Saturday, 24 December 2011
That's Christmas: Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
That's Christmas: Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!: Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the team behind the That's Team of online magazines! We hope that you are able to get and to giv...
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
Radflek Radiator Reflectors – your way to a warmer winter
With forecasts of a harsh winter and increasing utility bills, we’re all looking for ways to save energy and keep our homes warm. Radflek’s revolutionary radiator reflectors are a cost effective and easy way to do this.
Many radiators waste about 40 per cent of their heat through the wall behind, but this can be easily redirected back into the room with Radflek. Radflek is quick and easy to fit - no sticking, gluing or radiator removal required as is the case with other radiator panels– Radflek just hangs from the wall brackets, reflecting the heat back into the room, and the savings start straight away. No DIY know-how needed – anyone can do it.
Michael Watson, CEO of Radflek said: “Forecasters are predicting another severe British winter, with snow expected from next month. Many homes could be so much warmer without using more energy or making any changes to your heating system. Using Radflek will help you save energy, cut your heating bills and reduce your carbon footprint.”
How it works
Because Radflek reflects heat back into the room (primarily into the radiator) the radiator will maintain its operating temperature using less energy with a lower load on the boiler. Radflek has a special laminate coating that maintains its greater than 95 per cent reflectivity for a certified lifetime of at least 60 years. Unlike radiator panels, Radflek is made from a high-tech laminated foil and is the most efficient radiator reflector available on the market, at least 23 per cent more effective than saw-toothed or louvered radiator panels.
How to buy it
Radflek is available for sale at www.radflek.com and through other online eco-retailers. It is regularly in the top 10 best-selling DIY products on Amazon and comes in 6, 10 and 20 radiator packs (based on a typical sized radiator) with all the accessories required for installation. Each sheet of Radflek is 600mm x 1200mm and sufficient for 2 typical sized radiators. The prices on www.radflek.com (exclusive of P & P) are:
· 6 radiator pack £12.99
· 10 radiator pack £19.99
· 20 radiator pack £34.99
Depending on the wall and the heating energy source, Radflek can pay for itself in six to twelve months.
www.radflek.com
Many radiators waste about 40 per cent of their heat through the wall behind, but this can be easily redirected back into the room with Radflek. Radflek is quick and easy to fit - no sticking, gluing or radiator removal required as is the case with other radiator panels– Radflek just hangs from the wall brackets, reflecting the heat back into the room, and the savings start straight away. No DIY know-how needed – anyone can do it.
Michael Watson, CEO of Radflek said: “Forecasters are predicting another severe British winter, with snow expected from next month. Many homes could be so much warmer without using more energy or making any changes to your heating system. Using Radflek will help you save energy, cut your heating bills and reduce your carbon footprint.”
How it works
Because Radflek reflects heat back into the room (primarily into the radiator) the radiator will maintain its operating temperature using less energy with a lower load on the boiler. Radflek has a special laminate coating that maintains its greater than 95 per cent reflectivity for a certified lifetime of at least 60 years. Unlike radiator panels, Radflek is made from a high-tech laminated foil and is the most efficient radiator reflector available on the market, at least 23 per cent more effective than saw-toothed or louvered radiator panels.
How to buy it
Radflek is available for sale at www.radflek.com and through other online eco-retailers. It is regularly in the top 10 best-selling DIY products on Amazon and comes in 6, 10 and 20 radiator packs (based on a typical sized radiator) with all the accessories required for installation. Each sheet of Radflek is 600mm x 1200mm and sufficient for 2 typical sized radiators. The prices on www.radflek.com (exclusive of P & P) are:
· 6 radiator pack £12.99
· 10 radiator pack £19.99
· 20 radiator pack £34.99
Depending on the wall and the heating energy source, Radflek can pay for itself in six to twelve months.
www.radflek.com
That's Christmas: Wrong pong? Wrong size? Wrong colour? Recycle unwa...
