Investing in tomorrow

Whether you believe in anthropogenic caused global warming or not, oil is not a renewable energy source and many have suggested we have reached or will soon reach peak oil. Peak oil is when half of the oil in the world has been extracted and then the speed of supply slows down. At the same time demand is increasing, especially with the rapid increase of industry in China and India amongst other developing nations. And so the world is looking to produce more of its energy from renewable sources.

While nuclear energy is considered to be a renewable and has low carbon emissions, it’s often not mentioned in same sentence as, green, ethical or environmentally friendly. Nuclear will be the main competitor to other renewable energy sources; China is planning on producing most of its energy this way by 2020. Three advantages it has over more green energy production techniques is that is fairly low cost, and is reliable as it doesn’t require the weather to act a certain way. The disadvantage is that the cost to shut a reactor down is often not factored into the cost of energy and so it’s not as cheap as some estimates suggest, also there does tend to be more cancer in those that live and work near a reactor, and then the obvious one -  if something does go wrong…

Facts and figures

Bloomberg predicts green energy expenditure will increase by 67% by 2020

Iceland produces 60% of its energy via geothermal, and around 22% via hydro – 82% total

Sweden produces 32% off energy with biomass exceeding energy produce from oil

Solar PV market is set to grow 100% this year, 2010

It seems both private and public money is being diverted to the renewable sector, which is a very healthy sign. Currently, solar power seems to be most attractive to investors due to recently reduced costs of production and the fact there is less red tape in the form of less planning permission. When investing many argue that developing countries are less interested in the negative environmental impact of their energy production-they are more interested in cheap reliable energy and so may not be a good bet.

As with all investments, it’s important to spread risk, don’t put all your eggs in the same basket.  So it’s a good idea to do some in depth research and look at different areas within the renewable sector, keep an eye on government legislation and look at different continents. An alternative to this is to put your money into a portfolio, this is where expert investors do all the research for you, though they’ll take a cut, and while they may have a proven track record, no one can predict the future so there is always a risk.

The other way to invest is in a carbon exchange market, where carbon credits are traded – this is new and still fairly controversial, and although many companies will suggest huge returns of up to 300% over a couple years, I’d argue this is the most risky of investments.

So if you do have a desire to invest your hard earned currency, check out renewable energy, it may be a sound long term investment, but of course nothing is risk free.

Standing calling 2010

Of the five girls I live with, two shyly admitted to having never heard of the festival, whilst the other three began reeling with jealousy over the fact that I would be seeing artists such as Buena Vista Social Club (yep, they were there and yes, they were amazing) and The Magic Numbers.

Despite the tent malfunction on the first night (it leaked, we were drenched, the less said about it the better) the festival got a huge thumbs up from me, as a first time goer.

Set on the spacious grounds of a 16th century manor house just 40 minutes north of London, arrival at the festival is a sight to behold.  The setting is captivating, with the option to camp for the weekend, or swap your tent/campervan for one of the many tipis and yurts on offer.

Equipped with an all-night bar licence, an on-site nightclub, a spectacular array of food, a swimming pool and even an area for the little ones, Standon proves to be a most cultural and innovative festival.

Not to be outdone by the impressive line up and entertainment on offer, the eco credentials of this festival hold their own, and the number of green initiatives being employed by the festival was highly commendable.

Over the weekend I was able to catch up with the festival organiser Alex Trenchard, and get a little more of an insight into Standon Calling.

Q.  How long has Standon been calling?

Standon has been calling since 2001, back when it was a barbecue, a set of decks, 50 friends from university, and a game of kick the can.  We didn’t really plan to make it a festival, but every year we wanted that gathering of the friends to get better and better, and over the years it has become a festival.

Q.  What initiatives have you got in place to make this a greener festival?

We try to encourage public transport, so we’ve got buses running from nearby city centres, we also work really hard for our waste to be streamed correctly and we do that with our compost bins.  We also use reusable cups with a 50p deposit on the cup. Last year one kid got around £50 – that’s 100 glasses! We tried to encourage cycling this year also, and about 50 people cycled up this year.

Q.  So with the compost bins, does that mean everybody’spoo will end up on fields around here?

Yes exactly.  We’re really pleased with the eco loos, as they use absolutely no water.  That really serves as a strong plus for a festival organiser because you’re not wasting water.

