Bit of catching up on the archive required one day.
Addendum: Also decided to add new words/terms as they come up.
AWARENAFF - I have got to the point that if too many more people get on this bandwagon, travlling here and there to show us the damage we're doing... travelling here and there... the end of the world my be more nigh than even they are trying to scare up. See also 'MESSAGE+MESSENGER'.
CoRMLESS - Could, Researchers May, Latest Enviromental Studies Show (or Scientists Say) - pretty much any headline in the MSM regarding climate issues that uses all sorts of one-off science, often by dubiously-qualified 'scientists', or researchers, to whack out a totally alarmist headline, but with the convenient get-out of it actually only being 'may', 'could', etc...
E&EO - Edited (for space and/or often rampant, redundant client-laden unnecessary verbiage) & Eyebrow-cranked (if I think some claims may be a tad over-egged:) Often.
DDAIDDAIS - Don't Do As I Do, Do As I Say - Basically hypocrisy by the establishment, usually political, media, celebrity or, worst of all, green finger-waggers, where there often seems to be a disconnect between what the public is told how to behave and how those doing the telling seem to manage, usually with the only... poor... excuse, of raising 'awareness'. See AWARENAFF.
enviROI - It stands for 'environmental ROI (Return On Investment)', and can be deemed positive or negative.
Essentially is a measure of some environmental product, service or initiative that is applied to try and get to the actual positive result claimed and/or tangibly, provably delivered/deliverable in terms of our kids' futures upon this planet.
It's not always simple, as no one here needs reminding, but with a bit of knowledge, a few pertinent questions and a well cranked eye-brow it is surprising how many PR guys can end up failing to convince. And already I am finding I am in danger of running into conflicting subsets, for instance such as between the immediate and superficially obvious 'good' of a plastic bag ban vs. the possible down sides that are now emerging, at least into the public domain. The spat between the Soil Association and Fairtrade over airmiles is another example. 'Ecology' now in some cases at odds with 'environment', sadly. And both with economy almost inevitably and always, even more so.
Simply put (and I do not intend to get into any debates about global warming, climate change and or the human race's part in it, or not) it tends to be based on what the ground to ground (dig it up, make it, ship it, sell it, use it, maintain it, dispose of it) consequence is in terms of emissions (carbon or otherwise) 'it' will impose. Will it add (bad), mitigate (better than nothing... usually) reduce or prevent any more (good, I hope, almost invariably). Much smarter folk paid a lot more are doing much more complex things with food miles/carbon footprints and all sorts at this very moment I know, but often I don't quite understand or trust them as they can often be rather selective in the parameters, and the provenance of the authors/supporters can also raise an eyebrow too.
It is related, but different to ROI, as it is perfectly possibly to have a good enviROI yet deliver no financial reward. So long as the costs and benefits are understood, and accepted, someone can choose to lose money but do better by the future.
That said, there is of course a lower limit, where one has to wonder if the money is being spent on something seemingly with a good enviROI when it could in fact be invested in something 'better'. This is less serious in the case of the individual, but can apply when deciding between systems, say solar vs. wind or ground heat. However, when one gets to national initiatives such as windfarms, the balance does need to be more carefully weighed. Hence while I am a huge supporter of the principle of renewables, and accept that they will impose extra costs (though not always.. a win-win!), I can remain to be convinced on the enviROI of some. Just because it is green...er, may not mean it's the most sensible choice, even to holding fire a wee while longer.
I seek not to impose this on anyone. I simply am guided by it and share as something to ponder in discussions and debates. As here.
examplist - A more favoured term for 'activist'
FATWa... 'First Against The Wall.. when the revolution comes!'
GOATs - Government Of All Talents - A self-describing description that one feels may be coming to haunt the nanny state that came up with it.
Inspirist - A more favoured term for 'activist'
IYANWUYAU - 'If You Are Not With Us...' - And sadly, I can mostly apply it to those who should be courting such as me, not driving us away by being incestuous, arrogant, know-all numpties.
hectorvists - Especially on social media. Folk who, once they have your email or @name, etc, seem to think a barrage of bans, days, etc will swing you to their way of thinking. Without enough doing in complement... it won't.
MESSAGE + MESSENGER - Simply put, I am off the view that often good messages can be neutered or indeed bigger issues badly compromised by various messengers (usually self-appointed, but there is a large and dishonourable roll call of pols in there) saying, or worse doing something that pretty much shows them to be false prophets. The danger of one small negative tainting many positives cannot be underestimated. I expect green campaigners to be consistent, honest and sincere. And, preferably, lead by example. See 'DDIDDAIS'. That said, I am not perfect, but then I do not claim to be. But I hope I can inspire by waht I do, and only critique when I feel others are leading the cause of sensible environmental practice astray.
Nagvocacy Groups - NEW - Those who are pushing a cause but erring too much on the nag, fine, guilt, scare aspects at the expense of more motivating methods.
NiWiYCGI - 'Niwikki' - 'Nice Work if You Can Get It'
ORFTARFU (one rule for them; another rule for us)
Polishing a Terminally Unpopular/Unpleasant Rationale, Reprobate or Device - Trying to paint a lost cause in glowing terms, despite all evidence to the contrary.
Ptoo! - Pull the other one!
RE:GOOD packaging... Reuse Executions: Great Opportunities Offered Designers
SOSO - Same Old, Same Old
TMTOTH (prn: 'Tumtoth") - Too Much Time On Their Hands
TOCOTA - Two Opposing Corners of the Apocalypse
VRP - Voltaire Revolution Power - The power that can be generated by hooking up M. Voltaire (he of 'I may not agree..' fame, probably) in his grave to a generator to harness the revolutions he turns when so-called libertarians get a tad irony-free in word and/or deed when it comes to others not agreeing with them.
WPD - WooPeeDoo - mainly for press releases or GO3 written diarrhea that tries to create a lot more out of something than it deserves.
Monday, August 03, 2009
Save planet.. and pocket. Pass it on.
Eco gadgets for the home
Caution: some are silly money, literally.
For instance, whilst stylish, at £99.95 for an energy monitor, right away in this household, it is easy to ignore. And it may be we get forced to install one by the 'leccy companies anyway soon.
As a user I'll endorse Bye Bye Standbye.*
There's also buying something new to 'save', though sometimes the ROI and enviROI numbers can work out.
* A tad dubious about the ad next to it, mind...
IRONY ALERT - Ways to save planet; with FREE plastic bag
Better yet, you get points if you stick it in your hemp jobbie at the checkout.I was tempted, but £1.99 just to find out what was within the wrapper was a step too far.
RE:tie - another evolution
Well, things progress on RE:tie.Working with JIIC at BCU, we now have the CAD rendering of its latest incarnation.
This solves some moulding issues, but at the same time enabled us mentor Mark Sheahan's input to incorporate what we hope will be a design aid for those who might have trouble gripping and tearing off tamper evident closures.
Oh, and it looks like it also uses just the same amount, and possible even less plastic to do the same job.
The prototype is en route as I type.
packaging news - Prototypes: Giving design an extra dimension - good piece to note!
I don't like Monday... so far
The new site feature evolution is still a roller-coaster.
One the the real scores with a glitch is knowing what is causing it it, so you can then solve it.
And we seem to have figured that the new site doesn't like the old splash page: the one that you see with a video of me and the latest blogs, ideas etc. So we have disconnected this for now and it defaults to the home page instead.
Yay! At least it works.
However...
In trying to add some new pictures and URLs using our spiffy new Ideas upload features, I got a brand new, and not exactly welcome error message.
Guess how my day is shaping up. And not, as intended, on the newsletter.
One step forward.... :(((((((((
One the the real scores with a glitch is knowing what is causing it it, so you can then solve it.
And we seem to have figured that the new site doesn't like the old splash page: the one that you see with a video of me and the latest blogs, ideas etc. So we have disconnected this for now and it defaults to the home page instead.
Yay! At least it works.
However...
In trying to add some new pictures and URLs using our spiffy new Ideas upload features, I got a brand new, and not exactly welcome error message.
Guess how my day is shaping up. And not, as intended, on the newsletter.
One step forward.... :(((((((((
WRAP rage!
No, not my favourite quango.
A term I have heard before, but thanks to My Zero Waste have not before seen it articulated as well.
Other than nodding along, I also see opportunity for the RE:tie, as we are working on evolving the design to make it not only reusable, but easier for those who may have trouble 'unzipping' tamper-evidents, through such as arthritis.
A term I have heard before, but thanks to My Zero Waste have not before seen it articulated as well.
Other than nodding along, I also see opportunity for the RE:tie, as we are working on evolving the design to make it not only reusable, but easier for those who may have trouble 'unzipping' tamper-evidents, through such as arthritis.
Sunday, August 02, 2009
CATEGORY - INSULATION
One of the better 'win-wins'. I am lofted up. Shame our walls are solid.
ARTICLES
Guardian - Tread lightly: Install cavity wall insulation
Guardian - Tread lightly: Draught-proof the home
Times - Insulation will pay for itself over years
Times - No windfall tax: it’s energy-saving instead
Indy - Energy efficient households 'can save £270 a year'
Guardian - Yes, do lag your loft - Some great suggestions in the posts, including a few I floated a wee while ago.
Indy - How much energy-saving help can you expect to get?
