GRAND DESIGNS LIVE 2012

EcoSwitch have been exhibiting at Grand Designs Live for the past few years but this year we are visiting all of the exhibitors for a change.

We are going on the last two days of the show – always the busiest and always the most expensive time to get in although we find it great value given what is on display inside. Normally tickets are £15.00 but Direct Line, the sponsors are putting them up for £9.00 if you input the following promotional code into the Grand Designs Live booking page:

DIRECTLINE

Incidentally, I saw an advert on the Grand Designs site with Direct Line giving 3 months of free home insurance which I think is a pretty good deal. Given that I’m a property manager part time, I need to get some new quotes so I’ll be checking them out. I’m doing an attic renovation in Edinburgh so need to look at Velux’s selection of roof windows as I need as much light up there as possible! So it will be interesting to see what deals can be had, particularly as Velux are a main sponsor of the event. I do love show specials. I’ve also been told to check out Econoloft for that purpose.

Our main reason for going as a company is to see green and environmental stuff and next year our intention is to group all of the green exhibitors together to create an easy to find and navigate ecozone. Grand Designs like the idea so we hope to be able to realise it.

So far, the show has over 500 exhibitors and is in its eighth year. You’ll find pretty much everything you need to if you want to create a new home from scratch – in terms of materials – or want to renovate or spruce up your home with the latest gear.

If you want to relax, you can book a Harrods lunch in advance on their site as well. You will likely see Kevin McCloud if you go on the 12 May 2012 because he is having lunch there with some lucky competition winners!

To book tickets at Grand Designs Live, visit their site at Grand Designs Live.

ECOVELOCITY

What is doubly impressive this year is the opportunity to cross the corridor and go into a completely different but very exciting exhibition called Ecovelocity- a show case of leading manufacturer’s environmentally friendly cars and now billed as the ‘UK’s biggest eco friendly motor show’. Everything from electric, to hybrid to economical in terms of tax, maintenance, fuel consumption and insurance. So make sure you see the latest cars on offer. Test drives are also available from Honda, Nissan, Peugeot and Chevrolet be sure to book your desired car to test-drive before the event.

EDF GREEN ELECTRICITY

It is worth mentioning that EDF are the main sponsor of the Ecovelocity event so they are giving some free tickets away this weekend if you hurry. They are right to sponsor the event – after all, electric cars are only as green as the electricity put into them! EDF are promoting their ECO2020 100% renewable electricity tariff on the site, so it is worth checking out if you want to sign up to that tariff. Apparently 35% of all pollution comes from traditional generation (more than cars and aviation combined) so it is the single biggest thing we can all do for our environment – switching to renewable energy without even having to put up solar panels or wind turbines, but if you can afford to do that as well, you’ll be true pioneers of the green movement! The codes to try on the Ecovelocity website only are as follows:

EDFCOMP

TCPCOMP

Both events are held at the ExCel exhibition centre in East London and easy to reach by the Docklands Light Railway.

Posted under Environmental News

This year the rallying call for participation in the WWF Earth Hour 2012 is “I will if you will” – this is a simple promise and a challenge to dare anyone and everyone to accept the challenge and help protect the earth.

This year Earth Hour has launched “I Will If You Will” on YouTube to showcase how everyone has the power to change the world we live in, bringing together the world’s biggest social video platform with the ‘world’s largest action for the environment’. The ask is simple, head to YouTube to tell us what you are willing to do to save the planet or accept one the challenges we’ve already received from our supporters.

Hundreds of millions of people, businesses and governments around the world unite each year to support the largest environmental event in history – Earth Hour.

More than 5,200 cities and towns in 135 countries worldwide switched off their lights for Earth Hour 2011 alone, sending a powerful message for action on climate change. It also ushered in a new era with members going Beyond the Hour to commit to lasting action for the planet. Without a doubt, it’s shown how great things can be achieved when people come together for a common cause.

How can you participate in WWF’s Earth Hour 2012?

By turning off your lights at 8.30pm local time on 31^st March 2012, and participating in a collective display of commitment to a better future for the planet.  Imagine what can be achieved if we all come together for a common cause.  This is such a simple, but effective way to demonstrate your support for a campaign which embraces the world.

Why should you participate in WWF’s Earth Hour 2012?

Our future depends on it. Across the world, biodiversity and natural habitats are disappearing at a greater rate than ever before.  We are depleting the earth of wild animals, water, wood and other natural resources faster than they can be replenished; polluting and altering natural habitats and changing the entire planet’s climate.

