INTRODUCTION TO PERMACULTURE

19-20 March 2011

This course introduces the basics of permaculture design and shows how this approach can be applied. 9.30am-5pm.  Stanmer Park and/or other Sussex locations.  Tutors: Jen Beaufoy, Kate Hamilton and Hedvig Murray.  See website for full details: www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

GREEN ARCHITECTURE DAY

26 March 2011

Sallis Benney Theatre, University of Brighton, Grand Parade, Brighton BN2 0JY.

Stalls, exhibitions and illustrated talks.  See website for full details: www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

PRACTICAL PERMACULTURE GARDENING

2-3 April 2011

This course explores how permaculture design can be used to create beautiful, productive and wildlife-friendly gardens. 10.00am – 5pm. The first day is based at the Earthship in Stanmer Park, Brighton and on the Brighton Permaculture Trust plot.

The second day begins at Pippa Johns’ garden close to Southease station between Newhaven and Lewes.  The afternoon will be held in a nearby hall.  Tutor: Pippa Johns. See website for full details: www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOVOLTAICS

19 April 2011

The course will cover the basics of photovoltaics, from system design and load calculation through to the various types of solar panels, batteries and inverters and their suitability in different situations. The afternoon will be spent setting up a small photovoltaic system and will include a tour of the award winning Earthship Brighton.  9am – 5.30pm.  Tutors: Alex Saunders, Mischa Hewitt.  CPD CERTIFIED.  See website for full details:  www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

BUILDING WITH STRAW BALES

22-24 APRIL 2011

This course is for anyone interested in building with straw bales – a cheap, natural, healthy and low impact way of making your own house. This is a practical building course and involves lots of hands-on workshops.  9am – 5.30pm.  Tutor: Ian Brown.  CPD CERTIFIED.  See website for full details:  www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

INTRODUCTION TO PERMACULTURE

4-5 May 2011

This course introduces the basics of permaculture design and shows how this approach can be applied. 9.30am-5pm.  Stanmer Park and/or other Sussex locations.  Tutors: Jen Beaufoy, Kate Hamilton and Hedvig Murray.  See website for full details: www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

MUSHROOM CULTIVATION

7- 8 May 2011

This course looks at the significant role fungi play in the cycles of life and how they enhance the environment. Hands-on practical activities will give participants skills in cultivating mushrooms suitable for small spaces.  You will be able to take home a shiitake-inoculated log and oyster mushroom-inoculated straw.  9.30am–5.30pm   Tutor: Bill Knight.  See website forfull details:  www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

COMMUNITY ORCHARD TRAINING

24 May 2011

This course looks at the basics of how to nurture newly planted fruit trees – watering, feeding, disease prevention and pest control.  The course includes apple cookery, juice-making on a traditional apple press (which is available for hire to community groups) and ideas for celebrating your apple harvest.  9.30am-5pm.   Stanmer Park, Brighton BN1 9PZ.  Tutors: Anne-Marie Bur, Bryn Thomas, Fran Pickering, Peter May, Robin van Creveld, Stephan Gehrels. See website for full details:  www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

COMMUNITY ORCHARD TRAINING

28 May 2011

This course looks at the basics of how to nurture newly planted fruit trees – watering, feeding, disease prevention and pest control.  The course includes apple cookery, juice-making on a traditional apple press (which is available for hire to community groups) and ideas for celebrating your apple harvest.  9.30am-5pm.   Stanmer Park, Brighton BN1 9PZ.  Tutors: Anne-Marie Bur, Bryn Thomas, Fran Pickering, Peter May, Robin van Creveld, Stephan Gehrels. See website for full details:  www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

SELF-BUILDING AN EARTHSHIP

10-12 June 2011

This course is for anyone thinking about building their own home or interested in learning about Earthships.  It includes practical workshops.  9am – 5.30pm.

