipulated.
Food&DrinkEurope - Half of all consumers ignore food labels - only half?
Food&DrinkEurope - What consumers make of food labels - it's about health, but most will apply to 'green'.
Greenbang - New barcode to provide products’ carbon footprint - interesting, mind you as it is noted recently that 50% consumers ignore health labels, there may be some way to go yet. I also wonder what 'measure' it is operating to, as there are several I have heard of. Maybe they have standardised?
Guardian - Shoppers need clear labels to put a stop to 'greenwash' - of course, there's 'should', and 'calling for', and 'actually happening'.
Packaging News - Valpak issues Green Dot guidance for UK brand owners - '..concerns that consumers believed a pack that displayed the Green Dot was recyclable.' There is no equivalent symbol in the UK that denotes whether a company had complied with its packaging waste obligations, although the information is available via the Environment Agency public register.
Packaging News - Why green logos are all Greek - With certain irony, I just visited a council roadshow where they were explaining why we were losing our - very effective - weekly double RE:box kerbside system for a fortnightly all-in-one, 'the MRF will sort it all out' wheelie.
And, in addition to pencils and stickers, I also ha a choice of multiple leaflets saying roughly the same thing... with choices also printed in Portuguese and Polish.
However, what I did notice, in very small print, was that the onus is still being lobbed on the consumer to try and find,and suss out various small, often embossed only, signs of what is 'acceptable'. I was met by a wall of fudge when asking what would happen should my kids do the wrong thing, or a passer-by 'contribute' to my new outdoor rubbish-practices proxy representative.
I agree that information is necessary to inform and get the public to engage, but only when it is in forms that the layperson can comprehend and work with, and only when the systems are configured to handle the cooperation demanded in a proper manner.
This is not yet the case. A bunch of box-ticking wonks and target-meeting bureaucrats living in a jargon-filled world of niche conferences and metrics are not the best folk to understand and deliver ways to motivate consumers or spare the planet. And neither in complement are marketers more interested in getting the former off their backs than doing anything with a decent enviROI. IMHO.
Times - Green labels to show foods’ eco-credentials - one also for the 'could' files
Marketing Week - Green labelling could overwhelm shoppers with data - Ya think?
Good Human - Greenwash Of The Week: Climate-Friendly Food Labels - Not a fan, I'd say
Treehugger - NEW - Via Junkk - Can 400 Green Labels Do Anything But Confuse The World's Consumers?
Information
Budget Ecoist - Plastics Numbering System Demystified: Go Green
BusinessGreen - Report urges firms to "edit" out non-green choices - worth a read if your life is that long and you have no mates
co2code.info - NIFTY!!!
Planet Green - Get to Know Your Recyclable Plastics by Number
environmentalleader.com - Green Labels Positively Impact Purchase Behavior
wrap-symbols - it's PR, but useful
WRAP - Recycling symbols explained
Logos (currently in development - ignore for now)
As the visual imagery behind all this goes hand in had with a plethora of logos, I have decided to start noting 'em down as I stumble across them.
Now, the blogger limit in images per post will preclude all that will be going up eventually, so until I can figure a better way I will post one by one as a 'Logo' and then link from here to that, with picture, if you see what I mean
carbon neutral - saw it in my SKY magazine. No idea what it means. And it is not the only one of its type, either.
ecolingo.com - a goodly spread of logos and definitions
recycle now -
valpak green dot -
Packaging News - Why green logos are all Greek
Courtesy of a blog exchange, I can kick off a sub-set list with an odd first attempt:
PRINTING INKS (first point of business is that, so far, no one seems to really know if there is a standard)
recycledproducts.com - 'Switching to soy inks'
soybiobased.org -
wgiprint.com -
Tricky question, I know
Can 400 Green Labels Do Anything But Confuse The World's Consumers?
Anyone would think these things were there to help informed choice, lead to better enviROI behaviours, etc.
And were nothing to do with box-ticking, target-meeting, jobsworth-creating, greenwashing, ace-tasting, motivating, lip-smacking...
Anyone would think these things were there to help informed choice, lead to better enviROI behaviours, etc.
And were nothing to do with box-ticking, target-meeting, jobsworth-creating, greenwashing, ace-tasting, motivating, lip-smacking...
Monday, September 28, 2009
CATEGORY - CAR SHARING
Inspired by a BBC Breakfast news item that was less than considered... or helpful, I have decided to note anything that actually helps those who are keen and might benefit from such a process.
I think it's a great idea in principle, but actually have doubts on many in terms of enviROI on top of simple matters of practicality. Most issues would be addressed by engaging public cooperation, but that is true of so much in the green arena.
I question an empty lane with few cars moving, creating a reduced number of others burning up fuel while stationary.
The secret seems to be to get people to share effectively. Not plonk idealistic initiatives in place and fine those who do not.
BBC - Car-sharing cameras to be tested
Addendum - It's odd, but I often find so-called 'petrolheads', invited to comment one presumes because they will offer a contrary view to any eco-initiatives, are often pretty well-informed and capable of quite objective feedback. One such is Quentin Willson, who I just saw on this issue, and frankly he was more balanced than the frothy govt.-babe or the AA-harrumpher.
