Swishing


Unfortunately Ethical and Green missed this great event.  You can see below that it was a great evening and raised money for Cancer Research UK at the same time.  Swishing is definately taking off and is a good way to get your hands on some very nice clothes for free which is very handy in a recession.  Next time we hear about an event we’ll be sure to pass on the info!

 

FUTERRA AND CANCER RESEARCH UK JOIN FORCES AT FIRST ACCESSORIES SWISH

 

Futerra Sustainability Communications and the Shoreditch Women’s Institute hosted the first accessories swishing party on Friday, 22 May at The George pub near Shoreditch in aid of Cancer Research UK.  Swishing, which generally involves women getting together and swapping clothes, expanded for the first time to include accessories!

 

Guests (swishers) were encouraged to bring at least three accessories to swish (belts, jewellery, sunglasses, bracelets, necklaces, scarves, hats, shoes, handbags, etc.) or clothing if they didn’t have any accessories they wanted to part with!

 

Items swished on the night included Vivienne Westwood jewellery, vintage tea dresses, leather boots and bags (many with the tags still attached) and vintage costume jewellry.

 

Swishers experienced a plethora of activities from a fashion sins confessional booth, entertainment by an indie band (do we know the name or can we find out as they might be well known!), and of course, swishing!  All of the unswished clothing and accessories at the end of the event went to Cancer Research, who took away numerous bags of goodies, which will be sold in Cancer Research UK shops.

 

Lucy Shea, the founder of swishing and director at Futerra Sustainability Communications,

said, “With the recession starting to bite, swishing is a great example of the ‘new austerity’: save money, save the planet, have a party. We are thrilled with the success of the event and are in the process of planning more fabulous swishing parties for the coming year, so be sure to visit our website ( www.swishing.org) to find out about our upcoming events”.

 

 

What is the definition of swishing?

 

Dictionary Definition: To rustle, as silk

 

Our definition: To rustle clothes from friends

 

The Art of Swishing involves getting your friends together to swap gorgeous clothes and party at the same time. Every lady must bring at least one good quality, clean item of clothing, or an accessory, that she’d feel proud to hand on.

 

 

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Go Green on June 9th with National liftShare day

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liftShare is an up and coming site helping to make us a greener nation.  Recently liftShare has had a lot of positive publicity as not only do they help reduce your carbon footprint but they also help you save money on your journeys. 

June 9th sees the first National Liftshare day so if you want a sociable way to save reduce local congestion and pollution – and save yourself money – check outwww.liftshare.com

Car-sharing is taking off in the UK: over 330,000 people have already joined the (free) liftshare network. You can either offer a lift, request a lift, or take turns driving. There are tens of thousands of journeys on liftshare’s database which people want to share, so the odds are that someone who lives near you is also going your way…

The typical commuter who car-shares every day cuts their CO2 emissions by about a tonne a year. And for every driver that starts car-sharing, another car is taken off the roads. It’s also great for bringing communities together – friendships are made that last long after the car-sharing arrangement is no longer needed.

Tuesday 9 June is National liftshare Day – what better day to give it a try?

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Technology increases CO2 emissions

In this world of new technologies that are meant to make our lives easier people often don’t consider the effect their usage has on the environment.  For all the hype that sending emails means we don’t have to print or send out letters or that video conferencing cuts down on travel, we are still using technologies that increase our carbon footprint.

It is true to say that companies who manufacture laptops, mobiles etc are becoming more environmentally aware but they are some way off from being totally green.  Climate Group, a non for profit consultancy group have discovered that the information technology sector is growing rapidly and accounts for 2% of global CO2 emissions.  That might not sound a lot but is comparable with the aviation industry!  It is commonplace for us to see demonstrations at airports to stop runway expansion but when was the last time any campaigned against IT companies?

 

We all use technology.  It might be fair to say that we are addicted to new technologies- just look at the hype that surrounds the launch of a new Apple product.  We all want super fast broadband and we want it on the go.  We want laptops that are paperlight and batteries that last for days.  This all comes with an increase in CO2 emissions and is something that needs changing.

With developing economies in China and India all producing IT products the problem is global and not likely to disappear.  Climate Group estimate that by 2020 emissions will have doubled adding 1.4 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.  To put this in perspective that’s more than twice the current emissions of the whole of Britain!

Then there is the problem of the recession.  The credit crunch is making companies put their obligation to the environment on hold.  The bottom line is that going green costs money that companies don’t have or don’t want to spend.  Telecommunication companies have the ability to go green but not the inclination.  This is worrying considering that soon the industry will have to be seen to be reducing their CO2 emissions as part of UK legislation.

Whilst laptop computers are becoming more energy efficient the reality is that more people are buying them so CO2 emissions increase.  Also trendy mobiles such as the iPhone use 60% more energy than standard handsets.  Considering they are the best selling phone and other companies are creating iPhone style phones this is very detrimental to the environment.  At the end of the day reducing CO2 emissions is not on the top of most people’s list when it comes to buying a phone.

 

So what can be done?  In a world where technology is so important we are not going to stop people buying laptops or top range mobiles.  Perhaps the answer lies in green energy- making the source greener will help offset CO2 emissions.  Or perhaps we should campaign the IT industry as a whole to invest in greener technologies?

 

Ethical and Green will be identifying the greenest laptops and mobiles soon so we can make an informed choice about environmentally friendly technologies.  If you have any suggestions let us know!

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Money saving tips- a step too far?

Recently there has been a lot of discussion surrounding certain ideas for saving money.  Incidentally whilst they were titled money saving ideas they were also good tips to reduce Co2 emissions.  Prior to the credit crunch where green was the new black, Ethical and Green think this would have had a more eco-friendly title.  How fickle we are!

Money Central published an article that took the ‘ten dumbest money saving tips’ from a number of websites and blogs.  These tips included cutting your own hair and wearing clothes several times before washing them.  The tip that seems to have sparked the most controversy was investing in a portable bidet to save on toilet paper.  Certain readers felt that in fact this is a good idea and pointed out that most countries in the world use water to clean instead of paper.  Some people felt it was unhygienic.  Most people failed to point out that cutting down on toilet paper is actually better for the environment.

For Ethical and Green’s top tips to save money and help the environment click here.

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Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2009

It’s that time again! The 2009 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards are now open for your nominations!

 

This is responsibletravel.com’s sixth year of running the Responsible Tourism Awards and we really need your help to find holiday companies that are, one way or another, trying to make a difference to our world and the people who live in it. We wanted to say a big thank you for nominating in our 2008 Awards (you can read all about last year’s winners here), and to see if you have an organisation, accommodation, tour operator or individual in mind to nominate in this year’s Awards!

 

From the outset, the Awards have been aimed at making a fuss of those organisations putting responsible tourism at the core of their business. While some companies shout their eco credentials from the rooftops, others play their cards a bit closer to their chest – and that’s where you come in! Every year the Awards have relied on travellers keen to share their holiday tips, secrets and know-how to help us honour the best of the best in responsible tourism. Last year the awards received over 1900 nominations from travellers around the world and this year they’re hoping for your help once again. Read all about the Awards here:  www.responsibletourismawards.com

 

As before, you are free to nominate in one, some or all of the 13 Award categories, but each organisation may only be nominated in one category.

 

Nominate a winner in any of the 13 categories and you could win a safari holiday for 2 to Kenya from Gamewatchers Safaris & Porini Camps! Last year Gamewatchers were one of the Award winners, and they’re supporting the Awards by offering one of the holidays that put them on the responsible tourism map.  Find out more about the prize holiday here: http://www.responsibletourismawards.com/prizeholiday.htm

 

Get nominating!

www.responsibletourismawards.com/nominations


 

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Earth Day 2009

The 22nd April sees the return of Earth Day.  So a year on and Ethical and Green ask if there have been any big changes since last Earth Day?  We think there have.  Over the last year environmental issues have been headline news and on the front pages of newspapers, compared to small articles previously.

America has a new President who spoke of environmental and green issues in his inauguration speech.  It is now common place for Governments to have policies on the environment alongside the economy, health and education.  This is progress indeed!  Just today climate change made the news with the UK government still opting for coal fuel but pumping emissions under the sea!  Interesting….Possibly not the best idea in the world but at least climate change and reducing CO2 emissions are on the government’s mind.

On a smaller level it seems that people at home are taking advantage of loft insulation schemes, buying environmentally friendly light bulbs and recycling.  People are more clued in to buying low Co2 emission or green cars and other electrical items.  All in all this is great news for the environment.

 

If you want to check out some ideas for Earth Day 2009 take a look at this website.  Become believe that this Earth Day page (http://www.become.com/resource-center/earth-day.html) will offer readers the power to find; natural cosmetics, resource conserving appliances and tips on how they can do their part to reduce waste for the environment.   Check it out!  Happy Earth Day!

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Grants for electric cars

Today the UK Government announced plans to give grants of up to £5000 towards electric cars.  These grants won’t be available until 2012 and as yet there is no indication as to what the average contribution will be.  The Government is also pledging £20 million for recharging points. Again there is no indication as yet as to where these will be but Ethical and Green think they’ll mostly be in major cities.

 

These latest plans are yet more evidence of how the Government are trying to get the UK green.  However they are just token gestures and not likely to really change the lifestyles of UK residents.  At the moment people are more worried about keeping their jobs than getting excited about grants that may happen in years to come.  Until there is action the government are just giving us soundbites to tick boxes on their policies.

 

On a positive note more car companies are releasing electric cars.  They are becoming more stylish, practical and affordable.  If people can be encouraged to ditch petrol cars we’ll be making great progress to reducing CO2 emissions and going carbon neutral.

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Disposable items that need not be disposable

As the above title suggests there are some items out there that are disposable but do not need to be.  That is to say that some things we throw away can actually be more durable.  Ethical and Green came across a post at Planet Green detailing 10 items that we throw away that we need not.  Of course this will also save the all important pennies.

Ethical and Green have already shown you the ‘i am not a disposable cup’ from Big Green Smile.  Check out Planet Green’s post here.  The list is below:

  • Bottled water
  • Nappies
  • Air filters
  • Paper towels
  • Wrapping paper
  • Individually wrapped foods
  • Take Away food
  • Feminine products
  • Razors
  • Furniture

Ethical and Green wonder what the carbon footprint is of a disposable nappy versus the perpetual washing of Terry nappies.  We think the compostable ones sound quite cool though!

Ethical Superstore have a great range of re-usable items.  Check them out!

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Turn me on, turn it off……

Fear not readers this is not a come on!  To celebrate Valentine’s Day The Energy Saving Trust is offering practical advice to save energy and get people in the mood….Some of their tips are:

  • Buy some eco-friendly bath products and share a bath or shower. If all the couples in the UK shared their showers on Valentine’s Day we could save a collective 220 million litres of water
  • If you are buying some romantic chocolates this February 14, make sure they are produced locally and recycle the packaging

Ethical and Green suggest turning out all the lights and using candles instead.  It’s romantic and better for the environment and saves money on electricity.  Beware of the fire hazard though!

How about trying organic wine instead?  Or preparing a meal made from organic and local produce?

Alternatively you could switch off the telly and talk or take part in activities that don’t involve electricity…..


To find out more tips take a look at the website.  It’s called Britain Unplugged and the address is www.britainunplugged.org.uk

Join up and help turn Valentine’s Day green!  Let us know if you have any other suggestions!

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Ethical and Green Valentine’s Day gifts

As February 14th looms the all important question of what to get our loved ones is at the front of our minds.  Trying to remember what we got them last year, wondering if you should play safe or try something a bit more exciting…All tough decisions….and then you want to try and be Ethical and Green as well!  

Fear not because help is at hand.  With consumers wanting more organic and green products there is a large array of gifts we can choose from.  This can also cause problems as there is just too much choice.  Help is at hand though!  Our friends at Big Green Smile have a special section for that all important Valentine’s Day gift.  Check out there full range by clicking on the image below:

I Am Not A Paper Cup

Ethical and Green’s personal favourites are the ‘I’m not a paper cup’ for the chaps or the Robert’s solar power radio (which we love!)  A bit of advice though- the man in your life may not appreciate a pink one!

As for presents for the ladies I would head over to Liz Earle for some beauty products.  All the ingredients are organically sourced and come in fantastic packaging that can be re-used.  The website is www.lizearle.com but her products can also be found in John Lewis.

You can also check out Ethical Superstore who have a great range of products.  They have red roses, champagne, cards and lots and lots of lovely chocolates!

Enjoy Valentine’s Day!

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