Waste industry speaks out about WRAP 'super body' plans - UPDATE 2 this
On the one hand I have been an advocate of amortisation to reduce the rampant waste through overlapping quangos. So... cautious welcome.
One the other... the lead is....WRAP???????
And what is it about 'superbodies' that gets my eyebrow cranking (new icon in headline) big time?
These are the guys that demanded my business plan, told us 'reuse was not of interest', and then copied a ton of stuff we had done, were doing, are doing and will do using no public money on driving 'not for profit' board member bonusses up in pretty darn near conflict of interest ways via box-ticking, target-meeting 'awareness' campaigns.
The outfit that figured giving huge amounts to vastly-profitable international companies to help them make more money on their packaging was a good deal.
Enough on the various interest groups surrounding this huge industry speaking out; what about the public and consumers being required to plough millions into all this with near zero say or representation?
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Can't hurt to revisit
Simple, painless steps cut carbon and save money, a new study shows
And such as here great places to do it.
Not via endless multi-million £ 'awareness' box-ticking campaigns from overlapping quangos with too much of our money for the sense they possess.
And such as here great places to do it.
Not via endless multi-million £ 'awareness' box-ticking campaigns from overlapping quangos with too much of our money for the sense they possess.
POOH CORNER - Whiff-fi
OK, it's not quite 'pooh', but related enough:
The methane makers
And interesting.
Especially, in these recessionary times, how the chart matches our family meat purchase trends, though we have drawn the line at cannibalism. For now.
The methane makers
And interesting.
Especially, in these recessionary times, how the chart matches our family meat purchase trends, though we have drawn the line at cannibalism. For now.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
According to Plan?
Suitably 'inspired', I go off message...
Hey, what's the worst that could happen? They've ignored all my efforts at trying to engage thus far.
Marks & Spencer describes its journey from corporate social responsibility to sustainability
I'd like to think many brands/retailers are committing to environmentally sound initiatives and practices for more than pure bottom line as opposed to more laudable triple bottom line reasons. But the realities are few and far between.
Sadly, from personal experience, I have found too many managers (at least at mid, gatekeeper level) exist solely on what makes a margin. The talk from on high may be there, but the walkers lower down ain't hearing... or, frankly, being encouraged much.
And the retail world especially seems to make the Russian military look like a Woodstock reunion: the climate of fear at every level is palpable, from worrying about what might not make money to wondering if they guy above will get miffed at not having had a good idea.
The odd thing is that it IS possible to make green not just for the planet, but also your consumers AND yourselves.
Just stop thinking like buzz-word marketers and start empathising as human beings with shared values.
Marks & Spencer creates 'virtual patchwork quilt' for Copenhagen Climate Summit drive - Looking for tangibles... finding few. I imagine the presentation of the patch will attract a fair bit of PR come the day, mind.
Hey, what's the worst that could happen? They've ignored all my efforts at trying to engage thus far.
Marks & Spencer describes its journey from corporate social responsibility to sustainability
I'd like to think many brands/retailers are committing to environmentally sound initiatives and practices for more than pure bottom line as opposed to more laudable triple bottom line reasons. But the realities are few and far between.
Sadly, from personal experience, I have found too many managers (at least at mid, gatekeeper level) exist solely on what makes a margin. The talk from on high may be there, but the walkers lower down ain't hearing... or, frankly, being encouraged much.
And the retail world especially seems to make the Russian military look like a Woodstock reunion: the climate of fear at every level is palpable, from worrying about what might not make money to wondering if they guy above will get miffed at not having had a good idea.
The odd thing is that it IS possible to make green not just for the planet, but also your consumers AND yourselves.
Just stop thinking like buzz-word marketers and start empathising as human beings with shared values.
Marks & Spencer creates 'virtual patchwork quilt' for Copenhagen Climate Summit drive - Looking for tangibles... finding few. I imagine the presentation of the patch will attract a fair bit of PR come the day, mind.
Don't just DO it...
Actually... DO do it. At least... as well, if not first.
B&Q chief launches tirade against government Act on CO2 ad
He's bang on. They are only talking to a narrow demographic that a very narrow-minded bunch feel comfortable with. All urban 'Prius person' vs. the vast national majority spread that is 'Fiesta family'.
And it's insulting to figure the latter don't care about their kids' futures or have an interest in the various arguments still being had (despite what this ad claims, so the ASA verdict on the VO text will be 'interesting').
Plus I could suggest a ton better places for £6m to go that would "DO" a lot more good than yet another box-ticking awareness campaign from one of scores of over-lapping climate quangos.
Starting with a boiler scrappage scheme that will keep jobs in the UK AND reduce emissions!
B&Q chief launches tirade against government Act on CO2 ad
He's bang on. They are only talking to a narrow demographic that a very narrow-minded bunch feel comfortable with. All urban 'Prius person' vs. the vast national majority spread that is 'Fiesta family'.
