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Category: Weekly Greenhouse Updates

2020 Vision and Global Food: Waste Not, Want Not

This week, two rather interesting reports were published (one government-funded, one privately). 

The Institute of Mechanical Engineers published Global Food: Waste Not, Want Not and the 2020 Conservatives published their 2020 Vision: an agenda for transformation.

Thanks to Renewables UK and to the various online publications that directed us both reports. 

Both are about 30 pages long (excluding references) - so worth the hour or two. If you're not too keen on reading both in one afternoon, we recommend the third essay of the 2020 Vision report (from page 24), and What Needs to Change, in Global Food (from page 25).

For early reactions and summaries, we recommend the Guardian's Almost half of the world's food thrown away, report finds, and the Telegraph's Tory manifesto blueprint: lower benefits for Northerners and longer school days (though, we feel the article's title is a little unjust).

WEEKLY NEWS ROUND UP

A MONUMENTAL WEEK FOR SOLAR

On Wednesday, government plans to cut incentive payments for householders who install solar panels were ruled "legally flawed" by a high court judge. The ruling could spell a judicial review that will potentially force the government to delay its plans, thereby allowing thousands more people to claim the higher subsidy.

In addition, a report by MPs on two influential select committees this week claimed that the matter of the reduction in the Feed In Tariff was severely mishandled and may cause serious social and economic consequences for a growing industry which had the potential to create thousands of jobs.

By offering both consumers and companies just a few weeks' notice that they planned to decrease solar "feed-in tariffs" (FiTs) by half from 43.3p to 21p paid per kWh of energy generated, the government have formed uncertainty with financiers and damaged public assurance in energy policy, said the MPs.

'Legally flawed' feed-in tariff cuts could allow thousands to claim solar subsidy – The Guardian
Solar subsidy cuts legally flawed, high court rules – The Guardian
Ministers feel the heat over solar energy cuts – The Independent
Breaking: High Court Judge rules solar consultation "legally flawed" – Business Green
MPs slam government’s “panicked” handling of solar incentive cuts – Business Green

GOVERNMENT MOVES INTO TIDAL

A hi-tech underwater "plug socket" that tests ways of producing energy from waves has been taken over by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). It was announced on Tuesday that the running of the £42 million Wave Hub, on the seabed off the Cornish coast, will be taken over by a Government-run company at the start of 2012.

‎Government to run wave power site – The Independent
Wave Hub boost as Government takes over - Thisisgloucestershire
‎Government takes ownership of Cornwall's Wave Hub - The Construction Index

DOES ANYONE HAVE FAITH IN THE GREEN DEAL?

The scheme to make 14m UK homes more energy efficient will only reach 2-3m households, say the government's own climate advisers. The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) published an open letter criticising government policy on Tuesday following soaring energy bills and the news that one in four homes are now in fuel poverty.

'Green deal' will fail, government's climate advisers warn – Business Green
'Green deal' will fail, government's climate advisers warn – The Guardian

THE QUEEN GOES GREEN

On Tuesday, the Queen finally went green as the final turbine was installed on a new hydroelectric scheme to power Windsor Castle as well as more than 300 homes. The massive £1.7 million hydroelectric project is expected to start generating electricity from the New Year.

Queen finally goes green as Windsor Castle turns to hydroelectric – The Telegraph

The Queen's hydro energy scheme slots into place – Business Green

GREEN INVESTMENT DRIVES CHANGE

Tips on How to Green Your Investment Portfolio – Inhabitat

GREEN HOPE AND ENGAGEMENT

Paradigm Shift: how one young activist uses documentary film to inspire change – The Ecologist
The National Trust awards recognising pioneering eco-campaigner Octavia Hill – The Ecologist
The secret to green customer engagement – Could your customers help you cut emissions? – Business Green

INTERESTING NEWS FROM THE WEEK

Plugged out Christmas lights – Do the Green Thing
All aboard London's newest hybrid bus – Business Green
Why is it so easy to save the banks – but so hard to save the biosphere? – The Guardian
Survey: businesses back clean tech, but lose faith in government – Business Green
Landowners turn against leasing for 'fracking' – The Independent
A look at the big global issues of 2011 – The Guardian
 

GREENHOUSE WEEKLY NEWS ROUNDUP

It has been a disheartening week for people passionate about taking action on climate change.

