I'm ducking this one. It is in the Guardian, so if you wade in, good luck; a few replies kinda prove the premise of the main post:)
Greens are the enemies of liberty
Sorry to see a few sources I use in there. But that's the beauty of freedom of speech. They can say it. But what seems less optimal is there are some still seem to feel others cannot.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Been here before. Not by car any more, though.
The low-carbon road out of poverty
The sooner some figure that many live outside of well-served urban centres the better. And many of those don't work near where they have to work or when such systems as do operate.
My Mum's carer is being hit hard trying to get around 10+ clients in a day round the county, and doesn't get her miles covered by taxpayer (but those already ill-positioned to help her with the rate hike will... or the tax-payer) as do our political or LA or quango classes, and using a bus or hitching a ride from a passing lifshare is not quite going to meet the flexibility or shift criteria.
So whacking her for her car choice a decade ago, plus her total lack of choice in operational cost ain't going to cut it alone.
Sorry if that doesn't gel with the bike (or taxi if it's raining) brigade in Islington or Prius types being chauffered from Westminster, but a bit more joined up national thinking might be needed to address the problems being faced without just looking like acting whilst actually crippling those trying to keep up with one knee jerk after the next.
In fact, this whole thing is shaping up as a pretty elitist, city-centric, nice-if-you-can-afford it number for the establishment brigade to wring their hands over whilst crushing those they purport to represent and/or have sympathy for, whilst just doing what they can afford to do on the backs of those who cannot.
The sooner some figure that many live outside of well-served urban centres the better. And many of those don't work near where they have to work or when such systems as do operate.
My Mum's carer is being hit hard trying to get around 10+ clients in a day round the county, and doesn't get her miles covered by taxpayer (but those already ill-positioned to help her with the rate hike will... or the tax-payer) as do our political or LA or quango classes, and using a bus or hitching a ride from a passing lifshare is not quite going to meet the flexibility or shift criteria.
So whacking her for her car choice a decade ago, plus her total lack of choice in operational cost ain't going to cut it alone.
Sorry if that doesn't gel with the bike (or taxi if it's raining) brigade in Islington or Prius types being chauffered from Westminster, but a bit more joined up national thinking might be needed to address the problems being faced without just looking like acting whilst actually crippling those trying to keep up with one knee jerk after the next.
In fact, this whole thing is shaping up as a pretty elitist, city-centric, nice-if-you-can-afford it number for the establishment brigade to wring their hands over whilst crushing those they purport to represent and/or have sympathy for, whilst just doing what they can afford to do on the backs of those who cannot.
Nature's Bounty
Just watching the news about the Chinese clear up of the sailing venue.
10,000 troops cleared vast swathes of green algae clogging the shoreline and, it appears, it all has ended up in landfill.
Meanwhile, this weekend I attacked our little 1/2 acre of garden, which frankly has ended up as a jungle thanks to the combo of sun and rain. Amazing little green factories using solar energy (even through clouds) to make carbon-based materials.
And I will be trotting off with a large trolley full to the tip next weekend.
I merely ask, but I don't know, but might there not be some value in looking at efficient ways of gathering this material and getting it to places where it can be used to generate heat and resources? Maybe it does already, but if not it seems a pity that essentially my garden, if used only for compost, is mainly emitting co2 with little to show.
10,000 troops cleared vast swathes of green algae clogging the shoreline and, it appears, it all has ended up in landfill.
Meanwhile, this weekend I attacked our little 1/2 acre of garden, which frankly has ended up as a jungle thanks to the combo of sun and rain. Amazing little green factories using solar energy (even through clouds) to make carbon-based materials.
And I will be trotting off with a large trolley full to the tip next weekend.
I merely ask, but I don't know, but might there not be some value in looking at efficient ways of gathering this material and getting it to places where it can be used to generate heat and resources? Maybe it does already, but if not it seems a pity that essentially my garden, if used only for compost, is mainly emitting co2 with little to show.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Papa don't preach...
Pope to preach on climate change
‘The Pope has told reporters while flying to Australia … that people need to be spurred into changing their lifestyles because of climate change.’
LOL. Subtle, guys!
‘The Pope has told reporters while flying to Australia … that people need to be spurred into changing their lifestyles because of climate change.’
LOL. Subtle, guys!
Eight new nuclear plants to be built
That's the story as told by the Telegraph over the weekend.
