February 24, 2005
Sustainability
From one cause to another...
Chris Macrae informs me that a key sustainability thinker in corporate life, Ray Anderson, Chairman of Interface Inc and featured in the documentary and book The Corporation is giving a lecture at the RSA:
Lecture | 05 May 2005 18.00 | London & South East
Manifesto Challenge: Moving Towards a Zero Waste Society
Tickets are free and you can sign up online (after registering).
Here an extract that Chris sent me from the corporation:
But he [Anderson] now rejects as dangerously limited the beliefs he once shared with the large majority of business leaders "that nature is unlimited, the earth...a limitless resource for raw material, a limitless sink into which we can send our poisons and waste";" that the relevant timeframe is my lifetime, maybe my working life, but certainly not more than my lifetime"; and that the market's invisible hand will take care of everything. The market alone cannot provide sufficient constraints on corporations penchant to cause harm, Anderson now believes because it is "blind to...externalities, those costs that can be externalized and foisted off on somebody else".
Should be a very interesting lecture.
Posted by Paul Goodison at 09:03 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 20, 2005
Gadgets fuel eco concerns
BBC NEWS | Technology | Gadget growth fuels eco concerns
This was something that had bothered me for sometime in terms of consumer electronics and particularly power consumption. I have proposed in the past alternative powered devices (although I am not technical enough to know whether they are really feasible) as a niche product but Ebay is going a step further:
The online auction house thinks that its already-established community of loyal users could be influential."We really became aware of the e-waste issue and we saw that our 125 million users can be a powerful force for good," eBay's David Stern told the BBC News website.
"We saw the opportunity to meet the additional demand we have on the site for used computers and saw the opportunity too to good some good for the environment."
There are also a number of other issues discussed here not least re-cycling, the cycle of upgrade and displosal of consumer mobile devices and power consumption particulalry of rechargers.
While this is a positive story I think more could be done. There must surely be a market for more efficient devices and more efficient rechargers but why not state this as an absolute vision. Why not try and make energy neutral devices that can self re-charge. Blue sky maybe but surely worthy of a vision piece?
Posted by Paul Goodison at 08:53 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 16, 2004
Save the World?
A Committment to Radical Change
Hats off and a deep bow to Dave Pollard for his progress on Saving the World. I know I would find it difficult to emulate him (I have 3 children for a start) but I would like to try.
In terms of his more radical agenda though I am sympathetic in principle, I am not convinced that this is the way forward. Massive change such as he proposes has never succeeded this way histroically and while that is no promise for the future I think a less radical approach would serve better.
Hearts and minds.
Edit: take this for example:
We are here to find meaning. We are here to help other people do the same. Everything else is secondary.
We humans want to believe in our own species. And we want people, companies and products in our lives that make it easier to do so. That is human nature.
Product benefit doesn't excite us. Belief in humanity and human potential excites us.
Think less about what your product does, and think more about human potential.
What statement about humanity does your product make?
The bigger the statement, the bigger the idea, the bigger your brand will become.
We have entered an age, the first in history, where self-realisation is not just possible for an elite few, but for everyone.
Posted by Paul Goodison at 12:13 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 22, 2004
Under reporting of UK Carbon output
BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | UK carbon output 'under-reported'
Whether you agree with the WWF report or not the fact remains that people in the UK consume too much, but perhaps more fundamentallywhat is consumed is produced inefficiently in terms of C02 footprint.
The report says humans currently consume 20% more natural resources than the Earth can produce, and that populations of terrestrial, freshwater and marine species fell on average by 40% between 1970 and 2000.Dr Claude Martin, director-general of WWF International, said: "We are spending Nature's capital faster than it can regenerate.
"We are running up an ecological debt which we won't be able to pay off unless governments restore the balance between our consumption of natural resources and the Earth's ability to renew them."
If we aren't doing it with credit then we are doing it with the environment. Something has got to change.
The big questions remain though how and by whom? While the ordinary bod on the Clapham Omnibus can make some difference, it really falls to Government and big corporations to change their behaviour and therby influence ours; a mutally re-inforcing circle.
