Bees: a gateway into Nature

Schumacher College, October (10-14) with Phil Chandler, Brigit Strawbridge, Juergen Tautz and Graham White

The plight of the bee is one of the most pressing environmental issues of our times. This unique course from Schumacher College brings together scientists, natural beekeepers and campaigners to take an in-depth look at the causes of their decline, the consequences for the natural world and the role we have to play in providing a low-impact, chemical-free world for them to flourish.

The course will cover:

• The extraordinary ways that bees behave and communicate, and the science behind the collective intelligence of bees, which makes it possible to describe their colonies as super-organisms
• Insights into the intimate and mutually dependent relationship between all bee species and flowering plants
• Latest understanding of the threats to all pollinators from pesticides and habitat loss
• The science behind colony collapse disorder and neonicotinoids
• The wider regulatory context – why are the watchdogs deaf, dumb and blind?
• Natural bee husbandry methods, using sustainable, low-impact hives to provide a chemical-free environment in which bees can flourish
• Exploration of ways to establish a more appropriate and healthy relationship between us, the bees and the soil that ultimately feeds us all

Visit http://www.schumachercollege.org.uk/courses/bees-a-gateway-into-nature

Course Fees

£650 All course fees include accommodation, food, field trips and all teaching sessions.

For further information about Schumacher College please see About the College

Apply

Click here to access our on-line booking system

click here to find out how to book by fax or mail

Schumacher College, Dartington is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Greenhouse PR have named Linda Moss, of Organic Places to Stay as their Eco Hero for September.

“The reason why we love Linda is that she has been passionate about organic holidays for the last 12 years – working her socks off to produce a wonderful guide and website and never giving up – despite difficulties along the way. The outcome is a wonderful guide with truly wonderful organic places to stay.” says the Greenhouse PR website.

Greenhouse PR asked Linda a series of questions to reveal the inspirational woman behind the Organic Places to Stay website and book, and you can read the full article on the Greenhouse PR website.  Here is a snippet:

1. What inspires you?

What inspires me is the dedication that drives some people to act on their own initiative and who have the courage to support something they believe in. The hard working people who run the businesses I promote on my website are all examples of this.

2. What makes you angry?

What makes me angry is the way we’ve been duped into thinking it’s okay to go into the supermarket to fill our trolleys with processed foodstuffs rather than to eat real natural food.

3. If you were Prime Minister, what would be the first thing you’d change?

If I were Prime Minister, the first thing I would change is the way our food is produced and promoted. I would make a stand against the big food companies, ban all additives and promote the idea that food should be wholesome and unadulterated.

4. Can individuals really make a difference?

Throughout history, there are examples of how an idea that starts with an individual quickly spreads to other individuals and generates a process of change. Today, we have the power of the internet so it’s much easier for individuals to communicate with each other about the differences they would like to see.

5. What is your personal mission?

My personal mission is to try to raise awareness about the importance of organic food. It is a fundamental notion that healthy food equals healthy people. It has become my life’s work to promote the principles of eating organically, not as a lifestyle choice for the few but as a basic right of access to nutritious food for all of us.

Get the rest here.

In the UK around one in three people have a skin condition at any one time! Skin problems are common for people of all ages and it’s estimated between 15% and 20% of a GP’s workload is skin related.

However using conventional skin care products can exacerbate skin conditions due to the many chemicals they contain.  Natural and organic skin care products are a gentle alternative, packed full of natural active ingredients which can help with the healing process.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common skin condition affecting 2 -3 % of the population of UK and Ireland.  It occurs when the top layer of the skin starts being replaced much faster than normal, ie every 2 to 6 days rather than the usual 21 to 28 days.  This results in the extra cells accumulating on the surface of the skin, causing the appearance of  raised red patches covered with silvery white scales, known as plaques.  The extra cells can also cause dandruff.  Psoriasis can occur on any part of the body, but most sufferers (80%) have Psoriasis Vulgaris, where plaques tend to appear on the elbows, knees, lower back and scalp.

Traditionally psoriasis was thought to be a condition of the upper most layers of the skin, but recent research has found that the changes in the skin begin in the immune system when certain immune cells are triggered and become overactive.  It is not clear however what triggers the immune system to act in this way.  Some of the factors thought to trigger psoriasis are throat infections, injury to the skin and stress.  In addition around 30% of psoriasis sufferers have a family history of the condition.

