Wood and plants such as bamboo, have a large number of vessels that carry water and nutrients up from the earth when they are alive. The types of charcoal that are suitable for water filtration are made using a slow and careful process, so that these fine vessels remain intact, leaving a highly porous and permeable structure. (You could say charcoal is the carbonised skeleton of wood and plants). The size of the pores varies – anything from 50 nm to less than 1nm. (1nm = 1 billionth metre). So when water roams through those myriad porous cavities, chemical constituents such as chlorine are trapped in the cavities, removing the familiar tap water taste and odour.

If we were able to unfold all the pores and spread them on a flat surface, amazingly 1g of high quality charcoal could cover between one and three tennis courts – depending on the type of wood and processing temperature. Generally bamboo charcoal made at 800-1000 degrees is considered to be the most porous – and it is this kind of charcoal that has a surface area equivalent to up to three tennis courts per gram.

In Japan, people who use charcoal for water filtering at home tend to use either ‘binchotan’ or bamboo charcoal. Binchotan is an oak wood charcoal, which is very tough and heavy. For many centuries it has been an indispensable feature of high-end restaurant grills, as it generates an excellent quality, long-lasting flame that adds a wonderful flavour to meat and fish. It happens to make a rather good water filter too. ‘Kishu binchotan’ made in the Kishu region of south west Japan, is considered the best of its kind.

Bamboo charcoal tends to be made mostly for non-fuel uses. Due to its fantastic ability to absorb pollutants both in air and water, it is widely used as a natural water filter and air purifier. Bamboo grows in most parts of Japan and so bamboo charcoal is made throughout the country.

Whether it’s binchotan or bamboo charcoal, well-made charcoal is the result of real craftsmanship. It is almost always made in traditional clay kilns. Charcoal making is all about heating wood or plants without oxygen (or almost) and experienced charcoal makers have their own kiln design and temperature control techniques. They raise the kiln temperature slowly over several days to ensure thorough and even carbonisation. The process culminates with the ‘nerashi’, in which air is blown into the kiln in order to raise the temperature to 1000 degree or more. In the case of binchotan, after the ‘nerashi’, the charcoal is pulled out of the kiln while it’s still red-hot and extinguished by being covered with ashes. By contrast, bamboo charcoal is usually extinguished inside the kiln by sealing the air passages and it is left for a few days to cool down. In either case, it takes 10-14 days, in a labour of love. Charcoal made in this way is very ‘pure’ with a very high carbon content of, typically, 95% – the remainder is mainly minerals.

Other characteristics of slowly made high temperature charcoal pieces are that they tend to have a silvery sheen and are much harder and heavier than ordinary barbeque charcoal – which can be a bit ‘woody’. They are also beautiful objects. It seems only right that two weeks of hard work create not only a highly versatile charcoal, but also one that is aesthetically attractive and appeals to the human senses.

The Charcoal People is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

With United Utiliies announcing it’s first hosepipe ban for the North-West of England in 14 years why not beat the ban and reduce reliance on mains water?

Rainwater is collected from the roof via the downpipes, filtered, stored and then used for non-potable purposes including toilets, washing machines, garden hoses, for cleaning cars and other applications. It is not suitable for baths, showers or washing dishes.

Nu-Heat supplies below-ground tanks, which have the advantage of being unaffected by temperature extremes such as summer heat or freezing conditions. The tanks have a flat, two cylinder design that requires less excavation than other products and offers greater flexibility. They are made of durable plastic.

Sizing depends on a number of considerations such as the average amount of rainfall, the number of occupants and the size of the roof. Tanks are available in two sizes, 3500L and 5000L. If required, two tanks can be fitted together very simply to increase storage capacity to 7000L or 10,000L.

Nu-Heat’s three packages give a flexible solution for individual properties:

- Package 1 with an integrated filter suitable for roof sizes up to 150m2
- Package 2 with an external filter suitable for roof sizes up to 350m2
- Garden package with an inbuilt filter basket and its own jet pump
The range enables Nu-Heat to specify the best solution for any property.

Rainwater harvesting plays its part in helping to achieve required levels of the Code for Sustainable Homes. When level 5 comes into force, rainwater harvesting will be a prerequisite.  

