Airborne pollution may not be at the top of everyone's concerns right now but it is a killer that sits just under our noses. A new report has recently revealed that air pollution in the country's capital is killing over 4,000 annually.

The report released by Boris Johnson's office charted the severity of pollution levels throughout London's wards, detailing that those living in central areas of the capital are most at risk due to their constant exposure to high pollution areas.

Among the poorest of European cities, London's air quality has high trace levels of the matter known as PM2.5 and can be correlated to mortality rates in the capital. This is far from a revelation amongst most Londoners who seem to have grown accustomed to the escalating combustion levels over the past decades. However, twinned with a report by the House of Commons environmental audit committee, Johnson's office have made comment that their target is to take measurable action against airborne pollution with immediate response.

Some of London's worst wards - those with the highest proportion of negative or potentially damaging particulates - are perhaps the most unexpected. Hyde Park, the West End, and even Holborn and Covent Garden all feature in the 10 most polluted areas. This is partly due to their high levels of all-year tourism and surrounding combustion levels generated by twenty-four hour traffic.

Other areas which might be expected to home high levels of pollution include; King's Cross; Marylebone High Street; and Bryanston and Dorset Square. Despite Johnson's efforts, he has come under considerable criticism over his decision to postpone, by approximately two years, the third stage of the low emission zone. This was a strategy devised by the previous Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, which would have introduced further measures to reduce emissions this coming October.

Currently in place is an emissions standards regulation which focuses on combustion pollution generated from high-combustion vehicles such as buses and coaches - which could be charged up to £1,000 of daily fines. The third phase, delayed by Johnson, would target smaller vehicles and expect owners to meet standards and regulations covering the Greater London area.

This is becoming a growing concern for EU officials, whose scrutiny's has been fixed on Britain failure to meet requisites and European standards which put them in breach of international agreements. For instance, Britain's "bad air" monitoring record (Britain is allowed 35 "bad air" days pa) shows that they currently stand on the 36th day of dangerous and potentially harmful pollution levels.

What sees to be done will no doubt be topic for debate amongst MPs and government chambers over the oncoming weeks as the temperature rises and exhaust fumes become ever more apparent.

Posted under Climate

"Everybody’s a critic!" It might seem like an indeclinable form these days but criticism certainly comes with its inflections. Indeed, the various shades and application of criticism should be more than apparent to anybody who has a general outlook that they believe to be of particular importance. And since the explosion of a multitude of technologies that can sit quite happily in the palm of your hand (whilst at the same time rather nonchalantly open up doors to the rest of the world) everybody can certainly play the part of a critic at their own will - all be it a self taught one. But, unfortunately, what has grown alongside a general principle of unregulated access to information and its 'brother-in-arms' free speech is its more feral relative – untamed opinion. 

Opinion, today, matters: there’s no doubt in that. Take the recently past election as an example; this, in fact, is a system of recording individual opinions in order to determine the single belief of the nation as a whole. And it shouldn’t take a political correspondent to outline the general sense of bemusement or indecision that still pervades a country that cannot make up its mind.

But isn’t this the status of the country in general? One that can’t make up its mind; a nation wracked with doubt and indecision? It is certainly the case in the ecological field of interest.

Consider any one thing that is proclaimed to be ‘Green’ or ecologically friendly – renewable energy, recycling, fair trade, ethical production, for instance – they’re all shrouded by doubt. Ask your neighbour whether or not they’d like to cut their carbon footprint, reduce their consumption levels or even generate some of their own power; nine times out of ten you’ll be met with "Of course I do!" That is, until it comes around to actually doing it.

And that’s not to say we’re a lazy or apathetic nation – not at all. It seems that a large part of the British sensibility just happens to be construed in the "proof is in the pudding", "see it to believe it" schools of thought. Or in other words, what your average Briton requires is a working model.