Things will only worsen if we continue in the same direction.  You only need to look at what is happening here in the UK with the worst drought for 30 years, threatening some of our most delicate natural habitats such as the RSPB Titchwell Marsh reserve.

The three main springs at this nature reserve, near the Wash in north Norfolk, have run dry. For the first time in 30 years, and possibly longer, fresh water from deep underground is not filling the ditches and reedbeds of the 40-hectare reserve known for its bitterns, water voles and marsh harriers.  If the drought goes through to July, then Titchwell and much of the natural environment of eastern and southern Britain will be in trouble. If the ditches dry out, the fish will die and the birds will migrate or not breed.

This is just one example of something that can and possibly will happen across the country.

Earth Hour raises awareness of sustainability issues.  But there’s more to it than switching off lights for one hour once a year.  It’s about giving people a voice and working together to create a better future for our planet.

Check out these links and see what great thing are happening in your area, and don’t forget to check out YouTube to see what other  people are doing, or even take up someone  else’s challenge

Locally, here at EcoSwitch we will be on the top of Primrose Hill to watch the lights go out on Saturday evening, so come along and join us – but even if you can’t make it, be sure to turn off your lights at 8.30pm, tell all you’re your neighbours, friends and family to do the same and join in this year’s Earth Hour 2012.

Posted under Environmental News

BRIGHTON VEG FEST: 17-18 MARCH 2012 AND BRISTOL VEG FEST: 25-27 MAY 2012, 11AM-6PM

As the first day of the Brighton Veg Fest draws to a close, what an amazing day it has been. So many fun exhibitors with such great products and great food too! So many people came from afar today, not only because Brighton is one of the trendy “B’ towns – Brighton, Bournemouth and Bristol, but because the Veg Fest 2012 is an opportunity for anyone to explore some amazing veg food and also numerous products that are great for our environment.

There is of course a strong Brighton contingency who come here too – several thousand through the day. It is no wonder really, Brighton is after all a Green Party constituency headed by Caroline Lucas, and the sea-side town is certainly a mecca for the eco-minded.

SO WHAT HAS BEEN GOING ON AT THE VEG FEST TODAY?

Well there is of course lots of live cooking. With Junior Ready Steady Chef in full swing, they have had Luke, Tenzin, Rachael and Rosie all cooking like the pros. Masterchef would be impressed – even they would struggle to make such tasty veggie sausages! You must come along tomorrow to see more action on the cooking front.

Regarding the exhibitor list, there are over 130 this year. The show attracts even the largest organisations such as the RSPB, LUSH, Riverford Organics and many smaller niche brands that offer the highest quality products with the finest ingredients – almost definitely organic, fairtrade and/or vegan society approved.

To find the exhibitors, you can either visit the Veg Fest 2012 exhibitor list or we have pasted that below for your convenience.

LIST OF EXHIBITORS AT THE BRIGHTON VEG FEST 2012

Stalls          Saturday                                          Sunday

1                Vegfam Tombola                              Vegfam Tombola

1A             Yaoh Hemp Products                        Yaoh hemp Products

2                VegfestUK GoodyBags                     VegfestUK GoodyBags

3                VeggieVision                                     VeggieVision

4                GoodLife                                            GoodLife

5                GoodLife                                            GoodLife

6                GoodLife                                            GoodLife

7                Care For The Wild International         Care For The Wild International

8                Albion in the Community                    Brighton Cakeaway

9

10              Vegusto UK                                       Vegusto UK

11              Green Mobile                                    Green Mobile

12              Hempish                                            Hempish

13              Hempish                                            Hempish

14              BUAV                                                BUAV

15              BUAV                                                BUAV

16              BUAV                                                BUAV

17              Kara Dairy Free                                 Kara Dairy Free

18              Kara Dairy Free                                 Kara Dairy Free

19              Vegan Organic Network                    Vegan Organic Network

20              Natural Spa Supplies                        Natural Spa Supplies

21              Sedlescombe Vineyard                     Sedlescombe Vineyard

22

23             Severn Cider                                     Severn Cider

24             College of Naturopathic Medicine       College of Naturopathic Medicine

25             Hugletts Wood                                    Hugletts Wood

26             Hugletts Wood                                    Hugletts Wood

27             Flax Farm                                           Flax Farm

28             inSpiral Visionary Products               inSpiral Visionary Products