When caring for skin affected by psoriasis, it’s very important to moisturise well to make the skin more comfortable by decreasing the dryness, scaling, soreness and itching.  A good moisturising cream or ointment can help to cool and soothe sore skin and help replace lost moisture.  It’s also important to use gentle non drying soap and shower gel to wash the skin.  If the sufferer doesn’t want to use harsh topical treatments such as tar preparations or steroid creams, natural and organic products offer gentle but effective alternatives.

We recommend:

Trevarno Calendula Ointment – a soothing & anti-inflammatory ointment specifically for severe dry skin conditions.

Ecosoapia Unscented Organic Liquid Soap – an organic hand & body wash with no harsh ingredients or fragrance -  ideal for sensitive skin.

Labyrinth Geranium & May Chang Soap – the antiseptic, anti-inflammatory & healing properties of this soap can help in the treatment of psoriasis.

For more products suitable for psoriasis click here

Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that mainly affects the face.  Symptoms tend to start between the ages of 30 and 50 and begin with episodes of flushing.  The redness can become persistant and even permanent.  In addition, rosacea can cause acne-like breakouts and visible blood vessels on the face.  In severe cases the skin can thicken and enlarge, usually on and around the nose.

While the exact cause of rosacea is unknown, several triggers can make symptoms worse in some people, including exposure to sunlight, cold weather, stress and diet.  Whilst there is no cure for rosacea, identifying and avoiding triggers, together with a gentle skin care routine can help to control it.

Harsh skin care products can exacerbate rosacea, so it’s advisable to opt for gentle natural and organic products which are less likely to irritate already sensitive skin.

We recommend:

Hubble Bubble Super Saver Potion No 2 – a soothing & cooling facial moisturiser which calms irritation, spots & redness.  Read how this product helped one customer with rosacea.

Trevarno Rose & Jojoba Cleanser -  this gentle, creamy facial wash is perfect for deep cleaning the skin without irritation.

Trevarno Day Cream – a light, nourishing face cream which helps to calm & reduce redness & rosacea.

For more products suitable for rosacea click here

Visit www.naturalworkscompany.co.uk for more product recommendations

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

The term ‘throw away fashion’ has been banded about for several years now, but what does it actually mean? And what is its impact on the environment?

In the past, it seemed to apply specifically to high-fashion, low-cost women’s clothing that could be thrown away after just one season; now the term is being applied to children’s clothes too. More and more parents seem to be buying items with the intention of only using them for a few months, without considering the environmental impact of this behaviour.

But it might not just be caused by changing fashions either, but by changing lifestyles too. Many parents have abandoned mending clothes that have been damaged simply because they lack the time and energy. It’s far easier to dispose of children’s clothes and buy new ones than it is to repair them.

Both of these factors mean that landfill sites around the country are receiving clothes that could be reused if there was time.

Not only that, but many of these clothes are made from synthetics, which do not decompose as fast as their natural counterparts, like cotton. Unfortunately, the levels of waste are increasing because it is far easier to throw clothing away than it is to make repairs.

The impact of throw away fashion is compounded when the production process is considered too. The manufacture of many clothing products, cotton included, involves harsh chemicals that can not only harm the environment, but the health of those producing the clothes too.

Cool children’s clothes retailer Boys&Girls have decided to take a different path. Their range of cotton clothing is hard wearing and organic, meaning that there are no harmful chemicals involved in the production process and that they also last longer – so the clothing won’t be disposed of so quickly.

However, creating organic clothes doesn’t mean giving up on style and fashion. Kids love wearing the trendy slogan t-shirts, colourful hoodies and jogging bottoms, which are great when hitting parks and playgrounds.

If you would like to be more environmentally friendly and still get fashionable yet ethical clothing for your kids, visit Boys&Girls online today.

Boys&Girls is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Following an invitation to attend the launch of this year’s START and Bridgestone Eco-Rally at Clarence House, hosted by HRH The Prince of Wales, Spencer Ivy Director, Va Hua obliged, taking with him ‘Ivy’, the unisex step-through version of Spencer Ivy Electric Bicycles.

Hua arrived at the event on Ivy, in his lounge suit (as per invitation guidelines), sweat-free, to show His Royal Highness that Spencer Ivy electric bicycles truly are the perfect way to commute.

