Allen
& York were delighted to be recognised as one of the first 100
participants of the Climate Neutral Network (CN Net)
an initiative led by the United Nations Environment Programme
(UNEP).

The
UNEP
has been established to promote global action and involvement in
moving towards low carbon economies and societies.

As
a leading specialist Environmental Recruitment Consultancy, Allen &
Yorke recognise and understand the importance of protecting the
environment and promoting best practice, which led to the ‘greening’
of their offices.

Envirowise
– a government initiative providing practical environmental advice
for business – were brought in to offer guidance and identify
further
ways to improve their environmental performance.

Waste
to landfill, energy usage, water usage and transport were areas that
were categorised to have significant environmental impact.

The
main measures take by Allen & York include:

• Establishing
  a wormery to reduce waste to landfill by an estimated 50%.

• Removing
  individual waste bins and introducing communal recycling bins for
  plastic, glass, tins, cans, paper and cardboard.

• Offsetting
  travel emissions to and from work, including client visits.

• Removal
  of water coolers and fitting of charcoal filter to the mains water
  pipe, saving on energy.

• Installation
  of thermostatic controls to heating system, to save energy.

• Ordering
  only recycled toilet roll and fair trade tea & coffee.

• And
  where possible, sourcing from local & environmentally assured
  suppliers.

For
more information visit the
A&Y profile: http://www.climateneutral.unep.org/cnn_members.aspx?m=503

Allen
& York intend to drive their ‘green strategy’ forward into
2009/2010 and are looking for more ways to reduce, reuse and recycle.

Mark
Allen, the Managing Director
said that;

‘We
are delighted to accept the Climate Neutral Network Award, from such
a prestigious organisation as the UNEP. I strongly believe in our
ongoing corporate social responsibilities towards preserving and
protecting the environment. This award will spur us on to seek
further improvements and continually focus on improving in this
area”.

The
CN Net is helping to achieve significant cuts in greenhouse gas
emissions by making the best knowledge on climate neutrality
available to all and sharing practical experiences. To find out more
visit their website at: www.unep.org

GreenSteps has teamed up with our friends at the historic
Hesleyside Estate to publicise a once in a lifetime opportunity. In the heart of
the Northumbrian National Park there is a 3 bed house to let with its own
2.2acre 18th century walled garden. Built in 1715 to provide food for
the Hesleyside Estate, the house and garden sit in a beautiful sunny valley
location. There is the opportunity to stamp your own mark on the garden and
to develop a business from the fantastic resources which the garden offers. To
find out more about this historic garden and even see if you might be a suitable
tenant who LOVES gardening and is up for a challange then click here…

To contact us about this opportunity, email us on garden@greensteps.co.uk or click
here

Give your Home a Fresh Spring-time Coat of Natural Paint!

Spring is definitely here and summer is on the way. What better
way to give your home a fresh new look than with a coat of solvent free
eco-paint. GreenSteps is offering a 10% discount from the already excellent
value NBT range of environmentally friendly paints. Just enter the code NBTMAY09
in the discount codes box during the checkout process and click the
’submit’ button to receive your discount.

CLICK HERE for NBT matt emulsion paints.

CLICK HERE for NBT Eggshell paints.

Thanks for reading our newsletter. If you have something which you think our
readers might be interested in, email us at support@greensteps.co.uk to let us
know!

Dartington Schumacher College is an international centre for
education, demonstration and thought leadership in sustainability. We are
seeking to make this new appointment to enable us to address more effectively
the urgent imperatives of climate change, economic crisis and social upheaval.

Living Classroom Educator (part time)

£23,000 (pro rata) – Initially fixed term one year post 0.5

To develop and support the integration of innovative and
sustainable land practices into the learning experience of students and
participants at the college.

For more information, visit www.dartington.org/jobs
or call 01803 847021.

Closing date for all applications: 12noon, Wednesday, 18 May 2009.

Dartington Hall Trust is striving to be an equal opportunities
employer.

