Abingdon Carbon cutters

Local author and food activist Colin Tudge at Carbon Cutters on Feb 15th!!

2012-01-24T07:25:00.000Z

On Weds Feb 15th we are lucky to have Colin Tudge to talk to us about How to Feed Everyone Everywhere. He is the inspiration behind the recent Oxford Real Farming Conference and the author of a new book "Feeding People is Easy". He is part of a revolution in the way food is produced!
You can hear him and the people from Cultivate and catch the excitement of the new food movement on this week's Food Programme here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/b019rd9c
Cultivate launched in Oxford last Monday. You can join the revolution with a minimum investment of £100 - if enough people in Abingdon join, the veg van will come every week to somewhere near you and bring local fresh veg, and as a member you will get a 10% discount for life! See http://www.cultivateoxford.org/
Hope to see you on Feb 15th at 7.30pm at St Ethelwold's House!

January 17 Meeting: Claire Morris at the Durban Climate Talks

2011-12-31T18:03:00.000Z

This month we are very excited to join forces with Abingdon Peace Group to hear Claire Morris, recently returned from travelling overland from Nairobi to Durban for the UN Climate Conference, tell us about her first-hand experience of the effects of climate change in Africa, and the Youth for Eco-Justice training she received in Durban. Read Claire's blog from Africa here A one-off chance!
Note this month's meeting will be on TUESDAY 17th January, not Wednesday as usual, and will be in the Northcourt Centre, Northcourt Road, Abingdon OX14 1NS, not at St Ethelwold's House.

Cultivate Oxford - a new way to feed Oxfordshire

2011-12-08T09:21:00.001Z

At last, what we have been waiting for! A way to connect food producers in the area with the local population. Follow the link below to find out more, and please fill in a survey here to show your support: http://www.cultivateoxford.org/survey

cultivate

www.cultivateoxford.org

Cultivate is about new ways of feeding Oxford. We are a not-for-profit social enterprise that will bring fresh, local, organically-grown food direct from farmers to the city and surrounding communities. Our five-acre market garden and other small farms nearby will provide the produce sold in our mobile greengrocery, the Cultivate VegVan, which will set up wherever communities want it.

How to Meet Future Energy Needs Locally

2011-10-29T23:29:00.001+01:00

Our next meeting is on Weds 16th November at 7.30pm when we will be thinking about how Abingdon can meet its energy needs in the future. Of course a large part of the equation is reducing the amount of energy we need, for instance by draught-proofing and "cocooning" our houses so we don't waste energy heating the great outdoors.. we will be launching our campaign to take infra-red photos or thermal images of the outside of some Abingdon houses to see where the heat is escaping. Would you like us to photo your house? Email us on carbon.cutters@googlemail.com if you would.

We will also be hearing the latest about the Abingdon hydro scheme (click on the picture above left for more details). And of course eating home-made cake and meeting like-minded people over a cup of tea or coffee. Do join us.

LOCAL EXCELLENCE MARKET THIS SAT 29th! 9.30 - 2.00

2011-10-25T16:42:00.000+01:00

Do come and look for the ACC stall at the Local Excellence market this Sat. It will feature the latest info about Abingdon Hydro, and a display about the Thermal Imaging Camera owned by the VoWHDC and on-loan to community groups in Abingdon until Christmas, so that we can all see where our houses are losing heat. We will also have our usual foodie treats, and a demonstration of an amazing device which peels, cores and slices your apples at the turn of a handle! What could be better!

Apple Day in South Abingdon Children's Centre

2011-10-17T23:04:00.000+01:00

Bridget of GYO veg and John of the Drayton Road allotment association seemed to be having fun...

..as did Nicola Blackwood who helped plant the first apple tree for the community orchard we hope will take root in the Caldecott School field...

..while local author and apple expert Ruth Ward diagnosed all the apple varieties brought to her and was not stymied once. You can watch the video of the local news on

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-15327064

Apple Week in the Community Shop and Apple Day next Saturday October 15th!!

2011-10-08T14:52:00.000+01:00

The Community Shop in Bury Street (where SpecSavers was) is a hive of activity this week with the apple press busy every day and the Abingdon Hydro model whirring.

Come and donate your windfalls, or stay and watch them being pressed into juice and take some home!

Next Saturday 15th October between 11 and 3 we will be in South Abingdon Children's Centre (next to Caldecott School!) for our first Apple Day. Come and join in the fun!

You will be able to:

· Sample fresh apple juice

· Try, and buy local produce

· Enjoy a home-made soup, roll and apple crumble lunch

· Explore a fire engine

· Try veg printing, apple bobbing, etc.

· Meet the MP and Mayor

Apple Fun in the Park

2011-09-11T18:51:00.003+01:00

Many many thanks to those who donated apples for today's Fun in the Park event in Abingdon. The weather was kind, and many people stopped to chat at our stall, which was great.

Many people came to the stand and enquired about the possibility of borrowing the apple press to use in their own time.

Booking the press is handled by "Community Action Groups" - the umbrella underneath which all Oxfordshire environmental groups operate. You can contact them here. The press is mostly stored in Abingdon, however.

The calendar of events on this website should be fairly up to date - but as a reminder of the next few upcoming events, here's a brief list:

14th September: Come and listen to Abingdon author Jackie Sherman at St Ethelwold’s House at 7.30pm. Jackie is the author of the newly published ‘Making the most of your Glorious Glut’, a recipe book that focuses on using all those home-grown vegetables and fruit.
There is more information here

21st September: come to the Carbon Cutters' meeting and find out What's going on in Schools - with reports from various activites across the town, and initiatives involving young people.

15th October - Abingdon Apple day - 11-3pm at South Abingdon Children's centre. Keep watching this blog for more information

Foraging for food

2011-09-02T23:05:00.000+01:00

We have compiled a list of the places in and around our town to gather, collect or pick things to eat.

Click on the flags on the map below to learn more. If you know of a spot that is not marked on the map, please get in touch - carbon.cutters@googlemail.com

View Abingdon Foraging in a larger map

FUN IN THE PARKS IN ABINGDON SEPT 11th!

2011-08-29T10:12:00.000+01:00

On Sunday September 11th Carbon Cutters will be in the Abbey Grounds from 2pm to 5pmat the "Fun in the parks" event again this year with the Apple press. Bring your windfalls and help us turn them into delicious juice!

Making Good Compost and Wormeries that Work

2011-06-19T20:57:00.000+01:00

In the latest in our series of practical workshops. Robert Longstaff of the Oxford Garden Project will talk us through what to put in our compost, and show us how to make a wormery. There will be the usual good company, conversation and home-made cake.

Join us at 7.30pm on Wednesday 20th July at St Ethelwolds House, 30 East St Helen St. Entrance free, donations to cover costs welcome.

Keep Climate Change on the school curriculum!

2011-06-16T09:10:00.000+01:00

Dear Carbon Cutter, Please add your name to the People and Planet online petition on this subject: http://peopleandplanet.org/navid12439The Guardian reports that the government adviser in charge of overhauling the school syllabus in England has recommended that climate change should not be included in the national curriculum.

Awareness of climate change science and an understanding of its causes and solutions are absolutely key to tackling the biggest threat facing the planet, and people on it. Use the e-action below to let Tim Oates and Secretary of State Michael Gove know what you think of this recommendation to exclude climate change from the national curriculum.

Add your name to the People and Planet online petition on this subject: http://peopleandplanet.org/navid12439

Harvest the Rain!

2011-05-28T14:50:00.000+01:00

The latest in our series of local friendly workshops at St Ethelwolds House, 30 East St Helen St in Abingdon.

Come and meet like-minded local people, learn how to add to Abingdon's resilience in the face of climate change, and sample some delicious home-made cake!

What's not to like??

BIO-DIVERSITY: How to Garden for Wildlife, Weds 18th May at 7.30pm

2011-04-24T16:29:00.003+01:00

In this latest of our series of informal evening get-togethers we are lucky to have a speaker, Steve Head, who is passionate about his subject.

Come and hear him explain how to encourage bio-diversity in your own garden, and help the planet at the same time!

As always, entry is free, as is coffee and cake, but a donation towards costs is appreciated.

Bring a friend!

Carbon Conversations NEW GROUP STARTING APRIL 18th!

2011-04-09T23:34:00.001+01:00

Following the success of Carbon Conversations series one and two, we still have places available for the next series to be held in Marcham starting in April. Hurry, places are limited! If you'd like to speak to someone who has already attended, we can put you in touch. Carbon Conversations: Looking for a low-carbon future? Join us for six friendly practical meetings about climate change and carbon reduction. The aim is to help you halve your carbon footprint! April 18th... Looking for a low-carbon future May 2nd.......Energy in the home May 16th......Travel and transport May 30th......Food and water June 13th.....Consumption and waste July 11th......Moving on Coffee from 7pm - meetings 7.30 to 9.30 pm. £3 per meeting including coffee and cake! For more information or to book a place please contact: Christine Whild 01865 391270 christinewhild@aol.com OR Nicky Warden 07703 260932 nicky.warden@virgin.net

Abingdon Green Drinks!! April 7th

2011-03-29T23:09:00.003+01:00

Do join us for real ale, organic cider, or just a frank exchange of views about all things green!

For more info get in touch with Paul Buckingham on 01235 550540 or 07802 935827 or email him on paul@sustainablelifestyles.co.uk

Green Spring-cleaning!

2011-03-24T21:52:00.002Z

The latest in our series of "How to" meetings, this will be a fun evening of sharing recipes and hints on cleaning with traditional ingredients - lemon juice, vinegar, soda - which can keep your home sparkling without the use of harmful chemicals. Bring your own tips, hints and recipes, and a container if you want to take some home to try!

A Car Club in Abingdon?

2011-03-08T00:37:00.002Z

The latest in our series of meetings. Cliff Jordan helps run the very successful car-share club in East Oxford, Common Wheels. Come and hear how we could set one up in Abingdon! Get all the convenience of car travel when you need it, with none of the hassle and expense of keeping your own car!

Abingdon Green Drinks

2011-02-28T08:17:00.003Z

This Thursday sees the first session of Abingdon Green Drinks. Come along to the King's Head and Bell any time between 7.30 and closing time and meet up with fellow "greenies" for a pint or two and a chance to put the world to rights, or at least start reducing our carbon footprints!

How to Insulate Your House: Carbon Cutters Meeting Weds 16th Feb at 7.30pm in St Ethelwold's House, Abingdon

2011-02-04T22:02:00.004Z

Our next meeting is a really practical session for this time of year: "How to Insulate Your House (and Avoid Problems)". As we all know, it doesn't make sense to spend money on renewables unless and until you have stopped losing all that lovely heat through your roof, walls and floor.... Richard Twinch is a local architect with vast experience of adding insulation to existing homes. Come and fire your questions at him!

Carbon Cutters to have a stall at the Local Excellence Market this Saturday!

2011-01-23T22:36:00.007Z

We will be handing out FREE tasters of delicious home-made soup from our stall at the Local Excellence market this coming Saturday 29th January. The soup is going to be all made by volunteers, from locally-grown, organic veg. Free recipe leaflets will accompany!
If you'd like to try your hand at soup-making, here are the recipes below.
The market runs from 9.30am to 2pm. Come and join in the fun!
To run a stall yourself, talk to Choose Abingdon

Pumpkin and Beetroot Soup (adapted from Jamie Oliver)
Serves 4 - 6
• 1/2 onion,
• 2 cloves garlic
• olive oil
• ½ med pumpkin or squash
• 2 tomatoes or 1/3 of a tin
• Seasoning
• 1 ¼ pints of veg stock
• Approx 2 beetroot (1/2 as much as the pumpkin)
• Balsamic vinegar
• Feta cheese (optional)

• Roast the beetroot in some olive oil at 190 with a sprig of thyme.
• When it is roasted take it out of the oven and pour in a dessertspoon or two of balsamic vinegar and stir around.
• Meanwhile soften the onion on a slow heat, add the garlic and cook for a few minutes.,
• Then turn up the heat and add the chopped pumpkin until it begins to brown
• Add the stock and tomatoes and simmer until the pumpkin is soft.
• Add the cooked beetroots
• cool a little and liquidise
• Add the juice of half a lemon and more thyme leaves and seasoning to taste
• Adjust the thickness with more stock if necessary
• It should be thickish and velvety.
• Add parsley or chives before serving and Feta cheese if liked
NB
Minimise the use of energy by roasting the beetroots when you have the oven on anyway to cook something else. Alternatively you can just boil them but the flavour is better when they are roasted.

Curried parsnip (simple)

Serves 4

25g butter
500g parsnips peeled (unless organic) and chopped into 1” dice
1 med onion
1 tsp med curry powder
1 Lt stock
250 mls milk
Salt and freshly milled black pepper
Parsley

• Soften the chopped onion and parsnip in the butter for about 10 mins.
• Add the curry powder and cook for 2–3 mins.
• Add the stock and the milk and simmer gently until the parsnips are soft – approx ½ - ¾ of an hour
• Cool slightly before liquidising
• add more stock, water or milk to adjust thickness
• Add plenty of chopped parsley before serving.

Curried parsnip (slightly less simple)

Serves 6

700g parsnips peeled (unless organic) and chopped into 1” dice
50g butter
1 tbsp olive oil
2 med onions chopped
2 cloves garlic chopped
1.5Lt vegetable stock
1 heaped tsp each of coriander and cumin seeds
6 whole cardamom pods (seeds only – cut off the end and squeeze out the seeds)
1 rounded tsp each of turmeric and powdered ginger
Salt and freshly milled black pepper
Parsley

• * Dry-roast the coriander, cumin and cardamom seeds in a small saucepan for 2–3 mins and then crush finely in a pestle and mortar.
• Heat the butter and oil in a saucepan and soften the chopped onion for 5 mins
• add the garlic and cook for a further two minutes
• add the crushed spices and the turmeric and ginger and cook gently for 5 mins
• add the parsnips
• .stir well and then add the stock and simmer uncovered for about an hour
• .seasoning to taste, remove from the heat and liquidise
• add plenty of chopped fresh parsley before serving.

*Dry roasting the spices gives a more genuine flavour than curry powder

NB
You can turn this into Apple and Parsnip by grating a peeled Bramley apple into the soup after it has been liquidised and simmering for a further 5 mins

"Film night" - This coming Wednesday 20th October

2010-10-17T16:48:00.003+01:00

Dear Carbon Cutters both old and new! You are warmly invited to our next meeting when we will watch the film "Home", (see the attached poster and the review below), followed by coffee and cake and a chance to swap stories about the Eco Fair and plan the next one (only joking!)
If you have somewhere to put up a poster do print it out and put it up - at work? in your window?
Best wishes,
Sally

HOME is an ode to the planet's beauty and its delicate harmony. Through the landscapes of 54 countries captured from above, Yann Arthus-Bertrand takes us on an unique journey all around the planet, to contemplate it and to
understand it. But HOME is more than a documentary with a message, it is a magnificent movie in its own right. Every breathtaking shot shows the Earth - our Earth - as we have never seen it before. Every image shows the Earth's treasures we are destroying and all the wonders we can still preserve.

And here are a couple of reviews:
http://www.theecologist.org/reviews/films/272468/home_by_yann_arthusbertrand.html
http://www.spiritlevelfilm.com/earth-from-the-air.html

E-mail your MP and tell them you don’t want climate change funds to be cut

2010-10-17T16:44:00.002+01:00

Dear Carbon Cutter,
A member asks us to take action. On Saturday at the Eco Fair Nicola Blackwood asked us to let her know when we thought the cuts seemed to be "throwing out the baby with the bathwater". This sounds like one big baby.
Please take two minutes to e-mail your MP and tell them you don’t want climate change funds to be cut: just click on
http://www.38degrees.org.uk/protect-green-jobs/ and put in your postcode. I've just tried it and it works!
Read more details below,(Of course it takes longer if you then write a personal message, but it will help!)
Onwards and upwards,
Sally

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: David Babbs - 38 Degrees
Date: 14 October 2010 13:47

38 Degrees Logo

Dear Sally,

In a few days, the government will announce its plans for cuts. Every day we’re hearing about new threats to cut funding to tackle climate change. [1] That could mean thousands of job losses for people who insulate homes, put up solar panels, and build wind turbines. It would mean thousands more new green jobs in the UK would never happen.

Wrangling over cuts will go right down to the wire. [2] If enough of us email our MPs now, we might be able to save funding for tackling climate change. The government claimed it would be the “greenest government ever”. If they hear from MPs that thousands of voters are worried about green jobs, they’ll realise cuts to climate funding could ruin their image. [3]

Please take two minutes to e-mail your MP and tell them you don’t want climate change funds to be cut:
http://www.38degrees.org.uk/protect-green-jobs/

Cutting funding to stop climate change would be a huge step backwards. It would mean fewer people installing solar panels and insulating their homes. Firms making wind turbines would lay-off workers. It would be a massive false economy, with thousands of green jobs going abroad.

When we work together on climate change, we get the attention of politicians. Last year, hundreds of 38 Degrees members quizzed Ed Miliband, then Climate Minister, just before he left for the global climate talks in Copenhagen. We’ve changed government plans by putting pressure on MPs before - now let’s do it to save green jobs and make sure tackling climate change doesn’t get cut.

It only takes two minutes to e-mail your MP by clicking here:
http://www.38degrees.org.uk/protect-green-jobs/

Thanks for being involved,

David, Hannah, Johnny, Ramzi, and the 38 Degrees Team

[1] http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/oct/13/treasury-battle-green-investment-bank
[2] http://www.leftfootforward.org/2010/09/treasury-trying-to-shut-down-climate-department-and-axe-clean-energy-funds/
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/sep/21/chris-huhne-fights-treasury-attacks
[3] http://news.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/hi/house_of_commons/newsid_8709000/8709627.stm

The bigger we are the more we can do. Please forward this email to your friends and ask them to get involved.

38 Degrees brings you together with over 175,000 people to take action on the issues that matter to you and bring about real change. To find out more visit our website, Facebook or Twitter.

New Saturday Market organised by Choose Abingdon and the Farmers' Market group

2010-10-17T16:41:00.001+01:00

Dear All, Your apple-pressing, delicious cake-baking skills are needed again for Saturday October 23rd! Please reply direct to Anthea at akpea@stepea.plus.com. More windfalls will be needed on the day, please bring them direct to the market-place or drop them off at St Ethelwold's house the day before.
Susie Howard is in charge of loaning out long-handled apple-pickers, our crush and press, and pasteuriser, and also an electric juicer which makes short work of turning windfalls into juice. Contact her on susiehoward1@googlemail.com or 01235 533278 . The equipment is stored at St Ethelwold's House and must be picked up and returned there.
Sally
----------------------------------
Dear all,
Susie and I are on the committee for the New Saturday Market that is to be held in the market place on Saturday October 23rd. The aim is to promote local produce and is being organised by Choose Abingdon and the Farmers' Market group.

Carbon Cutters have been allocated a stall. We plan to press apples, sell the Food Directory and offer cake testing as a way of advertising Carbon Cutters.
Could you let me know if you are available to do a stint? The market will be open from 9.00/2.00 and we shall need help setting up and clearing away at the end of the day.
We shall also need cakes from the famous Abingdon Cake Club.

Please let me know if you can help on the day or with cakes.

Thanks
Anthea
anthea pearson
akpea@stepea.plus.com

Are you planning to Eco-Renovate?

2010-10-17T16:31:00.002+01:00

If you're planning any work on your house in the future, one of these events might be of interest to you

1. Future Oxfordshire Eco-renovation discussion – Monday 25th October, 7-9pm, Oxford University Centre for the Environment (Directions )

Thank you to those who have already responded to say they’re coming to this – there’s room for more, so if you’d like to come please email jo@climatex.org at least 3 hours before the meeting.

