when the oil runs out ….

When the oil runs out so will oil based plastics.

Now while I have problems with oil based plastic, oil running out is not going to be such a great solution.

In fact, even those of you with no imagination whatsoever, can probably forsee it will result in big lifestyle changes.

We are talking more than taking your own bag to the shops.

So thanks to the following groups for thinking and planning ahead

huddersfield transition communities

Mastt

incredible edible huddersfield

For more green on green action check out Huddersfeild Greens

In the mean time save oil but cutting down on plastic – you can find a range of plastic free products with the >>>A-Z<<< plastic free index

recycling plastic coathangers in huddersfield

Originally uploaded by futureatlas.com

 

Last year I was fulminating about plastic coat hangers – well only yestrday I was ambling round Tesco when I took a detour into the clothes section. there I saw a coat hanger recycling box. For plastic ones of course

I also happened to notice lurking behind the counter in BHS a cardboard box labelled coat hanger recycling.

You could of course offer them to your local charity shop or freecycle them

Icelandic beach trash

Need a potter

or an artist. Here is a selection Kirklees based craft persons and artistes. they have been gathered together by the Host organisation. Host also organises studio open days in the Autumn – just in time to buy those hand crafted Christnas presents.

More artists can be found working in Bates Mill

Woodturning

if you fancy making your own salad bowls why not try wood turning?
Theres a Huddersfield group

school install wind turbine

26 November 2007: Pannal Primary School in Pannal, Harrogate has become the first primary school in North Yorkshire to install a wind turbine in its grounds.

 

The school has always encouraged the children to value their environment both locally and globally and says it is a further statement of the school’s commitment to promoting sustainability.  The installation of the wind turbine will allow the school to continue to enrich the educational environment beyond the bounds of the national curriculum.

 

Liz Elvidge, Headteacher, said:  “The children were thrilled to watch the turbine slowly being assembled and winched into place and even more excited to see the turbine blades spinning in the breeze.”

 

The school should be provided with about 17,000 kilowatts of free electricity each year.  This energy will be used by the school and the excess electricity will be fed back into the national grid.

 

Pannal Primary School already audits its electricity consumption and will be able to directly compare costs before and after installation to accurately calculate electricity savings. 

 

Janet O’Connor, Vice Chair of the School’s Governing Body, who has been leading on the project, added:  “The financial savings that we make by generating our own electricity and by selling excess back to the grid will be re-invested in the school to further benefit the children’s education.  In addition, the reduction in the school’s carbon emissions will have a direct impact on the environment.”

 

Energy saving light fittings have already been installed around the school meaning that every unit of electricity generated by the turbine is used to its maximum effect. Energy agents in each class turn off the lights at the end of the school day.

 

Water hippos and push taps installed in the toilets have reduced water consumption by an amazing 40% and the school is also a keen recycler and composter.

 

The project was funded by grants and the school is hugely indebted to the following organisations: Scottish Power Green Energy Trust; Low Carbon Building Programme; Awards For All Lottery Grant.  They are also grateful to Lindsay Cook, Harrogate Borough Council’s Environment Projects Officer whose help in completing the funding forms was invaluable.

 

The school also wishes to thank ARUP whose generous help with the geotechnical survey ensured firm foundations for the turbine.  In addition thanks to the school PTA who have funded a display panel, which will act as an invaluable learning tool for our children now and in the future. ENDS

 

FURTHER INFORMATION:  Liz Elvidge and Janet O’Connor are available at school on 01423 872407. 

 

MEDIA CONTACT:  Andrew Darling, Press Office, North Yorkshire County Council 01609 780780.

Huddersfield Transition Town

Transition towns are planning a self sufficient future – in preparation for when the oil runs out. There is a transition town group in Huddersfield and they have just launched their own website which says it far better than I could.

Green building materials

Straw bale building

Love is in the air…

Valentines day?

Need a card?  so check these out .

Huddersfield based company and cute cards and plastic free – ooohh baby that feels really good….

Dont like wooden hearts? They have monkey cards and love words … visit the site

Read the blurb…. 100% RECYCLED WITH BIO-DEGRADABLE CLEAR BAG Printed on 100% recycled smooth white board. Each card comes with 100% recycled C6 brown craft paper envelope inside a clear bio-degradable bag. The bag is made from corn starch which is fully bio-degradable and compostable, breaking down to just CO2 and H2O – as green as you can get! Dig The Earth!

 For other plastic free cards check these out.

Coffee and PFBs

while we speak of pfbs (plastic free bikkies), there is nothing that iritates Pam more then going for a coffee and getting one of those individually plastic wrapped biscuits besides the cup. Yuck. Luckily I shop in Huddersfield so go to Coffevolution for my bean based brew. They make their own biscuits which are fantastic. …with not a wrapper between them. Other things to like – its not a chain but run by the owner, the coffe is free trade, the bagels are creamy cheesy and there are murals on the walls. Click here for more PFBs