A
new rugged vintage styled leather travel bag has been inspired by the
iconic black leather pilot’s case. The Overlander combines the
spaciousness of a pilot’s case with the retro styling and looks of
a vintage leather satchel making it ideal for people who want a
stylish large bag for work or a short trip. 

The
Overlander leather bag has been designed for people who want a
rugged, yet durable stylish leather bag with space for everything
they may need for a day or a short trip. Research by LV= shows that
men and women are now carrying more stuff around when they are out
and about. This is especially the case for men, where bulging pockets
are no longer an option. Each bag has been handmade and comprises a
large main compartment; various sized zipped compartments, handle, a
super-wide shoulder strap and a tough canvas lining. The Overlander
leather bag can be used as a work bag, leather travel bag, a leather
laptop bag, for going out and shopping or a university or college
book bag.

Carl
Morenikeji, founder of Scaramanga, said: ‘we had quite a few
customers ask us if we could create a big bag for their laptop,
books, notes and the other items they would usually carry in a
separate bag such as a change of clothes. We immediately thought of
the big black cases airline pilots use and came up with the
Overlander’.

Scaramanga
( www.scaramangashop.co.uk
) is a young business based in Fife, Scotland specialising in
supplying stylish vintage fashion accessories and interiors. Ranging
from antique wooden chests and trunks, old kitchen cabinets and
cupboards and vintage styled leather satchels and messenger bags.
Scaramanga sources
individual items which are exclusive to the company, so customers can
rest assured their accessories and home furnishings are one of a
kind.

The
Overlander is available in two sizes: medium and large, which are
priced at £90 and £105. It is available exclusively online at
www.scaramangashop.co.uk
or at Scaramanga’s Gateside Mills store; special offer customer
ordering in May receive a free vintage leather journal.

Medium Overlander:
W40cm x H33 x D21 (16″ x 13″ x 8.5″)

Large Overlander:
W46cm x H37 x D21 (18″ x 14.5″ x 8.5″)

For
further information contact Carl Morenikeji on
carl@scaramangadirect.co.uk
or 01337 868 491

BURMA
VJ

REPORTING FROM A CLOSED COUNTRY

Premiere
date: July 14^th

Release
date: July 17^th

Directed
by acclaimed filmmaker Anders Østergaard, this award winning,
powerful and shocking documentary provides a unique glimpse into life
on the streets of Burma’s capital – Rangoon. The vast majority of
the film consists of illegal footage using concealed cameras. “Burma
VJ – Reporting from a Closed Country”,
reveals this hidden world, seen through the eyes of the undercover
VJs (Video Journalists) who document everyday life under a military
regime.

Filmed
over a number of days, the VJs by chance end up recording the
appalling treatment of the Burmese citizens and monks – which
caused a global uproar, after their peaceful protests resulted in
violent opposition by their government.

The
Burmese VJs risk torture, imprisonment and even death in their quest
to report honestly what is going on in their closed country. The
material in this film has been made possible through illegal
smuggling and broadcast to international media (whom the government
accuses of lying) and into Burma via satellite.

The
film not only exposes the threat the government faces from the camera
wielding VJs but also the day-to-day hardships faced by the Burmese.

Independent
film distributor Dogwoof has teamed up with The Co-operative to
release Burma VJ in the UK. Paul Monaghan, Head of Social Goals and
Sustainability, explains The Co-operative’s motivation for
supporting this film:

“People
put their lives on the line to get this footage out of Burma in the
hope that the world would take notice. News stories come and go, but
the oppression in Burma is as bad as anywhere on the planet, and we
mustn’t turn a blind eye”.

For
further information or materials on Burma VJ – Reporting From a
Closed Country, please contact Rogers & Cowan:

Alex
Sayer – asayer@rogersandcowan.com
- 020 3048 0485 or

Jenny
Innes – jinnes@rogersandcowan.com
- 020 3048 0483

For
information about The Co-operative’s involvement, please contact
Dave Smith: 0161 827 5614 or 07702 152771.

www.burmavjmovie.com

Burma
VJ – Reporting from a Closed Country will be previewed nationwide
on 14 July and released on the 17 July by Dogwoof and
The Co-operative.