Intro: Overview of community eco-renovation activity in past few years in Oxfordshire

Where next? Open space to discuss ideas and potential collaborations, which could include, but not be limited to:

· Future eco-renovation projects

· Networking

· Skill sharing

· Householder to householder support

· What’s working well with eco-renovation on a local level

· What people would like to see happening

What might come out of the evening: Collaborations, potential projects..

Background: Oxfordshire ClimateXchange and the Climate Outreach Information Network (COIN) have run a variety of eco-renovation events over the past three years, and have been funded to do this. There is currently no funding to support more eco-renovation events at ClimateX or COIN, but there is a strong network of eco-renovators with plenty of experience and knowledge to share, which is a great resource. Networking doesn’t always need funding, and in addition to the online networking I would be interested in what ideas you have for continuing the eco-renovation networking and events organising. It might be a web forum, it might be someone who would be willing to develop the eco-homes ideas in Oxfordshire... or it might be someone who’s willing to develop the ideas further and work with others to attract funding.

If you’re interested in developing the eco-renovation network further, but can’t come to the meeting, please let me know beforehand – either email or phone. I’ll circulate a brief post- report of the meeting.

2. Post Occupancy Evaluation of Local Eco-renovated homes, Monday 1st November, 6.30 – 7.30 pm

Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) is an evaluative tool used to understand the performance of a building in use. Its purpose is to answer the following questions:

1) How is a building working?

2) Is this what was intended?

3) How can it be improved?

‘Ecovation’ is a communications project run by COIN (Climate Outreach Information Network) who, in partnership with Oxfordshire ClimateXchange, have organised a series of events showcasing householders who have refurbished their properties to a high environmental standard. A POE was carried out by Oxford Brookes University Department of Architecture on three properties, which acted as case studies in helping to understand which refurbishment methods were most effective in relation to energy reduction and occupant satisfaction. Internal conditions of the properties were monitored for 6 months and occupants were interviewed as part of the investigative research.

The key findings showed that the most energy-efficient measures are not necessarily the most effective, showing unintended consequences throughout, while occupants and their behaviour play a crucial role in the performance of buildings. These findings will be presented and discussed in the form of a public talk at Oxford Brookes University.

Details of the talk are as follows:

Date: Monday 1st November 2010

Time: 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Venue: Room G119, Gibbs Building, Oxford Brookes University, Headington Campus, Gipsy Lane, Oxford OX3 0BP

directions

**The room is only able to accommodate 30 people, so please confirm your attendance by emailing Simon at simonchung13@gmail.com **

A Reminder

2010-10-12T22:30:00.002+01:00

The apple pressing equipment, which has been seen in use at the Eco Fair, the community shop, Fun in the Park and other recent town events is available for loan. There is also a pasteuriser which can gives any nutritious juice extracted from "waste" or leftover apples a more useful lifetime, once bottled.

Contact Susie on 01235 533278 to book the equipment, or email carbon.cutters@gmail.com

Report from the Eco Fair

2010-10-12T22:23:00.002+01:00

In case you don't see the reports on the Eco Fair in the press, here's the post-event press release.

For Photos, look at the Abingdon Blog

Climate smiles on Abingdon’s first Eco Fair

11.10. 2010

The climate smiled on Abingdon’s first Eco Fair as hundreds of visitors learned how to live well and save money without damaging the planet.

Over 400 visitors spilled out of the Guildhall onto the lawn where adults and children helped crush and press donated windfall apples into delicious juice, to demonstrate how nothing need be wasted. The apple press was bought with a donation from Culham Environmental Insitutute.

Town mayor, Duncan Brown, opened the proceedings, telling of his commitment to helping the environment before introducing the choir of his old school, Dunmore, who captivated a packed Abbey Hall with their eco-friendly songs. .

New MP, Nicola Blackwood, showed great interest in all the stalls, which focussed on five key areas; Energy, Food, Waste, Travel and Biodiversity

“What’s Up Folk”, a band of pupils and teachers from John Mason School, and folk group “Flowers of the Quern”, got visitors’ feet tapping in the entrance hall, while the lively choir from Carswell Primary School delighted an appreciative audience in the local-food cafe with their harvest and eco songs.

Highlights included the following:

Food

This area focussed on the delights of local produce

· a cafe served locally grown food and drink including soup & cakes throughout the fair

· spare apples, even windfalls were turned into delicious apple juice with the Carbon Cutters own apple mill and press.

· Bakers from Abingdon Country Market helped visitors make bread rolls from local flour from the Wantage Mill

· The Oxford Garden Project demonstrated how to grow your own vegetables – even if you don't have a garden

· The “Grow Your Own Veg Group” run by Bridget Thurley invited new growers to join her at the allotment on Peachcroft Farm on Thursday mornings

· Abingdon Carbon Cutters launched their new “Local Food Directory”, showing where you can buy locally grown and organic produce to help cut food miles and pesticide use

· Local shop “Added Ingredients” offered samples of locally-produced food and drink

· The Vegetarian Society gave out information on how to reduce the carbon footprint of your food by eating a more healthy, plant-based diet

Biodiversity

This area helped us discover more about the natural world around us

· Kids of all ages made “bug hotels” from waste materials

· the Green Gym showed how to get fit while helping the local environment

· “Friends of Radley Lakes” showcased their new nature reserve now managed by the Northmoor Trust

Waste

Every time we buy something new and throw away the old one we are increasing our carbon footprint. Why not give it a refurb instead, or at least recycle it?

· The Wild Waste Bus from the Northmoor Trust at Little Wittenham was parked outside the Guildhall for a fun take on waste for all ages

· The 8th Abingdon Guides showed off how to use our shiny new recycling bins

· The Pathway Workshop had a fantastic display of toys and garden furniture, all made from recycled wood by disabled young adults

Travel

This area showed that how we choose to travel can also waste or save fuel. Find out about alternative options which can slash your fuel bills while helping the planet.

· Freewheeling, Abingdon’s new cycling club, was there to enthuse old hands and new recruits about the joys of cycling for pleasure and fitness

· CommonWheels, a car-share club in Oxford, was exploring the possibility of a similar scheme in Abingdon

· Andy Brewin of Bike Support had his mobile bike repair workshop on the Guildhall forecourt

Energy

· Several solar power suppliers showed how solar panels on your roof can help you heat your water and generate electricity

· “Sustainable Lifestyles”, a local consultancy run by Carbon Cutters member Paul Buckingham, gave top tips on cutting electricity usage at home to save on bills

· A working model was on show of the new Abingdon Hydro scheme to harness the power of the Thames at Abingdon Weir. This should make enough electricity for at least 200 homes.

· Local eco-renovation home owner Brigid Sondaram showed plans of her new Eco-home in Norman Avenue

The Eco Fair was organised by a group of local residents, the “Abingdon Carbon Cutters” to showcase traditional and state-of-the-art ways we can use less fossil fuel, whilst maintaining or even improving our quality of life.

Pensioner Christine Whild, one of their oldest and most active members, said: “I want the world to be liveable for my great grandson who was born this year. At my age I don’t know how much time I have left, so I want to make a difference now”.

Paul Buckingham has been studying for an an MSc in Architecture: Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies at the Centre for Alternative Technology in Wales and now runs an advice consultancy, Sustainable Lifestyles. He says, ““With rising energy prices and all the concerns about climate change, this is a great way of showing people what is possible for everyone to do to make a difference!”

Photo from "Fun In The Park"

2010-10-05T19:50:00.003+01:00

For those of you who weren't there - this is a picture of the Carbon Cutters' apple press at the Fun In The Park event last month.

PRESS RELEASE: ABINGDON ECO FAIR OCTOBER 9TH

2010-09-28T22:35:00.002+01:00

Abingdon’s first Eco Fair will be held in and around Abingdon Guildhall on 9th October, 2010 from 10am to 3pm. An event for the whole family, it will be packed with fun activities and practical ideas to help us all live well and save money without damaging the planet.

The fair will be opened by the mayor, Duncan Brown and will focus on five key areas; Energy, Food, Waste, Travel and Biodiversity.

New MP, Nicola Blackwood, will be visiting mid-morning. As she says, “Abingdon is such a vibrant community, I am looking forward to seeing how much is already being done locally, and how much more can be done.”

Informative displays are combined with activities for everyone; helping the community learn about how to cut their own carbon footprint – and cut their bills at the same time.

Highlights include the following:

Food

This area focuses on the delights of local produce

* a cafe will be serving serving locally grown food and drink including soup & cakes throughout the fair
* Bring your spare apples, even windfalls, to the Eco Fair where they can be turned into delicious apple juice with the Carbon Cutters own apple mill and press.
* Get the family stuck in making bread rolls from local flour from the Wantage Mill
* Learn about growing your own vegetables – even if you don't have a garden - and where you can buy locally grown produce to help cut food miles and pesticide use

Biodiversity

Discover more about the natural world around us

* Kids of all ages can help make bug hotels from waste materials in the Bio Diversity section,
* Find out how to get fit while helping the local environment in the Green Gym

Waste

Every time we buy something new and throw away the old one we are increasing our carbon footprint. Why not give it a refurb instead, or at least recycle it?

* The Wild Waste Bus from the Northmoor Trust at Little Wittenham will be parked outside the Guildhall for a fun take on waste for all ages
* The 8th Abingdon Guides will be helping the Vale Recycling Team show off how to use our shiny new recycling bins
* Love Food Hate Waste stall will have delicious ways to use up our leftovers.

Travel

How we choose to travel can also waste or save fuel. Find out about alternative options which can slash your fuel bills while helping the planet.

* Discover CommonWheels, a car-share club, at the Eco Fair.
* Andy Brewin of the Mobile Bike Repair workshop will be busy on the forecourt outside the Guildhall during the Eco Fair.

Energy

* Find out about renewable energy suppliers and how you can make a difference to the planet with one phone call
* Learn about solar power and how it can help you heat your water and generate electricity
* Get top tips on cutting electricity usage at home to save on bills
* Find out about the new Abingdon Hydro scheme to harness the power of the Thames at Abingdon Weir to make enough electricity for at least 200 homes.

The Eco Fair has been organised by a group of local residents, the “Abingdon Carbon Cutters” to showcase traditional and state-of-the-art ways we can use less fossil fuel, whilst maintaining or even improving our quality of life.

Pensioner Christine Whild, one of their oldest and most active members, says: “I want the world to be liveable for my great grandson who was born this year. At my age I don’t know how much time I have left, so I want to make a difference now”.

Paul Buckingham has been studying for an an MSc in Architecture: Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies at the Centre for Alternative Technology in Wales and now runs an advice consultancy, Sustainable Lifestyles. He says, ““With rising energy prices and all the concerns about climate change, this is a great way of showing people what is possible for everyone to do to make a difference!”

Carbon Cutters Meeting 15 September

2010-09-10T20:39:00.004+01:00

Here are the details of our first meeting of the Autumn season. If you have somewhere to put up a poster, please print it out and put it up! And don't forget to bring all your windfalls to be made into juice!

Help us prepare for our Eco Fair on 9th October:

· Bring apples to make freshly pressed juice and learn how to store it

· Explore soup and cake recipes using local ingredients

· Hear about the new Abingdon loyalty card scheme

St Ethelwold’s House, 30 East St Helen Street.

Film 'Home' - Oxford Castle 22nd September

2010-09-10T20:05:00.001+01:00

The film 'Home' is being shown in Oxford on Weds 22nd September. It shows powerfully how humans are affecting the earth, and how dependent we are on oil.

Oxford Castle Open Air Cinema
Oxford Castle, Wednesday 22nd - Sunday 26th September, 2010 Tickets/info

This September sees the beautiful and historic Oxford Castle transformed into
a spectacular open air cinema. Hosting a series of blockbusters, there is
something for all tastes and all ages. Why not also book a table with
Malmaison to take advantage of their 3 courses for £10 pre-cinema dining offer?
Tables can be booked by calling: 01865 268 400.

Home (exempt from classification - open to all ages) - FREE ENTRY!
Wednesday 22nd September, 2010
Soar through the skies over hundreds of countries with celebrated French
journalist, reporter, environmentalist, and Earth From The Air photographer
Yann Arthus-Bertrand. Home is an extraordinary cinematic, aerial portrait of
our planet as never seen before.

£99 insulation offer

2010-09-10T20:01:00.003+01:00

The council is currently promoting a special £99 offer, which is a fantastic opportunity to tighten up your insulation to help minimise your energy bills this coming winter, so we advise members of the community to take advantage of this while the grants still exist! Cocoon is a free, impartial referral service for insulation. They don’t directly install insulation but give customers an option of different locally based and national installers. Once the customers have been referred, the installer will then contact the householder to arrange a free no obligation survey to determine what level, (if any) insulation will be required. Annual savings can be £115 for cavity wall insulation and up to £150 for 270mm of loft insulation.

The Council’s insulation offer is being managed exclusively by Cocoon, a long standing partner of the Council. Cocoon offers a fast on-line self-referral option at http://www.cocoonyourhome.co.uk
To find out more, call 0800 8048 777 and ask for the ‘Oxon Deal’.

EDIBLE AS$ETS; Securing money for your food

2010-09-10T19:58:00.004+01:00

Many food projects and businesses are trying to change the food system – by promoting healthy food, selling local and organic produce or increasing people’s access to better food. Not only is this task large, but it is also hard to make these initiatives work, and be financially viable in the long term.

Local Action on Food runs a diverse network of businesses, community projects and individuals who care about sustainable and healthy food. We are organising this conference to explore some of the possible avenues for food projects and enterprises to become more financially viable.

Edible Assets

Date: 14th September 2010, 10am -4pm

Venue: Paintworks, Bath Road, Bristol, BS4 3EH

Come along to find out more about:

GRANTS AND FUNDING - What’s available? Is it the best route for your project?

SELLING SERVICES - What can you offer your local authority, local businesses or NHS?

RAISING MONEY IN OTHER WAYS - Would trading, community investment, loans, or social enterprise work for you?

Speakers include:

Tom MacMillan, Food Ethics Council

Triodos Bank

The Real Food Store, Exeter

Co-operatives UK

Community finance and business planning experts

Experts from the funding world

BOOK NOW!

£20 Local Action on Food members

£30 non-members
For more information call 020 7837 1228 or email suzanne@sustainweb.org

Local Action on Food is a project of Sustain: The alliance for better food farming. Registered charity (number 1018643)

Introduction to Permaculture Design - 16 & 17 October

2010-09-10T19:55:00.001+01:00

CAG Newsletter

2010-08-31T20:22:00.004+01:00

Dear Carbon Cutter,

Do take the time to look at this BRILLIANT CAG bulletin! So packed with ideas and photos, not to mention "How To" guides, and even a spiritual competition at the bottom! What more could you ask for?

May I also take this opportunity to ask you PLEASE to register with the Community Central website? http://www.communitycentral.co.uk

Community Central is an online service that helps local sustainable action groups engage more effectively with their broader communities, businesses and local authorities.

It's completely FREE, so why not join to day and see how you can help make your community greener, faster? There is such a lot of info on there, but it needs everyone interested to join to make it work! When you have registered, add as much as possible to your profile, with words it can search on such as "Abingdon", "Solar panels", "Local Food" or whatever lights your fire, and the site will then find you people interested in the same things. It works by searching on your profile for key-words.

Oh, and our next meeting is on Weds September 15th at the usual time of 7.30pm in St Ethelwold's House, when we will be learning How to Cook Delicious Local Food. See you there!

Happy carbon cutting,

Sally

CAG e-Bulletin - August 2010

Hello Sally Reynolds ,

Welcome to the latest 2010 CAG ebulletin, we hope you have been enjoying the summer. The ebulletin is for the exchange of information between CAGs and those who have an interest in CAG activities. Please feel free to forward this bulletin to those you feel would be interested. If you have any information that you would like to share with other groups please let me know. frances.buckel@resourcefutures.co.uk or phone 07903 037290

Sustainable Kirtlington

A big welcome to Sustainable Kirtlington who has just signed up to be a CAG.

Sustainable Kirtlington has been running since 2007 and have various plans. The most ambitious of which will be helping the owners of the mill raise funds for the installation of a micro hydro plant. It is believed that such a plant could provide power for 50-60 homes in the village.

Low Carbon Oxford North

LCON is taking practical action to combat climate change by helping people in the North of Oxford to cut carbon emissions. They have recently signed up as a CAG and had their first public meeting in the North Oxford Association Centre in July. A packed house listed to key note speakers, James Painter, (Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism), and Barbara Hammond (LCWO). Many people expressed interest in their plans for Carbon Conversations and the Commonwealth Climate Challenge (see below)

www.lcon.org.uk.

Commonwealth Climate Challenge

The Commonwealth Climate Challenge is an international competition challenging 12 households in 12 cities across 12 Commonwealth countries to reduce their environmental impact over 12 months.

Run by the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS), in partnership with the Prince of Wales' Charities, this is a fun project with a serious aim. The countries selected to take part in the Climate Challenge represent the geographic and economic diversity of the Commonwealth and include Oxford in the UK.

Baseline data on environmental impact and consumption will be collected at the beginning. Over 12 months the households will compete against other families and countries to reduce their overall environmental impact and to win a series of specific challenges. They will interact with other participants, as well as the global school network, via the Challenge website. CAGs are actively involved in finding and supporting the households in Oxford.

More details from LCON or (a dedicated climate challenge website will be launched in September)
www.thercs.org/youth/climatechallenge

Carbon Conversations

Carbon Conversations is an inspiring, practical 6-session course on low-carbon living:

Based on the psychology of change
Emotionally engaging
Technically rigorous
Up to date, attractive handbook, games and materials

Cited in The Guardian as one of the top 20 solutions to climate change, a number of CAGs are now trained to run these courses, with sessions starting in September and October. For more information contact simon.kenton@resourcefutures.co.uk

Runaway Climate Challenge

Oxfordshire’s Community Climate Conference is Saturday 13^th November 2010, 10am to 4.30pm Keep this date in your diary. Following a very successful Big Climate Event last year, this conference will provide stimulation, inspiration and support for taking community action on Climate Change. it will be held at Oxford University Centre for the Environment.

More information and registration details will be out shortly.

Largest installation of solar panel on a school in the UK

West Oxford Community Renewables Ltd (WOCR) unveiled their 100 kW solar panel array on the roof of Matthew Arnold School and their 50kw solar panel array on the roof of Aldi’s West Oxford store on 24^th June 2010.

The electricity generated by the solar panels will be sold to the school and the store respectively. Together the roofs on Matthew Arnold and Aldi will generate approximately £50,000 for re-investment in Low Carbon West Oxford’s local community environmental activities as a result of the Government’s feed-in tariff scheme.

Aldi and Matthew Arnold School will both benefit from cheaper and cleaner green electricity. The solar panels will also play a significant part in their carbon reduction commitment and provide customers and pupils with a highly visible reminder of their green credentials.

www.lowcarbonwestoxford.org.uk

Members of Low Carbon West Oxford with local author Philip Pullman

Last year LCWO helped 36 households recude their CO2 emissions by a total 36%. This year 60 households are going through the Low Carbon Living Programme. LCWO also funds a range of other projects including waste reduction, tree plnting, food and transport.

Garden wins an OSCA

On Friday 16th July, Barracks Lane Community Garden was announced as runner-up in the “Enhancing and/or preserving biodiversity” category of the Oxfordshire Sustainability and Conservation Awards (OSCA). The garden was presented with a cheque for £100 and a framed certificate.