Can it happen? If I am anything to go by, then it will be hard work. I believe in change. I believe in reducing my energy consumption and want more enviornmentally friendly products and services but I also have to consider financial cost and debt.
Companies like (dare I say it) BT have made a comittment to use only re-newal energy. If the government made such a comittment and other multinationals started doing the same, then a change would start to occur.
People simply don't see how this effects them. The costs, the effects must somehow be internalised so that change does occur.
I'm off to recycle my soapbox :)
Posted by Paul Goodison at 11:04 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 20, 2004
Britons like wind farms?
BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Britons 'in favour of wind farms'
Despite a number of recent articles to the contrary, Britons apparently like wind farms. I can myself see both sides of the argument, although for me a truely renewable energy source like wind power must be one of the ways forward to solve our energy needs (along with others such as solar power). Any new development must be considered in context and a proper cost / benefit analysis undertaken.
Posted by Paul Goodison at 07:41 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 25, 2004
Sea Turtles worth more alive!
BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Sea turtle decline 'costs millions'
I have always been fascinated by turtles. We use to own two small terrapins who were wonderful to watch. Just looking at the pictures of these magnificent creatures astounds me.
Any way of helping them to stay arond should be supported, especially if this report does show that tourism is worth more than killing them. The key here appears, as is so often the case, to get the money to the people who actually live in these areas rather than to nameless International organisations who simply siphon off the money for profit. Perhaps island tourist co-operatives could be a way?
Posted by Paul Goodison at 08:00 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 16, 2004
Howies and Web Standards
This is really two post but hey its my site!
Alex managed to get to this before me in that Howies have sent through their new catalogue. Mainly aimed at the Mountain biking / skate boarding community, it distinguishes itself as a company by actively promoting the environment and not compromising on quality or its beliefs.
As I've mentioned before I would buy lots from them but unfortunately I am more of a mountain than a mountain biker - although David one of the founders does ask that you complain more. I might just do that...
Secondly, Alex also has (at last?) succeeded into getting the behemoth that is ntl to develop standards based websites. (Yes, I am compromised in that this site tries but I am not that good a coder).
The Media Centre is certainly a good place to start a revolution, one I hope personally to see continue.
Posted by Paul Goodison at 06:54 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 17, 2004
Amazon in trouble (even more so)
BBC NEWS | World | Americas | Amazon carbon sink effect 'slows'
That's georaphical area not the company. For nearly 20 years to my recollection I have heard very worrying stories about the effect that human interventionis having on the Amazon and its subsequent effects on the climate and well being of the earth. It scares me. i do try to do my bit like not eating meat and recycling attempting to buy ethical and environmentally friendly goods, I even contribute when I can to environmental charities but it seems that compared to other people's wanton greed and destruction my little contribution achieves not a lot. Don't get me wrong, I am not going to stop, in fact I attempt to encourage a green approach where I can. I just want to know what more can be done to persuade people?
I think more tree planting is in order but I doubt it has the same effect here as the Amazon...
Posted by Paul Goodison at 09:18 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 26, 2004
Rosetta Launch delayed
BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Weather delays Rosetta launch
The launch of Europe's Rosetta space mission, which aims to chase and then land on a comet, has been delayed until 0736 GMT on Friday due to bad weather.
I just read this BBC article on the Rosetta mission. Amazing stuff. Let's hope the weather clears up for Friday.
Posted by Paul Goodison at 09:28 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 10, 2004
English Lowland decline
BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | English lowland decline 'goes on'
English Nature, which advises the government on wildlife, says tackling the problems of individual vulnerable areas will not retrieve the situation.It says the only way of reversing the decline will be to manage the lowlands as whole landscapes, not separate bits.
The benefits, it says, will be not only to wildlife and the economy but also to people's health and sense of wellbeing
Its intriguing that it is taking people so long to realise that piecemeal isolated approached to any 'system' will ultimately fail. It is a wider, systemic (or landscape) level approach that will gain more success. The difficulty for any environmental agency being that it will require disparate groups, with differing interests to co-operate to ensure sustainability.
It certainly seems to me that a mutual approach to mangement of the environment is necessary which seeks to address all stakeholders long term needs. A market or regulatory approach is bound to fail to achieve the kinds of dramatic changes needed.
