Archive for April, 2009

Money saving tips- a step too far?

April 27, 2009 · Filed under green money · Tagged , ,

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

April 25, 2009 · Filed under responsible travel · Tagged , , ,

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

April 21, 2009 · Filed under Carbon Dioxide emissions, climate change, CO2 emissions · Tagged , , ,

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

April 16, 2009 · Filed under carbon footprint, green driving · Tagged , ,

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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