Run by Oxfordshire County Council, the OSCA is a competition that aims to showcase all the great environmental work that's been taking place in Oxfordshire by schools and community groups. The winner of the Biodiversity category was SS Mary and John on Cowley Road. Barracks Lane Community Garden is very proud to have been recognised for its work in enhancing the local environment.

Other CAGs that entered included the Dorchester Carbon Project who received a highly commended for their ‘Zero Waste Places’ initiative.

Barracks Lane Community Gardens

CAGs visit Ardley IVC

Places for the recent visit to Agrivert’s In-vessel Composting facility at Ardley were snapped up by Community Action Groups (CAGs) keen to learn how their food and green waste are being treated. By the end of this year all of Oxfordshire Distinct Councils will be collecting food waste separately.

The Ardley facility is one of three being delivered by Agrivert to provide a comprehensive organics treatment solution to divert organic waste from landfill whilst providing a valued organic fertiliser. The facility has the capacity to treat up to 40,000 tonnes of organic waste each year.

The overall philosophy behind the futuristic design and site location was to provide a facility which operates with low energy consumption. The facility has a positive carbon footprint even after the energy associated with collection and treatment of the waste is taken into account. It also uses harvested rain water and heats the offices with the natural warmth generated from the composting process.

Pamela Hawes at Agrivert said that allotment holders or community groups could make arrangements to collect trailer loads of compost for a small fee, or free of charge, if they were a charity. Unfortunately they are unable to sell small bags to individuals. Contact them directly on 01608 677700.

Members of CAGs go under the compost area to see how heat is harnessed from the composting process

Home Composting

Food waste collections are being rolled out across the county and by the end of 2010 most households will be able to put out their food waste for collection rather than putting it in the bin. The biggest challenge is to get food waste out of landfill.

While CAGs want the food waste collection schemes to be successful, it is important to remember that composting suitable food waste at home is even better for the environment. Not all food waste can go into a home compost bin (meat, fish, dairy and cooked foods), but items like vegetable peelings, apple cores and eggshells make great compost when mixed with things like twigs, cardboard and grass cuttings.

Composting at home for just one year can save global warming gases equivalent to all the CO₂ your kettle produces annually, or your washing machine in three months. In addition to making your own free fertiliser, you will also be helping to cut down the demand for peat-based compost from the world’s declining peat reserves.

Subsidised compost bins are available to Oxfordshire residents from only £19 (including delivery) by going to www.oxfordshirewaste.gov.uk or phoning 0844 571 4444.

Greening Glastonbury 2010

The UK music industry annually produces over half a million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, and of that festivals account for probably at least 15%. It is estimated that this is equivalent to over 80,000 tonnes of CO₂ – which corresponds to a town of 8,000 people’s personal emissions for a year. Reducing CO₂ can be done, Glastonbury has addressed transport issues for water and sewage. Installed solar panels for power. Litter is separated on-site. People are encouraged to take responsibility for their own waste.

More about the festival and what they have achieved here:

http://www.euronews.net/

Cuts we should really be talking about

A new report published by the Centre for Alternative Technology on Wednesday 16 June 2010, including input from thirteen universities, twelve research bodies and eight key industry players, highlights a path for a zero carbon transition by 2030. For the first time a comprehensive energy strategy has been produced that could reduce emissions to zero for all greenhouse gases and across all sectors, creating hundreds of thousands of new jobs and regaining energy security.
Zero Carbon Britain 2030 is published by the Centre for Alternative Technology and is available as a free download or 384 page full colour book priced Â£39.95 (ISBN 978 1 902175 61 4). It can be purchased from CAT Mail Order (01654 705959) or from any high street or on line book retailer.

For further information, copies of the report or to arrange to speak to any of the authors contact
kim.bryan@cat.org.uk 07770881503
http://www.zerocarbonbritain.org/

Caroline Spelman calls for 'zero-waste' society to end landfill

In a waste strategy review, the new environment secretary says each local council should develop its own recycling scheme

Announcing a new government review of England’s waste strategy, Caroline Spelman said putting recyclable and biodegradable rubbish in the ground threatened the environment and wasted valuable natural resources.

She said there was a need to go further and faster in boosting recycling rates in England, and that driving forward a "zero-waste society" would save money and create green jobs and industry.

http://ww2.defra.gov.uk/

New set of Energy Saving Trust 'How to' guides

http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/

Green Communities how to guides are designed to give you step by step instruction on various aspects of running a successful community energy project - check them out online:

How to engage your community and communicate about
climate change

How to get funding for your community project

How to plan and deliver a community climate change project

How to monitor and evaluate your community project

How to influence and work with your local authority

How to set up a social enterprise

How to get the most out of community carbon footprint

How to include community climate action within your parish plan

Community waste and recycling

Keep Britain Tidy

Across Oxfordshire, district councils spend over £3.5 million each year picking up after the people who can’t be bothered to bin their litter.

Keep Britain Tidy’s cheeky campaign is calling on everyone to ‘Get behind’ them to clean up England’s streets. More details www.thebigtidyup.org

'Inspired by Creation’

A little patch of earth. A quiet spot to reflect. A view that stops you in your tracks. Where do you encounter God through creation?

During September the Diocese of Oxford will be running ‘Inspired by Creation’. This is a chance to share with others how creation inspires you. You can also win prizes by entering a photograph and/or poem/prayer that captures the place where you encounter God through creation.

Whether it’s an image or words, they need to be original and taken/written by you,

An interesting article?

2010-08-31T20:12:00.003+01:00

Here's a positive article from the sustainable development commission.

Here is a link to the article

Freecycle - how to....

2010-08-31T20:02:00.003+01:00

Many of you may already know about Freecycle, a Yahoo group that links people with unwanted items, to someone in their area who wants them, thus preventing waste and promoting re-use.To sign up go to http://my.freecycle.org/signup

For more information on Freecycle in general and a list of other approved Freecycle groups, visit http://uk.freecycle .org/ (Highly recommended! ) You can also find freecycle.org along with other related recycling-related sites by visiting the Vale of the White Horse main page and clicking on "links" on the left. More details on the website, or read on below..

Sally

Dear Freecycle™ Member,

Thanks for being a part of The (ever-expanding) Freecycle Network. We're changing the world one gift at a time! This message is sent to all subscribers upon joining, and monthly thereafter to the entire list. If this message hasn't been updated since the last time you read it, feel free to move on to the next post.

If you're new to the group or want a quick refresher on making the most of our Freecycle group, please read on! This message contains essential knowledge for all Freecycle members and will answer MANY common new-user questions, so please take the time to read it through.

This Freecycle group matches people who have things they need to get rid of with people who can use them. Our goal is to keep usable items out of the landfill. By using what we already have on this earth, we reduce consumerism, manufacture fewer goods, and lessen the impact on the earth. Another benefit of using Freecycle is that it encourages us to get rid of junk that we no longer need and promote community involvement in the process.

Begun on August 23 2005, the Vale of the White Horse, south Oxfordshire Freecycle group is a branch of an incredibly fast-growing international Freecycle movement, which began in Tucson, AZ on May 1st, 2003 and now boasts thousands of groups all over the world. Please help this group grow by spreading the word! We all personally know lots of great people in our community who would love this idea. So, why not "pay it forward" and tell 3 (or more) people how wonderful Freecycle is! You tell your friends, you family, your neighbours, your co-workers.. .and they tell theirs, and so on, and so on...well, you get the idea!

USING THE FREECYCLE LIST
To post a message, simply send an email to valewhitehorsefreecycle@yahoogroups.co.uk or click on "messages" at the Vale of the White Horse Freecycle group web site (see link below).

To unsubscribe, send an email to valewhitehorsefreecycle-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.co.uk

To post, read or reply to messages or to manage your membership settings (including email delivery options), visit the group site (aka main page):
http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/valewhitehorsefreecycle/

To read list archives (especially helpful for new members who may find recent posts of interest there), visit the main page and click on "messages" on the left.

For more information on Freecycle in general and a list of other approved Freecycle groups, visit http://uk.freecycle .org/ (Highly recommended! ) You can also find freecycle.org along with other related recycling-related sites by visiting the Vale of the White Horse main page and clicking on "links" on the left.

The following list rules have been adapted from the original Freecycle etiquette sheet; For a refresher, read on. A certain structure definitely makes the group run smoothly and effectively for everyone's benefit. Remember, the success of this group depends on all of us, and that means each of us need to do our best to keep on task and, well, be nice and patient. Good luck, have fun & dive on in!

FREECYCLE RULES & ETIQUETTE
1) KEEP IT FREE, LEGAL & APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES. This means, for example, no Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms or Drugs, legal or otherwise. Two strikes and you're out of the group. This is our main Freecycle rule to live by and it's a pretty easy one at that. No advertising your garage sale, either, as you're looking for money and that isn't free... (though feel free to advertise it on our Cafe group!)

2) SUBJECT LINE OF YOUR POSTS. All posts should use one of the following formats to make it easy for others to delete or view:

OFFER: item, (Location). [Offering more than one thing? Still keep it in one e-mail, please]
TAKEN: item

WANTED: item (Location)
RECEIVED: sofa - thanks!

ADMIN: Important messages from the moderators - these will be used sparingly and sent to ALL members.

3) WANTED ADS ARE AS WELCOME AS OFFERS - But please do not post the same "wanted" message more than once a month, and keep it reasonable - for example, an old TV is a reasonable "want", a plasma screen isn't! And PLEASE don't offer money for anything - Freecycle is just that, FREE! One more thing - it's not compulsory, but it would be nice if members could all post an offer before a want :0)

4) NO CHAT, NO POLITICS, NO SPAM, NO MONEY, NO PERSONAL ATTACKS/RUDENESS, NO PROSELYTIZING/ RELIGION. It's all about R-E-S-P-E-C- T. Two strikes & you're out, i.e. you will be unsubscribed by the moderator after two inappropriate postings.

5) YOUR APPROXIMATE LOCATION: Please try to mention this in the body of your e-mail as well as in the subject line, eg. I've got a couch and live near Wantage.

6) KEEP IT ALL IN ONE E-MAIL. Got more than one thing to give away? Keep it all in one e-mail please and just number the items for your own clarity. This reduces the overall number of e-mails we all have to receive.

7) CAN WE USE FREECYCLE TO FIND NEW HOMES FOR PETS? No - following a vote on this group in May 2008 it was agreed that animals should be neither offered not requested on this group. There are lots of great organisations who specialise in rehoming animals - we suggest you visit one of them instead. (Websites in Links section)

8) NO TRADING/SWAPPING PLEASE. Go to your local trading organisation for this. It can be quite fun.

9) RESPONSES GO ONLY TO OFFERER. It keeps down the sheer number of e-mails.

10) PICK UP. Arrange as you like. Generally, you'll wait until you get a handful of responses or maybe overnight, and then you can pick whomever you like! That's half the fun. I always ask that people consider giving your local charity preference if one should respond. Arrange pickup with one person only, rather than "it's on the porch, whoever gets here first gets it." Otherwise you'll become unpopular pretty fast with your fellow Freecycle Group Members... Also: only give your phone number to one person at a time or ask for the recipient's phone no. Otherwise you'll get swamped with phone calls. And if you've arranged to collect from another member - make sure you turn up when you say you will. People soon get fed up with "no shows".

11) DISCLAIMER: FREECYCLE NETWORK MEMBERS USE THE LIST AT THEIR OWN RISK. Please take reasonable measures to protect your safety and privacy when posting to the list or participating in an exchange. By joining the list, you agree to hold neither the list owners and moderators nor anyone affiliated with Freecycle.org responsible or liable for any circumstance resulting from a Freecycle-related exchange or communication.

SAFETY. Be aware! It is up to each individual member of Freecycle when arranging for pickup of the item being given away to be appropriately aware of the potential risk of having "a stranger" come to your home to pick something up. Freecycle as a listserv assumes no responsibility for this risk. If you, for example, are a single woman living alone, you may want to say that you'll leave the item on the front porch while you are not home.

12) NO OFFERING/POSTING YOURSELF OR YOUR CHILDREN. Posting oneself (or one's shy friends) is, I'm afraid, not allowed. There are many fine Internet dating sites better suited to this purpose ;0) Posting your kids is not on the menu either, no matter how crazy they make you sometimes. Try getting them involved in after-school football practice.

13) A BRIEF NOTE ON FREECYCLE ETIQUETTE: "Be nice." We've got a great little community here so when you arrange to pick up an item from another Freecycle Member, it is basic good manners to accommodate them as much as possible in terms of scheduling, and then be punctual; they are, after all, giving you something you need and asking nothing in return except that you will show up when you say you will. (Leaving someone hanging around waiting is never a nice thing.) Also, unless the giver tells you otherwise, assume that they would like you to come by as soon as you can to take away the item; no more than three days after the offer is made is usual. (Think of it as The Three-Day Rule.)

TIPS TO ORGANISE ALL OF THE NEW E-MAILS YOU ARE GETTING:

a) CREATE A SEPARATE E-MAIL FOLDER & AUTOMATICALLY HAVE FREECYCLE STUFF GO TO IT. Create a separate folder in your Outlook Express & have Freecycle stuff sent to it automatically with a new rule under tools/message rules/mail/

b) SET TO "DAILY DIGEST" OR "SPECIAL NOTICES ONLY" (which means you'll just browse the messages online). You can set your personal preferences on the main page (under "Edit My Membership" in the top right corner).

IMPORTANT: THERE IS A TIME LAG FOR CHANGES: Whenever a user changes settings, there is an overlap from the time it takes for Yahoo to process the change, until emails in the queue waiting to go out to the users are delivered. In other words, in the six hours it takes for Yahoo to permanently stop the emails from coming, there are emails already set up to go out, and will continue to go out until the queue is emptied. (Some people have reported this taking up to three days.) So please don't email the moderators with comments like, 'I changed my settings/unsubscrib ed yesterday, why am I still getting emails?' Just be patient, and all should be well. Don't make more than one change at a time (each additional change adds on another day of wait).
If you encounter further problems, you might want to consult the Yahoo! Groups help pages at:
http://help. yahoo.com/ help/groups/

Just so you know, you CAN delete your own posts for any reason (for example, if someone's taken the item you offered, or if you've received the item you wanted, or if you posted something by mistake). Go back to your original post and bring it into view on the screen. Right under the Messages bar, where it reads:
Reply/Forward/ View Source/Unwrap Lines/Delete

Click on 'Delete.' That should do it. (Note, though, that deleting a post won't prevent it from showing up in the next digest for those with digest options.)

That should just about do it. Have fun keeping good stuff out of landfill!

Your friendly neighbourhood Freecycle moderators,

Alison and Helen
Moderator
Vale of the White Horse Freecycle group

CAG TRAINING EVENT: PAT Testing Training

2010-08-26T23:49:00.002+01:00

Due to demand, there is to be another Portable Appliance Testing training. With this training it will be possible to legally test small domestic appliances (WEEE – Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment) for reuse at events such as swap-shops, etc and, so long as you can handle changing a plug, no previous experience is necessary! Training wii include an overview of current legislation / heath & safely requirements, alongside a practical sessions on using the testers with ample time to practice testing with other qualified CAG members, who will also be able to give you guidance on how to run testing at events.

We have worked alongside our insurance brokers to ensure that those who have taken out CAG insurance will be covered to PAT test and that tested items will also be insured in the event of any other unforeseen problems, although this is merely a ‘safety net’ and should not be read as a ‘warranty’ re: damaged parts, etc. However, in order to be comprehensively covered it is important that no ‘white goods’ (eg: large domestic appliances such as fridges, freezers, washing machines, cookers, etc.) or electric blankets are accepted at events. Please note that groups who have their own insurance policy may not necessarily have the cover needed to PAT test and so we would advise registering with the CAG insurance policy to ensure ample cover. Please let me know if you are considering this route.

There are currently 8 CAG PAT testing units around the county with a booking system in place for those who wish to borrow them for their own events, although CAG grants are available for those of you who will be testing on a very regular basis.

Please confirm your booking as soon as possible or by Monday 13th September, stating any mobility or other requirements you may have.

VENUE: West Oxford Community Centre, Botley Road, Oxford.

DATE: Wed 29th September 2010

TIME: 7 – 9pm

How to get there:

Click this link for directions and information about the venue:

Public transport: The West Oxford Community Centre is 2 minutes walk from the train station. Turn right at the bottom of the station road, under bridge, along Botley Road and it is on the right. See link above for bus routes.

Cycling: There are plenty of safe places to lock bikes at the centre and train station.

Cars: We would encourage people to use public transport where possible but if you do need to drive please try to car share with people near you. If you have spaces free and would like help filling them or you need a lift to the event, please let me know. This is very limited parking available at the venue but it is very close to the Seacourt Park and Ride.

Abingdon Eco Fair - Saturday 9th of October

2010-08-23T19:39:00.001+01:00

An event for the whole family, it will be packed with fun activities and practical ideas to help us all live well without damaging the planet. There will be plenty to absorb the children while the adults browse, and a cafe serving locally-grown food and drink. The fair will focus on five key areas: Energy, Food, Waste, Travel and Biodiversity. Come and see the plans for hydro-power at Abingdon weir, or how to make electricity from the sun on your own roof! Learn how to grow your own veg, even if you don’t have a garden! Abingdon is a vital, thriving community.... come and find out how to get involved!

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Abingdon Guildhall, Abbey Close
Abingdon
OX14 3JE (map)

Our chance to stop a climate U-turn

2010-08-23T19:22:00.004+01:00

You may have seen in the papers the government plans to backslide on green promises on coal power stations? Here's an easy way to let them know we are watching them. Put in your details and drop your MP an email.

Nicola Blackwood is committed to coming to our Eco Fair on October 9th so will welcome hearing from you. MPs need to be able to evidence how strong the local feeling is.

Do it now!

In February Conservative and Lib Dem MPs backed our campaign to set limits on CO2 emissions from new coal fired power stations. Thousands of us emailed our MPs, and we came within a few votes of winning in Parliament. Both Conservatives and Lib Dems promised that if they won the election, limits would be introduced in their new Energy Bill. But today it's being reported they are planning to break their promise. [1] We need to move fast to stop that happening.

Since the election, energy company lobbyists have piled pressure on the Tories and Lib Dems to do a U-turn. Unless we speak up now, the lobbyists are going to win and rules to reduce climate emissions will be dropped.

Together we can make the case for tackling climate change, and warn the government that caving in now after all the promises they've made would be a big embarrassment. A people-powered outcry will make Conservative and Lib Dem MPs realise how much damage a U-turn will do to their green reputation.

Click here to e-mail your MP and demand they support new rules to clean up new coal fired power stations:
http://www.38degrees.org.uk/clean-up-coal

At the moment energy companies can charge customers extra to pay for building new 'cleaner' coal-fired power stations. But there's no minimum standard for how clean these power stations should be. That's a bit like saying you want more efficient cars, but then forgetting to say how many miles per gallon they should actually do. We need new rules to make sure climate emissions really are brought down.

It's only 6 months since Lib Dems and Tories voted to make these rules part of the last government's Energy Bill. But now they're in power, the Conservatives have put these new rules on the backburner. We need to work together to put every single MP under pressure to support new rules to set limits on coal-fired power stations - if enough of us e-mail, we can make sure MPs don't let the bill go through without proper standards.

In February, people power nearly won - we came within 8 votes of cleaning up new coal power stations. If we work together again and put pressure on MPs of all parties to back proper standards this time around, we can make sure we get the rules we need to clean up coal.

E-mail your MP now to tell them to back proper rules:
http://www.38degrees.org.uk/clean-up-coal

Thanks for being involved,

An invitation

2010-08-23T19:18:00.004+01:00

Nicky Warden and Christine Whyld went to a training weekend on running "Carbon Conversations" on our behalf recently and would like some Carbon Cutters to practice on. If you arelo oking for a greener future, read on, or download the leaflet and invite your friends too!

