Keep on top of recycling your bottle tops!

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Here at the Green Achiever office we're obviously very keen on recycling just about anything! So when our Office Manager Zoe came up with an innovative way to recycle bottle tops, I thought it was only right to share her idea.

Councils will not take bottle tops, and it is said that mixing plastic bottle tops with normal plastic recycling can contaminate the materials, deeming it unsuitable.

I've mentioned Lush Cosmetics and their Green Values before in previous posts, but as Zoe is an avid buyer of the brand, she had the idea of starting a plastic bottle top collection, which she will then take in to the store.

To read more on bottle top recycling or to see Zoe's idea in full go to : http://www.wasteconnect.co.uk/page.aspx?ID=a8915c13-cf16-4552-bf04-b06312571f86

You can also follow the Green Hub from Lush on Twitter : @GreenTeamatLush 

Using recycled waste: a coffee tin, a plastic bag and recycled paper for the labels, here is the end result.

Climate Week 2012

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Climate Week 12th - 18th March 2012

"Climate Week is a supercharged national campaign to inspire a new wave of action on climate change taking place on 12-18 March 2012." @Climate_Week

Climate Week is Britain's biggest climate change campaign and is only four weeks away! It hopes to inspire businesses, schools, community groups, councils and many other sectors to raise awareness of climate change issues by staging events and taking part in Climate Week challenges. There will be a secret challenge that will take place on Monday 12 March 9.00am until 2.00pm and an hour long challenge that can be done at anytime during Climate Week. Teams need to come up with innovative and creative solutions to an unseen challenge.

There are a number of other ways to get involved, from cooking a low carbon meal; hosting a Climate Change Pub Quiz; organising a Swap, Recycling or Up-cycling event; walk, cycle or use public transport or inspire others to take actions to be more environmentally friendly. For more information and other ideas as to how to tackle climate change see http://www.climateweek.com/

Happy St Davids Day 2012

Have a wonderful day celebrating the Patron Saint of Wales

From all the GA Team

A reminder of Green Achiever price increase

As from Thursday 1 March, Green Achiever prices will increase for 2012 as follows -

• Self-Assessment - £120 (excluding VAT)
• Silver and Gold Awards

~        for businesses of up to 20 employees - £330 (excluding VAT and expenses);

~        for businesses with 20 or more employees - £660 (excluding VAT and expenses).

In order to avoid paying the increased rate, we are happy for you to pay now for your 2012 progression or renewal, at the old price, irrespective of your renewal month. Your progression or renewal will take place at the usual time.

Visit http://www.greenachiever.co.uk for more information or to register on the scheme.

Students Take Action For A Greener World

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Juggling student life whilst working in the office can be hard at times, but it also comes alongside many benefits. 

For example, working with Green Achiever for the past two years has expanded my knowledge into green issues and has reflected in my actions, as I treat the environment with a new found respect. 

So when I notice other students taking action, no matter how big or how small, I believe more media attention should be drawn to their efforts - (We are campaigning for our future, after all) 

People & Planet  are an example of this. 

They are a large student organisation campaigning to ...'Protect the environment, defend human rights and end world poverty', which I found through The National Union of Students (NUS). 

The website includes how to get involved, information and news on climate change, and how you too can take action by donating here. 

Their organisation also ran a GO GREEN WEEK from 6th-10th February 2012, which you can find information on here. 

So... 

Who are we?

• Founded as Third World First, People & Planet has 40 years’ experience of supporting student activism and campaigns to end world poverty, defend human rights and protect the environment.
• We are about empowering young people to make a differencein the world; inspiring a generation of activists.
• We work with students in schools, colleges and universities. We provide skills training, events, education activities, encouragement and communications to over 25,000 people.
• Our vibrant grassroots network of student groups covers 70 universities, and 79 schools and colleges across the UK with over 1,500 active members.
• People & Planet is distinctive for putting youth leadership at its heart. We are accountable to a Management Committee, the majority of whom are peer-elected students.

Please help Spread the word if you too feel passionate about world poverty & the environment

P&P Twitter Username : @peopleandplanet 

Thanks,

GA TEAM 

GA Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/greenachiever

GA Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/greenachiever

Stay Warm During The 'Big Freeze'

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If, like us, you're from the UK you would have be experiencing plummeting temperatures for the last week or two as the 'Big Freeze' hit Britain. And unfortunately, this weather is set to stay with us for the time being.

So I thought I'd take this opportunity to provide you with information and advice on how to keep warm during this freezing period, whilst remaining green!

I've mentioned Nigel’s Eco Store in the past, but this eco-friendly online company provides green solutions to your everyday needs, plus gift ideas too.
There are currently heating efficiency and Insulation products in stock which range from Draught Excluders to Electric Blankets.
You can visit Nigel’s Eco Store here: http://www.nigelsecostore.com/acatalog/Energy_Efficiency.html

The Ethical Eco Store stocks a whole range of winter products, including clothes and throws which are mostly organic and Fair Trade items. They also have a big sale on - so visit quick!
You can visit them here:
http://www.ethicalsuperstore.com/ethical-gifts/winter-warmers/?page=1

The popular online retail store 'Amazon' also has a range of eco-friendly products - just simply type your desired item into the search:-
http://www.amazon.co.uk

Staying warm, our top tips:

• Avoid unnecessary trips - use public transport where possible.
• Wrap up warm - put them scarf, hat and glove sets you received for Christmas to good use. And dig those thermals out!
• Wear warm boots/shoes when outside together with thick socks.
• If you know of an elderly vulnerable person, make sure they are comfortable and warm with efficient heating facilities.
• Ensure your household heating is working along with good draught proofing for insulation.
• Have plenty of hot food and drinks.
• Stay active with plenty of exercise.
• Invest in a 'onesie', 'snuggie' or 'slanket'.

Thanks for reading,

GA Team