Indy - Not flash, just Gordon. And that's the problem
Guardian - Mind the gaps – time to insulate and save on heating -
INFORMATION
bricksandbread.com - NEW - Local focus but globally relevant info
Draught Proofing Advisory Association
freeinsulation.co.uk -
nationalinsulationassociation.org.uk
government-grants.co.uk
secondaryglazing.com -
SUPPLIERS
doubleglazingquotes.org -
I wonder how all the various grants/ratings account for those who may want to insulate, but cannot?
ARTICLES
Guardian - Tread lightly: Install cavity wall insulation
Guardian - Tread lightly: Draught-proof the home
Times - Insulation will pay for itself over years
Times - No windfall tax: it’s energy-saving instead
Indy - Energy efficient households 'can save £270 a year'
Guardian - Yes, do lag your loft - Some great suggestions in the posts, including a few I floated a wee while ago.
Indy - How much energy-saving help can you expect to get?
Indy - Not flash, just Gordon. And that's the problem
Guardian - Mind the gaps – time to insulate and save on heating -
INFORMATION
bricksandbread.com - NEW - Local focus but globally relevant info
Draught Proofing Advisory Association
freeinsulation.co.uk -
nationalinsulationassociation.org.uk
government-grants.co.uk
secondaryglazing.com -
SUPPLIERS
doubleglazingquotes.org -
I wonder how all the various grants/ratings account for those who may want to insulate, but cannot?
At least the British 'summer' has a defence
What's the environmental impact of a sky lantern? - Hefty, I'd say
"There is also the danger that if they come down alight they could start a fire..
Obvious now, but never having seen one I hadn't realised they actually had naked flames.
That would really make them little better than 'ethically-sourced', unguided airborne incendiary devices, like those Japanese balloon bombs targetting the US via the jetstream during WW2.
So I do wonder if the biodegradability aspects are the main issue, and frankly why they are allowed. Mind you, every Nov. 5 the UK does seem to put its pyromaniac's hat and mask on.
Love the 'but they are ethically-sourced' counter.
"There is also the danger that if they come down alight they could start a fire..
Obvious now, but never having seen one I hadn't realised they actually had naked flames.
That would really make them little better than 'ethically-sourced', unguided airborne incendiary devices, like those Japanese balloon bombs targetting the US via the jetstream during WW2.
So I do wonder if the biodegradability aspects are the main issue, and frankly why they are allowed. Mind you, every Nov. 5 the UK does seem to put its pyromaniac's hat and mask on.
Love the 'but they are ethically-sourced' counter.
Saturday, August 01, 2009
CATEGORY - ORGANIC
Has to start somewhere..
ARTICLES
INFORMATION
Indy - The great organic myths rebutted - Still 'a view' mind
Indy - The great organic myths: Why organic foods are an indulgence the world can't afford - and another. At leasy we have baalnced argument! No clue still, mind.
BBC - Organic 'has no health benefits' - Frankly it surprised me. So the decisions are now on matters of taste (personal ROI) and environment (enviROI)? Sadly, the costs usually mitigate against this option in our household. Of course, we are talking 'research' and the inevitable to-ing and fro'ing that follows. So take with a pinch of (organic) salt.
Telegraph - Organic food has no added nutritional benefit, says Food Standards Agency
Just watched a 'discussion' on BBC news, with a classic twofer trading research and what was and was not included in the study. I suspect the only winners will be the media and not the cause of informed choice. Lumme, proving my point, it has now descended into a row about poison levels and how it gets defined.
Indy - NEW - Letters - More reasoned counters
Guardian - NEW - Organic food: the natural choice - Ditto - We try to buy local more than organic, but often cost is a counter-factor. I rather fear that, in our modern world, the word 'natural' has little practical meaning. 'We' as a race have surely over-run any 'natural' systems of checks and balances buy now.
ARTICLES
INFORMATION
Indy - The great organic myths rebutted - Still 'a view' mind
Indy - The great organic myths: Why organic foods are an indulgence the world can't afford - and another. At leasy we have baalnced argument! No clue still, mind.
BBC - Organic 'has no health benefits' - Frankly it surprised me. So the decisions are now on matters of taste (personal ROI) and environment (enviROI)? Sadly, the costs usually mitigate against this option in our household. Of course, we are talking 'research' and the inevitable to-ing and fro'ing that follows. So take with a pinch of (organic) salt.
Telegraph - Organic food has no added nutritional benefit, says Food Standards Agency
Just watched a 'discussion' on BBC news, with a classic twofer trading research and what was and was not included in the study. I suspect the only winners will be the media and not the cause of informed choice. Lumme, proving my point, it has now descended into a row about poison levels and how it gets defined.
Indy - NEW - Letters - More reasoned counters
Guardian - NEW - Organic food: the natural choice - Ditto - We try to buy local more than organic, but often cost is a counter-factor. I rather fear that, in our modern world, the word 'natural' has little practical meaning. 'We' as a race have surely over-run any 'natural' systems of checks and balances buy now.
Friday, July 31, 2009
QUOTE OF THE DAY - Weasels 'R Them
In my new guise as an 'entrepreneur' (not quite right: that's a guy with an idea that has made money), I keep slamming into new and ever more painful business realities.
One is that the words 'fixed price' don't actually need to mean what you are told is how what you are expected to pay works out.
Especially with some lawyers (though I have met a few goods ones, if not enough to balance out the blood-sucking, firstborn-taking, ethical black holes that are most).
Which is why I turn to Dilbert. Not for restitution, for even he knows this is not possible, but simply for empathy.
Ch 7. Negotiating Like a Weasel
When you are planning to buy anything expensive, you probably call around to compare prices. Companies have wised up to that strategy and counter it with the weasel tactic known as the accidental misquote...
He goes on:
Why are there no accidental misquotes in the too high direction?
Green tech I can get behind
Thermal images make a home's heat loss easy to plug
Like it.
As opposed to blowing bazillions on 'campaigns' or 'officers' to raise 'awareness' on intangibles.
Use the dosh on stuff like this and promoting it sensibly.
I can't think of a home-owner who couldn't see the merits, the benefits and engage.
You might even find few boxes actually get ticked and targets get met that may mean something.
Like it.
As opposed to blowing bazillions on 'campaigns' or 'officers' to raise 'awareness' on intangibles.
Use the dosh on stuff like this and promoting it sensibly.
I can't think of a home-owner who couldn't see the merits, the benefits and engage.
You might even find few boxes actually get ticked and targets get met that may mean something.
Facts are sacred. Use them with care.
I have highlighted a few polls, etc, today.
And not in a good way.
But here's some stuff that looks well worth treating wiv' respect.
Interesting uses of the Data Store
And not in a good way.
But here's some stuff that looks well worth treating wiv' respect.
Interesting uses of the Data Store
Data, Gosh-darned data, and 'it's how you ask' data
I share it, but would have no clue how to answer the question, if asked:
Which countries believe in climate change?
To be fair, drilling down the questions are more specific. Then we get to methodology.
Which countries believe in climate change?
To be fair, drilling down the questions are more specific. Then we get to methodology.
QUOTE OF THE DAY - Smart for whom?
Smart meters in every home will cost each household more than £300
"We don't see how the Government can justify asking consumers to pay for something that will save energy companies hundreds of millions a year, while the average household will make only minimal savings."
I don't think this mob 'do' justifying to the public.
And I can think of a few things I could direct that dosh to that might help the planet more.
"We don't see how the Government can justify asking consumers to pay for something that will save energy companies hundreds of millions a year, while the average household will make only minimal savings."
I don't think this mob 'do' justifying to the public.
And I can think of a few things I could direct that dosh to that might help the planet more.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
China sin dumb?
What can China do about climate change?
I must say I am wondering when China does get to qualify as a first world country, with all the joys we have to offer, and share in.
Maybe we could send back our GOATs (Guv of all talents) in a couple of containers to help work the same magic on their economy that has been conjured here?
Meanwhile...
Guardian - NEW - India gets serious on climate change
I must say I am wondering when China does get to qualify as a first world country, with all the joys we have to offer, and share in.
Maybe we could send back our GOATs (Guv of all talents) in a couple of containers to help work the same magic on their economy that has been conjured here?
Meanwhile...
Guardian - NEW - India gets serious on climate change
This struck a chord
I just like the idea of making things.
How To Make A Rain Barrel (DIY Video)
Especially when they go on to save others.
Some useful links, too.
How To Make A Rain Barrel (DIY Video)
Especially when they go on to save others.
Some useful links, too.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
IDEA - Composter
I have not been 'down the shed' for a while. Pity. That's where I do my best... er... better work.But I thought this was an idea en route to the shed worth sharing.
Well, Barnes Wallis may have liked it.
POOH CORNER - Flushed with inspiration
Over at My Zero Waste: How to reuse your toilet
So, there are reuses for the hardware as well as the ...ahem.. software.
Funnily enough, in her post Rae mentions washing machine drums, and I have a new idea coming up on these soon. Watch this (well, Junkk.com's) space.
Well...
I must take this opportunity to blog on the trails and tribulations of making changes to a system that seems more finely tuned and jittery than an Arab stallion on speed driving a 60's Ferrari.
For a start, when we uploaded the new upgrades, it all also got moved to a new server, and that's just where the 'fun' started, and looks like it continues.
