Decorating?

Check out local Stroud author Lynn Edward’s Handbook for Eco Paints and Finishes at £9.95 from http://www.thegreenshop.co.uk/.

It gives a comprehensive introduction to the range of natural and eco-friendly, non-toxic paints and finishes available in the UK. The manufacturers of all these products are mindful of the health of our bodies, of our living spaces, and of the wider environment.

Auro Natural paint is available from http://www.ecotopia.co.uk/

It's Autumn!

Even though many of us are in denial, there is no doubt about it - it was the first day of Autumn yesterday! Though everyone has been saying that it’s been like Autumn for the last few months as summer has been so wet and cold, there is no smell in the world like that of a proper Autumn. It hangs in the air bringing an earthy smell and hues of burnt orange and gold. This is definately my favourite season!

Check out http://www.moreeco.com/ 's top 5 Green Tips for Saving Energy and Cash this Autumn

1. Save up to 10% on your water heating!
Chances are you can turn down the thermostat on your home’s water heater a few degrees, and still have plenty of hot water for everyone’s daily shower, not to mention the dishes and laundry. Lowering the temperature from 140 to 120 would reduce your water heating costs by 6 to 10%. Give it a try!

2. Get an Energy Monitor
According to the Energy Saving Trust, 8 out of 10 of us Brits do not understand their energy bills or understand what energy rates they are on. Get a closer handle on your home energy use with an advanced energy monitoring device.

3. Unplug Unused Chargers
Even when they aren’t charging anything, plugged-in mobile phone, laptop and other chargers continue to draw electricity. Briton’s throw away about 8% of our annual electric bills this way, wasting millions of pounds. The solution is simple: just unplug them, or plug them into a standby buster and flip that switch when your device has pulled enough juice.

4. Turn fallen leaves into compost
Rake up and shred fallen leaves and add them to the compost bin. Besides autumn leaves, you’ll find other carbon-rich materials in your garden. Look for waste-material that are brown in color such as sawdust, straw and dried grass clippings. Even your teabags, coffee grains and newspapers are great to add.

5. Out with the old and in with the new or freecycled!
Freecycle any of your old summer clothes that you will not wear anymore and help benefit someone else. If you fancy an item for your winter wardrobe check out moreeco’s list of ethical clothing retailers such as Adili, Seasalt, Gossypium and Green fibres and earn yourself points, as well as free carbon offsets on all purchases.

Big Carbon Experiment - Families Wanted

Save Energy and Win an Eco-hamper

Gloucestershire residents are being asked to take part in an exciting new energy saving competition. Communities will go head to head in the competition to see who can reduce their energy consumption the most over a 6 month period. Winners will be awarded an Eco Hamper for each household as well as tickets to travel to an International Awards Ceremony in Brussels .

All participants will receive a variety of energy saving gadgets and eco goodies throughout the competition, including energy saving lightbulbs, eco kettles and hot water tank jackets, and will have the chance to win spot prizes of standby saver gadgets, water powered clocks, fridgesaver plugs and wind up radios and torches. Competition organisers are looking for 10-15 households in each of the following areas:· Cam Parish · Stroud Town · Wotton Town · Cirencester Town · Gloucester City · South Gloucestershire · Tenants of Fosseway Housing Association · Tenants of Gloucester City Homes · Tenants of Cheltenham Borough Homes · Tenants of Two Rivers Housing · Tenants of Stroud District Council

To take part or find out more contact the Severn Wye Energy Agency ( www.swea.co.uk) on 0800 512 012. If you are not in one of these areas but would like to be involved, please contact Severn Wye Energy Agency to find out about other projects in your area

Check out the Energy Saving Trust Website

The Energy Saving Trust are a non-profit organisation that provides free impartial advice tailored to suit you. It's advice can help you save money and fight climate change by reducing carbon dioxide emissions from your home.

