At the end of last month Barrack Obama gave his third sate of union address, with green issues playing more of a prominent role in his speech than has often been the case under past administrations. But, what are the environmental implications of what the president had to say?

Whilst Obama did seem keen to stress his future commitment to the development of renewable energy sources, he also appeared to have one eye on appeasing his opposition, many of whom have rooted interests in fossil fuel. He stressed his support for the industries around conventional power, saying: “I’m directing my administration to open more than 75% of our potential offshore oil and gas resources.”

This was met with much dismay in ecological circles, indeed Green Peace said such action would present “a potential environmental nightmare”. So, what was the reasoning behind such a statement coming from a President who, when he came to power, promised to step up the fight against climate change?

As you might expect, a large part of the address dealt with domestic economic issues, and at times, perhaps worryingly, the President seemed to make the case for promoting domestic fossil fuels as an answer to some of the country’s financial woes, highlighting that a greater use of fuels sourced from within America’s own borders would reduce the trade deficit and provide a large source of job creation, thus boosting tax revenues.

He paid particular attention to the case for the expansion of the US’s natural gas industry saying; “We have a supply of natural gas that can last America nearly one hundred years, and my Administration will take every possible action to safely develop this energy. Experts believe this will support more than 600,000 jobs by the end of the decade.”

These points about the economic importance of fossil fuels may well have been concessions to critics who have been targeting Obama over the fact that Solyndra, the solar power company that benefitted heavily from a government loan programme, recently went bankrupt, whilst, at the same time the government rejected a permit for the potentially lucrative Keystone XL oil pipeline.

So should environmentalists be worried that Obama has been pressured into reducing his drive to incentivise renewable innovation in the face of Solyndra’s failure?/p>

The short answer appears to be ‘No’. Though he neglected to mention the company directly, the president seemed to reference Solyndra as, in a positive twist for the environmentally minded, he switched his focus to arousing support for a greater commitment to renewable energy, saying; “Some technologies don’t pan out; some companies fail, but I will not walk away from the promise of clean energy.”

In an interesting twist he went on to draw attention to the fact that the future economic ramifications of not attempting to develop new technologies could be just as great as if America were to become even more dependent on foreign oil, stating that: “I will not cede the wind or solar or battery industry to China or Germany because we refuse to make the same commitment here.”

Given the proud boast he’d made earlier about increasing the amount of fossil fuels produced in America to decrease the use of imported energy, this point seemed designed to play to the typical Republican fear of America’s dwindling power as an exporter, in what could be seen as a move to generate more cross party consensus for setting up green initiatives, using economic necessity as the basis.

In doing so he gave a strong indication that, whilst he used talk of expanding on the use of natural gases and domestic oil production to appease those on the right in congress who are most sceptical about the prospects for renewable energy, Obama’s real vision for the future lies in cleaner energy sources.

He said; “We have subsidized oil companies for a century. That’s long enough. It’s time to end the taxpayer giveaways to an industry that’s rarely been more profitable, and double-down on a clean energy industry that’s never been more promising. Pass clean energy tax credits and create these jobs.”

An environmental optimist could argue that, given the difficulties his administration has faced in getting reforms of various kinds through congress, it was inevitable that he’d have to pander to Republicans eager to hear about expansion in the energy industry, however, the way he went about doing so suggests Obama really is committed to a greener future. Though of course, this will do little to allay those who fear drastic action needs to be taken immediately.

Steve Waller is an environmental commentator. For more of his take on the world of green politics, visit his blog, Green Steve.

GreenSteve is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

The debate regarding the best fabric for upholstery goes on and there are many factors to consider. Here are a few useful facts that may help you decide between the two main options Wool or Polyester.

The facts behind Polyester

This man-made fabric has been around since 1950’s and is made from an derivative of oil, here are some key facts

*non-renewable

*made from oil

* non-degradable

* non-absorbent

* prone to diryting

* dulls and flattens over time

* less inherent stretch

* needs toxic FR treatments

* upholstery limitations

Wool on the other hand has been around for millions of years and has many hidden qualities that our ever growing customer base love, such as

* rapidly renewable

* Grown, not man-made

* Totally bio-degradable

* Low energy footprint & Low CO2 impact

* Inherently soil hiding

* Does not attract dust & dirt

* Stretches and recovers

* Breathable

* Insulating

* Inherantly fire retardant

* Low smoke toxicity

* Low flame spread

* Self Extinguishing

Did you also know that the average wool fleece produces up to 4kg of fibre which can in turn make up to 10metres of fabric – enough to cover a large sofa or 15 work chairs.

Did you know that there is now a British Campaign for wool backed by The Prince of Wales, M&S, Harvey Nichols and Paul Smith among others.  Last year Savile Row, London was turfed over and given over to a herd of sheep to launch the Campaign.