Because for a magic period the system seems to have posted to an ancient test page which, ironically, uploaded in a heartbeat. And then buried itself in the cache of some who logged on while it was up.
However, in sorting that out, it looks like we are currently bouncing off Mars via Uranus, and if the site loads at all , it is coming by man with cleft stick being towed by a three-legged tortoise.
Not. A. Good. Day!
So, there are reuses for the hardware as well as the ...ahem.. software.
Funnily enough, in her post Rae mentions washing machine drums, and I have a new idea coming up on these soon. Watch this (well, Junkk.com's) space.
Well...
I must take this opportunity to blog on the trails and tribulations of making changes to a system that seems more finely tuned and jittery than an Arab stallion on speed driving a 60's Ferrari.
For a start, when we uploaded the new upgrades, it all also got moved to a new server, and that's just where the 'fun' started, and looks like it continues.
Because for a magic period the system seems to have posted to an ancient test page which, ironically, uploaded in a heartbeat. And then buried itself in the cache of some who logged on while it was up.
However, in sorting that out, it looks like we are currently bouncing off Mars via Uranus, and if the site loads at all , it is coming by man with cleft stick being towed by a three-legged tortoise.
Not. A. Good. Day!
Playing Chicken Little
Today there was a classic example of how rushing out notions in support of your beliefs can end up doing more harm than good.
It cannot have escaped most folks' notice that of late, the weather has been less than clement. As I write a cold drizzle decorates my window. I can only imagine how those in the campsite opposite are feeling.
And this has been picked up by the 'news'. So we have the odd spectacle of the BBC reporting crew exchanging barbed commentary with the weather guys. 'How did you get it so wrong', was about the most polite interrogation.
To which, reasonably, the reply was that such things were almost impossible to predict.
Trouble is, a lot of folk seem to make a lot of noise based on predictions. And this summer was going to be long, hot, and non-stop BBQ. It may yet get there, and I am hoping for something nicer for our camping trip in a few weeks' time. It's hard to keep kids entertained under wet canvas for long.
But for now, there is quite a lot of egg on faces, and I rather fear more sober cautions on climate will get rather swamped by overly enthusiastic folk - using what they think will 'prove' their case - getting a bit of a hammering from those equally keen to 'prove' the exact opposite.
Frankly, from floods to heatwaves to hurricanes to even melting Greenland glaciers (some have used a piece on this to enquire as to how this country acquired its name, pre-Humvee), I think those advocating caution, moderation and even reduction might be better tasked looking at ways to motivate other than 'the sky is falling'. Especially when they put quantitative data on it all which proves unsound.
Telegraph - NEW - Start with the Met Office, Dave - It seems others have noticed, and views
BBC - NEW - Met Office cools summer forecast - Ten ways to beat the heat
Indy - NEW - The Big Question: Why did the Met Office get it so wrong?
Guardian - NEW - Rain puts dampers on 'barbecue summer' - the inevitable exchanges have rather made my point
It cannot have escaped most folks' notice that of late, the weather has been less than clement. As I write a cold drizzle decorates my window. I can only imagine how those in the campsite opposite are feeling.
And this has been picked up by the 'news'. So we have the odd spectacle of the BBC reporting crew exchanging barbed commentary with the weather guys. 'How did you get it so wrong', was about the most polite interrogation.
To which, reasonably, the reply was that such things were almost impossible to predict.
Trouble is, a lot of folk seem to make a lot of noise based on predictions. And this summer was going to be long, hot, and non-stop BBQ. It may yet get there, and I am hoping for something nicer for our camping trip in a few weeks' time. It's hard to keep kids entertained under wet canvas for long.
But for now, there is quite a lot of egg on faces, and I rather fear more sober cautions on climate will get rather swamped by overly enthusiastic folk - using what they think will 'prove' their case - getting a bit of a hammering from those equally keen to 'prove' the exact opposite.
Frankly, from floods to heatwaves to hurricanes to even melting Greenland glaciers (some have used a piece on this to enquire as to how this country acquired its name, pre-Humvee), I think those advocating caution, moderation and even reduction might be better tasked looking at ways to motivate other than 'the sky is falling'. Especially when they put quantitative data on it all which proves unsound.
Telegraph - NEW - Start with the Met Office, Dave - It seems others have noticed, and views
BBC - NEW - Met Office cools summer forecast - Ten ways to beat the heat
Indy - NEW - The Big Question: Why did the Met Office get it so wrong?
Guardian - NEW - Rain puts dampers on 'barbecue summer' - the inevitable exchanges have rather made my point
QUOTE OF THE DAY - Keep taking the blue pills
Worth sharing: Human activity is driving Earth's 'sixth great extinction event'
If only for this quote post which at the time I thought was curiously sympathetic to the 'baddies' in the Matrix:
"I'd like to share a revelation that I've had during my time here. It came to me when I tried to classify your species and I realized that you're not actually mammals. Every mammal on this planet instinctively develops a natural equilibrium with the surrounding environment but you humans do not. You move to an area and you multiply and multiply until every natural resource is consumed and the only way you can survive is to spread to another area. There is another organism on this planet that follows the same pattern. Do you know what it is? A virus. Human beings are a disease, a cancer of this planet. You're a plague and we are the cure".
Agent Smith
(worth also checking out Titan AE to feel the Drej might have had a point):
If only for this quote post which at the time I thought was curiously sympathetic to the 'baddies' in the Matrix:
"I'd like to share a revelation that I've had during my time here. It came to me when I tried to classify your species and I realized that you're not actually mammals. Every mammal on this planet instinctively develops a natural equilibrium with the surrounding environment but you humans do not. You move to an area and you multiply and multiply until every natural resource is consumed and the only way you can survive is to spread to another area. There is another organism on this planet that follows the same pattern. Do you know what it is? A virus. Human beings are a disease, a cancer of this planet. You're a plague and we are the cure".
Agent Smith
(worth also checking out Titan AE to feel the Drej might have had a point):
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
New bins for old
In November, my area swaps recycling systems.Out goes the RE:box, a two-container system that I helped name, design and market, and in comes the now ubiquitous green wheelie.
I have mixed feelings on this. So, following an invitation in the local paper, I trooped off t'other day 'to get all my questions answered'.
Well, I got a leaflet (Polish and Portuguese also available) and a free pencil, so it was not a complete waste, but sadly the questions I had (about recyclcate quality at the MRF (materials Reclamation Facility), etc) were not on the list. Nor what these 'new products' might be.
Still, I did learn a few things.
By virtue of having a house on the street, I may not be issued with one. I think I will manage by virtue of having off road space, but the issue is me getting it out for collection without blocking the footpath. Even a few minutes if I get up and get it out early might be a hazard.
So that's pretty much our whole road out, then. Strikes me as already a step backwards as the alternative is to lob out black binliners.
I am also 'required' to rinse and clean everything... apparently. No bin liners in the wheelie means that in the two hot weeks of summer between collections... 'I would want to anyway'. Hmnnn. Oddly, we get to retain our bin liners for 'other waste'.
There's also a leaflet on what they will take and what they won't. I could not get much feedback on what steps would be taken in the event of incorrect placement, either by self or 3d parties. Hmnnn 2.
What is good is they will now take plastics, but again we are in label territory. The lady said 'if it's a bottle we'll take it'. Not sure she, or consumers, will be getting their heads round this one any time soon. They also don't want biodegradables. Good luck with that.
We'll see. But even after what I am sure will be an inevitably troubled settling in period, I remain to be convinced that this has been thought through.
And as one who helped deliver them, I wonder what will become of 20,000 heavy duty blue plastic RE:tie containers after just a few years. Landfill?
Monday, July 27, 2009
Descendants of King Tut?
Or should that be 'tat'?
I am naturally drawn to any piece that mentions 'junk', even if in less than glowing terms.
Like the Pharaohs, we’re getting buried by our own possessions
However, in my case, several years' worth of old packaging secreted around house, garden and shed might stretch to qualify as 'possessions'.
I am naturally drawn to any piece that mentions 'junk', even if in less than glowing terms.
Like the Pharaohs, we’re getting buried by our own possessions
However, in my case, several years' worth of old packaging secreted around house, garden and shed might stretch to qualify as 'possessions'.
My name is URL... and Mud
You know that bowl of petunias in the HitchHiker's Guide?
'Oh, no; not again'
Last week the upgrades to the site went live. Tested every which way and looking well spiffy.
However, behind the scenes, there were 'consequences' brewing.
Because along with the change there was a change of server and, it turns out, that meant links elsewhere got lost.
So I noticed that Junkk.com was no longer getting emails.
However, in solving that, it then seems that the site was linking to an ancient incarnation held in the cache.
And now, in solving that in turn, I now no longer have access to the back end admin. There is something about a scrolling page headed 'Error Code...' that can really spoil a day.
'Oh, no; not again'
Last week the upgrades to the site went live. Tested every which way and looking well spiffy.
However, behind the scenes, there were 'consequences' brewing.
Because along with the change there was a change of server and, it turns out, that meant links elsewhere got lost.
So I noticed that Junkk.com was no longer getting emails.
However, in solving that, it then seems that the site was linking to an ancient incarnation held in the cache.
And now, in solving that in turn, I now no longer have access to the back end admin. There is something about a scrolling page headed 'Error Code...' that can really spoil a day.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Just needs sharing
Building a windmill in Africa from scrap
No reason why one can't do it here too.
