New standards for eco products
The development and global implementation of a new environmental ratings system could make product comparisons easier for consumers across the 
world.
The US-based Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) announced on August 10 that it had partnered with Canadian Standards Association and international US-based group UL Environment, two leading standards organizations. The three groups intend to develop a series of new standards which can be used by governments, retailers and consumers worldwide to identify and promote environmentally responsible products.
The new standards of environmental efficiency will take into account not just the energy consumption of the product, but also its ecological impact across its lifetime. In a press release, the American and Canadian companies stated that they intended to develop a “metric that will instill consumer confidence.”
Increased transparency in environmental standards is needed as consumers become increasingly ecologically aware and manufacturers begin responding to their demands; it is not yet known when the firms will have completed drafting the new standards, or when they will be implemented.
Currently low environmental impact products are awarded under the Energy Star system and are available throughout America and Europe; energy-efficient EU products also carry a green flower symbol.
Consumer websites such as www.energystar.gov in the United States, www.energysavingtrust.org.uk in the UK and www.ecolabel.eu in Europe provide environmental ratings and information on a number of household appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines.
It is hoped that development of a new system of environmental ratings could lead to a comprehensive global standardized environmental rating system, simplifying product comparisons for consumers and allowing them to avoid “greenwashing” or misleading ecologically oriented marketing.
>>> Please read the full article here
August 19, 2010
Share this
Green cleaning: There’s the scrub
Our products harm the environment. They are not environmentally friendly. We never say they are environmentally friendly.” Who is saying this? BP’s Tony Hayward, perhaps?
Actually these are the words of Mick Bremans, chief executive of Ecover, the biggest-selling brand of “ecological” cleaning and laundry products in Britain. Despite celebrating 30 years in the business of selling greener, cleaner household products, Bremans’ team at Ecover has not yet discovered a dishwasher tab or laundry liquid that is what the consumer with a conscience is looking for – environmentally friendly.
In fact, Bremans is making the point that no product, be it a lavatory cleaner, a hybrid car or a locally sourced punnet of strawberries, is technically environmentally friendly. Everything we make takes its toll on the planet in production and leaves its mark when disposed of. Instead, Ecover describes its products as “ecological”, to communicate that they are kinder to the environment than comparable products.
>>> Please read the full article here
>>> Find out More and Shop for Ecover Products
August 9, 2010
Share this
Marie-Claire Top Ten Eco Fashion Brands
Top fashion magazine Marie Claire have scoured the fashion world for the best in eco-fashion lines. 
KUYICHI
Eco-fashion brand Kuyichi has adopted the mantra of ’style conscious’, on which it expands, ‘We create style. We are conscious of how we create it.’ This innovative denim brand was founded in 2001 and created the first all-organic and Fairtrade jeans to hit the market. Since then their range has expanded, keeping the ethical principles intact alongside contemporary cuts and design.
PEOPLE TREE
The self-named ‘Fairtrade fashion pioneer,’ People Tree is one of the original ethical fashion labels and can boast impeccable eco-credentials. Covering all areas of the spectrum, the company aims to use only organic and Fairtrade cotton, uses strictly natural dyes, sources locally where possible and chooses recycled products over synthetics. Plus, their Fairtrade endeavours span 20 developing countries. If that’s not enough, then the fact that they create beautiful clothing is just an added bonus. Check out designer collaborations from Thakoon and Bora Aksu amongst the delectable range.
STELLA MCCARTNEY
One of the true pioneers of eco-chic, Stella McCartney proves that fashion can be fair, without sacrificing style. She has long been an advocate of alternatives to animal products, with all her accessories being strictly cruelty free. The eco philosophy doesn’t stop there, with McCartney launching an organic capsule collection this year.
KATHARINE E HAMNETT
Katharine Hamnett is a true ethical clothing innovator, and a tireless campaigner for the use of organic cotton. After visiting Mali with Oxfam in 2003, the designer saw first hand the devastating effects of the conventional cotton industry, and immediately vowed to help drive the demand for the organic alternative. Her iconic slogan tees are the produced to the highest environmentally friendly standards and are the height of eco-chic.
HOWIES
For Howies, taking an ethical philosophy isn’t just about using organic cotton (although they do this as well!); it’s about making products that will last. This is why the brand’s selection of organic basics are some of the best out there, and are a good place to start if you want to make your wardrobe more eco-friendly.