That's Christmas: Wrong pong? Wrong size? Wrong colour? Recycle unwa...: Did Father Christmas bring you everything you wanted this year? Many of us are left with the usual unwanted soap sets, spare or unsuitable h...
That's Christmas: Odd Bins says recycle your bottles. With a differe...
That's Christmas: Odd Bins says recycle your bottles. With a differe...: Recycling their empty bottles has proved very productive for these lucky people, echoing the New Year saying ‘out with the old and in with t...
Monday, 19 December 2011
That's Christmas: Don't condemn £1.1bn of unwanted Christmas gifts t...
That's Christmas: Don't condemn £1.1bn of unwanted Christmas gifts t...: Recent research commissioned by the British Video Association shows £1.1 billion worth of unwanted gadget gifts could be destined for the sc...
Saturday, 17 December 2011
That's Parenting: gNappies Presents a Hybrid Option for Parents
That's Parenting: gNappies Presents a Hybrid Option for Parents: Being eco-aware is something most people aspire to, and this is even more pertinent for p...
EU Launches new Eco-Innovation Action Plan - helping businesses to deliver green growth and environmental benefits
Eco-innovation is crucial to delivering the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. The new [Eco-InnovationActionPlan(EcoAP)ǀhttp://ec.europa.eu/environment/etap/index_en.html] will boost innovation that reduces pressure on the environment, and bridge the gap between innovation and the market. Eco-friendly technologies are good for business and help create new jobs, so eco-innovation is crucial to the economic competitiveness of Europe.
The EcoAP is one of the commitments of the Innovation Union Flagship Initiative, building on the 2004 [Environmental Technologies Action Plan (ETAP)ǀhttp://ec.europa.eu/environment/etap/files/com_2004_etap_en....] It expands the focus from green technologies to the broader concept of eco-innovation, targeting specific bottlenecks, challenges and opportunities for achieving environmental objectives through innovation.
The EcoAP includes actions both on the demand and supply side, on research and industry and on policy and financial instruments. The Plan recognizes the key role of environmental regulation as a driver of eco-innovation and foresees a review of environmental legislation. It also stresses the importance of research and innovation to produce more innovative technologies and bring them to the market. The Plan also puts emphasis on the international aspect of eco-innovation, and on better coordination of policies with international partners.
Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik said: "The innovation challenge for this Century will be making our resources go further - doing more with less – and reducing the impact of our activities. Europe must be in the lead in meeting that challenge if we want to be competitive in a world of increasing resource constraints. Worldwide demand for environmental technologies, products and services is growing rapidly even in these difficult times, and it's an area where Europe has much to offer. This is a plan for green jobs and green growth."
The Action Plan will accelerate eco-innovation across all sectors of the economy with well targeted actions. To help create stronger and more stable market demand for eco-innovation, it will take measures in the areas of regulatory incentives, private and public procurement and standards and it will mobilise support for Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to improve investment readiness and networking opportunities.
Key aspects of the new Action Plan include:
1. Using environmental policy and legislation to promote eco-innovation;
2. Supporting demonstration projects and partnering to bring promising, smart and ambitious operational technologies to market;
3. Developing new standards to boost eco-innovation;
4. Mobilising financial instruments and support services for SMEs;
5. Promoting international co-operation;
6. Supporting the development of emerging skills and jobs and related training programmes to match labour market needs; and
7. Promoting eco-innovation through European Innovation Partnerships
Next Steps
Implementation of the plan will be via partnership between stakeholders, private and public sector, and the Commission. The upcoming mid-term financial review will provide a good opportunity to assess the achievement of the goals set in this Action Plan. New efforts will focus on product development and demonstration activities to fill the gap between technology and market uptake.
Background
Eco-Innovation is any form of innovation resulting in or aiming at significant and demonstrable progress towards the goal of sustainable development, through reducing impacts on the environment, enhancing resilience to environmental pressures, or achieving a more efficient and responsible use of natural resources.
European eco-industries are a significant economic sector with an annual turnover estimated at EUR 319 billion, or about 2.5 % of EU GDP.