Notes:

While
there are many oppressive regimes across the world, Burma presents a
combination of circumstances that makes a particularly compelling
case for action. As such, The Co-operative has been trying to keep
Burma in the public eye for a number of years. Since 2000, The
Co-operative Bank has declined to provide financial services to any
company with a significant presence in Burma. In 2005, The
Co-operative Financial Services supported the Burma Campaign UK in a
campaign that argued the case for the withdrawal from Burma of Total.
The Co-operative Travel has also delisted the country as a tourist
destination.

Visit
www.ambanature.co.uk for details.

amba
nature
Fair Trade Compendium WFTD 2009

The
World Fair Trade Organization is staging its first World Fair Trade
Day on 9 May 2009.

Celebrate
World Fair Trade Day with us and enter our Fair Trade Crossword
Competition.

9th
- 17th May 2009

• amba
  nature
  Fair Trade Crossword Competition – 3 prizes.

• Spend
  over £25 with amba
  nature
  and get Free Delivery.

• amba
  nature
  will donate 50p towards the purchase of Jatropha trees to offset the
  carbon emissions on all deliveries.

***************************

Place
an order and enter the Fair Trade Crossword Competition and you could
end up with a nice little double, and be giving something back to the
environment at the same time. Everyone’s A Winner!

1st
Prize – Necklace in New Fire Jade and Salmon Jasper

2nd
Prize – Two-strand Necklace

3rd
Prize – Necklace in Greenshell

Visit
www.ambanature.co.uk for details.

Find out more about Auro here.

Auro
UK have been supplying natural paints for over twenty years, their
new labels and CO₂
neutral accreditation firmly puts them as leaders in true Natural
Paint distribution.

Auro
UK Natural Paints are pleased to announce the launch of their new
look label that incorporates Ethical
Consumer Magazine’s
new ‘Best Buy” logo.

Auro
321 emulsion paints were first listed as Best
Buy
in the 2006 paint edition and retains top Ethi-Score
in their review of paints. Auro products have also previously won
Ethical Consumer readers’ favourite DIY product award. We are
pleased to have recognition from Ethical Consumer Magazine who lead
the way in reviewing products and companies based on their ethical
and ecological ethos. This allows people to make clear decisions on
what products fits within their personal ethics and is often a
valuable eye opener. Ethical Consumer editor Rob Harrison said:

“By
identifying those companies such as Auro who consider ethics
throughout their entire operation, the Ethical Consumer Best Buy
Label gives shoppers the confidence that they are making the best
possible ethical and environmental choice. The label is the
definitive endorsement for people who want to put principles at the
top of their shopping list.”

Auro’s
new labels also easily points to their CO₂
neutral status in the manufacturing process of their paints. Not only
does the factory incorporate rain-harvested water for washing down
machinery, it also uses wind and solar technology to reduce energy
consumption at the factory in Braunschweig, Germany. Further CO₂
emissions gained through energy use, transport, business trips etc.
are offset annually through the Climate Neutral Group who finance
renewable energy, fresh water schemes and rainforest projects, not
monoculture tree planting in an effort to offset carbon – this is
not a responsible method of reducing companies carbon footprints.

Good News!

Sustained now calling for Nominations for their Dandelion Award – Food & Garden Category. You can nominate online today – The Sustained Dandelion Award recognises the extraordinary contribution of grassroots social enterprises, companies and individuals in creating a truly positive impact and are thus sowing the seeds for a more sustainable society.

http://www.sustainedmagazine.com/dandelion/nominate/010#form

–

What could your nominated enterprise/company/individual win?

Apart from the sculpted award which will be presented at a public event to be announced shortly, the winner will receive a full page write-up in or next edition of Sustained, telling all of our readers why they are fantastic, and they will also receive a free advert and online presence.

Help us reward the hard work of those people at grassroots who are so often overlooked. Nominate online. Winners will be announced in the next issue of Sustained (issue 10) and the closing date for nominations is 21st May 2009.

