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

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

Where to buy ….

In the run up the Christmas I am featuring local shops for local people… but not I want to quickly assure you in a league of gentlemen kind of way. No these are wonderful products for groovy people. Things made and sold by charming Huddersfield folk for your delight and delectation.

Dressing up … and  it has to be  knit wear created by our very own Ruth Walker of Snood. Her recycled jumpers are not just the bees knees ecologically speaking but are really lovely designer items in their own right.  Read on….

Want a piggy note book for  the sketcher in your life … dont we all? Get one made by local hill dwellers who roam free on the grassy slopes round Emly – sounds surreal but  the books are really nice … find out  more here

Then of course you will need a card – these are rather lovely printed on sustainable board, printed with vegetable inks and  they come in biodegradable cellophane wrappers …..click here for more

Perhaps this year you plan to be uber green and make your own presents…. yes me too (right) … so lets get knitting – how about some toasty hot water bottle covers – they are quick and easy.

Locally made sketch books

What you need for christmas is a note book to write down all your lists…

Or perhaps something for the sketcher in your life.. or a diary for the new year.

So why not buy a locally produced book from Pink Pig? Made in Emley by hill dwellers apparently.

Ingredients

The paper they use to make their books 

• Made from wood pulp from managed forests in Europe,
• Made in Kendal in the Lake District.

So doing their best to keep the ‘carbon footprint’ down.

Good Works

They donate .5% of their turnover to the RNLI

Buy them…

Available by post from the pink pig website or buy in person from Calder Graphics in Byram Arcade or A1 Stationers on Kirkgate

Snood

Snood introduces its latest exclusive knitwear collection inspired by 1940’s glamour. Snood carefully resurrects cashmere, merino and lambs wool fabrics to create chic and contemporary shapes, teaming with vintage buttons and scarves to provide this utterly unique knitwear range. All styles are made from reclaimed fabrics giving you a completely one-off garment and a piece of heritage every time.
Each style encapsulates exquisite yet understated glamour whilst incorporating Snood’s strong ethical philosophy of creating Sustainable New One-Off Designs. All garments are sourced, designed and made in the UK with the focus being to extend the life of these beautiful fabrics and reduce the current waste cycle.
The very latest timeless pieces are available at www.snoodknitwear.com and stockists nationwide.

Water free widdles

Metro recently revolutionised its bus station washroom facilities in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire by introducing state-of-the-art ES4 water-efficient WCs and Airflush® waterless urinals from Green Building Store.
The installation has been a great success, with water usage readings showing monthly water savings of approximately 40% and a reduction on the annual spend on water.

Previously, the management team at Dewsbury had received complaints from passengers regarding unpleasant odours caused by the urinals, which were also outdated and wasting water. Since installing the new facilities, complaints of this nature are a thing of the past and maintenance is no longer an ongoing problem.

Phil Burton, Mechanical & Electrical Officer for Metro, said, “The most significant change since having the new urinals installed has been the removal of odours. I must admit, we had some initial concerns about installing waterless systems but we felt it was very important to reduce our environmental impact. Now they are installed, we have no regrets at all – as well as saving water we also stand to be making substantial cost savings and passengers are happier – so they have been a success all round.”

The new facilities are also helping Metro to meet Government-set targets of improving efficiency by 3% per annum. Metro also has its own active environment policy and all bus stations must meet water and energy efficiency targets.

Following on from the success of the refurbishment at Dewsbury bus station, Metro is planning to install similar products at other bus stations in West Yorkshire.

Notes for the Editor
1. Green Building Store has been a leading manufacturer and supplier of sustainable building products throughout the UK for over a decade. For more information please call 01484 461705 or see the website at www.greenbuildingstore.co.uk

Transition Towns

Huddersfield CAN are looking into transitions towns and the possibility of applying these principals to Huddersfield. Its early days yet but Susan Thomas writes

“There is a really good web site which would give you an idea of what the potential is, basically it’s a movement which accepts the need for change in our society (due to “peak oil” and climate change) and believes that we should be making plans and designing the future now. Transitiontowns.org is an amazing resource.

Both Stroud and Totnes are have had some success- it’s really worth looking at what they are doing and maybe be inspired by………totnes.transitionnetwork.org/ for example.
I’ve been on a training weekend, and am just about to go to their conference- hoping to meet like minded people……

We are hoping that Ben Brangwyn, one of the founders is going to speak in Huddersfield in early June and maybe something will get started after that.”