Bottled water no cleaner than tap water
by David Masters
Researchers in the US have discovered that tap water may be safer than bottled water. A report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) made the conclusion based on tests of the ten most popular brands of bottled water. An average of eight different chemicals was found in each bottle of water. In total, 48 chemicals were discovered in the bottled water, including strains of bacteria and fertiliser. Bottled water is popular in the US ...
Beijing businesses paid to reduce pollution
by David Masters
Businesses in Beijing are being offered cash incentives to reduce pollution. Authorities in the Chinese capital are offering companies up to 2.3 million yuan ($340,000) in bonuses in an attempt to clean up the dirty air in the city. The Finance Bureau of Bejing said the bonuses are intended to stimulate environmentally friendly economies, helping them to replace big polluters. Bonuses will vary depending on how much pollution is cut back, or how ...
Europe pledges €1bn for fuel-cell research
by David Masters
The European Union aims to cut the carbon footprint of its member states by transforming hydrogen fuel cells into a mainstream energy producer. A billion euros (£780 million) is being pumped into a research project that will bring together the expertise of hydrogen cell researchers across Europe, both from the public and private sector. Called 'The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking', the project seeks to co-ordinate all European research into hydrogen ...
French plan world-class electric car network
by David Masters
France-based car maker, Renault, has teamed up with energy provider EDF, to make electric cars a viable purchase for French people. Together Renault and EDF plan to develop a large-scale project that will make electric cars an attractive transport solution for consumers. Plans include a network of recharge points around the country and the release of Renault's first all electric car models. The project has received endorsement from the highest level, with French ...
EU will meet Kyoto commitment
by David Masters
The European Commission's latest report on the continent's carbon emissions shows that the European Union is on track to meet its carbon reduction commitments agreed to in the Kyoto Protocol. Projections by the EU indicate that its 15 original member states could go even further than the target of an 8% reduction in carbon emissions compared to 1990. Just three of the EU-15 - Denmark, Italy and Spain - are behind in ...
UK Legal Commitment to 80% Greenhouse Cuts
by Alan Harten
In a laudable world first, the UK has set itself the goal of becoming the first country to lay down legislation that makes a legal commitment to reach greenhouse gas emissions goals. And not only do the government want to make it a legal obligation, they have also set the bar very high. The intention is to cut greenhouse gas escaping into the atmosphere by 80% of its 1990 levels by ...
New Zealand joins world recycling elite
by David Masters
New Zealand's Packaging Accord scheme is a shining example to the rest of the world of how a country can drastically approve its recycling levels. Since the five year scheme was set up in 2004 New Zealand's recycling rate for packaging has hit 60%, recorded as a percentage of consumption. This is equal to or better than rates achieved in Europe, the USA, and Australia. The Packaging Accord scheme was set up four ...
Beijing trials six month car ban
by David Masters
Car-owners in China's capital are taking part in a six month trial to reduce traffic on the city's roads. Every driver in Beijing is banned from driving for one day per week, reducing the number of cars on the roads by one fifth - 700,000 cars per day. The legislation applies to all business and privately owned cars, but not to taxis, emergency vehicles or public transport. Drivers caught flouting the ban will ...
Wildfires push ozone above legal levels
by David Masters
Scientists in the US have discovered that wildfires can push up ozone levels so high that they threaten human health. Researchers at the National Centre for Atmospheric Research looked at ground ozone levels in California and neighbouring states during the California wildfires of 2007. This was a particularly intense wildfire year in California as drought conditions combined with powerful winds to spread the flames of 9,000 fires, wiping out over 2,000 homes. Scientists ...
Government Starts to U-Turn on Biofuels
by Alan Harten
In what might be viewed as a considerable turnaround by the government, they seem to have switched their standing on the issue of biofuels. A couple of years ago it was their cure-all for our motoring ills and they proposed big increases in biofuel crop growing and usage. Now they do not seem to be so keen, in fact Andrew Adonis is backpedaling on biofuels as his first major action since ...