EDUN
Founded by Bono and wife Ali Hewson in spring 2005, EDUN is far from being a celebrity fashion label. Created to encourage Fairtrade practise, the label fosters sustainable employment schemes in developing countries around the world. The fact that the clothes are some of the most stylish in the eco-market is merely a bonus.
CIEL
When Sarah Ratty established eco-fashion label Ciel she wanted to create clothing that would offer an ethical and environmental choice to fashion conscious women. She certainly succeeded, and her covetable collection garners as much attention for its beautiful cuts and colours as it does its’ impeccable eco credentials.
BEYOND SKIN
Proving an ideal example of how far the ethical fashion industry has come in the past few years, Beyond Skin’s designs are as stylish as they are ethically sound. Handmade in a family run factory in England, the company has a cruelty free philosophy, in terms of not only animals, but humans and the environment as well.
ANNIE GREENABELLE
Available at Equa, one of our favourite eco-boutiques, Annie Greenabelle is one of those labels that instantly debunk notions that ethical fashion can’t be both green and stylish. Combining organically grown and recycled fabrics, her party dresses are a must for green goddesses.
AMANA
Amana was one of our favourite discoveries at last season’s London Fashion Week Estethica exhibition, an area dedicated to the best eco-clothing labels out there. Marrying beautiful design with ethical production, the entire collection is created by a fair trade co-operative of women artisans in Morocco. On top of this, organic silks and cottons alongside hemp mix fabrics ensure that the collection has minimal negative environmental impact.
>>> For more information on each of these designers and to see Marie Claire’s top tens click here
July 9, 2010
Share this
Natural Empathy Hits the Presses
Charlotte Methven celebrated buying British last weekend in You Magazine from the Mail on Sunday. It featured one of 
MoreEco’s favourite brands, Natural Empathy as an up and coming British Brand and highlighted their hand and body lotion and indulgence natural candle. To celebrate this they’re offering £2 from every online sale of Beautifully British products as a donation to the Help for Heroes charity.
The article discusses the notion of ‘rediscovering the idea of buying British to support our economy and see how great small British brands can be’ – a concept MoreEco supports whole heartedly. So if you fancy taking a look at the article please click here and let us know what you think!
Thanks
The MoreEco Team
>>> See the article here
>>> Check out Natural Empathy’s page here
June 3, 2010
Share this
Green Events Update
2010 has seen some fantastic green events already. As eco innovation develops and more and more consumers demand
sustainable companies it is important to keep on top of the new trends, technologies and fashions in the eco-friendly world! Eco-online stores are your first stop to learning more about going green but if you want to check out the products, services and technology first hand look no further than these fantastic events:
Earth Day - The 40th Anniversary – April 22nd 2010
Marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970.
Real Food Festival – 7th to10th May 2010, Earl’s Court
Discover some of the best food and drink from small producers from around the world. Tastings, workshops and more.
Walk to School Week – 17th – 21st May 2010
Walk to School Week is an action-packed awareness week in spring each year. We encourage parents, teachers and local authorities to run fun events and activities to raise awareness about walking to school. Each year we set a new theme and produce loads of bright and colourful resources to go with it and to help you take part!
Sustainabilitylive! – May 20th to 22nd, 2010
Sustainabilitylive! taking place at the NEC, Birmingham from 19 – 21 May 2009, is the UK’s largest forum for excellence and innovation in environment, water, energy and land.
Green Festival – Saturday 22nd May, 2010
Planning is underway for the Green festival in 2010. 2009’s festival was a big hit and the planners are currently looking for a theme for this years festival!
World Environment Day – 5th June 2010
World Environment Day, commemorated each year on 5 June, is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action
Newcastle Community Green Festival – 5th – 6th June 2010
The North’s biggest free environmental festival. In 2008 they had over 16,000 visitors and if you’re on the lookout for a weekend of fun for all the family then look no further! The weekend festival is jam packed full of top class entertainment, workshops, activities and music to suit all tastes and ages. Combining the weird and the wonderful to spread the environmental message.
