GlobalNet21: Community Building Webinars & Future Programme

We have two webinars coming up that are about regeneration and community building and you are invited to join them.

The first one is on Monday Jan 30th and is called Civil Society Beyond The Radar and you can register at http://www.meetup.com/21stCenturyNetwork/events/41608212/

Civil Society is much more than what we call the voluntary sector or non-government organistions. It is the many thousands of community associations across the country that engage in a variety of different activities. This webinar is about the hundreds of thousands of community associations that make up civil society and often go unnoticed. How important are they, how can their autonomy be maintained and indeed how essential is that. We will also look at the impact of current policy/recession/deficit reduction on small community groups and also how the Big Society agenda could make that “social glue” come unstuck if it is handled in a too prescriptive way.

The Second Webinar is on Wednesday February 8th and is about Rebuilding Lives in the 21st Century.  You can register for that at http://www.meetup.com/21stCenturyNetwork/events/41105042/

The 21st Century is likely to be marked with increasing instability and security challenges across the globe, as the combined impacts of resource shortages, climate change, ethnic and religious polarisation and societal inequalities bite ever deeper. In this Webinar Robert Pye will describe how the organization Ethos is keen to work with interested and concerned members of GlobalNet21 to “rebuild lives.” By developing infrastructure capability building, Ethos is are eager to recruit individuals and organisations with first-hand experience and to uncover some approaches to funding pilot projects and experiments.

Community Building is only one of the themes that we will be covering in the first six months of this year. Other themes that we will be discussing either planned or in discussion are,

• Social Enterprise & Its Effectiveness
• Sustainable Leadership in the 21st Century
• Inequality & Society
• Social Cohesion and Diversity
• Beliefs, Religion & Politics
• Transforming Education
• Creating More From Less – The 21st Century Imperative
• The Green Planet verses Blue Planet Debate
• Going Beyond Corporate Social Responsibility
• Strengthening Civil Society
• Citizen Journalism & The Public Square
• Working with Marginalised Groups

The last two topics will culminate in a Photographic Exhibition that we are staging in May of this year on Photography and Marginalised groups.

So it looks like being an active six months ahead. Looking forward to you joining in.

Best wishes,

Francis

London UK – House Meeting – Causes of Poverty

If you’re in the London area, try getting along to this 21st Century Network house meeting on Wednesday 7th December.

Robin Smith is offering a House Meeting for those interested in discussing the causes of poverty, recession and destruction right next to enormous power to produce wealth. This sounds like a big and deep topic. We will try to look at the simple first before proceeding with anything more complex.

Read more and sign up here

It’s Christmas – The Best Time To Think about Ethical Fashion

Pamela Ravasio will present a webinar that looks at clothing manufacturing and pollution and the importance of thinking and buying ethically.

The webinar will take place on Monday, December 12, 2011, 7:30 PM (GMT)

Sign up for the Webinar at 21st Century Network’s Meetup page here

Pamela is a freelance business consultant for ethical fashion SMEs, a market researcher and a journalist. Pamela is further the founder and managing editor of Shirahime (http://shirahime.com), a blog 
that focused on the topic of sustainability in fashion, and which in 2011 won the prestigious ‘Observer Ethical Award’ in the 
category ‘ethical blog’. Pamela has previously given a webinar and organised a meetup on ethical fashion.

A new investigative report from Greenpeace, entitled ‘Dirty Laundry’, profiles the problem of toxic water pollution resulting from the release of hazardous chemicals by the textile industry in China. The investigations focuses on two facilities that were found to be discharging a range of hazardous and persistent chemicals with hormone-disrupting properties. These results are indicative of a much wider problem that is posing serious and immediate threats to both our precious ecosystems and to human health.

In the follow up research commissioned by Greenpeace International (‘Dirty Laundry 2’) it is revealed that clothing and certain fabric-based shoes sold internationally by major clothing brands are manufactured using nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs). NPEs — which are used as surfactants in textile production. They break down to form toxic substance called nonylphenol (NP) which is a persistent chemical with hormone-disrupting properties that builds up in the food chain, and is hazardous even at very low levels.

While Greenpeace did only analyse dye houses and brands that are – in the global context – ahead of their peers, the more worrying fact is: the vast majority of clothing brands have no means of telling if and what toxic substances are used in the manufacturing of their collections. And maybe worse: for a vast range of chemicals used in textile manufacturing, the long-term impacts on human and animal health and the environment are unclear, or even unknown, till this very day.