Tutors: Rebecca Sarll, Jon Kalviac, Paulina Wojciechowska, Mischa Hewitt.  CPD

CERTIFIED.  See website for full details:  www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

FOREST GARDENING

25-26 June 2011

Learn how to grow fruit, nuts, salads and perennial vegetables as a low maintenance, highly productive garden ecosystem. Includes four site visits. 10am-5pm. Stanmer Park, Brighton, Hertford Junior School, Brighton and Seaford, East Sussex.  Tutors: Bryn Thomas, Pippa Johns and Stephan Gehrels.  See website for full details:  www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

FOREST GARDENING

2 – 3 July 2011

Learn how to grow fruit, nuts, salads and perennial vegetables as a low maintenance, highly productive garden ecosystem. Includes four site visits. 10am-5pm. Stanmer Park, Brighton, Hertford Junior School, Brighton and Seaford, East Sussex.  Tutors: Bryn Thomas, Pippa Johns and Stephan Gehrels.  See website for full details:  www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

SELF-BUILDING AN EARTHSHIP

15-17 July 2011

This course is for anyone thinking about building their own home or interested in learning about Earthships.  It includes practical workshops.  9am – 5.30pm.  Tutors:

Rebecca Sarll, Jon Kalviac, Paulina Wojciechowska, Mischa Hewitt.  CPD CERTIFIED.

See website for full details:  www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

SCYTHING

30-31 July 2011

The course will cover everything you need to know on how to use and maintain a scythe, leaving you with the skills and knowledge needed to mow anything from a small lawn to a meadow and even brambles, and also traditional hay making. Plenty of hands-on guidance from the tutor will enable you to leave as a competent scytheperson. Saturday 10am-5pm Sunday 9.30am-3.30pm (optional 7am start).  Tutors: Simon Fairlie, Bryn Thomas, Stephan Gehrels.

See website for full details:  www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

FRUIT TREE GRAFTING

13 August 2011

10am-5pm.  Stanmer Park.  The course will encourage participants to develop practical skills in the propagation of fruit trees.  Experience will be gained in the use of a grafting knife, concentrating on the technique of “Chip Budding” to graft an apple variety onto a rootstock.  Tutors: Peter May, Stephan Gehrels.

See website for full details:  www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

APPLE DAY AT STANMER PARK, BRIGHTON

25 September 2011

11am-5pm

Apple day is an annual celebration in and around the orchards at Stanmer Park which is a free event for all the family.   Delicious food and drink, including apple crumble, pie and juice will be available.   The day features juice-making demonstrations, children’s activities, apple identification, guided tours, produce for sale, stalls and much more.  See website for full details: www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

BUILDING WITH RAMMED EARTH AND CHALK

15-16 October 2011

This course will cover the basics of rammed earth and chalk, from the benefits of building

with rammed earth, finding the right earth, choosing a formwork system, different construction methods, design detailing, different approaches and the various tools used. There will be a large practical component to the course, with the construction of a section of rammed earth wall.  9.00am-5.30pm.  Tutors: Rowland Keable, Mischa Hewitt.  CPD CERTIFIED.

See website for full details: www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

PRUNING OLD FRUIT TREES

14-15 Jan 17-18 Jan 2012

The course is held in the old apple orchards at Stanmer Park.  Learn how to improve health and productivity by appropriate pruning.  10am – 5pm.  Tutor: Bryn Thomas.

See website for full details: www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

Brighton Permaculture Trust is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Nappy Basics – a washable nappy system will consist of an absorbent part and a waterproof part.  It may also need a fastener such as a nappy pin and a liner to help dispose of the solids.

Types of Nappy

2 Part Nappy – a nappy system that has separate absorbent and waterproof parts, normally a fabric nappy and a pul or wool wrap.  Can come in a range of styles, such as birth to potty / sized or flat / shaped. 

Pros

- very easy to wash and dry

- waterproof wrap can be wiped out and reused several times before washing

Cons

- a little more fiddly to use than an all in one nappy

Brands include: Mother-ease, Flip Nappies

All in One – A nappy that contains both the absorbent part and the waterproof part in one, so it goes on and off the baby much like a disposable. 