Q.  Have you any idea of the number of volunteers you’ve had this year at the festival?

In terms of the litter side of things we have about 40, overall we have maybe around 150 volunteers.

Q.  Are you working with any environmental agencies?

We have a very strong relationship with Greener Festival who help us get greener.

Q.  What’s been the highlight of this year’s festival for you so far?

So far, and that’s before we see Buena Vista, my highlight for just sheer wow factor was Etienne De Crecy’s cube show.  I don’t think I havenever seen anything like that, it was amazing.  My favourite band has been Casiokids, although I thought Metronomy on Friday were really good aswell.

All the artists at the festival were outstanding, right from the bigger acts, to the up-and-coming artists.  If I had to pick a favourite performance, it would have to be between Alice Russell’s powerful performance (read the interview with Alice here), and The Magic Number’s intimate performance at the crooked house stage.

In terms of up-and coming acts however, Fool’s Gold were one band that particularly caught my eye.  They’re infectious Afro-pop beats made it neigh on impossible not to at least bop your head along to their set.

Another new band playing at the festival was quirky, Bristolian band Lulu and the Lampshades.   Comprising of three girls and one guy, this band make cheery, folkish music.  Their recent video for the song “your going to miss me” has had over 412, 000youtube views, and sees two of the girls from the band dressed in their pyjamas, singing and hitting out the beat to the song on empty plastic cartons.  However it is not just plastic cartons that these young musicians incorporate into their act.  Old typewriters, biscuit tins, yoghurt pots, and other household items are used by the band as make shift instruments.  Hey, it’s one way of recycling…plus they’d be able to carry on their set if there was a power cut… one more tick for eco!

*Image courtesy of Charlie O’Beirne

Greener building for tomorrow

The Fairglen project is an eco-community of sustainable homes in Hayle, Cornwall which is now moving into Phase 2 of the build. Percy Williams and Sons, the creators behind Fairglen, have been in business for almost a century and wanted to provide for the families of tomorrow, offering a sustainable, green alternative to new builds elsewhere.

Simon Williams reports: “We have found that the 3 bedroom properties have been the most popular, with many families thinking of the long term benefits of near-zero energy bills”.

Although an eco-home will come in at a few thousand pounds more than its resource hungry equivalent, the savings in heating, electricity and water bills will quickly make up the difference.

Green properties like these achieve a near carbon neutral status, with photovoltaic (solar panel) roof systems, high efficiency heat recovery ventilation systems, rainwater recycling, and superior insulation. Hot water is generated by ground-source heat pumps, and the houses are designed with under-floor heating making use of this free heat.

Eco-homes are far from the basic lodgings you might imagine; in fact a major attraction over the ‘traditional’ house is the superior comfort of the living environment which provides an all-year round stable temperature and excellent air quality. Alongside the under-floor heating, large windows and modern architectural design, you may not even realise how green you are until your bills arrive.

For more information please visit http://www.new-homes-cornwall.com

One may say that there is no substitute for a gym and that the machinery is state of the art giving you a better and more scientific work out, with machines carefully designed to target every muscle in your body at ever different angle, and treadmills that are so clever they can vary the speed and incline, how can a simple world of land possibly compete with such sophistication?

Well much modern research has suggested the health benefits of outdoor running to be vastly superior to any gym, not to mention substantially cheaper. Firstly, by running in day light you’ll be getting your dose of Vitamin D. Go to the country and breathe clean, un-recycled air, run near water and feel the positive mood caused by OH- ions invigorating your body. Run bare foot on the beach and notice the muscles in your feet develop fully. The mitochondria (power stations) in your calve muscles are proven to be of much higher concentration in athletes that train on uneven ground along with strengthened ligaments and tendons (be careful not to twist an ankle). Practice sprints and acceleration for increased fast twitch muscle power, something you just can’t do on a treadmill.  Every time you turn a corner you are working important core muscles gaining balance and coordination. Running on different surfaces, grass, sand, wood land paths, work your body in slightly different ways giving you balance.

Admittedly, gyms have weights and if your purpose is to build big muscles, then they do have merit. And yes, at this time of year it may get icy and so the gym wins again given the dangers of slipping, however as we see January pass and the weather improve I argue getting outdoors and going for a run will relieve stress and give you health benefits far greater that a trip to the noisy gym.