Government Energy Plans

2010-08-23T19:12:00.002+01:00

Some of you may have seen this already - sorry for any duplication. The government has published some new documents on energy planning. I haven't had a chance to read them yet, but they look like a more coherent look at where things might be going than we have seen before.

The first is their "first annual energy statement":
http://www.decc.gov.uk/media/viewfile.ashx?filetype=4&filepath=what%20we%20do/uk%20energy%20supply/237-annual-energy-statement-2010.pdf
This mentions such things as smart meters, the Renewable Heat Incentive, and a lot more. It's the shorter of the two.

The other is a document showing possible "pathways" to achieve the 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. What is interesting is that it has six model scenarios, in case some things don't happen, and so sounds a lot like David MacKay has had something to do with it. It's longer - a couple of hundred pages - but you can probably get the gist from the summary material at the beginning:
http://www.decc.gov.uk/media/viewfile.ashx?filetype=4&filepath=What%20we%20do/A%20low%20carbon%20UK/2050/216-2050-pathways-analysis-report.pdf

CAG Newsletter - Summer 2010

2010-08-23T19:02:00.004+01:00

The Summer 2010 Community Action Groups newsletter is available for downloading from here

Oxford Garden Project open days - THIS WEEK.

2010-06-13T18:59:00.002+01:00

The garden will be open from 10-5 pm on Thursday 17th to Saturday 19th June.

There will be an opportunity to look around our workshop and garden in Longworth, a half acre kitchen garden with long established no-dig deep beds as well as new areas currently under development, including a fruit garden and bag garden.

Entry is free, but we welcome donations to Garden Organic, the country's leading organic gardening charity. There will be a display by the Wilts and Berks canal trust and refreshments will be available.

Carbon Cutters Meeting Weds May 19th - How to Run Our Own Eco-Fair

2010-05-18T23:28:00.002+01:00

Dear all,
The Guildhall is booked for Saturday October 9th for Abingdon's first Eco Fair! Will you be there? Do you have a favourite group, business or charity you think should be invited? Can you make home-made bread or soup to serve at lunchtime? Are you a whizz at publicity and websites?
We will need everyone's skills to make this day a success. Do come to our meeting in St Ethelwolds House on Weds May 19th to hear how Kidlington's Eco Fair has been such a success, and to be in on the planning for our own. The keyword is Sustainability - how can we build resilience in our own community? How can we prepare Abingdon for a low-carbon future?

If you can't come, register your interest by emailing Pauline and Cliff MARSHALL on candpmarshall@btinternet.com

ClimateX.org news

2010-05-18T23:15:00.001+01:00

Dear carbon cutter,

Sorry for duplicating, but this message has so many inspiring things to get involved in! Mark Lynas AND David MacKay talking in Oxford! And so much more. Scroll down to see for yourself!
Sally

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: The ClimateX Newslist climatex@albion.red-redemption.com
To: "climatex@climatex.org" climatex@climatex.org
Sent: Friday, 30 April, 2010 16:59:52
Subject: [Climatex] (no subject)

Oxfordshire ClimateXchange update #59 – May ’10

The latest news and upcoming events from ClimateXchange. Also available on www.climatex.org

With election reaching fever pitch, here’s a selection of news and upcoming events to keep your feet on the ground. There’s good news from North Leigh, and details of the new £99 insulation deal and upcoming trainings from the Energy Saving Trust, plus an increasing number of events. Happy reading, and I wish you all a relaxing May weekend.

1. IN THE NEWS

1.1 EMAIL YOUR PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATES RE CLIMATE CHANGE & HEALTH

Disappointed by the low profile of climate change in the election campaigning? Now you can contact your Prospective Parliamentary Candidates at a time when they might just listen. The Campaign for Greener Healthcare has teamed up with 38 degrees so that you can quickly and easily ask your parliamentary candidates about their views on climate change and what steps they will take to address this threat to health. It only takes about two minutes to do, click here http://www.38degrees.org.uk/page/speakout/HealthcareClimat to go to the 38degrees website.

This campaign has been organised by the Green Health Coalition, formed of the Campaign for Greener Healthcare, Medact, Medsin and the Climate and Health Council *www.greenerhealthcare.org*

1.2 Over 170 Candidates from all Parties sign the Simpol Pledge

With only a week to go to the general election, a record number of candidates from all the main UK political parties have so far signed the Pledge to implement the Simultaneous Policy (Simpol), a range of measures to solve global problems like climate change, financial market regulation, global poverty, and other issues where global cooperation is needed. For further information visit www.simpol.org (global site) and/or www.simpol.org.uk (UK site)

1.3 Live blog: Ed Miliband and Franny Armstrong's green election road-trip

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/blog/2010/apr/29/green-election-miliband-armstrong-roadshow

1.4 Tiempo magazine – weekly magazine covering climate and development

http://www.tiempocyberclimate.org/newswatch/

1.5 Crowd-sourced energy

A London-based architectural research firm, Facility: Innovate, is developing an energy harvester for crowded areas such as sports arenas and shopping centres. The technology will be invisible to the people it feeds on: they will simply walk over what looks like a normal floor tile. But their steps will push down on a pneumatic device that drives air through a turbine to generate electricity. The company plans to install its first device later this year in a US shopping centre, with a UK site to follow soon after. See:

http://www.the-facility.co.uk/innovate/

1.6 Goldman Environmental Prize - videos

The U.S.-based Goldman Environmental Prize is the world's biggest award for grassroots environmentalism. The prize was begun in 1990 by philanthropists Richard and Rhoda Goldman to encourage environmental protection. Check out what this year’ s prize recipients have to say, by clicking on their profiles:

http://www.goldmanprize.org/recipients/current

RESOURCES

2.1 Check out the new imeasure web-interface when you put in your meter readings this week! http://www.imeasure.org.uk/

2.2 Introducing: SMEasure www.smeasure.org.uk

SMEasure’s energy monitoring website is free and has been specially designed for small and medium sized businesses. The site comes from the Energy Research Group at the Oxford University’s Centre for the Environment so all data also contributes towards research undertaken by the University, whilst illustrating where businesses can save energy, reduce carbon emissions and essentially, cut bills.

SMEasure will provide you with an indication of your building's energy overuse/under-use and overspend/under spend and provide you with a free A-G rating which will provide an excellent indication of the rating you would likely receive with an official DEC, without the investment.

2.3 Travel planning

Going on holiday? See the LoCO2 10:10 travel planning tool here:

http://loco2travel.com/cutting-your-10-for-1010/

2.4 Oxford Cycle Challenge

The Oxford Cycle Challenge is a fun and free workplace based challenge that encourages people to give cycling a go! The CTC has selected a handful of cities to take part in the Workplace Challenge, and Dan from Oxford Cycle Workshop is coordinating the challenge for Oxford. The challenge is based on workplaces and departments signing up and their employees recording their cycling journeys as you all compete for some exciting prizes (including a beautiful bike worth £600). Organisations across Oxford will compete from Monday 7 to Sunday 27 June 2010 to see who can get the most staff to ride a bike for just 10 minutes or more. See more: http://www.oxfordcyclechallenge.org.uk/

2.5 Beyond the Pole

A fun film which looks worth watching: http://beyondthepole.com/

2.6 Ecomodo

Ecomodo is a new online service that enables people to lend and borrow

everyday objects, skills and spaces. www.ecomodo.com . It's free to register and open to everyone in the UK. Please sign up and invite all your friends, colleagues and neighbours to join in too.

2.7 Go for the green quiz!

Take the green quiz here:

http://planetgreen.discovery.com/games-quizzes/tom-green-quiz-game.html?campaign=th_nav_quiz

COMMUNITIES UPDATE

3.1 Challenge North Leigh scoops £20,000

If you haven’t already heard the fantastic news – North Leigh has reduced its energy consumption by 10% and met the target set by Challenge North Leigh. Scottish and Southern Energy have agreed to pay the £20,000 prize money. Well done to all parishioners and keep up the good work! Further info: http://www.challengenorthleigh.org/

3.2 Beechcroft Road DIY Streets

Beechcroft Road residents Association has been given the go-ahead to implement their DIY Streets scheme – including cycle racks and trees. Further info: www.beechcroftroad.org.uk

3.3 Green Communities newsletter

See the latest Green Communities Newsletter: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/cafe

3.4 Sustainable Witney: Check out their website on: http://sustainablewitney.org.uk/

3.5 Transport Funding Available

An opportunity has arisen to secure £5000 of funding for a transport specific community based project. The judges are looking for original ideas in three areas: Vehicles and Fuels, Smarter/Eco Driving and Reducing Car Use.

If you think your community has some good ideas or projects I would encourage you to apply. Further info: www.lowcvp.org.uk/communitychallenge .

3.6 Garden Guardians wanted

Barracks lane gardens is looking for more Garden Guardians so we can ensure the garden is open every weekend from Easter to autumn. Could you offer 3 hours of your time, once a month? If so, contact Julieanne at barrackslanegarden@yahoo.co.uk or 01865 236 088 for further information Further info: http://www.barrackslanegarden.org.uk/

3.7 CALLING ALL LOCAL ENVIRONMENT GROUPS

Are you looking for more volunteers? v involved Oxfordshire can help you recruit volunteers aged 16-25 to help! We promote part time / full time and one off events to our volunteers county wide! + if you would like support to develop volunteering opportunities for young people FREE support & training is available. For more information contact Claire Jones - Youth Volunteer Development Manager - Claire.jones@ocvys.org mailto:Claire.jones@ocvys.org 07825 232 500 / 01865 600983 (from ONCF update)

ECO-RENOVATION

4.1 £99 Insulation Deal

The Council’s £99 deal is subject to funding and is being managed exclusively by Cocoon, a long standing partner of the Council. You may have to pay more if your property is larger than average for the number of bedrooms, or access to walls or loft is restricted or extra vents are required.

To find out more, call 0800 8048 777 and ask for the ‘Oxon Deal’ or visit www.cocoonyourhome.co.uk

4.2 Energy Auditing for Old and listed Buildings

Sustainable Charlbury have arranged training by EST on Tuesday 25th May from 9.45 – 4.30 pm. You will need to be registered as Green Communities members before the course. You can do this by going to http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/cafe/Green-Communities/About-us/Become-a-Member-or-Update-Profile . There are a limited number of places available to external delegates and these will be offered on a first come first serve basis. Please fill out the application form which can be accessed here: http://climatex.org/articles/news/community-events-may/ and forward to greencommunities@est.org.uk. For further information please call 0844 848 0077.

4.3 Energy Auditing for Community Buildings

The Energy Auditing for Community Buildings will take place in Oxford on 26th May, led by an expert from EST Green Communities head office. There are 20 spaces available, and final details are presently being confirmed. Please email Mathew.Roberts@est-tvs.org.uk if you’re interested in attending, and he will email you final details and booking information

To subscribe to the Oxfordshire Eco-renovation Mailing List email jo@climatex.org with ‘Ecoren_subscribe’ in the subject line

4.4 Researcher seeks households who have considered renewables

Wanted: - Some who tried to put renewables in their house, began to think about it and then stopped because of several reasons. (I need to find around 5 to 10 households in this case)

-Households who did it while a refurbishment (those are the most important number in my research,that is to say around 20)

I would like to understand why they chose to put a renewable, what does it reveal from their interests, how they did and what happened before, during and after the installation. Also, I would like to understand throughout the process, who can have help them, or at the opposite, slow the installation.

It is possible for me to call them, or to see them wherever they want, I don't want to enter in their privacy so I would perfectly understand if they prefer me not to come in their house, but to see them in a public area.

If you care interested, contact: Marjorie FILLIASTRE mj.sorbonne@gmail.com 07500 805 800

4.5 The Ideal Green Home Show went well last weekend. You can check the details of exhibitors, and download the newly updated Oxfordshire Eco-renovation Directory here http://climatex.org/articles/eco-renovation/ideal-green-home-show/

A big THANK YOU to all the volunteers and stall holders, and to North Aston Organics and Veg In Clover for help distributing info.

4.6 Sheffield's green roof safaris: audio slideshow

The Yorkshire city has started a programme of 'green roof safaris' to show how topping new and regenerated buildings can improve the environment and encourage biodiversity

See the video at:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/audioslideshow/2010/apr/08/sheffield-green-roof-safari

4.7 Ecoworkshops http://www.ecoworkshops.co.uk/

Going Green: Re-inventing Family Homes and Lifestyles

This workshop is perfect for homeowners undertaking their own home redesign or briefing builders or Architects. Use SEED-groups professional knowledge and years of experience to help inspire and inform your eco design. This is a unique opportunity to ask eco advisers questions; meet like minded people and build your network of sources and recommendations.

Price £65.00 Book this workshop by choosing a date below:

4.8 Renewable energy coalition releases 12 step manifesto

With the general election approaching, nine of the UK’s leading renewable energy trade associations have signed up to a joint Manifesto, outlining proposals for the timely delivery of 2020 targets and urging the Government to act now on the looming energy and climate crisis. The 12 proposals would help ensure Britain delivers 15% of its energy from renewables by 2020, fulfilling its EU obligations and building a thriving ‘green collar’ industry sector in the process.

For the full text of the manifesto, see:

http://www.scottishrenewables.com/admin/Application/DocumentEditor/MultimediaGallery/64ee4adb-0286-45c0-b807-ba408359d85a-1.pdf

4.9 Build Your own wind turbine Oxford, 14-18^th June

An introductory, hands-on course for anyone thinking of building their own turbine, as well as some hands on fun for anyone interested in wind. Delivered by www.v3power.co.uk

Further info: http://climatex.org/media/attachments/early_2010_courses.pdf

JOBS

5.1 New post: Energy Officer at Cherwell District Council.

Closing date 6^th May, full details here: http://www.environmentjobs.co.uk/job.cfm?id=7934 or contact jo.colwell@cherwell-dc.gov.uk

UPCOMING EVENTS

More events on www.climatex.org/ and a full list of Environmental lectures available here: http://www.eci.ox.ac.uk/oxfordenv/index.php

6.1 Mayday Plant Swap, Saturday 1st May

1pm-4pm. This Local food event is for novice and expert gardeners alike. Please bring excess seeds, seedlings or plants to exchange. Don’t worry if you have no plants to swap, just make a donation. There will be a presentation about some methods for plant propagation at 2pm. Entry by donation. There will some refreshments available.

6.2 Feeding Oxford - Tues 4th May

Come to a debate on food supply: Feeding Oxford: Investing in a Food Supply Fit for the Future. Speaker: Mark Winne

Tuesday 4th May, 8pm at Vaults and Garden, Radcliffe Square, Oxford

Admission is Free, but space is limited, so RSVP to: Ruth West info@CampaignForRealFarming.org (see attached flier for more details)

6.3 SCIENCE OXFORD LIVE CLEAN AND GREEN FESTIVAL

Events on Thursday evenings, further full info on:

www.scienceoxfordlive.com/

Thurs 6th May 7.30 pm – An ABC of the Climate

Thurs 13th May 7.30 pm – Earth’s Changing Climate

Thurs 20th May 7.30 pm – Climate Change and the Developing World

Thurs 27th May 7.30 pm – The Future of Farming

6.4 Wolvercote Wander – Sun 9th May

On Sunday 9th May, come with neighbours & friends on the Wolvercote Wander. See http://www.wolvercote.org/LowCarbonWolvercote/LCW.htm . It's a celebration of the small, low-tech things, as well as the big projects so if you have any ways you're living a lower carbon life, tips, stories, etc - please tell Michael Buck (tel: 515777; e-mail: sheilabuck@btinternet.com ) so that they can be mentioned, and perhaps pointed out, during the Wander. http://bit.ly/awolvercotewander

6.5. 7th - 9th May 2010 Power – Up London: 2010, A training weekend on the planning system and your legal rights
For full details go to: http://www.foe.co.uk/community/news/power_up_22627.html

Power Up is a weekend of workshops and networking to empower people to make a difference.
Find out how to use the system effectively. Learn how to confidently use legal and planning knowledge and share your ideas with others. Gain
the tools, confidence and contacts to help make your community a cleaner, healthier, fairer place to live.

6.6 Monday 10th May 2010 Book Launch: Requiem for a Species: Why We Resist the Truth About Climate Change, by Clive Hamilton

Location: Blackwell’s Bookshop Oxford, 48-51 Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3BQ (map) Time: 6:45 for 7pm Speakers: Clive Hamilton and Chris Goodall

Tickets: £2*

Full info: http://www.earthscan.co.uk/Portals/0/pdfs/Oxford_10th_May_2010.pdf

A talk by CLIVE HAMILTON will be followed by a live interview of Clive by CHRIS GOODALL (author of How to Live a Low-carbon Life – now in its second edition), and then Chris will chair a Q & A with the audience.

Are we all climate denialists...?

It’s easy to ridicule the conspiracy theories of denialists, but how many of us have truly faced up to what the scientists are telling us? If we accept what the experts say then it’s the end of progress as we know it and we are heading into a very unpleasant future...So what are we doing about it?

This event is with tickets only. Please quote ‘Requiem event’. Tickets cost £2 and can be obtained by visiting the Customer Service Department on the Second Floor of Blackwell Bookshop, by phoning 01865 333623, or e-mailing oxford@blackwell.co.uk.

6.7 Wednesday 12 May CAN NUCLEAR POWER SAVE THE PLANET?

Blake Lapthorn Solicitors, Seacourt Tower, West Way, Oxford, OX2 0FB

Free 7.30 am reg for 8am business

Speaker: Mark Lynas, climate change specialist.

The aim of the Green Breakfasts is to encourage a discussion of environmental issues and opportunities surrounding climate change in a lively and relaxed forum. For bookings, contact kelly.benfield@bllaw.co.uk or call 01865 253268

6.8 Lubbock Lecture & Open Day
Professor David MacKay FRS The Department of Engineering Science is delighted to announce that its 36th Maurice Lubbock Memorial Lecture entitled "Sustainable Energy - without the hot air," will be given by Professor David J C MacKay FRS, Chief Scientific Advisor to the Department of Energy and Climate Change. The Lecture will take place on Thursday, 13th May 2010.

Further info: http://www.eng.ox.ac.uk/events/lubbock/

6.9 Climate Reach 14 MAY and 21 MAY 9.15am - 12.15pm

The Old Music Hall, 106-108 Cowley Road, Oxford

What is it? Climate Reach is a crash course in climate change using creative learning approaches to engage people, increase awareness and support positive action on something that affects us all.

Call ReachAbility on 01865 403 129 or email us at info@reachability.co.uk. We need to receive your payment at least one week in advance. These 2 sessions are linked so we encourage you to attend both if you can. However, it’s still OK to take part if you can only make one morning.

See directions on the Contact Us section in our website www.reachability.co.uk

6.10 22-23 May NURTURING HOPE IN A TIME OF FALLING LIGHT

Weekend workshop facilitated by Nick Totton , Grove House in Iffley. Further info: http://www.grovehouse.info/

How do we accept the unacceptable? How do we come to terms with the imminence of irreversible change facing our world? Suddenly it feels as if time is running out, and that no one knows what to do – or rather, it’s obvious what to do, but we seem unable to do it. This workshop, at a brightening time of the year and a darkening time for the planet, is a space to think, feel and talk about these issues that are so close to our hearts. A space to grieve, rage, feel terrified, immobilized; to find creative energy and to move forward. See event flier: http://climatex.org/media/attachments/Nick_FallingLight_72.pdf

6.11 Fri 28^th May: Oxford Nappy Free Baby Workshop:

Create a unique bond with your baby learning how to recognise and respond to baby's toileting needs. Find out more about this eco -friendly ( and baby-friendly) alternative to full - time nappies. Last Friday in month at Barracks Lane Community Garden. For more info see www.oxfordnappyfreebaby.co.uk or contact Amber Hatch at amberkhatch@yahoo.co.uk

6.12 Oxford Energy Futures

11 June Rewley House, Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JA

A conference focusing on cutting-edge energy topics given by researchers at Oxford University and with contributions from scientists and practitioners at other organisations and businesses. Cost: Full fee £75, students £40. Free places available to Oxford postgraduate students who present a poster (poster space limited). Fees include refreshments and lunch.

