Looking for something earth-friendly to do this weekend? There's plenty to choose from, with the main event being the first Sustainability Show at the 02 centre in London. The show promises to cover all areas of sustainable living, from ethical fashion, cosmetics, holidays and investments to cars, travel and much more. There'll be new products to try out, screenings of Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth (if you haven't yet discovered what the fuss is about), an electric vehicle rally and a programme of forums, lectures and presentations to discuss many of the issues highlighted will be run during the show.
Also taking place this weekend is Reading's Big Green Market, one of many eco-friendly fairs that will be taking place all over the UK in the run up to Christmas. An ideal place to find unusual and sustainable gifts, it's a street market with a conscience -- expect an exciting range of green, eco-friendly, ethically traded and organic products offering some highly original and alternative gift ideas for all.
Ever got into the office on a dull day in need of a kick up the backside? A far more pleasant solution is using dynamic lighting, which can be adjusted to mimic daylight, create a more intimate, relaxed ambiance or promote concentration. The new system I tested at the Philips Simplicity event does all these things and more, and amazingly, uses eco-friendly technology, as it relies on a modernised version of the humble fluorescent strip-light to do its thing. See how it works in the video below.
It may have ended months ago, but Springwatch fever is still alive and kicking on Scottish island Islay. The special reports from the island, which featured golden eagles, choughs and hen harriers amongst other things, has meant an increase of 30% in visitor numbers to the area's RSPB reserves. As many as 100 people have been attending the weekly walks around Loch Gruinart and The Oa reserves to see the Springwatch 'characters' for themselves. Generally people are most interested in the fate of the golden eagle chick and the chough chicks being raised by their dad (all of which are doing well by the way).
What did YOU have for breakfast this morning? Maybe a muesli bar? Toast, or (hang your head in shame) nothing?
Get ready to put such paltry fast-breaking behind you as you celebrate the Soil Association’s Organic Fortnight between 1st and 16th September by waking up to an organic breakfast, that’s the challenge set by the Soil Association for this year. Retailers are set to promote organic breakfast goods and there will be events around the country, including the Organic Food Festival in Bristol on 1st and 2nd September. If you’re anywhere nearby, this is worth going to.
If you have an interest in wilderness living, survival skills and primitive crafts and technology, then this is the show for you. Now a three day event, the Wilderness Gathering at Bush Farm, West Knoyle, Wiltshire is now in its fifth year. Running between the 30th August and 2nd September, the price of this family-oriented event remains the same as the previous years’ two day events.
There are masterclasses in skills as varied as arrow-making, tracking, wild food and moving silently in the landscape, and you can also learn how to procure and purify water, know your trees, fish, make shelters and herbal tea making.
Various Bushcraft and Survival businesses have stands, and for the children there is the Coyote Kids Club running events throughout the weekend. The Food Court includes drinks by the Sussex Cider Man, which should be something to look forward to.
This really is a unique event and deserves to be a great success. Maybe you should join in.
This year’s National Marine Week runs from 11th August to 19th August celebrating the UK’s marine life and environment. The UK has a fascinating undersea environment, being a home to crabs, anemones, fish, seals, dolphins, seabirds and all kinds of plants. Anyone who has ever enjoyed poking around in a rock-pool as a child will enjoy all the activities all over the UK to celebrate the UK’s seas and the life within them. The Wildlife Trust is running all kinds of events, from Seashore Safaris, and Rock-pool Rambles to Coastal Minibeast Safaris. Check with your local sealife centre for events running there. It’s an excellent excuse to hang around on a beach during the belated lovely August weather!
This year's Eco Prize for creativity is now open for entries. The award is open to anyone who lives/works or studies in Scotland and covers any artistic work from any creative industry, including arts, crafts, publishing, music etc. The winner in each category will be someone who has best promoted environmentally friendly living and green practises, and whose work makes a positive statement. Previous winners include the 'Bowmore Chair' by David Trujillo-Farley, which is a chair made from the used barrels of Bowmore Whiskey using minimal amounts of energy, and which is ultimately a bio-degradable piece of furniture. There was also the 'Green Roof' by Beth Hamer, which is an urban organic garden situated on the top of a nightclub in the centre of Glasgow. Entries can be made online here, and the deadline is 31st August 2007.