Their aim is to promote positive solutions to environmental problems and raise awareness of green and ethical issues. From mad-cap bike powered music stages to a solar powered cinema – they have something for everyone! The festival takes place in the picturesque setting of Leazes Park – a 5 minute walk from the city centre. Check the site in the new year for details of dates etc.
Brighton Naked Bike Ride 2010 – June 13th
In June 2010, in cities around the world, people will be riding bikes naked to celebrate cycling and the human body. The World Naked Bike Ride demonstrates the vulnerability of cyclists on the road and is a protest against car culture.
Recycle Week – 21nd to 27th June
It’s easy to get involved this Recycle Week which is organised by Recycle Now. We can all help by doing anything from re-using our carrier bags to recycling old electrical items – remembering to put as much of our recycling out, reducing our food waste and home composting of course! However you choose to waste less, it’s easy, it helps the environment and you might even save money in the process.
National Shed Week - 9th to 14th July 2010
“Do you have a garden shed that is unique?” asks Uncle Wilco head sheddie of readersheds.co.uk. “Maybe it’s your own little bolthole away from the trials of life. Maybe you have converted your humble garden building into a pub, or it’s just a normal wooden building that’s special to you.”
Fiddler’s Green International Festival – 18th – 25th July, 2010. Rostrevor, Northern Ireland.
The Fiddler’s Green Festival has come a long way in the last 24 years. It began as a one day event, progressed to a weekend one and now extends to eight days and seven nights of music, culture and craic. With up to 200 events the festival caters for music fanatics, families who wish to enjoy a safe, child focused festival, and those who come just to soak up the scenery, the friendliness and the free outdoor music. Based in the scenic village of Rostrevor, preparations for the 24th festival are well in hand.
There will be free outdoor ceilis, an open air stage, art exhibitions, children’s entertainment and even a literary pub crawl, with the emphasis on ‘literary’ rather than ‘crawling’! All musical tastes are catered for (folk, blues, country, classical), with lunchtime, early evening and night time folk clubs Each year the Festival bestows two special awards; the Hall of Fame Award which celebrates lifelong achievement in Irish Music, and the Creative Arts Award to acknowledge achievements in the Arts and Literary fields, the first award having been presented to poet laureate Seamus Heaney. The recipients of these awards are traditionally named closer to the Festival’s formal launch.
The Big Tent 2010 – Saturday 23rd-Sunday 24th July 2010
Scotland’s biggest eco festival
The Big Tent Festival of Stewardship, will be held in Falkland, Fife – expect a return of activities like the Climate Challenge Ceilidh, Earth Climate Champion’s Zone, Earth Action Talks sponsored by WWF Scotland, a Family Zone, a brand new Wood Zone, plus the return of our celebrated Food Village.
National Allotments Week – 9th to 15th August 2010
A week to promote awareness and availability of allotments both locally and nationally as well as showing the public and the local authorities the strength of support and interest for the heritage of allotment culture.
Croissant Neuf Party – 13th-15th August 2010
Greenest festival of the year 2009 The Croissant Neuf Summer Party is brought to you by the team responsible for one of the oldest features of Glastonbury festival – The Croissant Neuf Solar Powered Venue.
As well as great music expect internationally renowned street theatre, workshops of all kinds from dancing to bushcraft, open mic sessions, sports activities, and more.
World Water Week – 5th to 11th September 2010
Experts from 100 countries are assembled this week in a global effort to improve human; welfare and the planet’s health.
International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer – 16th September 2010
International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer – reflects the urgent need to preserve the ozone layer, which filters sunlight and prevents the adverse effects of ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth’s surface, thereby preserving life on the planet.
Peace One Day – 21st September 2010
To some it’s just a single day. But to us, 21 September is a 24 hour-long platform for life-saving activities around the world and an opportunity for individuals – particularly young people – to become involved in the peace process. 21 September is the UN International Day of Peace, a day of global ceasefire and non-violence: Peace Day.
By 2007, the UN estimated that over 100 million people from all walks of life actively supported Peace Day around the world. That same year, Peace One Day was instrumental in securing the conditions by which mass polio vaccinations could be carried out in Afghanistan on Peace Day; 1.4 million children were vaccinated in some of the most remote areas of the country. And in 2008, an additional 1.6 million were treated. That’s an estimated 3 million children in Afghanistan alone – on Peace Day.