****

For further info and to get involved, contact info@climatex.org

Email upcoming events to info@climatex.org or upload them yourself: http://climatex.org/whats-new/

Subscribe to this update by sending a blank email to: climatex-subscribe@climatex.org

Jo Hamilton
ClimateXChange Coordinator

Environmental Change Institute
Oxford University Centre for the Environment
Dyson Perrins Building
South Parks Rd
Oxford OX1 3QY

t: 01865 275 856
e: jo.hamilton@ouce.ox.ac.uk
www.climatex.org

Come to the Ideal Green Home Show 23-24th April 2010, Oxford Town Hall. Full details: http://climatex.org/articles/eco-renovation/ideal-green-home-show/

See our latest update: www.climatex.org/whats-new/

Subscribe to our fortnightly email updates : send a blank email to: climatex-subscribe@climatex.org

______________________________

_________________
This is the Oxfordshire ClimateXChange Newsletter and Update Mailing List, moderated by Jo Hamilton and led by the Environmental Change Institute at Oxford University.

http://www.climatex.org

To subscribe to this list please send an empty email to:
climatex-subscribe@climatex.org

To unsubscribe from this list please send an empty email to:
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CAG DISCOUNT: Wood Festival, 21st - 23rd May

2010-05-18T23:09:00.001+01:00

Hello All

Some of you may or may not be interested in this offer from the Wood Festival organisers (see below). The CAG Project has helped to organise a number of workshops at the event including DIY Wormeries, Intro to Bee Keeping and Growing Food in Small Containers. Please pass to any of your members that might be interested.

Best wishes

Simon

WOOD FESTIVAL 21^st - 23^rd May

Brazier’s Park, Oxfordshire

POWERED 100% by renewable energy

Included in The Sunday Times’ Best Things to See and Do in 2010

Dear CAGs

Our friends at TRUCK and WOOD festival are keen to thank you all for the hard work you do, and the commitment you have shown to community action of all types. A few months ago they extended the offer of discounted tickets to WOOD Festival - and this offer is still open to you (and your families) to get cheaper tickets by following www.gigantic.com/thankyou

WOOD is Britain's greenest festival powered completely on renewable energy, harnessing the power of the sun, the wind and even the people who attend the event (through a cycle-powered cinema and disco), there are composting toilets (no portaloos. Whoop!) and a stage made of, you guessed it, WOOD. It was created after the floods of 2007 - and is piloting a new green festival standard in conjunction with Julies Bicycle.

With great music from award winning, mercury nominated and critically lauded band THE UNTHANKS busker punk FRANK TURNER, experimental folks TUNNG, the ever popular Irish troubadour FIONN REGAN, 2008 winner of Radio2 Folk Award MARTIN SIMPSON, friends of the festival DANNY AND THE CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD and all the way from the USA FRONTIER RUCKUS. Also confirmed are ORA COOGAN, TREVOR MOSS & HANNAH LOU, and DUSTY AND THE DREAMING SPIRES, PEGGY SUE,

But we know you lot like to be active so over the weekend, and withover 50 workshops and taster sessions covering everything from urban gardening, twitching, singing, woodcraft, yoga, the giant knit off, story-telling, and thatching, to making wallets from orange juice cartons, oh, and campfire sing-alongs.

Weekend Tickets cost £70 for adults, which includes camping and all workshops. There's a junior ticket for ages 13-17 priced £50, children 12 & under can come along for free! Be sure to follow this link so you get the slap on the back you deserve. http://www.gigantic.com/thankyou

Simon Kenton | CAG Project Manager

resourcefutures

Resource Futures registered office The CREATE Centre, Smeaton Road, Bristol, BS1 6XN. Registered at Companies House Cardiff. Company number 5753433

“building a resource efficient future by wasting less”

P Please consider the environment before printing this email or its attachments

£99 insulation deal - and more

2010-05-18T23:01:00.004+01:00

Dear all,

Please find below some information from the Energy Saving Trust about recently announced events and deals. You can also find this on http://climatex.org/articles/news/community-events-may/

1) New £99 insulation deal

2)Community Transport Project

3) Energy Auditing for Old and listed Buildings – Tues 25^th May

4) Energy Auditing for Community Buildings – Tues 26^th May

1. £99 Insulation Deal

For a limited period, local homeowners and private tenants can get cavity wall or loft insulation fitted for a standard price of £99 each. At this low price insulation pays for itself fast in reduced energy bills.

The Council’s £99 deal is subject to funding and is being managed exclusively by Cocoon, a long standing partner of the Council. You may have to pay more if your property is larger than average for the number of bedrooms, or access to walls or loft is restricted or extra vents are required.

To find out more, call 0800 8048 777 and ask for the ‘Oxon Deal’ or visit www.cocoonyourhome.co.uk

2. Transport Funding Available

An opportunity has arisen to secure £5000 of funding for a transport specific community based project. The judges are looking for original ideas in three areas:

Vehicles and Fuels, Smarter/Eco Driving and Reducing Car Use.

If you think your community has some good ideas or projects I would encourage you to apply.

Further info: www.lowcvp.org.uk/communitychallenge.

3. Energy Auditing for Old and listed Buildings

Sustainable Charlbury have arranged training by EST on Tuesday 25^th May from 9.45 – 4.30 pm. You will need to be registered as Green Communities members before the course. You can do this by going to http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/cafe/Green-Communities/About-us/Become-a-Member-or-Update-Profile . There are a limited number of places available to external delegates and these will be offered on a first come first serve basis. Please fill out the application form which can be accessed here: http://climatex.org/articles/news/community-events-may/ and forward to greencommunities@est.org.uk. For further information please call 0844 848 0077.

4. Energy Auditing for Community Buildings

The Energy Auditing for Community Buildings will take place in Oxford on 26^th May, led by an expert from EST Green Communities head office. There are 20 spaces available, and final details are presently being confirmed. Please email Mathew.Roberts@est-tvs.org.uk if you’re interested in attending, and he will email you final details and booking information

The ARES project.

2010-05-18T22:58:00.000+01:00

Exciting news from Richard Riggs and a request for help. Please send any reply to him direct on richard.riggs@physics.org
and not to me! Many thanks, Sally

Dear Carbon Cutters

Can I let you all know where we are on our hydro power project.

First, it has a name! ARES, for Abingdon Renewable Energy Scheme. A quick
summary of what has to happen is: (1) permission from the Environment Agency -
several hoops to jump through for that; (2) planning permission from the Vale;
(3) a share offer; (4) get it built; (5) a board managing it and reinvesting
some of the profit in local renewable energy.

We have met various people in the field to get background information. (1)
looks like the slowest bit, so don't hold your breath to see it up and
running. Just what is required and how much it will cost to get through (1)
and (2) needs more clarifying.

Early stage funding is needed for consultancy, publicity, and the usual
administrative costs of running a project. But it's not just about fund
raising and how to reward early investors, it's about raising awareness of the
project generally. This may lead on to sources of support and sponsorship, and
it would improve the prospects for the eventual share offer. However it is also
to develop a sense of ownership locally, as it will be a very visible advert
for local renewable energy.

It is still early days for the project, but an opportunity for publicity is
coming up, at the dragon boat races on Sunday 9 May. So a pitch is booked! I
have two requests for that event:

1. Can anyone lend a gazebo less than 3m across (that's the width of the
pitch), to give some shelter from the sun (hopefully not from the rain)?

2. Would you like to do a session there, giving out leaflets and chatting about
the scheme to anyone who is interested?

Also, more generally:

3. Would you like to give me your name as someone who wants to be kept
informed of what we are doing, maybe to be involved in some way in future, but
making no commitment to the project at present?

4. Would you like to be involved more directly, perhaps because you have
useful skills, experience, contacts, etc, or simply because you want to do
what you can to help it to a successful conclusion?

We are gradually getting together a group to oversee the project, but just how
we operate should be quite flexible. Do you have abilities in management,
technology, publicity, negotiation, building a web site, writing reports,
checking contracts, chasing after grants or sponsorship, looking after the
money.... the list goes on. And don't underrate plain old common sense and
enthusiasm! Get in touch with me (Richard Riggs) at ares1@dsl.pipex.com, or
phone 01235 521931.

Hoping to hear from some of you - please reply to me at richard.riggs@physics.org
Richard

Abingdon Freewheeling - future rides.

2010-05-17T21:59:00.001+01:00

Dear Freewheelers

Following the great success of the rides earlier this year, and the high level of requests for more rides we have decided to start with the following programme of Spring Rides:

Every Thursday: Evening ride leaving the Market Place at 18.30 for a leisurely ride of about 15 miles.

1st Sunday of each month: Morning ride of about 30 miles, leaving the market place at 09.00 aiming to return before lunch.

Everyone welcome, just turn up and join the ride.

As this is only going out to those of you who left your email address please pass it on to anyone else who you think may be interested.

If you would like other rides, eg faster, slower, longer, shorter, different times etc, please let us know by replying to this email.

www.abingdonfreewheeling.org.uk

Thanks for coming on last Sunday's ride and we hope to see you again soon.

Regards

Peter Hallowell

Reminder: Oxfordshire Ideal Green Home Show Fri 23rd & Sat 24th April

2010-04-20T07:38:00.001+01:00

Already advertised here, but here's a reminder - the show is THIS WEEKEND.

Oxfordshire Ideal Green Home Show

Friday 23^rd April, 4-7pm, and Sat 24^th April , 10am – 4pm

Oxford Town Hall, St Aldates, Oxford, OX1 1BH

Oxfordshire’s second Ideal Green Home Show will take place at Oxford Town Hall on Friday 23^rd and Sat 24^th April.

If you want to find out about energy efficiency grants or new micro-generation technology, compare products or hear how local house holders have eco-renovated their homes, then this event is for you.

Featuring:

Over 30 local green building and renewable energy companies
Technology introductions from local suppliers
Presentations from local eco-renovators
Updates about local grants and the recently announced feed in tariffs
The opportunity to learn from people who have eco-renovated their homes

For further info about the stall holders and programme of talks, see www.climatex.org

or call Jo on 01865 275 856.

Suggested donation of £2 per adult for entry.

Organised by Oxfordshire ClimateXchange and the Climate Outreach Information Network (COIN), with support from Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council.

Carbon Cutters Meeting TOMORROW 21 April

2010-04-20T07:37:00.002+01:00

As the local Abingdon Hustings will be held on Thursday 29th April, our Carbon Cutters meeting this month will be an informal get-together to talk about the "green" challenges for the incoming government, whatever its hue. Do come along and help us to work out what to raise with any candidates we may come across in the street or on the doorstep, as well as what questions to ask at the hustings. See the poster.

The usual coffee and cake will apply..

Election Hustings

2010-04-20T07:35:00.001+01:00

The Church in Abingdon have organised a hustings on Thursday 29th April at 7.30pm in the Abbey Hall, on behalf of the entire community.

Come along and meet the candidates standing for election and find out about their policies and local priorities.

If you would like to put a question to the candidates, please send to:

cia35abingdon@aol.co.uk

c/o CiA Administrator,

35 Ock Street, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 5AG

CAG Welcome to the new finiancial year!

2010-04-20T07:32:00.001+01:00

Note especially the training dates at the end of this email. Is anyone else interested in the "Carbon Conversation" training? It sounds so good.

Hello

As we start the new financial year, the following email is contains details of this year’s grants, CAG events and other information you will find useful. Please take the time to have a read through and please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need anything clarified.

We are really looking forward to working with you in the coming year.

With best wishes

Simon

CAG Project Manager

Maintenance Grant

For those of you who have already completed your accounts – thank you! We appreciate the time taken to put these together and it has really helped us to produce our final reports. If you have yet to send us a copy of your accounts, please do so as soon as possible as we are unable to release any further grants to groups that have not done this. There are guidance notes on putting your accounts together in the CAG Toolkit, downloadable from the members’ page of the website. Please let me have copies of everything by Friday 30th April.

This year’s maintenance grant is £250 and can be used for the day to day running of your group; room and van hire, photocopying, etc. Please remember to keep a copy of all your receipts. For future reference, the CAG financial year runs from 1st April to 31st March. You can download any of our grant application forms from the member’s area of the website.

Special Projects Fund

The maximum application to the special projects fund is £500 per annum. This doesn’t mean you have to limit your projects to £500 – there are plenty of potential funding bodies out there and we can help you put together an application. Please contact us for further details.

Insurance

Your group is eligible for subsidised insurance to ensure that your projects, volunteers and the members of the public attending events are covered. This is an umbrella policy that means it is much more cost effective for each CAG. As last year, unless you inform us otherwise, the CAG contribution of £50 is automatically taken from your annual maintenance grant.

If, for any reason, you are unsure as to whether you need insurance, or whether your group’s activities are adequately covered, please contact us. If you already have your own insurance policy, please let us have a copy of your cover note.

We will send you a copy of the insurance document when you apply for your annual grant. If you have any further questions relating to the policy, activities insured, etc., please do not hesitate to contact the CAG Network officers.

Website

Please could you take the time to review your page on the CAG website and check that it says what you want it to. It’s always good to update the page with new photos and text to keep it fresh for those visiting the site. Remember that this is often the first impression a local resident may have of you. Send any content to Frances Buckel by replying to this email and also please inform her if you would like your public contact details changing in the newsletter. You can download the last version from the website.

Training, Visits and Networking

So far this year we have planned the following future events:

Wed 26th May Introduction to Defra’s ‘ZERO WASTE PLACE’ standard:

A short evening on how to apply for this UK best standard & associated funding. Features presentation from BREW / WRAPand case studies / Q&A sessions from Dorchester Carbon and other UK projects.

June (date TBC) Visit to Ardely In-Vessel Composting facility:

A chance to visit and find out more about the facility that will be treating a large proportion of Oxfordshire’s food waste collections.

Sat 10th / Sun 11th July ‘Carbon Coversations’ facilitator training:

A full weekend of training on how to run these courses in your local area. Cited by the Guardian as one of the top 20 solutions to climate change.

September (date TBC) PAT testing training:

By popular demand, a repeat of last year’s event to train groups on how to test small electrical items for re-use

November (date TBC) Successful marketing for community groups:

How to maximise your impact on local people and how to engage them on climate change by drawing on what’s important to them.

November (date TBC) Big Climate Event 2:

Following on from the success for last year’s event, we will be working with Climate Xchange and Oxfordshire Rural Communities Council to run another day of networking and skills sharing.

More details of these events nearer the time but please inform your members and make a note of the dates in your diaries.

We will also be facilitating an annual meeting between yourselves and your local District Councils, thereby giving you the opportunity to discuss aims and objectives and to highlight areas in which you would like more help. We hope this will also help the DCs to fully understand the needs of the local community.

Simon Kenton | CAG Project Manager

Light later?

2010-04-20T07:31:00.003+01:00

I'm writing to tell you that I've seen the light (www.lighterlater.org) and I hope you will too. In fact over 7,000 people have signed up in the past few days alone to this latest campaign from 10:10.org

Everybody loves the sunshine, but right now we set our clocks so that we get less of it in our lives than we could. For big parts of the year, most of us sleep through hours of sunlight in the mornings and then use expensive and energy-hungry electric lighting to keep out the dark nights.

By moving Britain's clocks forwards by one hour throughout the year, we could brighten up our days with an average of 55 minutes of extra useable sunlight each day. Not only that, research shows that it would cut at least half a million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year, save lives on our roads and give a boost to sport, leisure and domestic tourism. What's more it's practically free and it could happen right away.

Changing our clocks so that we are awake for more of the time that the sun is out is a no-brainer. That's why I've added my voice to the growing movement calling for the next government -- whoever they may be -- to launch a three-year experiment to put the theory to test.

Join me and the thousands of other supporters of the Lighter Later campaign at www.lighterlater.org

4 upcoming events

2010-04-20T07:28:00.001+01:00

4 upcoming events that may be of interest to Carbon Cutters.

1. Oxfordshire Ideal Green Home Show

Friday 23^rd April, 4-7pm, and Sat 24^th April , 10am – 4pm

Oxford Town Hall, St Aldates, Oxford, OX1 1BH

Featuring:

Over 20 local green building and renewable energy companies
Technology introductions from local suppliers
Presentations from local eco-renovators
Updates about local grants and the recently announced feed in tariffs
The opportunity to learn from people who have eco-renovated their homes

For further info about the stall holders and programme of talks, see http://climatex.org/articles/eco-renovation/ideal-green-home-show/

www.ecovation.org.uk / www.climatex.org/ecorenovation or call Jo on 01865 275 856.

Suggested donation of £2 per adult for entry.

Organised by Oxfordshire ClimateXchange and the Climate Outreach Information Network (COIN), with support from Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council.

2. Ask the Climate Question

Ask the Climate Question is a coalition of UK environmental and development charities and not-for-profits, focusing on marginal seats where the candidates and political parties are listening the hardest. They’re calling on everyone to: Ask the Climate Question.

Further info about the national campaign here: http://asktheclimatequestion.org.uk/

Wednesday 21 April 7.30 pm CLIMATE QUESTION TIME

In the Assembly Room, Oxford Town Hall.

Panel: Andrew Smith MP, (Labour), Steve Goddard, (Liberal Democrats),

Edward Argar, (Conservative) and Sushila Dhall (Green Party)

In OXFORD EAST, make sure you ask the 2010 Election Climate Question.

As the next election approaches Greenpeace has teamed up with a collation of other environmental and development NGOs to organise a political hustings in our local constituency of Oxford East.

The coalition includes Greenpeace, Oxfam, WWF, RSPB, Christian Aid, the World Development Movement, People and Planet, Tearfund the Green Alliance, and a few others.

Between us we have 5-15,000 regular supporters in Oxford East, which is really interesting as our current MP Andrew Smith has a majority of 963. We think that the next MP (whichever party they belong to) should be made very aware of the number of people in his/her constituency that are worried about climate change. This is an issue that will win, or lose them votes. We want to ask them the climate question and make sure that the candidates we vote for have very good answers……

Contact: jspragg@nildram.co.uk with questions or offers of help

3. NOURISHING COMMUNITIES - LOCAL FOOD PROJECTS LEADING THE WAY Wednesday 28 April 10.00-15.00

Are you involved in a food project which is helping to reduce health inequalities in your community? Or would you like to learn more about how you could make this happen?

If so, please join us at a free networking and learning event for community food projects in the Thames Valley area on Wednesday 28th April, 10.00-15.00 at St Anne’s College, Oxford.

There will be presentations and workshops on relevant themes as well as an opportunity to meet other projects from across the region and to share your experiences and ideas. The deadline for registrations is Friday 9th April, but places are limited so please book early.

For more information, please contact : Louisa Greenbaum, Communications Co-ordinator on tel: 01273 431 711 (Mon-Tue) or email: louisa@freshideas.org.uk.