And it's insulting to figure the latter don't care about their kids' futures or have an interest in the various arguments still being had (despite what this ad claims, so the ASA verdict on the VO text will be 'interesting').
Plus I could suggest a ton better places for £6m to go that would "DO" a lot more good than yet another box-ticking awareness campaign from one of scores of over-lapping climate quangos.
Starting with a boiler scrappage scheme that will keep jobs in the UK AND reduce emissions!
Bye bye RE:Box, hello wheelie
A long time ago, in a land, well, right here, I helped with the creation of a kerbside scheme:
The RE:Box
Worked pretty well.
However, we are now at the end of an era (must remember to mark on the site pages).
Not to mention 20,000 blue plastic boxes (seems we get to keep them. Yeah, right. Other than me I can see everyone keeping a bunch of additional dirty, smelly containers. Look out landfill!)
Because we are all getting wheelies.
Or not.
Because, in advance of 'W-day' in November, I got a ton of literature (all of which seemed to say the precise same thing - I guess they want to kick off the paper recycling with a bang) and... a 2kg roll of plastic bags.
So far, so 'Huh?'.
Then I read one of them.
No textiles... no problem (The Can Do Crew and REthreads - two other Junkk-assisted local services are alive, well and serving the community still... until the box tickers descend here too, when their mates see some profit in this no doubt).
But... glass?
As ardent reusers, this is the one category we do recycle a lot, simply because of the volume generated and lack of major reuses we can think of... yet.
Now, it seems this all arises due to a confluence of circumstances.
First up, though we have a big house and grounds, it is 'on the street'. Which apparently means our wheelie would block the pavement. How putting out a bag wouldn't, and RE:Boxes didn't before...?
Then there is the 'elfinsaftee of glass in the bag.
So.... a ton of plastic boxes are being scrapped (I presume) to make way for a ton more plastic boxes most in the town or flats can't use, so we end up with plastic bags that won't accept glass.
This is not making much sense to me at present on any level. I have demanded a wheelie and will have to resolve access to it on collection day.
The only positives (so far) are that they will take (some) plastics and there will not (for now) be a trained sniper across the way should we pop the wrong thing in by accident.
But I do note they don't want them squashed. So a big truck is still moving 95% fresh air?
I am looking further into this. There is the council website. No mention of reuse or Junkk.com I can see. Ta, guys!
And, having called to ask what happens to all this carefully sorted recyclate, and being told it is on the above site (not yet, it seems), there is this fun fellow to trawl: http://www.envirosort.co.uk/
Another blog later, I think.
Going off the rails?
No, nowt to do with trains.
I am just wondering what has got into some sections of our political classes, and their notions of advocacy.
First we have the government just getting more bizarre in its kamikaze scorched earth end game, with such as Presidente for Life Blair and David 'sod this I need a better job than the one I'm supposed to be doing' Miliband vying for who can sell the UK out quicker to score a top EU job.
And then we have Lord Stern on climate duty, getting all fence sitters onside:
Climate chief Lord Stern: give up meat to save the planet
Of course he is right in that going veggie will make more efficient use of available food resources.
It'll make sod all difference to 'the planet'.
So 'we' give up meat (betting an all vegan diet is unlikely in the 1st class flights to Copenhagen and at all the banquets).
This buys us how long before 'we' simply expand to occupy the space and time that buys us?
Then what do 'we' forgo?
Wrong bloke. Wrong time.
And in one fell swoop he has rather tainted any possible good he might have been associated with in the past.
I am just wondering what has got into some sections of our political classes, and their notions of advocacy.
First we have the government just getting more bizarre in its kamikaze scorched earth end game, with such as Presidente for Life Blair and David 'sod this I need a better job than the one I'm supposed to be doing' Miliband vying for who can sell the UK out quicker to score a top EU job.
And then we have Lord Stern on climate duty, getting all fence sitters onside:
Climate chief Lord Stern: give up meat to save the planet
Of course he is right in that going veggie will make more efficient use of available food resources.
It'll make sod all difference to 'the planet'.
So 'we' give up meat (betting an all vegan diet is unlikely in the 1st class flights to Copenhagen and at all the banquets).
This buys us how long before 'we' simply expand to occupy the space and time that buys us?
Then what do 'we' forgo?
Wrong bloke. Wrong time.
And in one fell swoop he has rather tainted any possible good he might have been associated with in the past.
Monday, October 26, 2009
A load of cobblers?
Hey, this is billed as a rubbish site... what do you expect? Shakespeare?
A toe-curling maintenance/repair post from Make it and Mend it worth sharing:
Greener shoes – mending footwear
A toe-curling maintenance/repair post from Make it and Mend it worth sharing:
Greener shoes – mending footwear
IRONY ALERT - Warning... nothing to do with 'green'
One man's exclusive interview is another's ratings score
Col. Gaddafi, eh?
Imagine if they had invited him on Question Time.
Red carpet, I'd guess.
Not like he did, or advocated anything 'serious'.
Funny old world.
At least he was elec... er...