And though it is not yet active, I have in mind a scheme of my own using Junkk.com's localisation capability, so I'll list other sites that might yet be of use, to be added to as found in my files, stumbled across... or told of. Yet another 'rainy day' project.
DFT - Ruth Kelly opens first motorway car share lane
BBC - Newer - Motorway car-sharing lane opens - But we beat 'em..hah! They have more links, mind:(
Guardian- Tread lightly: Share car journeys And again
Guardian - Vehicles of change
Guardian - Would you stick out your cyber thumb for a lift?
INFORMATION
Direct Gov - NEW - Car sharing and car clubs
DoT - Essential Guide to Travel Planning
SITES
Avego -
carclubs.org.uk -
carplus - NEW -
carshare - kind of makes any others I list redundant! However...
fellowtravellers.co.uk -
hitchwiki.org -
liftshare.org -
onegreenearth.com - another summary. Which makes this a suummary of summaries, I guess
pickuppal.com - Canada
rideshark.com -
School-run -
Streetcar -
Student carshare -
I think it's a great idea in principle, but actually have doubts on many in terms of enviROI on top of simple matters of practicality. Most issues would be addressed by engaging public cooperation, but that is true of so much in the green arena.
I question an empty lane with few cars moving, creating a reduced number of others burning up fuel while stationary.
The secret seems to be to get people to share effectively. Not plonk idealistic initiatives in place and fine those who do not.
BBC - Car-sharing cameras to be tested
Addendum - It's odd, but I often find so-called 'petrolheads', invited to comment one presumes because they will offer a contrary view to any eco-initiatives, are often pretty well-informed and capable of quite objective feedback. One such is Quentin Willson, who I just saw on this issue, and frankly he was more balanced than the frothy govt.-babe or the AA-harrumpher.
And though it is not yet active, I have in mind a scheme of my own using Junkk.com's localisation capability, so I'll list other sites that might yet be of use, to be added to as found in my files, stumbled across... or told of. Yet another 'rainy day' project.
DFT - Ruth Kelly opens first motorway car share lane
BBC - Newer - Motorway car-sharing lane opens - But we beat 'em..hah! They have more links, mind:(
Guardian- Tread lightly: Share car journeys And again
Guardian - Vehicles of change
Guardian - Would you stick out your cyber thumb for a lift?
INFORMATION
Direct Gov - NEW - Car sharing and car clubs
DoT - Essential Guide to Travel Planning
SITES
Avego -
carclubs.org.uk -
carplus - NEW -
carshare - kind of makes any others I list redundant! However...
fellowtravellers.co.uk -
hitchwiki.org -
liftshare.org -
onegreenearth.com - another summary. Which makes this a suummary of summaries, I guess
pickuppal.com - Canada
rideshark.com -
School-run -
Streetcar -
Student carshare -
Saturday, September 26, 2009
IRONY ALERT - The Jumbo-choppercade
You know I tend to worry about then right messengers for the message..?
ecopolitology - Jon Stewart Points out Irony of Jumbo-Choppercades at UN Climate Summit
Also, and allowing for the rather directional nature of the edit suite, I was rather struck by the fact that these guys were all talking.... er... talking... and talking.
And it's possible that one reason not as many folk are listening is... because they still seem to be saying nothing!
ecopolitology - Jon Stewart Points out Irony of Jumbo-Choppercades at UN Climate Summit
Also, and allowing for the rather directional nature of the edit suite, I was rather struck by the fact that these guys were all talking.... er... talking... and talking.
And it's possible that one reason not as many folk are listening is... because they still seem to be saying nothing!
Friday, September 25, 2009
PR COVERAGE - Making it... and mending
A wee while ago I was contacted by a very nice lady who had heard about Junkk.com.
Better yet, she liked what we were up to.
This... is the more than pleasant result:
From ad agency to inventor
It is a nice, readable useful blog to stay abreast of green trends, plus they have a book, too.
Great to make new friends, and further partners in mending the future.
Monday, September 21, 2009
COMPETITION - AltUse Packaging Promo
COMPETITION
WHEN: Now to 10 Feb, it looks... Correction: 2 Oct! that US/UK thing.
WHAT: A RE:use blog is offering munny for the best, and most ideas.
WHAT... MORE?: Not really. As the sign-up is passworded, can't access. It's on the Home Page.
HOW MUCH: Free, I hope.
URL: http://www.altuse.com/index.php?index=1
COMMENTS: Now, how many can I enter? And... will non-US be accepted? Hey-ho. but at least all you lovely US sign-ups are now vindicated:)
WHEN: Now to 10 Feb, it looks... Correction: 2 Oct! that US/UK thing.
WHAT: A RE:use blog is offering munny for the best, and most ideas.
WHAT... MORE?: Not really. As the sign-up is passworded, can't access. It's on the Home Page.
HOW MUCH: Free, I hope.
URL: http://www.altuse.com/index.php?index=1
COMMENTS: Now, how many can I enter? And... will non-US be accepted? Hey-ho. but at least all you lovely US sign-ups are now vindicated:)
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