4. 7th - 9th May 2010 Power – Up London: 2010, A training weekend on the planning system and your legal rights

For full details go to: http://www.foe.co.uk/community/news/power_up_22627.html

Oxford Garden Project - Open this week

2010-03-29T21:09:00.002+01:00

The Oxford Garden Project in Longworth will be open from 11am until dusk
on Tuesday-Friday 30th March-2nd April and 10-5 on Saturday and Sunday,
3-4th April.
The OGP is a not-for-profit organisation concerned with growing food and
gardening (organic and low-input), cooking, preserving, composting and
other sustainability issues.
We are opening next week following on from recent talks, to give
visitors the opportunity to look around our organic, no-dig, deep bed
vegetable garden, ask questions, be first to see the dates for our
spring courses and have the opportunity to buy vegetable plants, each
individually grown to organic principles.
Further details can be found on the website, www.theogp.org or by
telephoning 01865 820206

Regards
Robert

Oxfordshire Eco-renovation March Update

2010-03-29T21:07:00.000+01:00

A round up of recent news and activities, together with some upcoming eco-renovation events, including the ideal Green Home Show, an open house event in Wallingford on 12th April, more eco-workshops from the SEED group, and some upcoming Open Homes this weekend across the Country. If you can help distribute leaflets / posters / e-fliers for the Ideal green Home Show, please email jo@climatex.org and I will forward you the relevant materials.

Ideal Green Home Show
Local Eco-renovation News, updates and events
National news and updates
New resources online
Upcoming workshops
Other Eco-renovation Events

1. Oxfordshire Ideal Green Home Show

Please circulate:

Friday 23^rd April, 4-7pm, and Sat 24^th April , 10am – 4pm

At: Oxford Town Hall, St Aldates, Oxford, OX1 1BH

Oxfordshire’s second Ideal Green Home Show will take place at Oxford Town Hall on Friday 23^rd and Sat 24^th April.

Featuring:

Over 20 local green building and renewable energy companies
Technology introductions from local suppliers
Presentations from local eco-renovators
Updates about local grants and the recently announced feed in tariffs
The opportunity to learn from people who have eco-renovated their homes

For further info about the stall holders and programme of talks, see www.climatex.org/ecorenovation / www.ecovation.org.uk or call Jo on 01865 275 856.

Suggested donation of £2 per adult for entry.

Organised by Oxfordshire ClimateXchange and the Climate Outreach Information Network (COIN), with support from Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council.

** Volunteers wanted for the show – if you could volunteer at least 2 hours of your time on either the Friday afternoon / evening or Saturday morning, you’ll get in free, and be plied with tea, coffee and biscuits. Please email Jo@climatex.org **

Full programme of events here: http://climatex.org/articles/eco-renovation/ideal-green-home-show/ .

Eco-renovation Club events:

2.1 We had two well attended events in early February:

Solar thermal hot water (from Simon Banks and Jenny Chen WesTech Solar: ukoffice@westechsolar.com

2.2 Solid wall insulation

Ray Foulks talked through his interior and exterior solid wall insulation using Celotex high yield insulation board. www.celotex.co.uk. During the discussion the issue of damp and condensation arose, and David Watsham provided this useful information

Single Room Heat recovery ventilators

http://www.kiltox.co.uk/products/hrv.htm . They retail at £262.60 (inc. VAT) online and according to my source they cost about £9 a year to run (based on an elec cost of 11p/kwh). The payback is £1.31/week for each week you are heating your home, based on 86% heat recovery. So based on a heating period of 31 weeks you are contributing £31.61 to the capital cost and payback in just over 8 years. Online shop: http://www.i-sells.co.uk/kair-single-room-hrv-12v-ac-selv-standard . Here is a general link to Kair’s range of heat recovery ventilators: http://www.kiltox.co.uk/ventilation.htm

In addition to this it is probably worth knowing that if you seal your house up to prevent heat loss by convection then you still need to provide some ‘controlled’ ventilation to maintain a healthy environment. This is best done through a mixture of these SRHRVs and trickle vents, but there are other ways. The requirements for this are complicated but I am happy to talk to people about it if need be.

David can get hold of these and has the tamper proof tool required to install it. Hope this helps everyone.

David Watsham, Jigsaw Complete Building Projects Ltd http://www.jigsawcbp.com/ e: reachus@jigsawcbp.com t: 01235 884994 f: 01235 884995

2.3 Charlbury and DRARA events

In addition Charlbury have been holding events at their Farmers Market, and Divinity Road Area (DRARA) have held another event for their group:

“We had our second meeting yesterday evening, when we invited Richard Twinch, a local architect who advises people on energy efficiency (http://www.twinchdesign.co.uk/ ). He gave us a quite in-depth run through different approaches/ materials for insulating roofs, walls and floors, which was really informative and useful. One couple in our group are seriously considering having some external wall insulation on their semi-detached Victorian house in Divinity Road (they've already had a 'Passiv Haus'-inspired energy audit of their house, which revealed that they are losing 30% of the house's total heat through their conservatory - so are quite keen to take steps to tackle that!) Other, more modest, projects discussed last night included insulation on loft hatches, which is obviously something quite easy and straightforward that more people could, and hopefully will, do.”

2.4 Open Home in Wallingford Mon 12th April, 6-8 pm

This evening will take a whole house approach to show how a family home has been renovated with:

solar hot water;
rainwater recovery;
underfloor heating;
insulation;
glazing systems;
temperature control;

Venue: Wallingford, Oxfordshire

10 places available, sign up here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/G2J7P2M

This venue is not accessible by wheelchair.

National News and Updates

3.1 Feed in Tariffs (or Clean energy Cashback schemes), will be introduced on 1^st April this year for electricity generation. Read the low down here: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Generate-your-own-energy/Sell-your-own-energy/Feed-in-Tariff-Clean-Energy-Cashback-scheme

3.2 Local Micro-generation Coordinator

The local EST provider has a Micro-generation Coordinator : Ruth Wharton, ruth.wharton@est-tvs.org.uk , who will be able to answer your questions about Micro-generation and the Feed In Tariffs. She’ll also be at the Ideal Green Home Show to present the info and answer questions.

3.3 More announcements from DECC:

Government announcement on whole house funding

Further info: http://decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/news/pn2010_037/pn2010_037.aspx

Boiler Scrappage Scheme now closed to new applicants.

Further info: www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/news/PN10_050/PN10_050.aspx

Ecobuild online:

If you didn’t get to Ecobuild earlier in March, there’s a heap of information now online here: http://www.ecobuild.co.uk/ .

New resources online

4.1 CASE STUDIES

Thanks to some great volunteer work (thanks Mim and Sue), you can see a guide to some eco-renovation online case studies here:

http://climatex.org/articles/eco-renovation/case-studies-web/

We’ve also got hard copies of case studies available in a folder, so let me know if you’d like a copy for your community group / upcoming event.

4.2 New Case study: A terraced house in Minster Road, Oxford, gets a makeover. Read the case study here: http://climatex.org/articles/eco-renovation/case-study-minster-road/

4.3 New resource: Choosing Micro-generation suppliers

Thanks to Sue for putting together this guide for some questions and things to consider when choosing Micro-generation: http://climatex.org/articles/eco-renovation/choosing-micro-generation/

4.4 New web-page: Introduction to Energize Oxford.

http://climatex.org/articles/eco-renovation/introduction-energize-oxford/

4.5 New website: USEA

United Sustainable Energy Agency, the local Energy Saving Trust service provider, have launched their new website here: http://www.usea.org.uk/

On it you’ll find details of Cocoon, the insulation referral organisation – now with special deals for residents in West Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Council. You can read about the Sheep’s Wool Insulation that was delivered as part of Cocoon here: http://www.usea.org.uk/section/content/?pageID=36

USEFUL INFO

5.1 New local product:

Lime technology: - Hemp Technology Breathe™Insulation http://www.hemcore.co.uk/insulation.htm?dm_i=DOB,3YUJ,1MVOUF,CBKF,1

5.2 Oxford Building Control surveyor – David Clayton

If you’re an Oxford Resident and are considering solar PV / solar thermal, please check with Oxford City Building Control, who have recently drafted some guidance. You can contact the Building Control Surveyor, David Clayton here: e.daclayton@oxford.gov.uk t.01865 252332 http://www.oxford.gov.uk/PageRender/decP/Building_Control_occw.htm

Other Upcoming Eco-renovation events

6.1 Superhome Spring Openings: Open Homes events coordinated b y the Old Home Super Home network: http://www.sustainable-energyacademy.org.uk/get-inspired/superhome-locator

6.2 Ecoworkshops http://www.ecoworkshops.co.uk/

New workshops from the SEED group, who have delivered great Eco-Kitchen workshops:

Going Green: Re-inventing Family Homes & Lifestyles

This workshop is perfect for homeowners undertaking their own home redesign or briefing builders or Architects.

Use SEED-groups professional knowledge and years of experience to help inspire and inform your eco design. This is a unique opportunity to ask eco advisers questions; meet like minded people and build your network of sources and recommendations.

Price £65.00 Book this workshop by choosing a date below:

Jo Hamilton
ClimateXChange Coordinator

Environmental Change Institute
Oxford University Centre for the Environment
Dyson Perrins Building
South Parks Rd
Oxford OX1 3QY

t: 01865 275 856
e: jo.hamilton@ouce.ox.ac.uk
www.climatex.org

Request for gardening help

2010-03-29T21:01:00.001+01:00

A plea for help for the lovely St Ethelwolds Garden, where we have our meetings.

We are looking for gardening volunteers to help us maintain the garden here at St Ethelwold's. There is lots to do, most of it just general clearing and tidying, and not many of us to do it so any help would be welcome.

If you are interested then please contact us as below.

Kind regards

St. Ethelwold's House
30 East St Helen Street
Abingdon
Oxon
OX14 5EB

01235 555486
ethelwoldhouse@btinternet.com

www.ethelwoldhouse.org.uk
www.abingdonbedandbreakfast.com
Registered Charity No.284865

Office opening hours are 12-5pm Mon to Fri. Please ring between these times if possible.

Grow your Own classes at Peachcroft

2010-03-29T20:56:00.001+01:00

Dear Carbon Cutter,

David Perrow, one of our members who goes to Bridget's gardening class at Peachcroft, has asked if we can circulate this poster/flyer for Bridget's Thursday morning gardening classes at Peachcroft Farm. Contact her on 01865 735078 or gyoveg@hotmail.com

Happy growing!

European Food Declaration

2010-03-29T20:54:00.002+01:00

With the European Common Agricultural Policy under review, it is a suitable time for people concerned about how our food is produced and distributed to come together in an attempt to influence the course of that policy. Signatures are sought for a 'European Food Declaration': please see the web link below. Here, only the first five paragraphs are reproduced from the web site.

http://www.europeanfooddeclaration.org/home
>

>
> European food declaration:
>
> Towards a healthy, sustainable, fair and mutually supportive Common Agriculture and Food policy
> Covernote of the “European Food declaration”
> We are a broad range of organisations -see list in "who are we"- – who are concerned with the future of food and agriculture in Europe. As in other regions in the world, the number of people and organizations that are working towards a fairer, more inclusive and sustainable food system is growing. Many of them are actively engaged in building a viable alternative to the current food production, distribution and consumption - from the bottom up. This new system of food and agriculture is firmly grounded on equity, the universal right to food, good governance and transparency.
>
> A wide range of renewed activities such as increasing local food production, local markets, local procurement, seed swaps and so on has been emerging and growing across Europe. In addition new movements, such as the Transition Town movement, GM-free regions and national and local debates on food policy show increasing public support for another form of food and agriculture.
>
> Yet, grassroots activities and local movements are not enough. We believe it is time to build a broad coalition of groups at the European level to challenge the current Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) and the European Commission’s and our governments’ avowed plans for a renewed CAP in 2013. Their vision is, to keep the global ‘competitiveness’ of Europe’s food industry as the chief objective of Europe’s CAP. The political process for the new CAP 2013 is starting now. We believe a strong message is needed, not only for EU policy makers, but for policy makers in our countries – a vision for a CAP suitable for the 21st century.
>
> We have created a “European Food Declaration: towards a healthy, sustainable, fair and mutually supportive Common Agriculture and Food Policy”. It outlines what we think the policy objectives of a CAP for the next decades should be. We invite as many organizations, groups and individuals as possible to sign this declaration and to use it as a tool to promote the discussion about what kind of food and agriculture policy we need. We also ask you to share this declaration with other grassroots, civil society, environment and food organisations that are actively engaged in building a better food system.
>
> Our aim is to collect as many signatures within our different networks before the end of February 2010. Early February, we will invite the public to sign the declaration.
>

Newsletter from a local group

2010-03-29T20:46:00.002+01:00

The "Sustainable Wallingford" group's latest newsletter is available here for anyone who's interested to read it.

The People's Millions

2010-03-29T20:40:00.002+01:00

The People's Millions - the popular partnership between the Big Lottery Fund and ITV - is now open for applications for 2010.

This is your chance to win up to £50,000 to improve your local area. Come up with a new and original idea that will make life better for people where you live, and you could be on ITV this November, competing for viewers' votes.

The application form and further details can be found at www.peoplesmillions.org.uk

Be quick though, the deadline for entries is 12pm on 14 May 2010.

Thanks and regards

The People's Millions team

Abingdon Freewheeling 11th April

2010-03-16T08:08:00.001Z

Freewheeling is a unique cycling event for all, to promote cycling for health, fun, the environment, and just a great way to tour around the beautiful countryside surrounding Abingdon.

The cycling revolution in Abingdon starts on the 11th April.
As the first event for bike week, we have organized 3 supported rides, 4, 10 and 27 miles.
There will be entertainment, cakes stalls on the rides, and free bikes to borrow from Marin and Wilier (supplied by Behind Bars cycles).
We have support from Sustrans, CTC, and the local council and Police.

This should be a good fun, do come and join in!
Could you all do me a favour and spread the word.
If you could forward the attached Flyer to anyone you think would like to come, then that would be great?

Oxfordshire Ideal Green Home Show 23&24 April

2010-03-16T08:05:00.001Z

Another chance to see eco-home owners and business people in the flesh and buttonhole them about your own particular eco-problem! I went last year and it was fascinating.
More details at www.ecovation.org.uk

UK AWARE - 16th & 17th April, Olympia, London

2010-03-16T08:00:00.003Z

UK AWARE is the UK's only green and ethical lifestyle exhibition, have a look what's on offer this year. http://www.ukaware.com/

Discounted tickets available here

How to be a good vegetable grower - 17/03/2010

2010-03-15T22:59:00.002Z

Dear Carbon Cutter,
You are warmly invited to our next meeting on Weds March 17th at 7.30pm in St Ethelwolds House, OX14 5EB.
If you know of a notice-board where this lovely poster would look good (or even in your window!) please print one out and put it up. Bring your friends and fellow allotment-holders too!

Fun activities

2010-03-15T22:55:00.001Z

A recently-joined member is organising what sounds like some really fun activities for children of all ages.... see below.

Dear Carbon Cutters
I thought you might like to know about 2 events I am running. Please feel free to pass the details on to anyone you think might be interested.
Nicky

* come and learn how to make a “fedge”, dome, tunnel, wigwam or
archway out of living willow Sunday March 7th 10am – 12pm for
information and to book please call Nicky on 07703260932 or email
nicky.warden@virgin.net
*

* *Mucky Pups* *outdoor fun for pre-school children** **? **plant a
seed ? make a bird feeder ? hunt for bugs ? fish for tadpoles ?
bring teddy for a picnic ? puddle jump ? get your hands dirty!**
10am – 11.30am 2nd monday of the month starting March 2010.
Minimum age 2 yrs. If you are interested please call Nicky 07703
260932 or email nicky.warden@virgin.net
** (if you'd like to come but
can't make this time/day please call anyway as I may be able to
run more sessions)*

2 talks, and some links.

2010-03-15T22:39:00.001Z

Two short (and very relevant) talks to watch on your computer:

* David Mackay of "Sustainable ENergy without the Hot Air" fame: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRQB2YXUxvY
* Rob "Transition Town" Hopkins giving a TED lecture: http://www.ted.com/talks/rob_hopkins_transition_to_a_world_without_oil.html

And two recommendations if you want to put solar photovoltaics on your roof:

*
(Forwarded from a Carbon Cutter in Blewbury) :Dear all, An excellent website, giving a lot of details of all home microgeneration systems, seems to be:
http://www.yougen.co.uk It also lists installation firms, and allows readers to recommend them. regards, Eric Eisenhandler
*
Hi Sally, Just to let you know we have forged a close relationship with Chris Jardine and Jo Matthews of JO JU and I can highly recommend their services in conjunction with any type of PV installation. http://www.joju.co.uk/ (And don’t forget Heelas Heating is right here in Abingdon offering free site surveys/advice on solar thermal, boiler/heating upgrades and heating maintenance. Speak to you soon, Kind Regards, Dan Heelas http://www.heelasheating.co.uk/ )

SWAPSHOP - 24th April

2010-03-02T08:17:00.001Z

I thought the Abingdon Carbon Cutters might be interested to know that Long Furlong Community Association will beholding a swap shop on 24th April 10am to 11.30am, at the Long Furlong Community Centre, Boulter Drive (Abingdon). Would anyone from ACC be interested in helping at this event?

We already have the scouts, cubs and guides on board and some folk from Christ Church Abingdon, alongside the LFCA committee, and would be extremely happy to welcome people from ACC to help on the day. This will be the fourth time we've held a swap shop and it is usually busy and buzzing.

I look forward to hearing from you idc.

Kind regards

Gill (gill.turner17 AT btinternet.com)

Oxfordshire Science festival

2010-03-02T08:16:00.001Z

There are lots of Oxforshire Science Festival events, starting today. Thought
some might like to know about these:

Focus on Low Carbon Living - talk on Fri 12 March, exhibition on Sat 13 March:
http://www.oxfordshiresciencefestival.co.uk/events/environment-nature/focus-
on-low-carbon-living-talk.aspx

Energy webcasts - this is a school event, Mon 15 - Fri 19 March
http://www.oxfordshiresciencefestival.co.uk/events/education/live-energy-
webcast-for-science-week-2010.aspx

There is also a schools event on climate change at the Botanic Gardens, Wed 17
March, but it's not on the web site

Weds Feb 17th How to Farm for the Future

2010-02-08T22:47:00.002Z

After our very successful meeting on How to Green our Homes, our next meeting will be a showing of Rebecca Hosking's fascinating film "A Farm for the Future".
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00hs8zp
This is very topical – Hilary Benn of DEFRA was in Oxford earlier this month promoting buying local food and eating seasonal veg. We are in the Hearth at St Ethelwolds as the Garden Room is booked. We hope to get several local farmers to view the film and join the discussion afterwards. Come early to get a seat!
And do print out a poster and put it up anywhere you know of.

PS Philip Waddy has very kindly let us have a copy of the slides from his talk "How to Green Your Home" on CD. This will be added to our eco-library and will be available to borrow at the next meeting. Let me know if you would like to borrow it before then.

CAG Newsletter

2010-02-08T22:35:00.003Z

Here's the first CAG newsletter of the year...

CAG e-Bulletin - February 2010

Hello,

Welcome to the first ebulletin for 2010. This year started with a number of CAG activities being cancelled due to the adverse weather, although Deans Court CAG battled ahead with a successful swap shop on 9th January and Longworth Environment Network held their tree shredding event despite the snow! Well done to you both.

The ebulletin is for the exchange of information between CAGs and those who have an interest in CAG activities. Please feel free to forward this bulletin to those you feel would be interested.