Well, there's planning, of course.
Then there's 'elfinsaftee...
But Afrigadget is a find:)
No reason why one can't do it here too.
Well, there's planning, of course.
Then there's 'elfinsaftee...
But Afrigadget is a find:)
Ponderings
Don't recall signing up, but I thought this that just came in was interesting:
WHY WE STILL DON’T BELIEVE IN CLIMATE CHANGE
What I liked was the relatively measured way it was argued.
Having shared it, I'll still keep quiet on the bits I agreed with, and, possibly, do not.
WHY WE STILL DON’T BELIEVE IN CLIMATE CHANGE
What I liked was the relatively measured way it was argued.
Having shared it, I'll still keep quiet on the bits I agreed with, and, possibly, do not.
CATEGORY - Packaging
For more 'informational' packaging-related sources:
ARTICLES
Gaurdian - Supermarkets failing to reduce packaging
LetsRecycle - Councils call for urgent action over packaging
Indy - From tomatoes to yoghurts, soap powder to beer, the packaging that infuriates you
...and for the rest, there's Junkk.com. There are some.. too many examples of egregious excess packaging.
But it is worth asking... why do it? And challenge the answers. It may be the additional costs, and bad PR of having such things may have a valid, eco-supportive reason. If not... are they bonkers? This stuff costs them, and hence us... extra money. Odd sales model.
And while reduction is tops (where possible/enviROI-sensible), before we get to recycling may I insert a small flag for reuse and repair... and a funny little notion to help them along on http://www.junkk.com
Sometimes it is possible, to work with what we've got, change what were getting, and in so doing help pocket and planet... whilst having some fun.
INFORMATION
scrapthispack.com - Not exactly 'pro', but a worthy source of what is out there, especially to excess.
WRAP - What packaging does - Silly billies. They have forgotten to mention us... again. Tempting as it is to return the compliment, we will mention them.
packagingnews - Environment Report 2009 - oddly, little industry comment at all, as yet. Let's see what I can do:)
Introduction - Reuse gets a mention:) Junkk.com does not:( I have tried to rectify that:
"reusable packaging is a great idea that hasn’t really hit the mainstream"
Indeed. But its time is coming.
'Is now the time to bring back reusable packaging'
Yes, along with packaging with second use designed-in, in complement. As has Gillette, evidently. I'd love to see it.
'the packaging is designed to be kept then more time and resources can be dedicated to it.'
Worth it, I'd say. As you mention ecover, they do too. Even without designed-in, for now. They have uploaded all their packs to Junkk.com, with reuse ideas attached.
"The packaging still represents the brand when it is being reused'
A key point. Imagine the value of valued, branded, packaging, retained.
'To encourage customers to keep and reuse their empty packaging... requires changes in customer behaviour.'
For sure, but worth it, IMHO.
'It requires retailers to give up shelf space'
Or... not at all.
Review of the year
Fears of recycling meltdown, bin taxes, carrier bags - all the environment stories that have hit the headlines over the past 12 months
Where waste really goes
Forget the sensationalist headlines and recycling naysayers; we visit a London borough to discover the truth about our kerbside collections
Drinks industry calls time on CO2
Beer producers are working hard to manage the sector's environmental impact. But what is the best material for the job?
A burning question
Energy from waste continues to be a contentious issue, but with the size of the population only going one way, now could be the time to invest
The space race
As online shopping increases the need for products to keep purchases safe in transit, many new eco-conscious void fillers are coming to market
How green is the material world?
As lighter packs and cutting carbon footprints remain at the top of the industry's green agenda, how do the major packaging materials stack up?
Of course, another acorn in reducing the impact of plastic materials is designed-in reuse, possibly with such as RE:tie?
The benefits of bioplastics
Myles Barker of cereals body the HGCA argues that using the controversial plastics could help the industry, and the country, tackle emissions
Worthy of linking to the Plastics, Composting and Plastic Bags links below.
The age of the green machine
Is a lack of clear information and dearth of support from the big players stifling the development of ‘eco' machines?
See the light and cut energy costs
As firms search for new ways to tighten their belts, energy-efficient lighting could bring vital savings
Packaging's environmental impact
Eco-design consultancy Giraffe Innovation's Rob Holdway examines the benefits of managing the carbon footprint of packaging
Refills get on-shelf road test
Reusable packaging has fallen out of favour due to issues with convenience and conformity, but that could be set to change
ARTICLES
Gaurdian - Supermarkets failing to reduce packaging
LetsRecycle - Councils call for urgent action over packaging
Indy - From tomatoes to yoghurts, soap powder to beer, the packaging that infuriates you
...and for the rest, there's Junkk.com. There are some.. too many examples of egregious excess packaging.
But it is worth asking... why do it? And challenge the answers. It may be the additional costs, and bad PR of having such things may have a valid, eco-supportive reason. If not... are they bonkers? This stuff costs them, and hence us... extra money. Odd sales model.
And while reduction is tops (where possible/enviROI-sensible), before we get to recycling may I insert a small flag for reuse and repair... and a funny little notion to help them along on http://www.junkk.com
Sometimes it is possible, to work with what we've got, change what were getting, and in so doing help pocket and planet... whilst having some fun.
INFORMATION
scrapthispack.com - Not exactly 'pro', but a worthy source of what is out there, especially to excess.
WRAP - What packaging does - Silly billies. They have forgotten to mention us... again. Tempting as it is to return the compliment, we will mention them.
packagingnews - Environment Report 2009 - oddly, little industry comment at all, as yet. Let's see what I can do:)
Introduction - Reuse gets a mention:) Junkk.com does not:( I have tried to rectify that:
"reusable packaging is a great idea that hasn’t really hit the mainstream"
Indeed. But its time is coming.
'Is now the time to bring back reusable packaging'
Yes, along with packaging with second use designed-in, in complement. As has Gillette, evidently. I'd love to see it.
'the packaging is designed to be kept then more time and resources can be dedicated to it.'
Worth it, I'd say. As you mention ecover, they do too. Even without designed-in, for now. They have uploaded all their packs to Junkk.com, with reuse ideas attached.
"The packaging still represents the brand when it is being reused'
A key point. Imagine the value of valued, branded, packaging, retained.
'To encourage customers to keep and reuse their empty packaging... requires changes in customer behaviour.'
For sure, but worth it, IMHO.
'It requires retailers to give up shelf space'
Or... not at all.
Review of the year
Fears of recycling meltdown, bin taxes, carrier bags - all the environment stories that have hit the headlines over the past 12 months
Where waste really goes
Forget the sensationalist headlines and recycling naysayers; we visit a London borough to discover the truth about our kerbside collections
Drinks industry calls time on CO2
Beer producers are working hard to manage the sector's environmental impact. But what is the best material for the job?
A burning question
Energy from waste continues to be a contentious issue, but with the size of the population only going one way, now could be the time to invest
The space race
As online shopping increases the need for products to keep purchases safe in transit, many new eco-conscious void fillers are coming to market
How green is the material world?
As lighter packs and cutting carbon footprints remain at the top of the industry's green agenda, how do the major packaging materials stack up?
Of course, another acorn in reducing the impact of plastic materials is designed-in reuse, possibly with such as RE:tie?
The benefits of bioplastics
Myles Barker of cereals body the HGCA argues that using the controversial plastics could help the industry, and the country, tackle emissions
Worthy of linking to the Plastics, Composting and Plastic Bags links below.
The age of the green machine
Is a lack of clear information and dearth of support from the big players stifling the development of ‘eco' machines?
See the light and cut energy costs
As firms search for new ways to tighten their belts, energy-efficient lighting could bring vital savings
Packaging's environmental impact
Eco-design consultancy Giraffe Innovation's Rob Holdway examines the benefits of managing the carbon footprint of packaging
Refills get on-shelf road test
Reusable packaging has fallen out of favour due to issues with convenience and conformity, but that could be set to change
Just, don't walk inbetween the two?
Wireless power system shown off
I'm quite easily impressed, so this appealed. And it seems a nifty evolution from my electric toothbrush being charged soaking wet by sticking on a plastic spike.
So I can see applications that may be worthy one day, for instance sorting out the vandalism problems I foresee with electric car charging posts and their tempting cables (remember late night BT phone boxes and their forlorn handset on the floor?)
Not sure about the heated dog bowl, mind.
Forbes - Look Ma, No Wires
I'm quite easily impressed, so this appealed. And it seems a nifty evolution from my electric toothbrush being charged soaking wet by sticking on a plastic spike.
So I can see applications that may be worthy one day, for instance sorting out the vandalism problems I foresee with electric car charging posts and their tempting cables (remember late night BT phone boxes and their forlorn handset on the floor?)
Not sure about the heated dog bowl, mind.
Forbes - Look Ma, No Wires
I love to say 'I told you so', so...
Drivers 'don't trust' road taxes
...I (ok, and a few others) told them so!
And this from a 'pay to pollute' (within limits) advocate! Mind you, I was about the only young flat dweller in London who didn't see the big problem with Poll Tax. Which, by my recollection, would have saved me money, too.
So... '...taxes have been handled so badly that [people] no longer trust what ministers say the charges pay for..'. Well, D'uh. And '...tarnished the image of environmental taxes'. Well, double D'uh'.
I don't claim it's easy to resolve ('Taxing drivers according to how much they use their cars remained the fairest method' - Uh... not so fast. What about rural vs. urban, where taxes have been used to provide public transport system that favours one - that would be the Metro types who have a tube at every corner to whisk them to their next interview, whilst claiming for taxis - over the other. Plus a host of other issues) , but boy, have they made it 10x more difficult for any green initiative in the future.
And as for this: '...drivers were given "no clear explanation" of what they got in return for around £45bn paid in taxes each year'. Farcical.
...I (ok, and a few others) told them so!
And this from a 'pay to pollute' (within limits) advocate! Mind you, I was about the only young flat dweller in London who didn't see the big problem with Poll Tax. Which, by my recollection, would have saved me money, too.
So... '...taxes have been handled so badly that [people] no longer trust what ministers say the charges pay for..'. Well, D'uh. And '...tarnished the image of environmental taxes'. Well, double D'uh'.
I don't claim it's easy to resolve ('Taxing drivers according to how much they use their cars remained the fairest method' - Uh... not so fast. What about rural vs. urban, where taxes have been used to provide public transport system that favours one - that would be the Metro types who have a tube at every corner to whisk them to their next interview, whilst claiming for taxis - over the other. Plus a host of other issues) , but boy, have they made it 10x more difficult for any green initiative in the future.
And as for this: '...drivers were given "no clear explanation" of what they got in return for around £45bn paid in taxes each year'. Farcical.
Bugging Nature
Insects to be brought in to control Japanese Knotweed
A knotty problem: Could a tiny insect help rid us of knotweed?
As one who used to have a natural but nice garden, now a tad over-run, I have to state an interest.
But let's not forget it was bringing in a foreign organism that caused the problem in the first place.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Solutions are rare
Hence I will make a rare exception and cite a poll (for all they are worth) on them.
Make your vote count in the battle against global warming
Won't tell you how I voted.
Interestingly, until this I had never heard of the current Number 1: Thorium nuke.
Which might reflect the methodology.
Guardian - TEDGlobal: The genius of the natural world
Make your vote count in the battle against global warming
Won't tell you how I voted.
Interestingly, until this I had never heard of the current Number 1: Thorium nuke.
Which might reflect the methodology.
Guardian - TEDGlobal: The genius of the natural world
OK, it's political
But I clicked on it because of the picture.
They'll need a mass grave to bury this bad news
Now I share it because of what is crammed into 3 short(ish) paras.
Very little opinion. A lot of depressing fact.
They'll need a mass grave to bury this bad news
Now I share it because of what is crammed into 3 short(ish) paras.
Very little opinion. A lot of depressing fact.
CATEGORY - SOLAR
Articles
Observer - Why aren't we warming to solar? - Good question, and start to kick off with.
Observer - Solar so good for our house - It doesn't look like Nevada, so what's good enough for him...? Note the caveat, mind.
Guardian - Keep on the sunny side - Concentrating Solar Power
Junkk (et all) - o-solar-mi-o-mi
Got this in a forum: Is $339,000 For This Green Solar-Roof Home In Chicago Affordable? - Kind of depends what one means by 'affordable', I guess.The maths is pretty well laid out in the piece, though there are of course imponderables on future costs/values that make them best guesses. There's also whether you are 'affording' it to save and/or make money on operational costs & added value at resale over the duration of habitation, or 'affording' it to reduce one's emissions (after construction contribution) on an enviROI+ measure, without being so worried about money.
Greenbang - Carrot wins, Aussies go solar - It's worth repeating...'Carrot wins'
Indy - Solar panels 'not cost effective' - Hmnn. Do, should they mean yet? enviROI?
In reply - Letters
Greenbang - 208 years to pay back cost of solar panels? - Of course, making money need not be an issue at all to some, but this does seem to suggest the numbers on any count are hard to come by to make an informed decision.
Telegraph - What's the point of solar panels?
Mongabay.com - Solar cells, flat-panel screens are source of potent greenhouse gas - certainly a potential back-of-mind aspect in enviROI calculations
Indy - Solar panels 'take 100 years to pay back installation costs' - making a good choice is certainly not easy. Maybe procrastination pays.
Times - Greenhouse effects: Smarter Energy PV panels - Useful!
Times - Solar panels in the Sahara 'could power the whole of Europe' - I'd love to go along, but there's that word again. Promising, but I had read about this before, and there was some debate about the scouring effect of sand on the mirrors and the drop of inefficiency over distance the 'leccy gets sent. Any mention of that?
Guardian - Starving UK plc's green energy shoots - Normally I wouldn't link to such as this, as I share some thread posters' disquiet about the medium handing over an admittedly commentary-oriented piece to an author with a clearly subjective view, at least with no mention of what it might be. However, there are some interesting points, and numbers, especially in the thread.
Guardian - Concentrated solar power could generate 'quarter of world's energy' - Note my favourite word in that headline.
Telegraph - NEW - Why Whitehall hates solar panels - Perversely, part of me would wish they were actually smart enough to be that venal in support of their own petty interests. The piece, and some comments, does make me keen to see how solar has progressed to be viable on these shores which, let's face it, are not that sunny.
Grants
lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk
Information
Smart Planet - NEW - How does a solar cell work? - I miss Tomorrow's World.. and Look & Learn.
Trendhunter - Top 100 Solar Inventions - Part I: Gadgets & Fashion (SUPER GALLERY) - heck of a start, I'd say!
Part II - Though how what gets in does and what doesn't hasn't I have no clue. I'll keep looking for more 'down to earth' examples as they come by.
Suppliers
Solartrac
Solartwin
Solarventi
trianco -
windandsun.co.uk -
See labels below, especially under 'Alt. Energy' for previous notes. If you have anything to add to the headings above... share 'em! Direct to info[at]junkk.com or via the comments on the blog.
Observer - Why aren't we warming to solar? - Good question, and start to kick off with.
Observer - Solar so good for our house - It doesn't look like Nevada, so what's good enough for him...? Note the caveat, mind.
Guardian - Keep on the sunny side - Concentrating Solar Power
Junkk (et all) - o-solar-mi-o-mi
Got this in a forum: Is $339,000 For This Green Solar-Roof Home In Chicago Affordable? - Kind of depends what one means by 'affordable', I guess.The maths is pretty well laid out in the piece, though there are of course imponderables on future costs/values that make them best guesses. There's also whether you are 'affording' it to save and/or make money on operational costs & added value at resale over the duration of habitation, or 'affording' it to reduce one's emissions (after construction contribution) on an enviROI+ measure, without being so worried about money.
Greenbang - Carrot wins, Aussies go solar - It's worth repeating...'Carrot wins'
Indy - Solar panels 'not cost effective' - Hmnn. Do, should they mean yet? enviROI?
In reply - Letters
Greenbang - 208 years to pay back cost of solar panels? - Of course, making money need not be an issue at all to some, but this does seem to suggest the numbers on any count are hard to come by to make an informed decision.
Telegraph - What's the point of solar panels?
Mongabay.com - Solar cells, flat-panel screens are source of potent greenhouse gas - certainly a potential back-of-mind aspect in enviROI calculations
Indy - Solar panels 'take 100 years to pay back installation costs' - making a good choice is certainly not easy. Maybe procrastination pays.
Times - Greenhouse effects: Smarter Energy PV panels - Useful!
Times - Solar panels in the Sahara 'could power the whole of Europe' - I'd love to go along, but there's that word again. Promising, but I had read about this before, and there was some debate about the scouring effect of sand on the mirrors and the drop of inefficiency over distance the 'leccy gets sent. Any mention of that?
Guardian - Starving UK plc's green energy shoots - Normally I wouldn't link to such as this, as I share some thread posters' disquiet about the medium handing over an admittedly commentary-oriented piece to an author with a clearly subjective view, at least with no mention of what it might be. However, there are some interesting points, and numbers, especially in the thread.
Guardian - Concentrated solar power could generate 'quarter of world's energy' - Note my favourite word in that headline.
Telegraph - NEW - Why Whitehall hates solar panels - Perversely, part of me would wish they were actually smart enough to be that venal in support of their own petty interests. The piece, and some comments, does make me keen to see how solar has progressed to be viable on these shores which, let's face it, are not that sunny.
Grants
lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk
Information
Smart Planet - NEW - How does a solar cell work? - I miss Tomorrow's World.. and Look & Learn.
Trendhunter - Top 100 Solar Inventions - Part I: Gadgets & Fashion (SUPER GALLERY) - heck of a start, I'd say!
Part II - Though how what gets in does and what doesn't hasn't I have no clue. I'll keep looking for more 'down to earth' examples as they come by.
Suppliers
Solartrac
Solartwin
Solarventi
trianco -
windandsun.co.uk -
See labels below, especially under 'Alt. Energy' for previous notes. If you have anything to add to the headings above... share 'em! Direct to info[at]junkk.com or via the comments on the blog.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
GULP!
Bear in mind... you are reading this on a blog.
Blogs are big business…just not here
Not sure if I am in the wrong business... or country.
Blogs are big business…just not here
Not sure if I am in the wrong business... or country.
Double Take
I misread this at first:
Microsoft Chooses ‘Doing Good’ Over ‘Looking Good’
Silly me, I thought they were using the greenwash funds to reduce emissions.