Our future categories run in the following order:

***Food & Garden – June (Summer Special)***
GO ONLINE TODAY – NOW CALLING FOR NOMINATIONS

• Community & Events – September, Issue 11 (Wildlife Special)
• Home & Prosperity – November, Issue 12 (Winter Special)
• Well Being & Fashion – February, Issue 13 (Health Special)

Happy nominating!

http://www.sustainedmagazine.com/dandelion/nominate/010#form

Press
release

May
1st 2009

Conscientious
bargain hunters pledge support to JumbleAID.com – the website that
recycles ‘stuff’ while raising money for charity

A
website that combines the ethos of Freecycle with raising money for
charity is proving popular with those looking to bag a
‘conscientious’ bargain during the recession.

www.jumbleaid.com
was launched last November and aims to find new homes for unwanted
possessions while raising money for charity.

The
website is free to join and simple to use: you
suggest an amount to be donated in return for your ‘Gifts’ and
choose the charity to which you want the money to be passed on to.

There
are over 25,000 UK charities to choose from or you can nominate your
own preferred charity. Items can be found via the keyword or category
search and ‘wanted’ ads can be placed if you are looking for
something specific.

Items
posted on the site range from the usual jumble sale stuff (toys,
games and household goods) to the more unusual – a Ford Escort, a
Table Tennis table and paving stones have all exchanged hands in
return for donations.

Each
item is listed by location so you can look for stuff close to home to
save on delivery costs. Registered users are based across the UK from
Edinburgh to Cornwall with the largest community group currently
being West Yorkshire. To date, the oldest user is 83 and the youngest
18.

Since
launching, JumbleAID has donated money to 23 different charities
ranging from Barnardo’s to the Donkey Sanctuary Devon. The average
donation for an item is £15.26 and due to the website’s unique
set-up, none of the payment goes to JumbleAID but goes directly into
a Charities Trust Account¹
who add GiftAid where applicable and distribute the funds, less
transaction charges, to the nominated charities.

According
to JumbleAID if only 1% of the adult population of the UK were to put
one item a month on to the website and the average donation was just
£2, over £10 million per year would be raised for charity. An
average donation of £5 could generate over £25 million.

The team
behind JumbleAID include co-founders of internet service provider
Freeserve, Ajaz Ahmed and Rob Wilmot, Channel 4 ‘Secret
Millionaire’ Carl Hopkins, and Simon Pailin and Colin Feeley, two
business associates who had the original idea for the website two
years ago.

Simon
says: “In the current economic climate, people are starting to turn
their backs on the ‘throwaway society’ we have become accustomed
to. JumbleAID.com is a
simple idea and perhaps that’s why people ‘get it’ and want to
support it. It
is a perpetual jumble event hosted by a virtual community with a
conscience. We expect to see an increasing number of visitors in the
next few months as people start to reject materialism and look for
alternative solutions.”

• ENDS-

Issued
on behalf of JumbleAID.com by Faith PR. For further details or to
arrange interviews with the JumbleAID founding partners, please
contact Stefanie Hopkins on 07809 484978/ 01484 716244 or email
Stefanie@faith-pr.co.uk.

Editor’s
Notes

The
JumbleAID founding team includes:

Simon
Pailin – Marketing, advertising and design professional

Colin
Feeley – Web developer

Nadio
Granata – Marketing professional and university lecturer

Carl
Hopkins – Business and Social entrepreneur

Ajaz
Ahmed – Internet entrepreneur

Rob
Wilmot – Internet entrepreneur

Rob
Wilmot and Ajaz Ahmed were the team behind the Freeserve phenomenon.

Carl
Hopkins sold his marketing agency JDA in June 2007. He is now a
serial entrepreneur, investor and marketing ‘guru’. Carl recently
appeared on Channel 4’s popular philanthropy show, The Secret
Millionaire.

What
other people have said about JumbleAID.com:

Pauline
Lambert – NSCAN

“This
seems a really good way to support charities and contributing to
protecting the environment – funding from recycling, less waste so
protection for the environment”

Annette
Humphrey – World Vision UK

“Great
idea! We don’t have charity shops so a cyber-market is a whole new
opportunity to raise additional funds – for free too!!”

