Archive for carbon neutral

Energy Saving Week

October 20, 2008 · Filed under Carbon Dioxide emissions, carbon footprint, carbon neutral, reduce carbon footprint · Tagged , ,

Today marks the start of Energy Saving Week being run by the Energy Saving Trust.  This campaign aims to help the British public save energy, reduce their carbon footprint and save money!

Energy Saving Week is being supported by the model Helena Christiansson and Aliesha Dixon to name but a few.  As Karen Lawrence, head of advice, at the Energy Saving Trust explains:

“Climate change is arguably one of the most important global issues now affecting millions of UK households. It is no longer just a Government problem to be tackled on a policy level, but something everyone is thinking about on a daily basis. We’ve all been asked to change certain daily habits: dustbin-days have gone topsy-turvy as councils re-think their recycling programmes, major supermarkets now charge shoppers for carrier bags forcing us to think twice before using plastic bags.”

We’re constantly being shown targets and timelines - telling us what the nation has to achieve and by when - to help fight climate change. But how on earth are we expected to fit an eco-rich lifestyle into our time-poor lives? Energy Saving Week - 20th to 26th October - is the perfect opportunity to discover your Green/Life Balance. We’re urging people to take time to make time to change their households’ habits to help fight climate change. It doesn’t take long to get things started - there are lots of things you can do in just ten minutes.”  From the Energy Saving Trust website.

There is also a less than thrilling diary by Joan Ruddock MP about how her week is going trying to save energy.  Yawn!!

Click here to get more information and see the Energy Saving Clock.  Alternatively you can call 0800 512 012 for energy saving tips and advice.

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Who’s enjoying the credit crunch?

October 10, 2008 · Filed under CO2 emissions, Carbon Dioxide emissions, carbon footprint, carbon neutral, reduce carbon footprint · Tagged , , , ,

Here at Ethical and Green we are actually enjoying the credit crunch and the financial turmoil.  For many years now bankers have been gambling away huge sums of money with care free abandon.  Let’s be realistic- this credit crunch isn’t bad luck, it’s been an accident waiting to happen.  And the motivating factor behind it?  Greed.  Greed combined with selfish thinking.  If the financial industry had stopped to think what they were doing and hadn’t been trying to make obscene bonuses we wouldn’t be in this mess today.

 

The reason we are enjoying the credit crunch isn’t because the bankers are suffering.  They have made so much money I don’t think they really care.  The Head of Lehmann Brothers reportedly made $500 million dollars whilst he worked for the company!  No the reason we are enjoying it is because finally people are worrying about money rather than spending it on things they don’t need.

Car sales in the UK have dropped by 20% which is good for the environment.  People are also using their cars less because petrol is too expensive.  This means more people are using public transport to save money.  The downside is that new cars are more environmentally friendly so I hope people aren’t buying second hand cars with worse emission records. We’ll have to wait and see.

 

As we have seen before the credit crunch is encouraging people to exchange clothes and recycle.  People are also using sites such as Freecycle more rather than buying new items.  Some people are also recycling more as it gives them reward points.  There was recently a story in the press about a couple who fanatically recycled so they could fly back in business class from America where they went on Honeymoon!  Great for them and the environment!

In terms of holidays the credit crunch meant that this summer more people had a holiday in Britain as opposed to travelling abroad.  This reduced the holiday seasons carbon footprint.  Some airlines have also stopped flying to particular destinations and are flying less frequently thus reducing the carbon footprint of the aeronautic industry.  Reports this year showed that in the UK camp sites were fully booked!  A truely environmentally friendly holiday.

As oil prices soar so fuel bills rise.  This means that consumers are looking at ways to cut down on their bills by saving electricity.  People are converting to environmentally friendly lightbulbs and turning electrical appliances off as opposed to leaving them on standby.  The government has also brought out grants for home insulation which keep your house warm as well as cutting down fuel bills.  All good for the environment and reducing your carbon footprint!

So there we have it.  Just a few examples of why Ethical and Green are enjoying the credit crunch!  Let us know what you think….

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SKY is carbon neutral

July 28, 2008 · Filed under Companies going green, carbon footprint, carbon neutral, reduce carbon footprint · Tagged , , , , ,


When we go through companies going green we often talk about what measure companies are taking to go carbon neutral.  However, with Sky there is no need to do this.  This is because Sky is the first media company in the world to be totally carbon neutral.  That’s right since 2006 Sky has no carbon footprint to speak of!!  They did this with the help of a company called Carbon Neutral who are helping companies all over the world become carbon neutral.

