Friday, 9 November 2007

Get a bike

THE BIODIESEL 'TIME BOMB'
Indonesia has responded to the West's demand for cheap vegetable oil - a bio-diesel fuel - by rapidly increasing production. But as palm oil plantations replace virgin rain forest, peat swamp forests and traditional agriculture, the true environmental cost of the changes is becoming clear. Greenpeace has joisted a report pointing out that an area the size of Switzerland is now under threat in Riau, Sumatra, where peatland swamp forests are scheduled for clearance and replanting with palm. The forest clearance could result in a carbon footprint equal to the world's annual greenhouse gas emissions and the report says could trigger a 'climate bomb'. The report says that the new vegetable oil industry depends on an industry involved in deforestation and conversion of peat forests into plantations. Greenpeace say that 1.8 billion tonnes (4% of total world emissions) of carbon comes from the destruction of peatlands and peat swamp forests. Riau already has 1.3 million hectares of palm oil plantations - and another 3 million acres are planned. In all Riau has an estimated 14.6 billion tonnes of carbon locked in - lets leave it there! Its it VITAL everyone in the music industry responsibly sources alternative fuels - please please dont encourage deforestation.

Bring a bag

BAG IT UP

Hats off to Islington grocer Unpackaged who have got rid of all packaging - if you want to buy something - take your own bag or bags! Its amazing that just a few years ago the supermarket industry told us it was impossible to get rid of plastic bags - and now - bingo - we are all changing! Store owner Catherine Conway points out that saving on packaging helps the environment AND saves money - so consumers benefit financially too. The shop was opened by Green party mayorial candidate Sian Berry and is also supported by Mayor Ken Livingstone who said the idea was 'forward thinking' hoping other businesses follow the idea.