The European Commission has issued a paper stating Europe’s interest in the Arctic’s resources, in a first step to formulate an EU Arctic policy.

Last year Russia caused controversy when it planted a titanium flag on sea bed under the North Pole in an effort to stake a claim on the region, while just six months ago the US, Russia, Canada, Denmark and Norway met to form a pact over the exploitation of the region.

The Commission wants to look at the possibility of establishing a shipping route through the Northwest passage, and promote co-operation between Norway and Russia to exploit the region’s oil reserves.

The Commission’s position seems to be at odds with that of the European Parliament which voted, last month, for the creation of an international Arctic Treaty to protect the Arctic.

It seems that the Arctic and its inhabitants, already suffering from the effects of climate change, are now going to put under even more pressure from increased human activity.

It is to be hoped that the region’s 4 million people, and its unique wildlife, will be given a voice in the negotiations that is loud enough to be heard above the clamour for oil.

On Friday he ordered executives in his state government to begin immediate planning to deal with what he sees as an inevitable and not too distant rise in sea levels.

The state’s coastal areas are under imminent threat from the sea, which could cause irreparable damage to natural habitats as well as devastating the state’s already overstretched water supplies.

He said that given the inevitable rise in sea waters, California must take steps to protect its vital water supplies and its massive economy, which is the seventh largest in the world.

He said that the people of the state needed to adapt the way that they plan to mitigate the challenges and impact that global warming will bring to their shores.

The ground breaking Executive Order S-13-08 mandates that the state must immediately start to utilise technology and science as well as a commonsense approach in attempts to deal with rising water levels.

There will be a need to build large amounts of infrastructure in areas such as transportation.

New roads and bridges will have to be built higher and stronger and with the ability to defend themselves against increased water levels.

By no coincidence the new order arrives on the same day as a report from the state’s University, which claims that California must act immediately to stave off untold billions of potential damages to the state’s infrastructure.

As waters rise brush fires become more common and more intense, and as if to emphasise the point, massive wild bushfires are engulfing parts of the state as the governor made his announcement.

The governor admits that this is clearly a very long-term effort that must be started as soon as possible and cannot wait until the effects are already overwhelming.

The organization urges more research into the possible pollution effects in this area as well as stricter regulations for accreditation.

Initially the report, “Novel Materials in the Environment: The case of nanotechnology”, gives a positive conclusion.

The RCEP found no evidence of damage to health and the environment from nanomaterials.

However, the organization warns that there is not enough known about the risks that nanomaterials may hold within the world’s more than 600 products produced with this technology.

The development and use of these substances is moving so fast that it is not possible, with existing tests, to search out many of the possible effects on the environment.

Therefore allowing nanomaterials onto the market without having the ability to test for levels of safety carries high risks.

The report goes on to say that they are less concerned about the particle size, or the production of a material, but much more about its functioning.

The problem was that many of the nanomaterials are made from materials such as carbon or silver.

However, these substances behave differently when used on such a minute scale as opposed to when used in regular manufacturing processes.

The properties of carbon nanoparticles differed substantially from those of graphite, and they have a very different toxicity than in the major metallic form.

There is great need for more research and testing with nanomaterials concludes the report, to ascertain its potential effects on the environment.

The RCEP therefore urged the introduction of legal measures, nationally and at European level, to bring about testing of these materials.

In Britain they consider that the responsible ministry, the Department of the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), should be developing testing methods for products that contain nanomaterials.

The new president of the islands, Mohamed Nasheed, has told “The Guardian” that the State of the small islands that lies on the equator could be lost under the waves if the sea level to rise due to climate change.

And the President went on to state that it was not possible to stop the effects of climate change and his nation will now have to seriously consider the purchase of land in another country in case there is no choice but to abandon the tropical paradise.

As a possible replacement home Nasheed sees Sri Lanka and India as viable alternatives, because the climate and culture are similar, but Australia may also be possible because of its vast sparsely populated areas.

The President said he did not want his people to become the latest climate refugees who would spend unknown years living in tents in some other nation.

Following the predictions of the United Nations that the sea level will rise by the year 2100 by nearly 60 centimetres, the President states that this would mean large parts of the 200 inhabited coral islands would be underwater.

Overall, there are approximately 385 000 inhabitants living on 1190 islands. Tourism and fishing are the main sources of income for the residents.