You may have missed the fact that yesterday was World Ranger Day. A celebration of the men and women who devote their lives to protecting nature and the environment all across the world. I have a vested interest, as I volunteer with the East Lothian Countryside Rangers, and I can certainly vouch for the sterling work they do. Last night a film documenting the work of the world's rangers - The Thin Green Line was shown in over 50 countries. The film is the brainchild of Sean Willimore, a ranger from Warringine Park in Victoria, Australia. He sold his car and remortgaged his home three times in order to fund the documentary, so you could say it was a labour of love!
Since Stony Organic Yoghurts came to the UK with their catchy ‘Stony, Yogurt on a mission’ moniker, they have been living up to their name with initiatives aimed at reducing our impact on climate change. The latest of these is the ‘De-pollute your commute’ initiative to raise environmental awareness amongst car drivers. Did you know that the average car driven for 12,000 miles creates 3.5 tonnes of carbon emissions, and a 4x4 creates 5.8 tonnes? I know cars are vital for certain journeys, but for short trips cycling or walking are much better, both for you and the planet.
If you want to chill out this weekend, get yourself down to Epsom in Surrey for a happy family day with arts, music and ethical food and drink at the Ambient Picnic Festival.
It’s on Sunday 8th July from 12 noon till 9pm and this is its first year in a new location but featuring all the things that have made it so good in previous years. Entry is £6 and you can buy tickets in advance or at the location.
The countryside area is in partnership with Surrey Wildlife Trust and there is also a natural healing area, a real ale area and a family arts area as well as a live music stage, acoustic stage and a dance tent. There’s bound to be something for everyone.
If Glastonbury was not quite enough for you andyou just haven't had your fill of music festivals for 2007 you might like to visit the Two Thousand Trees Music Festival
The event will run on 13th and 14th July, visitors will get the chance to enjoy the small festival experience at a lovely Cotswolds location.
If you're at a loose end this weekend you should head up to the Highlands of Scotland, for the Outsider Festival. It will be set in the Cairngorms National Park, which is one of Britain's most stunning areas of natural beauty, with ancient pine forests, a range of spectacular mountains, lochs, rivers and moorland. It's home to over a quarter of the UK's most endangered species, including the lovable red squirrel. This weekend it will also be home to the likes of KT Tunstall, Crowded House, Idlewild and a host of other musicians and comedians.
For all of us vegans and those that are vegan-curious looking for something to do this coming weekend, why not go along to the Bristol Vegan Fayre on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th June. Admission is only £3, and kids under 12 and OAP’s get in free. This is billed as the world’s biggest vegan fayre, and when you look at all the events going on you’ll understand why. There will be bands and DJ’s, entertainers, cruelty free fashion shows, cookery demos, expos and talks. There will be over 170 stalls to browse, with loads of vegan goodies to tempt even the most ardent meat eaters. There is a children’s area with clowns, entertainment and competitions. It sounds like a great day out for everyone. The event is being held at The Amphitheatre and Waterfront Square, Bristol City Centre between 11am and 8pm on Saturday and 11am and 6pm on Sunday.
If you’re confused about eco-labelling, then sit comfortably infront of your computer and watch the Natural History Museum’s film “Looking behind the labels”. It was filmed as part of a live audience and live web presentation at the London museum as part of their Nature Live programme. As the eco-market in the UK grows to be worth £30 billion a year more and more eco-labels are making their way onto our highstreets. If you want to get the lowdown on what we are actually buying then this film on the Natural History Museum’s website. will give you a good insight. The three speakers give a broad overview of labels, their history and how they work.
Get your popcorn and your tissues ready because this Monday Bill Oddie and the team are back for Springwatch 2007. This year's show is based on an organic farm in Devon where Bill and Kate will be bringing us live footage of swallows, kingfishers, barn owls, badgers and other cuddly creatures. Simon King will be on Islay where he will be watching everything from majestic golden eagles to little furry bunnies. There will also be a chance to meet a family of urban foxes from Glasgow and see the trials and tribulations of being a small creature living in a big city. A real live wildlife soap opera that will leave the likes of Eastenders and Corrie in it's dust.
If you're into yoga then you should head down to Thorngrove House in Gillingham, Dorset from 29th May to 3rd June for the Great British Yoga Festival. Over the six days you can eat, sleep and breathe yoga. Attend classes with world renowned instructors to improve your yogic skills, enjoy healthy organic food, chill out with meditation sessions and let your hair down with Yogi musicians. The whole family can attend the festival, with specific events targeted at children. It's a residential festival and prices include accommodation and meals. A private room will cost you £465 or share in a dorm for £430.