What gets cut down...
...usually takes a while to grow back up.
Rainforest treaty 'fatally flawed'
Which rather goes to my concern at the competence and commitment of those in power currently shouting the odds on 'climate change' (esp. various methods of influencing the possibly man-worsened aspect) and how to 'solve' 'it'.
By coincidence...
SKY - rainforestrescue.sky.com - along with Cool Earth (noting a slight proliferation in diverse efforts) worth considering, especially at 50p in the £.
Rainforest treaty 'fatally flawed'
Which rather goes to my concern at the competence and commitment of those in power currently shouting the odds on 'climate change' (esp. various methods of influencing the possibly man-worsened aspect) and how to 'solve' 'it'.
By coincidence...
SKY - rainforestrescue.sky.com - along with Cool Earth (noting a slight proliferation in diverse efforts) worth considering, especially at 50p in the £.
Friday, October 23, 2009
CATEGORY - AUTO
Advice
Indy - How to buy a greener car
Motortorque.com - The sub-100 Club
Gaurdian - How to drive a bargain
Articles
Indy - Why is the world so slow to produce environmentally-friendly cars? - Interesting summary
Times - Beat the Brown car tax swipe - Well, until the rules change again, at least
Indy - The latest affordable automobiles are as eco-friendly as hi-tech hybrids
Driving
drive55.org - US-based tips
Guardian - Life in the green lane
uk-roadsafety.co.uk -
EPA - Fuel economy
Biofuels
Ecologist - NEW - Biofuels rather than electric cars to meet renewables target - Paging Messrs Mandleson, Milibands, etc
Electric
The Register - SF's green mayor dreams of electric car heaven - With the comments an interesting breakdown of pros and cons
trendhunter - 32 Electric Cars
sahkoautot.fi - early days, but looks fun. Could answer some of my concerns on 'new' models and testbeds that are none too practical.
Times - Brown plugs into future of electric cars - Where does 'government money' come from?
BBC - Electric dreams: Taking to the road in a G-Wiz - '...to see just how easy it is to join the green revolution... because it has no exhaust emissions... to wean us off our addiction to expensive and increasingly scarce fossil fuels and to save the planet.. for this clean[ER] and cheap form of motoring'. It may be bett[ER], but I would dearly love just one of our national broadcaster's reporting elite and editorial agenda setters to get their heads around the fact that, unless you go solar or nuke to generate 'leccy, the polluting/emitting pipe is simply in another place. This seems to have passed by the other great brain on the case, our Dear Leader, too.
Guardian - What is going to power our cars?
Times - Tesla Roadster - More for the 'discussions' in reply
BBC Ethical Man - The car is dead... long live the car - Worth reading for some of the comments. Not sure most journalists are up to the task of sharing the issues sensibly.
Indy - Boris jumps on board France's 'hire an electric car' scheme
- The great environmental attraction of the scheme is that electric cars produce no CO2 emissions -
Until we have sensible-enviROI methods of 'leccy generation (and even then nukes or renewables still produce some Co2 from construction through operation to disposal).... oh yes they do! The exhaust pipe is, for now, simply elsewhere.
There are many merits, especially in crowed urban settings, for such options, but please don't trot out tripe.
ps: Didn't a host of the French bikes get nicked? At least in this case the ID of borrower will be more thoroughly checked one hopes, but the opportunities for waste through attrition still seem high.
Indy - Vindication!!!! (the system wouldn't 'accept' my comment yesterday) - But what will power Boris's electric cars? - I merely think 'better' would be a more accurate first stance, and even this needs proving.
Telegraph - How to drive fast, have a good time - and still save the planet - [Oddly, my comment was not one of those published.]
...assuming not making a new car and/or not running one are out as options, one presumes.
'It has no exhaust pipe.'
'...this car was producing no more noxious vapours than a dandelion in an alpine meadow.'
Please be more careful. You even allude to it yourself, but by failing to be clear others have had to do so, and raise the spectre of, how to say, 'optimistic' reporting requiring certain facts to be checked before one rushes to commit to the purchase of a brand new car in the cause of green (look up some rather poor-enviROI notions being promoted under the term 'scrappage'. I did. And it seems that instead of buying an '02 LPG Volvo the brainwave is that I should have waited get funded to buy a 6 litre Jag to help Mr. Tata).
There is much merit in much of what you share... BUT...
There IS an exhaust pipe. It is just in another location.
And from it, in the main, there is just as much noxious gunk going skywards here in the UK. Just... not where your voters are, or indeed anywhere close to where many other luvvie 'reporters' are within hailing distance of a tube train. Hence more BBC moppets than you can shake a taxi-fare at gurgling away at the rear-end of a G-Wiz.
So before we have 'my other car is a Prius' and vice versa on the Tesla sticker-printing, whilst ignoring the Aston and the Range Rover in the 4-car garage, let's get the full story please.