Exercise at its best is a time to forget the worries of the world and work, to rid yourself of the dreaded stress hormone cortisol and to flood your body with feel good endorphins for a natural high. If you find it boring, encourage a friend to go with you and chat, join a running club or better yet run in beautiful surroundings so the scenery can occupy your mind. If it’s cold or wet, wrap up warm with a water proof. If you’re a beginner, run a few hundred meters then walk a few hundred and gradually reduce the walking and increase the running. Drink plenty fresh water and do some stretching. If Forest Gump can run for a few years, I’m sure everyone can manage 20 minutes.

They are delicious when eaten straight from the pan, hot and drizzled with butter and home-made strawberry jam.  Their success depends on the quality of the griddle.  I have a cast-iron frying pan that I use but I remember my mother having an iron square made especially for her by my cousin who was a sheet metal worker.  She could rest it over the gas ring and cook the singin’ hinnies.

I would always ask for these scones for my birthday tea as coins, wrapped in greaseproof paper were put inside them.  We would refer to them as ‘money scones’. It was always exciting to see who would end up with the most money.

There are many thoughts about the derivation of the name but I’m sure it is the noise they make as they cook.  Apparently a mother explained to her daughter that they would soon be ready as she could hear them singing.  She then referred to her daughter as ‘hinnie’ – a Northumbrian term of endearment, hence the ‘singin’ hinnie’.

Recipe

• 225grams (8ozs) plain flour
• 50grams (2ozs) currants
• 100grams (4ozs) butter (or margarine)
• 1tsp baking powder
• Milk to mix to a dough

Sift the flour and baking powder into a bowl.  Rub in the fat and stir in the currants.  Add enough milk to make a dough.  Roll out onto a floured tray and cut with scone cutter into rounds of chosen size. 

Heat pan and lightly grease.  Place scones onto griddle on a very low heat so that the scones can cook very slowly.  Turn once and cook on other side.  To check that they are cooked remove one of the scones and tap it gently – it should sound hollow.

Slice in half , butter and enjoy.

The Prince of Wales garden party

Fancy celebrating the end of summer with a garden party to make a difference? If so, The Prince of Wales and an array of musicians, comedians, environmental experts and some of Britain’s best known companies invite you to a unique festival in the heart of London.

‘A Garden Party To Make A Difference’ also presents a rare opportunity to visit historic gardens at Clarence House, together with gardens at Lancaster House and Marlborough House this September. The party will last 12 days, from 8 to the 19 September 2010, from 10am to 6pm daily.

The festivities are an imaginative part of The Prince of Wales’s ‘Start’ initiative launched in February. The event aims to give people of all ages a fun day out while at the same time, via the exhibits, demonstrating the small steps that can, and are, being taken by all of us, interested in building a more sustainable future.

The Prince of Wales said:

“I am delighted to be able to welcome visitors into my gardens, and those of my immediate neighbours, for this exciting festival. We have a fantastic team of talented curators who are helping us create an event which will, I hope, be both fun and informative. This festival is just one way in which Start can help to demonstrate how we can all make a difference, however big or small the steps we take.”

The 12 day Garden Party, in the heart of London, will be an intriguing blend of exhibitions, interactive displays, fun activities and live performances throughout the day from comedians, musicians and speakers. Each area of the Garden Party will be curated by a celebrity champion.

These include:

Musical Programme created by Jools Holland

Debate by Jonathan Dimbleby, Sanjeev Bhaskar & Clive Anderson

Comedy Programme created by Marcus Brigstocke and Hugh Dennis

Growing and Gardens by Alan Titchmarsh

Food and The Great Outdoors by Kate Humble

Ecocars by Roger Saul and Kevin McCloud

Fashion by Dame Vivienne Westwood

Visitors to ‘A Garden Party To Make a Difference’ will be able to:

Step into the future with displays and interactive exhibitions about cutting edge green technologies and ideas.

Visit three fascinating gardens in the heart of London, including The Prince of Wales’ own vegetable patch and rose garden.

Design and sew bags from recycled materials and display them.

Taste food and learn cooking tips from some of the country’s top food experts.

Listen to comedians, musicians and speakers on a rolling performance programme on two different stages.

Visit over 100 displays and exhibitions.

 Tickets, priced £15 for adults and £7.50 for children are on sale from 9am today.

Tickets are timed for purposes of entrance only. Full details are available on the

Garden Party website www.startuk.org.

The Global Green Awards recognise and reward green business that is making a difference, whether it be in corporate social responsibility, eco advances or ethical best practice.