The bank holiday weekend is almost here, and with it comes the usual mad rush out of the city and into the countryside. To me it conjures up images of slow moving traffic, bored children and irritated parents. How about a different day out this bank holiday? Why not take the train to Yalding and spend the day at Yalding Gardens in Kent.
Garden Organic Yalding is set in five acres of Kentish countryside, just a mile and a half walk from Yalding Train station.
Cynics among you may think this post is really just an excuse for an old punk to show a picture of the lovely Green Day lads, but as they have just signed up to release a version of John Lennon's 'Working Class Hero' as part of Amnesty International's Instant Karma: Campaign to save Darfur I think it's more than justified! The single will be included on an album of John Lennon covers, featuring other artists like REM, U2 and Snow Patrol. All proceeds will go directly to Amnesty International.
Mock rockers Spinal Tap will reform for a special appearance at the Live Earth concert at Wembley Stadium on 7th July. They will feature the original line up in an attempt to save the planet from global warming. Lead guitarist Nigel Tufnel (played by Christopher Guest) is reported to have said "I don't know much about global warming. I thought it was because I was wearing too much clothing, and if I took some off it would become cooler". A new 15 minute film, charting the lives of the band since they last reunited, will also be shown at the Tribeca Film Festival in NY, which is being hosted by Al Gore. The festival will be opened with the showing of several short films about global warming made by the Save Our Selves campaign.
The National Trust asked ten photographers to answer the question 'what does climate change mean for Britain?' using their cameras. The results are shown in a new photography exhibition at Hoopers Gallery in London from the 12th of April, before going on tour around the UK - see below for all dates and venues.
The images (which you can preview online at the National Trust and Guardian sites (some different photos at each), show how wide the impact of climate change already is: the 'permanent' snowline on Snowdonia has moved drastically; exotic plants (and diseases) now flourish on the British Isles; and once-full moats and rivers run dry.
Looking for something earth-friendly to do this weekend? There's plenty to choose from, with the main event being the first Sustainability Show at the 02 centre in London. The show promises to cover all areas of sustainable living, from ethical fashion, cosmetics, holidays and investments to cars, travel and much more. There'll be new products to try out, screenings of Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth (if you haven't yet discovered what the fuss is about), an electric vehicle rally and a programme of forums, lectures and presentations to discuss many of the issues highlighted will be run during the show.
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It may have ended months ago, but Springwatch fever is still alive and kicking on Scottish island Islay. The special reports from the island, which featured golden eagles, choughs and hen harriers amongst other things, has meant an increase of 30% in visitor numbers to the area's 
If you have an interest in wilderness living, survival skills and primitive crafts and technology, then this is the show for you. Now a three day event, the 
This year's 
You may have missed the fact that yesterday was World Ranger Day. A celebration of the men and women who devote their lives to protecting nature and the environment all across the world. I have a vested interest, as I volunteer with the East Lothian Countryside Rangers, and I can certainly vouch for the sterling work they do. Last night a film documenting the work of the world's rangers - 
Since Stony Organic Yoghurts came to the UK with their catchy ‘Stony, Yogurt on a mission’ moniker, they have been living up to their name with initiatives aimed at reducing our impact on climate change. The latest of these is the ‘De-pollute your commute’ initiative to raise environmental awareness amongst car drivers. Did you know that the average car driven for 12,000 miles creates 3.5 tonnes of carbon emissions, and a 4x4 creates 5.8 tonnes? I know cars are vital for certain journeys, but for short trips cycling or walking are much better, both for you and the planet. 
If you're at a loose end this weekend you should head up to the Highlands of Scotland, for the 
For all of us vegans and those that are vegan-curious looking for something to do this coming weekend, why not go along to the 
The bank holiday weekend is almost here, and with it comes the usual mad rush out of the city and into the countryside. To me it conjures up images of slow moving traffic, bored children and irritated parents. How about a different day out this bank holiday? Why not take the train to Yalding and spend the day at Yalding Gardens in Kent. 
Cynics among you may think this post is really just an excuse for an old punk to show a picture of the lovely 
Mock rockers 
The National Trust asked ten photographers to answer the question 'what does climate change mean for Britain?' using their cameras. The results are shown in a 