I can remember Ol' Golden's pronouncement on the move to use an enhanced nuclear capability as part of the overall plan to reduce the UK's carbon emissions. However, I can also remember the promise that there would be a large public consultation before any plans were agreed and before any building program might commence. Hmmmm, it all rather smacks of a 'done deal' now.
Oh well, at least the cabinet seem to have something practical to do now - "Ministers are to build eight new nuclear power stations across England"
I hope I'm not in the vicinity when the new plants get commissioned!
I can remember Ol' Golden's pronouncement on the move to use an enhanced nuclear capability as part of the overall plan to reduce the UK's carbon emissions. However, I can also remember the promise that there would be a large public consultation before any plans were agreed and before any building program might commence. Hmmmm, it all rather smacks of a 'done deal' now.
Oh well, at least the cabinet seem to have something practical to do now - "Ministers are to build eight new nuclear power stations across England"
I hope I'm not in the vicinity when the new plants get commissioned!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
You never know, it may get printed...
...it's (my online comment about my online site) carbon footprint is pretty low:
Of course, some have moved with the times and also embraced the potential of the internet as silver surfers.
On Junkk.com, a free online site, some of the best reuse ideas posted hark from those with a lifetime of experience to share.
Times - Our grandparents were the real greens - 'Brown’s ticking-off was music to my ears. For the past year I have been researching and writing a book focusing on how green the British public... Sucking Eggs: What Your Wartime Granny Could Teach You About Diet, Thrift and Going Green will be published by Chatto & Windus in 2009
Dilemma time. I am thinking about writing a book, too, but the tricky part is building a reuse aspect into it, unless the fact it will be more a 'how to' will suffice.
Of course, some have moved with the times and also embraced the potential of the internet as silver surfers.
On Junkk.com, a free online site, some of the best reuse ideas posted hark from those with a lifetime of experience to share.
Times - Our grandparents were the real greens - 'Brown’s ticking-off was music to my ears. For the past year I have been researching and writing a book focusing on how green the British public... Sucking Eggs: What Your Wartime Granny Could Teach You About Diet, Thrift and Going Green will be published by Chatto & Windus in 2009
Dilemma time. I am thinking about writing a book, too, but the tricky part is building a reuse aspect into it, unless the fact it will be more a 'how to' will suffice.
Friday, July 11, 2008
We've been labelled!
You know how folk usually don't like being labelled?
Well, we have, and we could not be more thrilled!
Now I know I bang on about the actual use of a lot of 'green labelling' initiatives, especially to already overloaded and/confused consumers wandering down the aisles (is finding 75g of carbon in crisp pack enough to abandon the store and drive to the next town?), but how about a nifty bit of re:use ideas re:direction... on every pack? As with the recycling URL, Junkk.com is looking forward to enjoying pride of place (well, lurking) on the product ranges from Poundland.
And, until today, we knew not one thing about it, until this very nice email email arrived from a very nice chap: Neil Ballard, their Packaging & Design Manager -
"After meeting you (and being thoroughly inspired) at the Packaging Show at the NEC earlier this year, you will be pleased to know that we have now added your website address to over 600 lines of product that will be coming in to our business over the next few months (primarily Halloween and Christmas) and we will continue to do so to as many lines as possible. See attached example of how you have been integrated on to our own label packs. I hope this helps your cause and that your business/website grows exponentially!"
I actually thought it was a wind up at first, but having spoken to the man himself it looks like we have yet another, and highly significant addition to the cause... and, soon, we hope, database!
Early days, but we're looking forward to hooking up with them on all sorts of fun & games to help the consumer, the planet... and... by way of inspiring a few other businesses, our two companies' own bottom lines too!
Numbers games
I am on various forums. One threw up this link on nuclear: Warning over nuclear power sites
Before I knew it I was mouthing off...
'Could'. 'Significantly'?
I started life as a Civil Engineer. The unofficial motto was 'Civ. Eng's do for a shilling what any other idiot can do for a pound'.
I then went into advertising, mostly in Asia. The rule there was 'He who goes over approved estimate may dream fondly of getting any more out of client'.
Two different careers. One common theme. Budgeting ... and, without wishing to end up like the JLF in 'Life of Brian', time management (still boiled down to money).
Now, I never went near money in either. I made... make things. But at every stage of my career I have understood the need, and value of accurate estimates. Working with those who drew 'em up.