Ecological Validity constitutes this very same feeling but instead dresses itself in a rather starchy lab-coat language. Essentially, for any one thing to have Ecological Validity it will need to have achieved results in the approximate "real-life" situation it will operate in. For instance, in order to get your neighbour to use microgenerational technologies such as Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP) or photovoltaic solar panels (PV cells) he might have to see it working in your very own back garden; then a strong dose of keeping up with the Jones’s may be in order. Or even if it is you yourself that needs the ounce of convincing, there are literally hundreds of ecological products and services which are not only cheaper, more sustainable alternatives to traditional models, but they are more than willing to exhibit themselves doing so. Click on the Ecotricity link to see how something as universal as power is being delivered to homes across the country.

Transparency is the key when there’s nothing to hide. So, could it be that a large portion of why as a nation we seem a little confused is simply an issue of clarity? Every body’s a critic, its true. But let’s try and put a more practical spin on things: the next time you feel doubtful, consider the ecological validity involved. It might just be that a ‘Green’ shade is the perfect colouring for any form of criticism.

Posted under Articles, Lifestyle & Fashion

It’s that time of year again. Summer’s in full swing, the sunscreen has taken its trophy spot back in the bathroom, light lingers long into the evening, and, it seems – that everyone’s got Festival Fever! That’s right, about this time every year in Britain it’s guaranteed that you’ll know someone who’s packed a kit bag full of weekend essentials and is trudging off in flip-flops or wellington boots. Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds, Isle of Wight, suddenly the UK’s dusty old map has been brushed off and piled together with a weekend-pass and a fresh feeling of excitement that serves as just the ticket. But wait! Just before you go and find new ways of getting yourself lost – take look at this. We’ve compiled the essential solar survival kit and eco-accessories that even though you’ll be cut off from the rest of civilisation, you’ll never feel more connected.

Okay, so our festival team of eco-essentialists have returned after a long voyage into sound, mud up to their knees and the general reek one can accumulate from having a good time living out of a bag. And this is the essential solar countdown suggested for you to pack away for your long weekend:

5) Eco Radio

4) Eco Shaver

3) Solar Docking Charger

2) Solar Torch

1) Organic Sunscreen

The Eco Radio

This might seem like a strange one to take away with you to (nine-times-out-of-ten) a music festival, but there’s method behind the madness. The eco radio – from brands such as Trevor Baylis, Cheetah, Linx Solar – is the perfect pick-me-up for the morning after the night before. Usually charged by a small photovoltaic panel, or enhanced by a dynamo, loads of solar radios were seen clutched under arm, or encircled by festival goers looking a little worse for wear last year, and we can expect much more of the same. A great keepsake to be taken anywhere.

The Eco Shaver

Now, you might’ve been a little mislead by this one if you think that the eco shaver is strictly for the lads. Experience dictates otherwise. There were hundreds of unkempt chins blowing in the beatnik winds, whilst there better halves were walking beside them to quite a different tune. It doesn’t matter who needs to use it, the fact stands that the eco shaver will be needed!

Solar Docking Charger

Quite a recent chart topper on an eco-essentials list, but they’re growing in popularity year by year. So if you really cant afford to leave the mobile phone at home, the iPod in the drawer or the laptop in the office – then this is one for you. The solar docking chargers are all pretty similar in design and format. What usually tends to change all depends on what you’ll need the power to charge. But for portable, reliable and adaptable efficiency, the Solar Monkey by Solar Nut is a sure hit.

The Solar Torch

It’s such a simple alternative to conventional camping tools, but hardly any of us actually own one. This year things have to change! Our festival eco-essentialists swear by them. Solar torches – like the Freeloader – can be left in the sun to charge themselves via small panels of PV Cells or charged by hand using their integrated dynamo. Do away with bulky batteries this year and make room for a solar torch – you’ll definitely see the light!

Organic Sunscreen

When all’s said and done, and the playing’s played hard, it’s important to play safe. Most of the time you’ll be basking in the glorious sunrays, charging that very essential battery of ‘you’; which is why you’ll need plenty of sunscreen to soak to your skin – and what better alternative than an eco-friendly, organic, biodegradable sunscreen by the natural skincare company. There award winning sunscreen range can be worn by all and is naturally sourced – so spread it on and spread it around. But most of all…Enjoy!