29             I Am Natural                                       I Am Natural

30            Vervet Monkey Foundation                 Vervet Monkey Foundation

31             The Really Healthy Company            Cupcake Britain

32             Vegan Runners                                  Vegan Runners

33             Natural Options                                  Natural Options

34             James White Drinks                           James White Drinks

34A           Flavour Magic                                    Flavour Magic

35             VegOut                                               VegOut

36             VegOut                                               VegOut

37             Aunty Jees Curry House                    Aunty Jees Curry House

38             Aunty Jees Curry House                    Aunty Jees Curry House

38A          Fashion-Conscience                           Fashion Conscience

39A          CressUK                                              CressUK

39             Sweetcheeks                                      Sweetcheeks

40             Nakd Wholefoods                               Nakd Wholefoods

41             Nakd Wholefoods                               Nakd Wholefoods

42             Brighton Superfood Company            Brighton Superfood Company

43             One World Day 1st Nov                       One World Day 1st Nov

43A           Dees Burgers                                      Dees Burgers

44              Beanies                                              Beanies

45              Beanies                                              Beanies

46              Beanies                                              Beanies

47              Kinetic                                                 Kinetic

48              Kinetic                                                 Kinetic

49              Kinetic                                                 Kinetic

50              Redwood Wholefoods                        Redwood Wholfoods

51              Redwood Wholefoods                        Redwood Wholefoods

52              Redwood Wholefoods                        Redwood Wholefoods

53              Titbits Catering                                   Titbits Catering

53A            Cummin Up                                         Cummin Up

54              Chipstix                                               Chipstix

55              Something Fishy                                 Something Fishy

56              K & F Catering                                    K & F Catering

56A            K & F Catering                                    K & F Catering

57A            Vel – Brands                                        Vel – Brands

57              Amy’s Kitchen                                     Amy’s Kitchen

58              Amy’s Kitchen                                     Amy’s Kitchen

59              Amy’s Kitchen                                     Amy’s Kitchen

60              Hunt Saboteurs Association               Hunt Saboteurs Association

61              Hope Street                                         Hope Street

62              Riverford Organics                              Riverford Organcs

63              Riverford Organics                              Riverford Organics

64              Health Plus Veganicity                        Health Plus Veganicity

65              Good Hemp                                         Good Hemp

66              Good Hemp                                         Good Hemp

67              Animal Aid                                           Animal Aid

68              Animal Aid                                           Animal Aid

69              APA                                                     APA

70              Wild Futures                                        Wild Futures

71              Animal Equality                                   Animal Equality

72              Lilli Chilli                                               Establish Life

73              Supreme Master Ching Hai                 Supreme master Ching Hai

74              Juliana’s Vegan Bakery                       Caramba!

75              International Animal Rescue                International Animal Rescue

76              The Vegan Society                              The Vegan Society

77              Organic Burst                                       Organic Burst

78              Bessant And Drury                               Bessant and Drury

79              Sea Shepherd                                      Sea Shepherd

80              Marap                                                   Marap

81              Topas                                                   Topas

82              Topas                                                   Topas

83              Topas                                                   Topas

84              EcoSwitch                                           EcoSwitch

85              EcoSwitch                                           EcoSwitch

86              Jinga Shoes                                        Jinga Shoes

87              SHAC                                                  SHAC

88A           Seal Protection Action Group               Seal Protection Action Group