For us the decision is clear, polyester is made from oil, oil is a precious commodity and there is no need to waste what is left on seating when we have a perfectly good alternative that actually out performs polyester and will be around long after oil reserves run out.  So, do the right thing and choose wool.

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

PRUNING OLD FRUIT TREES

14-15 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. 80-200

See website for full details and booking information: www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

PRUNING OLD FRUIT TREES

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. 80-200

See website for full details and booking information: www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

INTRODUCTION TO PERMACULTURE

28-29 Jan 2012

This course introduces the basics of permaculture design and shows how this approach can be applied to individual circumstances to facilitate a move towards sustainability.

Both days run 9.30am-5pm at Stanmer Park.  £70-£175.  Tutors: Bryn Thomas and Hedvig Murray.

See website for full details and booking information: www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

BUILDING SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES

11 Feb-27 May 2012  over 13 weekend days

£420 – £840 depending on income (please note there are seven concessionary £420 places).

Building sustainable communities is a comprehensive, theoretical and practical course.  It includes visits to:

Ben Law’s working woodland and other natural woodlands, eco buildings and permaculture gardens, a forest garden and community projects in the Brighton & Hove area

Tutors include Alex Penn, Bryn Thomas, Daniel Holloway, Jan Mulreany and Jen Beaufoy.  Guest speakers include Ben Law and Pippa Johns.

See website for full details and booking information:  www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

GREEN ARCHITECTURE DAY

Saturday 17 March 2012

Talks by designers, practitioners and professionals.  Stalls and exhibitions. Run in partnership with Low Carbon Trust and in association with RESET. CPD CERTIFIED.

See website for full details and booking information: www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

ECO RENOVATE YOUR HOME

31 March 2012

A one-day course run in partnership with Low Carbon Trust and in association with RESET. This course looks at making the home more energy efficient and highlights areas where savings can be made and carbon footprints, reduced.  It is tailored to the individual participant’s needs and is suitable for beginners and those familiar with eco-building.  Course fee £72-£162.  Friends Centre, Brighton Junction, Isetta Square, 35 New England Street, Brighton BN1 4GQ  Tutors: Rebecca Sarll and Mischa Hewitt.  CPD CERTIFIED.

See website for full details and booking information: www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

PRACTICAL PERMACULTURE GARDENING

31 March – 1 April 2012

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.  Course fee  (depending on income) £70-£175. Tutor: Pippa Johns.

See website for full details and booking information: www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

INTRODUCTION TO PERMACULTURE

6-7 April

This course introduces the basics of permaculture design and shows how this approach can be applied to individual circumstances to facilitate a move towards sustainability.

Both days run 9.30am-5pm at Stanmer Park.  £70-£175.  Tutors: Bryn Thomas and Hedvig Murray.

See website for full details and booking information: www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

SELF-BUILDING AN EARTHSHIP

13-15 April  2012

9am – 5.30pm.

This course is for anyone interested in learning about the construction of an Earthship. It

includes practical workshops and aims to give a thorough understanding of the process

Course fee (depending on income) £145-£280.  Tutors: Rebecca Sarll, Jon Kalviac,

PaulinaWojciechowska, Mischa Hewitt.  CPD CERTIFIED.  See website for full details and

booking information: www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

BUILDING WITH STRAW BALES

27-29 April

An intensive practical and theoretical building course, covering all basic skills needed to build with straw bales.   9am – 5.30pm. Course fee (depending on income): £145-£280.  Tutor: Ian Brown.  CPD CERTIFIED. See website for full details and booking information: www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

MUSHROOM CULTIVATION

5-6 May 2012

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   Course fee (depending on income) £80-£185.  Tutor: Bill Knight.  See website for full details and booking information: www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

COMMUNITY ORCHARD TRAINING

19 May 2012

This course looks at the basics of how to nurture newly planted fruit trees – watering, feeding, disease prevention and pest control.  It 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. Course fee (depending on income) £55-£145.  Free places for Local Fruit Futures orchard leaders.

Tutors: Anne-Marie Bur, Bryn Thomas, Fran Pickering, Peter May, Robin van Creveld, Stephan Gehrels. See website for full details and booking information:

www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

COMMUNITY ORCHARD TRAINING

22 May 2012

This course looks at the basics of how to nurture newly planted fruit trees – watering, feeding, disease prevention and pest control.  It 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. Course fee (depending on income) £55-£145.  Free places for Local Fruit Futures orchard leaders.

Tutors: Anne-Marie Bur, Bryn Thomas, Fran Pickering, Peter May, Robin van Creveld, Stephan Gehrels. See website for full details and booking information: www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOVOLTAICS

2 June 2012

The course covers 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 – 5.00pm. Course fee (depending on income) £72-£162.  Tutors: Alex Saunders, Mischa Hewitt.  CPD CERTIFIED.

