ecomonkey

Walls Come Tumbling Down - Whitechapel Art Gallery, 2Dec09

2009-12-01T09:14:00.005Z

From: A World To Win
"The significance today of 1989, the year of revolutions, Wednesday 2 December...

12-2pm, Wednesday December 2
77-82 Whitechapel High Street London E1 7QX

The Whitechapel Gallery is next to Aldgate East Underground Station and near Liverpool Street, Tower Gateway DLR.

All welcome but space is limited so please reserve your place by emailing: info@aworldtowin.net or telephone: 07871 745258"

Further Info:
A World To Win / Wanted: a leap in imagination

Climate Rush, The Movie

2009-11-23T12:27:00.002Z

The Climate Rush film is ready for viewing. Directed by Tubby Brother, the documentary follows the Rushrugettes (!) as they prepared for the first Rush on parliament last year. The trailer looks great! Check it out here, tell all your friends and then book yourselves in for a screening (details below).

From: Climate Rush - A Film by Tubby Brother
"To believe in something so much you are willing to break the law is the thinking behind the women of Climate Rush.
These passionate young women, inspired by the actions of the Suffragettes 100 years ago, believe government inaction on climate change threatens the future of humanity..."

Screenings:
Tuesday 24th November - The FleaPit
49 Columbia Road, E2 7RG
Open: 6 - 11pm | Screenings: 7 & 9pm | Free entry

Sunday 6th December - Cinematters @ Passing Clouds
1 Richmond Road, Dalston, E8 4AA
Screening: 6.30pm | Entry: £3 includes jam session at 9pm

Further Info:
Climate Rush Trailer / Climate Rush / Tubby Brother on Vimeo

Copenhagen: The Importance Of Cycling

2009-11-17T12:24:00.006Z

This excellent article by Robin Barton in the Independent last month demonstrates Copenhagen's shining example of how a city can become more sustainable and why cities like London should learn much from it. More comprehensive, joined up, city-wide, safe cycle routes are needed in conjunction with car drivers being discouraged from driving. Hmmm, now what kind of infrastructural change could do that and will Boris be taking notes?!

From: Robin Barton, The Independent, 18oct09
"Forty years ago, London and Copenhagen had similar ratios of car to bicycle use, and both faced an exodus of workers moving out of the centre and into the suburbs. But after ' the energy crises of the 1970s, the two cities diverged. Danes were restricted in how much they could use their cars and commuters began to campaign for a better infrastructure for cyclists. Today, there are almost 200 miles of bicycle lanes in the city, and 40 per cent of its 1.8 million inhabitants cycle to work. The city has evolved cyclist-friendly policies, such as the Green Wave – a sequence of favourable traffic signals for cyclists at rush hour..."

"Once a working-class neighbourhood (the 33-hectare site of Carlsberg's brewery there is being redeveloped over the next 20 years as a sustainable city within a city), hip Vesterbro connects Frederiksberg to the city centre. This is where Gehl Architects is based, just a 15-minute cycle ride along Gammel Kongevej. As I pedal, the nuances of Copenhagen's street design reveal themselves: cobbled pavements run over T-junctions so it is the car driver who feels out of place and is extra alert when turning. Railings and barricades, against which cyclists can be squashed, are absent. Bikes can be wheeled up and down city steps on stone slopes or retro-fitted metal troughs. There are racks and dropped kerbs outside many shops and, most importantly, the wide bicycle lanes along this main artery are slightly raised...

Mikael Colville-Andersen, film-maker and blogger, has chronicled Copenhagen's transformation on www.copenhagen cyclechic.com and www.copenhagenize.com over the past three years ... "In Denmark," he explains, "bicycles are like vacuum cleaners: we all have one and we all use them every day, but we don't think about them all day, we don't have 10 of them, we don't polish them ' before we vacuum. The bicycle is a tool. It helps me pick up my children and my groceries."

Nobody was more surprised than Colville-Andersen when his site took off, but for those outside Europe's cycling cities, it was a taste of an alien world. In Britain we have been conditioned to believe that cycling is something that can be done only in special places while wearing specialist safety equipment and clothing. Yet here were men, women and children cycling to work or school, looking stylish and feeling safe. It was cycling as transport, not sport..." Full article here

Further Info:
The Independent / Copenhagen CycleChic / Copenhagenize

NZYD Fundraiser, Auckland 19 Nov09

2009-11-16T16:39:00.010Z

Along with other international groups the New Zealand Youth Delegation will soon be heading to Copenhagen for the Climate Change Conference. Ecomonkey is proud to know one of the 12 young activists from all over NZ who will be attending to play their part in these potentially life changing talks and if Amanda's enthusiasm and active commitment to social change and environmental protection are anything to go by, we are convinced the group will make a positive impact.

Amanda says: "I have been fortunate to be selected as a delegate of the first ever New Zealand Youth Delegation. We are 12 young kiwi's passionate about ensuring climate policies look after the people and planet for generations to come, and are heading to the UN Climate Change Negotiations – also known as COP15 – in Copenhagen this December. We have helped mobilize thousands of young kiwi’s to participate in the conversation about regenerating our planet, and have a voice – which we are taking to the COP15, departing in two weeks time..."

If you are in or around Auckland this Thursday, pop along to Freemans Bay to help the group celebrate their imminent departure. As well as entertainment and nibbles there will a lovely eco raffle and a fabulous auction of painted canvas bags designed by NZ creatives and celebrities including Megan Hosking (of Alto), Che Fu and Lucy Lawless!

From: New Zealand Youth Delegation
"NZYD has so far been 95% self funded, with all the delegates paying their own way to date. The passion and commitment shown by NZYD's delegates is inspiring and worth celebrating... So we're throwing a bit of a do!

NZYD Official Leaving Party & Fundraiser
Charity Auction! Live Entertainment! A night of FUN!