The Prince made his way around the gardens, inspecting the eco-vehicles and sustainable garden displays.  He paid particular attention to Ivy.  He admired her low step-through frame, tan leather Brooks saddle and matching handlebar grips and wanted to find out what this electric vehicle was capable of.  After quick instructions from Hua, the gravel path was cleared of VIP guests and off he shot, even going off-piste onto his royal lawn.

A fantastic and enjoyable moment for the Prince and all spectators, most of all Ivy, having a Royal bottom perched on her!

For pictures of the event, visit the Spencer Ivy Blog.

Spencer Ivy Electric Bicycles is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

We are a smallholding growing to organic standards on the River Sever in Sao Mamede Natural Park. We offer a variety of accommodation – a two person cottage, a mill sleeping up to six and several camping options. We are happy to make seasonal produce from the gardens available to guests, or we can supply organic vegetables and home produced meat boxes on request. If you’d rather not cook, you are welcome to join in our meals. The site is off grid. We produce our own power via solar panels and a hydro system. Cooking fuel is our own wood, using a range in winter and barbecues and a bread oven in summer. Camp fires are okay between November and April. We are remote and have no internet or mobile phone signal. http://www.organicholidays.co.uk/at/2993.htm

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

Canopy & Stars is a collection of quirky, glamping places… From beautiful yurts, to geodomes, to treehouses. We even have a luxury boat in Regent’s Park!

We’re passionate about the simple things in life… about taking time to slow down. We also believe in things being done with a bit of flair and creativity and in working with craftsmen to produce stunning spaces that are in harmony with the natural environment. Holidays with a dash of eco-panache!

Have a look at our quirky camping collection here!

Canopy and Stars is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

As the creative industries struggle to re-define their boundaries, Life Size Media, a specialist communications agency, has done it differently from the beginning.

Recently, there has been much talk of a changing tide across the communications industries. With digital agencies, design gurus and media planners moving in on public relations’ territory, agencies are being forced into non-traditional spaces. And as client’s budgets tighten, the demand for specialist industry knowledge grows; calling into question the generalist foundation on which today’s PR ‘gurus’ built their careers.

Life Size Media, who last week celebrated their first birthday, takes a different approach.

The company’s unique structure of ‘campaigns’ (PR and social media) and ‘projects’ (film production, websites, design and branding) challenges traditional models, offering clients the complete spectrum of communications within one agency.

Alisa Murphy, founding director of Life Size Media, explained: “Companies are struggling to find the resources and time to juggle working with lots of different agencies. At Life Size Media we aim to operate like an internal department, offering our clients a multi-pronged, consistent and creative approach.”

And it’s not just their structure that makes Life Size Media different. By choosing to work with companies within the low-carbon, clean tech and sustainability sectors, the team are fast becoming experts in the sectors they are passionate about.

“Solving energy and climate change is the issue of our generation; for the communications industry that presents both a challenge and an opportunity,” commented Emma Murphy, founding director of Life Size Media.

She continued: “All too often, the stories of the scientists, engineers and innovators developing means of seeking answers to that challenge aren’t heard. Our clients know that we are just as passionate as they are about changing that.”

With public opinion shifting in favour of low-carbon, and the communication industry reinventing itself, the time has come for specialised, adaptable agencies to come into their own.

Life Size Media is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Knowing what your impact is, is the first step to doing something about it. A carbon footprint is the volume of carbon emissions or other greenhouse gases (like methane if you’re a cow!) associated with a certain activity. Here at Life Size Media we look at all the emissions associated with your business, from the electricity you use to how much stationery you’re buying.

Knowing your environmental impact means you can start taking steps to reduce it. Our carbon audit reports are designed to help you understand, communicate and reduce your impact. You will get:

• A breakdown of your carbon emissions by activities;
• Benchmarking against similar organisations;
• Tangible comparisons;
• Key reduction recommendations and targets for the future.

A standard company audit costs £1500*, sometimes a bit more if you’ve got factories dotted all over the place.
*We offer a 30% discount to charities and social enterprises, because your footprint matters too!

The process is very simple, just a few hours from you to gather the information and a few days from us to pull it all together and do the calculations.

We also offer the option to offset your impact through supporting a sustainable development or wildlife conservation project. Let us know if you’re interested in going carbon neutral and we’ll tell you all about the inspiring projects you can choose from.

To find out more click here.

Life Size Media is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more