Other useful stuff you can find on the site includes:

• Guides to grants
• Calculate and reduce your carbon footprint - There are so many ways to reduce your impact on climate change - use our new carbon cutter to create a personalised action plan that suits your lifestyle.
• Simple measures to get started - 10 things you can do today
• Free home energy report

Great site with some good info!

Green Loyalty Scheme @ www.bemoreeco.com

Check out this fab green rewards site at http://www.moreeco.com/

What is moreeco?

MoreEco is a shopping reward site that searches the internet for the best organic, green, environmental, and natural online retailers and negotiate with them a reward level which can be passed on to the moreeco registered users.

Once you have chosen your shop click through and then you are then on the retailer’s own site and will be dealing directly with them from that point.

Why use it?

You get loads of green stuff for free and unlike the green rewards site, http://www.moreeco.com/ only uses green retailers and checks out their ethical credentials too. Everyone's a winner!

Flight offsetting tool

Found this piece on the www.bemoreeco.com blogsite, which i thought was really useful.

Calculate your flight emissions with this neat tool

This is a handy new tool from Carbon Planet. It lets you enter in your next flight details and work out how much CO2 your trip will cause. Not everyone on the plane, just you. Though it does assume a full flight. As we know, this isn’t always the case.
Anyhow, it’s a good estimate and it even divides between economy, business class and first class.
So try it out before your next trip, then use a CO2 offsetting program to fly carbon neutral.

Also be sure to read the two supplement pdf guides on Greenhouse Gas Flight Emissions and the Myths of aviation CO2.

Get a free ecotopia.co.uk reuseable bag by entering 'give me a free bag' in comments box at checkout with any purchase! A cool design means that these bags can be used for more than just shopping and at 24litres (34cm x 22.2cm x 32cm) they are large enough for a wide variety of uses.

*while stocks last

I am loving Bags of Change (http://www.bagsofchange.co.uk/) which tackles both ethical shopping and that eco hot potato, the plastic carrier bag.

Instead of reward points, Bags of Change awards shoppers a discount off ethical local and online , sustainable, organic and fairtrade goods when they use one of the hemp and organic cotton bags at a participating retailer.

Great concept and the bags are so funky!

Go free range and save a hen!

Why not adopt some hens, save on the food miles and do something good for sustainability - and give a second chance to some of the 20 million battery hens currently living in dire conditions, with no possibility of exhibiting natural behaviours.

The Battery Hen Welfare Trust website has loads of useful information on the adoption or sponsorship process and the rewards of keeping chickens. A great organisation that works with battery farmers to make positive changes within the industry, they've rehomed over 97,000 hens to date and can count Jamie Oliver and poet Pam Ayres amongst their patrons.

I’ve just signed up to the website One Hundred Months which provides a monthly action on helping tackle climate change.

Backed by organisations including Greenpeace, www.ecotopia.co.uk and the good old WI!, it’s based on the conclusion that even using cautious calculations, we have only one hundred months before we pass the climate’s ‘tipping point’ - the point of no return - where the chance to tackle global warming could be far beyond our reach.

The site gives you month by month guidance on doing your bit. The first action is to invite others to join so click here http://onehundredmonths.org/

For more info... read the guardian article http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/aug/01/climatechange.carbonemissions

tea and coffee

I love filtered coffee and drink copious amounts of the stuff along with my 5 cups of tea a day - fairtrade of course. I have been digging around the internet to see what i can do with leftover coffee grains and tea bags.

First, if you're a tea lover it's better to buy loose-leaf tea or tea bags without strings. Used tea bags can be recycled as compost as can coffee grains. These can be put straight on to the garden or into plant pots

Tea is also good for the skin. Before you recycle it, you can put a tea bag on your face. It can make your skin fresh and even smooth.