Posted under Articles, How To's & Guides

Over the last couple of years, the latest energy policies to face the world’s growing number of ecological problems have all stressed the need to increase the weighting of renewable energy sources in energy generation. However, despite technological and logistical advances, what remains in favour of matured, conventional energy sourcing, and in the way of a more assured adoption of renewable energy generation, is still today simply a question of reliability. Can we risk the blackouts associated with a technological teenage tantrum? Apparently not; so like all good parents, national governments throughout the UN are investing into a strategic compromise. And they call it - the ‘Embedded Generation’.

Embedded generation is one of the possibilities to implement a reliable, economical and all round less harmful power generational structure than the one we have now. Using a combination of renewable and conventional energy sources, you could see its design as a handshake between the past and the present, in view of agreeing on a more sustainable future.

Now, as was mentioned, one of renewable energy’s largest determining constraints is its unreliable nature. This statement can be taken quite literally, as still in its fledgling stages renewable energy generation relies heavily on a direct relationship with its source; for example, solar power with the sun, or wind turbines with the wind. And this is not to outline a negative situation. After all, a principle objective for renewable energy must be that it creates such a relationship in order to achieve the much desired ‘sustainable element’. But, unfortunately for us, modern times and current infrastructure dictates the needs and necessities of our day to day living; which is why for a succession of unpredictable power cuts to hit the UK could result in utter catastrophe. And this, we can be sure, is not at all desirable.

So in order to traverse the pitfalls of zero power, national energy policies are investing in embedded generation to help renewable power get up to speed with current demand. And the most manageable set of training-wheels we’ve got right now is – the microgrid. A microgrid is a community level embedded generation system which incorporates local loads and micro-sources of energy. In other words, it can operate by itself or connect directly to the national grid depending on the source capabilities and power requirements it is providing for. There is also hypothetical work being engineered on connecting one microgrid to another near by microgrid – where one supports the other in times of need or excess generation.

According to current standards, microgrids are technologically capable to meet expected performance rates; but, alas, we wait on the inevitable ‘price tag’ of tradability and ownership before they can make bold steps into the big wide world. But here at EcoSwitch we've got a good feeling about this one. Watch this space, as they say.

Posted under Articles, Climate

Speak the words 'mortgages’,’ insurance', 'pensions' or 'investments', and most won't readily jump for the anchor of 'ethical'; for many years now, we've generally come to accept that anyone looking to taking a part in your financial dealings is looking at their own gain more than our protection.

Nothing says that has to be the case, of course, and, just as the ethical outlook is becoming fashionable across a number of industries, the financial sector is subject to its own infiltration from those with good at heart.

Investing Can be Ethical Too

Investing Ethically Ltd, a Norwich-based group of independent consultants who have united under one banner in order to provide ethical financial advice, are a perfect case in point.

Believing that investment practices, whilst looking to achieve profits for those who undertake to invest, should also reflect the beliefs of those who invest, Investing Ethically have made it clear that their investment plans will void companies, however profitable, that would leave their clients in a position where they could be indirectly funding the following:

• The production, sale and trade of arms and weapons.
• Animal experimentation and intensive farming.
• Tobacco.
• Alcohol.
• Pornography.
• Companies that trade with countries which abuse human rights.
• Environmental pollution.
• Nuclear power.
• The development and use of genetically modified organisms.

Whilst profit making enterprises are of course an important part of their agenda – an investment company that wasn’t could struggle indeed - Investing Ethically try to ensure that their dealings are not only ethical but open; one of their core principles is that companies with whom they will invest for clients must ‘be open about their activities’.

Sustainable Investment

Underpinning these ethical commitments is a belief in the development of long-term relationships with their client base; whilst sensible investment should always be about getting the maximum from one’s assets, Investing Ethically look to harbour success in investment with projects that can have genuine social and ethical benefits.

In other words, the company turn archetypal investing on its head by making sure that a customer is not only seeing benefits from their investments but are also taking an active and impassioned role in the investment process, supporting projects that would interest or move them.

Sounds Great – What Services Do They Offer?