They may fasten with Hook and Loop tape or poppers.  They are normally sized, meaning you need to buy more nappies as your baby gets bigger, but some birth to potty versions are now available.

Pros

- easy and convenient to use

- great for babies looked after by childminders / nursery / grandparents

Cons

- can be expensive

- can take a long time to dry

- you need to wash the whole nappy (waterproof and absorbent parts) each time the nappy is used.

Birth to Potty – a nappy that will fit a baby from birth to potty training, usually taken to mean 8lbs to 35lbs (3.5kg to 16kgs).  The actual range will depend upon the brand of nappy and the shape/growth pattern of the individual baby.

Pros

- you should only need to buy one set of nappies

Cons

- you may find that they are bulky on a newborn baby

Brands include bumGenius Nappies, Mother-ease nappies

Flat Nappy – name used to cover Pre-folds and Terry Squares.

One size Nappy – see birth to potty nappies.

Pocket Nappy – A shaped nappy that works much like an all-in-one nappy except that the absorbent part is stuffed into a pocket in the nappy, between the lining and the waterproof cover.  This means you can add as much or as little padding as you need, and it comes out for easy washing and drying.

Most pocket nappies have a fleece lining so there is often no need for a paper liner.  Many are one sized, so you can adjust the size of the outer and the padding to fit your baby as it grows and changes shape.

Pros

- easier to put on baby than a 2 part nappy

- you can adjust the padding to suit your particular child

- much quicker drying than an all-in-one

Cons

- you will need to wash the whole nappy each time it is used

- will need to be stuffed each time, though this does only take a few seconds

Brands include: Wonderoo Nappies, bumGenius Nappies

Pre-fold Nappy – a rectangle of fabric that is folded and placed into a nappy wrap and topped with a liner before putting on the baby.  The nappy forms a pad between the babies legs.

The nappy is not fastened onto the baby – it is held in place by the waterproof cover.

Pre-folds come in a range of sizes and are easy to boost up if you need more absorbency.

Pros

- highly cost-effective

- very durable nappy so great if you are planning on using cloth on more than one baby

- you can wipe out and reuse the wrap, so you don’t need to buy as many

Cons

- can be more fiddly to put on than shaped nappies

- some parents report more leaks than with other nappy types as the fabric is only between the babies legs

Shaped Nappy – a fabric nappy that is shaped to fit your baby.  Looks a little like a disposable nappy, rather than a square of fabric. 

Can fasten with poppers, hook and loop tape or nappi nippas.

Can come in a range of styles, such as birth-to-potty, pocket, all-in-one etc.

Pros

- easier to use than a flat nappy

Cons

- more expensive than flat nappies

Stuffable Nappy – see Pocket Nappy

Terry Square – a square of terry towelling fabric that can be folded in a number of ways to create the ideal nappy shape/size for your baby.

The nappy is folded around the baby and fasten with a nappy pin or nappi nippa before a waterproof wrap is put on over the top.

Pros

- cost effective and very durable

- with a little practice, you can achieve a range of folds that will suit every need

Cons

- seen as being difficult – it does take a little practice to get it right

- will need to be used with a liner and a waterproof wrap

Sized Nappy – a nappy that comes in a range of sizes to cope with growing babies.  Most sized nappies come in 1 or 2 sizes. 

Pros

- easier to get a good fit as the nappy is always the right size for your baby’s weight

- less folding, so quicker to put on

Cons

- more expensive as you will need to buy more nappies as your baby gets bigger

Waterproof Wrap / Nappy Cover – the waterproof part of a nappy system.  Generally made of a breathable PUL fabric but also available in organic cotton or wool.

With all in one and pocket nappies, the wrap will be attached to the body of the nappy, with a 2 part system, it will be separate.

Nappy Fabrics

Bamboo – a fabric made from the bamboo plant.  Bamboo is seen by many to be better than cotton as it requires less water and pesticides/fertilisers and is more absorbent than cotton.

