Five weeks to go until Deepdale Backpackers & Camping host the North Norfolk Coast Earth Day on Thursday 22nd April. The day is shaping up nicely, with over 40 exhibitors booked and more will be announced before the event. 6 artists have already confirmed they are taking part in the Scrap Heap Art Challenge and the Shaping Norfolk’s Future Business Breakfast is filling up nicely.

8am to 10am – Shaping Norfolk’s Future Business Breakfast (Registration required)

10am to 4pm – Exhibition, Talks and Workshops (FREE Entry)

9am to 4pm – Scrap Heap Art Challenge (FREE Entry)

This year the range of exhibitors is even better than last year. Visitors can attend the event for Free. As well as the exhibition, there are talks throughout the day on various subjects (programme will be announced next week), demonstrations and of the Scrap Heap Art Challenge.

The day is an excellent way to gain knowledge for your business or your home. Business advisors like the CLA, Catchment Sensitive Farming and Business Link will be on hand to advise and direct you to the best sources of information for all your environmental issues. The Energy Saving Trust will be on hand to help homeowners save money on their electricity, gas and other utility bills.

Some of the best installers of renewable technologies are attending the event. Visitors can find all the information they need on solar panels to heat hot water, PV to generate electricity on your roof, a wind turbine for your garden or farm yard. Farmers and landowners might consider an anaerobic digestion system. You could even book an energy assessment for your business or property to identify the best way to save costs from the Norfolk Energy Consultancy.

The Norfolk Master Composters will be helping you with all your composting issues, while the Home Grown Revolution show you the best way to grown your own veg. The RSPB will help you attract wildlife to your garden. Edwards Eco Building are showing how to build cob buildings and earthen ovens for your garden.

“It is wonderful to be a part of something that can have such a positive effect on the way individuals view and treat the world we live in. Education and awareness are the key factors in making the changes necessary to combat global warming and the inevitable peak oil catastrophe.” said Andrea Bramhall of Deepdale Backpackers & Camping.

Deepdale Backpackers & Camping are looking forward to hosting this wide range of organisations. Of course you can have a look at the eco-friendly facilities of Deepdale, and learn more about how they reduce their energy costs, run a more sustainable business, yet offer excellent quality accommodation.

You can follow the event in two ways, either at the Deepdale Farm website – www.deepdalefarm.co.uk/earthday or if you use Facebook, then visit www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=200656472299

Deepdale Farms is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

By Hand, a family-run fair trade shop specialising in jewellery, eco-friendly bags and batik silk scarves from Indonesia, has recently been accepted as a member of BAFTS – The British Association For Fair Trade Shops.

The British Association For Fair Trade Shops is an association of retailers who are committed to fair trade principles. The Association works to promote fair trade within Britain and is a member of both the World Fair Trade Association and the Trade Justice Movement.

BAFTS recognises the internationally agreed definition of fair trade:

Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks a greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalised producers and workers – especially in the South.

All members of BAFTS source at least 70% of their stock from recognised fair trade sources. This means that consumers who shop at BAFTS fair trade shops can be confident that they are buying fair trade and that their purchases are directly benefiting the producers.

In the case of By Hand, 90% of the products are sourced from a WFTO organisation based in Bali. The other 10% of products are purchased directly from a small women’s cooperative in the town of Yogyakarta in Java. Yogyakarta is famous for its handicrafts and in particular its batik. In 2006, the town was hit by a serious earthquake, which caused almost 40,000 casualties and left 1.5 million people homeless. The women’s cooperative that supplies By Hand with batik silk scarves is situated in Bantul, one of the areas worst hit by the earthquake, and is providing a valuable source of income to some of the women from the area.

For more information about By Hand, please visit http://www.by-hand.co.uk or visit the By Hand page on the Ethical Junction website.

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Hello there Eco-Friends!

A quick update on our Eco Friendly Printing:

 - We now offset all carbon used in our postal delivery of your printing. This is done through co2balance.com and Ukunda Energy Efficient Stoves.

 - You can now follow us on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/ecoprintuk and find us on Facebook.

 - Contact us for all of your eco-friendly printing.

 - We only print on recycled papers and cards.

 - Now stocking 100% recycled envelopes, biodegradable cornstarch display bags, biodegradable lamination.