See website for full details and booking information: www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

FOREST GARDENING

30 June – 1 July 2012

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. Course fee  (depending on income) £70-£175. Tutors: Bryn Thomas, Pippa Johns and Stephan Gehrels. See website for full details and booking information: www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

FRUIT TREE GRAFTING

4 August 2012

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.  10am-5pm.  Venue: Stanmer Park, Brighton. Course fee (depending on income) £55-£145.  Tutors: Peter May, Stephan Gehrels. See website for full details and booking information: www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

INTRODUCTION TO PERMACULTURE

9-10 August

This course introduces the basics of permaculture design and shows how this approach can be applied to individual circumstances to facilitate a move towards sustainability.

Both days run 9.30am-5pm at Stanmer Park.  £70-£175.  Tutors: Bryn Thomas and Hedvig Murray.

See website for full details and booking information: www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

SCYTHING

11-12 Aug 2012

This course covers the practical and theoretical elements of scything, giving participants the practical skills and techniques necessary to mow lawns, larger areas and thorny undergrowth.  Day 1: 10am – 5pm
Day 2: 9.30am – 3.30pm (with an optional 7am start)

£80-£200

Tutor:  Simon Fairlie Venue: Stanmer Park, Brighton

See website for full details and booking information: www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

APPLE DAY AT STANMER PARK, BRIGHTON 2012

30 September 2012 11am-5pm

Apple day is an annual celebration in and around the orchards at Stanmer Park and is a free, family event (car parking £3).   The day features juice-making demonstrations, children’s activities, apple identification, guided tours, produce, food and drink, music, storytelling, an apple-themed play,*stalls and much more.

*If any organisation is interested in renting a stall to sell or promote event-appropriate products/services, e.g. local food producers, groups promoting sustainability, wildlife, traditional crafts, etc., please contact us via our website: www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

BUILDING WITH RAMMED EARTH AND CHALK

13-14 October

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. Course fee (depending on income) £90-£225.  Tutors:

Rowland Keable, Mischa Hewitt.  CPD CERTIFIED. See website for full details and booking information: www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

ECO OPEN HOUSES

25-28 October 2012
Visit eco-houses in Brighton & Hove and discover how the owners reduce energy and water bills. Eco Open Houses is of value to homeowners, builders, and anyone interested in making buildings more eco-friendly. See website for full details and booking information: www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

PLANNING AND PLANTING A SMALL ORCHARD

1 Dec & 3 Dec 2012

9.30am-5pm

Stanmer Park, Brighton BN1 9PZ

This course is designed to complement the Community Orchard Training course, running in May 2012 and covers the process of initial orchard planning, along with the selection and planting of fruit trees.  There will also be discussions and advice on community aspects of the subject matter.  The cost of the course includes lunch, tuition, refreshments, hand-outs and information sheets.  Course tutors: Anne-Marie Bur, Bryn Thomas, Peter May, Robin van Creveld, Stephan Gehrels. £55-£145

See website for full details and booking information: www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

2013

PRUNING OLD FRUIT TREES

12-13 & 15-16 Jan 2013

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. £80-£200. See website for full details and booking information: www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk

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

At Market Royale ‘www.marketroyale.co.uk’ we sell Environmentally Friendly Super-Soft Bamboo Towels, Bathrobes and Bathmats. We believe in making it easier for people to become more environmentally friendly, not by telling them, but by offering a competitive and better alternative where no compromise is required. We believe in sharing our learnings so everyone can benefit. Making people aware is the first step to making a change. We believe in supporting others who want to deliver a healthier planet and better working conditions, from the bank we use, to the people who make our products. Help Us Help You.

Market Royale is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Launch of the UK’s first ever Eco Tweet Up

Leading thinkers in both digital communications and the environment will be coming together on Tuesday 20th September to explore whether social media could provide the answer to climate change and other environmental issues.

Known as the Eco Tweet Up, the event brings together not for profit organisations, grassroots activists, social entrepreneurs and ethical brands. The aim of the event is to explore, discuss and debate how social media can be used to generate social change around environmental issues.

Eco Tweet Up founder, Esther Freeman said: “We’ve seen some incredible social actions organised through Twitter and other digital forums. The #riotcleanup hashtag on Twitter, which mobilised thousands after the UK riots was an amazing example of this. However many organisations are still failing to harness the interactive power of this incredible new technology. Hopefully the Eco Tweet Up will provide inspiration and maybe even create a few new digital partnerships to enable us to deal with one of the biggest threats that faces humankind.”