88              Moo Free                                             Moo Free

89              The Heavenly Cake Company             The Heavenly Cake Company

90              incognito                                              incognito

91              New Internationalist                             New Internationalist

92              Excellart                                               Excellart

93              Network For Animals                           Network For Animals

94              Giftys Kitchen                                      Giftys Kitchen

95              Elizabeth Santer Creative Catering

96              Sussex Action for Animals                    Ms Cupcake

97              Viva!                                                      Ms Cupcake

98              Premae Skincare                                  Premae Skincare

99              CAFT                                                     CAFT

100            CAPS                                                     CAPS

101            The Cowley Club                                   The Cowley Club

102            The Black Fish                                       The Black Fish

103            Dogs Mountain                                       Dogs Mountain

104            VivaPure                                                Vegan Hair

105            Plamil                                                     Plamil

106            Plamil                                                     Plamil

107            Cultured Probiotics                                Cultured Probiotics

108            Chancham                                             Chancham

109              Lush Retail Ltd                                    Lush Retail Ltd

110              Lush Retail Ltd                                    Lush Retail Ltd

111              Sussex Wildlife Trust                          Sussex Wildlife Trust

112              RaDree Accessories                           True Health

113              RSPB                                                  RSPB

114              Vegetarian Living                                Vegetarian Living

115              Friends of the Animals                        Friends of the Animals

116              Cristina Menicocci                               Cristina Menicocci

117              F.R.I.E.N.D                                          F.R.I.E.N.D

118              Living Naturally                                    Living Naturally

119              The Buddha Beauty Company            The Buddha Beauty Company

120              Goody Good Stuff                                Goody Good Stuff

121              Raw Skin Food                                    Raw Skin Food

122              Pulsin’                                                  Pulsin’

123              Athene Skincare                                  Athene Skincare

124              Farmaround                                         Farmaround

125              League Against Cruel Sports              League Against Cruel Sports

126              New Approaches To Cancer               New Approaches To Cancer

127              Greek Animal Welfare Fund                Greek Animal Welfare Fund

128              Life without Palm Oil                            Life without Palm Oil

ECOSWITCH AT THE VEG FEST 2012

EcoSwitch is also exhibiting – be sure to see all 130 exhibitors on both floors, in every nook, cranny and annex. You don’t want to miss anything. At this show, we’re showing consumers the differences between green energy suppliers and if possible, calculating the price you’ll pay. In many cases now, it is the same price or cheaper than the Big 6′s standard tariffs, but you have the pleasure of knowing your energy is coming from solar, hydro or wind – whatever you support, we can point you in the right direction.

So hurry along, there is only one day left for the Brighton Veg Fest 2012 and if you can’t make this one, there is always the Bristol Veg Fest between the 25th and the 27th May  2012 – three whole days worth.

THE LOCATION OF THE BRIGHTON VEG FEST 2012 IS:

The Hove Centre, Norton Road, Hove, BN3 4AH
11 am – 6pm

Admission is FREE

If you read this article and attend the event, it would be great to know what you think of the Veg Fest. Do share your thoughts with everyone.

Posted under Environmental News

ECOBUILD 2012 – WHAT’S HAPPENING?

It is March 2012; so the time has come again. The long awaited EcoBuild show is back!

Showcasing more ecological ideas than you can shake a stick at, the show has grown massively due to the amount of business ideas that inform and inspire us on how we can make our businesses more ecologically active. Because of this growth, together with the increased exhibitor numbers, the show now has an annual residency at London Docklands’ ExCel. Most exhibitors prefer the venue. The organisers moved from Earl’s Court to cater for the higher exhibitor numbers which almost doubled, rising from 800 in 2009 to 1500 in 2012. EcoBuild 2012 is certainly giving us a lot for us to see, do and think about. And in times when economic factors are key, the ecological agenda has never been more important. In fact, through choosing the greener more sustainable route, most businesses now realise that through implementing environmental measures and initiatives, they are able to cut their costs longer term, as well as their Carbon Footprint in doing so. No wonder the show is so popular.

WHO’S EXHIBITING AT ECOBUILD 2012 AND HOW CAN I PLAN MY DAY BEST?

For a full list of exhibitors you can locate them on the following EcoBuild 2012 website link. This is a useful tool because you can create a planner for your day, deciding in advance how many and which companies you want to see. Many visitors have reported that they are going for all three days, just so they have the time to get around and see as many exhibits and exhibitors as possible. If you are fast, you might even get to 500 a day but that might be some task you might want to divide up with colleagues! Especially now 1500 companies are there to showcase all they have to offer.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT ECOBUILD 2012?

The show will exhibit all aspects of eco living and operations; from the materials you would use to upgrade or improve your home or business, to focusing on renewable heat sources and everything in between; so there really is something somewhere in the show for everyone. Whatever it is you’re planning on doing to your home, your business or simply your lifestyle, the ecological option will be showcased here at EcoBuild, as all those concerned about the environment will be there, even EcoSwitch.

ECOSWITCH EXHIBITING AT ECOBUILD 2012 – STAND S2443

Yes!  We couldn’t miss EcoBuild this year, it’s now far too big a show to be missed and it would be a wonderful opportunity missed if anyone did. Come and see us and have a chat about how we can help. Whether it’s your home you want to power with a cleaner source of energy or other ecological options you need advice on, we can help your business achieve the eco-operational standards you want and the world needs. We are on stand S2443 so come over and see us; we would love to see you.

THE RENEWABLE ENERGY ASSOCIATION HELP WITH TALKS ON BIOMASS, THE R.H.I AND F.I.T.S

Amongst the stands of products and services shall also be talks on relevant subjects, one of which will be held by our friends at the Renewable Energy Association (R.E.A). The R.E.A will have two stands, S3541 hosting their Biomass Heat Pavilion with Econergy (which we will go into more detail in a moment) and stand S3657 for talks on topics such as ‘The Renewable Heat Incentive’ or R.H.I and the ‘Feed In Tariffs’ or F.I.Ts.  These talks are of vital importance to those who run micro generators or are thinking of the same.