There were unforeseeables, inevitably. And that's why we had smart cookies figuring out the contingencies to negotiate the contracts, based on accurate parameters.
What the heck has happened?
From Wembley to the 2012 Olympics, it seems you pluck a number out the sky, halve it to win the contract, and then quadruple it so the lawyer fees look only slightly less in comparison.
When it comes to energy, especially nuclear and renewables, I am at a complete loss. With politics and subsidies and targets and agendas muddying and already murky mix.
Black is white. Green is red. Up is down.
As a consumer I just want things quick, cheap, fast and reliable. If I am so minded, I might now throw some ethics in the mix. Those factors are all a juggle. A unit of 'leccy is not very sexy, so I could care less how it arrives or from whom.
Hence, in opting for my supply, I need to know how much, for how long, how often and how well. With some sense on carbon consequences if I feel in the mood to trade some gr££n for some green. Weighing all the options.
It would be nice to have clear, simple charts showing what is front loaded or back loaded, what is more secure because of investment, or what goes into payback and when for the same reason. So I can asses £/kW over a defined set of periods. And if there is a dirty great big plummet (in supply) or soar (in cost) about when my kids are plugging in my blanket because the systems are going off line (decommissioning or exploding gearboxes), I want that in there too. Because it's not fair on them and dumb for me not to be aware.
Now, why is getting that so hard? Or are the massed voices of lobbyists and activists just drowning out any sane long term information (which just must be out there), at least as far as any media I read seems capable of sharing.
It has come to something that I consider our government at best incompetent (what Minister on 6-month rotation could understand the issues) if not corrupt (what MP is going to do what's right today but get 'em bounced tomorrow?), and our media incapable (are there any qualified science reporters any more?) if not venal (ratings trump all), and hence not to be trusted in helping the public understand what it is facing and arrive at a consensus that it will support to drive through what is best for now... and the future.
Before I knew it I was mouthing off...
'Could'. 'Significantly'?
I started life as a Civil Engineer. The unofficial motto was 'Civ. Eng's do for a shilling what any other idiot can do for a pound'.
I then went into advertising, mostly in Asia. The rule there was 'He who goes over approved estimate may dream fondly of getting any more out of client'.
Two different careers. One common theme. Budgeting ... and, without wishing to end up like the JLF in 'Life of Brian', time management (still boiled down to money).
Now, I never went near money in either. I made... make things. But at every stage of my career I have understood the need, and value of accurate estimates. Working with those who drew 'em up.
There were unforeseeables, inevitably. And that's why we had smart cookies figuring out the contingencies to negotiate the contracts, based on accurate parameters.
What the heck has happened?
From Wembley to the 2012 Olympics, it seems you pluck a number out the sky, halve it to win the contract, and then quadruple it so the lawyer fees look only slightly less in comparison.
When it comes to energy, especially nuclear and renewables, I am at a complete loss. With politics and subsidies and targets and agendas muddying and already murky mix.
Black is white. Green is red. Up is down.
As a consumer I just want things quick, cheap, fast and reliable. If I am so minded, I might now throw some ethics in the mix. Those factors are all a juggle. A unit of 'leccy is not very sexy, so I could care less how it arrives or from whom.
Hence, in opting for my supply, I need to know how much, for how long, how often and how well. With some sense on carbon consequences if I feel in the mood to trade some gr££n for some green. Weighing all the options.
It would be nice to have clear, simple charts showing what is front loaded or back loaded, what is more secure because of investment, or what goes into payback and when for the same reason. So I can asses £/kW over a defined set of periods. And if there is a dirty great big plummet (in supply) or soar (in cost) about when my kids are plugging in my blanket because the systems are going off line (decommissioning or exploding gearboxes), I want that in there too. Because it's not fair on them and dumb for me not to be aware.
Now, why is getting that so hard? Or are the massed voices of lobbyists and activists just drowning out any sane long term information (which just must be out there), at least as far as any media I read seems capable of sharing.
It has come to something that I consider our government at best incompetent (what Minister on 6-month rotation could understand the issues) if not corrupt (what MP is going to do what's right today but get 'em bounced tomorrow?), and our media incapable (are there any qualified science reporters any more?) if not venal (ratings trump all), and hence not to be trusted in helping the public understand what it is facing and arrive at a consensus that it will support to drive through what is best for now... and the future.
Everyone has a right to protest ....