Further information:
[Eco-innovation Action Plan (EcoAP)ǀhttp://ec.europa.eu/environment/etap/index_en.html]
[Innovation Union Flagship Initiativeǀhttp://ec.europa.eu/research/innovation-union/index_en.cfm]
The EcoAP is one of the commitments of the Innovation Union Flagship Initiative, building on the 2004 [Environmental Technologies Action Plan (ETAP)ǀhttp://ec.europa.eu/environment/etap/files/com_2004_etap_en....] It expands the focus from green technologies to the broader concept of eco-innovation, targeting specific bottlenecks, challenges and opportunities for achieving environmental objectives through innovation.
The EcoAP includes actions both on the demand and supply side, on research and industry and on policy and financial instruments. The Plan recognizes the key role of environmental regulation as a driver of eco-innovation and foresees a review of environmental legislation. It also stresses the importance of research and innovation to produce more innovative technologies and bring them to the market. The Plan also puts emphasis on the international aspect of eco-innovation, and on better coordination of policies with international partners.
Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik said: "The innovation challenge for this Century will be making our resources go further - doing more with less – and reducing the impact of our activities. Europe must be in the lead in meeting that challenge if we want to be competitive in a world of increasing resource constraints. Worldwide demand for environmental technologies, products and services is growing rapidly even in these difficult times, and it's an area where Europe has much to offer. This is a plan for green jobs and green growth."
The Action Plan will accelerate eco-innovation across all sectors of the economy with well targeted actions. To help create stronger and more stable market demand for eco-innovation, it will take measures in the areas of regulatory incentives, private and public procurement and standards and it will mobilise support for Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to improve investment readiness and networking opportunities.
Key aspects of the new Action Plan include:
1. Using environmental policy and legislation to promote eco-innovation;
2. Supporting demonstration projects and partnering to bring promising, smart and ambitious operational technologies to market;
3. Developing new standards to boost eco-innovation;
4. Mobilising financial instruments and support services for SMEs;
5. Promoting international co-operation;
6. Supporting the development of emerging skills and jobs and related training programmes to match labour market needs; and
7. Promoting eco-innovation through European Innovation Partnerships
Next Steps
Implementation of the plan will be via partnership between stakeholders, private and public sector, and the Commission. The upcoming mid-term financial review will provide a good opportunity to assess the achievement of the goals set in this Action Plan. New efforts will focus on product development and demonstration activities to fill the gap between technology and market uptake.
Background
Eco-Innovation is any form of innovation resulting in or aiming at significant and demonstrable progress towards the goal of sustainable development, through reducing impacts on the environment, enhancing resilience to environmental pressures, or achieving a more efficient and responsible use of natural resources.
European eco-industries are a significant economic sector with an annual turnover estimated at EUR 319 billion, or about 2.5 % of EU GDP.
Further information:
[Eco-innovation Action Plan (EcoAP)ǀhttp://ec.europa.eu/environment/etap/index_en.html]
[Innovation Union Flagship Initiativeǀhttp://ec.europa.eu/research/innovation-union/index_en.cfm]
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
That's Food and Drink: The National Trust's MyFarm experiment extends to ...
That's Food and Drink: The National Trust's MyFarm experiment extends to ...: The National Trust has announced that a 250 acre conventional farm is set to become part o...
That's Travel: Final plans in place for Swanage and Purbeck's 3rd...
That's Travel: Final plans in place for Swanage and Purbeck's 3rd...: Organisers are thrilled to announce the launch of the Third Swanage and Purbeck Walking Festival, which will run from April 28th until May ...
That's Food and Drink: Good with Christmas and the New Year, Sauvignon Bl...
That's Food and Drink: Good with Christmas and the New Year, Sauvignon Bl...: This delicious white wine, Sauvignon Blanc, is a wine of the Western Cape of South Africa. It is a modern wine which although proud of its...