The first Eco Tweet Up takes place from 5.30pm to 8.30pm at Eurostar’s head office. Speakers will include:

• Do the Green Thing – a not-for-profit organisation that encourage others to lead a greener life through a worldwide online community and inspiring video content
• Futerra Sustainability Communications – the leading sustainable communications agency who have been helping to save the world for over 10 years. Futerra are the authors of the Sizzle report, which has helped rethink the way we communicate sustainability.
• Chris Smith, curator of Ecotube, the green equivalent of Youtube with a mission to change the world one video view at a time. Chris teaches social media to charities & NGO’s as part of this mission.

The Eco Tweet Up is free to attend. To register for tickets email info@mswandas.co.uk

Bringing Systems to Life: using eco-constellations to address intractable problems

Schumacher College, November (7-11) with Jenny MacKewn

Jenny MacKewn, facilitator of the Work that Reconnects, comes to Schumacher College in November to teach how you can use the powerful tool of eco-constellations in your work and life. Whether you have difficult issues around sustainability in your organisation or community initiative, or have a pressing environmental or social problem you would like to address, this is a great opportunity to experience the power of eco-constellations in transformative group environment and take away the skills you need to facilitate others.

£750 including accomodation and food.

For info and booking see http://www.schumachercollege.org.uk/courses/bringing-systems-to-life-using-ecological-constellations-to-address-intractable-problems

Course Fees

£750 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 find out how to book by fax or mail

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

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

Paul Testa Architecture is me, Paul Testa.  I have always been an active outdoor person.  This gives me a social & physical appreciation of our environment.

This strongly influences my other passion; for Architecture and the built environment.  I am especially interested in the way buildings are procured and made; the nuts and bolts of the process. I have always seen the technology of building to be something that can enhance buildings and the built environment functionally, aesthetically and environmentally.

I work closely with my clients to produce designs that closely meet their project requirements.  I take the values of good design, good value, long term flexibility and environmental sustainability to produce healthy, flexible and useful buildings and places in which people enjoy living and working.

I am regulated by the architects registration board (arb) and am an active member of the AECB in Yorkshire as part of my aim to promote sustainable building.  I am also an associate design tutor at the Sheffield School of Architecture and teach environment and technology to both undergraduate and March students.

If you are interested I write regular news updates and short articles on sustainable construction and sustainable issues on my website news page.  I am always keen to connect with likeminded building professionals, designers and potential clients.  If you want to chat or ask a question, please get in touch.

Paul Testa Architecture is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Green Building Store’s new Ecoplus³ range of windows & doors launched today (Thursday 30th June 2011) aims to meet the energy efficiency requirements of 2050 and beyond and comes with ultra efficient triple glazing as standard. Ecoplus³ also aims to systematically address the environmental impact of window manufacture, through use of FSC Pure timber, natural timber finishes, boron preservatives and UK manufacture.

Ecoplus³ is the third evolution of Green Building Store’s Ecoplus range since its launch in 1995, and is the most energy efficient Ecoplus range yet, with whole window U values as low as 0.86 W/m2K. Not surprisingly, Ecoplus³ triple glazed windows have also achieved an ‘A’ energy-rating in the BFRC energy rating scheme. Ecoplus has been at the cutting edge of sustainable window design for over 15 years. In 1995 it pioneered the use of safer boron timber treatments and, in 2005, was the first UK manufactured range of windows to be made using FSC Pure 100% timber.

According to Chris Herring, Green Building Store Director and designer of the Ecoplus³ range:
“Ecoplus³ is one of the most energy efficient oak or pine timber window & door ranges made in the UK and offers a unique environmental specification. Ecoplus³’s elegant outward-opening window design also works well in either traditional or contemporary settings, offering a beautiful and sustainable solution for retrofitting homes to low energy standards.”

Buildings can lose 10-25% of their heat through windows but this can be considerably improved through use of energy efficient glazing. Green Building Store believes that only triple glazed windows and doors will be the correct specification to complement the necessary super insulation measures which the existing housing stock needs to address the threat of climate change.

As well as offering high thermal performance, the Ecoplus³ range combines a number of  sustainable features. Ecoplus³ is handmade in Green Building Store’s Yorkshire workshops to high standards of quality and durability, using FSC Pure engineered pine or oak. Ecoplus³ is also treated with inorganic boron-based mineral salts, widely recognised as the safest and most environmentally benign treatment available.  It is then finished with OSMO natural plant based finishes, which are so safe they have been deemed safe enough to use on children’s toys (safety standard EN71).

As a special introductory offer, Green Building Store is offering 10% off all Ecoplus³ orders placed before 15/08/11. For more information on Ecoplus³ or for a FREE quote,  contact Green Building Store’s Ecoplus³ department on 01484 463336 or email: emma@greenbuildingstore.co.uk.

As a special introductory offer, Green Building Store is offering 10% off all Ecoplus³ orders placed before 15/08/11.

Green Building Store is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more