Thursday 19 November 2009, 6:00pm - 9:30pm
Freemans Bay Community Centre, 52 Hepburn Street, AKL

New Zealand celebrities and other icons such as Che Fu, Barbara Kendall, Lucy Lawless, Robyn Malcom, Len Brown, Bob Harvey and many more have painted and hand decorated designer organic canvas bags which will be up for auction, alongside many more exciting items!"

Further Info:
NZYD Copehangen 09 / Facebook Event

Mother Earth Rights...

2009-11-10T09:26:00.003Z

...and rights of all beings in Copenhagen Treaty

From: Trees Have Rights Too
"One year on from planetary rights being presented to the United Nations, Mother Earth rights and rights of all beings have been included in the forthcoming Copenhagen Treaty currently being drafted for the international climate change negotiations to be held in Copenhagen in December.

Paragraph 13 of the Non-Paper No 52 (of the Ad-hoc Working Group on Long-term Co-operative Action under the Convention, to give it it’s full title) currently states:

“Noting that a shared vision for long-term cooperative action should take account not only of the rights of human beings, but also of the rights of Mother Earth and all its natural beings as the adverse effects of climate change also have a range of direct and indirect implications for the full and effective enjoyment of human rights – including the right to sustainable development, self determination, statehood, life, the right of people not to be deprived of their own means of subsistence, the right to water and the right to live well – and are increasingly posing a risk to security and the survival, sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.”

As of yet, the inherent rights of the wider earth community have not been included. The rights listed are are specifically human-centered. Most are not rights identified in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (the exception being right to life), nor are they enshrined in national or international legislation. The proposed list does not take into account of the wider inherent rights that apply equally to all beings (including humans).

The inherent rights and freedoms that could be included here are:
* the right not to be polluted;
* the right to restorative justice; and
* the freedom of a clean and healthy environment.

The implications of such wording for the future protection of biodiversity and restoration of large degraded eco-systems is of course enormous..."
Full article here

Further Info:
Trees Have Rights Too / Hopenhagen

The Bike Bloc: Copenhagen Dec09

2009-11-03T15:15:00.003Z

From: The Laboratory of Insurrectionary Imagination
"Everything we take for granted: the weekend, gay rights, contraception, women wearing trousers, the right to strike, to form a union, the abolition of slavery. Everything was won by disobedience, fought for by people who refused and resisted, claimed back from those in power. Their disobedience was a gift to our future.

Every form of rebellion we know, from protest marches to lock-ons, barricades to boycotts, factory occupations to street parties, super glue actions to climate camps was invented, dreamt up and designed. More often than not, by a small group of people huddled together, laughing and creatively conspiring with each other; engineering the art of resistance.

The Laboratory of Insurrectionary Imagination and Climate Camp are plotting together to design and build a new tool of civil disobedience for the RECLAIM POWER mobilisations taking place in Copenhagen, during the UN climate summit in December. Made from hundreds of recycled bikes, The Bike Bloc will merge device of mass transportation and pedal powered resistance machine, postcapitalist bike gang and art bike carnival.

Bike hackers, welders, climate campers, artists and engineers will be working together to design and build The Bike Bloc across two cities: Bristol (Arnolfini Gallery 15th 30th Nov.) and Copenhagen (4th- 18th Dec.) Come and take part, either designing and building the prototype in Bristol, putting together the real thing in Copenhagen or swarming with us on the day of civil disobedience on the 16th of December.

*Put the fun between your legs, become the bike bloc.*

For times and how to get involved:
funbetweenyourlegs.info
bikebloc@climatecamp.org.uk"

Further Info:
The Laboratory of Insurrectionary Imagination / Climate Camp / Climate Justice Action

Freeconomy Feast & Off Grid Living

2009-10-29T18:05:00.008Z

It's all happening in Bristol next month! An air of sustainable proactiveness is afoot as the 2nd November sees Nick Rosen talking about living off-grid and the 2nd annual free foraged feast is to be held on the 28th - Buy Nothing Day.

Mark Boyle is founder of the wonderfully useful Freeconomy movement which aims to connect local communities by encouraging us to share our skills, services, time, experience and 'stuff' with our neighbours. If you haven't used it yet, check it out here.

In the spirit of sustainable sharing, Mark and friends are hosting the 2nd Freeconomy Feast in Bristol next month. If you would like to attend or get involved in making it happen, do read on.

From Mark via the Sunrise Celebration Newsletter, October 2009
"Those of you who came to the 'Food for Free Freeconomy Feast' on Buy Nothing Day last year know what a fantastic day it was! A team of about 10 volunteers, various musicians and random helpers served up a three course meal for over 150 people with full service and drinks for FREE! All ingredients were either waste food or foraged from the wilds of Bristol, including the drinks!

Well this year we plan on doing the same, but hopefully even better! The team already includes Fergus Drennan (the BBC's Roadkill Chef and professional forager) and Andy Hamilton (author of 'The Self-sufficientish Bible' and forager) and myself.

We need the following helpers / volunteers to make it happen and get involved:
1. General Volunteers - chopping, serving, cooking, greeting people
2. Skippers - people who can find loads of waste food from Bristol and those who want to learn how to do it
3. Cooks / Chefs - those who can cook and those who can menu plan for a lot of people!
4. Foragers - people who can forage and those who have no idea but want to learn
5. A driver - ideally with a decent size van!
6. Networkers - people who will promote it through contacts, friends and local networkers
7. Musicians and performers - singers, musicians, jugglers, poets etc
8. Anyone else who feels they can contribute in any way!

Some of the help will be needed on the day, some will be needed in the run-up to it. All roles will be supported by others ... It is going to take place on Buy Nothing Day, 28th November in Bristol. If you want to get involved, or have some questions, then email me asap at: mark@justfortheloveofit.org

Buy Nothing Day is a really important occasion, a chance for everyone to take one day out of consuming the planet. Please support it either by helping or coming along to enjoy the food and entertainment on the day."