Especially the bits about the subsidies and lobbyist-fodder and PR-spin than flies about to so easily turn a young blonde's head at the expense of what's actually good for my kids' futures.
ps: Any chance of helping me get my V40 bi-fuel on the TfL congestion charging list? It doesn't count vs. bigger and more polluting cars 'cos 'computer says no'. Nothing like a good box tick, or not, eh?
Low Tech - Who killed the electric grid? - Worthy read
The Register - Tata to release UK's first 'serious' electric car - Worth it for the comments
Times - Electric Car survey - hey, when you're getting A £5K bung from other taxpayers...
Guardian - UK powers up plans for world's largest electric car trial - ignoring the enviROI of the power source, if you do see merit in electric, at least there's a better choice.
Indy - Batteries included: Are eco-friendly cars any good? - Looks like it's a Tesla then. And no mention of enviROI.
Indy - Is Britain going to be at the centre of the 'green car' revolution? - Well, if we are going to be gadding about in electric cars this is good news. I just hope they have the source of energy side sussed by then. Electric is only green if it is produced and delivered in a green way. And the battery tech has a long way to go in all fronts.
High mileage
Sharkride - aptera
EPA - Gas Saving and Emission Reduction Devices Evaluation - Yes it is, obviously, US-centric. But we do now have a global readership and I am aware some of what I include is often irrelevant to those in other parts. Call it sharing the love. In any case, some of these products may make it here, plus the site is worth a gander anyway.
Hydrogen
BBC - Hydrogen refuel station unveiled
Guardian - It drives well, but are hydrogen cars the future?
It may just be the name, but why does it seem to be a 4x4?
I have also been intrigued as to why, all other arguments aside, most other H2 outings seem to involve honking great bits of tin still.
Arnie's Hummer. Sir Rosie's 7-Series.
I guess it's part test-beds and part 'awareness' (like we need any more), but when are we going to get something like a normal 2/4 seat family saloon like a Fiesta so the plebs and those who only need it for work and or shopping can get enthused. Electrics, too. I'm afraid a G-Wiz or Tesla won't match my needs. At least hybrids are trying.
But that enviROI of what gets to turn the wheels is a biggie on the planet-saving front for a while, plus whatever the Chancellor decides to rake in trying to balance tax income with looking green that week.
For now I am trying to figure out how to get an R-reg Golf with 40k on the clock back on the road affordably having killed the engine when the water pump blew on the M4. Just getting it to safety was all it took to do the nasty,
At the 'mo I a staring at around £3k for a recon combo'd with an LPG conversion.
Might still be worth it 'til the next generation newbies are common and I can get a 2nd hander.
The Register - EU parliament says yes to hydrogen cars - Dontcha just love having our kids' eco-futures decided by guys driven round in 7-litre cars? Next thing you'll be telling me is Arnie uses a Hummer.
Times - Hydrogen future a long way off
Telegraph - NEW - Mazda RX-8H review - And it looks nice, too.
LPG
Meet Veronique - Junkk has bought an LPG car. This will track our journey.
Guardian - Driving lessons
eequality campaign - hat tip Adam Vaughan
Hybrids
thehybriddebate.com
Times - PRIUS: THE TRUTH - I should really get the original that inspired this letter, but it does show that the whole data/stats issue is very much open for debate. You might also notice a mention of a "Peter Martin"... another doppleganger!
Guardian - Is the Chevy Volt just hype? - any one say enviROI?
Scrapping
Guardian - Government may offer cash-back to owners who scrap old cars - Well, there's that 'may' word again. Interesting, but I hope they have worked out the enviROI between manufacture and operation.
Sites
eta -
vcacarfueldata.org.uk - check your car's CO2 rating... if you dare!
volkswagen - their vision of the future
Indy - How to buy a greener car
Motortorque.com - The sub-100 Club
Gaurdian - How to drive a bargain
Articles
Indy - Why is the world so slow to produce environmentally-friendly cars? - Interesting summary
Times - Beat the Brown car tax swipe - Well, until the rules change again, at least
Indy - The latest affordable automobiles are as eco-friendly as hi-tech hybrids
Driving
drive55.org - US-based tips
Guardian - Life in the green lane
uk-roadsafety.co.uk -
EPA - Fuel economy
Biofuels
Ecologist - NEW - Biofuels rather than electric cars to meet renewables target - Paging Messrs Mandleson, Milibands, etc
Electric
The Register - SF's green mayor dreams of electric car heaven - With the comments an interesting breakdown of pros and cons
trendhunter - 32 Electric Cars
sahkoautot.fi - early days, but looks fun. Could answer some of my concerns on 'new' models and testbeds that are none too practical.
Times - Brown plugs into future of electric cars - Where does 'government money' come from?
BBC - Electric dreams: Taking to the road in a G-Wiz - '...to see just how easy it is to join the green revolution... because it has no exhaust emissions... to wean us off our addiction to expensive and increasingly scarce fossil fuels and to save the planet.. for this clean[ER] and cheap form of motoring'. It may be bett[ER], but I would dearly love just one of our national broadcaster's reporting elite and editorial agenda setters to get their heads around the fact that, unless you go solar or nuke to generate 'leccy, the polluting/emitting pipe is simply in another place. This seems to have passed by the other great brain on the case, our Dear Leader, too.