For more information contact Nu-Heat on 0800 731 1976 or visit www.water-harvest.co.uk

Nu-Heat is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

JESSICA BIEL, ALEXANDRA COUSTEAU, PETE WENTZ, ANGELIQUE KIDJO AND JENNY FLETCHER JOIN Live Earth, GLOBAL WATER CHALLENGE AND DOW TO LAUNCH THE DOW LIVE EARTH RUN FOR WATER – THE LARGEST GLOBAL WATER INITIATIVE IN HISTORY TO HELP SOLVE THE WORLD WATER CRISIS

Cities Hosting the Event Include Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Chicago, Hong Kong, Jimbaran, London, Los Angeles, Manchester, Melbourne, Mexico City, Milan, Minneapolis, New York, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Singapore City, Stockholm, Toronto and Washington, D.C.

October 13, 2009 – Live Earth announced plans to implement the largest worldwide water initiative on record to help combat the global water crisis.  The Dow Live Earth Run for Water – to take place April 18, 2010 – will consist of a series of 6 km run/walks (the average distance many women and children walk every day to secure water) taking place over the course of 24 hours in countries around the world, featuring concerts and water education activities aimed at igniting a tipping point to help solve the water crisis.  Jessica Biel, Alexandra Cousteau, Pete Wentz, Angelique Kidjo and Jenny Fletcher will lend their names and their time in support of this important cause.

“The Dow Live Earth Run for Water will bring people together around the world, raising awareness about the sources and consequences of the water crisis, locally and globally,” said Alexandra Cousteau, global water advocate and founder of Blue Legacy International.  “It captures perfectly the interconnectedness of life on our water planet and drives home the message that the water crisis is a global issue that isn’t going to be fixed by scientists or policymakers alone.  It’s up to each of us.”

Water scarcity is an issue affecting countries, communities and families all over the world.  One in eight people don’t have access to safe, clean drinking water. Eighty-eight percent of diarrheal cases worldwide are linked to inadequate and unsafe water. These cases result in 1.5 million deaths each year, mostly among children under five. In these areas, women and children are forced to walk 6 km (3.7 miles) each day to secure water that is likely unsuitable for drinking.

Everybody counts in helping to solve the water crisis. The Dow Live Earth Run for Water is a global movement focused on the actions individuals can take to effectively address the issue.  People are encouraged to START solving the problem today, RUN in a Dow Live Earth Run for Water run/walk in their community or organize their own run/walk through the Friends of Live Earth program, SAVE water in their home and local community through conservation efforts, GIVE money to support clean, safe water projects and SPEAK UP by signing the Live Earth petition to add water as a basic human right to the U.N. Declaration of Human Rights.

“Water scarcity is an issue that affects all of us and we all have a responsibility to do our part to help solve this global crisis,” said actor and Dow Live Earth Run for Water supporter Jessica Biel.  “The beauty of the Dow Live Earth Run for Water is that it gives us a platform to encourage others to be part of the solution to help everyone have access to clean, safe drinking water.”

Dow Live Earth Run for Water cities unveiled today, include Buenos Aires, Argentina; Cape Town, South Africa; Chicago, IL, USA; Hong Kong, China; Jimbaran, Bali, Indonesia; London, UK; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Manchester, UK; Melbourne, Australia; Mexico City, Mexico; Milan, Italy; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York, NY, USA; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; São Paulo, Brazil; Singapore City, Singapore; Stockholm, Sweden; Toronto, Canada; Washington, D.C., USA.  For a full list of Dow Live Earth Run for Water cities, visit http://liveearth.org/run.

The Dow Live Earth Run for Water run/walk registration opens today via The Active Network at http://liveearth.org/run.  All participants will receive a free online ActiveTrainer plan to help them prepare for the event. Ten percent of all registration fees go directly to the NGO selected for their country.

“Dow is proud to be the title sponsor for this groundbreaking event,” said Ian Barbour, general manager at Dow Water & Process Solutions, a business unit of Dow.  “As part of our 2015 Sustainability Goals, we are committed to leveraging science and technology to help solve some of the world’s greatest challenges – like the water crisis.  Our partnership with Live Earth is just one of the many ongoing efforts Dow is making to address water scarcity and help millions of people around the world gain access to safe, clean drinking water.” 

Through a cross-platform global fundraising effort, all donations raised by the Dow Live Earth Run for Water will be disseminated to fund sustainable and scalable water programs.  A growing global network of NGO partners including Global Water Challenge, A Child’s Right, Akvo, Fondo Para La Paz, Indonesia Water Partnership, Lien Ad, Pump Aid, Wildlands Conservation Trust and many others who will successfully implement water and conservation projects around the world.  For the comprehensive list of Live Earth’s NGO partners around the world, please visit http://liveearth.org/runforwater/partners.