Five years down the line, the awards are firmly placed in the international eco calendar and play a crucial role in showcasing green issues, products and lifestyle choices to each and every one of us in the world.

The awards recognise creative excellence in 16 categories from Best Green Educational Project through to Best Green Advertising Award open to all countries.

If you fancy entering the awards, you can do so at: www.greenawards.com. Entries are open until Thursday 30^th September and the winners will be announced on 2^nd December at the Natural History Museum London, presented by celebrity co-host Jo Wood.

You can also check out the winners of last year’s awards, covered by the lovely Yassmine.

Situated just a few miles south of Penrith, and surrounded by trees and rolling hills this fast growing festival is filled with atmosphere and has an edge to it different from the larger more commercial events. Yet we found the size to be perfect, having found the amount of walking at some festivals to be challenging, it was great to be able to get from our tent to the bar, to the main stage, wander into a tent filled with cushions for a game of drafts, then into another tent with swinging seats and a folk band spinning ambient tunes, and back to the bar without having a 40 minute hike. Indeed it feels as if everything you want is within 5 minutes walk; this is great for browsing bands and acts.

A chance to let your hair down, unwind and explore the many different activities and entertainments available. An eclectic mix of music or performance to suit all tastes from Jazz, classical, blues, indie, punk and rock to spoken word, poetry, freaky escapologists and comedians. And if the excitement of the festival becomes just too much, put your feet up and kick back to recharge with some of the holistic therapies available in serene yurts, including massage, reflexology and raki. And it’s not just the entertainment that leaves you spoilt for choice, there is food from all over the world at very reasonable prices – we particularly enjoyed the many fresh smoothies and juice, Mexican chilli nacho’s, crepes, Indonesian food and the mouth watering lamb kebabs from the falafel stand.

The Eco credentials of the festival seem to be ingrained. Like stitches in a shirt, they are everywhere but not in your face. Recyclable paper plates, wooden cutlery, futuristic looking solar heated showers, and of course the famous, Croissant Neuf – a solar powered stage/tent bringing to light the “wow” factor for a sustainable festival (we’d love to see all of the stages take this approach and be powered via the sun – it just makes sense!) All in all Kendal Calling is a gem of a festival integrating a personal vibe in a beautiful deer park, all the while remaining conscious of sustainability and leaving the land as it was found.

So imagine my terror when, having only ever been on a boat once, I was invited by Travel Manitoba to kayak on the Regents Canal in London.  However, I need not have worried as I was in good hands as soon as I arrived, right up until the end of the canal tour two hours later.

I was kindly invited on the kayaking tour of the canal by Travel Manitoba, a company based in Canada thatprovides tourism information such as accommodations, outfitters and attractions in Manitoba Canada, and the tour was lead by instructors from Thames River Adventures.

Thames River Adventures offer an exclusive and eco-friendly kayaking experience, either on the calm and serene waters of Regents Canal, the “tidal Thames” at Tower Bridge or the more sedate waters at Hampton Court.   It is an excellent opportunity to see London from a different angle, whilst enjoying the escapism and peace of mind that comes from bobbing on the water in a 9ft slab of green plastic.

We began at 10am in St John’s Wood, and after a quick safety talk and lesson in paddling (to which I paid very close attention, being the only newbie), we were off.

If you’re concerned about a lack of experience on the water, don’t be. Kayaking at this level is relatively simple, especially when you know you are in safe, qualified hands, and no rolling out of the kayaks is required on these tours.

After a tentative start and a few shrubbery collisions, I was soon in my element and taking to kayaking like a seasoned veteran.  Okay, so I wasn’t exactly going to be competing in the next slalom competition, but I was quite pleased so find that I could relate my driving skills to the navigating of the kayak and if I recall correctly, the words of the group were “like a duck to water.”

By the end of the tour of Regents Canal, during which we went past London Zoo, Royal Park, and even saw some of Banksy’s work, I felt thoroughly relaxed and calm, as well as secretly proud of myself for experiencing something I’d never tried before.  Not only that, but my arms looked considerably more toned after I clambered out of the kayak than they had to begin with!

I would recommend the kayaking tours to anyone, even complete novices, as the Regents Canal is a perfect setting to try your hand at kayaking, although there is a pre-requisite for you to be able to swim at least 20 metres.