Forests must stay to end climate chaos
by David Masters
A government advisor on climate change has said that rich nations should pay poorer countries not to cut down forests. Johan Eliasch told the government that the world is on 'borrowed time' when it comes to tackling climate change. Of particular threat to the climate is 'slash and burn' agriculture, where rainforests are cleared to release fertile land for farming. This practice is responsible for 17-20% of the world's carbon emissions, equivalent to ...
Rainbow Warrior joins Kingsnorth protest
by David Masters
Greenpeace plans to up the pressure on the government to reconsider plans for a new coal power plant in Kingsnorth, Kent, by bringing in the flagship of its protest fleet, the Rainbow Warrior. The 55-metre long ship will arrive in London on 20th October as part of the group's Give the Boot to Coal campaign. Free guided tours of the vessel will be available on 25th and 26th October. Rainbow Warrior will then ...
$ Billions For Countries That Preserve Forests
by Alan Harten
Gordon Brown has revealed details of a report that he commissioned into how to best pay for the preservation of the world’s forests. The reality at the moment is that the cleared land and the cut down trees are very often worth far more to individual land owners, companies and governments in developing nations than a bunch of trees that cannot provide them with an income. The Prime Minister is seeking ...
Eco-crime worth $10bn per year
by David Masters
New research has discovered that eco-crime is big business, worth $10 billion a year globally towards the revenues of gangs and criminal syndicates. A report by the London-based Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) says that eco-criminals make their money selling off body parts of endangered animals, including ivory elephant tusks and tiger skins. These items have profit margins of up to 700%. In addition, millions of acres of protected ancient forests are being cut ...
New low cost eco-shoes
by David Masters
A US-based maker of low-cost shoes plans to introduce a range of eco-friendly footwear. Payless Shoesource is launching the shoes to mark its entry into the 'go-green' movement that is increasingly popular with US retailers. The collection of environmentally friendly women's shoes and handbags will be made from a variety of green materials, including organic cotton, linen, hemp and recycled rubber. Machines that used special bio-degradable glue will be used to put the ...
Bio-control solution for Japanese knotweed
by David Masters
Japanese knotweed, the bane of all gardeners, was first introduced to the UK as an ornamental plant, prized for its beautiful white flowers. However, the fast-growing plant quickly spread out of control, suffocating surrounding vegetation and threatening local habitats. Knotweed can grow up to 4 metres tall, and is so strong that it can break through paving stones and tarmac. It is one of the few plants in Europe that is seen as ...
Irish lightbulbs inspire great ideas
by David Masters
Irish consumers are going to find it increasingly difficult to get hold of traditional light bulbs as the electricity guzzlers are being phased out in favour of their energy saving cousins. High consumption standard light bulbs are set to be taken off the shelves in March next year under plans by Ireland's environment minister John Gormley. Gormley said the measures must be taken to reduce Ireland's carbon footprint and to help combat ...
Carbon Trust doubles SME loans
by David Masters
The Carbon Trust has doubled the maximum interest free loan available to small businesses investing in energy efficient equipment. The government funded independent company said the decision was made to help SMEs install even more ambitious energy saving measures. Previously businesses could apply for a maximum interest free loan of £100,000 towards projects to reduce their carbon footprint. The credit crunch, however, has got the Carbon Trust thinking, and to help businesses through ...
Recycling company wants eco-courts
by David Masters
A recycling firm in Ireland is urging the government to set up new courts to punish environmental criminals. Repak wants a dedicated court with special powers to prosecute anyone caught breaking environmental law in the country. Judges and lawyers in the courts would have specialist qualifications in environmental law, and fines for breaking eco-laws would be much higher than they are at the moment. Repak believes that establishing the courts would send a ...
Australia’s lifeguards get water-saving grants
by David Masters
Surf life saving clubs in Australia are being offered grants of AUS$10,000 to help them save water as well as lives. Australia's climate change minister, Penny Wong, launched the scheme as part of the country's $250 million initiative to save rainwater and grey water. In total, $12.9 billion has been set aside for the Water for the Future programme, designed to secure long-term water supplies for Australia. Michael Hornby, general manager ...