R.E.A’s other stand, as briefly mentioned is with Econergy; a supplier in leading biomass heating solutions. Their Managing Director also has a seat on the R.E.A’s board hence the connection. Their stand will be there to explain the benefits and the easy set up of their state of the art wood chip, pellet and log boilers so be sure to visit and to see what they can do for you to solve environmental issues further.

WHAT IS THE EXACT LOCATION OF ECOBUILD 2012?

The show is being held this month at the London ExCel Exhibition Centre on Tuesday 20 March, 10am-5pm, Wednesday 21 March 10am-6pm and Thursday 22 March, 10am-4pm. The nearest station is Custom House DLR and their address is:

ExCel
One Western Gateway
Royal Victoria Dock
London
E16 1XL

VISITING, TALKING OR EXHIBITING?

To visit, exhibit or just get further information visit EcoBuild’s website  at the following links:

Visiting EcoBuild 2012. Get your free day pass here.

Exhibiting at Ecobuild 2012. Simply fill in the form and someone from the EcoBuild team will be in touch.

FOLLOWING ECOBUILD?

Twitter

Facebook

Posted under Eco Build, Environmental News

Want to pick up something you need for free? Then this is an event you really need to check out.

We at EcoSwitch spent last Saturday helping charity Healthy Planet sort out thousands of books into category order and unbagging numerous unwanted books and other items left by householders. This month, across the whole of London Healthy Planet has been collecting unwanted Christmas gifts and items that people no longer need or want.

Healthy Planet have named the giant community reuse event ‘Stuff for Free’. It’s an opportunity to redistribute good quality stuff to a new home where is will be valued and really wanted. As as BBC spokesperson said ‘one person’s trash is another person’s treasure’. Founder of Healthy Planet Shaylesh Patel indicates that giving another life to a book or item is even better than recycling. We agree!

Stuff for Free encourages reuse and reduces landfill, so this has been a chance for donators to help the environment and recycle unwanted or unused items for other people to enjoy.

There is loads of stuff to choose from – toys, electrical items (small and large), furniture, books, TV’s, high quality chairs – and above all, it’s free, fun and you never know what you might find. A small number of items will be on sale at a massive discount and all electrical items are in good working order and have been safety checked. Today, one happy teenager walked away with a drum kit and another person got a set of golf clubs.

And Healthy Planet have made it possible so that you don’t need to give anything to pick up Stuff for Free!

When?

Hurry along and take your pick of what we have in stock between 9.00am and 3.00pm, Friday 27th January 2012 and Sunday 29th January 2012.

Where?

The Vision Warehouse 15, Kendal Avenue, Acton W3 0AF

Nearest Tube: Park Royal (Piccadilly Line) and West Acton (Central Line) are both just a 10minute walk from the Warehouse.

Click here to go straight to Transport for London to map at your simple route.

If you decide to drive there is plenty of parking available.

Up and coming – Give and take!

Healthy Planet will be holding a further special half-term weekend of give AND take events on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th February.

The ‘giving’ will be from 9am to 12pm, our volunteers will then sort and organise in time for the ‘taking’ to commence at 1pm and last until 3pm.  Check out their website for more information.

So take this opportunity to come along, donate what you don’t want or need any more then join in and check out what’s on offer!

You may just find something for you or your family and there are all sorts of activities for the kids!

Free stuff for children and fun activities are available for all and the event will be opened by local CBBC star, Priyanka Patel, from TV show “Sadie J”.

Visit the following links to learn more about the Stuff for Free program on the BBC or at the Healthy Planet website.

Posted under Environmental News

We have teamed up with the charity Healthy Planet to continue our work in making people more aware of our impacts on the environment and what we can do to make it a greener and healthier place to live.

What is the Healthy Planet Organisation?

A registered charity set-up in 2008, their innovative projects inform children and adults alike about the issues that concern both the health and wealth of the planet and the individual.  Founded by Shaylesh Patel, who, as a father of two, was concerned about the following:

1.         The health of the planet and the environment was in question and

2.         For the first time in history our children were predicted to have a shorter life-span than their parents.

This motivated him to set-up a charity to address these two pressing issues, and Healthy Planet was born.   Its vision is a world where every person and organization can make a difference locally and globally to the health and welfare of the planet and its people.  Even the smallest of actions , if put together can make a big difference.

Healthy Planet has three main projects:

1. Healthy Planet Empty Spaces

The Empty Spaces initiative acts as a link between commercial landlords and under-represented charities which need a base.  Working in partnership with commercial landlords that have empty units, Healthy Planet invites like-minded organisations to collaborate with them and occupy one of the spaces, rent free, thus making a difference to their local communities.

