Yet another press release hits my inbox...

AMY AND APE FALL IN LOVE OVER CLIMATE CHANGE ISSUE

Amy Winehouse joins a list of world-class recording artists to support ARTISTS PROJECT EARTH – otherwise known as APE – with an exclusive new version of Sam Cooke’s seminal track ‘Cupid’.

Recorded for APE - the internationally recognised climate change and natural disaster support charity - this sublime cover follows hot on the heels of The Killers ‘Hotel California’. It is hoped the track will drive awareness and raise funds for the charity ahead of COP15, the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, December 7-18, where APE will have a strong presence, representing the concerns and contributions from the world’s leading musicians over the issue of Climate Change.

Recorded earlier in the year, ‘Cupid’ has received huge radio support in recent weeks, especially from Steve Wright / Radio 2 and is set to become one of the surprise hits of the year.

And all for a really great cause!

Inspirational Recycling - Toilet Roll Art

Looks stunning in the photograph doesn't it?

Not so sure that it would look so good if I tried to do it

but

if you fancy having a go yourself take a look at Design Sponge.

Is Tesco really a 21century Scrooge?

The checkout lady at my local supermarket tells me that this morning staff were told that they could have Christmas overtime but not for pay. Time off in lieu could be taken after Christmas.

I think she felt a little downhearted, as she said she works for money not time off.

Is this the way Tesco reached their record breaking £3.1bn profit - the highest on record for a British retailer earlier this year?

Will chief executive Mr Terrence Leahy be getting visits from the ghosts ofChristmas Past, Chrismas Present and Christmas Future because let's face it Tesco employee's aren't looking forward to a very Happy Christmas this year. But Ho Ho Ho they can have time off next year - but no extra money to go anywhere or do anything with during that time off.

Inspirational Recycling - Sneakers

We've seen welly boots now we have tatty old sneakers.

Plants can improve just about anything can't they?

(image via Microwalrus)

Another Press Release this time about Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

Tuna commission fails to take action to save Atlantic bluefin

WWF is renewing its calls for an international trade ban in Atlantic bluefin tuna, after the commission responsible for managing stocks, failed to agree on measures that will ensure the recovery of the species.

The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas endorsed a proposal from its chair, the EU, Japan, Morocco and Tunisia to drop the 2010 eastern bluefin quota from 19,500 tonnes to 13,500 tonnes, still far too high to enable stock recovery.

A key study presented to ICCAT in Recife showed even a strictly enforced 8,000-tonne quota would have only a 50 per cent chance of achieving a recovery in eastern Atlantic bluefin tuna by 2023. Another ICCAT study showed only a total fishing halt yielded significant chances of the bluefin population recovering enough to no longer qualify for high-level trade restrictions by 2019.

Sally Bailey, Marine Programme Manager at WWF-UK said: “Now, more than ever, WWF sees a global trade ban as the only hope for Atlantic bluefin. ICCAT’s reduction in quota is not based on scientific advice, and is entirely unacceptable.”


WWF had lobbied the meeting for a fishing suspension and determined action against illegal fishing, estimated to considerably inflate the most recent (2008) catch estimates of 34,120 tonnes. During the Recife meeting almost all harvesting countries were formally identified by ICCAT as breaking its rules – like EU tuna fattening farms accepting fish without proper documentation. The massive overcapacity of industrial fleets in the Mediterranean also continues to hamper conservation efforts, yet the problem remains insufficiently addressed by the tuna commission.

The season for industrial fishing for bluefin tuna with purse seine fleets was reduced from two months to one, but remains open during the peak of the spawning period of 15 May to 15 June when the tuna are most vulnerable. ICCAT also continued to ignore long-standing calls to establish sanctuaries in key bluefin tuna spawning grounds such as the Balearic Islands off Spain.

It is now vital that member countries of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to line up behind global trade restrictions on Atlantic bluefin tuna. CITES is to consider a Principality of Monaco proposal that Atlantic bluefin be listed for the highest level of trade restrictions at a meeting in Doha next March.

(image from http://oceana.org/europe wo are also running this story)

National Trust says Urinate on the compost heap to save the planet

20 male staff at The National Trust's Wimpole Hall are being encouraged to use a straw "pee bale" when answering a call of nature.

"The Trust, which actively campaigns on climate change, said answering the call of nature outside saves both on water and the energy used in flushing the lavatory. " - read the complete Daily Telegraph article by clicking here.

Unseasonal Butterfly

Feasting on Sedum Autumn Joy on a sunny Remembrance Sunday.

A Tree A Day Keeps the Doctor Away

"A tree a day keeps the doctor away" is the title of an interesting little article by The Woodland Trust about woods and health,

read it here

The photograph of urban trees is borrowed from The Woodland Trust as well, apparently research show that people are more likely to walk in urban locations if trees line the street.

Oh and if anyone wondered why the lack of posts take a look here - we're all so excited.