Guardian - What is going to power our cars?
Times - Tesla Roadster - More for the 'discussions' in reply
BBC Ethical Man - The car is dead... long live the car - Worth reading for some of the comments. Not sure most journalists are up to the task of sharing the issues sensibly.
Indy - Boris jumps on board France's 'hire an electric car' scheme
- The great environmental attraction of the scheme is that electric cars produce no CO2 emissions -
Until we have sensible-enviROI methods of 'leccy generation (and even then nukes or renewables still produce some Co2 from construction through operation to disposal).... oh yes they do! The exhaust pipe is, for now, simply elsewhere.
There are many merits, especially in crowed urban settings, for such options, but please don't trot out tripe.
ps: Didn't a host of the French bikes get nicked? At least in this case the ID of borrower will be more thoroughly checked one hopes, but the opportunities for waste through attrition still seem high.
Indy - Vindication!!!! (the system wouldn't 'accept' my comment yesterday) - But what will power Boris's electric cars? - I merely think 'better' would be a more accurate first stance, and even this needs proving.
Telegraph - How to drive fast, have a good time - and still save the planet - [Oddly, my comment was not one of those published.]
...assuming not making a new car and/or not running one are out as options, one presumes.
'It has no exhaust pipe.'
'...this car was producing no more noxious vapours than a dandelion in an alpine meadow.'
Please be more careful. You even allude to it yourself, but by failing to be clear others have had to do so, and raise the spectre of, how to say, 'optimistic' reporting requiring certain facts to be checked before one rushes to commit to the purchase of a brand new car in the cause of green (look up some rather poor-enviROI notions being promoted under the term 'scrappage'. I did. And it seems that instead of buying an '02 LPG Volvo the brainwave is that I should have waited get funded to buy a 6 litre Jag to help Mr. Tata).
There is much merit in much of what you share... BUT...
There IS an exhaust pipe. It is just in another location.
And from it, in the main, there is just as much noxious gunk going skywards here in the UK. Just... not where your voters are, or indeed anywhere close to where many other luvvie 'reporters' are within hailing distance of a tube train. Hence more BBC moppets than you can shake a taxi-fare at gurgling away at the rear-end of a G-Wiz.
So before we have 'my other car is a Prius' and vice versa on the Tesla sticker-printing, whilst ignoring the Aston and the Range Rover in the 4-car garage, let's get the full story please.
Especially the bits about the subsidies and lobbyist-fodder and PR-spin than flies about to so easily turn a young blonde's head at the expense of what's actually good for my kids' futures.
ps: Any chance of helping me get my V40 bi-fuel on the TfL congestion charging list? It doesn't count vs. bigger and more polluting cars 'cos 'computer says no'. Nothing like a good box tick, or not, eh?
Low Tech - Who killed the electric grid? - Worthy read
The Register - Tata to release UK's first 'serious' electric car - Worth it for the comments
Times - Electric Car survey - hey, when you're getting A £5K bung from other taxpayers...
Guardian - UK powers up plans for world's largest electric car trial - ignoring the enviROI of the power source, if you do see merit in electric, at least there's a better choice.
Indy - Batteries included: Are eco-friendly cars any good? - Looks like it's a Tesla then. And no mention of enviROI.
Indy - Is Britain going to be at the centre of the 'green car' revolution? - Well, if we are going to be gadding about in electric cars this is good news. I just hope they have the source of energy side sussed by then. Electric is only green if it is produced and delivered in a green way. And the battery tech has a long way to go in all fronts.
High mileage
Sharkride - aptera
EPA - Gas Saving and Emission Reduction Devices Evaluation - Yes it is, obviously, US-centric. But we do now have a global readership and I am aware some of what I include is often irrelevant to those in other parts. Call it sharing the love. In any case, some of these products may make it here, plus the site is worth a gander anyway.
Hydrogen
BBC - Hydrogen refuel station unveiled
Guardian - It drives well, but are hydrogen cars the future?
It may just be the name, but why does it seem to be a 4x4?
I have also been intrigued as to why, all other arguments aside, most other H2 outings seem to involve honking great bits of tin still.
Arnie's Hummer. Sir Rosie's 7-Series.
I guess it's part test-beds and part 'awareness' (like we need any more), but when are we going to get something like a normal 2/4 seat family saloon like a Fiesta so the plebs and those who only need it for work and or shopping can get enthused. Electrics, too. I'm afraid a G-Wiz or Tesla won't match my needs. At least hybrids are trying.
But that enviROI of what gets to turn the wheels is a biggie on the planet-saving front for a while, plus whatever the Chancellor decides to rake in trying to balance tax income with looking green that week.
