Business | News & Views

UK Aware 2010

Why should you get involved?

UK Aware is a Social Enterprise with a mission – they are not activists, ‘eco warriors’ or scientists but normal people who want to make a difference to the world we live in.

They have undertaken the task of making the right choices the easiest ones for the consumer – in order to make a big difference we need people to live and work in a more eco-friendly manner and this will only come about if being green is both achievable, simple and fun!

They are holding an exhibition this year to showcase some of the fantastic green and eco companies that offer ethically minded goods to the consumer.

They are incredibly passionate and care immensely about what they do. All profits from the event will be donated to Global Action Plan so get down to Olympia Two in London on the 16th or 17th of April!

What are the benefits?

Clearly the resources of our planet are running out. It’s time to make being eco-friendly a part of your everyday life. Whether you attend UK Aware to learn something new, make some purchases, network or simply out of curiosity it is a step in the right direction.

If you are a business you could learn about ethically responsible corporations and partnerships and find new ways to encourage your brand to accept and promote their social responsibilities.

If you are an individual these events are a great way to educate your family, and yourself, about the ways in which you can help lower your carbon footprint and live in a more sustainable manner.

Most importantly, it’s fun! The more people who show their support for events like this, the more the green agenda will be taken seriously and the easier it will become to live in an eco manner.

… and finally

UK Aware will bring together 200 exhibitors, 15,000 visitors, 100 low carbon vehicles and over 50 world class guest speakers.

It is now in its third year – a tremendous accomplishment.

Exjhibitors will showcase thousands of products and services that could prove invaluable to your business, home or family.

Enjoy a fun day out whilst learning about how to keep our planet alive at this wonderful exhibit.

>>> Visit MoreEco’s UK Aware page

Green and Black’s to go 100% Fairtrade

Move will make Green & Black’s the world’s leading manufacturer of organic Fairtrade chocolate green-and-blacks

The company’s Maya Gold chocolate was the first official Fairtrade product to go on sale in Britain 15 years ago. Its extended range of chocolate bar and beverage products in the UK will start to carry the distinctive blue and green Fairtrade logo from late 2010, and it is hoped that full conversion of the entire chocolate bar and beverage range in more than 30 countries will be achieved by the end of 2011.

The Fairtrade market, which now covers products from developing countries ranging from chocolate and coffee to cotton, was worth £22m in 1999, according to a recent survey from the Co-op. Last year, sales of Fairtrade products grew to £635m and the Co-operative is predicting it could break the £1bn barrier in 2010.

The Fairtrade funding, approximately £300,000 a year, received by farmers in the Dominican Republic will be spent on sustainability initiatives which will include improving quality, yields and education, which in turn will increase income for farmers, ensure the cocoa industry becomes more sustainable and secure the supply of high-quality organic cocoa beans to support the brand’s international growth.

Dominic Lowe, managing director of Green & Black’s, said: “We buy quality, organic Trinitario cocoa beans from co-operatives in the Dominican Republic, and have done so for 10 years. Up until now we have committed US $500,000 in local initiatives to improve quality and availability, but we wanted to do more to support farmers.”
The Fairtrade Foundation (UK) executive director, Harriet Lamb, commented: “This newest commitment to Fairtrade will enable producers to benefit themselves, scale up their businesses and invest in their communities, not just now but for the future.”

See the whole article at theguardian.co.uk

Is the Government Doing Enough?

The Government has played down claims it is not doing enough to help introduce electric cars in the UK. electric-car-gas-gauge

In a visit to the region this week Ivan Hodac, secretary-general of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, said money spent on support for the North East’s electric car infrastructure was not supported across the rest of the UK.

His outspoken attack on “piecemeal” Government support has upset ministers who have spent millions of pounds on electric vehicle support.

Nissan’s Sunderland plant, which employs more than 3,000 workers, is currently bidding against its factory in Portugal to build the manufacturer’s LEAF electric car – a contract which it hopes could create thousands of North East jobs. But Mr Hodac said Portuguese efforts to introduce electric car charging points were moving much faster than UK plans.

The Government claims to have found £30m for charging points for electric and plug-in hybrid cars.

“Cities and businesses are joining together to bid for this money which will help fund the installation of charging points on streets, car parks and in commercial, retail and leisure facilities,” the Government spokeswoman said.
She added: “Overall, we’re investing more than £400m to encourage the development, manufacture and use of next generation ultra-low carbon vehicles. This support is being targeted to create jobs in a low-carbon automotive sector and to cut carbon from UK road transport.”

Mr Hodac is a representative in Brussels of the 15 European car makers.

View the full article at nebusiness.co.uk