Saving the Planet – Failure to Recognise or Meet the Challenge

The Durban Climate Change talks have been disappointing with no agreement on the level and investment needed to take serious action to combat climate change. Another damp squib – which remarkably passed almost under the radar – another missed global opportunity to be signed by 2015 and come into force not later than 2020.
Another climate summit, another chance goes up in smoke – The Independent

Worst Case Scenarios on Environment Crisis

Meanwhile, evidence suggests that the problems we are facing are more serious than we thought:
The environment in 2017: a polluted wasteland hit by floods and droughts – The Guardian
Met Office warns of UK climate risks – TheGuardian

Water Now Precious Resource in UK

We are facing droughts in the UK unless we cut water useage – this even reached the Daily Mail who have suggested changing in our toilet flushing techniques as a way to to save water.
UK faces future of droughts if we do not cut water use, minister warns - The Guardian
Families told to cut down on water use to prevent supplies drying up in the future – Daily Mail
Turn off the tap before rivers start to run dry – The Times
Coming clean about baths – The Guardian

And yet, we are still subsidizing fossil fuels – to disastrous effect

Recent reports show EIB and rich nationals subsidizing fossil fuels to the determinant of development of renewables. We see a real lack of transparency across technologies.
Lord Stern: rich nations should stop subsidising fossil fuel industry – Business Green
European Investment Bank criticised for 'hypocrisy' of fossil fuel lending – The Guardian 
Carbon dioxide emissions show record jump – The Guardian

AND THE BIG SIX KEEP ON PROFITEERING

Big six energy firms face fresh accusations of profiteering – The Guardian
Industry crippled by energy firms' demands for upfront payments – The Guardian
Bonuses and executive pay at Big Six UK energy firms under fire – The Guardian

Shock of the Week

A scandal to hear that the BIG 6 are funding 50 (not one or two) but 50 employees within DECC. Is it a surprise to hear that renewables then get such short shrift and that DECC consistently report inaccurate figures – so that fossil fuels continue to get financial support and subisides and renewables are threatened by the lack of investment.
Energy companies have lent more than 50 staff to government departments – The Guardian

Solar continues to fight against Government ineptitude

Following taking the case to the High Court with another appeal next week, the case is now going to the European Courst. While countries around the world see the value and encourages investment in solar – the UK government continues to fail to see its potential.
UK faces threat of legal action over solar subsidy – The Independent
UK could face legal action from EU over solar subsidy fiasco – Business Green

COMMUNITY POWER

There was a small piece of good news – but it seesm too little too late
Government announces £30m boost to green community and public sector projects – Business Green

Other interesting articles we liked:

Hard to believe - can this really be true?
Aviation could switch to low-carbon fuel 'sooner than thought' – The Guardian
‎Branson predicts aviation could be among 'cleanest' industries within 10 years – Business Green

Yeo Valley becomes Top Organic Brand
Yeo Valley: Milk producer and top organic brand – FarmersWeekly

Tips on Waste
First rule of sustainability: waste should not be wasted – The Guardian 
Five simple ways to reduce food waste this Christmas – Ecofriend
Food and drinks firms remain on track to meet ambitious carbon targets – Business Green

Efficient lighting will save millions for British business
Businesses urged to flick switch on £700m in efficient lighting savings – Business Green

To run away from it all …
Our Land: website champions sustainable holidays in English countryside – The Ecologist

Or just go shopping in an eco and responsible way …
Our eco Christmas gift countdown – Daisy Green
 

GREENHOUSE WEEKLY NEWS ROUNDUP

Renewable energy is now firmly entrenched as the world's fastest growing energy sector, according to a major new report from the International Energy Agency released this week. "Renewables already play a central role in fostering sustainability and energy security, and their significance will only grow in the coming decades." said IEA executive director Maria van der Hoeven in a statement. Read the full article HERE