Also in Bristol next month:

How To Live Off Grid
A talk by Nick Rosen, author of How to Live Off Grid
Presented by Bristol Indymedia
7:45pm, 2nd November 09
@ The Cube Cinema, Bristol

From: madboy23, Bristol Indymedia, 18Sep09
"Nick has written extensively on the notion of living off grid, that is how to disconnect yourself from energy and utility companies in order to make yourself self-sufficient and sustainable. Why would you want to do that you may ask? Well as climate change and energy resources such as oil continue to decline, the cost and availability of cheap energy will also decline. Currently our energy needs are being fulfilled by others, such as gas from Russia and Oil from all over the world putting the UK in a very precarious position in terms of energy. This means that new energy solutions will have to be found for the population of the UK..." More info

Info source: Sunrise Celebration Newsletter, October 2009

Further Info:
Freeconomy / Bristol Indymedia / Sunrise Celebration

Chocolate Week 2009: The Ethics of Cocoa

2009-10-22T10:39:00.003+01:00

Although Ecomonkey has been labouring under the impression that every day is chocolate day it appears that 12 - 18 October was the 'official' Chocolate Week 2009. Well, we're a bit late but think this calls for an extra slice of delicious homemade chocolate and beetroot brownie!

From: Ethical Consumer
"Chocolate was one of the first, flagship Fairtrade products. Since 1998 sales of Fairtrade chocolate have grown from £1m to £26.8m in 2008.

But outside of the ethical leaders, who ensure human rights and environmental standards in their supply chains, there's a dark heart to the chocolate trade. More than a third of cocoa (from which chocolate is made) traded globally comes from the Ivory Coast, West Africa. In August this year INTERPOL rescued 54 children, victims of organised slave labour, from Ivory Coast plantations. A US State Department report found child labour, forced labour and people trafficking in the Ivorian cocoa trade. Ethical Consumer's new report examines industry responses to the human rights challenge.

Ethical Consumer's new report rates the companies behind 38 chocolate brands across 17 ethical categories in four main headings - Environment, Human rights, Animal rights, Politics.

Best Buys for boxes of chocolates: Booja Booja, Divine, Traidcraft
Best Buys for chocolate bars: Divine, Montezuma, Traidcraft, Plamil, Vegan Organica

Ethical lagards at the bottom of the ranking table were Mars (with an 'ethiscore' of 2 out of a possible 20), Nestle, Tesco and Asda (each with zero out of 20)

Ethical Consumer's report is independent of and not endorsed by Chocolate Week 2009."

Further Info:
Chocolate Week 2009 / Ethical Consumer

Soil Association: Organic Debate

2009-10-20T18:47:00.003+01:00

From: Soil Association
"What is organic?
Organic farming recognises the direct connection between our health and the food we eat. Strict regulations, known as ‘standards’, define what organic farmers can and cannot do – and place a strong emphasis on the protection of wildlife and the environment. In organic farming:

* pesticides are severely restricted – instead organic farmer develop nutrient-rich soil to grow strong healthy crops and encourage wildlife to help control pests and disease
* artificial chemical fertilisers are prohibited – instead organic farmers develop a healthy, fertile soil by growing and rotating a mixture of crops using clover to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere
* animal cruelty is prohibited and a truly free-range life for farm animals is guaranteed
* the routine use of drugs, antibiotics and wormers is disallowed - instead the farmer will use preventative methods, like moving animals to fresh pasture and keeping smaller herd size
* the production and use of GM in animal feed is banned

Why does it sometimes cost more?
As the costs of farming with oil-based fertilisers and chemicals increase, the price gap between organic and non-organic is closing. Where there is a price difference, you are paying for the special care organic farmers place on protecting the environment and improving animal welfare."

Further Info:
Soil Association

The Illegality Of War

2009-10-20T14:54:00.002+01:00

In 1928, after the horrors of World War One, we, along with the rest of the world, signed a Treaty For The Renunciation Of War - the Kellogg Briand pacts. It stated that we would never ever wage aggressive war against another nation and that we would settle all differences peacefully...

From: YouTube: Make Wars History
"Chris Coverdale explains why as a U.K. citizen you are committing a criminal offence by paying tax! (full lecture here) He also explains how we can remedy this situation and bring those responsible for the illegal wars to account."

Further Info:
Make Wars History

Seasons Passing

2009-10-19T09:13:00.015+01:00

Halloween falls on the 31st October every year and some of us like to spend the evening running around the streets in 'spooky' costumes scaring others for no other reason than it is what we are told is traditional. Others of us resolutely shut ourselves inside refusing to answer the door to all those pesky kids ringing our bell in the hope that we'll give them some kind of 'treat' - preferably one that involves cash. Some of us may have a bowl of sweets or fruit ready by the door to offer to our seasonal visitors. But why do we do any of this?

Ecomonkey wonders why we find ourselves 'celebrating' this festival year after year in unexplained rituals, often meaningless and seemingly unavoidably commercial ways. We are fairly sure that Halloween has absolutely nothing to do with the purchase of scary looking, luridly coloured, plastic toys and costumes. So what is it all about?

In traditional Pagan times, the turn of October into November was celebrated as Samhain which marked the end of Summer, harvest season and the transition from the old year into the beginning of a New Year and the start of Winter. Thus October 31st was New Year's Eve. Rather than being feared, ancestors and spirits were remembered and called upon for guidance throughout the coming year.

Before the Roman invasion of Britain the Celts believed that winter's long dark nights encouraged malevolent spirits out to play particularly on October 31st when the barrier between the world of the living and that of the spirits was thought to be weakest. The Celts danced and feasted around bonfires to protect themselves from dark spirits but also to warm and welcome friendly spirits and encourage the souls of those in purgatory on toward Heaven.