.... at something that they disagree with; and (my caveat) providing it is peaceful and sensibly done. But yet again, we have total and utter madness reported as a climate change group hijack a train delivering coal to Drax power station. Full story is from the Guardian.
Sorry, but this is on a par with the animal liberation people freeing thousands of mink a few years ago. These caused absolute devastation to the wildlife within 20 or so miles of the mink farms.
To the people in this Climate Change Action group - I'm all for raising awareness of climate change, but if you want to make a point, make it fairly, sensibly and politely; actions such as hijacking trains make you look like nothing less than outlaws, lunatics and complete idiots. All you will do is alienate yourselves from the man in the street. Go get a life!
Guardian - Addendum (JM) - Is hijacking a train the right tactic? - Methinks some protest to much, and actually get active in more productive ways too little.
Indy - Addendum 2 (JM) - Climate campaigners threaten to invade and shut down power plant - 'Green activists are vowing to force their way...'
Sorry, but this is on a par with the animal liberation people freeing thousands of mink a few years ago. These caused absolute devastation to the wildlife within 20 or so miles of the mink farms.
To the people in this Climate Change Action group - I'm all for raising awareness of climate change, but if you want to make a point, make it fairly, sensibly and politely; actions such as hijacking trains make you look like nothing less than outlaws, lunatics and complete idiots. All you will do is alienate yourselves from the man in the street. Go get a life!
Guardian - Addendum (JM) - Is hijacking a train the right tactic? - Methinks some protest to much, and actually get active in more productive ways too little.
Indy - Addendum 2 (JM) - Climate campaigners threaten to invade and shut down power plant - 'Green activists are vowing to force their way...'
Live... and sucking!
Recently I did a Dragon's Denny kind of effort. A Bristol-based media-business company posted a contest invite to pitch, and I decided to go for it with RE:tie.Well, I ended up on the shortlist! But now you can see how I also managed not to win!
One thing you should bear in mind is the brief, and this one was a bit loose. I had presumed that it was about the idea of course, but mainly about the money. And I know VCs don't get out of bed for less than £1/2M. Hence we had to concoct a scheme whereby I could ask for that much money, justify how it would be spent... and how they, and we, would not only recoup our investment, but then really start coining it. As it turned out, what we came up with, while not the only option, made a lot of sense.
Shame they didn't want to hear about the money, then. I had us on £10k per day for the rest of our lives after just a year. Remember, this was billed as looking for unique new ideas that would be of interest to major investors. But they didn't ask how that would happen.
Not much I can say. They were coming from a very different mindset in about every way. I can't believe that being 'smart', meaning wearing a suit*, is still an issue in getting behind an idea, but there you go. They also, amazingly, almost all seemed amongst the few so far who plain didn't 'get' RE:tie. Funny how so many in business, and especially when one gets to the business of green, operate on the basis of 'Well, I wouldn't'. I'm sure they don't shop in Tescos either, but most folk do. At least they were pleasant, if a bit negative, though I would have wished for more constructive feedback. I got what they wouldn't do, but not much on what they would.
Still, we now have some edited footage and it will get an airing. So possibly worth doing still. Not sure what I would have done differently. But still a valuable opportunity.
Off now to scope the other contestants in companion to see where I went wrong:(
Addendum - There's a blog too. Now all I need to do is find my password!
*Suited and booted?
Interesting.
I could have come in a suit. I do have one. I made the decision not to (a 'Bench' over shirt is still 'smart casual' in my book, especially on a hot day). Poor call, evidently.
It was on a variety of grounds.
First up this was not a typical DD/VC/BA pitch.
As I recall the main aim was to seek a great idea. From all my years in the ad world, great ideas tended to come from folk who didn't see suits as the main point of a productive day. And in the theatre that is presentation, I suspect most of my clients would have been a tad thrown to find a wall of corporate grey drones trying to convince them how to engage with normal folk... teens, kids, Mums, silver surfers... with their messages.
Of course you are also selling a business idea, so it is optimal to have a guy on the team who the money men can identify with. No such option. My bad.
But it is still a worry that the veneer still seemed/s these days to matter more than the substance. I guess such as The Apprentice and most of the UK's government and corporate activities of late have shown how tops the results of this mindset are for the country's fortunes.
I came fully armed with numbers for my financial pitch, if they were required. But as the judges were not going there, this was irrelevant as, surely therefore, was the need to look the part for this aspect?