Since all of the organisations that use these spaces share the same ethos this network makes a real difference by informing, inspiring and enabling people to make the planet healthier.  By bringing these empty spaces back into use it improves the local area and the quality of life – the high street is enhanced and can stop further environmental and economic decay.

2. Healthy Planet Books for Free

This initiative rescues unwanted and unsellable books that would otherwise be pulped or go to landfill.  These books are given away for free throughout communities via ‘Books for Free’ stores nationwide. This is a valuable community service,  giving people access to books who might not otherwise have the means to obtain them, as well as giving local people a unique volunteering opportunity.  All of the stores are run by volunteers.  Any donations for books in-store are used to help towards the running costs of funding volunteers who work for free.  Any excess is used by Healthy Planet to fund other initiatives such as giving grants to green charities and supporting conservation projects.  Healthy Planet receives no government funding.

By doing this, the amount of waste that would otherwise go to landfill each year is reduced, and a valuable resource is recycled.  People are also encouraged to donate their own unwanted books.  As of July 2011 55 tonnes of books had been saved.  Pulping one tonne of books equates to nearly 7000 kwh, enough to power a TV for 24 years!

3. Healthy Planet Adopt a Plot

Using the latest web technology, through Healthy Planet, people can adopt a plot of land in a protected area and engage in its conservation from their own homes.  By visiting the Healthy Planet website  people can chose a local or global conservation project to support and donate online.  At least 90% of the donation is spent on the project.

So, if you would like further information on any of these amazing projects you can contact Healthy Planet direct by through their website, or by contacting their Head Office on 0203 405 2485.

Posted under Articles, Environmental News

A report published this week by the International Energy Agency (IEA) – World Energy Outlook 2011 – made it clear that urgent action is needed now to address what appears to be a forgone conclusion,  that world temperatures are set to rise by 2C (4F) if we don’t stop our reliance on fossil fuels and begin to reduce the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This is currently 390 parts per million (ppm), with 450ppm being the point of no return.  As domestic energy consumption accounts for 33% of carbon emissions it seems that switching to a green energy tariff is now the single most important contribution you can make!

Those of us not lucky enough to have a suitable south facing roof for solar pv – and even this is being made less cost effective with the Department for Climate Change (DECC) recently announcing the amount paid for electricity generated by home owners is to be reduced – a green energy tariff is the easiest way for people to ditch fossil fuels and make a difference.

With world reliance on oil, coal and gas showing no signs of decreasing any time soon and Government’s making all the right noises and simply going through the motions, it looks like it’s up to the consumer to take up the challenge and address the problem.

The more people who choose a green energy tariff, the more the ‘Big 6’ energy suppliers will have to sit up and take notice and actually meet the Government’s UK’s target for 15% of energy supplied coming from renewable sources by 2020.  At the moment only three companies meet the current Government UK target of 10% renewable energy by 2010.

There are plenty of people ‘doing their bit’ using energy saving light bulbs, not leaving stuff on standby and switching off lights – but in reality although in the grand scheme of things every action counts – nothing counts more than getting hooked-up to renewable energy to reduce your carbon emissions.

So what’s stopping you?  At the end of the day you could get a tariff that price matches your current supplier’s standard tariff (or could even cost you less), and with all the ‘Big 6’ suppliers hiking their prices again just in time for Winter why not check out a comparison of the suppliers green energy tariffs and see what’s out there.

Make reducing your carbon emissions a New Year’s resolution you can keep!

Posted under Articles, Environmental News, News

Most newspapers and magazines are, at least in some part, filled with panic-inducing, alarming news. Inspired Times is different. Now with a circulation of around 6,000, Inspired Times was launched in June 2009 from Bristol. Printed on 100% recycled paper and using vegetable inks, the magazine is distributed in biodegradable plastic – altogether the very epitome of sustainable living.

Widely known as a ‘holistic’ and a sustainable living magazine, Inspired Times is dedicated to exploring the latest in environmental issues and initiatives. The magazine covers all aspects of a more sustainable and, perhaps, ‘greener’ lifestyle, from yoga to holidays to thought-provoking articles on the world around us. It is uplifting as well – it is a comfort to read something about how to improve your way of life or your environment easily and cheaply when other publications are concentrating on the more negative side of life.