Amongst others, Investing Ethically offer consultancy on ISAs, buy to let investments, mortgage protection, inheritance tax advice, and equity release.
For a full list of their services, visit them at investing-ethically.co.uk

Posted under Articles, Money & Finance

First established in 1998 as Energy & Environmental to design, manufacture and install specialised "SMART" energy management systems to control boiler systems providing heat and hot water. Now, nearly twelve years on from their official inception, the modern maintenance company is still going strong, offering eco-eclipse - the latest in leading boiler energy management.

Okay, granted, it's not your typical James Bond affair; but credit given where credit's due, the eco-eclipse model looks like and feels as if it had been comissioned by the Secret Service themselves. It is literally the height (however high that may be) in heating management systems.

Scoff all you like at it, but statistically Britain's inefficient heating model is one of our leading villains in the Hollywood production of Climate Change. And this archenemy's calling card happens to be an extraordinarily large carbon foot. But what's even more perturbing is that one of its minions could be stomping about in a secret underground layer which could in fact be your very own boiler room!

If you are a small to medium sized organisation, and beyond, then the eco-eclipse is the perfect gadget to add to your business suit. This is what Energy & Environmental have to say:

"The design of the eco-eclipse is based on 25 years experience of heating plant and associated control systems. Its software analyses all factors that can affect the operation of a heating system and constantly updates the on-board database. Its self adaptive functionality then utilises this data to identify the best possible plant-performance for specific building/temperature requirements and a more efficient boiler firing pattern than previously experienced."

Sounds exciting, no? But in all seriousness, the self adaptive software, radio transmission, sensor systems, and GSM communication will not only have you as excited as you can be about your boiler but will help to save you money, time and cut your carbon footprint with rapid results - without any loss of performance or comfort levels.

Backed by the Carbon Trust, qualified under the Energy Technology List and a member of ECA, the eco-eclipse customer ranges from national supermarket groups such as Tesco; Care Home Groups like Barchester Healthcare; to homes, hotels, hospitals, schools, and even local authorities. Click on their website to arrange a free consultation and see how they can help you beat the bad guy.

Posted under Articles, Corporate

It is a typically sunny, long afternoon in the English countryside. Bees are buzzing, hedge rows dip and turn, and the slow curvature of the rolling hillsides drop off towards the horizon line. In fact, we could be plotted anywhere along the steady timeline of British history. It's true; going by appearances alone it's hard to tell, whilst out rambling or picnicking on one of Britain's many soft knolls, not where we are but when we are.

That is until you've seen a peculiar looking specimen of tree - the wind turbine. Their presence is unmistakable; standing straight in regimented lines, rotors turning, or planted by themselves, tall as a flag pole in support of some local farm.

Admittedly it took a while for a character to grow out from this very modern twenty-first century mechanism. Indeed, the national newspapers were all too eager to dwell upon the immediate reactionary defense from our nation as a whole; easily anticipated from a country most often described as 'stoic' and 'proud', let alone one with a heritage like Britain's. And the public's general negative feeling did well to capture the response that most people had at a personal level to what seemed like an invasion of technological progression.

So, have things changed since then? Well, arguably, no - not really. The general consensus on Britain's adoption of wind turbines and other renewable energy seems to follow the line that We're happy to have it, but hate to see it! And this, quite frankly, has to change.

Agreed, the great British countryside is changing. And, no, it doesn't look the same as it did. But this will never be the case. After all, nothing on Earth has a design - be it biological or technological - to remain in stasis. It seems appropriate to recall some old wise words once uttered...All that remains permanent is change. Which is why when change is inevitable it must be understood.

Wind turbines are Britain's primary hope for producing renewable energy, on site. By 'on site' we are talking about domestic sourcing - within Britain - rather than paying for power from across seas. The sites on and around Britain are naturally provided for in order to harbour wind farms and make use of the sustainable and renewable energy source that we have for centuries taken for granted - wind.

Solar energy, for all its merit, would not come to great affect if it were to harness a typical British summer. And being a relatively small cluster of islands, restricted by the amount of land we have available, other renewable sources such as Biomass remain impracticable. And despite great innovation and technological advancement in many areas of renewable energy, Britain's key renewable source is, and will be for the foreseeable future, wind power.