All equipment is provided including recreational touring kayaks, so you only need to bring yourself, although if you’re anything like me, you may want a change of clothes,as I managed to accumulate copious amounts of warm water on my lap with each stroke of the paddle.

You are joined on the tour by a qualified British Canoe Union Instructor who guides you throughout the tour with expert tuition, health and safety briefing and knowledge and history of the tour environment.

Tour Prices from £59 per person Monday to Sunday for all Hampton Court Tours. Regents Canal Tours from £74.99 per person 7 days a week.  Call 0208 3613009 or visit ThamesRiverAdventures.co.uk

Everyone experiences fatigue from time to time, and for some people it is an almost daily struggle.  With the summer sun becoming more intense, there is even more reason to fight against this condition in order to prevent further maladies such as chronic or extreme fatigue.

In loose terms, fatigue is simply mental or physical exhaustion.  In many ways it is a normal process that slows the body down at the end of the day in preparation for sleep, or protects overworked muscles from possible injury.  Too often however, fatigue is an unwelcome force in our lives, proving an inconvenience or at worst completely debilitating.  Whilst we’re all aware of the basic rules to combating fatigue – not skipping breakfast, avoiding crash diets, getting plenty of sleep, and taking our vitamins, there are also some simple dietary changes that can be employed to help fight fatigue and prevent it from getting us down.

Drink plenty of water. Ok so we hear this advice a lot, but still many of us don’t get enough water.  Dehydration is a common cause of fatigue as it can reduce blood flow to organs, slowing down your brain – and you too.  The amount of water a person needs varies according to his or her weight, activity level and climate.  However one way to determine your specific recommended water intake is to divide your weight (in kilograms) by 30, which will tell you how many litres you should be aiming for per day.  However, remember this is just a guide.

The caffeine crux. Whilst one or two caffeinated drinks a day boosts the body’s energy and mental alertness, caffeine can cause dehydration and heavy usersare prone to irritability, anxiety, and reduced performance.  Perhaps try swapping your afternoon coffee with a cup of green tea, which delivers less caffeine than coffee but also contains another natural stimulant, theophylline, which has caffeine-like effects.

Eat foods high in iron. Iron relieves fatigue that is associated with insufficient red blood cells.  Women in particular are prone to iron-deficiency, especially when pregnant, as their iron reserves are used up faster to help the developing foetus.  Iron is also essential in maintaining a healthy immune system and is therefore a vital part of our diet.  Foods high in iron include red meats, beetroot, spinach, almonds and dates.

Peel a banana. Easy to digest, potassium-laden bananas make a great lunchtime snack.  Being one of few fruits that contain both simple and complex carbohydrates, bananas deliver an immediate energy boost and longer-lasting endurance.  As an extra tip to slow down and extend the energy release this fruit gives, spread some protein, like peanut butter on bite-size slices.

Oats. Carbohydrates are an ideal source of quick energy due to the body’s ability to digest them almost immediately.  However the most effective carbohydrates are those packed with fibre – like oats.  Dietary fibre takes longer to digest and therefore slows the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream.  This results in a high, steady energy and a curbed appetite.  Try adding honey to your bowl of oatmeal too, as this natural sweetener provides a quick shot of energy, which coupled with the slow-release energy from oats will help steer you clear of that mid-morning slump.

Sweet peppers. Besides being aesthetically pleasing in an omelette or salad, these veggies are a stellar source of vitamin C, which helps the body efficiently burn fat for energy by stimulating the production of carnitine.  Carnitineis a molecule that transports fat to the part of the cell where it is metabolized, helping to burn more of it overall and thus helping your body stay revved and work efficiently.

Sweet potatoes. High in vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene, sweet potatoes are full of important antioxidants, vital in the body’s defence against free radicals, which increase greatly when we’re stressed or overly tired.  Sweet potatoes are also an excellent source of vitamin C, and are full of fibre, vitamin B6, iron, and other nutrients.

Go nuts. Research shows that eating monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, instead of saturated and trans fats, slows down digestion and keeps your metabolism firing and helps you feel full for longer.  These good fats have also been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other illnesses.  However, remember, everything in moderation.  To prevent you from overdoing it with this snack, measure out servings in a shot glass.

Hopefully these few tips will help you in combating your fatigue and avoiding that mid-morning slump.  However, should fatigue persist, consult your doctor to make sure that your fatigue isn’t caused by an underlying medical problem.