For now I am trying to figure out how to get an R-reg Golf with 40k on the clock back on the road affordably having killed the engine when the water pump blew on the M4. Just getting it to safety was all it took to do the nasty,
At the 'mo I a staring at around £3k for a recon combo'd with an LPG conversion.
Might still be worth it 'til the next generation newbies are common and I can get a 2nd hander.
The Register - EU parliament says yes to hydrogen cars - Dontcha just love having our kids' eco-futures decided by guys driven round in 7-litre cars? Next thing you'll be telling me is Arnie uses a Hummer.
Times - Hydrogen future a long way off
Telegraph - NEW - Mazda RX-8H review - And it looks nice, too.
LPG
Meet Veronique - Junkk has bought an LPG car. This will track our journey.
Guardian - Driving lessons
eequality campaign - hat tip Adam Vaughan
Hybrids
thehybriddebate.com
Times - PRIUS: THE TRUTH - I should really get the original that inspired this letter, but it does show that the whole data/stats issue is very much open for debate. You might also notice a mention of a "Peter Martin"... another doppleganger!
Guardian - Is the Chevy Volt just hype? - any one say enviROI?
Scrapping
Guardian - Government may offer cash-back to owners who scrap old cars - Well, there's that 'may' word again. Interesting, but I hope they have worked out the enviROI between manufacture and operation.
Sites
eta -
vcacarfueldata.org.uk - check your car's CO2 rating... if you dare!
volkswagen - their vision of the future
Lord, hear our share
I guess how many votes might be in it.
Eh, Peter? Whadyareckon?
Scrap old gas appliances says the Corgi trust
Recognising that the advocacy group might have a vested interest, it makes a heck of a lot more sense to me than paying a person £2k to by a new Beemer motor car.
IMHO.
Addendum:
And not just me.
This from the ever well-informed and cutting-edge Dave of Solarventi:
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/boilerscrappage/
Addendum 2:
Edie - The minister tasked with battling climate change has backed calls for the government to create a boiler scrappage scheme. - Maybe instead/in favour of car schemes and/or £6m 'awareness' campaigns in danger of being.. er.. scrapped due to falling foul of objectivity rules?
Addendum 3: http://reheatbritain.org.uk/help - with that petition link if you find merit:)
After all the negativity of the recent 'climate awareness' nonsense, we might point our talking heads in more productive directions for their money, emissions-wise?
Eh, Peter? Whadyareckon?
Scrap old gas appliances says the Corgi trust
Recognising that the advocacy group might have a vested interest, it makes a heck of a lot more sense to me than paying a person £2k to by a new Beemer motor car.
IMHO.
Addendum:
And not just me.
This from the ever well-informed and cutting-edge Dave of Solarventi:
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/boilerscrappage/
Addendum 2:
Edie - The minister tasked with battling climate change has backed calls for the government to create a boiler scrappage scheme. - Maybe instead/in favour of car schemes and/or £6m 'awareness' campaigns in danger of being.. er.. scrapped due to falling foul of objectivity rules?
Addendum 3: http://reheatbritain.org.uk/help - with that petition link if you find merit:)
After all the negativity of the recent 'climate awareness' nonsense, we might point our talking heads in more productive directions for their money, emissions-wise?
Thursday, October 22, 2009
QUOTE OF THE DAY - The best there is. Currently run by the worst.
From here,
'The virtue of democracy is that the temporary dictators so anointed can be removed without bloodshed.'
Oddly, I am fighting a rather one-sided (and not in an encouraging, 'here's comes the cavalry way') fight on another BBC blog with some forces that reckon a little bit of dictatorship might just be what's needed. to get things going their way.
It's the darndest thing, but my belief in freedom of speech and democratic process is currently outweighing my passion to set this planet to rights.
Actually it will be fine no matter what 'we' do, so I guess I am less keen on it being dominated by a bunch of GrEloi who, on current evidence, would make for pretty poor governors of most else that I also hold dear
'The virtue of democracy is that the temporary dictators so anointed can be removed without bloodshed.'
Oddly, I am fighting a rather one-sided (and not in an encouraging, 'here's comes the cavalry way') fight on another BBC blog with some forces that reckon a little bit of dictatorship might just be what's needed. to get things going their way.
It's the darndest thing, but my belief in freedom of speech and democratic process is currently outweighing my passion to set this planet to rights.
Actually it will be fine no matter what 'we' do, so I guess I am less keen on it being dominated by a bunch of GrEloi who, on current evidence, would make for pretty poor governors of most else that I also hold dear
Don't get mad; get engaging
Found out about this:
BBC SCIENCE LOOKS FOR FRESH IDEAS!
Now in the process if seeing if I... we... 'qualify'.
Might be a journey to be followed.
BBC SCIENCE LOOKS FOR FRESH IDEAS!
Now in the process if seeing if I... we... 'qualify'.
Might be a journey to be followed.
CATEGORY - PROFESSIONAL BODIES
Another I can't believe I hadn't instigated before now..
As I come across/deal with them/get told/find time to collate all from my files, so shall they be added..
