The Only Way is Up?

As Yazz famously (?) sang in 1988, the only way is up, and that certainly seems true of UK CO2 emissions ...

Figures published by the DTI today show that UK CO2 emissions in 2006 rose 1.2% over 2005 levels, and are only down 5.3% over 1990 levels - compare that to the government's target of a 20% reduction on 1990 levels by 2010. Emissions are now higher than at any other point during the current Labour administration.

The domestic sector was one of only two with an emissions reduction over 2005 (of 2.5%), but standby (pardon the pun) they are still up 3.4% over 1990 levels.

All the facts and figures can be found here.

So, do we need annual targets as part of the Climate Change Bill, or is the government record on long-term target setting (remember that target of 20% reduction on 1990 levels?) doing the trick? Get ready for them turning the national grid off in December 2010 ...

... or support the FoE campaign for a strong Climate Change Bill here.

Consumers welcome junk mail. Does the Earth?

According to research released by Royal Mail today, 7 in 10 consumers used a free sample that they received through the door and 37.6 per cent redeemed a money-off voucher or coupon.

This equates to more than 31.1 million free samples or money-off vouchers mailed by stores and brands in 2006 that were welcomed and used by consumers.

But as 550,000 tonnes of paper, equivalent to 3.3 million mature trees, are used for junk mail each year - this means that more than 1/10th of a tree was used for each 'offer' that is actually taken up.

Junk, or 'direct' mail, makes up 4% of all paper waste in the UK. Newspapers account for 20% of all paper used.

The difference is that those who are trying to reduce their paper use can choose not to buy newspapers, and the glossy nature of a lot of junk mail makes me think it's not as reliant on recycled content as newspapers are (average 41.2% recycled paper) but I'd be happy to hear I'm wrong on this!

You can opt out of addressed direct mail through the mail preference service, and opt out of unaddressed mail by sending your name and address to optout@royalmail.com.

Green Eggs and Sham

Shoppers are being urged to choose Easter eggs with the minimum of packaging after research by Camden Friends of the Earth (FoE) found that plastic and cardboard makes up more than a third of the total weight of some products.

From a random sample, the group was particularly impressed by Sainsbury’s approach – the proportion of the egg’s packaging came to a total of only 11% of the total weight, less than half of the closest competitor Duchy Organics.

Sainsbury’s also scored well on its advice to consumers about recycling and, as the cellophane wrapping is plain, it can be reused again and again to wrap other gifts. Green and Blacks are the only supplier surveyed who specifically mention that the packaging they use is recycled board. Other suppliers such as Nestlé and Marks and Spencer do mention that their cardboard packaging is recyclable; but if they do not use recycled board for their products, the recycling process cannot be completed.

The worst offenders in terms of over-packaging were Green and Blacks and Marks and Spencer, both for their organic eggs. Over 35% of the total box weights were down to the packaging rather than the egg! Organic farming processes are beneficial to animals and the environment but some of these benefits can be undone by marketing decisions outside the farm gate.

Are consumers also willing to pay for the 'luxuries' of increased Council Tax and overflowing landfill sites to pay for the disposal of all this waste? Camden Council has recently cut recycling services in its estates to reduce costs, as waste disposal charges rise beyond inflation. And very soon they will be cutting the second weekly refuse collection to private householders. The UK's landfill sites are under pressure and it is up to everyone to minimise the waste now going into them.

Bill responds to Big Ask

Who's this Bill you ask, he always seems to be mentioned by Friends of the Earth but we've never seen him....

On March 13th 2007 the Government introduced the draft Climate Change Bill which should transform our economy and lead the world in tackling climate change. It will:

• Set a long term target for CO₂ cuts.
• Require annual reports to Parliament.
• 
• Form a group to advise what sectors should cut emissions - and by how much.

Camden FoE has been particularly active in getting MP support for this Bill and will continue to campaign for further improvements to this draft through campaigning on the streets of London and at events such as the recent Lee Valley Bird Fair (pictured)

We want to see the following improvements to the Bill at the end of the current 3 month consultation process:

• Bigger cuts
  The Government proposes a 60 per cent cut of carbon dioxide by 2050. We need reductions of at least 80 per cent.
• Annual targets
  The Government wants five year budgets for CO₂. We want shorter targets - to hold the current Parliament to account.
• Aviation and shipping
  International flights and shipping emissions are excluded. We want these included.

Please help us make the case for these changes.

Fairtrade Fortnight

Camden FoE again ran its annual stall at the Queens Crescent Market on 10th March as part of Fairtrade Fortnight. We noticed that customers were much more aware of the issues involved in fair trade and climate change than in previous years, which is really encouraging.

There is now a wide-range of Fairtrade goods available, and the hits of the day were the dried mango, chocolate, and coffee.

But why should we seek out the Fairtrade symbol?

Buying a fair trade product contributes directly to the community that produces it.
For example, in 2003, Fairtrade producer groups were receiving between two and three times the international price for coffee beans. They are no longer subject to the uncertainties of the international 'free' market that has most impact on those who can afford it least. The resultant 'fair' wages and work conditions improve the lives of about 1 million farmers and workers, and also have a postive impact on their communities. Education, health care and the environment all benefit from the empowerment of and investment in local communities. See the Fairtrade website for more information on the benefits.

March 2007 Meeting Minutes

A copy of the minutes from our March meeting can be found here.

Inconvenient Truth Screenings - Launch night

This week saw the launch of a series of screenings of 'An Inconvenient Truth', attended by 'leading' politicians, campaigners and businesses. The launch night was attended by David Miliband MP, Sec of State for the Environment as well as most of DEFRA, a lot of MPs' researchers, and journalists alongside us mere citizens.

Camden FoE members went along to collect support for the inclusion of annual targets in the upcoming Climate Change Bill. Our favourite exchange of the night was the statement by a Financial Times reporter that she didn't believe in annual targets for carbon emission reduction. Graeme's response was to ask her if she had questioned the validity of targets for inflation. I don't believe she was able to give a response to that.

On a more depressing note, there was little sign of meaningful action from the Government. David Miliband gave good green chat - but can't phase out incandescent lightbulbs, thinks taxes will get people out of gas-guzzlers and isn't questioning the UK's road-building and aviation policies. He's blogged about the night, examining the selection of 60% as a target for carbon emission reductions. It appears he recognises that this isn't enough, but if he can't get people to change their lightbulbs, how are we even going to get there?

Future screenings will be attended by David Cameron and Menzies Campbell, keep an eye on the Prince Charles cinema website for more details.