On Peace Day 2008 in Afghanistan the United Nations Department for Safety and Security, which monitors security related incidents, recorded a 70 per cent reduction in violent incidents on the day itself.
World Carfree Day – 22nd September 2010
World Carfree Day is an annual celebration of cities and public life, free from the noise, stress and pollution of cars.
World Toilet Day 2010 – 19th November
Did you know there is currently a world sanitation crisis? Hard to believe that 2.5 billion people do not have somewhere safe, private or hygienic to go to the toilet! World Toilet Day is all about raising this sort of awareness and converting awareness into action.
Our partners WaterAid work hard to educate people on this serious issue and to enable some of the worlds poorest people to gain access to effective sanitation. It’s not just having a safe, clean place to go to the toilet that’s important but washing your hands after too! The simple act of washing hands with soap and water after going to the toilet can reduce diarrhoeal diseases by over 40%.
To read more about this worldwide call to action follow the link below.
Buy Nothing Day – 27th November, 2010
Everything we buy has an impact on the environment, Buy Nothing Day highlights the environmental and ethical consequences of consumerism. The developed countries – only 20% of the world population are consuming over 80% of the earth’s natural resources, causing a disproportionate level of environmental damage, and an unfair distribution of wealth.
As consumers we need to question the products we buy and challenge the companies who produce them. What are the true risks to the environment and developing countries? The argument is infinite – while it continues we should be looking for simple solutions and Buy Nothing Day is a good place to start.
Big Green Gathering 2010 – date to be confirmed
What is it? The Big Green Gathering is a 5 day camping event which is currently located in the Mendip Hills in Somerset. It has grown out of the original Green Gatherings of the 1980’s and the Green Fields of Glastonbury Music Festival. It has developed organically in response to a desire from people within the green movement for a festival that was focused on Green issues.
For more information check out MoreEco’s Green Events page
May 9, 2010
Share this
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
March 22, 2010
Share this
New tool released to calculate greenness of food products
A new tool has been released that will allow people to measure the environmental cost of their food, as well as the nutritional value.
Carbonostics has released an updated version of its lifecycle management tool, which can determine the ‘hotspots’ in the food production process.
According to the company, the newly enhanced version features end-of-life calculation that takes in food and packaging materials and carbon emissions from the packaging process.
In addition, all the new information is broken down by steps in the supply chain process, meaning that more information is available than ever for calculating food choices.
The tool is suitable for small food manufacturers, retailers, public buildings and any suppliers in the food retailing sector.
A recent analysis of two studies by New Scientist, looking at green purchases, found that most consumers were easily fooled by packaging and a brand’s historical reputation meaning that they over-estimated the greenness of some products.
>>> Please read the full article here
March 13, 2010
Share this
Why Green Events are So Important
Green festivals promote the awareness of ecological concerns whilst engaging with entertainment Festivals such as Chorlton’s Big Green Festival (27th March), the Real Food Festival (7th-10th May), The Green Festival (22nd May) and Fiddler’s Green International Festival (18th-25th July) promote positive change whilst providing fun, interesting and thought provoking days out for the whole family. The Big Tent (23rd-24th July) is Scotland’s biggest eco festival and has been a phenomenal success in the past providing a format that everyone can benefit from. The Croissant Neuf Party (13th-15th August) won the Greenest Festival of the Year award in 2009 and combines exceptionally great music with renowned street theatre, workshops, open mic sessions and sports activities. Perhaps one of the best known green events comes in the shape of the Big Green Gathering (dates tbc) which is a wonderful five day camping event in Somerset. Grown out of the Green Gatherings and Glastonbury Music Festival events it is definitely not one to be missed.
Another fantastic way of promoting the green agenda is by getting involved with an action day. Fairtrade Fortnight is currently underway and Walk to School Week will commence on the 17th of May – a great way to get the kids involved! World Environment Day takes place on the 5th June, recycle week begins on the 21st of June, World Water Week on the 5th of September and Buy Nothing Day takes place on the 27th of November.
The most famous action day comes in the form of Earth Day which celebrates its 40th anniversary on the 22nd of April. These days provide an opportunity to show your support for a great cause and teach your family about the impact of their actions on the environment at large.