We all make judgements, on various bases, so I guess dress can serve a function in this.
For my part, I am selling what I know and who I am trying to reach with what I create, and how I understand and identify with them.
Hence the critique from one judge 'Why would I want to do this?' was not a concern: I doubt a free piece of plastic that can save pennies (and planet) would make much difference to a suited and booted finance whizz. But I can understand why packaging for champagne bottles would. More his 'zone' I guess. Oh, did I mention that we had estimated payback of investment within a year, and then £10k per day from then on?
But it is a two-way street. I also need to work with these guys, and have confidence that they 'get' my concept, see its potential and where I am coming from. Makes working together fun... and profitable.
So long as they can prove to me we're on the same page, have a clear vision and strategy to achieve our objectives, I could care less if they were sitting in shorts and a flip flop.
Actually perhaps dress also more appropriate for a late-teen oriented design innovation festival, held in a converted ex-disco in a dirty room with stained windows, if you think about it.
So yes, If I am presenting to a VC in a corporate office or a retail board there will be a suit... if no tie. But I will have a guy in full Armani with me who will be. Here... it wasn't necessary or relevant to the task at hand or the brief I had.
Don't know if you agree on the last bit, but glad you might on the rest.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
NEWS/GO3 - Green goods to come to the front of Britain's shelves
From DEFRA, E& OE: Green goods to come to the front of Britain's shelves
Publishing progress reports on Sustainable Products and Materials and
the Waste Strategy, Climate Change Minister Ms Joan Ruddock has said that the
Government and industry were working together to green the whole life cycle of products and
services - from the raw materials right through to their use and
disposal:
"We know people are concerned about their effect on the environment,
but they don't get to see the full picture of what goes into
producing the goods they buy - and they don't see what happens after
they've thrown them away.
"It needs to be easier for people to buy products that will save them
money and reduce their impact on the environment - and that's exactly
what we're doing. There are real savings to be made - through this
action to green the products and materials we use, UK households
could save £5 billion a year on their bills.
"Many businesses are already taking positive steps to reduce the
environmental impact of their products, and are seeing the real
benefits this can have, both for them and their customers. But as
fuel prices rise, commodities become scarcer, and families are
feeling the pinch, it becomes ever more important for businesses to
use resources more efficiently throughout the supply chain, those
that don't will miss out on potential savings, as well as big
opportunities for growth."
The Sustainable Products and Materials report details, for the first
time, the action already underway on making products and materials
more sustainable throughout their production, use and disposal,
across a wide range of products groups including food, electrical
appliances and clothing.
Significant achievements to date include:
* The piloting of Product Roadmaps, which aim to improve the
environmental performance of ten priority products across their life
cycles;
* Progress towards saving enough energy to power 1.5 million homes by
improving the efficiency of some of the biggest energy using products
- set top boxes, external power supply units (such as for laptops,
mobile phones, and printers), fridges, washing machines, and
dishwashers;
* An initiative with retailers to take inefficient light bulbs off
the shelves by 2011;
* Half of all milk packaging to be made from recycled materials by
2020;
* Government is setting an example for business through our "Buy
Sustainable - Quick Wins workstream." This tightens minimum standards
for public sector procurement. For example most paper used in
Government offices must have 100% recycled content and, where
non-recycled content is allowed, any virgin fibre used must be
sourced from a sustainably managed forest;
* Developing the PAS2050, a recognised standard which enables
businesses to measure CO2 emissions across the life-cycle of
products;
* Leading in Europe to bring the energy used by all standby devices
sold in the EU down to 1 watt - and to halve that again in four years
after that standard is adopted.
The report also sets out a vision for future work on making products
more sustainable, and encourages further debate and discussion on how
this can be achieved.
* UK households could save £5 billion per year from cost-effective
energy efficiency improvements to products.
* Savings from not wasting so much food could be around £420 for the
average UK household. And for households with children it's even more
- £610 a year.
* Confident that with today's technology for metering, tariffs
and water efficiency, per capita consumption of water can be reduced
through cost effective measures, to an average of 130 litres per
person per day by 2030. Hope that developments in new technology
and future innovation will improve the cost-effectiveness of these
measures over time and this can drive consumption down further to an
average of 120 litres per person per day by 2030.
* Energy saving light bulbs can reduce lighting costs by up to £100
over the lifetime of the bulb.