Greenpeace is challenging industry leading brands brands and suppliers to become champions for a toxic-free future – by eliminating all releases of hazardous chemicals from their supply chains and their products. And also governments have a crucial role to play by putting suitable frameworks into place and enforcing adherence and retrospective accountability.

The webinar will take place on Monday, December 12, 2011, 7:30 PM (GMT)

Sign up for the Webinar at 21st Century Network’s Meetup page here

$25K for the Greenest Family in NYC Tri-State Area–special from Shel Horowitz

For those of you reading this in the NYC Tri-State Area, PrincipleProfit author and ethical marketing guru, Shel Horowitz, pushed this my way so I’m pushing it your way!

I am always thinking of you, my readers–so when I saw this in this morning’s Help a Reporter, I stopped what I am doing to tell you about it. I know nothing about this other than what is below, but it certainly seemed worth passing on. If I lived in the Tri-State area and had kids the right age, I’d enter myself.

HARO is a no-charge service that sends reporter queries three times a weekday.
You can subscribe at www.helpareporter.com.

I suggest you respond with two or three bullets and a sentence or two about your qualifications – let them follow up later)–the faster the better.

Please respond to the reporter *using the address in the body of the request* (I wouldn’t mind being copied but if you only send to me, I won’t forward it) with HARO as the first word of the subject line.

Remember–I didn’t write this and can’t answer any questions about it. All I know is what’s below.

18) Summary: CASTING: How green is YOUR family?

Category: Entertainment and Media
Media Outlet: Anonymous
Deadline: 7:00 PM EST – 8 December
Query:

How green is YOUR family? A NYC based media company is casting three families in the tri-state area to enter an eco-friendly challenge! We are looking for outgoing families who are comfortable on camera. Shoot dates will be mid-to-late January for two days in your home.

Here’s the deal! Each family will name one of their children (age 6-10) as team lead, and under the guidance of a green expert, each family will be asked to create solutions to (1) save water, (2) save energy, and (3) reduce waste at home, in their neighborhoods and in their schools. Each family will be compensated; however points will be awarded for each activity and the winning family will appear on Better TV and receive a $25,000 savings bond for their child’s college education.

Does your family have what it takes to win this challenge? Write a brief description explaining why, grab your favorite family photo, and submit to greenfamilycasting@gmail.com

Accurate Writing & More, 16 Barstow Lane , Hadley, MA 01035, United States

What have The English Channel, The Atlantic, Barons & Baronesses got to do with the NHS?

I had to repost this from Business Feedback Anonymous
Besides, The Channel and The Atlantic, this post reveals what Barons and Baronesses have got to do with the NHS…

Here is my letter to Baroness Morgan regarding the House of Lords vote (11th October 2011) on huge, dangerous changes to the NHS – this is part of the 38 Degrees campaign to save the NHS. See the end of this post for more information.

The Spirit Level: Why More Equal Societies Almost Always Do Better

“Compelling new evidence presented by The Equality Trust shows that more equal societies – those with a narrower gap between rich and poor – are more cohesive, healthier, suffer fewer social problems and are more environmentally sustainable. In view of these findings I am committed to making the UK a more equal society as the most effective means of building a better society. I will therefore actively support the case for policies designed to narrow the gap between rich and poor; and engage with the debate on which measures should be implemented to achieve that aim.”

There are lots of ways to take action for The Equality Trust. No matter how little time you have available, there is something you can do – go to The Equality Trust website for more information

Click here or the image to buy “The Spirit Level: Why More Equal Societies Almost Always Do Better” from Amazon UK

Mobile Phone-Charging Footwear: Walk (A Lot) To Speak

I truly want a pair of Orange Power Wellies, mostly so I could declare that I am wearing “wellies,” a term we just do not make use of enough on this area of the pond. But additionally because they’re very cute thermoelectric rubber boot footwear which charge your own mobile phone making use of warmth out of your feet. These can come in very handy whenever hiking, camping, or engaging in other activities that lend themselves to wellie wearing yet not necessarily to electrical power outlets.

U.K. mobile rider Orange teamed with green-energy company GotWind to create the shoes which feature an electrical-producing sole that converts feet heat straight into an electrical current. This particular “welectricity,” as they are calling it (geddit?), can be employed to recharge a cell phone, which you connect on to the top of the wellie for the boost.

The prototype Wellington boots will make their debut at the U.K.’s Glastonbury performing arts festival, an enormous open-air entertainment blowout which this particular year runs from June 23 up to June 27. A lot of festivalgoers camp out, making it a smart spot to show off a model eco-friendly kinetic charger. We hope we understood how much the Orange Power Wellies will cost once they hit the broader market.