“The world water crisis is the single greatest avoidable health challenge of our time,” said Paul Faeth, president of Global Water Challenge, the lead beneficiary and non-profit partner for the Dow Live Earth Run for Water in the United States.  “There is a solution.  With appropriate funding and scaling simple technology, we believe we have the ability to ensure universal access to clean and safe drinking water.  The Dow Live Earth Run for Water will serve as a catalyst to rally the world community around the critical issue of water scarcity and empower citizens to be part of the solution.”

The water crisis is not only limited to developing nations.  In cities such as Los Angeles and Singapore City, growing demand on limited water supplies has led to enforced water rationing and increased costs to the public.  Adding to these existing issues, the affects of climate change are increasingly impacting both supply and quality of available fresh water throughout the world – shifting traditional rainfall patterns, altering water-shaping ecosystems and magnifying the effects of pollution.

“Building on the massive success of the Live Earth: Concerts for a Climate in Crisis in 2007, the Dow Live Earth Run for Water will mobilize the global community to once again come together on one day and take action on one of the most serious environmental issues today, the global water crisis,” said Kevin Wall, founder and CEO of Live Earth.  “Water scarcity affects everyone whether they are aware of it or not, and the goal of the Dow Live Earth Run for Water is to raise the profile of this issue, educate the world’s citizens about its challenges and offer opportunities to be part of the solution.”

Those interested in organizing their own run/walks in their communities to support the Dow Live Earth Run for Water can register their run/walk as a “Friends of Live Earth” event at http://liveearth.org/friends.  Friends of Live Earth registered events receive approved materials, including event guidelines, logos, video and photos assets, as well as an invitation to join the Friends of Live Earth social network for regular updates.  To date, nearly 20 Friends of Live Earth events are confirmed to take place in cities around the world, including: Accra, Ghana; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Asunción, Paraguay; Bogotá, Colombia; Cotonou, Benin; Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Hamilton, Bermuda; Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; Santiago, Chile; Eldoret, Kenya; Kampala, Uganda; Lima, Peru; Lusaka, Zambia; Panama City, Panama; Praia, Cape Verde; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and Port Louis, Mauritius.

The Dow Live Earth Run for Water has enlisted the expertise of the best in the business to assist with the event – Control Room, executive producers of all Live Earth events, is responsible for global entertainment and broadcast production; Ignite, overseeing concert production; Pacific Sports, handling run production around the world; Ignition, handling water village event production; and the Active Network, providing online registration technology to support the races around the world.  Additional strategic partners are listed at http://liveearth.org/runforwater/partners

For more information about the Dow Live Earth Run for Water, visit http://liveearth.org/.

Despite the fact the UK is famed for its wet climate, the truth is that many parts of Britain experience regular water shortages. In fact, amazing as it sounds, South East England has less water available per person than Sudan or Syria – countries famed for their dry and arid climate.

None of us want to stop using water; therefore, the key to water efficiency is to reduce waste, not restrict its use. At the moment, each person in the UK wastes approximately a third of the water they use; it either runs down the drain or is flushed down the toilet without ever being used.

So how can a simple leaf filter like Gutter Mate help you reduce water waste and save energy?

With a built in filter basket and diverter, the Gutter Mate can eliminate the need to use tap water outside the house.

So, rather than using the kitchen tap to clean your windows, wash your cars, water the garden or even flush the toilet, why not use some of the 85,000 litres of rain water that falls on your roof every year?

And using harvested rainwater equates to zero energy consumption in relation to using tap water, meaning that by using Gutter Mate, not only do you save money on your water bills, but you also lower your family’s carbon footprint.

Are you a property developer? The Gutter Mate Filter is approved by the ‘Water Technology List’, which allows it to be used in the ‘Code for Sustainable Homes’. If a developer is building to this code, the filter can be part of the tax break the developer can claim.

How does it Work?

The Gutter Mate rain water diverter is one of the few patented rainwater savers on the market that can filter all of the rainwater travelling down the drainpipe (downpipe) before it is saved to the water butt or discharged thus providing Soakaway protection.