Posted by Paul Goodison at 09:51 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 03, 2004
Cafe Direct Floatation
BBC NEWS | Business | Cafedirect floats ethical issue
Although Public Offerings aren't always signs of success, it is good to see Cafe Direct taking this approach. They are a supplier wh seeks to make fair payment to coffee, tea and cocoa bean growers. I often use their products and I hope this is well patronised, because while they are not perfect they certainly focus on ethical treatment of suppliers and promting the cause of farmers and 'unfair' international commodity markets. Interestinly their offer is through Triodos Bank, an ethical banking concern, of which I had not heard of before, certanly worth a look if you are considering ethical investments or savings.
Posted by Paul Goodison at 09:37 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
November 26, 2003
Great Apes in Danger
BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | UN's clarion call for great apes
The clock now stands at one minute to midnight for the world's four great ape species, the United Nations says.
It is launching an appeal for $25m, the minimum it says is needed to avert their extinction within a few decades.
All the apes - gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos (pygmy chimps), and orang-utans - face a very high risk of extinction within 50 years at most, the UN says.
It hopes to establish areas where ape populations can stabilise or even grow, if it manages to raise enough money.
The appeal is being launched at a meeting in the French capital, Paris, on 26 November. It has been called by Unesco (the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) and Unep, the UN Environment Programme.
The importance of diversity in life, on this planet cannot be overemphasised. These creatures, humanities nearest cousins genetically, should not, cannot be allowed to become extinct. We can save them, because after all its humanity which has allowed them to become critically endangered.
You can find out more here and send money to the following:
Send your private donations to GRASP - Born Free Foundation at the addresses below. To ensure that your donation goes directly to the GRASP project please send an email to davidj@bornfree.org.uk giving your name and address and the date of payment, and saying that these funds are for GRASP.
(Sterling Pounds)
Bank: HSBC 67 West St., Dorking, Surrey, RH4 1BW, England
Sort code: 40 19 22
Account number: 41283677
Account name: Born Free Foundation Ltd.
(US dollars)
Bank: Leopold Joseph 99 Gresham St., London EC2V 7NG, England
Sort Code: 40 52 26
Account number: 73216555
Account name: Born Free Foundation Ltd.
Maybe a letter to your local political representative or national government could help?
Posted by Paul Goodison at 09:12 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 18, 2003
Extinction or Hope?
BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Oblivion threat to 12,000 species
The BBC reports on the World Conservation union adding to their Red List of most endangered species:
"Human activities may be the main threat to the world's species, but humans can also help them recover - the Chinese crested ibis, the Arabian oryx and the white rhino are just a few examples."
The Red List threat categories are critically endangered (extremely high extinction risk in the wild); endangered (very high risk); vulnerable (high risk); near-threatened (close to qualifying as vulnerable); and least concern (this includes widespread and abundant species).
IUCN says island wildlife is being lost through the effects of invasive alien species, which have driven to extinction four plants from Ascension Island that were found nowhere else.
How do we stop causing such devastation? How can we avoid the loss of diversity? The rich heritage that is found all over the world should not be put at risk. We need to start working together as a species to recognise the impact we have and start to reduce the effects we have on the planet.
I worry about this. What legacy am I giving to my children? Perhaps even worse what legacy are others giving to all our children?
I seem to remember an analogy from somewhere that Humans are the virus infecting the earth and won't be satisfied until its destruction...
I dearly hope that people, Governments and Companies / Brands start to address this issue with more passion as a community than sit squabbling around the edges. A collective approach, a mutualist approach is necessary!
Until then, I'll do what I can even if it is as simple as recycling my newspapers and buying products with less packaging.
Posted by Paul Goodison at 10:21 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 13, 2003
Cuban Eco-incentives
BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Cubans plant trees to save soil
Interesting article on the Cuban government attempting to change farmers' behviour towards improving the environment (planting more trees) by paying them and giving them new homes. It is odd in some ways that a communal egieme has to resort to using 'capitalist' methods to protect an environment that asociety in tune with itself and the geography shouldn't have impacted in a non-sustainable way.
