As north west England prepares for digital switchover this Wednesday (November 4th), Ethical Consumer magazine is calling on Digital UK to reduce the environmental impact of the digital switchover by encouraging the public not to throw out their existing televisions, something which would save people money as well.

An investigation by Ethical Consumer magazine has revealed that in Cumbria and south west England where the digital switchover happened this summer, thousands of televisions that were capable of receiving digital TV by adding a set-top box have been needlessly thrown away.

Between April and September this year nearly 50,000 televisions were sent to Cumbria-Recycling Ltd that handles unwanted televisions for Cumbria County Council. This represents an increase of nearly 70% compared to same period last year. Of these 30,000 were able to receive digital TV by adding a set-top box.

A similar picture has emerged in the south west where from April to September this year Devon County Council handled over 80,000 unwanted televisions, an increase of almost 100% on the same period last year.

Whilst EU law now prevents old televisions from being dumped in landfills, throwing away televisions that are able to receive digital TV still has a negative environmental impact. This is because the making of new digital televisions uses finite resources and energy. This is something that directly contributes to the growing global problem of climate change.

Simon Birch who carried out the research on behalf of Ethical Consumer Magazine said:

“Digital UK is currently failing to tell the public of the environmental cost of throwing away their televisions. The message is simple: if your existing television can be adapted to getting digital TV then don’t chuck it out but instead buy an Energy Saving Trust recommended low-energy set-top box. You’ll be doing the planet a favour as well as saving yourself a whole load of money.”

Howard from Incognito wrote to Ethical Junction last week to alert us to their Dragons Den episode which will be broadcast this Wednesday. Here is what he said…

“I am writing to let you know the date Patricia and I are being broadcast. Please understand that we were cross-examined by the Dragons for over an hour and a half. We both felt that we left the Den with our honesty, dignity and integrity intact. However, under the
professional editing ability of the editors virtually anything is
possible -they even edit mid-sentence! We don’t know how it’s going to
come across, but we do know that in all probability it will be a far
cry from reality, for the most part that is the nature of television.
We are entertainment
fodder and in return we get our message across to millions.

Speaking of which, with all the publicity (in the press as well as
on TV) coupled with this time of the year when there are many insects
around, we will inevitably sell out of most of our products. We are
also moving manufacturing of the spray to the UK where the moisturiser
is already made. We have had too many problems with our existing set
up. So, if you rely on any of our products or are going to need them in
the next couple of months, then do purchase them now before the program
is aired on the this Wednesday at 9 pm on BBC 2 or you can catch it
afterwards on BBC iPlayer. Enjoy!

We have made sizable donations throughout the year to all sorts of
non-profit organisations and for each mosquito net that we sell we
donate one to Africa”

Tanya Eldridge can usually be found guiding groups through the Italian countryside, but this winter she’s teaming up with Deepdale Backpackers and Camping in Burnham Deepdale on the north Norfolk coast to offer guided walks around this stunning part of the world.

To begin with, Tanya will run three 2 hour guided walks, in the afternoon of 8th January, 29th January and 12th February. These will introduce walkers to the local area, the history, wildlife and Deepdale Farm. As an introductory offer, walkers only need to pay £3 per person.

“I was attracted to Deepdale because of the eco friendly nature of the facilities and the awards they’ve won. Their ethos is one I connect with and the customers will love the guided walks I’m offering and the facilities Deepdale has to offer,” said Tanya. “The countryside on the north Norfolk coast is distinctly different to the Abruzzo area of Italy I usually guide around, Abruzzo is mountainous!”

Jason Borthwick, partner of the business, said, “It’s great to have such a passionate person on our team this winter. Although the wilds of the north Norfolk coast are somewhat different to the Italian countryside Tanya is used to, our wildlife and the beauty of this area competes with anywhere in the world.”

Walkers interested in joining Tanya on 8th January, 26th January or 12th February should book their place in advance by phoning Deepdale Information on Tel: 01485 210256.

Alternatively if walkers would like to stay at Deepdale before or after their walk they are best to book online at www.deepdalebackpackers.co.uk

The choice of accommodation Deepdale has to offer includes private ensuite rooms, tipis, camping and dorm beds. Facilities include a fully equipped kitchen for the hostel, visitor information centre and Dalegate Market, which is home to Deepdale Café and many other shops.