It doesn’t stop there.  Sky are also committed to helping their customers live more sustainably.  They are doing this by using the medium of TV by increasing the number of environmental programmes they show.  Sky engineers also gave customers energy efficient light bulbs when they installed various Sky products.

You can also download Sky’s Rough Guide to Saving Energy and Reducing Your Carbon Footprint which shows you how to go carbon neutral and save money.  There are more ways in which the company is helping the environment which you can find by visiting their website.

It’s good to see a company like Sky using their medium of TV and advertising to do something positive for the environment.  It’s even better that they are setting a good example by being completely carbon neutral and still striving to do more.  This makes me feel a lot better now when I sit down to watch TV using Sky Plus.  Not only is Sky Plus (in my opinion) one of the best inventions it is also guilt free now I know Sky is carbon neutral.  The fact you can also get broadband from Sky and do online shopping, therefore reducing your personal carbon footprint is even better.

 

If you want to sign up to Sky in an effort to reduce your carbon footprint and get Sky Digital TV, Broadband, Phone for £26, order online!

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Tesco Cath Kidston bags

July 25, 2008 · Filed under carbon neutral, ethical fashion, reduce carbon footprint · Tagged , , ,

Blue Spot Cath Kidston bag designed for Tesco

Who else thinks that the bag shown above is a thing of beauty?  It is made by one of my favourite designers Cath Kidston and is in her trademark spotty design and are on sale at Tesco.

There are many other wonderful features about this bag including the fact that it is made out of nine recycled 500ml bottles.  Even better 50p from each bag sold goes to the Marie Curie Cancer Care.  No profit goes to either Tesco or Cat Kidston and you can earn green Clubcard points when you use it.

Aside from their style, ethical and green credentials and charitable donations the bags are a mere snip at £3.50 which make them possible the cheapest Cath Kidston bags you will ever own!

So go on and buy yourself one.  Not only will you look stylish but you’ll also be helping save the planet by recycling, going carbon neutral and donating money to charity.  Can life get any better?  Get yours here.

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Ethical fashion outfits for eco-clubbing

July 19, 2008 · Filed under carbon footprint, carbon neutral, ethical fashion · Tagged , , , , , , ,

Right.  It’s the weekend.  You are socially responsible and want to be as carbon neutral as possible. You decide to go to London’s eco-friendly club Surya.  But what do you wear?  You feel must wear something ethical and green or the bouncers may not let you in.  There may also be a special someone you want to impress with your caring attitude towards the environment.  The clothes are important.

As we have seen ethical fashion is no longer unfashionable and you can wear ethical fashion brands with pride.  Ethical and Green are here to give you a helping hand in finding the best outfit.

Firstly, the girls.  We found some great dresses such as this one from Peopletree.

Bora Asku Dress  

This is called the Bora Aksu Dress and is available from Adiliand (joy) is currently in the sale.  Peopletree is a well known ethical fashion brand so you can rest assured that your threads will be ethical and green.

 

Another dress we loved is this one from ethical fashion brand Edun.

Requiem DressThe Requiem Dress can be worn by itself or with skinny jeans or leggins.  You can dress it up or down.  Again this is in the sale at Adili.

Hopefully you can see from these pictures that you can be ethical and fashionable!

If  you really want to impress check out British fashion company Quail.  That way you can tell people that not only is your fashion ethical but is also local as all the products they use are from Devon.

 

Next up something for the boys!  We thought these trousers were pretty cool.

Regular Fit Twill Trouser  These were designed by the folk at Adili and also come in a cream colour.  

Sunny T-ShirtThe t-shirt opposite is designed by Organic Stereo.  They are a new ethical fashion company based in Brighton.  Wearing clothing from the UK massively reduces the carbon footprint of your clothes.

All the images are from Adili and can be found in their online shop.  Click hereto be taken to the site.

So there we have it- ethical fashion for eco-clubbing!!  We’ll be bringing you more on ethical fashion brands so keeping stopping by.

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Eco-clubbing?!

July 17, 2008 · Filed under CO2 emissions, carbon footprint, carbon neutral, ethical fashion, reduce carbon footprint · Tagged , , , , , ,

  Last week saw the launch of the world’s ‘first’ eco-club in London.  Surya is an environmentally sustainable club run by the so-called Dr. Earth and is in Kings Cross.  Green really is the new black as the green revolution moves into the world of clubbing.  Is eco-clubbing going to be the next big thing?