* Initiatives such as moves by major retailers to reduce
environmental impacts demonstrate that resource efficiency is
beginning to be seen as a business opportunity.
The Government is also publishing the "Policy Analysis and
Projections 2008" report which sets out our vision and trajectories
for improvement of efficiency of a range of energy-using products
including light bulbs, refrigerators, boilers and consumer
electronics till 2020 as well as the evidence underpinning our
assessment and challenges to industry for the scale of those
improvements.
A summary of progress made since the publication in May 2007 of the
Waste Strategy is also published today.
It shows good progress in the main indicators, covering waste growth,
recycling and diversion from landfill:
* There is a fall in the amount of household waste produced per
person which is not re-used, recycled, or composted;
* Household recycling rates have continued to increase. Early
indications are that the national average has risen in the first part
of 2007/08 to 33%;
* The amount of commercial and industrial waste being sent to
landfill has continued to fall;
* More energy is being recovered from waste; and
* Less biodegradable waste is being sent to landfill.
Further work is needed to identify whether an increase in reports of
fly tipping incidents represents an increase in fly tipping activity,
or whether it reflects continued improvement in the levels of
information local authorities provide to the Fly Capture national
database. The forecast for 2007/08 anticipates a decrease in fly
tipping levels.
1. The Sustainable Products and Materials progress report is
available here
2. The Waste Strategy progress report is available here
3. Ten product roadmaps to demonstrate the
sustainable products approach are being piloted - milk, fish, clothing, passenger
cars, TVs, domestic lighting, electric motors, window systems, WCs,
plasterboard. Further information on each is available here
4. You can read more about Market Transformation Programme "Policy
Analysis and Projections" here
* By 2020 half of all milk packaging will be made from recycled
materials
*The dairy industry are undertaking
the following measures to achieve them:
* To send zero ex-factory waste to landfill.
* All tertiary packaging is to be re-usable or recyclable
Publishing progress reports on Sustainable Products and Materials and
the Waste Strategy, Climate Change Minister Ms Joan Ruddock has said that the
Government and industry were working together to green the whole life cycle of products and
services - from the raw materials right through to their use and
disposal:
"We know people are concerned about their effect on the environment,
but they don't get to see the full picture of what goes into
producing the goods they buy - and they don't see what happens after
they've thrown them away.
"It needs to be easier for people to buy products that will save them
money and reduce their impact on the environment - and that's exactly
what we're doing. There are real savings to be made - through this
action to green the products and materials we use, UK households
could save £5 billion a year on their bills.
"Many businesses are already taking positive steps to reduce the
environmental impact of their products, and are seeing the real
benefits this can have, both for them and their customers. But as
fuel prices rise, commodities become scarcer, and families are
feeling the pinch, it becomes ever more important for businesses to
use resources more efficiently throughout the supply chain, those
that don't will miss out on potential savings, as well as big
opportunities for growth."
The Sustainable Products and Materials report details, for the first
time, the action already underway on making products and materials
more sustainable throughout their production, use and disposal,
across a wide range of products groups including food, electrical
appliances and clothing.
Significant achievements to date include:
* The piloting of Product Roadmaps, which aim to improve the
environmental performance of ten priority products across their life
cycles;
* Progress towards saving enough energy to power 1.5 million homes by
improving the efficiency of some of the biggest energy using products
- set top boxes, external power supply units (such as for laptops,
mobile phones, and printers), fridges, washing machines, and
dishwashers;
* An initiative with retailers to take inefficient light bulbs off
the shelves by 2011;
* Half of all milk packaging to be made from recycled materials by
2020;
* Government is setting an example for business through our "Buy
Sustainable - Quick Wins workstream." This tightens minimum standards
for public sector procurement. For example most paper used in
Government offices must have 100% recycled content and, where
non-recycled content is allowed, any virgin fibre used must be
sourced from a sustainably managed forest;
* Developing the PAS2050, a recognised standard which enables
businesses to measure CO2 emissions across the life-cycle of
products;
* Leading in Europe to bring the energy used by all standby devices
sold in the EU down to 1 watt - and to halve that again in four years
after that standard is adopted.
The report also sets out a vision for future work on making products
more sustainable, and encourages further debate and discussion on how
this can be achieved.
* UK households could save £5 billion per year from cost-effective
energy efficiency improvements to products.