Some parents do find that it takes longer to dry than cotton.

Cotton – the traditional choice for nappies, and still very popular today.  It washes and dries well and is very durable. Many nappies are available in organic cotton, which is better for the environment, the farmers and gives a softer fabric.

Flannel – a smooth, usually cotton fabric that feels like brushed cotton.

Hemp – very popular a few years ago due to its high absorbency but now superseded by bamboo.

Micro fibre – a synthetic fabric that is very absorbent, dries very quickly and is durable.  Some parents prefer to use a natural fibre, others love the easy to use properties of micro fibre nappies.

Minky or Minkee – a very soft, synthetic fabric that feels lovely to the touch.  Often used to make wraps.

PUL – the waterproof fabric used in the majority of wraps and waterproof covers.  Modern PUL wraps are soft to the touch and not crackly.  Many are breathable, meaning air can pass into the nappy to keep the baby cooler and reduce the risk of nappy rash, without causing leaks.

Terry – a towel like fabric that is often used in nappies.  Can be made from cotton or bamboo.

Wool – can be used to make nappy wraps and covers.  The wool actually absorbs some of the moisture and the lanolin in the wool helps to prevent leaks.

Nappy Accessories

Booster – an extra pad that is put into a nappy to increase the absorbency.

Liner – made of paper or fabric, to help dispose of solid waste and protect the nappy.  Paper liners can be either flushed away or put in the bin, fabric ones can be washed along with your nappies used time and time again.

Nappi Nippa – a plastic device with 3 arms that hook into the nappy to hold it in place.  Used instead of nappy pins.

Nappy Pin – a large safety pin that is used to hold several layers of nappy together.

Nappy Bucket – a lidded bucket or pail used to store nappies in before washing. 

Nappy Fresh /Nappy San – a cleansing agent that can be used to wash real nappies.

Nappy Mesh / Laundry Mesh – a net bag that goes inside your nappy bucket to make it easier to transfer the nappies into the washing machine.  There is no need to take the nappies out of the bag, just make sure the top is open and the nappies will work their way out in the machine.

Wet Bag – a waterproof bag used to hold nappies when you are out and about.

Reusable Wipes – washable baby wipes – squares of fabric that you moisten and use to clean your baby at nappy change time.  They are then washed along with the nappies.

Nappy Terms

Aplix / Velcro / Hook and Loop Tape – a fastening often used in real nappies.  Aplix and Velcro are brand names.  A quick and easy method of closing nappies and very adjustable.

Poppers – plastic poppers are often used to fasten washable nappies.  They are harder for toddlers to undo than hook and loop tape.

Wet Pailing – storing used nappies in a water and sanitiser solution before washing.  Can be used to soak nappies.  Some brands of cloth nappies advise against soaking and wet pailing.

Dry Pailing – storing your nappies in a dry bucket before washing, so no water is added.  If you are worried about smells, you can put a few drops of essential oil on a cloth (not the nappies) and put in the bucket.

The Natural Nursery is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Don’t be left stranded if your car breaks down. The Green Insurance Company offers quality breakdown cover from only £18.20* – plus, Ethical Junction readers can save an extra 10%!

We have a variety of breakdown cover available, so choosing the right policy has never been easier, and with more than 5,000 mechanics nationwide you’ll never be left stranded.  We also make it easy for you to go ‘green’ as we offset 100% of the carbon emissions of any recovery vehicles that are used when providing assistance – all at no extra cost.

Benefits included as standard:

• Over 5,000 qualified mechanics nationwide, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
• An average callout time of only 40 minutes and a guaranteed £10 cashback if a mechanic doesn’t reach you within the hour
• Priority service for female drivers or those with children

• Insure with a company that gives something back. See www.greeninsurancecompany.co.uk/giving for full details of our projects   

 How to order:

Click here for a quick quote. To redeem your 10% discount simply enter the promotional code ‘ETHICAL2’ when you purchase your policy online or call 0844 842 5438 where one of our friendly team will be happy to help. Simply give them your discount code.