INDUSTRY
British Aerosols Manufacturers Association -
British Glass -
Packaging
incpen - leading to useful lists of others
The Packaging Society
RECYCLING
Aluminium Federation -
REUSE - Yay!
RPA - US-based - found via Sustainability: Pushing the demand curve forward for reusable packaging - Oodles of use... er.. reuseful stuff on their site. Putting on nav bar next.
WASTE
Absorbent Hygiene Products Manufacturers Association -
living-smarter.org -
WEEE/Compliance
Biffpack
REPIC
As I come across/deal with them/get told/find time to collate all from my files, so shall they be added..
INDUSTRY
British Aerosols Manufacturers Association -
British Glass -
Packaging
incpen - leading to useful lists of others
The Packaging Society
RECYCLING
Aluminium Federation -
REUSE - Yay!
RPA - US-based - found via Sustainability: Pushing the demand curve forward for reusable packaging - Oodles of use... er.. reuseful stuff on their site. Putting on nav bar next.
WASTE
Absorbent Hygiene Products Manufacturers Association -
living-smarter.org -
WEEE/Compliance
Biffpack
REPIC
Baby steps
Little increments.
Individually maybe not so significant, but cumulatively...
Got a call the other day from a lovely chap, who edits the newsletter for the IPO (Intellectual Property Office).
He was interested as much in my journey with RE:tie as much as the product itself.
Enough to stretch to two long chats.
With luck, it will result in some PR, and to some useful folk. Baby steps.
And in the course of this he mentioned some invention (especially 'green' related) resources I was not aware of, which I happily pass on here:
Low Carbon Innovation Centre. Good guys. http://www.ipo.gov.uk/news/newsletters/ipinsight/ipinsight-200903/ipinsight-200903-3.htm
Plus some info on speed patents (which now apply to clean tech in particular): http://www.ipo.gov.uk/news/newsletters/ipinsight/ipinsight-200905/ipinsight-200905-4.htm
And a recycling case study: http://www.ipo.gov.uk/news/newsletters/ipinsight/ipinsight-200901/ipinsight-200901-4.htm
Individually maybe not so significant, but cumulatively...
Got a call the other day from a lovely chap, who edits the newsletter for the IPO (Intellectual Property Office).
He was interested as much in my journey with RE:tie as much as the product itself.
Enough to stretch to two long chats.
With luck, it will result in some PR, and to some useful folk. Baby steps.
And in the course of this he mentioned some invention (especially 'green' related) resources I was not aware of, which I happily pass on here:
Low Carbon Innovation Centre. Good guys. http://www.ipo.gov.uk/news/newsletters/ipinsight/ipinsight-200903/ipinsight-200903-3.htm
Plus some info on speed patents (which now apply to clean tech in particular): http://www.ipo.gov.uk/news/newsletters/ipinsight/ipinsight-200905/ipinsight-200905-4.htm
And a recycling case study: http://www.ipo.gov.uk/news/newsletters/ipinsight/ipinsight-200901/ipinsight-200901-4.htm
Public (that's me) Transport (that's often debatable)?
Directed by an RT tweet (ta) from myzerowaste to this:
Sustained - Stranded
I must say the story, and picture, resonated, as I hark back to last week's London experience at the Invention Show in Ally Pally.
From the outset I must stress that this was an unusual situation, and in no way matches the issues surrounding daily commutes (though hearing my urban chum's tales there is much needs addressing here too), but it is telling, at least in the context of this story.
On the Wednesday I drove in from the West and set-up my stand. My intention was to drive to my chums' home in Staines that night and return only by car on break-down day on Saturday.
However my ill-fated media opp intruded and I stayed overnight. So I did not go back for the first time until Thursday. 6.30pm. North Circular & A4. 1 hr. Door to door. About 25 miles. 1 gallon of LPG. £2.50.
Next day, train and tube in. 2 3/4 hours. Wet. Late. £19 return ticket. Missed the last train from Waterloo at 11.35pm (City that never sleeps?) because the tube didn't come for an age. No extra cost as I was the beneficiary of some truly human kindness having ended up at Heathrow T5 in the wee smalls and given a lift as there were no taxis. Dragged hosts out of bed, them having stayed up to midnight, my eta.
I will avoid London at all costs if I have the choice. If I don't, I will be in my car. £17 LPG tankful return door to door. £5/hr parking outside CC (folding bike from boot within). No peak hour surcharges that can take a Gloucester (and forget bussing from Ross to there, so I am in a car anyway and parking is £5 already) ticket from £30 to over £100 and leave me stranded at Swindon 1 in 5 trips if I wait until after the peak period to save money.
That's not eco. But it's simply how it is.
And not what 1st class, pre-booked, 'other folks' money', 'but our time is precious' pols and some major media sweetness and lite green journos picked up either end in chauffeured Priuses seem to have got their heads around.
Sustained - Stranded
I must say the story, and picture, resonated, as I hark back to last week's London experience at the Invention Show in Ally Pally.