* Savings from not wasting so much food could be around £420 for the
average UK household. And for households with children it's even more
- £610 a year.
* Confident that with today's technology for metering, tariffs
and water efficiency, per capita consumption of water can be reduced
through cost effective measures, to an average of 130 litres per
person per day by 2030. Hope that developments in new technology
and future innovation will improve the cost-effectiveness of these
measures over time and this can drive consumption down further to an
average of 120 litres per person per day by 2030.
* Energy saving light bulbs can reduce lighting costs by up to £100
over the lifetime of the bulb.
* Initiatives such as moves by major retailers to reduce
environmental impacts demonstrate that resource efficiency is
beginning to be seen as a business opportunity.
The Government is also publishing the "Policy Analysis and
Projections 2008" report which sets out our vision and trajectories
for improvement of efficiency of a range of energy-using products
including light bulbs, refrigerators, boilers and consumer
electronics till 2020 as well as the evidence underpinning our
assessment and challenges to industry for the scale of those
improvements.
A summary of progress made since the publication in May 2007 of the
Waste Strategy is also published today.
It shows good progress in the main indicators, covering waste growth,
recycling and diversion from landfill:
* There is a fall in the amount of household waste produced per
person which is not re-used, recycled, or composted;
* Household recycling rates have continued to increase. Early
indications are that the national average has risen in the first part
of 2007/08 to 33%;
* The amount of commercial and industrial waste being sent to
landfill has continued to fall;
* More energy is being recovered from waste; and
* Less biodegradable waste is being sent to landfill.
Further work is needed to identify whether an increase in reports of
fly tipping incidents represents an increase in fly tipping activity,
or whether it reflects continued improvement in the levels of
information local authorities provide to the Fly Capture national
database. The forecast for 2007/08 anticipates a decrease in fly
tipping levels.
1. The Sustainable Products and Materials progress report is
available here
2. The Waste Strategy progress report is available here
3. Ten product roadmaps to demonstrate the
sustainable products approach are being piloted - milk, fish, clothing, passenger
cars, TVs, domestic lighting, electric motors, window systems, WCs,
plasterboard. Further information on each is available here
4. You can read more about Market Transformation Programme "Policy
Analysis and Projections" here
* By 2020 half of all milk packaging will be made from recycled
materials
*The dairy industry are undertaking
the following measures to achieve them:
* To send zero ex-factory waste to landfill.
* All tertiary packaging is to be re-usable or recyclable
Story telling
Good news to be had here: Wrappers' delight
However, I am not so sure this is the best description of a publicly-funded quango: (Wrap), a private company that helps individuals, businesses and local authorities to reduce waste and recycle more.
And, while true, whether this description of how our money gets spent tells the whole story: 'Lots of major brand owners are becoming converts to this,' Skelton says. He cites Heinz, which has created new lightweight can lids'
However, I am not so sure this is the best description of a publicly-funded quango: (Wrap), a private company that helps individuals, businesses and local authorities to reduce waste and recycle more.
And, while true, whether this description of how our money gets spent tells the whole story: 'Lots of major brand owners are becoming converts to this,' Skelton says. He cites Heinz, which has created new lightweight can lids'
Of course, there are limits. Starting just before what I need to do.
The art of embarrassment
As with all notions that seem initially attractive when applied to others: 'careful what you wish for'.
As with all notions that seem initially attractive when applied to others: 'careful what you wish for'.
QUOTE OF THE DAY - Stats the way, uh-huh
Indy letters - Kudos for publishing
You say (Opinion, 7 July), "Even in wealthy Britain, where food makes up a paltry 9 per cent of average budgets, families are feeling the squeeze from rising food prices".
This sentence is itself an oxymoron but becomes doubly paradoxical in the light of your lead story (same day), in which you say, "The [Cabinet Office] report says UK households could save an average of £420 per year by not throwing away 4.1 million tonnes of food that could have been eaten".
There is either gloss on the statistics, or the British are uniquely stupid; possibly both?
You say (Opinion, 7 July), "Even in wealthy Britain, where food makes up a paltry 9 per cent of average budgets, families are feeling the squeeze from rising food prices".
This sentence is itself an oxymoron but becomes doubly paradoxical in the light of your lead story (same day), in which you say, "The [Cabinet Office] report says UK households could save an average of £420 per year by not throwing away 4.1 million tonnes of food that could have been eaten".