Lunchbox foods such as ham, cheese, bread, fruit, crisps and yoghurts to the value of £5.06 billion are binned every year, according to results from the survey by Love Food Hate Waste.

Almost £1 billion worth of bread, £300 million worth of apples and £250 million worth of cheese is put in the bin instead of being eaten.

All this thrown away food means 2.1 million tonnes of possible packed lunch material ends up in landfill, including 530,000 tonnes of bread and 23,000 tonnes of sliced meat.

Researchers for the study found that 28% of Britain’s workforce never prepare a packed lunch at home, whilst 33% prepare lunch at home every day.

Food prices have been rising sharply in recent months, and this coupled with the oncoming recession means that people will be increasingly turning to home made lunches to save cash.

Love Food Hate Waste spokesperson Julia Falcon said workers could save up to £120 before Christmas if they making packed lunches today.

And given that so much food is thrown away, the packed lunches would technically be completely free.

Currently, only one in five workers use leftovers to make lunch.

Thirty seven percent of those surveyed said they would take their leftovers to lunch if they had more ideas for how to use them.

The statistics released by Defra show that in 2007/8:

The figures represent the UK’s biggest yearly drop in waste being sent to landfill for the past five years.

East Lindsey District Council was the top local authority for recycling, with a recycling/composting rate of 58.4%. It was almost the most improved authority, increasing their recycling rate by more than 20%.

Commenting on the figures, environment minister Jane Kennedy said recycling has become part of ‘everyday life’ in the UK.

She added that the way Brits think about waste has changed, leading to a ‘revolution in recycling’.

Paul Bettison, chairman of the Local Government Association’s Environment Board, said local councils and residents ‘deserve great credit’ for the substantial improvement in recycling rates.

However, Bettison warned that despite the improvements, UK councils must do more remove the UK’s reputation as the dustbin of Europe.

Here are a few sample ideas you may find useful as well - I know I did. :)

1. Slanket

I don’t know about anyone else, but my girlfriend often complains of feeling the cold, no matter how warm the house, so now she has something warm to snuggle under when relaxing on a night.

A cross between a dressing-gown and blanket and made of fleece, the Slanket was top of my list as a “thoughtful” present.

You can find the red Slanket I bought here: Slanket - but there are also other colours available.

2. Chocomatic Chocolate Clock

No, the clock isn’t made of chocolate - but every hour, a little chocolate pops out of the tray at the bottom.

One of the more pleasant ways to pass the time - and again, something that shows you being thoughtful.

For fellow men everywhere, if diet is a sensitive word, everyone loves a treat, and just keep focused on that. :)

You can find more on this here: Chocomatic Chocolate Clock

3. Magic Candle

Candles are always a good strong romantic gift to buy, but the magic candle goes one better over traditional wax candles.

Inside the Magic Candle, there’s a fibre optic system which causes the candle to glow different colours, adding what can surely be an extra romantic dimension.

As it shows you are thinking of both of you together, another thoughtful gift which can only go down well.

More on this here: Magic Candle

4. Stripey Socks!

Stripey Socks are always a crowd pleaser - everything about these says “personal comfort with fun”.

This is an especially thoughtful gift because it shows you want to think of them as relaxing and snuggling up cosy - she’ll presume with you, but even alone, something to create a positive mood.

More on these here: Stripey Socks

5. Sun Jar

Staying with lighting effects, but slightly more unusual now, is the sun jar.

Effectively, it’s a form of solar-powered light, but by setting it in a jar format, it gives it an extra-special personal touch.

Whether used for romantic lighting again, for cheering up through Winter blues, or symbolic of your affection, this again wins hands down as a thoughtful present for your loved one.

More here: Sun Jar

6. Xposed Bag

At first the Xposed bag looks like a general novelty bag - it shows as an X-ray of what shopping may be present within it.

However, the real fun touch to the Xposed bad is that among the items supposedly showing at the bottom includes a handgun.

Just want you need to get through those sales queues, and good for the determined shopper mindset.

Mind you, it might raise some questions at airport security, so perhaps best used only in the local high street. :)

xxxx here: Xposed Bag

7. Cat Lovers Kit

Many women are like cats in so many ways on a psychological level, and it’s not surprising that they are often a familiar pet.

While a lover, girlfriend, or wife may not need a kit, buying one shows thoughtfulness because you are demonstrating an interest in their pet, rather than being jealous of any attention they may get.