Or how about the EcoBuild exhibit (2nd-4th of March) where sustainable designers, innovators and constructors come together to provide more than 100 free conference and seminar sessions? Or One Life Live (18th-21st March) which provides inspiration and advice to those who feel they want to make more of their lives? These fantastic events combine volunteering opportunities, seminars, career advice and business acumen to help you make a difference.
If you’re still not convinced then check out UK Aware (16th-17th April) which brings together 200 exhibitors, 15,000 visitors, 100 low carbon vehicles and over 50 world guest speakers or Sustainabilitylive! (20th-22nd May) which is the UK’s largest forum for excellence and innovation in environment, water, energy and land and is guaranteed to have something for everyone.
>>> For more details on all the green events listed above, check out our Green Events page.
March 8, 2010
Share this
Battery Recycling
30,000 tonnes of portable batteries enter the UK market each year.
New EU rules have come into force that require some stores selling batteries to provide in-store recycling bins. Anyone selling more than 32kg a year – equivalent to one pack of four AA batteries a day – must comply as part of targets on cutting landfill.
The UK currently recycles only 3% of portable batteries, but the aim is to raise that figure to 45% by 2016. Battery maker Varta warned that a lack of awareness among consumers could hamper the scheme’s success.
An estimated 30,000 tonnes of batteries – from those in electrical goods like torches, to rechargeable ones in mobile phones – enter the UK market each year.
At present, 97% eventually end up in landfill sites, where they can leak toxic chemicals into the soil.
The EU Batteries Directive aims to tackle that problem and cut carbon emissions by reducing the need for new batteries to be made from scratch.
All the evidence shows home collections of recyclables produce the best results
Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said: “This new legislation will make it easier for consumers to do the right thing whilst ensuring retailers fulfil their part of the bargain.”
But Vince Armitage, divisional vice-president of Varta, said he was concerned. ”The directive places the responsibility of meeting its stringent collection and recycling targets on the manufacturer, but it relies on the co-operation of consumers and retailers to make it work,” he said. ”However, a lack of promotion means that awareness of the directive among these key groups is low.
“This gives us great concern that, as a nation, we are setting ourselves up to fail before we even begin.” Varta estimates that just meeting the 10% target will cost manufacturers £3m.
Bob Gordon, from the British Retail Consortium, said retailers were ready for the new requirements, but called for a “comprehensive and continuing” government information campaign to raise awareness among consumers. He also said shops should not be the only route for collection, adding: “We need an infrastructure to develop which includes workplaces, schools, community centres and kerbside collection.
Read the full article at: bbc.co.uk/news
February 4, 2010
Share this
Green Events 2010 – One Life Live
Are you looking for inspiration to make a change in your life? One Life Live at The Vitality Show is the perfect place to start! Packed with life coaching experts, career gurus and volunteering specialists, One Life Live has everything you need to start making a real difference to your future.
Whether you feel unfulfilled in your job, want a new personal challenge or simply achieve a happier work/life balance, One Life Live can help! To start you in the right direction, they have an exclusive ticket offer for you.
Book two tickets in advance for just £20, saving £15+, and be in with a chance of winning one of 20 introductory coaching days with The Smart School of Coaching worth £100 each. ook your tickets now or call 0871 230 5569 and quote SSL.
Roz McLeod is the founder and owner of Tall Poppy Training and Coaching (www.tallpoppytrainingandcoaching.com) and will be speaking on the One Life Live Theatre – come along and hear how you can make positive steps to change your life for the better.
Book 2 tickets for £20 now and be in with a chance of winning a coaching day worth £100 with The Smart School of Coaching. Book now or call 0871 230 5569 and quote SSL.
If you’re interested in a more personal and in depth experience, book your ticket for a One Life Live Workshop. Get expert advice in a friendly and informal environment on everything from careers to health and diet and life change to making the most of your CV. Limited availability. Tickets will be on a first come, first served basis.
>>> Link
Share this
Follow News&Views
ETS Guide’s
EcoTrendSpotter- Latest Offers
- 20% off at Green People August 25, 2010
- 10% off at Ethical Superstore August 24, 2010
- Free Delivery at Ethical Superstore August 23, 2010
- Biome Lifestyle Super Summer Sale August 20, 2010
- 20% off at Big Green Smile August 19, 2010
- EcoPicOfTheDay
We Support;
-