There is either gloss on the statistics, or the British are uniquely stupid; possibly both?
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
EVENT - THE ECOVILLAGE - KENT COUNTY SHOW2008
MONTH - This weekend!!!!
FIELD: Environmental
WHEN: 11th, 12th & 13th July
WHAT: THE ECOVILLAGE - NEW TO THE KENT COUNTY SHOW FOR 2008!!
WHAT... MORE?: Visitors will be able to see and experience the latest developments in environmental products, and speak to experts in green living. But it won’t be all worthy bean eating, there’s plenty of fun to be had being green as well! With almost 50 ‘Ecovillagers’ there really will be something to interest the whole family.
WHERE: Kent Show at Detling
WHO: see site URL
HOW MUCH: Part of the Kent show. Prices here.
URL: http://www.kentecovillage.co.uk/
COMMENTS: We only found out about this just now. In fact Junkk.com was hoping to get there but it's all a bit last minute. But we are cobbling together a little display as the organisers Sust Marketing have kindly offered a slot on their stand. Shame most of our reuse kit is still at the Bristol show, but we'll try and do our best.
FIELD: Environmental
WHEN: 11th, 12th & 13th July
WHAT: THE ECOVILLAGE - NEW TO THE KENT COUNTY SHOW FOR 2008!!
WHAT... MORE?: Visitors will be able to see and experience the latest developments in environmental products, and speak to experts in green living. But it won’t be all worthy bean eating, there’s plenty of fun to be had being green as well! With almost 50 ‘Ecovillagers’ there really will be something to interest the whole family.
WHERE: Kent Show at Detling
WHO: see site URL
HOW MUCH: Part of the Kent show. Prices here.
URL: http://www.kentecovillage.co.uk/
COMMENTS: We only found out about this just now. In fact Junkk.com was hoping to get there but it's all a bit last minute. But we are cobbling together a little display as the organisers Sust Marketing have kindly offered a slot on their stand. Shame most of our reuse kit is still at the Bristol show, but we'll try and do our best.
Ready, aim... er... well, that went well, I think
Great thing, aiming.
G8 aims to halve greenhouse gases
I do recall this all, or something very similar, before, however.
Wonder how many BBC journos flew along to take us for the ride, too.
Indy - An agreement with no commitments
Guardian - Global polluters agree need for cuts in emissions - but not how or when - You know, on that basis, there is a lot I am happy to agree to, too.
BBC - Summit approves climate 'vision' - Yes, it's that vision thing. Needs looking at.. into.
Telegraph - NEW - BBC throwing out food - I do wonder what else they might be accused of, mind
Telegraph - NEW - Let's hope Gordon Brown clears his plate at the G8 - Bless
G8 aims to halve greenhouse gases
I do recall this all, or something very similar, before, however.
Wonder how many BBC journos flew along to take us for the ride, too.
Indy - An agreement with no commitments
Guardian - Global polluters agree need for cuts in emissions - but not how or when - You know, on that basis, there is a lot I am happy to agree to, too.
BBC - Summit approves climate 'vision' - Yes, it's that vision thing. Needs looking at.. into.
Telegraph - NEW - BBC throwing out food - I do wonder what else they might be accused of, mind
Telegraph - NEW - Let's hope Gordon Brown clears his plate at the G8 - Bless
Rules without rulers.
I found this interesting:
ASA - British Sky Broadcasting Ltd t/a Sky
Mainly because, amongst all the rest, of this: '...We understood that there was no generally accepted definition of carbon neutral but that the claim could be evaluated against generally accepted best practice. '
Might it not be a plan for consumers to have one... that makes sense.. and they can trust?
For now, that term means diddly squat to me and washes over like sensible enviro policies on a Government Minister.
I'm also gathering, from look at other judgements, that being told not to run an already expended campaign again is hardly the greatest motivating penalty to not repeat again. POOR Show.
ASA - British Sky Broadcasting Ltd t/a Sky
Mainly because, amongst all the rest, of this: '...We understood that there was no generally accepted definition of carbon neutral but that the claim could be evaluated against generally accepted best practice. '
Might it not be a plan for consumers to have one... that makes sense.. and they can trust?
For now, that term means diddly squat to me and washes over like sensible enviro policies on a Government Minister.
I'm also gathering, from look at other judgements, that being told not to run an already expended campaign again is hardly the greatest motivating penalty to not repeat again. POOR Show.
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