I feel... done.
Microsoft Chooses ‘Doing Good’ Over ‘Looking Good’
Silly me, I thought they were using the greenwash funds to reduce emissions.
I feel... done.
Nudge, nudge, and, er... another nudge
Hey, if the opportunity presents:
Unilever launches sustainability drive
The Cleaner Planet Plan sounds interesting and to be applauded*. I shall look forward to hearing more about its scope, and especially if it covers such as recycling and/or reuse (my personal favourite) beyond the commitment to reduction.
Reuse especially offers great opportunity to affect the habits of consumers on top of any feel good factor with tangible rewards to pocket as well as planet. A rare 'win-win' for all in the mix, from marketer to consumer. Even some often at the sharp end, such as LGAs, who too often are lumbered with wielding threat, guilt, nanny or scare: none of which are over-motivating.
*With a big eyebrow ready to crank.
And, while we're at it:
Tesco and Asda slip down WPP Green survey
I'm trying to get a scope and will report if anything interesting evolves.
Unilever launches sustainability drive
The Cleaner Planet Plan sounds interesting and to be applauded*. I shall look forward to hearing more about its scope, and especially if it covers such as recycling and/or reuse (my personal favourite) beyond the commitment to reduction.
Reuse especially offers great opportunity to affect the habits of consumers on top of any feel good factor with tangible rewards to pocket as well as planet. A rare 'win-win' for all in the mix, from marketer to consumer. Even some often at the sharp end, such as LGAs, who too often are lumbered with wielding threat, guilt, nanny or scare: none of which are over-motivating.
*With a big eyebrow ready to crank.
And, while we're at it:
Tesco and Asda slip down WPP Green survey
I'm trying to get a scope and will report if anything interesting evolves.
Nudge, nudge...
Well, she asked:
Can sandals ever be fun?
And it seemed/s a good opportunity for a plug:)
I'd have hoped... thought that it is entirely possible to introduce a variety of functions into anything, if you use a bit of imagination.
Heavens, how many times to we hear the old chestnut that kids prefer to play with the box than the present?
Hence anything that adds value, and especially second use, to any packaging design should be desired, attempted... and applauded.
I have to say my two have rather outgrown the brief distraction of some packside imagery, but are still not above reusing all manner of boxes, tubes, etc in all sorts of creative ways.
ps: Speaking of sandals and fun, if you have a decent idea to add to the free online plastics reuse competition currently on Junkk.com, the runner-up prizes are... recycled plastic sandals!
Can sandals ever be fun?
And it seemed/s a good opportunity for a plug:)
I'd have hoped... thought that it is entirely possible to introduce a variety of functions into anything, if you use a bit of imagination.
Heavens, how many times to we hear the old chestnut that kids prefer to play with the box than the present?
Hence anything that adds value, and especially second use, to any packaging design should be desired, attempted... and applauded.
I have to say my two have rather outgrown the brief distraction of some packside imagery, but are still not above reusing all manner of boxes, tubes, etc in all sorts of creative ways.
ps: Speaking of sandals and fun, if you have a decent idea to add to the free online plastics reuse competition currently on Junkk.com, the runner-up prizes are... recycled plastic sandals!
Squeezing the most
I like low waste solutions.
Especially when they mean using less materials too:
Treehugger - Clever Toothbrush Stops Paste Waste with Haste
Especially when they mean using less materials too:
Treehugger - Clever Toothbrush Stops Paste Waste with Haste
Leek investigations
Biology came third in my sciences, but this looks interesting.
Leeks to the rescue
SIR – Earlier in the year, Professor Steven Chu, America’s Energy Secretary, suggested that the roofs of houses should be painted white to combat global warming (report, May 28).
A more effective way would be to introduce the houseleek (Sempervivum tectorum) to suburban roofs. These plants, of the Crassulaceae family, capture carbon dioxide at night and use it during the day – a method of photosynthesis known as crassulacean acid metabolism.
Now, how one configures roofs to sustain the load, maintain ('acid' being a word that sets up some red flags) and manage the crop is a whole new ball of enviROI, but if the claim is true it seems at first blush a better plan than some.
Leeks to the rescue
SIR – Earlier in the year, Professor Steven Chu, America’s Energy Secretary, suggested that the roofs of houses should be painted white to combat global warming (report, May 28).
A more effective way would be to introduce the houseleek (Sempervivum tectorum) to suburban roofs. These plants, of the Crassulaceae family, capture carbon dioxide at night and use it during the day – a method of photosynthesis known as crassulacean acid metabolism.
Now, how one configures roofs to sustain the load, maintain ('acid' being a word that sets up some red flags) and manage the crop is a whole new ball of enviROI, but if the claim is true it seems at first blush a better plan than some.
Joining up thinking?
Conservative think tank urges recycling reform
I fear I find almost anything from any political party (or the odd new breed of separation stages, be it think tanks or quangos) suspect, but this report smacks of common sense. At least, as summarised here. I'll get around to reading it (57pp) one day.
As, with renewables, there is much good, honest engineering thinking - 'Our waste system has developed piecemeal over the past 150 years without ever being reformed properly" - to assess the enviROI from instigation to operation that will be into many administrations hence, I just hope the number crunchers are up to the task and are allowed to do a proper job without 'influences' based on short-termism or lobbying from subsidy junkies.
I really hope it can be reformed, as the current piecemeal efforts are serving neither planet nor public understanding of what can be one to help it at all. But let's hope there is a political will to be honest about consequences without trying to please all, and right away, with fudges.
It will take an upfront hit to see benefits later on. But... have we the money now? There will always be...consequences.
Addendum
Telegraph Letters - Fine way to collect rubbish
SIR – At last saner voices seem to be prevailing in the debate over the best way to collect and recycle rubbish from the nation’s doorsteps (“Household waste bills warning”, report, July 20).
Policy Exchange is correct in suggesting that fortnightly collections encourage recycling as long as they are accompanied by a weekly collection for food waste. That is the system run in our part of north London, and we are now the second-best recycler in the capital, with an overall recycling rate of 44 per cent.
It is also right to highlight the punitive role of government fines for the extra rubbish we send to landfill. This is why councils put three wheelie bins on your doorstep. It is not because council managers like to torment residents with a baffling variety of bins, but because recycling at the earliest stage possible (on the doorstep) helps us to fend off government fines further down the line.
I fear I find almost anything from any political party (or the odd new breed of separation stages, be it think tanks or quangos) suspect, but this report smacks of common sense. At least, as summarised here. I'll get around to reading it (57pp) one day.
As, with renewables, there is much good, honest engineering thinking - 'Our waste system has developed piecemeal over the past 150 years without ever being reformed properly" - to assess the enviROI from instigation to operation that will be into many administrations hence, I just hope the number crunchers are up to the task and are allowed to do a proper job without 'influences' based on short-termism or lobbying from subsidy junkies.
I really hope it can be reformed, as the current piecemeal efforts are serving neither planet nor public understanding of what can be one to help it at all. But let's hope there is a political will to be honest about consequences without trying to please all, and right away, with fudges.
It will take an upfront hit to see benefits later on. But... have we the money now? There will always be...consequences.
Addendum
Telegraph Letters - Fine way to collect rubbish
SIR – At last saner voices seem to be prevailing in the debate over the best way to collect and recycle rubbish from the nation’s doorsteps (“Household waste bills warning”, report, July 20).
Policy Exchange is correct in suggesting that fortnightly collections encourage recycling as long as they are accompanied by a weekly collection for food waste. That is the system run in our part of north London, and we are now the second-best recycler in the capital, with an overall recycling rate of 44 per cent.
It is also right to highlight the punitive role of government fines for the extra rubbish we send to landfill. This is why councils put three wheelie bins on your doorstep. It is not because council managers like to torment residents with a baffling variety of bins, but because recycling at the earliest stage possible (on the doorstep) helps us to fend off government fines further down the line.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Selectivity in action
I found this interesting, if sort of funny, in a tragic way...
Minister says he will boycott Nobu over sale of bluefin tuna
Just read the comments (I refrained) to see the way that this is going, and how the very actions PR'd has again been mired in accusations of 'selectivity' at best from another messenger who is in the spotlight for the message they seek to share.
I also predict an 'interesting' if not edifying spectacle of those who are high-profile on the advocacy front being targeted and hence rather restricted in their lifestyle choices. Hard to imagine this working out well in any way in the long term.
As it happens, as it seems a 'delicacy' only for those who can afford to go to flash restaurants I can't see this as a bad bit of publicity as those luvvies who wallow in this area might respond, but as a lover of 'normal' tuna in his weekly lunch sarny I am hoping this is not an issue that will really affect me, but fear it will eventually.
BBC - NEW - Tuna: Fin words, suspicious tail
Minister says he will boycott Nobu over sale of bluefin tuna
Just read the comments (I refrained) to see the way that this is going, and how the very actions PR'd has again been mired in accusations of 'selectivity' at best from another messenger who is in the spotlight for the message they seek to share.
I also predict an 'interesting' if not edifying spectacle of those who are high-profile on the advocacy front being targeted and hence rather restricted in their lifestyle choices. Hard to imagine this working out well in any way in the long term.