The magazine is designed to attract readers of all ages and from all backgrounds – the brightly coloured and abstract designs are intended to grab attention, and they do; the circulation numbers of Inspired Times have the proof in the numbers! The magazine’s contents are, however, mainly aimed at 25-to-55-year-olds. As a publication dedicated to green and sustainable products, companies and services, Inspired Times is an ideal advertising opportunity for the relevant interested parties as it is a guarantee that the target audience will be reached. With an enthusiastic and growing subscription list and reasonable rates, it could be considered to be a win/win situation for businesses.

Many readers have favourably commented on the mix of articles dealing with environmental, spiritual and alternative health topics as well as the overall design of the magazine. With so many varied subjects addressed in each issue, there is much to learn right alongside new information about previously debated ideas.

The magazine is produced quarterly (in January, April, July and October) and is available direct from the website or from local stockists around the country. There is an annual subscription cost of £12.00 for the four issues, or £3.40 each, a deal unlikely to break the bank. In addition to the discounted annual subscription offer, there is a ‘buy one, get one half price’ incentive – buy a year’s subscription for a friend or relative and get your own for £6.00.

As well as reading the magazine, you can also contribute! If you do have any inspiring projects or you know of any products that might be of interest to the Inspired Times team, or have any comments, questions or general thoughts, please contact the magazine by emailing sharon@inspiredtimesmagazine.com or ads@inspiredtimesmagazine.com for business or advertising queries.

Posted under Environmental News, News

Top: Flood gates opened to quell the rise of the Mississippi River. Bottom: the drought that hit the River Greta in Co. Durham in 2010

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FLOOD AND DROUGHT AND THE EFFECTS:

Despite US citizens in along the Mississippi having to flee the rising floodwaters due to small towns and farmlands being sacrificed to save larger cities, in the UK we are currently being plagued by a drought that is affecting farmers in Suffolk, Oxfordshire and Herefordshire. Not only that, but the drought means that fauna species are being affected – nesting statistics among house martins are down, a fact that can be directly correlated to the drought in the country due to the way they build their nests using mud from wet areas of ground. If there is no rain, then there is no mud for the birds to utilise.

Why, though, is the weather differing so drastically throughout the world? Why, when people are fleeing their own government’s decision to sacrifice them, are others suffering through the warmest spring season in years, if not decades?

The River Wye has hit levels that are reportedly lower than they were in the drought periods during the years of 1976 and 1984, according to the Wye and Usk Foundation, causing the deaths of species like the salmon which inhabit the river due to getting caught in too-shallow water as the river recedes. In states bordering the Mississippi, meanwhile, rising floodwaters and the state senates have forced people out of their homes in order to save more densely populated regions like Baton Rouge and New Orleans in Louisiana. The still-rising levels of water in Tennessee have surpassed the levels reached in 1937, meaning that some areas are practically emptied already as water spills over the banks of the river and across the Atchafalaya River basin. To save the larger towns and cities from the rising waters, the Morganza Spillway floodgates were opened. Up to 3,000 square miles (7,770 square kilometres) will be flooded due to this action – an action that has already meant the displacement of thousands (currently estimated to surpass 25,000) in order to save hundreds of thousands.

Just west of the state of Arkansas, however, is Oklahoma, where they are currently being hit by a drought (they had gone 222 days without rain by the 5th May this year) that has lasted nearly five years with conditions said to be worse than those faced during the ‘Dustbowl Days’ of the Great Depression in the 1930s.

GOOD FOR THE STRAWBERRIES…NOT SO GOOD FOR THE POTATO:

In England, conditions appear to be heading the same way. While the situation seems to be manageable at the moment, with falling river levels and crops affected by the duel-effect of too much heat and too little rain, it appears that the current status quo cannot be held for long, especially as the weather forecast for the next few weeks and months only predicts more of the same. In Oxfordshire, the BBC reports, vineyards and soft fruit orchards are heading into the harvest season unusually early which, while appearing to be a good occurrence for our industry, could paradoxically mean a lack of potato and wheat crops due to a possible oncoming drought.

Following an unusually hot and dry April, the south of England is now suffering from near-drought conditions that bring to mind the hose-pipe bans of years not too long gone by. According to the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, the headquarters of which are based in Wallingford, said March and April had the lowest recorded rainfall since 1938. If there is a shortage in potato and grain products due to early harvesting periods and drought, there will – of course – be a knock-on effect for the consumer as prices will have to rise in order for suppliers and farmers to recoup their losses. Rivers in England, for example, have been steadily decreasing over the last five years and more due to declining levels of rain and warmer weather than previous decades have known in a steady phase.