When Roman Catholicism turned the Pagan festival of Samhain into All Saints or All Hallows day, November 1st was designated as a day when the saints were remembered and honoured. The following day was All Souls day when prayers for the dead would be offered. At this time, All Hallows Eve simply marked the preceding day when these joyous celebrations began.

Over time, as we have been trained to become more afraid of death and all things spiritual and non-scientific, the festival's celebratory, thanksgiving elements have been replaced with a more sinister element. Now, instead of being a time for contemplation and remembering, an acknowledgment of time passing, summer's end and winter's approach all we seem to have left is consumerism and spooky stories centred around evil spirits, scary ghosts, frightening witches and mischievous spirits.

It seems a shame that we have been conditioned to not only avoid that which is spiritual, natural and seasonal but also to be afraid of what our 'modern' time-poor minds no longer easily understand. Perhaps this year, we can mark the change of seasons by bringing back some of that traditional joy, celebrating all that has passed and all that is to come. A recognition of the circle of time in which we live and die and gratitude for those who have lived before us and those who will continue after us. A celebration of Life itself.

Rachelle Strauss from My Zero Waste offers a lovely explanation of this seasonal celebration in her article How to bring meaning and reverence to Samhain on Ooffoo.
"In our culture, Spirits, rather than the loving reminders of our dead, are portrayed as frightening beings. 'Tricks' are the price we pay if we do not 'treat' visiting ghosts and ghouls.
For me, nature is showing us true trick or treating with global warming. Climate change is the price we are paying for not treating the natural forces of life with respect and reverence. Maybe this would be a good time to think about our own actions and the impact they have on the environment...
...During Samhain, we can understand that death is followed by rebirth and reduce our fear of death and dying. Last week I was sitting in the garden watching the trees shed their leaves. I was touched by how the leaves simply 'let go'. They didn't struggle or try to hang on, they knew it was time for release and in the spring time new growth would appear..." Full article here

Meanwhile, over on NewAge.co.uk we are encouraged to use this time of year to shed layers of the past we no longer need and plant the seeds that will take us forward into a brighter future. We can't argue with that.
From: New Age - Celtic Festivals - Samhain
"Samhain or Samhuin stands between the worlds of the living and dead and outside of ordinary time. It's the day that past memories meet the hopes of the future. The veil between us and the spirit world is at its thinnest tonight and we remember our ancestors, recent and from the distant past. It is death that gives life its purpose and decay that fertilises new growth.
It is a time to plant the seeds of new projects, allowing them to germinate over the winter months. It is also considered the time to end old projects and to generally take stock of one's life.
Samhain allows you to come to terms with your past year and leave all mistakes and regrets behind you, in order to move on. Look forward to what the future holds. Use the magic of this time to say good-bye to a bad habit or addiction, an old relationship, or anything else negative in your life - Samhain is the night to leave it all behind."

Further Info:
Halloween on Ooffoo / BBC Food Halloween / New Age - Samhain

Blog Action Day: EON Talking Greenwash

2009-10-15T11:04:00.004+01:00

News has it that EON are 'opening' a debate on clean energy - ha ha ha! No, really! The poor dears are worried that the UK may have some energy issues that might need addressing. No! Do you think?!! - Ahem... Anyway, they want to know what we think. So, let's tell them.

Here's what Camp for Climate Action have to say:

And here's Plane Stupid's opinion:

Unfortunatley, it seems that currently EON are experiencing 'some difficulties' in posting the videos which don't fit in with their notions of clean energy. It's aterrible shame but let's keep trying...

From: EON Talking Energy, YouTube, 15Oct09
"Thanks for your response videos. Unfortunately we're experiencing technical difficutlies uploading videos but we're working hard to resolve this issue as soon as possible.
The UK is facing a huge energy challenge. We need low carbon energy, it needs to be from reliable sources, and it needs to be affordable. E.ON believes that everyone should be involved and have the chance to ask questions, and be informed and consulted. That's what this Talking Energy channel is for..."

Hmmm, we wonder how long before the word nuclear gets thrown in... sigh

Further Info:
EON Talking Energy / Camp For Cimate Action

Isabel Allende: Inspiring Passion

2009-10-14T13:34:00.003+01:00

...What kind of world do we want? This is a fundamental question that most of us are asking. Does it make sense to participate in the existing world order? We want a world where life is preserved, and the quality of life is enriched for everybody, not only for the privileged..

Ecomonkey is thrilled to have discovered and heard author Isabel Allende share her experiences in this TED Lecture about Passion (thanks to the equally inspirational and passionate Ms Omond). The dynamic Isabel talks of her passion for life, people and stories; for women and the suffering endured by virtue of gender; for a good, not just better, future. We hope you enjoy and feel inspired by it too.

From: Isabel Allende, TED Lecture, Mar07
"...The protagonists of my books are strong and passionate women like Rose Mapendo. I don't make them up. There's no need for that. I look around and I see them everywhere. I have worked with women and for women all my life. I know them well...

...Feminism is dated? Yes, for privileged women like my daughter and all of us here today, but not for most of our sisters in the rest of the world who are still forced into premature marriage, prostitution, forced labor -- they have children that they don't want or they cannot feed. They have no control over their bodies or their lives. They have no education and no freedom. They are raped, beaten up and sometimes killed with impunity...

...What I fear most is power with impunity. I fear abuse of power, and the power to abuse. In our species, the alpha males define reality, and force the rest of the pack to accept that reality and follow the rules. The rules change all the time, but they always benefit them, and in this case, the trickle-down effect, which does not work in economics, works perfectly. Abuse trickles down from the top of the ladder to the bottom. Women and children, especially the poor, are at the bottom. Even the most destitute of men have someone they can abuse -- a woman or a child. I'm fed up with the power that a few exert over the many through gender, income, race, and class.