From the outset I must stress that this was an unusual situation, and in no way matches the issues surrounding daily commutes (though hearing my urban chum's tales there is much needs addressing here too), but it is telling, at least in the context of this story.
On the Wednesday I drove in from the West and set-up my stand. My intention was to drive to my chums' home in Staines that night and return only by car on break-down day on Saturday.
However my ill-fated media opp intruded and I stayed overnight. So I did not go back for the first time until Thursday. 6.30pm. North Circular & A4. 1 hr. Door to door. About 25 miles. 1 gallon of LPG. £2.50.
Next day, train and tube in. 2 3/4 hours. Wet. Late. £19 return ticket. Missed the last train from Waterloo at 11.35pm (City that never sleeps?) because the tube didn't come for an age. No extra cost as I was the beneficiary of some truly human kindness having ended up at Heathrow T5 in the wee smalls and given a lift as there were no taxis. Dragged hosts out of bed, them having stayed up to midnight, my eta.
I will avoid London at all costs if I have the choice. If I don't, I will be in my car. £17 LPG tankful return door to door. £5/hr parking outside CC (folding bike from boot within). No peak hour surcharges that can take a Gloucester (and forget bussing from Ross to there, so I am in a car anyway and parking is £5 already) ticket from £30 to over £100 and leave me stranded at Swindon 1 in 5 trips if I wait until after the peak period to save money.
That's not eco. But it's simply how it is.
And not what 1st class, pre-booked, 'other folks' money', 'but our time is precious' pols and some major media sweetness and lite green journos picked up either end in chauffeured Priuses seem to have got their heads around.
Ideas, with luck, assessed well and acted upon
Overwhelming Response: GreenGov Ideas Pour Into White House
Here's that number again..
Greengov Challenge
On top of the release of the US zipcode data, this is significant.
Darn it, I wish I could edit and/or extend my now full label list
Here's that number again..
Greengov Challenge
On top of the release of the US zipcode data, this is significant.
Darn it, I wish I could edit and/or extend my now full label list
JUNKK CATEGORY - PLASTIC
Kicking off with carriers. They're big in the news. I guess it's worth running a factual tally as a category.
Carrier Bags
Junkk Blog - inspired by an Indy piece
Guardian - some facts, if from a certain direction
Plastic
Junkk Blog - about the hazards of disolved plastics in the ecosystem - inspired by the BBC
Plastics News - Time discovers the 'truth' about plastics
Time - The piece in question
BBC - A month without plastic - Lone woman sets off on personal campaign for a wee while. Gets lots of coverage from national broadcaster.
ps: I have kept all my waste for sveral years, luv... and advocate making stuff out of it. I wonder if she lives near White City by chance, or works in PR?
BBC - Her blog - Actually quite interesting, while it lasts, which can be a slight probelm with these (tried it for a while and then gave up when the funding stopped) efforts. Not all of us have a blog/commission that supports the effort. Or see it as a finite project measured in units of days.
Plastics News - Living without (some) plastics - Picked up and got 'em thing across the pond, mind. Time to get busy with my store of junk!
Earthfirst - The Impossible Task of Cutting Plastic Out of Your Life - Nothing is impossible. Just sometimes circumstances mean a few sensibel compromises need to be made.
Wasteonline -
Reuters - Scientists study huge plastic patch in Pacific - Not sure if such an area counts as a 'patch' mind. I still think if they are looking at mining landfills, this source is a no-brainer.
Reminds me of a Futurama episode
Information
Answers.com - NEW - How long does plastic take to break down?
Carrier Bags
Junkk Blog - inspired by an Indy piece
Guardian - some facts, if from a certain direction
Plastic
Junkk Blog - about the hazards of disolved plastics in the ecosystem - inspired by the BBC
Plastics News - Time discovers the 'truth' about plastics
Time - The piece in question
BBC - A month without plastic - Lone woman sets off on personal campaign for a wee while. Gets lots of coverage from national broadcaster.
ps: I have kept all my waste for sveral years, luv... and advocate making stuff out of it. I wonder if she lives near White City by chance, or works in PR?
BBC - Her blog - Actually quite interesting, while it lasts, which can be a slight probelm with these (tried it for a while and then gave up when the funding stopped) efforts. Not all of us have a blog/commission that supports the effort. Or see it as a finite project measured in units of days.
Plastics News - Living without (some) plastics - Picked up and got 'em thing across the pond, mind. Time to get busy with my store of junk!
Earthfirst - The Impossible Task of Cutting Plastic Out of Your Life - Nothing is impossible. Just sometimes circumstances mean a few sensibel compromises need to be made.
Wasteonline -
Reuters - Scientists study huge plastic patch in Pacific - Not sure if such an area counts as a 'patch' mind. I still think if they are looking at mining landfills, this source is a no-brainer.
Reminds me of a Futurama episode
Information
Answers.com - NEW - How long does plastic take to break down?
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