http://www.ecoprintuk.com

 01722 340 350

printing@ecoprintuk.com

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Why should you get involved? UK Aware is a Social Enterprise with a mission – they are not activists, ‘eco warriors’ or scientists but normal people who want to make a difference to the world we live in. They have undertaken the task of making the right choices the easiest ones for the consumer – in order to make a big difference we need people to live and work in a more eco-friendly manner and this will only come about if being green is both achievable, simple and fun! They are holding an exhibition this year to showcase some of the fantastic green and eco companies that offer ethically minded goods to the consumer. They are incredibly passionate and care immensely about what they do. All profits from the event will be donated to Global Action Plan so get down to Olympia Two in London on the 16th or 17th of April! What are the benefits? Clearly the resources of our planet are running out. It’s time to make being eco-friendly a part of your everyday life. Whether you attend UK Aware to learn something new, make some purchases, network or simply out of curiosity it is a step in the right direction. If you are a business you could learn about ethically responsible corporations and partnerships and find new ways to encourage your brand to accept and promote their social responsibilities. If you are an individual these events are a great way to educate your family, and yourself, about the ways in which you can help lower your carbon footprint and live in a more sustainable manner. Most importantly, it’s fun! The more people who show their support for events like this, the more the green agenda will be taken seriously and the easier it will become to live in an eco manner. … and finally UK Aware will bring together 200 exhibitors, 15,000 visitors, 100 low carbon vehicles and over 50 world class guest speakers. It is now in its third year – a tremendous accomplishment. Exjhibitors will showcase thousands of products and services that could prove invaluable to your business, home or family. Enjoy a fun day out whilst learning about how to keep our planet alive at this wonderful exhibit.

>>> Visit MoreEco’s UK Aware page

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Some time ago, when I shopped at the supermarket regularly, I left feeling as though I had been taken for a sucker.

I had got some good deals, and boosted my rewards points, but the meat was not good and did I really want all those things that were not on my shopping list. Especially the DVD. And how did they make such a massive profit when they spent so much advertising how cheap they are? Is it because the farmer on average only got 9p for every £1 I spent?

I then discovered that local food is cheaper, fresher, more convenient, tastier, higher quality, accountable, better for the environment, better for the local economy, better for animal welfare and reduces food miles and imports.

I also read that 80% of people know about many of these things but only 20% of us actually buy local. So I set up BigBarn to help more people find and buy local food.

That was 10 YEARS ago. And still 80% of people want to buy local food but only 20% are buying it.

Is it because they have become addicted to the supermarket? Are so easily led by advertising? Really need those rewards points? Or sincerely believe that supermarkets are cheaper and that they need everything every week?

Please tell them to STOP. Before everything is owned by the supermarkets!

Tell them local food is cheaper and more convenient. All they have to do is change the way they shop. Buy essentials, like meat, dairy, fruit and veg from a local farm shop or butcher and grocer every week and leave the supermarket, to once a month.

So the 3 easy steps for a better food industry are easy simply:

• Register for the BigBarn newsletter so we can remind you to save money by telling you about your local food outlets and special offers. www.bigbarn.co.uk/register
• Shop locally to encourage local food production, or even make money by cropping for your local shop.
• Comment, we and others reading this article would love to hear what you think. www.bigbarn.co.uk/blog/2010/01

BigBarn Ltd is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Soap. Whatever your brand choice, it’s an everyday product and has thought to have been part of history from as far back as Ancient Babylon, around 2500 BC. In fact, an entire soap factory with finished bars was unearthed within the Pompeii ruins.

The Egyptians used a similar soap-like material to clear their skin diseases. It has always been considered both for its medicinal and cleansing purposes and today, soap is still the first simple preventative suggestion for our current modern-day epidemic, swine flu. Jen Marsden writes. To read the full article on BigGreenSmile click here:

Also look out for the latest Spring Time offers on BigGreenSmile.

1 – 20% off Jason Deodorants

2 – 10% off Jason Oral Care

3 – 10% off Burt’s Bees

4 – 10% off E-Cloth

Big Green Smile is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

A new report from WWF UK and The Co-operative reflects on the proposed budget of £254 billion that oil companies are proposing to spend on extracting oil from the Canadian tar sands. Whilst many fear the ecological impact of releasing the oil in this area of our endangered planet, WWF also look at it from a financial angle.

Colin Butfield, Head of Campaigns at WWF UK, warns that the plans could single handedly destroy any hope of keeping CO2 emissions at an acceptable level and goes further to remark that the vast sums of money, could be used to help fund so many renewable energy projects, including the Desertec Industrial Initiative – a plan to link Europe to vast solar plants in Northern Africa providing 15% of Europe’s electricity by 2050.

For more information and how to join the campaign against Tar Sands oil, check out the report on the WWF website

Gecco Interiors Limited is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

1. Go for a walk – There is nothing more refreshing or eco-friendly than going for a stroll! It uses absolutely no carbon energy and can be a replacement for your school or work trip meaning you save on petrol as well as keeping fit!

2. Eat seasonally – Save on energy consumption by buying local, seasonal and fresh produce. Try not to buy anything that has been flown in from abroad and have a go at trying some new foods to mix up your diet!

3. Go to a local exercise class – Support your local community and businesses by attending a local exercise class. Whether it’s pilates, yoga or spinning this can be a great way to trim up and meet new people in the area.

4. Take your nutrients – Shops like Holland & Barretts provide a great range of vitamins and supplements that will help keep you fighting fit and your metabolism high.

5. Cycle to work – Cycling has many benefits for your body. It’s great cardiovascular exercise and, now the weather is warming up, can be a brilliant way to get to and from work.

6. Don’t take too many baths! - Not only do too many baths waste water and energy, they are also bad for your skin! Having too many can dry out your skin meaning you require more moisturiser and products that can be detrimental to your bodily health.

7. Get your Five-a-day – Make sure you get your recommended five fruits and vegetables a day. Keep them seasonal, keep them local and try them in all kinds of combinations. You will be surprised what a difference it can make to how you feel.

