Debate on incentivising recycling schemes in London continues

The London Assembly released a report reviewing the debate on incentivising recycling schemes in London – with the conclusion that although it may encourage a change in behaviour, it is unclear if this would be sustained over time.

I am curious to see the outcome of Lambeth Council’s recycling RecycleBank pilot scheme, which rewards residents for recycling. Points add up and can be redeemed for vouchers to be used in the local community. I think this is a great example of building a sustainable community – both in ensuring we reduce our waste, but also in investing in the local economy.

There is a good article in Business Green that discusses this further here.

Michelle, Account Manager

Bike to School Week

Bike to School Week is a fantastic opportunity to promote and celebrate the many benefits of cycling in your school. This year Bike to School Week is ‘pedal ready’ from today 21 March 2011.
Cycling is healthy and fun activity as well as being a really green mode of transport for any journeys, particularly the short ones to school that in car cause the most pollution and congestion.

However cycling on the road requires certain skills -observation – anticipation and knowledge of the road environment. All of these disciplines can be enhanced through the use of education and training materials available from  www.dbda.co.uk or www.rospashop.com.

PepsiCo launches world’s first ‘green’ bottle

Lots of talk about ‘bottle wars’  this week as Pepsi announced that it has developed the world’s first 100% plant-based bottle – beating its rival Coca-Cola to the green post.

The new bottle is made from switch grass, pine bark and corn  husks (basically plant waste) and PepsiCo plan to pilot production in 2012. They also hope to use orange peel, potato scraps, oat hulls and other leftovers from its food business as renewable sources in the future.

Read the full story at http://bit.ly/gegV4z

Nicki, dbda

Government announces funding for 1,000 Green Deal apprenticeships

Interesting announcement from the Government – tackling the economy and creating jobs while investing in sustainability and the ‘green economy’. I think its a great initiative. An excerpt from the news item is below:

“The Government has announced today that it will help fund the training of 1000 apprenticeships as part of its flagship Green Deal programme. The Green Deal, which will come into effect in 2012, will fund energy efficiency measures, including insulation, heating and lighting, to Britain’s homes and businesses. The Government estimates it will support 100,000 jobs by 2015 with the potential to support up to 250,000 longer term.

“The Green Deal is about the future – and it is important we ensure that future generations have the skills they need to take advantage of the opportunities of the green economy. These apprenticeships are a perfect example of how Government and business can work together towards a low carbon future,” said Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.

Scepticism
Today’s apprenticeship announcement has received the backing of leading companies, including B&Q, Carillion, E.ON, British Gas and InstaGroup, which are expecting to benefit from the supply chain opportunities being created by it.”

Full article: http://www.greenwisebusiness.co.uk/news/government-announces-funding-for-1000-green-deal-apprenticeships-2171.aspx

Michelle, Account Manager

UK Coalition Government unveil its vision for sustainable development

On 28th February 2011, the Coalition Government outlined its vision for a sustainable development package to be delivered through the Green Economy. The document includes proposed measures to build a Big Society by tackling climate change, natural environment protections and improving wellbeing.

To find out more visit: http://sd.defra.gov.uk/gov/vision/

GO, Account Manager, dbda