Thursday 29 March 2012
That's Food and Drink: Ethical Food Firm Redwood Set To Make A Splash By ...
That's Food and Drink: Ethical Food Firm Redwood Set To Make A Splash By ...: Multi award winning ethical food firm The Redwood Wholefood Company is aiming to make a bit of a splash this weekend by putting o...
That's Gardening: Get your own slice of paradise with a butterfly ju...
That's Gardening: Get your own slice of paradise with a butterfly ju...: With an ever growing awareness of our declining Flora & Fauna, interest in conservation and attra...
Tuesday 27 March 2012
Have Breakfast with the Birds
Haith's know a thing or two about birds and therefore it comes as no surprise that they’re about to launch a Limited Edition Bird Breakfast. It’s a celebration of Haith’s 75th Anniversary and the London 2012 Olympic Games so they’ve come up with the aptly named – Olympeck! Bird Breakfast.
They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and the same can be argued for birds and their breakfast. The first meal of the day will kick start the metabolism and set you up for the day ahead, so Haith’s are encouraging Britons to take 10 minutes to have breakfast with the birds throughout the Spring and Summer.
Of course, there’s a serious message behind this fun campaign: breakfast is good for us, and it’s the perfect occasion to feed the birds too.
In an Olympic year we’ll all be checking our waistlines, but let’s spare a thought for the garden birds and help them get out of the blocks this summer.
Haith’s are such good sports, so to celebrate their 75th Anniversary they’re giving away one bag of Olympeck! Bird Breakfast a day for 75 days from 14th May until 27th July which also just happens to be the date for the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games.
Haith’s – The Bird Food Specialist Since 1937, have put together Olympeck! Bird Breakfast and it’s been created to feed to lots of different birds on three different levels: bird feeder, bird table or straight from the ground.
“This is the best way to attract lots of birds,” say Haith’s. The mix contains sunflower hearts, which have overtaken the popularity of peanuts in recent years. It will be popular with just about every common garden bird who’d visit your bird table for breakfast: tits, finches, thrushes, Robins, Wrens, Blackbirds, House Sparrows and Doves.
For the chance to bag yourself a bag of Haith’s Olympeck! Bird Breakfast, enter the FREE daily competition on the Haith’s website at www.haiths.com from 14th May 2012. Haith’s Limited Edition Olympeck! Bird Breakfast will also be available to purchase online.
On your marks! Get set! Go Olympeck!
They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and the same can be argued for birds and their breakfast. The first meal of the day will kick start the metabolism and set you up for the day ahead, so Haith’s are encouraging Britons to take 10 minutes to have breakfast with the birds throughout the Spring and Summer.
Of course, there’s a serious message behind this fun campaign: breakfast is good for us, and it’s the perfect occasion to feed the birds too.
In an Olympic year we’ll all be checking our waistlines, but let’s spare a thought for the garden birds and help them get out of the blocks this summer.
Haith’s are such good sports, so to celebrate their 75th Anniversary they’re giving away one bag of Olympeck! Bird Breakfast a day for 75 days from 14th May until 27th July which also just happens to be the date for the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games.
Haith’s – The Bird Food Specialist Since 1937, have put together Olympeck! Bird Breakfast and it’s been created to feed to lots of different birds on three different levels: bird feeder, bird table or straight from the ground.
“This is the best way to attract lots of birds,” say Haith’s. The mix contains sunflower hearts, which have overtaken the popularity of peanuts in recent years. It will be popular with just about every common garden bird who’d visit your bird table for breakfast: tits, finches, thrushes, Robins, Wrens, Blackbirds, House Sparrows and Doves.
For the chance to bag yourself a bag of Haith’s Olympeck! Bird Breakfast, enter the FREE daily competition on the Haith’s website at www.haiths.com from 14th May 2012. Haith’s Limited Edition Olympeck! Bird Breakfast will also be available to purchase online.
On your marks! Get set! Go Olympeck!
Sunday 25 March 2012
That's Food and Drink: Natural Food Show Exhibitor Highlights 2012
That's Food and Drink: Natural Food Show Exhibitor Highlights 2012: The Natural Food Show at Natural & Organic Products Europe returns to Olympia, London, on 1-2 April 2012, with over 300 exhibitors from all ...
That's Food and Drink: Brighten Up Your Baking With New Natural Organic E...
That's Food and Drink: Brighten Up Your Baking With New Natural Organic E...: Building on the success of their popular Home-Baking extracts and flower waters, Steenbergs has added some essential flavours to the range. ...