Welcome to two new CAGs

Kidlington vs Climate Change
KvsCC has been running for a while now and meet on the first Tuesday of the month at The Dogwood pub in Kidlington. Founded by Anthony Simpson in July 2007 the group had held a number of events including a very successful Sustainability Fair in June 2009. KvsCC aims to:
• raise awareness of climate change, its causes and what they can do about it, in Kidlington and the surrounding area;
• bring people in the Kidlington area to the point of willingly deciding to take action on climate change, in their lives, their work place or in the wider community.
Contact kidlingtonvsclimatechange@yahoo.co.uk

Burcot and Clifton Hampden Community Action Group
The aims of the Burcot and Clifton Hampden Community Action Group are to enhance the local environment and to promote actions that will contribute to reductions in global warming and climate change, including recycling and reducing the use of fossil fuels. B&CH CAG will be holding monthly 'how to...' workshops in the village hall, starting with 'how to reduce your food waste' on 10th February. Contact philipkoomen@yahoo.co.uk

Anthony Simpson at the Kidlington Fair in June 2009

County Wide Swap Shop

Over 1200 people were out exchanging goods at the County Wide Swap shop on 23rd January. With nine events taking place around the County there was plenty of choice for people to go to their local event. Wallingford, and Wheatley swap shops offered to test electrical items. This is proving very successful as many people have working electrical items they no longer require. A number of CAGs are now able to test items before they can be reused, those that fail the test are sent for recycling.

The Woodstock event attracted people from nearby villages as well as Woodstock and the organisers were very pleased that the new Sue Ryder shop took most of the items left over.

Canalside Environment Group had a special swap shop run by members’ children. Heaps of goods just seemed to vanish from the tables. The kids could also learn to make a bird feeder and with the winter being particularly cold, the birds need all the help they can get.

CAG training event

Leading, motivating and working with your group
There is still time for CAGs to sign up to this training event on Wednesday 24th February at the West Oxford Community Centre. The content of the course includes:
• How to lead a group and ensure all members feel involved
• How to get best out of members of the group
• Gaining an overview of group activities without getting over involved
• How to delegate and ensure you have enough members to undertake an activity
• Getting the most out of a meeting
Contact Simon.Kenton@resourcefutures.co.uk to confirm your place.

CAG members took part in a training event on how to recruit and maintain volunteers n February 2009

Oxclean - Spring Clean 2010

Friday 5 & Saturday 6th March in Oxford City
Two-hour litter pick at a time and place of your choice. Register now and order up to 5 free litter pickers for use during Spring Clean and throughout the year. Register your event at www.oxclean.org.uk

Dean's Court CAG has already signed up. What about your group?

Members of Longworth Environment Network took part in an autumn litter pick.

Real Nappy Week

26th April to 2nd May 2010
CAGs are encouraged to take part in national events taking place such as Real Nappy Week. ‘Go Real’ will launch the Go Real Community: a global gathering of parents sharing ideas, lending support, building friendships and promoting the environment through the benefits of Real Nappies.
For details of Real Nappy Week 2010, call the help line 0845 850 0606 or visit www.goreal.org.uk

Alternatively why not find out more about the series of events that Barracks Lane Community Garden’s nappy-free baby group is hosting, the next one is on 26th February from 2 to 4pm. The group is a natural parenting group which helps parents ‘tune-in’ to babies in order to lessen nappy use. See more details at www.nappyfreebaby.co.uk or contact Amber Hatch at amberkhatch@yahoo.co.uk

Other forthcoming national events of interest:
Compost awareness week - 2nd to 9th May www.compostawarenessweek.org.uk
Recycle Now Week - usually at the end of May or early June (dates to be confirmed) www.recyclenow.com

Barracks Lane Community Garden use their yurt for events.

Love Food Hate Waste

Save cash and reduce waste, use your freezer
With over 8,000 people across Oxfordshire having already pledged to Love Food Hate Waste, campaign researchers say there is still more we can do to reduce food waste.

Wasting food has a huge environmental impact, producing, storing and transporting uses lots of energy and resources, as well as rotting food in landfill producing methane, a greenhouse gas. The amount of food thrown away in the UK is the equivalent of at least 20 million tonnes of carbon dioxide. That’s like taking twenty five per cent of cars off our roads!

Getting to know how much to cook is important as the waste resulting in preparing too much is costing the nation £4.8 billion per year. Using your freezer wisely can be a really smart way to reduce waste and save a fortune on shopping bills.

To find out more about the Love Food Hate Waste campaign and to get a free recipe book visit www.oxfordshirewaste.gov.uk

Free Training - All welcome
Oxfordshire Waste Partnership has offered to give free training on WRAP’s Love Food Hate Waste Campaign. It has become apparent that some people would like to do more to promote the Love Food Hate Waste campaign within their local community. The training will give a good background to the campaign and explain what is happening locally in Oxfordshire and let groups know how they can get involved to spread the word. If you are interested please contact Paul Mocroft at OWP Paul.Mocroft@Cherwell-DC.gov.uk

Charlbury Area Waste Action Group hosted a zero waste Big Lunch and promoted local food in July 2009. The Big Lunch is happening again this year. Why not be part of the celebration and organise a local food event for 18th July.

Why recycle batteries?

Recycling batteries is important for a number of reasons. Batteries can contain chemicals such as lead, mercury or cadmium. When disposed of in normal rubbish, most will end up in landfill where the chemicals they contain may leak into the ground. This can pollute the soil and water and potentially harm human and animal health. Recycling recovers some of the materials used to make batteries and these can be used again to make other products. Recycling also saves some of the earth’s natural resources and save on CO2 emissions by reducing the need to mine new materials.

Battery Recycling Legislation Comes Into Effect
The Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations 2009 came into effect on 1 January 2010. Under the regulations producers placing more than one tonne of portable batteries onto the market in a calendar year are expected to have signed up to one of the seven batteries compliance schemes that were approved by the Environment Agency in September 2009.
recycling batteries

WOOD Festival

WOOD happens on 21st - 23rd May at Braziers Park - it's quite possibly Britain's greenest festival. Powered completely on renewable energy, harnessing the power of the sun, the wind and even the people who attend the event (through a cycle-powered cinema and disco) and there are also composting toilets and music across two stages. WOOD is full of opportunities to learn more about sustainable living issues through talks and debates - as well as participating in a plethora of workshops.

The organisers want to offer CAG members a £5 discount to say ‘thank you’ for all the hard work that CAGs are doing - email drew@Thisistruck.com and you will be sent a secret link. For more information on the festival www.thisistruck.com . Feel free to circulate this discount offer around your group members - it could be a great spring get together.

CD recycling

Polymer Recycling Ltd offers a method of DVD, CD and CD-Rom destruction that recycles 100% of the compact disc, case and packaging without the use of chemicals, in a totally secure environment provided that the sender pays postage or delivery. Send to Polymer Recycling Ltd, Peninsula Business Park, Reeds Lane, Moreton, Wirral, CH46 1DW.

Important Change of email addresses
Due to a change in IT service provider, the CAG Project staff can no longer receive emails addressed to oxfordshire.gov.uk. Please update your email address to the following:
simon.kenton@resourcefutures.co.uk
frances.buckel@resourcefutures.co.uk

Contact the CAG Project:

E: simon.kenton@resourcefutures.co.uk
M: 07793 647190
Web: www.cagoxfordshire.org.uk

Hiring a thermal imaging camera.

2010-02-08T22:27:00.002Z

I am hoping to hire a thermal imaging camera sometime over the next few weeks and was wondering if anyone would be interested in having some photo’s taken of their houses for a small fee to cover the cost of the camera hire, etc.

If anyone is interested please e-mail me and I will arrange the hire and book times, dates and sort out a cost.

Regards, Paul.

Paul Buckingham.
Sustainable Lifestyles.
2 Benson Road,
Abingdon,
Oxon,
OX14 1LN.
e-mail paulsustainablelifestyles.co.uk
Tel 01235 550540
Mobile 07802 935827

Scientists for Global Responsibility

2010-02-08T22:11:00.001Z

Scientists for Global Responsibility have been having an on-line discussion on a new model for economics which won't cost the earth. This email from Stuart Parkinson, the director, mentions (among other reads) a fascinating one called "The Great Transition" which you can download or buy. Has anyone read it? If not do have a look.

----- Forwarded Message ----
Following on from Kate Macintosh's comments, there is some excellent work being done on the issue of consumerism, our flawed economic system, and the potential for alternatives by a range of like-minded think-tanks. I would especially recommend:

- New Economics Foundation
Kate mentioned some of their publications - I would also recommend their recent report, 'The Great Transition' - see
http://neweconomics.org/publications/the-great-transition

- Sustainable Development Commission
They published a report last spring entitled 'Prosperity not Growth: Economics for a Finite Planet' which has just been published as a book - see:
http://www.earthscan.co.uk/ProsperityWithoutGrowth/tabid/102098/Default.aspx
It has sent ripples across senior policy circles both in the UK and abroad, so is well worth a read.

- Worldwatch Institute
This US think-tank publishes the annual 'State of the World' reports. The 2010 one is due out next week, entitled 'Transforming Cultures: From consumerism to sustainability' - see:
http://blogs.worldwatch.org/transformingcultures/about-2/preview/

Copenhagen talks

2009-12-14T21:46:00.001Z

As you may know one of the few things that might actually be agreed at the Copenhagen climate talks is "enhanced action on technology"... Last time we were told that carbon trading would save the planet.. now We'll be told that 'new technology will save the planet'.

In reality this is likely to mean that huge global funds will become available to help companies develop and transfer what are considered climate-relevant technologies. While some of those technologies (some types of solar, wind, energy efficiency etc) may be fine, we can expect the bulk of this money to flow to support and transfer questionable and controversial technologies - including biofuels, biomass to electricity, GM trees and crops, biochar, waste incineration, nukes, 'clean coal' and even high risk geo-engineering technologies.

At present there is NO language requiring any assessment of which technologies should or should not receive these funds or setting any criteria to assess against. This is a dangerous gaping black hole that will be exploited by dirty industries and could lead to a massive increase in support for exactly the risky and unjust developments many of us are fighting against.

Below is a civil society declaration calling for Technology Assessment to be part of any deal coming out of Copenhagen - with initial sign-ons, in three languages: English, Spanish, French. Chinese and Italian are forthcoming. Other offers to translate most welcome, especially to other UN languages (Russian, Arabic). All these documents will be on our website later today, laid out with a bit of design and a cartoon around the title! (www.etcgroup. org).

If you are associated with an organisation please do consider signing that organisation on to this statement.

Please circulate this call widely in your networks, post to relavant listserves and pass on as appropriate. Please send any new endorsements to francesca@etcgroup. org.

We plan to release this statement at a press conference in Copenhagen on the 10th so we need as many groups as possible to sign on before then.

---------
LET’S LOOK BEFORE WE LEAP
CIVIL SOCIETY CALLS FOR TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
AS PART OF ANY COPENHAGEN DEAL
Technology transfer is one of the four key topics being discussed under negotiations on Long-Term Cooperative Actions in Copenhagen (the others are mitigation, adaptation and financing). The inter-governmental negotiating text that is under discussion contemplates various measures for accelerating the diffusion of technologies. It will most likely create an ʻAction Planʼ as well as a ʻTechnology Bodyʼ and various technical panels or innovation centres that will prove influential in the coming years in deciding which technologies get financial and political backing. We need to make sure the right technologies get the support they need and the wrong ones are discarded. That wonʼt happen without a comprehensive social and environmental assessment process.
We, civil society groups and social movements from around the world, understand the urgent need for real and lasting solutions to climate change. We recognise the deadly consequences that we all face if these are not achieved. We must urgently strengthen our resilience to meet the climate change challenge while dramatically reducing our greenhouse gas emissions.
Some corporations, individuals and even governments are fostering panic and helplessness to push for untested and unproven technologies, as ‘our only option’. However we do not wish to see a proliferation of unproven technologies without due consideration of their ecological and social consequences. Some technologies being promoted for their capacity to store carbon or to manipulate natural systems may have disastrous ecological or social consequences. Technologies that may be beneficial in certain contexts could be harmful in others.
In many cases, action to address climate change is within our reach already and does not involve complex new technologies but rather conscious decisions and public policies to reduce our ecological footprint. For example, many indigenous peoples and peasants have sound endogenous technologies that already help them cope with the impacts of climate change, and to overlook these existing practices in favour of new, proprietary technologies from elsewhere is senseless.
Technologies assessed as both environmentally and socially sound need to be exchanged. Intellectual property rules should not be allowed to stand in the way. But some technologies that are being promoted as ‘environmentally sound’ have foreseeable and serious negative social or environmental impacts.   For example:
·       Nuclear power carries known environmental and health dangers, as well as a strong potential for nuclear weapons proliferation.
·       Crop and tree plantations for bioenergy and biofuels can lead to large-scale displacement of farmers and indigenous peoples, and destruction of existing carbon-dense ecosystems, thus accelerating climate change.
·       Agricultural practices involving genetically modified crops and trees, use of agrochemicals and synthetic fertilisers, large-scale monocultures and industrial livestock rearing present dangers to climate, human health and biodiversity.
Intentional, large-scale, technological interventions in the oceans, atmosphere, and land (geoengineering) could further destabilise the climate system and have devastating consequences for countries far away from those who will make the decisions.
·       Ocean fertilisation could disrupt marine ecosystems and disturb the food chain.
·       Injecting sulphates into the stratosphere could cause widespread drought in equatorial zones, causing crop failures and worsening hunger.
·       Biochar is unproven for sequestering carbon or improving soils, yet strongly promoted by certain commercial interests.
In Copenhagen, a new international body responsible for climate-related technologies is likely to be created and new funds will be made available to it. But so far, the negotiating texts make no mention of the need for this new body to assess the socio-economic and environmental impacts of these technologies (which are frequently trans-boundary) , or to consider the perspectives of populations likely to be affected, including women, indigenous peoples, peasants, fisher folk and others.
Precaution demands the careful assessment of technologies before, not after, governments and inter-governmental bodies start funding their development and aiding their deployment around the globe. There is already a precedent in international law: the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, ratified by 157 countries, gives effect to this principle on genetically modified organisms. National and international programs of public consultation, with the participation of the people who are directly affected, are critical. People must have the ability to decide which technologies they want, and to reject technologies that are neither environmentally sound nor socially equitable.
We therefore demand that a clear and consistent approach be followed internationally for all new technologies on climate change: States at COP 15 must ensure that strict precautionary mechanisms for technology assessment are enacted and are made legally binding, so that the risks and likely impacts, and appropriateness, of these new technologies, can be properly and democratically evaluated before they are rolled out. Any new body dealing with technology assessment and transfer must have equitable gender and regional representation, in addition to facilitating the full consultation and participation of peasants, indigenous peoples and potentially affected local communities.

This document is signed by:
Asian Women's Indigenous Network, International Advocates of Science and Technology for the People, Philippines
Biofuelwatch, UK
Centro ecologico, BrazilCentre for Food Safety, USA
Eco Nexus, UK
ETC Group, International
Eco Pax Mundi, International
Food Secure Canada
CESTA -Friends of the Earth- El Salvador
Friends of the Earth -USA
Friends of the Earth (HABURAS FOUNDATION), Timor-Leste
Gaia Foundation, UKGender CC- Women for Climate Justice, GermanyInternationa l Centre for Technology Assessment, USA
National Farmers Union, CanadaNGO Working Group on the Asian Development Bank, International
SEARICE, PhilippinesSmartmem e, USA
Sustainable Energy and Economy Network, USA
Tebtebba, Philippines
Third World Network, International
To add your organisation’s signature, send email with subject line: Look Before You Leap toFrancesca@etcgroup. org.

Christmas present wrapping - 15 Dec

2009-12-14T21:37:00.000Z

WRAP YOUR CHRISTMAS PRESENTS IN STYLE!
Tuesday 15 December
7.30 – 9.00 PM

Ethelwold’s House, 30 East Saint Helen Street, Abingdon

Mince Pies - Christmas Brownies - Open fire
Bring your presents (any shape or size) and Allie Hudson will show you how to wrap them stylishly using old paper, fabric, magazines, string, wool and this and that.
Please bring scissors and bits and pieces for decorating
e.g. old ribbon, string, wool etc, paper carrier bags of all sizes.

Wrapping paper (up-cycled) will be provided

Cost £3.00

Words for the vigil - TODAY

2009-12-12T11:48:00.001Z

Here is the text of the community affirmation we plan to read at the vigil on Saturday (5.30pm in the Market Place round the Christmas Tree). Do come promptly to get in the picture, which will be beamed round the world to the Copenhagen Summit, where a special vigil led by Nobel laureate Desmond Tutu and former UN Human Rights Commissioner Mary Robinson will be held outside the negotiation headquarters in Copenhagen.

If you are coming, please bring a copy of the affirmation with you.

Today, we gather here, and with communities in every corner of the world, to commit to work together to save our planet. The fragile balance of the earth that has always sustained us is changing. We are changing it.
We are causing warming that leads to more warming, icecaps melt and rainforests die, and this cycle could move beyond our control within just five years. Climate change is far away, but close at hand. Many of us have slumbered until now. But for others, climate change is already a living devastation.

It is the dying light in a child’s eye, as advancing deserts turn a farm to dust, and a family starves.
It is a home, a livelihood, and a lifetime of memories wiped out by ever-rising floods and bitter storms.
It is the deadly battle between desperate neighbouring tribes clinging to the last remaining water holes.
It is a whole proud island nation fleeing, its water poisoned by the sea, its lands sinking beneath the waves.
And it is the tension of thousands of refugees driven from their lands to cities across the poorest nations.

These are the bitter foretastes of the gathering storm. This is the future that threatens us all – for no-one will be untouched by these ravages, rich or poor, north or south.
But we can save ourselves, by changing the energy that powers our societies. We can stop burning all this oil, coal and wood. We can shift to the natural energy of the sun, the wind, the water. But we must do this all together, and we must do it now.
The decisions we make today will decide the future of humanity. This is why we have come out today to 2000 events in 130 countries across our planet, to light up the world with a call to action, a signal of hope. We call on our leaders to take urgent action and agree a Real Climate Deal:
A real deal must be ambitious. We want a deal that will stop and reverse the growth of harmful carbon emissions within 5 years, and quickly return the world to a safe level of 350 parts per million of carbon in our atmosphere.

A real deal must be fair. We want a deal that commits $200 billion per year to help poor countries do their part to fix this crisis which was not created by them.

A real deal must be binding. We won’t allow empty promises. We want a deal that makes the protection of our planet the law of all lands.
This is the most important deal of our time. Every country must be part of the solution. We will accept nothing less. Tonight we gather as global citizens with common purpose and shared fate. This is a chance to build a world we can be proud to leave to our children and grandchildren.
The hour is darkest before the dawn. Our movement is awake, this moment is ours to seize, the future is ours to build and our message is clear:
The World Wants A Real Deal!

Candlelit vigil - TODAY

2009-12-12T11:45:00.001Z

Carbon Cutters will be holding a short candle-lit vigil in the Market Place in Abingdon (round the Christmas Tree) at 5.30pm to support the negotiators in Copenhagen.

This is part of a world-wide action called by Avaaz.org who I guess you know already.

Please come promptly, if only briefly, to get in the photo! Bring a candle or night-light in a jam-jar (or a lovely decorated lantern if you have one! Hope to see you at 5.30pm.

This is the message from the organisers:

I'm organising a candlelight vigil in Abingdon as part of a huge international day of action on climate change. We need a bunch of people to make it work. It’s going to be fun, short and super easy - will you come?

Events like ours are happening simultaneously in every corner of the world just as our leaders gather in Copenhagen for the most important climate negotiations of our time. Our message is clear: The World Wants A Real Deal: a treaty strong enough to tackle dangerous climate change.