The diverter is unique because it can be turned on and off by simply turning the filter basket. In addition, it has an automatic shut off; when the water butt is full, the rainwater will overflow into the Soakaway or drain. If the user wants to store all the rainwater coming off the roof, the diverter can be shut off and the main outlet of the filter can be piped directly to the water storage tanks, resulting in filtered rainwater that is ready to be used whenever you need.

www.guttermate.co.uk

We are pleased to announce that our garden is now officially certified
as organic by the Soil Association.
It’s taken a long time and quite some effort, so we’re thrilled and
hope that it makes you even more confident about us and the way we do
things.
Our garden provides many of the herbs we use in our physicks; others
are grown and/or produced by associates who are also certified by the
SA or similar.  If we cannot find a necessary ingredient that is
certified, we guarantee that we will search out the highest standard
possible.

World Water Week (http://www.worldwaterweek.org), 16-22 August, 2009, is an annual forum which provides an
opportunity for the exchange of views and greater scientific
understanding of the issues within global water and water-related
challenges. The forum highlights the present and future challenges, policies, initiatives, research, best practices and developments that have the potential to shape the future of water. It also focuses on practical thinking and new approaches to dealing with water-related challenges and their impact on the world’s environment, health, and economic development.

This year the forum is being held at Stockholm International Fairs, Sweden and explores the following water issues:

• Challenges with global water, and its interconnectedness with society, the environment and the economic development;
• Building and fostering alliances and partnerships;

• Best practices, ground-breaking research, and innovative policies and
• Global, national and regional commitments, decisions and the implementation of actions.

World Water Week is an opportunity to stimulate information flow for
greater scientific understanding, decision-making and strategy
development.

As part of Article 13’s values and principles, we
regularly demonstrate advocacy and support for the protection of water
resources and equal access to safe and hygienic water supply. As part
of Article 13’s UN Global Compact (UNGC) commitment
this year we are specifically incorporating water into our efforts to
apply the precautionary approach to environmental challenges (Principle 8).

At
Article 13 we are continually looking for practical ways to use
sustainability initiatives, emerging technologies and innovation to
improve and tackle water consumption as a major business and social
issue, both internally and amongst our wider networks.

Article 13 resources:

Tackling water consumption as a core business issue http://www.article13.com/A13_ContentList.asp?strAction=GetPublication&PNID=1239

World Water Day report

http://www.article13.com/UNGC/World%20Water%20Day%20report_23.03.09.pdf

The elements water

http://www.article13.com/A13_VintageSelection.asp#lst_The_elements_-_water

Article 13 case examples:

• BAA – Water management at Terminal 5:  http://www.article13.com/A13_ContentList.asp?strAction=GetPublication&PNID=1364
• AWG – RiverCare community water conservation programme: http://www.article13.com/A13_ContentList.asp?strAction=GetPublication&PNID=1314
• United Utilities – Multi-partner sustainable water catchment management programme:

http://www.article13.com/A13_ContentList.asp?strAction=GetPublication&PNID=1360

For information on how Article 13 can assist you in auditing your company’s water management practices,

Developing
water action plans, and reducing your business’s water use and related
impacts on the environment, contact Fiona Banyard on 0208 840 4450 or
mail fionab@article13.com

As part of Article 13’s commitment to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) we “encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies” (Principle 9). This includes sustainable water technology.  See our UNGC events pages (URL:  http://www.article13.com/csr/ungc_our_csr_events.asp).

Integrating sustainable water technologies into an organisation is
not only an ecologically sound and socially beneficial investment, but
there is also a solid business case attached. Utilising green water
technology:

• Helps to reduce organisational operating and waste cleanup costs; 
• Reduces overall water consumption costs;
• Can prove to be a source of competitive advantage; and
• Will
  make companies eligible for support under the Green Technology
  Challenge, i.e. companies can receive 100% first year capital
  allowances on investments that encourage sustainable water use http://www.eca-water.gov.uk/.

Here
at Article 13, we have leading edge experience in water resources
management, including waste water treatment, water demand management,
trade in water services, water technology, and water management
programmes.

New innovations in water technology have the
potential to pave a sustainable way for the future by making important
contributions to our lives, and the environment we live in.