Get a quote

Terms and Conditions

The Green Insurance Company is an insurance intermediary, authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered address: 1 Masterton Way, Tannochside Business Park, Glasgow, G71 5PU. Qualifying criteria, terms and conditions apply.  These will be explained before you buy.  For your protection and ours, calls may be recorded or monitored. This offer is valid until 31/08/2011, and is open to new customers only, buying directly from The Green Insurance Company.

*Price based on vehicle 5 years or younger with Roadside level of cover.

The Green Insurance Company is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

The Green Insurance Company knows how much you value your pet. That’s why we offer a wide range of pet insurance polices making it easy for you to find the right level of protection for your pet, plus Ethical Junction users can save an extra 5%!

For as little as £5.23* a month you could insure an important member of your family, giving you complete peace of mind.

Some of the benefits included as standard are:

• 24hr access to Pet Vet line
• At no extra cost to you, choose to donate to one of our chosen
  environmental charity partners.
• Option to pay by interest free monthly instalments.
• All claims assessed by qualified veterinary nurses.
• Most claims settled within 5 days.

How to order:

Click here for a quick quote. To redeem your 5% discount simply enter the promotional code ‘GREEN362’ when you purchase your policy.

Get a quote

Terms and Conditions

The Green Insurance Company is an insurance intermediary, authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered address: 1 Masterton Way, Tannochside Business Park, Glasgow, G71 5PU. Qualifying criteria, terms and conditions apply.  These will be explained before you buy.  For your protection and ours, calls may be recorded or monitored. This offer is valid until 31/08/2011, and is open to new customers only, buying directly from The Green Insurance Company.

*Price based on cat aged under 8yrs and area 1 postcode. Price correct as of 01/11/10.

The Green Insurance Company is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

The Green Insurance Company is for drivers who want more than just low cost car insurance. We make it easy for you to go ‘green’ by offsetting 100% of your car’s harmful carbon emissions every year that you insure through us. So you can be kinder to the environment without compromising on quality or value. 

Some of the benefits included in our policies as standard are:

• 100% offset of your car’s emissions
• Guaranteed courtesy car with comprehensive policies*
• 90 days European cover included as standard
• 24 hour accident and windscreen claims line
• Insure with a company that gives something back. See www.greeninsurancecompany.co.uk/giving for full details of our projects  
• Special customer offers and discounts throughout the year

Special offer for Ethical Junction members: Get £35 off any car insurance policy from The Green Insurance Company 

How to order:

Click here for a quick quote. To redeem your £35 discount simply enter the promotional code ‘ETHICAL’ when you purchase your policy online or call 0844 842 5438 where one of our friendly team will be happy to help. Simply give them your discount code.

Get a quote

Terms and Conditions

The Green Insurance Company is an insurance intermediary, authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered address: 1 Masterton Way, Tannochside Business Park, Glasgow, G71 5PU. Qualifying criteria, terms and conditions apply.  These will be explained before you buy.  For your protection and ours, calls may be recorded or monitored. This offer is valid until 31/08/2011, and is open to new customers only, buying directly from The Green Insurance Company.

* Provided an approved repairer is used.

The Green Insurance Company is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Dear All,

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT! As part of the Big Design Challenge Cornwall, the Market House Challenge is through to the last stage. We have to submit our written report by 18th March but before then, there is a public vote on the last five proposals. Please use this link to register your vote for us. More details about the project are on this page.
 