Butterfly enthusiasts, meanwhile, are delighted with the current warm weather – rain and a decline in temperature results in falling numbers of caterpillars surviving the changes that occur when they are in the pupal (or, chrysalis) stage. Perversely, the on-going unseasonably warm weather means that the butterfly populations could be just as affected if the rains keep failing to fall – too much heat and the butterfly could be crippled when it emerges from the chrysalis shell or even dying mid-pupal stage.

ONGOING NATURAL DISASTERS ACROSS THE GLOBE:

Of course, in Australia in November and December last year (like the USA at the moment) the country was hit by both floods and drought, devastating the country’s farming industries and having a severe effect on the economy due to livestock being drowned and crop fields inundated with floodwater. The coal industry in Australia was also affected – companies announced at the time that deliveries of coal would be reduced or delayed due to difficulties in mining and transporting the product. All of these problems await the industries in the states affected by the rising waters of the Mississippi River in the USA.

At the moment the situation hitting the world is less than ideal…and something of a Catch 22 – regions in countries around the world are either facing drought or floods, with little middle ground available.

Posted under Environmental News

In March, UK Aware held their London show at Kensington Olympia. It was great and fun and everyone involved had a fantastic time, but what could make it that little bit better?

Well, how about holding a second show in Bristol in conjunction with the Festival of Nature weekend? Running on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th June and a member of DEFRA (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) and supported by the Environment Agency, the Festival is a weekend of fun, designed to hook even the most cynical amongst us and it is being held in Bristol – a city short-listed for the EU Green Capital award in 2008; in fact, it was the only UK city short-listed.

This, of course, just goes to show how green the city is and what a great idea it is to hold the Festival and the second UK Aware show of the year in Bristol. Free of charge to visitors, the Festival gives wildlife aficionados the opportunity to get up close and personal with the natural world by exploring the wide variety of exhibits and events that are on offer over the weekend.

WHAT’S GOING ON, WHO’S GOING AND WHAT IS THERE TO SEE?

• UK Aware – straight from London’s Kensington Olympia, UK Aware is a dedicated and contemporary sustainable living show and will be the first large-scale show of its kind in the Southwest. While stand space at the Festival is already all booked up, UK Aware may still be able to help by hosting businesses and organisations within their area – do not delay in contacting them as we have been told that space is going fast. If you are interested, please contact UK Aware on 020 7221 4934 or email them at carlos@ukaware.com

• The Green Forum tent in Anchor Square – a place where top professors and amateur enthusiasts can come together to discuss new ideas and old philosophies. Over forty environmental and wildlife organisations will be hosted in the tent, bringing a not-to-be-missed collective together for the weekend.

• Talks at the Amphitheatre – to be scheduled, but will include BBC presenters and wildlife experts amongst others.

• The IMAX cinema at the Bristol Aquarium – space is limited but tickets are sold on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis. Seating at the IMAX is limited to 350 seats and the show is “Sea Rex: Journey to a Prehistoric World” in IMAX 3D. Unmissable!

• As well as all of this, the Festival will be enlivened and will practically spark with the entertainment on offer. From puppet shows to musicians (including ‘human jukeboxes’ and an acapella group) to Pete ‘the Bug Man’ and his exotic creepy-crawlies.

• The Market and Bar area – including stalls offering food sourced from sustainable and jewellery stands and plant stands where you can find that special little gift for that special someone – or for yourself! There is a full list of the Market and Bar exhibitors and stall holders on the Festival’s official page, but see below for the ones that really jumped out at us;

- Absolutely Cakes – Freshly created, free of additives and absolutely scrummy from the individual cupcakes to the giant, custom-made wedding and speciality cakes
- Wessex Pantry – Your gateway to high-quality and handmade meat, fish and game pies
- Dream Blue – Quality products from Turkey, ranging from throws to ceramics to stunning turquoise and silver jewellery
- Woodfruit Exotic and Gourmet Mushrooms – Grow your own or buy from the company, sourced from the area along the banks of the River Dart in Devon
- Munnion Art – Individual and detailed works of art, on sale at the show

SCHOOLS’ DAY – THE BEST FIELD TRIP IDEA ON THE BOOKS:

Before the Festival opens on the 18th June, the organisations involved will be holding their annual free Schools’ Day on Friday 17th June. Sponsored this year by Clifton College, the Schools’ Day is the ultimate in school field trips – it is both educational and fun, as all field trips should be. If you are interested in taking your school along, please get in contact with Sara Chapple to book your place (visits to Schools’ Day are free). On the day, over fifteen organisations will be running hands-on activities to amuse and distract children of all ages. Sara Chapple can be contacted on 01179 304926 or by emailing sara@bnhc.org.uk

Posted under Environmental News