  So how do you make a club green?  Well the club is powered by wind turbines and solar energy and generates enough electricity to pass on to its neighbours.  With rising energy prices this will make Surya very popular!

  Alongside alternative energy the club has low flush toilets, eco-friendly air conditioning and a rather exciting dancefloor.  According to Dr. Earth the dancing motion will help generate electricity!  This is due to a mixture of quartz crystals, ceramics and some interesting technology.  So now even dancing can be responsible and green!!

    The indoors is also kitted out with recycled and eco-friendly materials.  For example there is a Biro chandelier.  They even sell organic wine and beer.  Not sure about the spirits or mixers though…..

  It seems that ethical and green issues are really in the limelight at the moment.  People are concerned about their carbon footprint and being carbon neutral.  If Surya can convince it’s guests to make even the smallest of changes to reduce their carbon footprint this could make a big difference to the environment.  Hopefully eco-clubs will eventually become the norm as opposed to a unique selling point.

  We’ll be bringing you information on ethical fashion so you can have a complete eco-clubbing experience!  You can check out ethical fashion at Adili.

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Eco Libris

July 14, 2008 · Filed under CO2 emissions, Carbon Dioxide emissions, carbon footprint, carbon neutral, reduce carbon footprint · Tagged , , , ,

The founder of Eco Libris recently contacted us and told us about his business. We had a look and it sounds like a great idea. Here is some more information about the site:

More than 20 million of trees are cut down annually for virgin paper used for the production of books sold in the U.S. alone. What Eco Libris want to do is to raise awareness to the environmental impacts of using paper for the production of books and provide people and businesses with an affordable and easy way to do something about it: plant one tree for every book they read, sell or publish. Customers also receive a sticker made of recycled paper for every book they balance out saying “One tree planted for this book” and can later display these stickers on their books’sleeves. Publishers can use the logo in their cover designs to indicate one tree is planted for that book.

Eco Libris have partnered with three highly respected US and UK registered non-profit organizations (SHI, AIR, RIPPLE Africa) that work in collaboration with local communities in developing countries to plant the trees. These trees are planted in high ecological and sustainable standards in Latin America and Africa, where deforestation is a crucial problem, and planting trees not only helps to fight climate change and conserve soil and water, but also benefits many local people, for whom these trees offer many benefits and an opportunity for a better future.

Eco Libris are one year old and in the past year they have balanced out 50,005 books which results in 65,586 new trees that are being planted with their planting partners in developing countries.  What a great result!  Their website is http://www.ecolibris.net 

They also run a blog that is about “books, trees and everything in between”.

The address is http://ecolibris.blogspot.com.  Get involved.

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Green Energy Revolution

June 22, 2008 · Filed under CO2 emissions, Carbon Dioxide emissions, carbon footprint, carbon neutral, green energy, reduce carbon footprint · Tagged , , , , , ,

This week the UK will see a £100 billion renewable energy strategy unveiled.  Yes that is £100 billion.  The EU has set targets for its member states to reach 15% of their energy consumption to be generated by renewable sources by 2020.  As part of this is government is to build 3,500 onshore wind turbines and 7,000 offshore wind turbines.

 

For homeowners who generate their own power there are plans to allow them to sell surplus power to the national grid for a premium price.  What an incentive to get people to install renewable energy sources into their homes!  Although there is a large initial outlay in costs for the installation of renewable energy, eventually huge savings are made and if you can sell back surplus you may even make a profit!  Good news for the planet.

 

However, the government still aren’t doing enough in terms of grants for installing renewable energy sources such as solar panels.  Installation of solar panels cost between £5000 and £10000 which is beyond the reach of most homeowners no matter how eco-friendly they may want to be.  If the government can not offer bigger incentives it will be difficult for them to reach the targets set by the EU.

On the plus side of the green energy revolution using renewable sources of energy would result in a 5% drop in oil use by 2020.  This would significantly reduce the UKs carbon footprint.  Another positive, as pointed out by Greenpeace, is that this would make the UK more self-sufficient in terms of energy production as we would be less reliant on foreign countries.  Our energy bills would also come down in price in the long term which I think we would all agree is needed!

