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Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Eco-news

Here are some bits from my eco-news feature for NT.

Labels for Veggies
A big cheer to the Food Standards Agency, which is currently drawing up official guidelines about what constitutes a ‘vegetarian’ or a ‘vegan’ product. There are currently no formal rules, but that’s about to change. “Vegans have had to become accustomed to reading long lists of ingredients to see whether a product’s suitable for them,” says George Rodger, Chair of the Vegan Society. “The new food-labelling guidance will make things much easier.” Great news for the UK’s 3.75m vegans and vegetarians – hurrah!
Source: Food Standards Agency

Eco-friendly driving

It could be something to do with the rising petrol prices, but the DTi has announced that driving tests will incorporate ‘eco-driving’ strategies from 2008. Learners will be taught to accelerate and brake gently, change gear sooner, and maximise fuel efficiency. Speaking of which, the Honda Hybrid has been causing a stir. Honda’s newest version of their ‘green’ Civic model features a number of dashboard dials designed to improve the driver’s fuel-consumption awareness. How? It shows how much electricity you are generating/guzzling, and – rather wonderfully – it also shows your typical mpg over a number of miles. It’s a big step in the right direction.
Source: The Observer
Read the Honda Hybrid Review in The Times

Organic Farming – Making more people smile
Organic farms employ more, younger, happier workers, according to the Soil Association. Organic farms typically employ 32% more workers than non-organic. Organic farmers are 7 years younger, more active in the community, and more likely to pass their farms on to family members than their non-organic counterparts. It’s no wonder the organic industry is booming. This month WALMART also announced it is increasing its organic offering and reducing prices too. The future’s bright… and organic.
Source: Soil Association

Is it easy being green?
We’re glued to the BBC’s new documentary on environmentally-friendly living, It’s Not Easy Being Green. It features the loveable Strawbridge family, led by the lavishly-moustached Dick, who have moved to Cornwall on an eco-friendly mission. Turning used chip-fat into bio-diesel, drawing water from their own spring, and constructing wood-fired heating systems – their many challenges are tackled with bravado and humour. It’s still showing on Tuesdays at 8.30, and you can watch some of the Strawbridges’ best bits online.
Source: BBC

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