We all can say for certain that twelve hours of stomping through the festival’s muddy grass with the boots will continue to keep your own feet dry and supposedly provide you with enough energy to charge a cell phone for one hour. Put simply, these wellies have been created for strolling–and you’re going to need to go plenty if you want to chat and text.

We have come upon other kinetic methods of charging gadgets, of course, which includes a “piezoelectric” rubber material out of Princeton and Caltech which generates electricity any time flexed and could one day locate its way into footwear which charge cell phones as well as other mobile electronic digital gadgets as the person strolls or jogs.

Regarding the particular Orange Power Wellies, power is collected by means of the so-called Seebeck consequence, in which a thermoelectric apparatus produces a voltage when there’s different temperatures on each side. The soles of the wellies have a range of semiconductor materials sandwiched between a couple of slim ceramic wafers; when warmth from the feet are applied at the top section of the ceramic wafer and cold is put on the opposite side (from the cold of the ground), electrical power is said to be produced.

This is not the first time Orange has conceived of sustainable technologies for that Glastonbury Festival. This past year, the business revealed a concept solar tent in conjunction with the opening of the actual event.

In case you definitely care about your future, be eco friendly. All of us could do this by choosing eco friendly products and participating in environment friendly activities. We only have one world to exist in so let’s stand up for this!

categories: environment,gardening,outdoors,science,technology,health,politics,society,home,family,education,communications,government,business

Becoming Ecofriendly

Today the demand for different kinds of ecofriendly goods has expanded because of the rise in worries for the ecosystem. Folks must take advantage of these ecofriendly goods to be able to stop any kind of damage which can be brought on for the natural environment by making use of items which are not really ecofriendly.

The different kinds of ecofriendly air fresheners which can be used these days at houses without causing any harm towards the environment are as follows:-

* Potpourri – Potpourri is made up of a container of mixed flower petals and spices. This particular container is used as perfume. The scent or smell of potpourri gets consumed entirely. The potpourri may be used to add to the beauty of homes. Nevertheless, it is not able enough to get rid of bad odor from the actual air. Some organic herbs and spices must be employed to regain the fragrance or smell back. Cinnamon or even nutmeg may be put into the potpourri to be able to give a brand new and fresh fragrance for the potpourri. Few sprigs of fresh new mint can also be included in order to enhance the aroma of the potpourri. Peppermint may also be used to help keep the ants from houses of individuals.

* Folks could take advantage of essential natural oils to further improve the scent of their houses. These kinds of natural oils are ecofriendly naturally and are taken out from plants. These kinds of natural oils tend to be non-hazardous in nature. These natural oils should be combined with a minimum of 4 parts of water. These natural oils must not be put on the furniture because these natural oils might leave behind a film. Additional water should be added to the mixture whenever such films are made on the home furniture.

* Some fruits could also be used effectively to improve the scent of the homes. Fruits like oranges, apples as well as lemons could be cut into thin circles. The fruits must be dried out on a cookie sheet. These fruits should be overlaid after drying them over the cookie sheet. A little bit of shellac or floor polish should be employed so as to keep the fruits. These fruits can be put to use as bedroom fresheners for several weeks. Folks could also take advantage of raw fruit as air fresheners.

* Beeswax candles can also be used successfully to enhance the smell of folks’ residence. These kinds of candles give off the scent of honey when burnt. These kinds of candles are available in the market in a number of sizes and shapes. Folks must take advantage of the naturally colored wax lights to prevent causing any kind of damage to the natural environment.

* Various fragrances can also be put together in order to make a bowl arrangement. These kinds of arrangements can be built visible by pouring them straight into wooden shallow bowls or clear glass bowls. Some dried herbs like mint, rosemary and thyme may also be added to such arrangements. In order to obtain a seasonal smell, cinnamon sticks or nutmeg can be added. Some beeswax candles can also be positioned in the center of these containers for purposes of decoration.

In case you really value your future, be eco friendly. All of us could do this by using eco friendly products and engaging in environment helpful activities. We only have one world to live in so let us stand up for it!

Ecofriendly Homes

People prefer to buy ecofriendly houses nowadays. The ecofriendly houses offer a lot of advantages to the environment. These homes are designed for improving the life of our own planet by enhancing the environmental conditions. These houses may also offer a lot of advantages to their owners such as lower utility costs and healthier air quality.