Radisson Blu Hotel Kiev to join Earth Hour movement
In March 2007 in Sydney, Australia, 2.2 million individuals turned their lights out for one hour for the first time to take a stand against climate change. Electricity production, along with excessive usage of natural resources, results in emissions of greenhouse gasses that cause global warming. Each year more and more individuals, organizations, cities and countries are joining the movement with Earth Hour 2011 seeing hundreds of millions of people across 135 countries switch off for an hour.
Radisson Blu Hotel Kiev was one of the first business organisations in Ukraine that supported the Earth Hour movement. Since 2009, the last Saturday of March is when the hotel hosts a series of events that aims to draw the attention of guests and employees to the climate challenges facing the planet. The activity which has the greatest impact and involves everyone in the hotel is the switching off of the lights in all guestrooms and public areas. The hotel is lit with candles and each of the two on site restaurants turn into the most romantic places.
This year, the Radisson Blu Hotel in Kiev is involved in the event again and has prepared an intensive program for its guests whereby visitors to Mille Miglia Italian Restaurant will experience and join the Earth Hour program by ordering the special set menu of three fabulous dishes cooked without electricity.
To make participation in Earth Hour both interesting and informative, there is an invitation to guests and visitors to the K-Largo culinary master class "Cooking with Love to save our Planet". All dishes will be prepared without electricity and the class offers interesting ideas how to create tasty, healthy food while respecting the environment. Guests will be assured that cooking without electricity does not sacrifice nutrition or taste and the attendees will be able to try their hand at cooking their own culinary masterpieces.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Kyiv is conveniently located in the business and historical city center. It features 255 rooms of Kiev accommodation in 3 unique design styles. Guests can unwind either in the award winning Italian Mille Miglia restaurant, or in the K-Largo Lounge Lobby or experience the fabulous Super Breakfast Buffet. Conveniently located on the ground floor the hotel’s Kiev conference facilities span over 407 m. sq. including an Embassy Suite to accommodate 250 people based in reception and four boardrooms for business meetings. The hotel's fitness centre features a gym, sauna and steam room, different massage types, and a solarium.
FACTFILE:
Earth Hour, strong global initiative that has grown from a one-city initiative in 2007 to a 5,251 city strong global movement in 2011. It invites individuals, businesses, governments and communities people to turn out their lights for one hour to show their support for environmentally sustainable action.
More information about Earth Hour in 2012 is wwf.panda.org.
New research shows families are losing touch with their local woodland
New research released by home furnishing experts IKEA in association with the Woodland Trust, shows families across the UK are missing out on enjoying their local woodland, as they don’t know where to find it or prefer to take part in other activities.
Out of the 2,000 parents questioned, 1 in 5 (20%) say they don’t spend time with their family in the local woodland as they don’t know where to find it, and a third (33%) say they don’t have any woodland near them to visit.
These worrying findings are supported by recent statistics from the Woodland Trust, which show the UK is one of the least wooded countries with only a 13% covering compared to a European average of 44%.
When it comes to spending time together, the activity families most enjoy is hitting the beach (28%) closely followed by visiting the local woodland or park (24%). 18% are happiest at a local theme park and a surprising 10% prefer to stay indoors watching TV or playing computer games. 27% of parents also admit their kids spend less than two hours a week playing outside and a staggering 5% say their kids spend no time at all playing outside of the home.
Despite this, half (50%) of parents think it very important for their kids to get out of the house to play and 49% would like to see more woodland in the UK to enjoy with their family. 61% would be keen to get involved in tree planting initiatives in their local area and 31% know of a local area that could be improved by a woodland planting scheme.
As part of an on-going commitment to support local communities and to help create more woodland for the nation to enjoy, IKEA has been supporting the Woodland Trust since 2007 through the ‘IKEA FAMILY Foot of Forest campaign.’ Every time an IKEA FAMILY member swiped their FAMILY card in-store IKEA donated 10p to the Woodland Trust to create a 'foot of forest' This campaign raised over £1.35 million for the Woodland Trust and has helped to create over 309 acres of woodland in the UK - equivalent to the size of the Olympic Village.
IKEA has now committed to support the Woodland Trust for another two years with a new ‘Foot of Forest in your local community’ campaign, whereby IKEA FAMILY members will activate a contribution towards a total donation of £500,000 from IKEA with every swipe of their membership card. IKEA also aim to raise an additional £500,000 through customer contributions at the checkouts of all IKEA stores, where customers will be invited to donate a £1 for a tree to be planted by a community group in the UK. Money raised from both schemes will go towards the Woodland Trust’s ‘Trees for the Community’ scheme.