Come and join me! Check out the event and RSVP here:
https://secure.avaaz.org/en/real_deal_rsvp/?id=138767&cts=1260431368&m=521

If you can't make it to mine, check out this map showing events across the world.

http://www.avaaz.org/real_deal_map

See you there?

CAG Newsletter - December

2009-12-01T22:43:00.001Z

Here is a link to the CAG newsletter which features a mention of our Eco-Christmas meeting, although the ideas we had were much more varied!

Send and bend

2009-12-01T22:35:00.001Z

There were some send and bend cards from Local Roots at the last Carbon Cutters meeting, but there was not time to see them.

Local Roots work with the local producers and make utmost efforts to provide low carbon alternatives to the food as well as locally crafted gifts, etc.

Also in terms of Christmas cards they have put a lot of effort into developing the 'send & bend cards' which are sold with a 10% donation to local charities (ACWT). The key concept of these cards is that the majority of wastage is through envelopes with the consumer and through the paper and printing process at the production end. We use only 100% recycled and biodregradable card, no envelopes (min waste and postage weight) the inks are all vegetable printing pigments and any wrapping is cornstarch and fully compostable.

Eco Christmas ideas, and Christmas Feast on Dec 16th

2009-12-01T22:25:00.001Z

If you missed our last meeting here are some of the ideas we discussed for making your Christmas presents and festivities more sustainable without losing any of the fun (in fact it will increase the fun!).

You are also warmly invited to the Carbon Cutters Christmas feast on Weds Dec 16th at 7.30pm in the Hearth at St Ethelwold's. Bring a festive dish to share of something you love to eat, the lower the food miles the better!

Eco-Christmas ideas

Cards
1.    Reduce the giving of unnecessary cards
2.    Design and send one by email
3.    Recycle cards for gift tags
4.    Recycle cards via national outlets FOE, Woodland Trust via WH Smith (248,000 trees would be saved if no cards were sent!)

Presents
5.    Decide as a family on a maximum value of any presents exchanged
6.    Secret Santa – everyone gives and receives one present. Requires some organisation
7.    Exchange events/experiences eg theatre tickets for the whole family
8.    Subscription to organisation eg RHS, Soil Association, Organic Research Centre, National Trust
9.    Send a cow, goat, flock of chickens
10.    Give a piece of woodland (Woodland Trust) or sponsor a hare with the Wildlife Trust, or a piece of land where Heathrow runway would be built
11.    Get things from swap shops, EBay, charity shops etc
12.    Christmas vouchers - other
13.    Give presents made by local potters, artists, craftsmen
14.    Try and buy locally before going further afield
15.    Open one present a day, rather than all together, for the 12 days of Christmas (young children)
16.    Recycle boxes, jars – fill with sweets, biscuits, coloured pasta, nuts etc and wrap a ribbon round
17.    Make or buy homemade jams, preserves etc and edible gifts from Farmers Market, Local Roots, National Trust shops etc
18.    Make own hamper with above or on a theme eg Italian
19.     “Silly” presents. Everyone brings an unwanted present received in the past, beautifully wrapped up. Each person chooses one and opens in turn.
20.    Wrap stylishly (see workshop below) with up-cycled paper, string wool, ribbon, raffia – decorate with paper ‘snowflake’ or use old paper carrier bag held together with a peg. Make gift bow (http:/howaboutorange.blogspot.com/2009/10/makegift-bow-from;magazine-page.html)
21.    Wrap presents in squares of cloth (Japanese) google Futoshiki
22.    Use shredded newspaper to pack out present

Christmas tree /Decorations
23.    Buy a small one with roots in a pot and keep from year to year (keep watered particularly when inside)
24.    Re-cycle (Market Place after Christmas) or shred for you own compost heap
25.    Don’t use preservative sprays to stop needle fall
26.    Keep it as cool as possible
27.    Buy a locally grown one – recently cut ones also hold their needles better
28.    Real trees are more eco-friendly unless the artificial tree lasts a long time – well over 10 years
29.    Don’t buy any new decorations – if you are bored with yours swap them with someone else
30.    Decorate your tree with only natural objects, dried slices of orange, lemon, small red apples, cinnamon sticks etc
31.    Reduce the amount of time the lights are on
32.    Buy LED lights if you need to replace them (use 10% of the power of traditional ones and the whole lot don’t go when a bulb breaks)
33.    Decorate a tree branch or foliage from the garden instead of a tree
34.    Decorate the house with natural foliage from garden, cut out festive shapes (stars, angels, snowflakes etc) paper chains from magazines, surplus paper etc

Food
35.    Don’t eat meat – lower carbon & saves cooking time – eat lasagne!
36.    Cook a smaller bird
37.    Buy local, organic, unfrozen bird and veg – Farmers Market, Farm shops (Millets) veg box schemes etc
38.    Avoid over-shopping by sticking to a list and not going to the supermarket - use local shops as above
39.    Use up left-overs – see ‘Love Food, Hate Waste’ website
40.    Buy dried fruits from Uhuru in Cowley Road
41.    Buy Tradecraft food from 35 Ock Street – open 1- 12 daily
42.    Buy online from Alternative stores.com
43.    Celebrate Christmas a week late buying ‘best before’ stuff

Drink
44.    Buy in big containers with real corks
45.    Don’t buy too much
46.    Make your own punches, squeezed juices etc

Journeys
47. Use liftshare.com

WRAP YOUR CHRISTMAS PRESENTS IN STYLE

Tuesday 15 December
7.30 – 9.00 PM
St Ethelwold’s House
30 East Saint Helen Street

Mince Pies - Christmas Brownies - 0pen fire

Bring your presents (any shape or size) and Allie Hudson will show you how to wrap them stylishly using old paper, fabric, magazines, string, wool and this and that.

Please bring scissors and bits and pieces for decorating
e.g. old ribbon, string, wool etc, paper carrier bags of all sizes.

Wrapping paper (up-cycled) will be provided

Cost £3.00 For further information please ring 01235 555486 or email ethelwoldhouse@btinternet.com

Do you want to try country living?

2009-12-01T22:18:00.001Z

If you fancy trying the rural idyll for a year near Witney, or know someone who might, see the note from Susie below. She doesn't say when the house will be free - contact her direct on susiehoward1@googlemail.com if you're interested.

“My sister and husband are trying to let their house for a year. They're
wondering if it would appeal to someone who would like to let their town
house and try country living for a year. It's very rural, 2 miles from
Witney. It's got quite a large veg garden with fruit trees / bushes etc.”

Some interesting websites...

2009-11-15T22:41:00.000Z

Browsing my "Good Energy" newsletter I came across a website www.everyactioncounts.org.uk which has a video showing (among others) HEAT - Hungerford Energy Action Team, having a stall in the middle of Hungerford promoting growing your own food! Sadly the DEFRA funding has run out so we can't sign up, but we might get some ideas from it.

Also Good Energy itself has a shop where you can buy energy saving gadgets on-line - www.goodenergyshop.co.uk

It also links to another Good Energy website giving advice on micro-generation - www.generateyourown.co.uk

They are a small firm based in Chippenham, I buy my electricity and gas from them and they pay me for having a solar panel on my roof!

If Copenhagen can't provide the answer to climate change fears, what can?

2009-11-15T22:39:00.002Z

Some of you might be interested in the debate on the last part of last Tuesday’s ‘The World Tonight’ on Radio 4 entitled:

‘If Copenhagen can't provide the answer to climate change fears, what can?’

You can listen again for 7 days by clicking here.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00nphtp/The_World_Tonight_10_11_2009/

Sustainable Construction

2009-11-10T19:55:00.001Z

The Oxfordshire Economic Partnership is hosting a Sustainable Construction Conference on Wednesday 18th November 9.30 - 5.30 at the Said Business School (adjacent to Oxford Railway Station). Participants at the event will learn about energy efficient construction, sustainable site waste management and building for climate resilience as well as have the opportunity to meet individuals and organisations working in these fields. This event will be of interest to anyone involved in sustainability and the built environment. Anyone interested in further information or booking a place can contact daniel.dempsey@oxfordshire.gov.uk.

How to enjoy an Eco-Christmas.

2009-11-05T21:17:00.001Z

The latest in our series of "How to.." meetings will explore how to have a festive time which doesn't cost the earth. We will look at non-material present ideas, home-made presents and cards, and festive food with low food-miles. Please come prepared to share ideas!

Wednesday November 18th, 7.30pm in St Ethelwolds House, 30 East St Helen Street, Abingdon.

Clicking on the poster above will enlarge it. Can you put one up somewhere prominent?

ClimateXchange update #54 - Oct 09

2009-11-01T21:28:00.002Z

The latest news and upcoming events from ClimateXchangecan be found here.

This update features info on the recent Four degrees and beyond conference held at University of Oxford, a round up of some of the community events, plus more info on the Oxfordshire Big Climate Event on Sat November 7th. This event plus the many street wide demonstrations, will be an opportunity to engage with the ‘road to ... and beyond, Copenhagen

Happy reading, and if you would like to contribute to the next one please email jo@climatex.org by 2nd November

Triodos bank visit next Tuesday

2009-11-01T21:13:00.002Z

The Carbon Cutters has recently formed a Food sub Group. The aim of this group is to work towards rebuilding a diverse, resilient local food network by encouraging Abingdon to eat seasonally, grow food and eat it and engage the community in local harvesting schemes and other events.

We thought the first action might be a visit to the Organic Research Centre in Newbury (please see details below). Would anyone like to either join this group and or come to Newbury on Tuesday 10 November 2009 from 9.30am to 12.30pm? If so please let me know.

Susie Howard

susiehoward1@gmail.com

The Organic Research Centre - Elm Farm develops and supports sustainable
land-use, agriculture and food systems, primarily within local economies,
which build on organic principles to ensure the health and well-being of
soil, plant, animal, man and the environment. It has played a central role
in the development of organic methods, research, policy and standards since
1980.

The Centre undertakes an extensive programme of research on crops and
livestock systems, their interactions with each other and with the
environment. As an educational charity the Centre work with local schools,
community and special needs groups and the wider public to help
understanding of food systems and sustainability, as well as advising
farmers and growers by way of conversion planning, farm management plans,
agricultural appraisal and technical advice.

A loan from Triodos Bank has helped the Organic Research Centre to
transform a 17th century Grade ii listed barn into a new, modern Conference
and Educational Centre. The restructuring and refurbishment of the
traditional barn was carried out using state-of-the-art environmental
technologies together with traditional construction methods and materials,
from ground source heating and solar panels to sheep's wool insulation and
rainwater harvesting. The centre will provide a much needed facility for the charity's conferences and events, as well as offering a welcome space for
its partners and local community groups to use.

For further details about The Organic Research Centre please visit
www.organicresearchcentre.com.

The visit will start at 9.30am and finish at 12.30pm and lunch will be
provided. Places on this special visit are free but are limited and allocated on a
first come, first served basis. To reserve your place please e-mail
events@triodos.co.uk or call 0117 980 9631 by Friday 6 November.

Home energy monitors

2009-11-01T20:48:00.002Z

There's a review of energy monitors in Ethical Consumer magazine no. 120 for Sept/Oct 2009. There's a range of models on the market, including the OWL. There are different levels of sophistication - some can be connected to a computer for analysis of the data, and some can monitor individual appliances - someone was asking about this at the meeting.

Natural Collection are currently offering the OWL at a reduced price.

Here are the websites and telephone numbers for the various manufacturers:

Owl - www.theowl.com 01256 383430
Eco-eye - www.eco-eye.com 01903 851905
Efergy - www.efergy.com 0845 017 7769
Current Cost - www.currentcost.com 01483 604517
Wattson - www.diykyoto.com 02077 297500

Top of the range is the Wattson, which can monitor individual appliances, has a memory function, can be connected to a computer for recording and analysing data, and can measure home electricity generation as well as consumption. It also works with both single phase and three-phase supplies. It costs around £100.00.

At the other end of the range is the Owl Micro, which simply measures consumption in kw and cost in £. This costs £24.99.

Other models from the above manufacturers cost between £34.95 and £49.99 and have different levels of functionality depending on how much you pay. The Current Cost CC128 Envi can monitor individual appliances and the basic kit costs £39.95, but I think you have to buy additional sensors for each appliance, which obviously increases the cost.

Have you measured your carbon footprint yet?

2009-11-01T20:41:00.002Z

At our last meeting, Richard gave us a wonderfully clear report on how he has reduced his house's use of gas and electricity over the last 30 years.
At the end of the meeting we looked at a website http://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx which is very easy to use (I did it in 10 minutes in my lunch-hour!) and gives a visual representation of your overall carbon footprint compared to a) other people in the UK, and b) what we need to aim for. All you need to know is how much you spend on gas and electricity and the annual mileage of your car.
It's tempting when your footprint comes out large (mine did!) to blame the calculator. But having chosen one, it's better to stick with it and see how you can start to reduce your footprint size!
The Guardian has compared different calculators at http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/feb/19/carbon.web - see Richard's comments below.
It would be interesting to hear your experience of using any of these calculators - do add a comment to this post.

----
Hello Sally

You asked me last night if I could compare different carbon footprint
calculators. I made a start then found the Guardian has already done it:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/feb/19/carbon.web
As mentioned, personal footprints are bound to have limitations, because we
do not live isolated lives. Whenever we work or shop in a building shared
with other people, for example, or in the services we receive that are paid
for out of our taxes. In principle it may be possible to allot a carbon
content to every activity but it would get impossibly complicated.

Richard

Didcot in the news

2009-11-01T20:32:00.001Z

This local action should have got more publicity than it did. Follow the link below for photos and also a really useful, clear exposition of why we need new coal-fired power stations like a hole in the head... and how the "energy gap" need not even happen.
Climate Campers have scaled the Chimney at N Power's flagship coal power station:
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2009/10/440632.html

Amy Johnson (one of the climate campers) said:

“In every country CO2 emissions are linked to economic growth, so in countries like the UK our insatiable hunger for more and more products and consumer goods is driving climate change. The world’s finite resources need to be shared more fairly, and the richest countries which got us into this mess need to take the lead in reducing emissions. We’re on this chimney to demand climate justice as the world prepares to meet in Copenhagen. We’re defending human life and people’s property around the world that’s in immediate need of protection from the ravages of rising temperatures.”

While N-Power claims that new coal is necessary to ‘keep the lights on’, in reality its push for new coal plants at Tilbury and Hunterston is motivated by profit, with coal-burning being cheaper than other fuels despite its enormous climate impact. Consultants at Poyry - Europe’s leading independent energy experts - found that Britain could easily meet its energy demands without resorting to new coal as long as the country hits its renewable and energy efficiency targets.

* As we close old coal-fired and nuclear power stations in the next decade we will lose capacity currently providing around a quarter of our electricity output. But Gordon Brown recently committed to targets which will require us to generate about 35-40% of our electricity from renewables alone by 2020, and the UK also has fairly ambitious energy efficiency targets. According to Europe’s leading independent energy experts, Poyry, if the UK was to hit these existing renewables and efficiency targets, there will be no ‘energy gap.’ We can keep the lights on and cut emissions, and in the long run bring down fuel bills too – all without new coal-fired plants like Kingsnorth.

* The world’s most respected climate scientist, Dr. Jim Hansen, director of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, is so concerned about plans for new coal plants in Britain that he took the unprecedented step of writing to the Prime Minister to say that with the decision over whether or not to allow Kingsnorth, Brown has the potential to influence “the future of the planet”

Transition to Low Carbon weekend in Winchester

2009-11-01T20:31:00.000Z

The transition to low carbon: policy frameworks and community action
The Winchester Discovery Centre, 20-21 November 2009

For full program details and to register please visit
http://transitiontolowcarbon.org
Abstracts of talks are now available online.

Sit up and take note... this is very possible!

2009-11-01T20:27:00.000Z

Wood burning stove advice please

2009-11-01T19:56:00.002Z

This note has been sent to Carbon Cutters - if you have a response, maybe you could add it as a comment?

I'm sorry I missed the Carbon Cutters meeting again last night. I hope it went well. It had completely slipped my mind until my husband mentioned it at dinnertime!

I'm hoping someone can recommend a builder/company to install our wood burning stove. We are desperate to get it in before the weather turns really cold.

Invitation to sustainable transport symposium 7th November

2009-10-22T20:34:00.002+01:00

An Invitation to sustainable transport symposium, hosted by Oxford
University, Brookes University and Oxford Contemporary Music - 7th November
at 2pm

We'd like to invite you to an afternoon of talks from artists,
environmentalists, planners and composers around sustainable transport,
inspired by the composition 'Vauxhall Pleasure' (which will be performed at
the Holywell Music Rooms that same evening).

The symposium will be held at the School of Geography and the Environment,
South Parks Road, OX1 3QY. There'll be refreshments and looking at the
contributing speakers and artists, it promises to be a really good event.
We're co-hosting this together with Oxford Contemporary Music and Brookes
University.

Could you register for the afternoon's symposium (3pm) by emailing
info@ocmevents.org or phoning (01865) 488 369? Please do circulate this to
anyone in your organisation who you think may be interested in issues of
sustainable transport (and art and performance...) in Oxford.

Hope to see you there!

Lara
OxTran Coordinator
Transport Studies Unit
School of Geography and the Environment
Oxford University
South Parks Road
OX1 3QY
(01865) 275986
079268 06698
www.oxtran.ning.com
www.tsu.ox.ac.uk

Wednesday this week

2009-10-20T20:33:00.004+01:00

A short notice reminder about two things that are happening tomorrow (Wednesday 21st October)

It's the monthly Carbon Cutters meeting at St Ethelwold's house - "How to measure your carbon footprint". It will perhaps be helpful if you can think about finding some of your utility bills and knowing how much you travel before the meeting....

Also tomorrow, the author of the previously reported free book, Saving Energy Without the Hot Air, the chief scientific advisor to the government department on Climate Change is speaking at Brookes, in Oxford. Prof David McKay is speaking from 6pm-7pm, so speedy cyclists might make it back to St Ethelwold's in time for Carbon Cutters at 7.30!

There's more information here.

Carbon Cutters action groups

2009-09-29T22:27:00.002+01:00

Dear all,

This is an invitation to join one of four small groups of people who are going to really make something happen in Abingdon, and about something you care about.

The BikeWeek Group did a fantastic job this summer of making us visible in town, and getting people to think about using their bikes more instead of their cars. The model that really worked was of a group which decides when, where and how often to meet to suit themselves, and keeps in touch by email in between.

If you have enthusiasm and/or expertise to bring to any of the groups below, (you don't need both!!), GET IN TOUCH WITH THE CONVENER to express an interest, and try to get to the first meeting, where the future meeting times and places will be decided. You are not committing yourself at this stage!

Energy Group: practical ways of helping people save energy; and how about a mini hydro in Abingdon?
Contact: Richard at richard.riggs@iee..org Ab. 521931

Schools Group: helping to bring environmental issues into the curriculum ..... ecoschools
Contact: Cliff at candpmarshall@btinternet.com Ab. 530480

Food Group: growing, harvesting, storing, eating, sharing, and not wasting food.
Contact: Susie at susiehoward1@googlemail.com, Ab. 533278

Bike Group: Bike week and encouraging bike use; reducing car use, using buses, walking.
Contact: Eleanor at eledanger@hotmail.com Ab. 531857

Come and get involved and join in the fun!

And a reminder of our Autumn programme:

Weds 21 Oct, “How to measure your carbon footprint”: practical help
Weds 18 Nov, “How to have an ecoChristmas”: practical suggestions
Weds 16 Dec, “Carbon Cutters Christmas feast”: bring and share

All at 7.30pm at St Ethelwold's House, 30 East St Helen Street.

Contacts: Susie on 01235 533278, or Sally at sallyreynolds@btinternet.com