Find food local to you

Find the very best local produce with River Cottage & Free Range Review. Join THE local food community to discover, review, add and discuss your fave foodie places. Remember to vote for your favourite Glos outlets

I love this gadget

Firewinder is a decorative, 100% wind-powered outdoor light which harnesses the power of the wind from whichever direction it blows, to create a simple yet magical visual effect with a universal appeal. Easy to install, you simply mount it on a tree in your garden, on your roof terrace or attach to a post or wall and watch it light up and glow every time the wind blows! Firewinder magically breathes with the wind - in low winds the lights shine with a dim intensity and as wind speeds increase, the faster it spins and the brighter it shines, creating a pulsing, twisting glow in varying and inconsistent wind speeds. http://www.ecotopia.co.uk/product/140/dd0147/firewinder.html

I so want one!!

Green Electricity

What is Green Electricity?

'Green electricity' means electricity produced from sources which do not cause negative impacts upon the environment. Of course, every type of electricity generation will have some impact, but some sources are much greener than others. The cleanest energy sources are those which utilise the natural energy flows of the Earth. These are usually known as renewable energy sources, because they will never run out.

Green electrical companies such as Ecotricity harness power from natural sources, like the wind power, the sun (solar power) and water (wave), that don't pollute and don't contribute to climate change.

Deep green electricity sources

As mentioned previously, Green electricity is harnessed from natural sources, like the wind, the sun and water, that don't pollute and don't contribute to climate change. We call these Deep Green, because they're the ultimate in clean electricity generation. They don't involve any burning and offer a pollution-free, endless source of electricity.

Pale green electricity

There are other sources of green electricity. We call these Pale Green, because in most cases they involve some form of burning and there is some associated environmental impact. Examples of Pale Green sources include sewage, landfill gas and biomass. The first two provide a non-intermittent and comparatively cheap source of power and in most cases enable significant greenhouse gas savings compared to conventional sources. Pale Green sources helped Ecotricity to kick start the UK's green electricity market place and to get them where they are today, but they are no longer a feature of our generation. Our focus is on building new Deep Green capacity: the most important factor in reducing the threat of climate change.

The future of green electricity

Creating new Deep Green energy sources is crucial in the fight against climate change. This will mean a significant boost to green electricity capacity in the UK and will have a major positive impact on the environment; reducing Carbon Dioxide, other gas emissions and pollution. Every unit of green electricity that is made directly replaces electricity normally generated from conventional polluting sources.
Green Electricity Policies

Green Electricty companies should adhere to the following standards when it comes to their policies:

Increase the use of green electricity.

Minimise energy use wherever possible. Continual improvement on environmental issues where economically feasible.

Control the activities of the company to minimise risk of pollution to the environment.

Minimise the production of waste where possible and any disposal of waste produced will be carried out with due care for the environment.

Minimise the use of new products where other recycled materials are a suitable substitute.

Make every effort to ensure that where waste materials or products can be recycled they are recycled in an environmentally responsible way in order to conserve resources.

Be a responsible employer and neighbour.

Ensure that all employees carry out their duties in line with the above statement and, through training, are aware of their obligations.

Minimise the use of mobile phones and monitor existing use.

Ensure that our operations comply with or exceed current legislation and other relevant requirements

Cleaner home, cleaner Environment

With increasing emphasis in the media on climate change and the way in which we pollute our planet, environmentally friendly consumers i welcome Ecotopia’s move to increase accessibility to quality, natural household cleaning products.

The online ethical shop is a specialist supplier of Ecover products and is now the cheapest internet source of all Ecover branded items.

Many householders are unaware that the chemicals they use for washing their dishes, clothes and home can leave harmful residues, or contain petrochemicals which do not biodegrade once they have been thrown away,” says Ecotopia director, Steve Jones. “The government estimates that in, around 100 million tonnes of household waste is produced annually. Most of this waste is not recycled, ending up instead in landfill sites. This generates methane as it biodegrades which then adds to harmful greenhouse gases polluting the atmosphere.”

Ecotopia supplies a huge range of innovative, ethical products which can be easily incorporated into everyday life. Actively promoting a lifestyle which produces less impact on the environment, the emphasis is on hip not hippy. “Along with products such as the recycled car tyre mouse mats and bamboo screen computer monitors, the Ecover range is a fresh and fun way to do your bit for the environment,” adds Jones. “ Ecover shower gels and Ecover hand soaps are kind to the planet and to skin, making use of natural ingredients like lemon and Aloe Vera. Not only do Ecover products not cost the earth, they actually smell nice too!”