I think that the time is ripe to make fundamental changes in our civilization. But for real change, we need feminine energy in the management of the world. We need a critical number of women in positions of power, and we need to nurture the feminine energy in men..."

Further Info:
Isabel Allende, TED Lecture, Mar07 / TED - Ideas Worth Spreading

Love Fashion Hate Sweatshops

2009-10-09T14:24:00.000+01:00

From: War On Want: Love Fashion Hate Sweatshops
"The business practices of Britain’s top brands are forcing thousands of men and women to work as sweatshop slaves. Many companies are doing nothing to address this shameful situation. We’ve identified the 15 worst offenders – we’d like all our supporters to contact the CEOs of these companies to name and shame them. Please help us seize this moment.

Latest update: We’ve already smashed our original target. Help us reach our new goal of 5000 letters to CEOs. Add your voice now."

Further Info:
Love Fashion Hate Sweatshops / War On Want

Kingsnorth: Victory For Environmental Campaigners

2009-10-08T12:59:00.009+01:00

Oh joy of joys! We cannot stop grinning at this exciting if long overdue news! Can it really be true?

From: Paul Lewis, Guardian, 8Oct09
The decision to abandon plans for the controversial coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth was last night heralded as a victory by environmental activists who have campaigned against the proposals since 2006.

Thousands of protesters have targeted the power station on the Hoo Peninsula in Kent in recent years in one of the most sustained campaigns against climate change in the UK.

News of energy giant E.ON's apparent retreat spread quickly through the protest movement via text messages and Twitter. At 9.30pm last night, the development was announced at a meeting of about 60 anti-Kingsnorth activists who had gathered in a hotel in Rochester. The mixture of local activists and representatives from the Climate Camp network, who had gathered for a meeting called "Kingsnorth – the great debate", were informed about E.ON's announcement after a participant, Tim Jones, 28, received details on his mobile phone.

"There was initially disbelief," he said. "Then everyone cheered and clapped. The meeting was delighted that it now looks like the dirty coal power station will not go ahead."" Full article here

Indymedia report a more cautious victory in the struggle against fossil fuel energy reliance.

From: Iggy, Indymedia London, 8Oct09
"Eon has claimed the decision was a result in lower electricity demand during the recession with a company statement saying, "We expect to defer an investment decision on the Kingsnorth proposals for up to two to three years".

On the surface it sounds a bit like the victory campaigners have been after - no new Kingsnorth, the first of a wave of new coal-fired power station. However their announcement isn't exactly strong and it turns out that Eon are still seeking a billion pounds from the government for the project so clearly they'd still like to go ahead if the sums add up for them. As for the delay, they'd not have been starting construction until after the government coughed up a billion quid to subsidise the project and that wasn't expected until 2011.

Nether-the-less there is no denying that this represents some sort of a a victory for climate activism." Full article here

Further Info:
Guardian / Indymedia London / Indymedia - Climate Swoop on Ratcliffe

Dale Vince In The Car Pool

2009-10-06T14:56:00.005+01:00

Didn't get enough of Dale Vince the other week? Have a bit more! In this highly informative video, Dale takes a Car Pool with Robert Llewellyn to chat about starting his wind energy business, Ecotricity, and the fabulous (if you like that kind of thing) new electric car he's made - The Nemesis. Enjoy!

'...There's enough usable wind to power the country 3 or 4 times over...'

Thanks to Lovely Waterlooville and Robin Smith of Green Britain Day

Further Info:
Ecotricity Wind Parks / Green Britain Day / Car Pool

Tesco Retreat From Holmfirth

2009-10-02T17:06:00.000+01:00

From: Martin Hickman, The Independent, 1Oct09
"Armed with civic pride, determination and a large quantity of notepaper, the inhabitants of a small Yorkshire town have seen off Britain's biggest retailer, Tesco. The chain withdrew a planning application this week for a 5,800 square metre superstore in Holmfirth, best known as the setting for the BBC TV series Last of the Summer Wine. Tesco's retreat represents a victory for residents who had feared siting a large supermarket on the town's outskirts would harm its character, environment, independent traders and tourism..."

Further Info:
Independent / Tescopoly

Defra Food 2030 Update

2009-10-01T12:50:00.012+01:00

As previously posted on Ecomonkey, Defra (department for environment, food and rural affairs) are running an online interactive discussion in conjunction with department for health and food standards agency to plan our future food system. It is not entirely clear how much of a consultation process the discussion will turn out to be but comments are invited. If you have an opinion about our food system, let it be known. Add it to the plethora of predominantly sensible and future-sighted advice given by others and let's turn hope into demands that our collective wise words and sustainable ideas are put into action.

Defra have proposed statements about where our food system is heading and what they are aiming for. What kind of society, environment and ways do we want our food to be 'produced, processed, distributed and consumed'? Read Defra's statements here and give your own views on the objectives and/or re-draft them as you see fit. The forum closes on 16th October so please post your ideas and forward the link to friends and collegues to ensure that as many people as possible get the chance to have their say on this vitally important issue.

Ecomonkey's response: We agree with many of the previous comments indicating that these proposals are somewhat insipid. The time for pacifying self-serving corporations and profit-driven businesses, particularly supermarkets, is OVER. The time for making REAL, VALUABLE difference is NOW!

Because of the quite certifiable mess we have gotten ourselves into (and we're ALL responsible - government departments, supermarkets, individuals, devout organics and passionate vegans alike) the way to make real positive change to our food system is not through softly-softly, trim-a-little-bit-here, add-a-bit-on-there approach. We need, nay demand, radical change. The answers have been spelt out, over and over on these Food2030 pages by different people coming from various angles but all with the same need - for food that is of the highest standards nutritiously, ethically and sustainably. Oh, and we'd quite like it today, not in 20 years time, thanks very much.