So what's to be done? Well, to surmise with one word, we have to 'change'. Changing our perceptions; our habits; and our methods.

It's the buzzword that environmentalists and politicians have been using for years, and which, quite honestly, has lost all meaning. Change requires action. And to make this sound less dramatic, to put it 'in the kitchen' so to speak, in a day-to-day reality, we'd need only to look at the energy we have supplied directly into our homes.

By doing something as simple as changing your current energy tariff to a 'clean' energy supplier, you will be making that necessary change. If your electricity is sourced from a supplier that uses 'clean' power - or in other words uses renewable sources to produce the power - then they are getting the financial support needed to sustain their good practise; the government will recognise this change in trends; and the renewable market will be boosted by the new income. All this action will, in turn, bring electricity prices down, advance renewable technology (so they can design more integratable models), and help Britain become a more sustainable country.

Think of it this way: by doing something as simple as changing your current energy tariff, you could have more money to treat yourself to a picnic in the great outdoors knowing exactly why you feel so proud that the countryside looks this 'clean'.

Posted under Articles

How Tamsin Omond first caught our eco-eye was way back before discovering her book, film, academic success or even, to be honest, her name. It was, instead, The Climate Rush group that initially introduced us to the young eco-warrior: a face within a crowd of ecologically concerned activists looking to achieve much more than promises. 

"Deeds Not Words" was what was seen to be put in action.  

First off it was an artistic echo that rallied support as The Climate Rush group dressed up and back in time, mimicking the Suffragettes who brought about success and reform in their own terms one hundred years before the fresh-faced Omond made her way to Parliament Square, toting banners. Then, it was a rabble of realists, putting in the leg-work and pedalling through London, in peaceful protest. What followed were picnics at Heathrow, tours through the South West and sunsets on Westminster Abbey.  

Seen from under the sinister spotlight of the national press, the concentrated desk-lamps of a huge online following, as well as her band of faithfuls attending candle lit parades, it was clear - whichever way one looked at it - that there was something refreshingly illuminating about Omond.  

And there still is. Now her latest move follows on through a clear trajectory towards achieving those very same goals when she first set out with The Climate Rush group - an impassioned rush for change. Only now Omond has adapted her approach:  

"It has to be time for something new. I'm sick of being told Britain is 'broken'. I want to play a part in fixing it. That is why I am standing for Parliament on behalf of The Commons."  

Running for local elections in her home constituency Hampstead and Kilburn, Omond has committed herself to figure-heading a community approach to modern day politics that has until now left most of us feeling lacklustre and lost. Backed by a campaign directive known as The Commons, Omond's transparency is appealingly enforced by a genuine concern for society.  

Indeed, as was the case in the past for the eco-activist, we can expect to see the same of her future: not preaching from the political soap-box but taking its structures apart, laying the material she has to hand out flat and inviting "Come one, Come all" to have their say. Just take at look at her social network manifesto.  

Already echoing her own history of success, there is a sort of artistic integrity that holds Omond's campaign together. It is not the traditional patena of affairs, that's true. And this might be enough to scare the average voter away. But these are not average times. In fact, they are the opposite. As political deadlines sit in waiting on the monthly calender, so too does an environmental, social and individual calender exist.  

Through the hard work of supporting organisations such as The Commons, the integral drive of Omond herself, and the warm support she receives along the way, the key decisions - as Omond would surely advocate - are ultimately made with action. So without further delay, click here to see how you can use your support.

Posted under Articles, Climate, EcoWarriors

That’s right, you heard it “FREE”. The guys at betre have organised an up-and-coming management day event that will help tighten, polish and give your business model the good old Green once over maintenance check.

The agenda has been set for Wednesday 26th May 2010, 9am until 5pm – Newhaven.

This is an intensive day course, looking to cover a lot of Green ground, with the aim of motivating you and your business to prepare for the forecasted changes in our business and environmental climates. Some of the day’s objectives include; helping businesses become more resilient to fluctuations in energy prices; providing a half-day workshop to demonstrate how to calculate your current carbon footprint; and to introduce the wealth of benefits brought about by renewable energy.