All Ecotopia Ecover products contain plant extracts instead of chemicals and are sold in 100% recyclable containers. To encourage consumers to make a commitment to creating healthier homes, all ordesr over £100 are delivered free of charge.
Find out more and order online at http://www.ecotopia.co.uk

DIY Energy Audit

Easily Find Out How Much Energy You Are Using

Energy costs continue to rise, placing ever-greater pressure on households. And the energy you use to heat your home is a large part of your carbon footprint.
By knowing what to look for you can conduct your own home energy audit. Here's how to get started.

1. Get to Know Your Energy Bills

Bills are never fun, but don't forget that they contain valuable information along with the pain. Compare your heating costs by month for as many years past as you can, and look for trends in usage or obvious changes. Do you see any spikes? Can you remember why? Your utility can make older bills available to you by calling customer service.

Note both the kilowatt hours you are typically using as well as the amount your utility is charging per KWH for electricity and gas. Get to know what it is that you are paying for every month.

Choose a Green energy provider like Ecotricity or good-energy.co.uk

that provide you with electricity from 100% renewable sources, such as wind and hydro power.

2. Locate Air Leaks

Simple leaks can sap home energy efficiency by 5 to 30% a year, according to the goverment. So take a close look at places where two different building materials meet, such as corners, around chimneys, where pipes or wires exit and along the foundation. Make sure good seals form around doors and windows, and that no mortar is cracked. Any gaps or holes should be plugged and/or caulked.

Use the incense test: carefully (avoiding drapes and other flammables) move a lit stick along walls; where the smoke wavers, you have air sneaking in and heating sneaking out.

Make sure the floor of your attic, including the hatch, is insulated, and that the material isn't crumbling or compacted, which means it has lost its effectiveness. Similarly, check your cellar ceiling, as well as cellar walls. Hot water pipes and furnace ducts should be insulated. So should exterior walls (determine this by carefully removing the cover from a power plug, or drill a small hole in the back of a closet).

If you find any problems, call in a professional, or go DIY and buy some fresh insulation yourself. Learn more about insulation here.

3. Examine Heating Equipment

Not surprisingly, heating usually accounts for the biggest home energy loads. Inspect heating and cooling equipment annually, or as recommended by the manufacturer.

4. Lighting

Energy for lighting accounts for about 10% of your electric bill. Examine the wattage size of the light bulbs in your house. You may have 100-watt (or larger) bulbs where 60 or 75 watts would do. You should also consider compact fluorescent lamps for areas where lights are on for hours at a time. Your electric utility may offer rebates or other incentives for purchasing energy-efficient lamps.

5. Turn it down

Heating: make sure your equipment is efficient, and, if it doesn't harm your health, turn it down a couple of notches. Gas is better than coal and electricity, which you should avoid. If installing a new gas central heating boiler, fit a condensing model - much more efficient.

For more help:

To get audits in the UK go to www.est.org.uk/check
The EST (Energy Saving Trust) can also be contacted on 0800 512 012 and have a responsibility to give free and impartial advice on renewables as well as other energy saving measures to householders.
If you are looking for help and are a business please contact the Carbon Trust http://www.carbontrust.co.uk/ 0800 085 2005.
These organisations are funded by the taxpayer and are good ports of call for anyone wanting to save energy or reduce their carbon emissions.

10 small steps, 10 great strides to being green!

Everyone's fussing about global warming and environmental degradation, but what can the average resident do to help the South West - and the planet?
Today, i would like to launch the 10 small steps, 10 big strides campaign! From unplugging phone chargers when not in use to buying environmentally friendly compact fluorescent light bulbs, we can make the South West greener!
The 10 steps are simple but actionable measures that collectively can make a very, very big difference - they are things that everyone can do!
Here's the list:

Change conventional light bulbs to compact fluorescent ones

Buy appliances with the environmentally friendly ENERGY STAR label

Don't air-condition an empty room

Unplug chargers and appliances when not in use

Switch to green power through your energy provider

Walk or take public transportation or join a car share scheme

Recycle your glass, metal, paper and plastic

Bring your own cloth bag to the supermarket

Use green cleaning products

Switch to paperless bank statements and online bill paying.