To reiterate, we need:
• LOCAL, ORGANIC, SEASONAL fruit, veg, nuts, pulses etc
• Additional FAIRTRADE and ORGANIC fruit, veg, nuts, pulses from countries that need our trade support
• LOCAL, ORGANIC & FREE-RANGE meat (in greatly reduced quantities and far higher quality)
• LOCAL, SUSTAINABLY CAUGHT (not farmed) fish
• Opportunity for all to GROW OUR OWN on shared space or private land (not at the expense of others)
• EDUCATION provided free for adults and children in organic food growing, preparation and cooking
• GOVERNMENT SUPPORT in all these endeavours that is active, effective and immediate

[LOCAL = within suburb if available, if not then within city, then county, then area within country, then country, then close area within continent (e.g. western Europe)
SEASONAL = that which is grown without artificial means in its natural season (as designed - with good reason - by mother nature!)
ORGANIC = Soil Association standards minimum
FREE-RANGE = animals provided with more than adequate space to roam and fed only natural food
FAIRTRADE = Fairtrade Association standards]

These are no brainer rules for improving our nation's health & nutrition, our education, providing and supporting local jobs, encouraging exercise and fitness, supporting organic farms and farmers which in turn supports our soil and land quality as well as animal welfare which in turn means a viable and secure future for UK food.

What we don't need:
• We do not need corporations and supermarkets controlling the kind of food we consume, creating unhealthy competition, underpaying farmers and producers (both in the UK and abroad), paying for advertising that creates unthinking consumers out of us, mis-labelling food ingredients, country of origin and conditions of production
• We do not need a government that allows the above to take place
• We do not need cheap imported food that does not meet our own high ethical and sustainable standards and consequently undermines our health, future and food security
• We do not need unrecyclable and/or excessive packaging
• We do not need over processed or fast food at the expense of nutrition
• We do not need genetically modified food, products or ingredients either for our own human consumption, our livestock feed or to export abroad for either purpose. Why waste more time, effort and finance on 'new, emerging and existing technologies' (I think we all know what this means) when we need to concentrate these resources on more traditional, proven ways of growing nutritious food effectively - i.e. organic farming and permaculture!
• We do not need to support business that is profit driven above providing long-term useful, healthy service and/or products. Does it really need to be said that increased economic productivity, international competitiveness and diverse trade links mean nothing if there is little healthy food to eat, few jobs and widespread illness and disenchantment!
• We do not need to feed the 'growing global population' outside of the UK, particularly financially poor nations, by growing food for or selling food to them. This feigned desire to help our global family is a thinly veiled attempt to raise revenue for the UK economy. If, instead of throwing 'aid', unfair trade, rubbish food/seeds and unsustainable ideas at the global poor, we support less financially developed countries to produce their own organic sustainable food to feed themselves (and practice what we preach by doing the same ourselves), perhaps the population growth will even itself out. As living standards, health, education and equality increase, the desire to produce lots of children - in order to support the family and counteract high death rates due to poverty, disease and war - will diminish.
• We do not need to feed the 'growing population' within the UK by feeding ourselves cheap, unhealthy food. This feigned desire to provide 'affordable' food is a thinly veiled attempt to make money whilst keeping the classes (poorest/poor/rich/richest) separate and divided. If, instead of throwing fast and cheap, unethical, poor quality, over processed, non-nutritious and unsustainable food and ideas at UK shoppers, we support each other to produce our own organic sustainable food to feed ourselves (and sell/trade what we don’t need), perhaps the population growth will even itself out. As living standards, health, fitness, education and equality improves, the desire to produce lots of children - in order to support the family, gain financial benefits, pass the time and fill in the gaps created by over consumption and despair - will diminish.

Redrafted outcomes for The Food System:
We are aiming for food that is grown, shared and eaten...

...in a society where:
• Everyone receives free, constructive education on the cycle of growing, cooking, eating organic food and recycling waste into compost for growing
• Everyone has easy access to affordable organic food
• Everyone has easy access to local land space for growing food either privately or as a community. Previously private, unused land is shared amongst those who do not own private land space
• Locally grown and produced, organic, seasonal, fairly traded, ethical and sustainable food is the norm
• Less meat is produced and eaten. What is available is of the highest ethical and sustainable standards yet affordable for all (albeit in smaller quantities than are currently available)
• Food origin is made clear through education and clear, compulsory, independently certified labelling of food sold commercially so everyone is able to make informed choices about what we eat
• Everyone is encouraged to treat food as the vital source of well-being and enjoyment that it is through food festivals (e.g. organic weeks), holidays (e.g. harvest celebrations) and activities such as WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms)

...in an environment where:
• Food systems give priority to the production of natural, nutritious food for local consumption, soil and land protection, wildlife and ecosystem support, reduction of negative climate change effects and minimising carbon emissions from growth, production, packaging, transport and retail of food
• Individuals, households, families and communities thrive by taking advantage of increased nutrition, health, fitness and education
• Food related industries conform to the needs of individuals and the ecological environment by down-scaling, specialising in appropriate local produce and cutting costs
• It is recognized that economic productivity is dependent on and therefore should never be prioritised above the nutrition, health and well-being of citizens
• The supply of food is dependant on the actions of individuals as much as companies and organisations in which risk may be an issue
• When surplus food is sold internationally and food brought in from abroad, trade takes place on the principles of fair trade where neither the farmers, producers, suppliers, purchasers, retailers nor end consumers are disadvantaged by the trade