As it happens, as it seems a 'delicacy' only for those who can afford to go to flash restaurants I can't see this as a bad bit of publicity as those luvvies who wallow in this area might respond, but as a lover of 'normal' tuna in his weekly lunch sarny I am hoping this is not an issue that will really affect me, but fear it will eventually.
BBC - NEW - Tuna: Fin words, suspicious tail
Let's never forget how wonderful nature is
Why raindrops come in many sizes
Of course, if the number dropping here continues, and the Wye River rises further, I may have to revise that!
Of course, if the number dropping here continues, and the Wye River rises further, I may have to revise that!
Postcodes that don't zip?
Top 1,000 most polluting postcodes
I guess if you're not on the list that is a chance to be Much Smugness-in-the-Mire, but without knowing the scope of the parameters it's hard to see much value to this either.
And it does rather tar the 'good' with the 'bad'. Which makes me nervous when box-tickers see money to be made without worrying to much about detail.
I guess if you're not on the list that is a chance to be Much Smugness-in-the-Mire, but without knowing the scope of the parameters it's hard to see much value to this either.
And it does rather tar the 'good' with the 'bad'. Which makes me nervous when box-tickers see money to be made without worrying to much about detail.
And no Kelly McGillis in sight
I fear my knowledge of the Amish is based mainly on 'Witness'
The modern world intrudes on the Amish
And the closest in this piece to a young woman was a teen in some Nike trainers who was in fact a Born-Again Christian.
Ethical Man and his travels is on my review list, so when he posts I read, and often feel the need to comment:
It was an interesting travel/social piece, but I am unsure if there is much one can take by way of dealing with future world/climate related issues. Even these fine folk seem unable to resist the shiny cameras and boom mikes (where did the crew sleep?) that squirt electrons around; shame they will never get to see this piece about them.
True, these guys are living a relatively self-sustaining agrarian-based lifestyle, but with six brothers it seems little wonder the moppet and her siblings are finding things are constraining. That is kind of what happens as populations expand. Then you end up with millions in cities with high-intensity farming to feed 'em.
And it is hard to resist the human urge to roam (and all its consequences), which is why these fine folk were first to be found in a train. I'd be intrigued to learn (though I'm sure 'No, you're wrong. Period. So stop having opinions' will explain, and within 2mins of posting - is it on shifts?) how the motive power of this vehicle differs from that of a car to render it more acceptable. Is diesel OK but petrol not? Do the Amish carry out a per head Co2 analysis before trips? On the basis of the explanation I think I heard, a chauffeured Hummer seems to be the next option from a pony and trap.
Or cradle to grave on systems or products? Does that plastic bucket in the barn actually impose fewer emissions being made, used and eventually recycled than one made from wood and turned, or from clay and fired?
So I think this piece has served to highlight the dilemmas faced, though in many ways a more interesting aspect is how the 'resistance' to 'temptation' is being eroded by succumbing to desire rather than necessity. The interpretations on the acceptability of transport options seemed 'flexible' at best, much like a person in an eco-town deciding a car is OK because they work in another place (maybe a factory that makes foot-treadle sewing machines for folk who like labour-saving devices without thinking too hard on how they happen to exist) or, as Justin noted, battery packs but not the electricity that is required to charge them.
ps: When you muck out a stable, is it best to do it in a suit that will need dry cleaning, or on clothes that can be simply washed and hung out to dry? I think the Amish may have some things yet to share.
Hence I am still unsure as to what this series is trying to do. Is it a travel series (that is trying to hint that travel is bad?). An anti-technology advocacy (that uses technology and depends on others watching it?). Or an 'entertainment' , where green practices get dropped for the sake of a prop to help ratings? What?
Even with the Amish, I had to feel the varied actions of the messengers seemed to raise more questions about their messages than any solutions offered. I felt this was less the modern world intruding and more the Amish reaching out. And that, is human nature.
The modern world intrudes on the Amish
And the closest in this piece to a young woman was a teen in some Nike trainers who was in fact a Born-Again Christian.
Ethical Man and his travels is on my review list, so when he posts I read, and often feel the need to comment:
It was an interesting travel/social piece, but I am unsure if there is much one can take by way of dealing with future world/climate related issues. Even these fine folk seem unable to resist the shiny cameras and boom mikes (where did the crew sleep?) that squirt electrons around; shame they will never get to see this piece about them.
True, these guys are living a relatively self-sustaining agrarian-based lifestyle, but with six brothers it seems little wonder the moppet and her siblings are finding things are constraining. That is kind of what happens as populations expand. Then you end up with millions in cities with high-intensity farming to feed 'em.
And it is hard to resist the human urge to roam (and all its consequences), which is why these fine folk were first to be found in a train. I'd be intrigued to learn (though I'm sure 'No, you're wrong. Period. So stop having opinions' will explain, and within 2mins of posting - is it on shifts?) how the motive power of this vehicle differs from that of a car to render it more acceptable. Is diesel OK but petrol not? Do the Amish carry out a per head Co2 analysis before trips? On the basis of the explanation I think I heard, a chauffeured Hummer seems to be the next option from a pony and trap.
Or cradle to grave on systems or products? Does that plastic bucket in the barn actually impose fewer emissions being made, used and eventually recycled than one made from wood and turned, or from clay and fired?
So I think this piece has served to highlight the dilemmas faced, though in many ways a more interesting aspect is how the 'resistance' to 'temptation' is being eroded by succumbing to desire rather than necessity. The interpretations on the acceptability of transport options seemed 'flexible' at best, much like a person in an eco-town deciding a car is OK because they work in another place (maybe a factory that makes foot-treadle sewing machines for folk who like labour-saving devices without thinking too hard on how they happen to exist) or, as Justin noted, battery packs but not the electricity that is required to charge them.
ps: When you muck out a stable, is it best to do it in a suit that will need dry cleaning, or on clothes that can be simply washed and hung out to dry? I think the Amish may have some things yet to share.
Hence I am still unsure as to what this series is trying to do. Is it a travel series (that is trying to hint that travel is bad?). An anti-technology advocacy (that uses technology and depends on others watching it?). Or an 'entertainment' , where green practices get dropped for the sake of a prop to help ratings? What?
Even with the Amish, I had to feel the varied actions of the messengers seemed to raise more questions about their messages than any solutions offered. I felt this was less the modern world intruding and more the Amish reaching out. And that, is human nature.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Waste miles?
In every way.
UK 'will take back toxic waste found in Brazil'
Makes you proud. Can't help but feel that it might be 'better' in terms of enviROI (if not symbolism) to locate a Brazilian HaZMAT company and force the guilty parties to pay them to deal with it there.
UK 'will take back toxic waste found in Brazil'
Makes you proud. Can't help but feel that it might be 'better' in terms of enviROI (if not symbolism) to locate a Brazilian HaZMAT company and force the guilty parties to pay them to deal with it there.
Home Comforts
Is it greener to shop online?
Well, now you can ask.leo.and.lucy@guardian.co.uk... um... online
Living in the heart of a market town we have no need of the food aspect. However, my missus pretty much gets all her gear via the web. Working from home I accept the parcels in, dispatch the rejects back, and appreciate the results retained.
Hard to say whether the planet is better served, but for sure she is not driving off at the weekend hither and thither, and better yet me and the boys are not in tow.
However, this all seems a) rather complex to get one's head around and b) possibly not something worth obsessing about too much. Until we're knocked back to the stone age and are born, live work and die within ten miles of a self-sustaining community it seems rather fanciful tinkering.
If money were no object, I would buy that joint of lamb from our local butchers, who sources just down the road. But I'd do it for flavour mainly. We now have a news Sainsbury's and I got a truly lovely bit of meat for one third the price... all the way from New Zealand. Eco-shame? Well, maybe not, if the various conflicting food mile arguments fly (sorry).
In fact, this debate could shape up like any climate change one, keeping lot of extreme views negatively preoccupied and the majority of us in the middle in the dark and simply confused and slighly uneasy.
Still, as a data junkie the tip about shoeboxx as a way of moving away from and/or filing receipts was worth it. I wonder way the graphic has $ in it?
Well, now you can ask.leo.and.lucy@guardian.co.uk... um... online
Living in the heart of a market town we have no need of the food aspect. However, my missus pretty much gets all her gear via the web. Working from home I accept the parcels in, dispatch the rejects back, and appreciate the results retained.
Hard to say whether the planet is better served, but for sure she is not driving off at the weekend hither and thither, and better yet me and the boys are not in tow.
However, this all seems a) rather complex to get one's head around and b) possibly not something worth obsessing about too much. Until we're knocked back to the stone age and are born, live work and die within ten miles of a self-sustaining community it seems rather fanciful tinkering.
If money were no object, I would buy that joint of lamb from our local butchers, who sources just down the road. But I'd do it for flavour mainly. We now have a news Sainsbury's and I got a truly lovely bit of meat for one third the price... all the way from New Zealand. Eco-shame? Well, maybe not, if the various conflicting food mile arguments fly (sorry).
In fact, this debate could shape up like any climate change one, keeping lot of extreme views negatively preoccupied and the majority of us in the middle in the dark and simply confused and slighly uneasy.
Still, as a data junkie the tip about shoeboxx as a way of moving away from and/or filing receipts was worth it. I wonder way the graphic has $ in it?
Friday, July 17, 2009
New Chapters?
I am hoping today will mark a significant watershed.