Wildlife Sites in the South West

You don't need to go far to see some great wildlife and nature in the South West. There is some near you. There are very well known sites across the UK, National Parks, National nature reserves, RSPB reserves and WWT (Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust) reserves, but there are many other great wildlife spots all over the place. Every county in the South West has a wildlife trust that will run a series of local reserves and county councils have their own nature reserves and there are plenty of other places where there is ample wildlife.
Click here for all the best sites in the South West, though we have no doubt that there are plenty we don't know about (please let us know by emailing us about anywhere that you can recommend).

Saving the Bumblebees!

Bumblebees are beautiful little creatures They are also important pollinators of wildflowers and crops. 3 species are now extinct and 9 more are threatened - they need our help...

It isn't difficult to make your yard, garden or even patio space a haven for beneficial bees. You'll be helping these important insects, as well as bringing more nature to your backdoor. I have bought a Bumblebee Nester.This nester is ideal to attract bees to your garden. Bumblebees also love plants of course!

The greater the plant diversity, the more bees you will attract and support. Always try to choose as many native plants as possible, and consult with nursery staff or other experts to find vegetation that will thrive in your specific conditions.

Here is a partial list of bee attractors:

Annuals

Asters
Calliopsis
Clover
Marigolds
Poppies
Sunflowers
Zinnias

Perennials

Buttercups
Clematis
Cosmos
Crocuses
Dahlias
Echinacea

English

Ivy
Foxglove
Geraniums
Germander Globe
Thistle
Hollyhocks
Hyacinth
Rock
Cress
Roses
Sedum
Snowdrops
Squills
Tansy
Yellow Hyssop

Garden Plants

Blackberries
Cucumbers
Raspberries
Squash
Strawberries
Watermelons
Wild Garlic

The Bumblebee Conservation Trust need your help! In order to conserve our bumblebees, it's crucial that we understand them. Here's where you can help.....

Beewatch 2008

They urgently need your help to map the distributions of our bumblebees (even the common species). Please record what species you see in your garden, or when out for a walk. Try to identify them yourself, but if you're uncertain then take a digital photograph and email it to the trust - they will identify it and let you know what species you have. Please include a post-code (or grid-ref) and date in your email to beewatch@bumblebeeconservationtrust.co.uk

Nest Box Trial

These days most good wildlife gardens contain several bird nesting boxes. The birds use them, and we love watching them building their nests and raising chicks. Not surprisingly, bumblebees need homes too! They probably struggle to find natural nesting sites, so the trust are keen to encourage people to start providing artificial sites in their gardens.....

Hypnorum Survey

The Trust are keen to record the spread of our new arrival, the Tree Bumblebee (B. hypnorum). This species arrived about 6 years ago from France, and is gradually spreading north. It's a very distinctive looking bee - take a photo if you can and let them know where you see it!

Can trees help cure Asthma?

No, they can't but a new study by the British Medical Journal has shown that trees can really have a positive effect on children's health!

Children who live on tree-lined streets have lower rates of asthma, suggesting that those leafy green areas may be as important to public health as they are to quality of life.

Researchers with the British Medical Journal published their findings in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health after conducting a study on rates of asthma among four and five year olds in New York.

With asthma rates climbing – up 50% nationwide between 1980 and 2000, with the greatest increase in urban areas – a solution as simple as tree planting would be a welcome. The benefit of trees was felt regardless of proximity to pollution sources, family income or population density.

Unfortunately, the study found no benefit to older children.

Trees shade buildings and sidewalks, helping to lower temperatures and keep energy costs down, and they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to limit the growth of greenhouse gases that fuel to global warming.