Sustainable Life Latest Story

Glaciers melting at more than double speed

Sun, 16 Mar 2008 21:23 GMT

Results of research conducted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) backed ‘World Glacier Monitoring Service' (WGMS), based at Zurich University, show that ice loss in glaciers reached record levels in 2006. The high levels of thawing are attributed to climate change.

Researchers measuring nearly 30 glaciers across the world found that on average the ice masses shrank by 1.4 metres in 2006, up from half a metre in 2005.

“The latest figures are part of what appears to be an accelerating trend with no apparent end in sight,” WGMS director Wilfred Haeberli said in a statement.

UNEP warned that the thaw could disrupt future water supplies. “Millions if not billions of people depend directly or indirectly on these natural water storage facilities for drinking water, agriculture, industry and power generation during key parts of the year.” explains UNEP's executive director Achim Steiner.

Examples of areas that could be affected by dramatic results for water supplies include India, where rivers are fed by Himalayan glaciers & the west coast of North America, where water is sourced from glaciers in the Rockies mountains and the Sierra Nevada.

“There are many canaries emerging in the climate change coal mine,” UNEP's executive director Achim Steiner stated. “The glaciers are perhaps among those making the most noise and it is absolutely essential that everyone sits up and takes notice.”

On average, the glaciers shrank by 4.9 feet in 2006, the most recent year for which data are available. The most severe loss was recorded at Norway's Breidalblikkbrea glacier, which shrank 10.2 feet in 2006. Between the years 2004 and 2006 the average rate of melting & thinning of the galciers measured more than doubled.

Achim Steiner stressed the need for governments to agree emission reductions at the international conference at Copenhagen, next year. “Otherwise, and like the glaciers, our room for manoeuvre and the opportunity to act may simply melt away,” he added.

Sustainable Living & Environmental Awareness lessons in schools

Sat, 15 Mar 2008 10:13 GMT

A movement is underway to persuade the UK government to introduce ‘Sustainable Living & Environmental Awareness' lessons in schools. A petition has been started at the 10 Downing Street website. Add your voice here

Green Young Inventors Competition

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 20:50 GMT

The UK Intellectual Property Office (UK-IPO) launches a competition to encourage Britain's youngest inventors to think green when coming up with new ideas.

Recent research by the UK-IPO shows the UK is among the world's leading nations for eco-friendly inventions, ranking in the top six for the number of energy saving inventions. The table is headed by Japan followed by China, America, Germany and Korea.

The competition targets young inventors to keep Britain in top league of green inventors

The UK-IPO is committed to encouraging green innovation and is using the Cracking Ideas 2008 competition as a focus for the launch of its flagship education project for primary school aged children.

Cracking Ideas offers teachers resources and activities for the classroom through their website, the resources link to a nationwide competition to find the inventors of tomorrow. Children aged 9-11 will be encouraged to come up with a new invention - with the emphasis on something eco friendly.

The campaign is backed by Oscar® winners Wallace & Gromit and uses inspiration from their new film A Matter of Loaf and Death and features their own green inventions. Prizes for the winning schools include a special screening of the new film.

Minister for Intellectual Property Baroness Delyth Morgan said it was an important initiative to get children thinking about innovation at an early age.

“Cracking Ideas is fantastic for encouraging primary school aged children to innovate. It's great that this year we are getting children to think about green innovations.

The UK is proud of its innovating tradition and our work on energy saving devices. Cracking Ideas keeps us at the forefront of this vital field.

We are very fortunate that Wallace and Gromit and Aardman Animations have played a part in bringing this exciting project to life in our schools, and I would like to thank them for their support,” she said.

Trevor Baylis, one of Britain's most famous inventors, has also recently launched the innovative Eco Media Player. The inventor of the Wind-up Radio has brought the idea to a modern media player which stores 500 songs and comes with a radio and torch. It plays music for 20 hours before it needs to be charged - and this is done by cranking a fold-up handle at the rear rather than plugging it in. More…

The UK Intellectual Property Office (UK-IPO) is the government body responsible for the establishment and maintenance of the national framework of intellectual property rights (IPRs) (patents, designs, trade marks and copyright) and the granting and management of rights within that framework. UK-IPO leads and promotes UK interests in European and international efforts to harmonise and simplify IP law.

FairTrade Fortnight 25th February to 9th March

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 13:42 GMT

FairTrade fortnight is underway. Fairtrade is about better prices, better working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world.

By requiring companies to pay sustainable prices (which mustn't fall lower than the market price), Fairtrade addresses the injustices of conventional trade, which traditionally discriminates against the poorest, weakest producers.

Fairtrade enables producers to improve their position and have more control over their lives.

Commuters passing through some of the UK’s biggest railway stations will be able to join in an array of exciting activities to highlight this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight. The two-week annual campaign (25 Feb – 9 March) celebrating Fairtrade products will see action-packed events taking place around the countryFairtrade has never been an easier choice for commuters, with Virgin Trains, Virgin Atlantic, Ryan Air, Midland Mainline, and cafes and restaurants in stations and airports across the UK serving Fairtrade drinks and snacks. Sales of Fairtrade products in the foodservice sector are now growing faster than within retail. Sales of roast and ground coffee alone grew by 98% in 2006. Demand for greater availability of Fairtrade products outside supermarkets and shops is rising significantly. In a recent OC&C online consumer survey, 65%of respondents said Fairtrade products should be more available out of home, not just on shop shelvesCheck out our fair trade categories and explore a number of merchants that are celebrating fairtrade fortnight with special offers. Find Fairtrade Home & Garden products here & here - Find Fairtrade Clothing & Accessories here - Fairtrade Gifts here , Fairtrade Jewellery here & Fairtrade Toys here

Simply Fair is a shop that offers only fairtrade products

Browse some Fair Trade Productshere - Please wait while window opens

Other Shops stocking Fair trade products include: Nigel's Ecostore / Ethical Superstore

Tuna Threatened

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 10:31 GMT

Scientists warn that continued abuse of dwindling Tuna stocks could lead to a crash in Tuna populations similar to that happening to cod. Speaking at the “Last Best Chance for Tuna: Learning from the Cod Collapse” symposium at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) on February 18th 2008, leading natural scientists explored the lessons learned from cod population collapse and recommended urgent actions to prevent further declines in tuna populations.

Nominations for Observer Ethical Awards

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 07:42 GMT

You still have a chance to nominate the winner of the Observer Ethical Awards, which are held in association with Ecover. Entires for this years nominations must be in by March 14th 2008. This is the 3rd year Awards that give everyone the chance to promote their favourite socially and environmentally ethical enterprise. There are 10 categories of award, four of which: Best Local Retailer, Best Supermarket or Online Retailer, Campaigner and Politician of the Year, Ethical Kids Award, are determined by public vote. Other awards include Conservation Project of the Year, Ethical Business of the Year and Fashion Product or Accessory of the Year are judged by an expert panel from eco designers to sustainability academics and eco architects. There are prize funds of £500 - £2000 to be won & the exposure of winning the award can be a real help to small businesses. Projects can download promotional materials and you can vote here