Some particularly useful Article 13 resources are:

• Tackling water consumption as a core business issue http://www.article13.com/A13_ContentList.asp?strAction=GetPublication&PNID=1239
• World Water Day report

http://www.article13.com/UNGC/World%20Water%20Day%20report_23.03.09.pdf

• The elements water

http://www.article13.com/A13_VintageSelection.asp#lst_The_elements_-_water

Article 13 case examples:

• BAA – Water management at Terminal 5: http://www.article13.com/A13_ContentList.asp?strAction=GetPublication&PNID=1364
• AWG – RiverCare community water conservation programme: http://www.article13.com/A13_ContentList.asp?strAction=GetPublication&PNID=1314
• United Utilities – Multi-partner sustainable water catchment management programme:

http://www.article13.com/A13_ContentList.asp?strAction=GetPublication&PNID=1360

For
information on how Article 13 can assist you in auditing your company’s
water management practices, developing water action plans, and reducing
your business’s water use and related impacts on the environment,
contact Fiona Banyard on 0208 840 4450 or mail fionab@article13.com

 Check out our sustainable fashion film on: www.morethanprettyknickers.com

Unique set
of eco-friendly water bottles launched by Onya Bag
creators

Sleek, curvaceous and immensely practical, the newest addition to the eco-friendly Onya range is the H2Onya, a stainless steel, reusable bottle which is designed to be a constant companion – saving money and the planet at the same time.  

Available in five different sizes, from a compact 350ml through to a robust 1.2 Litre model, this reusable bottle is durable enough to last a lifetime.

Fashioned from a single piece of stainless steel, the bottle is easy to clean and free from nasty chemicals such as Bispehnol A (BPA) which, over time can leach from plastics and aluminium and contaminate the contents of the bottle.

Ergonomically designed, which means it’s easy to hold (for both big and
small hands), the H2Onya comes with a choice to two different lids; a
sipper cap or a traditional twist cap which includes a handy carabineer
clip.   

With more than 500,000 Onya reusable bags sold to date
in the UK, founder of the eco-aware brand, Dan Brousson decided to
launch the H2Onya in a bid to help tackle the growing issue of waste
from discarded plastic bottles.  

“Bottled water has become
ingrained in our culture despite its enormous cost to the environment. 
Throwaway plastic bottles account for around 10 billion tonnes of
landfill every year.  The idea behind the H2Onya is simple; carry your
own water bottle to reduce your own plastic-footprint.  It’s a simple
action which will make a genuine difference to the environment if
enough people do it.”   

Substituting a refillable bottle with a
bottled water purchase will save more than just the environment too as
Brousson rightly points out.  

“Often buying a small bottle of
water is more expensive than petrol when you consider the cost per
litre.  Carrying your own bottle of water makes financial sense if
nothing else.  A good quality reusable bottle – such as one made from
stainless steel like the H2Onya- will pay for itself over and over
again.”

With a lifespan of around 100 years, the H2Onya is
a bottle-for-life.  But even then, as stainless steel is the most
recycled commodity in the world, it still shouldn’t contribute to
landfill.  

Available from selected stockists, the Onya Bags website (www.onyabags.co.uk) and the UK’s largest independent online bottle shop ReusuableBottle.co.uk (www.reusablebottle.co.uk).

REUSABLE PACKAGING
The H2Onya is not just an eco-minded individual’s best friend….it’s also a WOMBLE’S delight!

Wasteful
packaging is a no-go area for the Onya team, therefore, the H2Onya is
packaged in a clever and practical tube which can either be recycled
or, if you have Womble-like tendencies, used in a variety of ways -
from storage container to art         project, moneybox, vase, musical
instrument, dog toy…the only limit is your creativity.  

The H2Onya Range
350ml in brushed stainless steel (RRP: ￡ 8.49)
500ml in a choice of brushed stainless steel, Lemon Green and Lilac (RRP ￡ 8.99)
750ml in a choice of brushed stainless steel, Cream and Raspberry (RRP ￡9.49)
1000ml in a choice of brushed s/steel or Midnight Blue (RRP: ￡9.99)
1200ml in a choice of brushed s/steel or Iron Grey (RRP: ￡10.99)
(Choose from two different lid options – sipper lid or twist top)

Life² presents a public talk by Julian Baggini

It’s the big question – what is life about?  What does it all mean? 
Well-known philosophy writer, journalist and broadcaster Julian Baggini
takes us on a journey through the meaning of life, exploring the views
that various thinkers have had on this topic over the ages and bringing
together some of the most persuasive answers.  He’ll also explore what
impact these conclusions might have on how we see and live our own
lives.

7.30pm, Thursday 24th September 2009
Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4RL

£8 in advance, £10 on door

To book tickets, visit the shop at www.lifesquared.org.uk

Life² is an organisation helping people to ‘live well’ in the modern world.  Visit us at www.lifesquared.org.uk to find out more!