Although George Osborne was keen to underline his green credentials – as the chancellor who introduced the green investment bank and the carbon floor price – the overall message was clear, and designed to appeal to the right wing of the Tory party. It was that environmental aims should always come second to economic concerns, and if they are in conflict, business interests will win. Osborne set out clearly the government's new credo: "If we burden [British businesses] with endless social and environmental goals – however worthy in their own right – then not only will we not achieve those goals, but the businesses will fail, jobs will be lost, and our country will be poorer." Read the full article HERE

In his article on The Guardian website, Andrew Simmons says that Osborne “supports energy-intensive industries and road building, destabilises renewable energy, delays fuel tax rises, delivers an apparent U-turn in favour of new airport building and is openly hostile to environmental regulation”. He also describes the Chancellor’s approach as short-sighted, comparing his behaviour to that of a Christmas pantomime, “where the curtain is about to come down, George is the dame at the front of the stage feigning that he can see no alternative, and we're all in the audience, shouting "behind you"”. Read the full article HERE

The financial sector is under renewed pressure to stop financing carbon-intensive fossil fuel projects, following the publication of a new report that identifies JP Morgan Chase, Citi and Bank of America as the worst three "climate killers" over their large-scale investments in coal industries. "Between 2005 and 2010, coal financing almost doubled. If we don't take banks to task now, coal financing will continue to grow," said Tristen Taylor of Earthlife Africa Johannesburg. Read the full article HERE

Climate change minister Greg Barker has again warned it would be "catastrophic" to delay deep cuts to feed-in tariffs until April 2012, admitting his department massively underestimated the costs the scheme will add to energy bills. Appearing to give evidence, Barker said his only regret in launching a review that proposes to halve incentives for solar schemes installed after 12 December "was that we didn't do this earlier". Howard Johns of the Solar Trade Association told BusinessGreen the high rates of installation were not necessarily set to continue, arguing that feed-in tariff registrations fell back in October following the September high. Read the full article HERE

The most clicky story of the week:

Green-o-meter: Is the government keeping its green promises?
David Cameron's pledge to be the 'greenest government ever' goes on trial with the green-o-meter
(The Guardian)

Some other links we loved this week:

Prince of Wales calls for more school farms
The Prince of Wales has called for more ‘school farms’ where pupils grow their own food and rear livestock.
(The Telegraph)

Don’t let the green gloom get you down
The Chancellor's anti-green rhetoric will have grated, but there are still reasons for low carbon firms to be cheerful.
(Business Green)

Is Chris Huhne's 'Green Deal' just a marketing strategy?
The 2011 Energy Act provides for a ‘Green Deal’ in which households will be encouraged to borrow money on easy terms to finance energy saving home improvements. But will it work?
(The Ecologist)

Trash to Fashion: 13 Chic & Crazy Upcycled Collections
Rescuing discarded materials like parachutes, military blankets, shower curtains, wood chips and festival tents from the dumpster, eco-minded designers create couture that ranges from the cute and totally wearable to the artistic and avant-garde.
(WebEcoist)

Cozy Organic Winter Clothing For Your Kids: 5 Items We Love
It's not easy finding kids clothing that is organic, chic, and warm.
(TreeHugger)
 

GREENHOUSE WEEKLY NEWS ROUNDUP


The Commons debate attempting to block the government's controversial decision to slash incentives for solar installations was defeated last night, after a mooted rebellion from Lib Dem backbenchers failed to materialise. "The Government are forging ahead with a cut which is going to cost the Treasury a fortune, as well as devastate a thriving industry," said Howard Johns of the Cut Don't Kill campaign. Read Howard’s article, Just another day in the Commons – where we merrily destroy the PV sector with spin, on the Business Green website to hear the inside story.


Huhne unveiled details in parliament of the coalition's flagship energy and climate policy, the "green deal", under which 14m homes could be fitted with insulation and other energy-saving measures, in a move that the government hopes will create 65,000 new jobs and help millions of people out of fuel poverty. Housholders will be able to take out loans of up to £10,000 over a 25-year term, and in some circumstances will be able to borrow more. Read the full article HERE

The Duke of Edinburgh has unleashed a scathing attack on the UK's wind turbine industry, calling onshore wind farms a "useless". According to Infinergy's managing director Esbjorn Wilmar, Prince Philip said that onshore wind turbines are "absolutely useless, completely reliant on subsidies and an absolute disgrace". Britain has 3,421 turbines, of which more than 2,900 are onshore. Thousands more will need to be built if the Government is to meet its target of generating 15 per cent of energy from renewable sources by 2020. Read the full article HERE

Ethical bank Triodos is to expand in Scotland, opening its first high street office in the UK in Edinburgh. Dr. Bevis Watts, head of business banking for Triodos in the UK, said: "Naturally everybody wants to feel the benefit of their savings working for them but I think the financial crisis has really heightened what people's money is doing. Read the full article HERE

And finally, last Friday in Trafalgar Square Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London and the campaigner Tristram Stuart spoke to the public to raise awareness of the cost of throwing good food away. An estimated 30% of fruit and veg are rejected by supermarkets for not meeting cosmetic standards. Read the full article on The Times website.

The most clicky story of the week:

Waste food feeds 5,000 for lunch at Trafalgar Square
Wonky carrots, misshapen potatoes and tonnes of food rejected by supermarkets have been used to give 5,000 people a free curry lunch in Trafalgar Square.
(BBC News)

Some other links we loved this week:

Gates pushes for green investment
Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft and one of the richest men in the world, has called upon the US government to triple its research spending on clean-energy
(The Independent)

Retail and food industry improving palm oil sourcing, says WWF
WWF praises companies such as Cadbury and Unilever for using sustainable palm oil, but says situation is still bad
(The Guardian)

The raw milk revolution
Why a growing army of foodies is drinking unpasteurised, unhomogenised milk
(The Guardian)

Five green options for your rooftop
How to find an eco friendly solution for your home
(Ecofriend)

5 tips to make your children’s birthday party eco-friendly
Eco friendly party
(Greenfudge)
 

GREENHOUSE WEEKLY NEWS ROUNDUP

An escalating conflict between government and the solar sector reached new heights this week when Friends of the Earth threatened to take ministers to court over plans to slash feed-in tariff incentives. 

Read more

WEEKLY NEWS ROUND UP

The stories about the cuts of solar energy tariffs continue to dominate headlines. The Guardian reported this week that the UK Government has confirmed rumours that it plans to cut feed-in tariffs by more than half. Now the industry has launched the Cut Don't Kill campaign, arguing for a more measured, manageable approach. Howard Johns, of the Cut Don’t Kill campaign, said: “Such deep cuts to the tariff would kill the UK solar industry stone dead. We are happy to accept some cuts, but the Government must recognise that wiping out 4,000 companies and 25,000 jobs by cutting too deeply would be an appalling waste of economic potential.”

Belgium's political parties have reached a conditional agreement to shut down the country's two remaining nuclear power stations, owned by GDF Suez unit Electrabel, a government spokeswoman said Monday. Read the full article Belgium agrees on conditional nuclear exit plans on Reuters website.
In the past, any fruit and veg that failed to meet strict EU standards was thrown away, juiced, or shipped off to feed animals. But now the misshapen, bruised and ugly produce from our farms and orchards has found its place in the sun – or on the supermarket shelf at least. Read the full Will we learn to love ugly apples and pears? Change in law puts misshapen fruit on supermarket shelves article on the Daily Mail website.

And finally, yes there are banks out there that really care. “It's not hard to run a bank on ethical principles”, says the boss of Triodos UK to Sean Farrell, the reporter from the Independent. Triodos sticks to the basics of banking that became obscured by financial engineering, racy funding and a dash for big returns in the years before the credit crisis. The money it raises from retail savers is lent to social, cultural and environmental businesses that meet the bank's "sustainability" requirements. Read the full article by clicking HERE


The most clicky story of the week:

Brits are consuming less stuff
According to environment writer and UK Green Party Candidate Chris Goodall, people in the UK probably consume fewer resources and produce less waste than at any time since records began.
(Greenfudge.org)

Some other links we loved this week:

Named and shamed: Britain’s worst retailers exposed
A report by campaign group, Ethical Consumer, finds that River Island, TK Maxx and Peacocks are among the brands failing to live up to their eco promises
(The Ecologist)


Packing a waste-free school lunch – 7 reusable options
It seems many schools are taking a more thoughtful approach to managing waste, and as part of their eco-conscious efforts some are banning single serving packaged items from packed lunches.
(The Alternative Consumer)


5 Green everyday technologies that can help to improve the environment
Brilliant, eco friendly technology solutions
(EcoFriend)


Planning an eco friendly Christmas
How to create eco friendly Christmas
(Little Green Blog)

WEEKLY NEWS ROUND UP

A regulatory loophole allowing renewable energy developers to receive higher subsidy payments for capacity added to installations after feed-in tariff incentives were cut in August will be closed from next month. A number of solar developers had rushed to complete plants before feed-in payments were cut on 1 August, allowing them to take advantage of the higher tariffs for both their commissioned facility and any future extension on the same site. Read the full article HERE

Fracking is a disaster! The world-famous hot springs of the city of Bath may be threatened by fracking, the controversial technique for exploiting underground supplies of shale gas, the Government was told this week. "There is great concern that the process of fracking will result in the water courses leading to the natural hot springs being contaminated with pollutants from this process, or for the waters to adopt a different direction of travel through new fractures in the underlying rocks," said Bath and North East Somerset council leader, Paul Crossley. Read the full article HERE

The Soil Association is one of a coalition of campaigning bodies fighting against plans for a vast industrial pig farm in Derbyshire. Covering 28 hectares of land, the mega factory farm will house 2,500 sows and 20,000 piglets in vast indoor sheds. The planning application, currently before Derbyshire County Council, has prompted big worries about the impact of such a vast industrial-scale farming project on human health, animal welfare, the environment and the local community. Read the full article HERE

Great news! Goldman Sachs, Google and LG invest in renewable energy. India's burgeoning renewable energy market was underlined this week after investment bank Goldman Sachs announced that it is to shell out $200m to acquire a majority stake in ReNew Wind Power Pvt. Google will spend $75 million to finance residential solar installations, raising its total investment in the clean energy sector to more than $850 million. South Korean conglomerate LG has said it will invest 8 trillion won ($6.8 billion) by 2015 in a ‘Green New Business’ strategy.

The most clicky story of the week:

19-Year-Old Improves Solar Power Capacity by 40%
The idea is such a simple one: rotate solar panels to follow the sun throughout the day so they capture the most of the sun's energy as possible.
(TreeHugger)

Some other links we loved this week:

Discussion round up: sustainability in the fashion business
Our live discussion looked at where the industry has got to and what comes next?
(The Guardian)

New studies support benefits of organic farming
Can a world with a growing, increasingly industrialized population be fed by organic farming?
(Greenfudge.org)

Consumers are taking greater responsibility for food waste
The majority of British consumers feel personally responsible for any food that they waste, but nearly a third believe the food industry should also be accountable, according to new research.
(Edie)

10 Trendy eco friendly dresses
Recycled fashion doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort, style and sophistication.
(Ecofriend)

How to recycle a 747 jet
A Santa Monica architect decided to use an entire 747 jet to build a client’s home…and his client agreed.
(Smart Planet)
 

WEEKLY NEWS ROUND UP

We are excited to be supporting 350.org and the Moving Planet day of action. This Saturday don’t forget to bring your bike and join the campaign by becoming part of London's biggest bike aerial photo on 24th September, 12 noon to 3pm at Haggerston Park. Let’s raise awareness and build political support to move the planet away from fossil fuels. Read the full article HERE

Companies are abandoning nuclear in favour of renewables. Siemens is reportedly pulling out of the global nuclear power industry following the German government's decision to phase out the energy source by 2022. "The chapter for us is closed" said Peter Löscher, chief executive of Munich-based Siemens. The company is committed to the rapidly growing renewable energy sector, and will no longer build nuclear plants. You can read the full article HERE

Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) has also confirmed it is actively considering dropping its interest in building new nuclear power plants in the UK in order to increase its focus on renewable energy. An SSE spokesman told the Financial Times that "a review of our involvement in new nuclear is currently under way". He added that the company "expected to make an announcement shortly". You can read the full article HERE

U.S. solar industry now employs 100,000 people, grew 6.8% since August 2010. A new report highlights that the solar industry added over 6,700 jobs in the last 12 months alone. You can read the full article HERE
The Soil Association launched its first stand at London Fashion Week. The presence of organic fashion at the event marks a huge growth in the organic textiles market - which grew by 35% last year. Georgina Thomas, Soil Association spokesperson, said “By exhibiting our licensees’ products at this prestigious event we'll be showing buyers what is now possible in organic, and hope to increase demand for certified products.” Read the full article HERE

The most clicky story of the week:

Ethical living: What price sparkle?
You've just fallen in love with a sequined dress. But were they sewn on in a sweat shop?
(The Guardian)

Some other links we loved this week:
H&M plans to unveil collection of greener suppliers
Swedish clothing firm downplays impact of Greenpeace campaign against use of hazardous chemicals
(Business Green)

The A to Z of beauty baddies
The beneficial or otherwise nature of the beauty industry’s arsenal of additives has been a hot topic ever since it was first realised that parabens weren’t quite the boon they were thought to be.
(The Ecologist)

Top 7 green products to buy in 2011
Going green is not easy, you have to embrace it with all your heart and adopt it in every sphere of your life.
(Waste Management World)

5 earth-friendly things to do on a Sunday
Green tips
(The Alternative Consumer)
 

GREENHOUSE WEEKLY ROUNDUP

Safia Minney, the People Tree founder & the author of the book Naked Fashion, has also shared her views about the environmental damage caused by modern fashion on Fashion Special article on the Ecologist. “It seems like a very small thing to us, choosing a t-shirt or a dress made of organic rather than conventional cotton. But it can make a big difference at the other end of the chain.” says Safia. 

London Fashion Week kicks off on Friday with a frenzy of champagne-fuelled fashion shows, but according to the article the Guardian many of the world's biggest and most elite fashion houses pay virtually no regard to corporate ethics and have yet to take even the first steps on reporting on the social and environmental impact of their operations. Read the full “Luxury brands must wake up to ethical and environmental responsibilities” article HERE.

Moscow leads the Russian food revolution! An increase in online organic food retailers is being hailed as one of the contributing factors to what is being called a ‘gastronomic revolution’ in Russia. Whilst lacking a system for organic food certification, online companies give customers detailed information about the local farmers who provide the meat, dairy and vegetable products they deliver. Boris Akimov, co-founder of online organic store LavkaLavka commented on his companies’ dedication to providing fair profit shares to the farmers: “This is not just about healthy food. It’s about money going to good people for good produce instead of being shovelled into the firebox of transitional companies that make who-knows-what, who-knows-where.” You can read the full article HERE


The Guardian’s reporter Roger Cowe was asking this week whether a culture shift could prompt investors to place greater value on long-term returns. Bevis Watts, Head of Business Banking at Triodos Bank, this that "a more sustainable economy won't happen with existing ownership structures that only value profits. We need ownership structures and new corporate bodies that value social cohesion and environmental impacts."‎ You can read the full article HERE

And finally, the news we all want to hear – the article in the Telegraph says that chocolate is as good for you as exercise. According to the new research the small amounts of dark chocolate may improve health in a similar way to exercise. Read the full article HERE

 

The most clicky story of the week:

How to turn a sceptic workforce into green gurus
How do you encourage people in your company to switch off their computers when the day is done, drive cleaner cars or recycle more?
(Business Green)

Some other links we loved this week:

Nappy recycling centre to open
The facility, which will also recycle feminine hygiene and adult incontinence products, is the first of five planned over four years by Knowaste, an organisation which specialises in absorbent hygiene product (AHP) waste recycling.
(The Independent)

Inside the London College of Fashion's eco-hub
Fashionable ideas get an ethical makeover at the Centre for Sustainable Fashion. Matilda Lee reports
(The Ecologist)

20 Stunning Energy-Efficient Homes in the 2011 Solar Decathlon!
The 2011 Solar Decathlon is heating up as 20 teams of students from around the world construct stunning, energy-efficient homes at the National Mall’s West Potomac Park in Washington, D.C.
(INHABITAT)

5 best ways to green your house that you didn't try till now
These all new 5 technologies would definitely make your home a greener place to live in.
(Ecofriend)

6 Green tips to throw an eco friendly party
Eco friendly partygreen tips to throw an eco friendly party
(Waste Management World)
 

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