Again, something with the potential to demonstrate a caring bond, even if as a token gesture.

More here: Cat Lovers Kit

8. Colour Changing Egg

It’s not a dramatic gift, but by itself, or with other thoughtful presents, shows that you tried to make an effort to get something different.

It’s sure to be used and well received, and underlines the fact that you thought hard to make an effort - which no doubt will be translated as how you value the relationship.

More on the Colour Changing Egg here: Colour Changing Egg

9. Sheep Kitchen Worktop

Buying kitchen or domestic items is always a dangerous move, and usually when something for the kitchen is asked for, it’s merely practical.

The sheep worktop is something that adds an element of fun and playfulness - images of cartoon sheep on watermelon hills with a broccoli tree in the background - can only raise a smile.

If your loved one does ask for something for the kitchen, then adding this with it can be regarded as a thoughtful and fun after-thought to show you care and think not simply of her, but of her smiling - which is often a winner.

More here: Sheep Kitchen Worktop

10. Elephant Poo in a Box

Elephant Poo in a Box - you’re kidding, right? No, real elephant poo. In a box.

Women like their men to make them smile and laugh - and few will ever forget being bought this gift, and give them something to laugh about with yourself, friends, and family.

As the poo is from elephants in protected parks, with the money helping the species, it’s not as flippant a gift as you might think.

Ideally, you also want this gift to be among top-listed thoughtful gifts above so that the context works more positively - as one of many thoughtful presents - and you can easily turn this into something meaningful together for a garden or window box.

More romantically, it does come with rose seeds for growing.

More here: Elephant Poo in a Box

If you liked some of these, then you can find more at the Shiny Shack Gift Ideas Shop. They also have good range of Christmas toys for kids: stocking fillers

The ‘Capital Growth’ project, brainchild of recently appointed chair of London Food, Rosie Boycott, is advocating that residents and community groups in the capital should identify any derelict space - including roof tops - that could be used to grow food.

Hospitals, schools, councils, housing estates and utility companies are all being encouraged to take part in the scheme.

The aim for 2012 is to turn 2,012 pieces of unused land into productive green spaces.

In addition to helping Londoners cut back on food spending during the oncoming recession, shunning supermarket-bought fruit and veg will help boost the capital’s eco-credentials.

Locally grown food has almost zero food miles, and is much healthier than food shipped in by supermarkets because it can be picked when it is ripe and most full of nutrients.

Supermarkets have to pick fruit and veg before they are ripe so that they don’t go off whilst being transported across the country or around the world.

Produce picked pre-ripe is far less healthy than ripe-picked equivalents because the nutrients have not developed to their full potential.

A number of groups have already pledged land for the scheme, including:

Over 100 recycling bins have been placed at locations around New York, giving the city’s citizens even fewer excuses for failing to recycle their waste.

Blue bins are for bottles and cans, whilst green bins are for newspapers and magazines.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said that aside from installation, the new bins will not cost tax payers a penny because they have been carefully placed on existing waste collection routes.

Mayor Bloomberg also emphasised that financial turmoil across the world is no excuse for ignoring the need to protect the environment.

According to the Mayor, the key to getting through these difficult times is learning to do more with less - recycling being an excellent embodiment of this philosophy.

The recycling scheme is still in its pilot stages, and will only be continued if New Yorkers give it their full backing by using the bins properly.

Bloomberg warned that if contamination from unsuitable waste in the bins is too high, then they will have to be removed.

Gliocladium roseum is a fungus that grows inside the ulmo tree in northern Patagonia.

The fungus naturally produces a mixture of chemicals almost exactly the same as vehicle quality diesel derived from fossil fuels.

G. roseum produces the biodiesel chemical - termed ‘myco diesel’ - as a vapour, making it much easier to extract, purify and store than liquid counterparts.

Crops grown for biofuel usually have to be converted into sugar and fermented before they can be pumped into vehicle engines.

Scientists believe the fungus has the potential to be a major provider of green energy, as it could be used to convert cellulose plant waste directly into myco diesel.

According to lead researcher Gary Strobel from Montana state university, no other known organism on the planet does this.

According to Strobel, the mixture of chemicals in the myco diesel could run a car engine without any need for modification.

The fungus produces the myco diesel vapour as a self protective measure to kill off surrounding fungi.