The various guidelines that should be adopted by folks prior to buying ecofriendly homes are detailed below:-

*The actual costs involved with the construction of an ecofriendly home are approximately five to 20 percent more than the price necessary to construct a standard home. An individual who wishes to possess an ecofriendly house must look into the characteristics that he wishes to use in his home. For every environment friendly feature that he has selected for his brand new home, he must determine the savings that he would obtain on his utility bills. By doing these kinds of estimations, he can determine that number which will be needed to recover the additional charges that will be required to construct an ecofriendly home.

* A person must take advantage of environment friendly supplies as a way to build his house. The ecofriendly materials are defined as those supplies which are produced locally, natural, lasting and require minimal processing when they are produced. People should only make full use of non-toxic as well as safe materials for building their houses. Individuals should not buy additional materials which might get wasted. All the stages of creating an environment friendly home should be properly planned in order to avoid wastage of numerous construction materials.

* An environment friendly house should be equipped with water saving gadgets within the sinks, showers and flush of the toilet. These homes must be built with rain water tank. These tanks may be used to flush toilets, clean clothes and water the gardens. The use of rain water tank will facilitate the recycling of water.

* Solar energy is a replenishable type of energy that is found in abundance. People should harvest the energy of the sun to get numerous advantages. Big double panel windows must be positioned on the northern side of the home. Solar power panels should be installed in the homes for heating water.

* The houses need to be insulated properly in order to make efficient utilization of energy. The ceilings of the houses should be installed with double insulation so as to catch heat and stop its escape from the ceilings.

* People should only purchase electrical appliances and light bulbs which will make efficient utilization of electrical energy. Depending on the budget of a person, he should purchase the most energy efficient appliances.

* People must only take advantage of those materials and paints which purify the air by permitting the air to penetrate. People should set up hardwood floors in order to prevent making use of carpets along with other dust attracting materials in the house.

The building of ecofriendly homes would help in keeping the environment safe.

In case you seriously care about your future, be eco friendly. All of us could accomplish this by utilizing eco friendly products and engaging in environment friendly activities. We only have one world to exist in so let us stand up for this!

Global Warming vs Natural Climate Change

by Janet Corby

Do you ever feel like you know just enough about global warming to be dangerous? Let’s see if we can fill in some of the gaps with the latest info from real global warming experts.

Scientists, together with us environmentalists, are constantly warning politicians that time is running up but that doesn’t seem to bother them, especially now in times of recession. Revive economy or save the planet? Scientists and economists can agree with Buddhist monks and Christian activists that ruthless destruction of natural habitats is evil and careful preservation of birds and butterflies is good. The worldwide community of environmentalists-most of whom are not scientists-holds the moral high ground, and is guiding human societies toward a hopeful future. Scientists are human; they do not wait for proof. Many devote their professional lives to seeking evidence for hypotheses, especially well-funded hypotheses, they’ve chosen to believe.

Temperatures were high at that time due to the peculiarities of the Earth’s orbit. During the Pliocene (2-5Ma) before the Quaternary ice age began, temperatures were also significantly warmer than today. Temperatures have steadily increased at around a quarter of a degree for every 1,000 years. During the last 100 years temperatures have increased by twice that amount.

Think about what you’ve read so far. Does it reinforce what you already know about global warming causes? Or was there something completely new? What about the remaining paragraphs?

Human activities have altered the chemical composition of the atmosphere through the build-up of greenhouse gases – primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. The heat-trapping property of these gases is undisputed although uncertainties exist about exactly how earth’s climate responds to them. Humans measure warmth as temperature which is a measure of the amount of heat contained in a physical object. One can envision this concept by thinking of a pot on a stove.

Global warming is one of the most hotly debated issues today. Cars have been identified as one of the leading contributors to the escalating global warming problem. Global warming is a huge risk. We’re not just talking about retiring our winter coats in favour of lighter jackets. Global warming is one of those era-defining issues for which perception is reality. And if that perception shifts-and it could shift quickly-the economic impact on energy companies will be swift and lasting.

Global warming had changed their habitat, so to speak. Global warming, as you may already know is the process that describes the earth’s temperature rise. This rise in temperature is because of greenhouse grasses. Global warming and climate change are the biggest problem we are facing today well at least this is what scientists say. There are of course still some that do not believe in global warming and they look at it like some crazy invented thing made by Al Gore and other scientists.

So now you know a little bit about global warming causes. Even if you don’t know everything, you’ve done something worthwhile: you’ve expanded your knowledge.

About the Author:

Janet Corby is the author of this article. EnergySavingSite.info asks is global warming real and offers information on the natural causes of global warming. You have permission to reprint this article provided all links are kept.