Posted by Paul Goodison at 10:38 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 07, 2003
Nodes in a Consumption web
anne galloway [purse lip square jaw]
In The Guardian, William Mitchell discusses his new book and suggests "we should no longer think of ourselves as 'fixed, discrete individuals', but as nodes in a network. 'I am part of the networks and the networks are part of me. I am visible to Google. I link, therefore I am'." (Wow, he forgot to say "We are Borg!")
And guess what nodes - er, people - get to do? Buy more stuff. Guess what cities are good for? Consumption.
The conceptual ideas about networks are of interest. The idea that humanity can simply be reduced to nodes is insulting. Beyond branding anyone?
Posted by Paul Goodison at 11:17 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
October 27, 2003
A Sustainable World?
Via EEK Speaks which highlights the Sustainable World Coalition web site.
The following is on the front page:
The issue is not environment versus development, or ecology versus economy. Contrary to popular belief, we can integrate the two. Nor is the issue one of rich versus poor. Both have a clear interest in protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development...The most creative agents of change may well be partnerships — among governments, private businesses, non-profit organizations, scholars and concerned citizens such as you.Together, we will need to find our way towards a greater sense of mutual responsibility. Together, we will need to build a new ethic of global stewardship. Together, we can and must write a new and more hopeful chapter in natural – and human – history."
— Kofi Annan, UN Secretary-General
While I have held values of this nature for a considerable period they have tended to be fairly soft and like most things more rhetoric than action. As my best action seems to be in the form of words (with the exception of my family) it seems clear to me that I must explore this set of values, and its associated passion, in that form.
If I follow on from Tim's thinking here, the suggestion would be that Kofi Annan's view is a starting point for development of sustainability but not one that would lead to it in the long run. The reason being that it depends upon partnerships rather than an embedded set of values and behaviours or mutualism.
I'm intrigued as to where Tim and John can take some of these arguments and whether the process of embedding can truly lead to sustainability for the set of values and the planet.
Posted by Paul Goodison at 11:01 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 13, 2003
The Woodland Trust
The Woodland Trust - what's new
On a sustainability theme for a moment, I thought I would highlight the Woodland Trust. They are a charity dedicated to looking after ancient woodland in the UK and promoting the re-estabishment of woodland wherever possible. Go to their site and have a read. They can explain their philosophy better than I.
I wanted to highlight them because I love trees especially the Oak in my garden. It sustains me, much wildlife, especially the squirrels and is good generally for the environment in that it absorbs carbon dioxide and other nasty gases.
Give them money and they can plant more trees and look after Britain's ancient woodland. Go on, you know you want to...
Posted by Paul Goodison at 11:26 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
The Business of Sustainability
The Business of Sustainability by David Marks
This stood out from Friday's MIT Technology email
At a recent stockholders ’meeting of a major oil company, a move to adopt environmentally sustainable practices was voted down on the grounds that the company ’s responsibility was to stockholders, not to any kind of “social experiment." This is a laughably shortsighted view. In fact, capitalism itself is a social experiment, and not a very old one. Its continued health depends on a developing global system that produces not only goods but customers: healthy, secure, and cash-bearing customers with the means and capacity to make choices. They will not flourish in depleted, polluted, and desperate conditions.
I think that says it all.
We live in a web; fail to maintain it and the whole structure may fall.
Posted by Paul Goodison at 11:20 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
August 20, 2003
Generate power from waste
Gizmodo : Biomass generators coming home
Biomass generators coming home #
Category: Misc. Gadgets
Speaking of portable electricity generators, a company in Colorado called Community Power Corp. is going to start selling generators that can be powered by all that rotten food you'd have to throw away because of a power outage. The BioMax generator is non-polluting and runs on biomass, or basically any kind of plant matter or agricultural waste (I'm sure you can use your imagination there); a version for home use should be available within a few years.
Ah! After Gizmodo offered up a petrol driven generator, it now offers the environmentally friendly version.
Now this I'm all for. In fact perhaps in combination with solar power my home could be electricity company free? I might have to change my toilet habits though :) Was that too much information?
Posted by Paul Goodison at 09:53 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack