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Welcome to Carbon News Monthly for December 2010 where we find out what others have been up to in the world of carbon reduction.
Heard of Potato Skin Packaging? PepsiCo UK is quite committed to doing their bit towards reducing their environmental impact with compostable packaging needs. Rather than using plastic for snack packaging, imagine a compostable bag made from potato starches, lactid acids from corn, and materials from trees. Each of these items have different properties in regard to how they feel, how they would look, and how protective of a barrier they would have in terms of the contents of the package. This concept is seriously being looked into. Did you know that research carried out for the Carbon Trust UK shows that out of ten households, 9 in the UK bought a produced that had a carbon label on it? The carbon reduction label is currently displayed on over 80 products there. Quaker Oats is one
for example, and they say that consumers are opting for these items. They want to know as much info as possible before they buy.
If you buy "Mobius Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc" you will find out what was involved with each individual glass in terms of the environmental impact in the making and transporting of this wine. Carbon emissions will be displayed, so you know. These emissions will not only include transportation but refrigeration as well. Bottles shipped out of New Zealand to other places will have higher emissions because of the travel. This stands to reason. This wine is the first to be certified by the UK Carbon Trust, using the Carbon Trust Carbon label. And, again, consumers are greatly influenced when faced with choices of what to purchase.
Electrifying Kisses Displaying affection in public, is the best renewable source of energy it would seem.
London Covent Garden is hosting an art installation that is bringing new meaning and use to mistletoe. People who visit the 50 foot tall Christmas tree are invited to kiss under the mistletoe. The electricity generated from their touch lights up 50,000 red and white LED Christmas lights above. This project, appropriately entitled "The Kiss," was created by Paul Cocksedge Studio as an interesting, interactive and fun way to make a tradition more public while raising awareness about green living. The number of kisses also equates to money raised for charity. What a way to raise money!
As Christmas approaches and with all of the preparations associated with it, now is a good time for a reminder that small steps implemented daily go a long way to reducing your carbon footprints around your household for starters.
Compact fluoresent lights last ten times longer than regular bulbs, and use up to 75% less energy. Make the switch today. Wash clothes in cold water, and avoid the dryer as much as possible. Don't be afraid of second hand when you need something.
Turkey grease wanted!! If you are deep-frying a turkey this Christmas, or anytime for that matter, there are recycling depots in various locations who want that grease. It all goes into making biodiesel. Consider asking around in your community if there is a place to dump it.
Most important? Recycle as much as you can. Why not this Christmas give the gift of warmth to someone who needs it? Go through your closet. Someone outgrown a winter coat? Winter coat programs are springing up everywhere, and actually there doesn't need to be an "official program" in place. A warm coat can be donated just about anywhere. Churches for example, will make sure it goes to someone in the community who needs it. So, please consider this generous gesture.
As others strive to do their part towards green living and carbon reduction improvements, let's still continue to do ours!
Until next time, |