Saturday, 10 December 2011
That's Books: Rockford's Rock Opera
That's Books: Rockford's Rock Opera: Rockford's Rock Opera, the best selling App story series for children, is now available on DVD. You may not have heard of Rockford's Rock ...
Thursday, 8 December 2011
That's Food and Drink: Need a dairy free Christmas? Then indulge yoursel...
That's Food and Drink: Need a dairy free Christmas? Then indulge yoursel...: As the festive season fast approaches, households across the UK will be stocking up on seasonal treats to indulge in over the Christmas ho...
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
That's Travel: The Radisson Blu Waterfront wins prestigious Green...
That's Travel: The Radisson Blu Waterfront wins prestigious Green...: The Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel's introduction of a range of measures to help safeguard ...
Version One’s sixth year of tree planting will bring the total number of trees planted across the UK to almost 4,000
Wilmslow, Cheshire-based document management and imaging software author, Version One, continues to lead the way with its green initiative, by pledging to plant over 400 trees in 2012. The trees are being planted in partnership with Tree Appeal, a charity which plants trees to promote biodiversity, create new habitats and improve the environment.
Version One has pledged to plant over 400 trees in sustainable forests throughout the UK and in school and college grounds across the North West. This will mark the sixth year that Version One has been planting trees as part of its green initiative, bringing the total number of trees planted since 2006 to nearly 4,000.
Julian Buck, Managing Director of Version One says, “Our tree planting initiative is an intrinsic part of our green agenda, which naturally lends itself to our document management software solutions. We pride ourselves on providing software that cuts paper use, enabling organisations to operate more efficiently whilst being environmentally responsible.”
Ken Whitley, Managing Director from Tree Appeal says, “It’s clear that being green is a core part of Version One’s ethos and the company’s continued dedication to planting trees demonstrates that it is green in its actions, as well as its words.”
The Version One tree plantings in 2012 will help to create wildlife habitats, secure biodiversity and provide an interactive environmental learning resource for pupils in the North West.
FACTFILE:
www.versionone.co.uk
Version One Ltd is the author of electronic document management and imaging solutions. These solutions enable the electronic storage, retrieval, management, enhancement and delivery of business documents such as invoices, purchase orders and statements. This 'paperless office' technology is seamlessly integrated into all major ERP and accounting systems and with a typical ROI of less than six months, Version One's solutions are enabling thousands of organisations to cut paper consumption whilst saving dramatic amounts of time and money.
Version One is an Advanced Computer Software Group plc company.
About the Tree Appeal http://www.treeappeal.com/
Tree Appeal plants trees to promote biodiversity, create habitats and improve the environment for people. The trees are paid for by corporate partners - businesses that want to make a positive contribution to the environment.
Tree Appeal can help businesses to make a positive contribution to natural woodland habitats - both locally and nationally.
Version One has pledged to plant over 400 trees in sustainable forests throughout the UK and in school and college grounds across the North West. This will mark the sixth year that Version One has been planting trees as part of its green initiative, bringing the total number of trees planted since 2006 to nearly 4,000.
Julian Buck, Managing Director of Version One says, “Our tree planting initiative is an intrinsic part of our green agenda, which naturally lends itself to our document management software solutions. We pride ourselves on providing software that cuts paper use, enabling organisations to operate more efficiently whilst being environmentally responsible.”
Ken Whitley, Managing Director from Tree Appeal says, “It’s clear that being green is a core part of Version One’s ethos and the company’s continued dedication to planting trees demonstrates that it is green in its actions, as well as its words.”
The Version One tree plantings in 2012 will help to create wildlife habitats, secure biodiversity and provide an interactive environmental learning resource for pupils in the North West.
FACTFILE:
www.versionone.co.uk
Version One Ltd is the author of electronic document management and imaging solutions. These solutions enable the electronic storage, retrieval, management, enhancement and delivery of business documents such as invoices, purchase orders and statements. This 'paperless office' technology is seamlessly integrated into all major ERP and accounting systems and with a typical ROI of less than six months, Version One's solutions are enabling thousands of organisations to cut paper consumption whilst saving dramatic amounts of time and money.
