Fact sheet on disposable nappies (Nov10)
One of the most difficult eco-decisions I’ve had to make is whether to use cloth or disposable nappies. I chose disposables. Given that I’m a big campaigner on reducing waste, this might seem surprising. But my view was that the environmental differences between the two products were not so great – and disposables performed better. […]
The Big Packaging Debate (Oct10)
“The success of our ‘Big Packaging Debate’ was very much down to your insightful and on occasion challenging views….. I cannot imagine anyone more proficient or experienced…. It was refreshing and I believe highly encouraging for a cross-section of the industry to hear its environmental responsibilities discussed in such a positive manner….You definitely opened more […]
Aluminium should be recycled again and again…. (Apr10)
I’ve recently started getting my hair highlighted. The first time was in France a couple of years ago. They daubed a strong smelling substance on strands of my hair and left it to do the job. But with follow up appointments closer to home, I’ve discovered that British hairdressers use aluminium foil – loads of […]
Alupro – the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (Jul10)
Alupro – the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation – were celebrating 21 years of aluminium packaging recycling. During this time recycling of aluminium packaging has risen from less than 2% to more than 40%. Given that an average of 9 tonnes of CO2 are saved for every 1 tonne recycled, the more recycling the better. My view […]
Much debate at Grey Advertising (Jul10)
“Many thanks for the brilliant presentation you gave yesterday at Citrus. You’ll be glad to know that it was the subject of much debate for most of the night – from shock at the waste within both the Armed Forces and the NHS to great debate on exactly whether we get buried, cremated or resomated…” […]
Poem – The Poor Old Humble Plastic Bag (May10)
I gave a speech this week at the Plastics and Films Association (PAFA) annual lunch. ‘Films’, as in ‘plastic films’, I should point out because a number of people have been confused. The 200 strong audience at the Dorchester Hotel were particularly appreciative when I said that plastic bags were better for the environment than […]
My goldfish died along with Labour – Here’s my coalition manifesto (May10)
Zac Goldsmith, formerly editor of the Ecologist, gets elected in Richmond Chris Huhne – New Minster for Energy and Environment Caroline Lucas – the first Green MP in the UK My goldfish died in the night. I’ve posthumously named him ‘Gordon’. It seems rather propitious that their floundering exit coincided. And […]
Expert Panel on Packaging (2008-2010)
Between 2008 and 2010 I sat on a expert advisory panel on packaging at M&S. This was run by Rowland Hill, Helene Roberts and Mark Caul from M&S. Other panel members include Jane Bickerstaffe from Incpen (Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment) and Mark Barthel from WRAP (Material Change for a Better Environment). Changing […]
Packaging & Films Association (May10)
“Everyone I have spoken to has commented on the value and inspiration they have received from the day and your part was a significant factor in all of that. Just the right balance of relevance and a very special personal flavour with knickers and goldfish thrown in (metaphorically I hasten to add).” Peter Woodall, PRP […]
Speech for PAFA – Plastics & Films Association AGM (May10)
The AGM for the Plastics and Films Association was held at the Dorchester Hotel. I was the key note speaker following David Bebee the PAFA Chairman. With some challenges for the plastics industry, I concluded with a poem about plastic bags. See my blog by clicking here. “Everyone I have spoken to has commented on […]
3D movies creating 3D waste (Apr10)
I loved the film Avatar – particularly the strong environmental message running through it. I saw the 3D version in Yeovil, with my sons, Rollo and Monty. They were equally enamoured. In fact, Rollo thought it was the best film he’d ever seen. But, we went home clutching three pairs of 3D glasses. There weren’t […]
The Environmental Investigation Agency – Fighting Eco-Crime (Mar10)
I’ve been made a lifetime member of the Environmental Investigation Agency or EIA for short. I think this campaigning organisation fighting eco-crime should be getting more attention. Founded in 1984, the EIA is rather unique in its approach to campaigns. Whether it’s illegal logging, smuggling ozone-destroying chemicals or trading in endangered species, they have under-cover […]