Janette Wickens from the Woodland Trust says: “As well as the environmental and ecological benefits that woodland provide, people also have a lot to gain from visiting their local woodland. A walk in the woods can give anyone a feeling of peace and tranquility and most of us have fond childhood memories of playing on or around trees. With the support from IKEA we are able to plant more woodland across the UK and ensure that future generations will be able to reap these benefits too”.
Charlie Browne, Sustainability Manager at IKEA, says, “We are really pleased to announce our continued support of the Woodland Trust through the Foot of Forest campaign. IKEA FAMILY members can help by swiping their FAMILY cards in store and everyone else can donate the value of a tree to the ‘Trees for the Community’ scheme by simply donating £1 in store with their shopping. With our valued customer support our ambition is to help plant over 1 million trees in the UK by 2013.”
To encourage more people to get out and enjoy the great outdoors, IKEA has also teamed up with the Woodland Trust to provide information on great activities to enjoy in your local woodland. Come along to your local IKEA store to find our more information on what’s happening in your local area.
IKEA will be encouraging customers to consider taking part in the Woodland Trust’s ‘Trees for the Community’ scheme by applying for a free tree pack for their own local community groups at: www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/ikeacommunitytrees
For more information on the IKEA FAMILY Foot of Forest Campaign visit http://ikea.co.uk
Out of the 2,000 parents questioned, 1 in 5 (20%) say they don’t spend time with their family in the local woodland as they don’t know where to find it, and a third (33%) say they don’t have any woodland near them to visit.
These worrying findings are supported by recent statistics from the Woodland Trust, which show the UK is one of the least wooded countries with only a 13% covering compared to a European average of 44%.
When it comes to spending time together, the activity families most enjoy is hitting the beach (28%) closely followed by visiting the local woodland or park (24%). 18% are happiest at a local theme park and a surprising 10% prefer to stay indoors watching TV or playing computer games. 27% of parents also admit their kids spend less than two hours a week playing outside and a staggering 5% say their kids spend no time at all playing outside of the home.
Despite this, half (50%) of parents think it very important for their kids to get out of the house to play and 49% would like to see more woodland in the UK to enjoy with their family. 61% would be keen to get involved in tree planting initiatives in their local area and 31% know of a local area that could be improved by a woodland planting scheme.
As part of an on-going commitment to support local communities and to help create more woodland for the nation to enjoy, IKEA has been supporting the Woodland Trust since 2007 through the ‘IKEA FAMILY Foot of Forest campaign.’ Every time an IKEA FAMILY member swiped their FAMILY card in-store IKEA donated 10p to the Woodland Trust to create a 'foot of forest' This campaign raised over £1.35 million for the Woodland Trust and has helped to create over 309 acres of woodland in the UK - equivalent to the size of the Olympic Village.
IKEA has now committed to support the Woodland Trust for another two years with a new ‘Foot of Forest in your local community’ campaign, whereby IKEA FAMILY members will activate a contribution towards a total donation of £500,000 from IKEA with every swipe of their membership card. IKEA also aim to raise an additional £500,000 through customer contributions at the checkouts of all IKEA stores, where customers will be invited to donate a £1 for a tree to be planted by a community group in the UK. Money raised from both schemes will go towards the Woodland Trust’s ‘Trees for the Community’ scheme.
Janette Wickens from the Woodland Trust says: “As well as the environmental and ecological benefits that woodland provide, people also have a lot to gain from visiting their local woodland. A walk in the woods can give anyone a feeling of peace and tranquility and most of us have fond childhood memories of playing on or around trees. With the support from IKEA we are able to plant more woodland across the UK and ensure that future generations will be able to reap these benefits too”.
Charlie Browne, Sustainability Manager at IKEA, says, “We are really pleased to announce our continued support of the Woodland Trust through the Foot of Forest campaign. IKEA FAMILY members can help by swiping their FAMILY cards in store and everyone else can donate the value of a tree to the ‘Trees for the Community’ scheme by simply donating £1 in store with their shopping. With our valued customer support our ambition is to help plant over 1 million trees in the UK by 2013.”
To encourage more people to get out and enjoy the great outdoors, IKEA has also teamed up with the Woodland Trust to provide information on great activities to enjoy in your local woodland. Come along to your local IKEA store to find our more information on what’s happening in your local area.
IKEA will be encouraging customers to consider taking part in the Woodland Trust’s ‘Trees for the Community’ scheme by applying for a free tree pack for their own local community groups at: www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/ikeacommunitytrees
For more information on the IKEA FAMILY Foot of Forest Campaign visit http://ikea.co.uk
Oil Recovery by Crown Oil Wins Environmental Award Recognition
Mark Andrews, general manager, said, “Fuel and transport oils are our main business; we aim to be responsible and minimise our environmental impact in everything we do. This award is something that all the team can be very proud of.