Speakers include the Carbon Trust, Business Link, Climate South East, Envirowise, and local Sussex businesses.

Due to considerable backing and East Sussex funding, betre have been able to make this project – worth £500 per business – absolutely FREE of charge. And if you need a little more convincing than a clean price tag, here’s 10 reasons why betre thinks you should attend:

"10 essential reasons to attend:

1. Hear about the business opportunities from a low carbon economy.
2. Network with other forward thinking businesses and organisations.
3. Help your business to prepare and adapt for climate change.
4. Save money through practical tips on energy efficiency, water and waste reduction and eco-design.
5. Calculate your organisation’s carbon footprint – ½ day Carbon Trust workshop.
6. Get paid for your energy – learn how your business could generate income through Feed in tariffs and Renewable Heat Incentives for renewable technologies.
7. Minimise the risks and maximise the opportunities from climate change
8. See renewable technology in action.
9. Access FREE support and grants from BETRE, Business Link and the Carbon Trust.
10. FREE event and locally sourced lunch."

Still not convinced? Here’s what local business owner Kate Mylrea has to say:

‘The BETRE course inspired us to make huge changes to the way we ran our business. Not only did we learn about our carbon footprint, we were able to reduce it with some very easy changes and we saved money each year. We got a lot of support from the team with suggestions and contacts. I would recommend anyone who wants to be more sustainable and save money to go on one of the courses.’ Kate Mylrea, Manor Farm Oast, an award-winning B&B.

For further information on how to book your place on this great event click here. Alternatively email betre direct or Tel: 01273 336777.

Posted under Articles, Corporate

As much as we don't like to admit these things but it's all very well saying that you will commit to a carbon cutting program, but in the light of day actually doing it is another thing entirely. Many of us have seen the benefits, heard all about the potential savings, and understood the real motives for bettering our business for a better environment, but most of us still haven't managed to do anything about it. And why? Nine times out of ten it's simply because we just don't know where to start.

It's true. Hundreds of businesses across the UK are stopping themselves from making monthly savings, cutting out a bundle of unnecessary costs, and even ignoring the government funding that they might well be entitled to, purely because the wide world of environmentalism seems to be too much of a steep mountain to climb.

Now, whether your mission statement has set its sights on Everest or pitched a tent on a more homely hillock, the recent boom in environmental awareness has proven one thing if nothing else: we are an environmentally active nation, and it pays to be so!

This might seem like an obvious statement to make, but in reality a large portion of businesses up and down the country are yet to use their general awareness and apply it to the benefit of their day-to-day business. And that's exactly where organisations such as betre come in:

Funded by South East Economic Development Agency (SEEDA) and other national investors such as the European Union, betre offer free practical and independent advice to East Sussex small and medium sized businesses on how to cut utility costs, reduce their environmental impact and work together towards a low carbon economy.

Run regionally to support businesses throughout East Sussex, betre deliver a gamut of services sure to shrink not only your carbon footprint but also cut costs down to size. Environmental Audits, Training Events, Green Action Grants are just a small selection of betre's environmental tools, not to mention a useful catalogue of Environmental Suppliers and recommended services.

Launched in 2001, betre already has a growing list of 'happy customers' more than pleased with the free, impartial service:

"Trinity Wholefoods in Hastings, East Sussex, sells organic and vegetarian produce. So, in keeping with their ethical business and concern for the environment, they decided to have an eco-friendly makeover.

A key priority, as for many shops, was lighting. With the help of a £500 grant from BETRE Trinity Wholefoods commissioned Sussex-based company Luminair to install stylish low energy lighting. Savings included a 56% cut in electricity costs."

In operation for the past six years, betre has, quite impressively, helped provide continued support for over 900 local businesses - totalling in savings over £1.3 million.

If you are a small to medium sized business in East Sussex click here to find out more about betre and their answers to that common quandary of Where do I start? There's an environmental solution for every businesses, no matter where you're heading.

Posted under Articles