...in ways which:
• Promote the highest standards of ethical and sustainable human health and nutrition depleting current 'need' for excessive pharmaceuticals and intensive medicinal intervention
• Promote the highest standards of ethical and sustainable animal health and welfare negating the need for routine pharmaceutical and medical intervention
• Promote the highest standards of ethical and sustainable soil and land use preserving soil quality, healthy ecosystems and wildlife for future generations
• Use fairly traded global natural resources as appropriate without causing disadvantage to global suppliers, land occupiers and citizens
• Use new, emerging and existing technologies only when appropriate for enhancing the inherent natural, ethical and sustainable nature of the food system.
• Demonstrate and advocate to other nations an effective, positive and workable example of highly ethical and sustainable food production and consumption

Further Info:
Defra Food 2030 / Soil Association / Fairtrade Foundation / Free Range Review / Slow Food UK

G20: 6 Months On - Moving Forward

2009-09-30T13:19:00.006+01:00

Almost 6 months have gone by since the G20 protests in London when police services abused their powers, subjecting thousands of innocent protestors, journalists and passers by to being held captive without access to food, water or toilets. They donned riot gear against peaceful protestors, beating some with batons and slamming others with their 'protective' shields. All this, in order to 'protect' the precious banks from the people they had so outrageously swindled, safeguard the G20 delegates in another part of London and ensure that the imperative business of the city would not be halted for one single afternoon!

Have lessons been learnt from this tragic affair? A police sergeant will face charges next month for assualting a female protestor but what of the officers responsible for Ian Tomlinson's death? Will the policemen and women involved in the battering of protestors - particularly those sitting on the ground or with hands in the air reminding police that 'this is not a riot' - face charges? Or have they walked away safe in the knowledge that should a similar incident occur they will be able to repeat such violent, aggresive and unwarranted behaviour on members of the public?

Do those in charge of police operations feel reports thus far have vindicated their decisions? When will we hear direct statements of regret and admissions of error in the handling of the protests from Commander Bob Broadhurst and his comrades? The Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) Civil Liberties Panel (CLP) met two weeks ago to question senior Met officers in particular regard to G20 protest policing.

Ecomonkey is keen to hear outcomes that will move UK policing strategies forward in a positive manner that is not automatically in opposition to public right to protest so we are pleased to hear that MPA CLP will be holding a public meeting on 5th November at London’s Living Room, City Hall to take these issues and outcomes forward. If you want to be a part of the solution, find out more here.

From: Alexandra Topping and Paul Lewis, Guardian, 28Sep09
"A CPS spokeswoman said Sergeant Delroy Smellie would be charged with assault of Nicola Fisher and he will appear at Westminster magistrates court on 16 November. He faces up to six months in prison if found guilty. Smellie, a member of the Metropolitan police's territorial support group, was suspended from duty two months ago after footage emerged of him near the Bank of England, apparently hitting Fisher, 35, with the back of his arm.
He was also shown appearing to strike her on her legs with a baton as she attended a vigil for the newspaper seller Ian Tomlinson, who had died the previous day. She said the incident left her with severe bruising. A CPS spokeswoman said: "The Crown Prosecution Service has decided that there is sufficient evidence to charge Police Sergeant Delroy (Tony) Smellie with the offence of assault by beating of Nicola Fisher on 2 April, 2009 at a demonstration in the City of London."

From: News Distribution Service, MPA CLP, 18Sep09
"The MPA Civil Liberties Panel met on 17 September to question three senior Met officers, with responsibility for public order policing, about the tactics used in recent events, and specifically G20. Assistant Commissioner Chris Allison, Commander Bob Broadhurst and Chief Superintendent Ian Thomas, were asked to explain why they had used certain tactics such as ‘kettling’, and how the Met intends to ensure lessons learnt and public expectations are fed into future public order planning.
Victoria Borwick, MPA member and chair of the panel said:
“Londoners are very concerned about events and media images that resulted from the G20 policing. It is essential that lessons learnt from this and other recent protests are embedded quickly into the whole organisation as the way forward needs to rebuild trust between police and public."

Further Info:
Defend Peaceful Protest / Facebook Group / MPA Public Meeting

Our Lies Are Not Relevant To You

2009-09-25T08:28:00.003+01:00

One of the main reasons why we need organisations such as Soil Association and other recognised and trusted certifiers of sustainable and ethical products is because some suppliers simply cannot be trusted to tell us, the people who buy and eat their products, the truth about what is in those products.

Ecomonkey understands that small suppliers may find the application process for genuine certification frustrating, time consuming and costly. This is a problem certifiers urgently need to address. However, without such certification are we are taking a risk every time we buy and consume from unknown suppliers?

In the case of small producers - at farmers' markets or local stalls, for example - risks can be mitigated relatively easily by asking the right questions and getting a feel about the genuineness of product and producer. But when it comes to larger, faceless suppliers, particularly those whose products are sold in supermarkets, discovering the truth about what we buy can be much harder. Can we trust supermarkets to ensure their suppliers are not lying to us? (Answers on a postcard or in Comments please).

The Ecologist reports on Good Natured Fruit (owned by Angus Soft Fruits), a fruit, salad and veg brand sold in several supermarkets which boldly claims to be pesticide free. The Good Natured website FAQs answers the question 'Do you ever use pesticides?' thus:
"No. The Good Natured production process does not permit the use of pesticides. Instead, we use friendly bugs (such as ladybirds) to control pests (such as greenfly) on our crops."
Not only has this been proven to be a lie but the company had the audacity to say that the pesticides used are not only 'necessary' but knowledge of them is not 'relevant to the consumer'. Oh, we feel so special and valued now!