After a pretty dire few months, my Mum seems to settling into her new nursing home, and today I go over to her cottage to put the finishing touches to it in anticipation of our first tenant in residence to help us pay for her care.
And, hopefully, one major distraction ticked off a list that has been preoccupying a male mind that does not handle multi-tasking well.
So I can get back, if not refreshed, but more refocused, on Junkk.com and RE:tie.
For the former there is more good news.
As I have been dotting in and out on more personal matters, I have been liaising with David of sound-i, who took over the site from the original designers a few years ago, and have been looking after and/or evolving it ever since.
This has not always been easy. What was, once, state of the art, is now more of being in a bit of a state, with creeping glitches (often as a consequence of new, or updated features clashing - it's a zoo back there) and features that are/were frankly pretty dated.
Well, tempting providence on the glitches, we have upgraded some key ones, mainly in the Ideas section, that I hope will solve a few issues and add welcome new functionality to the site experience.
These are:
Ideas - URL checker in description box with warning message - People have been trying to add URLs in the ideas box, and why not? Nothing like showing a reference. Trouble is, it has been crashing the system. Now there is a warning.... AND... better than that...:
Ideas - 3 x new url fields for adding links (and added to idea display) - so if you do wish to cite URLS you can add up to three of them here.
Ideas Preview amended to show new fields - Once you have uploaded, this new data will be shown too
Ideas Image upload now fixed and solid (no more errors), includes progress bar for large images - Uploading images was causing all sorts of issues, and large files were timing out. This was causing a crash. Not only does this now show status, but...
Ideas Images are now automatically resized on upload so you can upload a 2mb 1500x1500 pixel if you want and it auto resizes to max of 200x200, also maintains aspect ratio and optimises it for speed - OK, it's old school to most, but for us it is a huge step forward and hopefully a real help to posters.
'Delete Stuff' in the 'Edit My Stuff' edit of My Junkk now resurrected - this was crashing a lot. With luck, now fixed. So you can remove what is taken/dated/now embarrassing:)
They will, all things working out, kick in early next week after a bit of weekend testing and downtime to swap sites and servers.
I am also hoping that I can coincide this with the (mid-late) July newsletter and an invitation to tackle the competition, as there is extra stuff to help post ideas.
We're also working on new features all the time, so do let us know if anything will help and we'll see what we can do.
After a pretty dire few months, my Mum seems to settling into her new nursing home, and today I go over to her cottage to put the finishing touches to it in anticipation of our first tenant in residence to help us pay for her care.
And, hopefully, one major distraction ticked off a list that has been preoccupying a male mind that does not handle multi-tasking well.
So I can get back, if not refreshed, but more refocused, on Junkk.com and RE:tie.
For the former there is more good news.
As I have been dotting in and out on more personal matters, I have been liaising with David of sound-i, who took over the site from the original designers a few years ago, and have been looking after and/or evolving it ever since.
This has not always been easy. What was, once, state of the art, is now more of being in a bit of a state, with creeping glitches (often as a consequence of new, or updated features clashing - it's a zoo back there) and features that are/were frankly pretty dated.
Well, tempting providence on the glitches, we have upgraded some key ones, mainly in the Ideas section, that I hope will solve a few issues and add welcome new functionality to the site experience.
These are:
Ideas - URL checker in description box with warning message - People have been trying to add URLs in the ideas box, and why not? Nothing like showing a reference. Trouble is, it has been crashing the system. Now there is a warning.... AND... better than that...:
Ideas - 3 x new url fields for adding links (and added to idea display) - so if you do wish to cite URLS you can add up to three of them here.
Ideas Preview amended to show new fields - Once you have uploaded, this new data will be shown too
Ideas Image upload now fixed and solid (no more errors), includes progress bar for large images - Uploading images was causing all sorts of issues, and large files were timing out. This was causing a crash. Not only does this now show status, but...
Ideas Images are now automatically resized on upload so you can upload a 2mb 1500x1500 pixel if you want and it auto resizes to max of 200x200, also maintains aspect ratio and optimises it for speed - OK, it's old school to most, but for us it is a huge step forward and hopefully a real help to posters.
'Delete Stuff' in the 'Edit My Stuff' edit of My Junkk now resurrected - this was crashing a lot. With luck, now fixed. So you can remove what is taken/dated/now embarrassing:)
They will, all things working out, kick in early next week after a bit of weekend testing and downtime to swap sites and servers.
I am also hoping that I can coincide this with the (mid-late) July newsletter and an invitation to tackle the competition, as there is extra stuff to help post ideas.
We're also working on new features all the time, so do let us know if anything will help and we'll see what we can do.
Go Figure
I don't usually 'do' politics here, but I must say this caught my eye.
Only a few hours ago I was watching BBC lunch news with much gush on the 400k jobs in 'green' industries, and then I read this....
Miliband promises more green jobs but Vestas wind turbine plant is closing
Now there may be all sorts of nuances behind the optimism of one and the facts of the other, but something is really struggling to add up here.
And another nail in the coffin of Ministerial 'R&R' rhetoric vs. reality? And another reason to wonder just what some of our media actually does these days bar churning out press releases from Whitehall.
I was going to say we deserve more honesty from our pols, but really that is a boat that has sailed, been holed, sunk and is now at the bottom of the Marinas Trench.
Daily Politics - Green shoots and wind turbines -
Telegraph - NEW - Miliband's brilliant plan to combat climate change: 'We'll export unicorns to China' - using the pejoratives, I'd say the 'denier'/'warmist' ratio here is about 20:1 (on the Guardian it is reversed - go figure. I'd say Mr. Delingpole and Monbiot could be hired to remake the 'When Two Tribes Go To War' FrankieGTH video), so there is no point joining in. And again, verifiable facts are thin on the ground, so we are in the realms of conviction and hyperbole. But I was interested in the claimed job loss stat in Spain. Just as matter cannot be created or destroyed, it is often the case that a job in one area results with a loss in another. And this government seems very poor at thinking in... well, just thinking.
Only a few hours ago I was watching BBC lunch news with much gush on the 400k jobs in 'green' industries, and then I read this....
Miliband promises more green jobs but Vestas wind turbine plant is closing
Now there may be all sorts of nuances behind the optimism of one and the facts of the other, but something is really struggling to add up here.
And another nail in the coffin of Ministerial 'R&R' rhetoric vs. reality? And another reason to wonder just what some of our media actually does these days bar churning out press releases from Whitehall.
I was going to say we deserve more honesty from our pols, but really that is a boat that has sailed, been holed, sunk and is now at the bottom of the Marinas Trench.
Daily Politics - Green shoots and wind turbines -
Telegraph - NEW - Miliband's brilliant plan to combat climate change: 'We'll export unicorns to China' - using the pejoratives, I'd say the 'denier'/'warmist' ratio here is about 20:1 (on the Guardian it is reversed - go figure. I'd say Mr. Delingpole and Monbiot could be hired to remake the 'When Two Tribes Go To War' FrankieGTH video), so there is no point joining in. And again, verifiable facts are thin on the ground, so we are in the realms of conviction and hyperbole. But I was interested in the claimed job loss stat in Spain. Just as matter cannot be created or destroyed, it is often the case that a job in one area results with a loss in another. And this government seems very poor at thinking in... well, just thinking.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
O......k
Climate change: Green dreams
Editorial: Everything must change and yet nothing must change, Ed Miliband insisted yesterday
Yes, I can see how that will work. At least as articulated in the subhead.
I do think we are on dangerous ground these days if consequences are not appreciated, but such facile spinning seems to be the order of the day, and such mismanaging expectations of is a very dangerous, downward path that if followed makes it ever more difficult to reverse within democratic processes.
Editorial: Everything must change and yet nothing must change, Ed Miliband insisted yesterday
Yes, I can see how that will work. At least as articulated in the subhead.
I do think we are on dangerous ground these days if consequences are not appreciated, but such facile spinning seems to be the order of the day, and such mismanaging expectations of is a very dangerous, downward path that if followed makes it ever more difficult to reverse within democratic processes.
What's the Climate like up there?
I tend to avoid the whole 'climate debate'.
At best it seems to be mostly a bunch of folk arguing about the number of angels who dance on the head of a pin; at worst a bunch of entrenched interest groups from two dogmatic extremes lobbing pretty much the same justifications for their views at each other over and over.
I am not saying it is not important, just that I feel it more productive to get on with what I think can help all sides and let others hopefully deal with an area I can see no value in get involved with, bar seeking to ensure the enviROI is always positive.
However, it is a pretty key aspect of many debates, and one thing that always comes up is the difference between 'climate' and 'weather'.
And I would hope these guys would know better than most what it is:
What's the Difference Between Weather and Climate?
At best it seems to be mostly a bunch of folk arguing about the number of angels who dance on the head of a pin; at worst a bunch of entrenched interest groups from two dogmatic extremes lobbing pretty much the same justifications for their views at each other over and over.
I am not saying it is not important, just that I feel it more productive to get on with what I think can help all sides and let others hopefully deal with an area I can see no value in get involved with, bar seeking to ensure the enviROI is always positive.
However, it is a pretty key aspect of many debates, and one thing that always comes up is the difference between 'climate' and 'weather'.
And I would hope these guys would know better than most what it is:
What's the Difference Between Weather and Climate?
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