8. Lose weight the sensible way – Don’t invest time, money and energy in fad dieting and overpriced exercise machines. Go for a run, take the kids to the park and eat right and you will see that weight come off at a healthy rate that is maintainable.

9. Eat less meat – Get your protein from other sources, such as nuts, and help cut your personal carbon footprint as well as naturally increasing the healthy foods you eat during the day.

10. Have fun – Enjoy the outdoors, enjoy your food and look and feel eco-fabulous! 

MoreEco is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Everyday children, teenagers and young people are being bullied!  Why? Probably because it was accepted childhood behaviour years ago; yet today it is one of the key topics of concern among adults, parents/carer’s, teachers, youth workers, mentors and counsellors. The serious social and emotional affect bullying has on children and young people is now thought about in-depth, especially as the extremely serious consequences of being bullied has devastating effects on young people where the trauma has resulted in some committing suicide.

By Sue Scott-Horne keen2learn

As adults some of us know what it can feel like to be bossed around and bullied by our work colleagues, friends or family. We have had to learn skills to help us deal with the effects. A child or young person having to cope with bullying is a very challenging and confusing place to be.  Being bullied can make people feel very lonely, isolated with their self esteem at an all time low as they begin to feel the power of the bully. Shockingly up to 50 per cent of children are bullied at some point during their school years.

The UK Children Act 2004 set out the framework that professional’s delivering children’s services must follow.  The ‘Every Child Matters’ (ECM) element of the framework has five objectives:

1. Be Healthy
2. Stay Safe
3. Enjoy And Achieve
4. Make A Positive Contribution
5. Achieve Economic Well-Being

A support system must be put in place for these positive outcomes to be supported throughout the school journey. The elimination of Bullying is a fundamental intention of the ECM objectives. Schools have to ‘co-operate to improve well-being’ by promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people.  The Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED) for Children’s Services and Skills evaluate and inspect and how schools contribute to meet the ECM outcomes.

Recognising bullying behaviour and its consequences can be very confusing for a child. When children know they are being bullied some actually think this is how life is and that people behaving in this way are therefore acceptable.  It is our responsibility as adults to stop this confusion and focus on the changing behaviour of the child who is being bullied as well as the bully. This is especially relevant if they are not prepared to tell or too frightened to tell someone it is happening.

The tell-tale signs that a child is being bullied include:-

1. Not wanting to go to school, starting to truant or not socialising.
2. They may become very quiet in their behaviour and shut themselves away in another room, feeling very unhappy.
3. Complaining of not feeling well, have stomach aches or headaches.
4. Seeming agitated and not sure of themselves.
5. Felling sick and trembling.
6. They may not want to use the phone or computer as texts or email notes are sent to them telling them nasty things.

(Cyber bulling) Seek support at www.cybermentors.org.uk

A gentle talk may help but sometimes if the child is extremely bullied the bully may have threatened them not to tell or something could happen to them.  This state of flux and anxiety can make the child look quite unwell. Intervention has to be appropriate for bullying to be prevented!  The first port of call for an educator is to contact the parent and vice versa. If the parent contacts the educator they can talk through the support system to help the child being bullied and put a coping skills system in place for them. During this phase hopefully the bully’s name will emerge allowing the school to stop the bullying as part of their Anti-Bullying Policy that legally all schools must have in place for immediate action.

The Anti-Bullying policy recommendations should involve:

1. Giving a member of staff specific responsibility for Anti-Bullying work.
2. Auditing current practices and implementing changes to the policy.
3. Developing Anti-Bullying Policies as part of the School Behaviour Policy.
4. Ensuring the policy covers all forms of bullying especially relating to Special Educational Needs, disabilities and Cyber Bullying.
5. The policy should also refer to bullying of staff as well as pupils.
6. The policy should explore all available support e.g. a Behaviour and Attendance Consultant.

Bullying can take place over a few days, weeks or months. It is important to try to establish what has caused it. It may be jealousy, wanting to divert attention away from a popular or a gifted child doing well academically or good at physical sports, dance or football. It could equally be a quiet child who does not mix or socialise well. Staff and parents must be vigilant and focus on the group(s) social mix and not let a lonely, special needs or disabled child be a target. Racial, religious or homophobic bullying can also take place; whatever the reason it must be immediately resolved by working through the problems, seeking professional guidance and support where necessary.

There are many places outside of school or youth club settings that bullying can occur.  It must be dealt with immediately. There is no time to waste in supporting, intervening and preventing bullying.

Support and guidance leaflets and DVD’s can be obtained from:

http://www.teachernet.gov.uk.

http://www.dcsf.gov.uk

No Hiding Place For Bullies

http://www.bullying.co.uk/

Childline

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Livia Firth, film director, wife of actor Colin Firth and huge fan of all things ethical, organic and recycled, speaks of her delight of finding that Animal Tails beautiful and ethical Kids T-shirts are in the Oscar goody bags.

Visit Vogue’s website where Livia writes her ethical and green fashion blog to read more, and see pictures of Livia’s beautiful Oscar gown made entirely from recycled fabrics.

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