 

It would seem that the UK government has held back or as long as possible to look into renewable energy sources.  If investment had been put in ten years ago we would not be in the position we are now of huge increases in our fuel and energy bills.  You have to admit that it is not a surprise that fossil fuels have gone up in price as reserves run low and countries develop.  The fact that stores of fossil fuels will not last forever is not exactly a new concept.  So why has the government taken so long to act?

 

Long live the green energy revolution!  It has been a long time coming but things are gradually turning in a green direction.  For those of us who can not afford our own solar panels check out the Green Energy page and have a look at what energy companies are doing to go greener.  There is a list of companies that are offsetting their carbon footprints alongside those who are using 100% renewable energy sources.  If we all sign up to one of these tariffs we could make a huge difference to our carbon footprints.

Click here to go to the page.

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Greener driving- how to reduce your CO2 emissions

June 15, 2008 · Filed under CO2 emissions, Carbon Dioxide emissions, Tips for reducing CO2 emissions, carbon footprint, carbon neutral, green driving, reduce carbon footprint · Tagged , , , , ,

A while ago we looked at green cars and how engines are being modified to run on biofuels and alternative sources of fuel.  However, not all of us (me included) have a car that has low CO2 emissions so what can you do to keep emissions lower without having to fork out for a new car?  The obvious answer is to leave the car at home and use public transport or cycle/walk to your destination.  This is great but what if you need your car for work?  Thankfully some companies such as PwC have low CO2 emission company cars but this is not the norm.

 

If you want to reduce CO2 emissions whilst you are driving here are a few tips from the UK Government about driving efficiently.  When fuel prices are so high this is useful for everyone!

  • driving smoothly can reduce fuel consumption - check the road ahead, anticipate traffic and avoid harsh acceleration and braking
  • shift to a higher gear at the right time - shift up at 2500rpm for petrol cars and 2000rpm for diesel cars. A vehicle travelling at 37mph in third gear uses 25 per cent more fuel than it would at the same speed in fifth gear
  • get in and go - modern engines are designed to be most efficient when you just get in and go. Keeping the engine running or pumping the accelerator wastes fuel, increases engine wear and increases emissions
  • switch your engine off if you know you won’t be moving for a while
  • check your tyre pressures regularly - under-inflated tyres can increase your fuel consumption by up to three per cent
  • stick to the speed limits - at 70mph you could be using up to 30 per cent more fuel than at 50mph
  • remove unnecessary weight and roof racks - they increase the weight and air resistance so they increase the amount of fuel you use
  • air conditioning and other on-board electrical devices (like mobile phone chargers) increase fuel consumption, so only use them when necessary
I have read elsewhere on the net that using your air conditioning doesn’t actually affect fuel consumption massively.  If you have any information on this get in touch.
I’ve just taken everything out of my boot (except the spare tyre) so we’ll see what a difference taking on board this information makes to my fuel consumption.
For more information on greener issues you can check out the UK Governments website by clicking here.

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The Big Green Idea

June 3, 2008 · Filed under CO2 emissions, Tips for reducing CO2 emissions, carbon footprint, carbon neutral, reduce carbon footprint · Tagged , , , , ,

Here in the UK the BBC recently ran a series called It’s Not Easy Being Green that followed a family who were trying to live a sustainable lifestyle.  Since the show finished the family has been inundated with people asking for tips on how to live more sustainably, ethically and generally more green.

The result of this was The Big Green Idea.  If you are a UK resident or happen to be visiting the country this summer you may well see the big green bus.

The Big Green Idea busLet’s face it-you’re not going to miss this if it’s in your town and basically that’s the point.

Fear not those of you thinking about the bus pumping fumes into our atmosphere and making the project have a huge carbon footprint.  The bus is powered by bio-diesel.

The downstairs is going to be packed with ethical and green products that people can try out.  Examples include eco-friendly skincare products and energy saving devices.  Upstairs there will be workshops and a solar powered cinema showing demonstrations and convincing people that it’s not hard to go green!  Films to be shown are ‘An Inconvenient Truth” and ‘The Power of Community.”

All in all this is a great idea so pop along if you see the bus.  The Big Green Idea are also trying to get local councils on board and do follow up visits with a green man in a van if people want a consultant to come into their home with green ideas that also save money.

We are all really looking forward to this event.  An update will be posted when the bus has visited this neck of the woods.

The website is www.thebiggreenidea.org

 

 

 

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