Click on the “Support this” button to vote – Thank you. If you can forward this to friends and colleagues, please do.

http://www.bigdesignchallenge.co.uk/challenge/131-how-can-we-make-the-market-house-in-st-austell-into-a-vibrant-community-space-which-is-viable-for-the-long-term

Thank you, Charlie x

Leap-design for change is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Mornish Schoolhouse is situated about a mile from Calgary, the island’s most famous beach, and close to beautiful woodland walks. We offer three rooms – one double ensuite, one twin bedroom and one family room with a double and a single bed. We have additional z beds and travelcot available if needed. All bedding and towels are made of organic cotton. Complimentary organic tea and coffee are always available in your room. We offer a continental organic breakfast with delicious handbaked bread and rolls, homemade preserves, cereals, yogurt, fresh fruit and local eggs as you like it. We’re currently developing our land into a sustainable organic system, and welcome interest from guests to share our intimate knowledge of the island. We want to encourage sustainable tourism and therefore offer a £5 per shared room reduction for cyclists and walkers. Storage for bicycles and walking boots available. All cleaning products are ecological. Wir sprechen deutsch. Hablamos espanol. Nous parlons un peux de francais aussi. http://www.organicholidays.co.uk/at/2942.htm

Organic Holidays is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Revolver World Launches New Co-operative with Innovative Fairtrade Coffee Products
 
Wolverhampton, United Kingdom – February 28, 2011

Revolver, with the help of Co-operatives UK, has created the new firm Revolver World Co-operative, formed specifically around developing Fairtrade commodities. Revolver is now a full licensee of the Fairtrade Foundation and the Revolver Co-operative is planning the development of multi-commodity products under the Revolver brand.
 
On March 7, during “Fairtrade Fortnight”, Revolver launched its range of Fairtrade Fresh Ground 100% Arabica Coffee, with two initial products, ‘Colombia’ and ‘Africa’ (a blend of Tanzania and Uganda coffee) in 227g retail bags. As part of the product promotion, Revolver is to make available free music downloads with each pack purchased. The product at retail is priced as per “own label” brands.
 
Working with the Midcounties Co-operative, a major regional retailer, the products are launching with a 12 month commitment in an initial 39 stores located throughout Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Shropshire and Staffordshire. More co-operative and independent retailers will be added in the coming weeks and it is the firm’s strategy to focus purely on working with fellow mutuals and other independent businesses.
 
Revolver has already launched a range of own brand organic Fairtrade cotton T-shirts and Hoodies for sale at outdoor events, never happy to bask in past achievements, is now busy developing a bottle-conditioned, vegetarian and organic Fairtrade honey beer for sale in supermarkets in Q3.
 
The business sets aside a portion of income to help women and children’s groups in Africa and has already worked in Kenya and Ethiopia with NGOs and charities. The firm works wherever possible with suppliers who employ people with learning difficulties. This is all part of Revolver’s commitment to establish itself as an ethical brand, not based upon PR or CSR but by being measured by its output in making a measurable difference.
 
Revolver MD Paul Birch says, “We specifically wanted to achieve certain milestones before making an announcement. What we have been working on will come as a surprise to many in the music industry!”

Our coffees are available from Midcounties Co-operative stores now, or online at RevolverCoffee.com.

Revolver World Co-operative is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

November 2010’s Will Aid campaign was incredibly successful and has already surpassed the 2009 total of £1.25 million.  To date, almost £1.5 million (including Gift Aid) has been received and donations will continue to pour in for many weeks yet.

More than 1,000 solicitors all over the UK, from firms large and small, participated in the scheme. Between them they wrote Wills for more than 18,000 people, forgoing their usual fee in exchange for donations to Will Aid.

The Will Aid charities will share the donation income between them and will also benefit from lasting gifts left in Wills written under the scheme. Many other charities will also benefit as Will-makers were free to leave a gift in their Will to any charity.

Iain McAndrew, Head of Legacies at Save the Children and Chair of Will Aid, said:

“Last November’s campaign was the most successful to date and we are delighted that so many people were able to have their Will written by a professional solicitor and that such a huge sum of money was raised for the Will Aid charities. On behalf of the participating charities, I would like to publicly thank all the solicitors and Will-makers for being such enthusiastic supporters of Will Aid. It is a real achievement to have raised this enormous sum in just a few weeks. The participating charities are really grateful for the life saving work this makes possible.”

The campaign will run again in November 2011. For more information, please visit http://www.willaid.org.uk

Will Aid is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Globalkids is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more