Keith
Ballard- OLSJ Catholic Arts College

“Sounds
like a really great idea – ethical and practical.”

Andrea
Beer – Goodwin Development Trust

“An
excellent way to raise funds, especially for the smaller charities
that don’t have the marketing budgets of the major players.”

Phil
Beckett – The Nerve Centre

“A
great idea – and excellent fund raising idea for smaller charities.”

Emma
Fox – Diabetes UK (Northern & Yorkshire)

“This
is a brilliant idea I am sure it will really take off !!!”

Cate
Birch – Freelance Fundraiser

“What
a fantastic idea – will be forwarding details to all my contacts and
encouraging them to join in.”

Emma
Dickens -Sheffield Hospitals Charitable Trust

“We’d
like to be one of the first charities on board with this scheme, as
we think it will help us reach a whole new market of supporters.”

Peter
Jones – Beatbullying

“Brilliant
idea. Wish you the very best of luck with this.”

www.jumbleaid.com

1
Charities Trust is a registered charity and the country’s second
largest HM Customs & Revenues approved Payroll Giving Agency.
They process all donations, adding GiftAid where applicable and
distribute the funds, less transaction charges, to the nominated
charities.

A
New Start / Potential Plus Network Conference
Manchester,
21st May 2009

This
Masterclass focuses on the use of NLP to enhance daily interactions
with others, to create a step change in the functioning of social
enterprises, community and voluntary organisations.

NLP
(neuro-linguistic programming) is recognised as the premier ‘people
change’ discipline across many diverse fields of endeavour. 
From sporting success to sales and marketing, from board rooms to
family therapy; NLP has been used successfully for decades to help
people to be the best they can be.

Potential Plus Network’s
consultants have been working to apply NLP principles in their work
in the social enterprise and regeneration sector for many years, with
notable successes in the UK and beyond.  They are now working
closely with New Start to offer masterclasses sharing their success
principles with other regeneration practitioners.

This
masterclass focuses on the use of NLP to enhance daily interactions
with others, to create a step change in the functioning of groups,
communities and organisations.

The masterclass will provide an
introduction to some of the underlying principles of NLP, and a
chance for all participants to begin to experience the power of
applying these through interactive learning situations. 
Participants will also take away a suite of practical tools they can
apply in their own workplaces.

Feedback from
participants in past New Start / Potential Plus masterclasses was
overwhelmingly excellent.  Here are just a few of the things
people said:

“It can be applied to my workplace, I will use
in meetings, planning sessions, away days, self reflection,
workshops” (Project Manager, Regeneration Partnership)

“Well
thought through and delivered” (Regeneration Strategic Resources
Manager, City Council)

“I have learnt a lot and will use a
range of techniques when working with students and community groups”
(Executive Director, Training Programme)

“I feel confident
that my productivity will be enhanced and also my people management
skills” (Trustee, Regeneration Programme)

“It was good,
enjoyable, informative” (Project Director, regeneration
programme)

“Thank you for organising a very useful event”
(Capital Projects officer, New Deal for Communities Programme)

Each
delegate will also receive a copy of the NLP Principles Toolkit. 
This includes information about how to apply the principles in your
daily work and a suite of practical tools which you can start using
immediately.

NLP
Principles for Social Entrepreneurs – the Every Day Makes a
Difference Toolkit
New
Start and Potential Plus have now run 4 successful events about using
the tools and techniques of NLP in our sector, and have also
developed the comprehensive Every Day Makes a Difference Toolkit,
which provides you with a suite of ready-made tools for use in
regeneration work you can start using immediately.

The
toolkit includes:

• A
  wide range of practical tools for practitioners

• Photocopyable
  pages to use on your own, with your teams and with partners

• Ideas
  and case studies of how the tools can be used in practice

• A
  further reading list for people who want to expand their knowledge
  of NLP

Every
delegate will receive a copy of the Toolkit as part of their delegate
fee.
 
Join us on 21st May and experience the difference
NLP can make for you and your social business. 
Book online
at www.nlpconferences.co.uk