Crown Oil is one of only a handful of companies in the UK with the technical, commercial and logistical skills to do oil recovery work on this scale. The Environmental Services Division schedules each recovery operation with care. Fuel transfers are monitored to prevent spillage. Tank residues are removed at the end of major pumping operations. The tanks are then either de-gassed and cleaned in preparation for future use or cut up and removed from site. Crown Oil’s dedicated laboratory analyses the recovered fuel and will recommend re-blending if necessary before re-sale to the market.
“Large industrial gas users, like power stations, face challenges following the termination of the interruptible gas tariff,” Mark explained. “Large stocks of reserve gas oil that are no longer needed will deteriorate with time to become an environmental hazard.”
Crown Oil has a number of environmental initiatives. They opened an environmentally friendly HQ just last year. The company carbon offset their own transport fleet so that all deliveries to site are carbon free. Additionally, users such as builders and plant operators who use red diesel have an option to totally carbon offset their fuel. Crown Oil also has a high grade bio-fuel derived from 100 percent sustainable sources that is ideal for use in combined heat and power (CHP) plant. This enables users to collect maximum renewable obligation certificates (ROCs) to offset against other carbon producing activity.
Saturday 24 March 2012
Britain's Busiest Regional Bus Route Goes Greener
Stagecoach has announced today that Britain's busiest regional bus route is to go greener with the introduction of a fleet of 40 hybrid electric vehicles in Manchester.
The 192 route, which carries nearly 10 million passengers a year, connects Manchester city centre with Stockport and Hazel Grove. High-frequency services run up to every 2 minutes at peak times and the Stagecoach route will be served entirely by hybrid electric buses.
The investment follows confirmation from the Department for Transport of several successful bids for part-funding of new low carbon vehicles from its Green Bus Fund.
A fleet of 19 hybrid electric vehicles will also be introduced by Stagecoach on its Sheffield 52 route. It carries around 3 million passengers a year, connecting the densely populated suburbs of Hillsborough, Crookes, Attercliffe, Darnall and Woodhouse.
Stagecoach is investing a total £12.2million in the new greener buses for Manchester and Sheffield, matched by a grant of £4.6million from the Green Bus Fund. The new vehicles are expected to go into service in early 2013.
The Perth-based transport group is already the UK's biggest investor in green hybrid electric buses, which produce 30% less carbon emissions than standard vehicles. The new fleet will increase the number of hybrid buses Stagecoach has in service or on order by more than 40%.
A total of 123 hybrid electric buses are already in operation in Stagecoach's regional bus operations in several English cities: Manchester (50), Oxford (26), Newcastle (26) and Sheffield (21). A further 19 hybrid electric buses will go into service in Stagecoach networks in Scotland this summer.
Les Warneford, MD, Stagecoach UK Bus, said: "This latest multi-million-pound investment will make the busiest bus route in Britain also the greenest. The new buses are great news for bus passengers in Manchester and in Sheffield. They will also support these two cities in the drive to get people out of their cars and improve local air quality.
"Stagecoach is leading the way in investing in buses with this state-of-the-art technology. We are also committed to providing local communities with high-quality, good value bus travel. With sky-high fuel prices and the increasing cost of running a car, it makes more sense than ever to switch to greener, smarter bus travel."
UK-based manufacturer Alexander Dennis Limited will supply Stagecoach with 59 of the Enviro 400H double-decker buses, which incorporate regenerative braking technology.
The 192 route in Manchester is part of Greater Manchester's first Statutory Quality Bus Partnership Scheme (SQP). It involves a joint commitment by Stagecoach, Transport for Greater Manchester, Manchester City Council and Stockport Council to take steps to help reduce congestion, improve punctuality and deliver better air quality. The new vehicles will replace existing low emissions vehicles, bringing the number of Stagecoach hybrid electric buses in Manchester to 90.
The Stagecoach 52 service in Sheffield links the main shopping centre, Sheffield University and the Children's Hospital. The route is part of a partnership agreement with South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, Sheffield City Council and First South Yorkshire, which offers integrated ticketing and high frequency services.
Last month. Stagecoach Group announced it is investing around £60million in hundreds of new greener vehicles for local communities across the UK. The Perth-based transport group placed initial orders for 390 buses and coaches for the 2012-13 financial year for its regional bus networks outside London. The 59 new buses brings the orders for 2012-13 to 449 vehicles.
In the last five years, including today's new orders, Stagecoach has invested a total of more than £380m in new buses for its regional bus operations in Scotland, England and Wales.
Earlier this year, independent research again officially recognised Stagecoach as Britain's best value major bus operator. Transport specialists TAS found weekly travel with Stagecoach was on average 17.5% cheaper than other bus operators.
Recent research by Stagecoach also found that travelling by bus instead of commuting by car could save drivers around £150 a month1
For further information about Stagecoach bus services, visit www.stagecoachbus.com
The 192 route, which carries nearly 10 million passengers a year, connects Manchester city centre with Stockport and Hazel Grove. High-frequency services run up to every 2 minutes at peak times and the Stagecoach route will be served entirely by hybrid electric buses.
The investment follows confirmation from the Department for Transport of several successful bids for part-funding of new low carbon vehicles from its Green Bus Fund.
A fleet of 19 hybrid electric vehicles will also be introduced by Stagecoach on its Sheffield 52 route. It carries around 3 million passengers a year, connecting the densely populated suburbs of Hillsborough, Crookes, Attercliffe, Darnall and Woodhouse.
Stagecoach is investing a total £12.2million in the new greener buses for Manchester and Sheffield, matched by a grant of £4.6million from the Green Bus Fund. The new vehicles are expected to go into service in early 2013.
The Perth-based transport group is already the UK's biggest investor in green hybrid electric buses, which produce 30% less carbon emissions than standard vehicles. The new fleet will increase the number of hybrid buses Stagecoach has in service or on order by more than 40%.
A total of 123 hybrid electric buses are already in operation in Stagecoach's regional bus operations in several English cities: Manchester (50), Oxford (26), Newcastle (26) and Sheffield (21). A further 19 hybrid electric buses will go into service in Stagecoach networks in Scotland this summer.
Les Warneford, MD, Stagecoach UK Bus, said: "This latest multi-million-pound investment will make the busiest bus route in Britain also the greenest. The new buses are great news for bus passengers in Manchester and in Sheffield. They will also support these two cities in the drive to get people out of their cars and improve local air quality.
"Stagecoach is leading the way in investing in buses with this state-of-the-art technology. We are also committed to providing local communities with high-quality, good value bus travel. With sky-high fuel prices and the increasing cost of running a car, it makes more sense than ever to switch to greener, smarter bus travel."
UK-based manufacturer Alexander Dennis Limited will supply Stagecoach with 59 of the Enviro 400H double-decker buses, which incorporate regenerative braking technology.
The 192 route in Manchester is part of Greater Manchester's first Statutory Quality Bus Partnership Scheme (SQP). It involves a joint commitment by Stagecoach, Transport for Greater Manchester, Manchester City Council and Stockport Council to take steps to help reduce congestion, improve punctuality and deliver better air quality. The new vehicles will replace existing low emissions vehicles, bringing the number of Stagecoach hybrid electric buses in Manchester to 90.
The Stagecoach 52 service in Sheffield links the main shopping centre, Sheffield University and the Children's Hospital. The route is part of a partnership agreement with South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, Sheffield City Council and First South Yorkshire, which offers integrated ticketing and high frequency services.
Last month. Stagecoach Group announced it is investing around £60million in hundreds of new greener vehicles for local communities across the UK. The Perth-based transport group placed initial orders for 390 buses and coaches for the 2012-13 financial year for its regional bus networks outside London. The 59 new buses brings the orders for 2012-13 to 449 vehicles.
In the last five years, including today's new orders, Stagecoach has invested a total of more than £380m in new buses for its regional bus operations in Scotland, England and Wales.
Earlier this year, independent research again officially recognised Stagecoach as Britain's best value major bus operator. Transport specialists TAS found weekly travel with Stagecoach was on average 17.5% cheaper than other bus operators.
Recent research by Stagecoach also found that travelling by bus instead of commuting by car could save drivers around £150 a month1
For further information about Stagecoach bus services, visit www.stagecoachbus.com
Wednesday 21 March 2012
Relief at plans to shelve badger cull in Wales in favour of vaccination programme
The RSPCA is delighted and relieved that the Welsh Government has decided not to proceed with plans put forward by the previous government for a badger cull in the Intensive Action Area.
The relief follows an announcement made by the Welsh Government that it will not now be carrying out a cull in North Pembrokeshire as part of a package of measures which aim to tackle the problem of bovine TB in cattle, but will be investing in a five year vaccination programme instead, which will begin in the summer.
The cull had been on hold since June after the Environment Minister announced that an independent Bovine TB Science Review Panel would review the scientific evidence. Whilst recognising that Bovine TB is a very real issue in some areas, the animal welfare charity supports the conclusion of the Independent Scientific Group (ISG) that 'badger culling can make no meaningful contribution to cattle TB control in Britain.'
The RSPCA believes that there are other measures that could be used to control Bovine TB, including vaccination and increased cattle control.
Claire Lawson, external affairs manager for RSPCA Cymru said: "The RSPCA recognises that Bovine TB in cattle causes massive hardship for farmers in endemic areas and that there needs to be a sustainable and humane solution. The Society bases its animal welfare stance on moral and ethical values of care and compassion, but relies on sound science to inform its decision-making, formulate its policies, define its strategies, and promote change for the improvement of animal welfare.
"Badger vaccination has already been shown to significantly reduce the prevalence and severity of disease in the badger population and could reduce the potential for transmission of TB from badgers to cattle.
"We therefore still strongly believe that vaccination coupled with the increased levels of cattle testing, improved bio-security and control on the movement of cattle is the way forward."
FACTFILE:
* The Independent Scientific Group on cattle TB (ISG) examined the science behind a badger cull. It published its final report in 2007 which was the result of painstaking research over nearly ten years,
taking the lives of about 11,000 badgers and costing taxpayers £50 million. It concluded that killing badgers could actually increase the spread of bTB, making matters worse rather than better. It said, "badger
culling can make no meaningful contribution to cattle TB control in Britain",
http://archive.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/atoz/tb/isg/report/final_report.pdf
The relief follows an announcement made by the Welsh Government that it will not now be carrying out a cull in North Pembrokeshire as part of a package of measures which aim to tackle the problem of bovine TB in cattle, but will be investing in a five year vaccination programme instead, which will begin in the summer.
The cull had been on hold since June after the Environment Minister announced that an independent Bovine TB Science Review Panel would review the scientific evidence. Whilst recognising that Bovine TB is a very real issue in some areas, the animal welfare charity supports the conclusion of the Independent Scientific Group (ISG) that 'badger culling can make no meaningful contribution to cattle TB control in Britain.'
The RSPCA believes that there are other measures that could be used to control Bovine TB, including vaccination and increased cattle control.
Claire Lawson, external affairs manager for RSPCA Cymru said: "The RSPCA recognises that Bovine TB in cattle causes massive hardship for farmers in endemic areas and that there needs to be a sustainable and humane solution. The Society bases its animal welfare stance on moral and ethical values of care and compassion, but relies on sound science to inform its decision-making, formulate its policies, define its strategies, and promote change for the improvement of animal welfare.
"Badger vaccination has already been shown to significantly reduce the prevalence and severity of disease in the badger population and could reduce the potential for transmission of TB from badgers to cattle.
"We therefore still strongly believe that vaccination coupled with the increased levels of cattle testing, improved bio-security and control on the movement of cattle is the way forward."
FACTFILE:
* The Independent Scientific Group on cattle TB (ISG) examined the science behind a badger cull. It published its final report in 2007 which was the result of painstaking research over nearly ten years,
taking the lives of about 11,000 badgers and costing taxpayers £50 million. It concluded that killing badgers could actually increase the spread of bTB, making matters worse rather than better. It said, "badger
culling can make no meaningful contribution to cattle TB control in Britain",
http://archive.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/atoz/tb/isg/report/final_report.pdf
Tuesday 20 March 2012
Blue Skies Provide The Latest In Eco Water Systems In Time For The Hosepipe Ban
Leading garden irrigation company Blue Skies are advising home owners to invest in the eco Dripline Irrigation Systems which are exempt from the imminent hosepipe ban. Using the Dripper Hose allows the slow release of water through water regulated emitters inserted within the hose, ensuring every drop of water is used efficiently by placing the hose close to the stems or roots of the plants shrubs or trees, without wasting a drop on weeds and pathways.
Rainwater is far healthier for the garden, is natural, does not produce limescale and is free of chemicals. Harvesting rainwater with a Water Butt combined with the Dripline Irrigation System, rainwater is distributed on a timed system and hidden from sight .
Water Butts used to be unsightly, however, they are now in various shapes and are easy to hide. The water storage systems are raised off the ground, enabling access to the tank by a tap at the bottom of the container for easy water dispensing. Solar Powered Pumps are now installed to dispense water around the garden, and if reports are to be believed, we are in for a hot summer, these are by far the most eco savvy solutions - easy to use and hassle free, the solar panel works off the Water Butt and pumps the water around the garden. The ultimate in harnessing nature's elements and re-using them.
FACTFILE:
Buckinghamshire-based Blue Skies Water Systems are a company selling garden irrigation and rainwater harvesting equipment. Also working as landscapers, they have an extensive knowledge of gardens and landscapes and have been installing irrigation systems for many years.
For further information, please contact:
sales@blueskieswatersystems.com
Website: www.blueskieswatersystems.com
Rainwater is far healthier for the garden, is natural, does not produce limescale and is free of chemicals. Harvesting rainwater with a Water Butt combined with the Dripline Irrigation System, rainwater is distributed on a timed system and hidden from sight .
Water Butts used to be unsightly, however, they are now in various shapes and are easy to hide. The water storage systems are raised off the ground, enabling access to the tank by a tap at the bottom of the container for easy water dispensing. Solar Powered Pumps are now installed to dispense water around the garden, and if reports are to be believed, we are in for a hot summer, these are by far the most eco savvy solutions - easy to use and hassle free, the solar panel works off the Water Butt and pumps the water around the garden. The ultimate in harnessing nature's elements and re-using them.
FACTFILE:
Buckinghamshire-based Blue Skies Water Systems are a company selling garden irrigation and rainwater harvesting equipment. Also working as landscapers, they have an extensive knowledge of gardens and landscapes and have been installing irrigation systems for many years.
For further information, please contact:
sales@blueskieswatersystems.com
Website: www.blueskieswatersystems.com
Sunday 18 March 2012
That's Gardening: Leading garden designer, Andrew fisher Tomlin, sho...
That's Gardening: Leading garden designer, Andrew fisher Tomlin, sho...: International garden designer Andrew Fisher Tomlin has reacted to the news of a hosepipe ban from April 5th with some positive ...
Tuesday 13 March 2012
LED Lighting Could Slash Carbon Emissions by 50% In 20 Years
Carbon emissions could be cut by 50% in two decades by switching to LED lighting, recent research suggests.
A report by management consultants McKinsey & Company reveals that the switch could be the most cost-effective way to tackle global warming, using existing technology.
The findings, featured in the New York Times, states that LEDs are more than twice as efficient as compact fluorescent bulbs, currently the standard for greener lighting.
LEDs, unlike compact fluorescents, turn on quickly and, importantly, are compatible with dimmer switches.
Indeed, separate evidence suggests that adding dimmer switches to your home could significantly reduce your carbon footprint.
While fluorescent bulbs contain mercury, which requires special disposal, LED bulbs contain no toxic elements, and last much longer. This means that disposal is much less of an issue.
Colin Humphreys, a researcher at Cambridge University, quoted in the New York Times, described LED lighting as “fit-and-forget lighting that is essentially there for as long as you live”.
While the cost of LED lighting may initially be higher, savings are made in the long term because of LED longevity.
Leading retailers, such as the online store Lights2Go include a range of LED lighting suitable for indoors and outdoors. They also stock dimmer switches suitable for the whole house including bathroom lighting.
Featured Lights
Kosnic GU10 4W LED lamp cool white. Product Code: GU10 4W LED
This indoor lamp has a life of 30,000 hours. Power consumption:4 watts. Light output:35 watts.
RRP £19.95, Now £11.50 including VAT and free UK shipping
Searchlight 7205 LED outdoor wall light IP44 rated. Product Code: 7205
A contemporary outdoor wall light with a satin silver finish and a polycarbonate diffuser.
RRP £73.20, Now £58.56 including. VAT and free UK shipping.
Endon Enluce EL-10039 LED wall light. Product Code: EL-10039
A stylish chrome LED wall light with flexible arm. One LED included.
RRP £78, Now £59.28 including VAT and free UK shipping
Dar EON7946GU EON Fire Rated Downlight Satin Chrome. Product Code: EON7946GU EON Fire R.
A stylish chrome swivel downlight with 90 minute fire-rated protection. Also Building Regs Part C compliant.
RRP £24.60, Now £20.50 including VAT and free UK shipping.
Searchlight Aries 7443CC 3 light IP44 bathroom rated spot light. Product Code: 7443CC:
Another contemporary chrome design featuring a triple halogen spot light. The flush fitting is suitable for use in the bathroom.
RRP £55.23, Now £27.95 including VAT and free UK shipping.
www. lights2go.co.uk
A report by management consultants McKinsey & Company reveals that the switch could be the most cost-effective way to tackle global warming, using existing technology.
The findings, featured in the New York Times, states that LEDs are more than twice as efficient as compact fluorescent bulbs, currently the standard for greener lighting.
LEDs, unlike compact fluorescents, turn on quickly and, importantly, are compatible with dimmer switches.
Indeed, separate evidence suggests that adding dimmer switches to your home could significantly reduce your carbon footprint.
While fluorescent bulbs contain mercury, which requires special disposal, LED bulbs contain no toxic elements, and last much longer. This means that disposal is much less of an issue.
Colin Humphreys, a researcher at Cambridge University, quoted in the New York Times, described LED lighting as “fit-and-forget lighting that is essentially there for as long as you live”.
While the cost of LED lighting may initially be higher, savings are made in the long term because of LED longevity.
Leading retailers, such as the online store Lights2Go include a range of LED lighting suitable for indoors and outdoors. They also stock dimmer switches suitable for the whole house including bathroom lighting.
Featured Lights
Kosnic GU10 4W LED lamp cool white. Product Code: GU10 4W LED
This indoor lamp has a life of 30,000 hours. Power consumption:4 watts. Light output:35 watts.
RRP £19.95, Now £11.50 including VAT and free UK shipping
Searchlight 7205 LED outdoor wall light IP44 rated. Product Code: 7205
A contemporary outdoor wall light with a satin silver finish and a polycarbonate diffuser.
RRP £73.20, Now £58.56 including. VAT and free UK shipping.
Endon Enluce EL-10039 LED wall light. Product Code: EL-10039
A stylish chrome LED wall light with flexible arm. One LED included.
RRP £78, Now £59.28 including VAT and free UK shipping
Dar EON7946GU EON Fire Rated Downlight Satin Chrome. Product Code: EON7946GU EON Fire R.
A stylish chrome swivel downlight with 90 minute fire-rated protection. Also Building Regs Part C compliant.
RRP £24.60, Now £20.50 including VAT and free UK shipping.
Searchlight Aries 7443CC 3 light IP44 bathroom rated spot light. Product Code: 7443CC:
Another contemporary chrome design featuring a triple halogen spot light. The flush fitting is suitable for use in the bathroom.
RRP £55.23, Now £27.95 including VAT and free UK shipping.
www. lights2go.co.uk
Monday 12 March 2012
Camping With A Conscience - Sleep Super-Soundly With The Eco-Friendly Naturalmat
Not only are they wonderfully comfortable but they also have a minute carbon footprint and can be used all year round. The mats are ideal for luxurious camping, as super sumptuous bed toppers at home, or as an extra roll up bed for unexpected house guests (who might end up staying the night after a party). The mattress covers are 100% cotton, fully removable and washable, ensuring that your mattress keeps its natural, good looks.
How They’re Made:
What makes the Camping With Soul Naturalmat unique is that it was designed using the same knowledge and techniques used to create traditional bedroom mattresses. With its recycled denim core, organic lambswool tufting surrounded by 100% natural cotton, the Naturalmat gives great support and insulation from the ground, making for a peaceful night’s sleep.
Eco Info:
Hand made in Devon, the Naturalmats have a core of shredded, recycled denim to create a comfy level of padded support. This is then surrounded by organic lambswool sourced from Soil Association certified organic farms in the West Country and processed in Devon.
The wool is washed clean on the edge of Dartmoor using water from the River Dart which is then filtered and returned to the river with no environmental impact. In the final wash anti-bug treatment is added to the lambswool (a solution derived from essential oils of lemon, eucalyptus and lavender) ensuring it is anti-dust mite, anti-moth AND mosquito repellent. The camping mat is then covered in a traditional, blue and white striped, quilted cotton ticking that has also been treated with a natural geraniol to make it anti-bed bug.
Clever Design:
The chocolate brown webbing straps, attached to the mat with Velcro tabs, make it easy to roll up and provide a practical handle to carry it around. The Naturalmats also have a hidden Velcro strip along one side enabling two single mattresses to be stuck together making a king-size double. There is even a covering piece to protect the Velcro from gathering unwanted pieces of fluff when the single mattress has no partner to stick to!
Naturalmats come in two sizes:
Adult 80x190cm - £159 for one, or £299 or two (to make your king-size double bed)
Child 70x140cm - £99 (up to 11 years)
For more information on the NaturalMat or other Camping With Soul Products see www.CampingWithSoul.co.uk or visit www.belltent.co.uk.
Sunday 11 March 2012
That's Beauty and Living: Want impact? Then tell our readers about your prod...
That's Beauty and Living: Want impact? Then tell our readers about your prod...: If you want to make an impact, if you want people to know about your beauty and lifestyle products, then please help us to help you by letti...
Monday 5 March 2012
That's Food and Drink: Harry's Nuts! declared elephant friendl
That's Food and Drink: Harry's Nuts! declared elephant friendl: Harry’s Nuts!, the Fairtrade salted nuts from Harry Hill, have been declared ‘Elephant Friendly’ thanks to the work of Fairtrad...
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