Version One is an Advanced Computer Software Group plc company.
About the Tree Appeal http://www.treeappeal.com/
Tree Appeal plants trees to promote biodiversity, create habitats and improve the environment for people. The trees are paid for by corporate partners - businesses that want to make a positive contribution to the environment.
Tree Appeal can help businesses to make a positive contribution to natural woodland habitats - both locally and nationally.
Monday, 5 December 2011
Food waste down
The figures come from the government’s Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) which says that we threw away 8.3m tonnes of food in 2007 but only 7.2m tonnes last year. However, that is still enough waste food to fill Wembley Stadium right up to the roof.
However, even with this reduction a fifth of all food purchased is still currently wasted – of which 60% is fit for consumption! And with Christmas just around the corner it is estimated that families will bin around 230,000 tonnes of food over the festive period. (Source DEFRA 2010)
WRAP's chief executive, Dr Liz Goodwin, said "Despite the reduction, the food we waste in homes which accounts for about half the UK's food waste, is still worth £12bn a year as a result of food-price inflation. The food that is being wasted throughout the supply chain is significant, at a time when food security is a major global issue," she said.
Greenhouse gas emissions, associated with the manufacture, distribution, storage, use and disposal of wasted food, are still at a worrying 17 million tonnes.
Although sending less waste food to the tip has saved councils £80m a year due to lower landfill charges, more can be done and households can help to reduce this cost further still.
Richard Barker, CEO of food waste recycling firm BiogenGreenfinch says “Each Christmas we see a large increase in the amount of food sent to our three anaerobic digestion plants around the country. In these austere times we would encourage households to realistically consider what they will purchase, store and cook over the festive period in order to reduce the amount of food wasted. However there will always be some food wasted and where this occurs, sending it to be processed by anaerobic digestion to produce power for homes is a far more sensible option than throwing it into the ground to cause pollution.”
BiogenGreenfinch takes household food waste from 12 local councils around the country and processes it to produce electricity for the national grid and a fertiliser for crops.
FACTFILE:
• BiogenGreenfinch owns and operates 3 food waste AD plants in the UK, Biocycle in Shropshire, Twinwoods in Bedfordshire and Westwood in Northamptonshire.
• These plants process a combined total of 90,000 tonnes of food waste each year to generate sufficient electricity for 6,000 homes continually for a year.
• For more information on anaerobic digestion see www.biogengreenfinch.co.uk
Sunday, 4 December 2011
Gas Oil Removed From Power Station With Full Environmental Safeguards
Mark Andrews, Crown Oil’s general manager explained, “There are many power stations and industrial operation facing similar problems with bulk back-up fuel that is no longer needed. This fuel is a potential environmental threat and will only degrade over time. Fortunately, we can remove this material and so release working capital for our client.”
A major fuel oil distributor that has its own environmental services operation, Crown Oil is one of only a handful of companies in the UK with the technical, commercial and distribution resources for this work. Before removal, samples of fuel are carefully analysed to assess condition. Should it be necessary recovered fuel is re-blended and appropriately graded before it is sold on to the market.
Crown Oil offered a better return to the client and demonstrated a capability to do the work without environmental impact. The company also has a track record, having successfully completed a similar project last year to recover 25 million litres of fuel at Medway Power Station in Kent.
Preparations are now in hand for the final environmental work. This will involve the removal and safe disposal of oil residues, draining of pipework, cleaning of tanks and degassing so that they are safe and ready to be re-used at any time in the future should the need arise.
Crown Oil can offer a national fuel recovery service to any power station or industrial site. As a major oil distributor, with substantial technical resources and market knowledge, the company is uniquely placed to provide an integrated and competitive service.
www.crownoiluk.com
That's Home and Household: npower urges homeowners to prepare for cold temper...
That's Home and Household: npower urges homeowners to prepare for cold temper...: npower has revealed that it received an 80 per cent increase in call outs to homes with br...
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