From: Tom Levit, The Ecologist, 21Sep09
"... Angus Soft Fruits technical director David Griffiths admitted that they did take plant material from nurseries that used 'conventional propagation techniques'.   
'Those pesticides required to safe-guard plants from pests and diseases during propagation are necessary to ensure that good healthy plants are available for fruit production the following season,' he said.
When the Ecologist pointed out that its produce fails to make this clear on either its packaging or its website, Angus Soft Fruits said the issue was not 'relevant to the consumer'..."
Full article here

Ecomonkey Tip For A Happier, Healthier Future Today
Action: Buy local and seasonal ORGANIC food either from a small supplier you believe in or certified by an organisation you can trust!
Avoid: Labels such as 'pesticide free', 'natural', even 'free-range' do not guarantee the high ethical and sustainable standards required by the Soil Association's organic label
Benefits: No unnecessary chemicals = Improved health & nutrition | Support UK organic farming = Improved resources (e.g. soil) to provide us with better food for longer

Further Info:
The Ecologist / Good Natured Fruit / Soil Association

Time To Wake Up!

2009-09-25T07:45:00.001+01:00

Further Info:
Avaaz / Avaaz on YouTube

Freeway Cycling & Critical Mass

2009-09-24T12:46:00.000+01:00

These guys are BRAVE! Ecomonkey is a little more timid - you wouldn't catch us cycling down a 'free'way like that. Not even on that cool-as-but-immensely-scary-how'd-you-get-up-there? stilt bike! We do however have enough courage to cycle around London this Friday with a bunch of like-minded cyclists, reclaiming the streets.

If you enjoyed London Freewheel (Sky and it's over saturated media machine can kiss my proverbial) last Sunday but would like to help make cycling easier for Londoners more than once a year, come join us at Critical Mass. The cars will still be there but we won't let them worry us! Bring your bike, A-Z and sense of fun. Meet 6pm, Friday 25th September, under Waterloo Bridge.

Thanks to Meligrosa at Change Your Life Ride A Bike for the vid tip off x

Further Info:
Critical Mass London / Change Your Life Ride A Bike /

Climate Rush Meet Dale Vince

2009-09-24T08:00:00.001+01:00

Oh, it's all about Dale this week huh!. And we're not the only ones gushing over his eco credentials! The lovely Climate Rush team, who are still busy as bees on their road-trip, caught up with the founder of Ecotricity last Friday for a little green love-in and a ride in his electric car! I think it's safe to say they were smitten kittens!

Here's the Rush report
"Here at the Climate Rush we are not against speed. No way. So when Dale Vince, founder of ecotricity, invited us (one day after our Top Gear Poo Stunt) for a ride in his mega fast electric car (from 1 to 60 in four seconds) we just couldn't turn him down. And what a ride we had. From the heart of Stroud to the first turbine that the great man built, just over ten years ago.
Before he was Green eco-tech Entrepreneur extraordinaire Dale Vince was a traveller, living on hills and verges for fifteen years, also living off-grid. He got in tune with his wind turbine and one day, deciding it was time to lay some roots, he decided to build a turbine that could power not one, but 400 homes. That was the turbine that we were driven to see (a drive that cost the environment ZERO emissions) and from that starting point came a business that sees £37 million turnover. All profit is paid into building new wind-turbines, a step away from the bonuses for shareholders business model that we are all so used to. What a wicked man. And what an inspirational story..." Full story here

Further Info:
Climate Rush On The Run / Ecotricity

Ecotricity: Clean Energy For All Our Futures

2009-09-23T11:42:00.005+01:00

"There is a looming energy gap opening up in the UK and the Government needs to step in and consider nationalising power generation ... There is enough wind energy to power our country four or five times over. But without radical action we are not going to get there. Our future needs cannot be met from a market-based system with the need to please shareholders."

Wise words from Ecotricity founder, Dale Vince OBE who, despite the dubious honour of being placed on the Sunday Times 'Rich List' this year, will not be distracted from the task at hand. Namely, producing, promoting and encouraging clean renewable energy in the UK.

From: Robin Pagnamenta, The Times, 18Sep09
"Mr Vince claims Ecotricity invented the concept of “green electricity” tariffs, a business model that has grown explosively in recent years and which has since been followed by rival suppliers including all of the “big six” — ScottishPower, British Gas, EDF Energy, RWE nPower, E.ON and SSE — which dominate Britain’s energy market.
All of this success prompted The Sunday Times to place Mr Vince, who is the sole owner of the company, on its Rich List this year.
... But Mr Vince seems genuinely puzzled by this Rich List image of him as a successful entrepreneur. “I’ve never seen myself as a businessman — more of an environmental activist ... I’m not interested in the money.”
... Ecotricity, he says, invests more of its customers’ money building wind turbines than any other electricity company — about £401 per customer or a total of £25 million in 2008 alone.
That compares favourably with rivals such as EDF Energy, which spent just £10.69 per customer on renewables or nPower at £4.38. “Everything goes back into the business,” he says." Full article here

From: Dale Vince, About Ecotricity
"Ecotricity is an electricity company with a difference - we're dedicated to changing the way electricity is made. We take the money our customers spend on electricity and invest it in clean forms of power like wind energy. What's more, we're the only green electricity company actually building these new renewable energy sources. In 2007 alone we invested £25 million in wind energy.
... The other thing that not many people realise is that we can now all choose who supplies our electricity, and therefore how it's made, so wherever you live in the country you can actually choose to have your home or business supplied by clean energy. The funny thing is switching takes about five minutes but it's the biggest single step you can take to reduce your emissions and protect the environment.
I hope you'll join us"

Further Info:
Ecotricity

Thoughtful Tuesday: Life Incorporated

2009-09-22T08:54:00.003+01:00

From: Life Inc on YouTube
"In Life Inc., award-winning writer, documentary filmmaker, and scholar Douglas Rushkoff traces how corporations went from a convenient legal fiction to the dominant fact of contemporary life. Indeed as Rushkoff shows, most Americans have so willingly adopted the values of corporations that theyre no longer even aware of it.
... For more information about Douglas Rushkoff's book, "LIFE INC. How The World Became A Corporation And How To Take It Back" check out Rushkoff.com and the LIFE INC. 9min movie"

Further Info:
Life Incorporated