Hello All,
Some of you might already know that the Tomorrow's Leaders Project that managed this blog for the past 9 months, has officially ended.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support and enthusiasm. A special thought for those who worked with us on events and campaigns.
For those of you who aren't familiar with us and our work, well, its not too late! While the TP won't exist anymore, there are still hundreds of Sustainability related things that you can do at Westminster.
There is good news though... the Sustainability department at Westminster will be continuing its good work, and will have bigger better projects in the future, some of which are already in their first phase.
For more information, please see: wwww.wmin.ac.uk/sustainability
Also this blog will remain in cyberspace and continue to be updated with loads of debates, questions, concerns and information on Sustainability.
So it's with a heavy heart that we at Tomorrow's Leaders say goodbye, and hope that are paths cross again soon.
Until then, keep green and we hope that this end is a beginning of a lot more.
Over and Out!
Shelby and Gayatri
The Tomorrow's Leaders Project
Tuesday 15 December 2009
Thursday 10 December 2009
Tuesday 8 December 2009
Of Tropical Paradises and Sustainable Futures
Hawaii's six main islands are quickly becoming a green laboratory for the rest of America and perhaps the world. With a startlingly diverse array of energy experiments and projects underway, Hawaii is well on its way to establishing a renewable energy future and reduce its dependance on fossil fuels. Each islands has its own renewable energy accent: waves in Maui, wind in Lanai and Molokai, solar panels in Oahu and eventually crops grown from biomass energy in Kauai.
Hawaii needs renewable energy to reduce the cost of energy to its citizens, avoid the negative economic effects of volatile oil prices, reduce its overdependence on oil, and increase its energy security by reducing imports from overseas. Renewable energy can grow new industries in Hawaii, provide jobs and income for its citizens, and protect its environment, which is also the basis of its economy. Hawaii’s citizens pay the nation’s highest energy costs. This is in part due to the fact that Hawaii is the most oil-dependent of the 50 states. The Hawaiian Islands have no fossil fuel resources and do not import natural gas.
Given its location in pacific, its tropical climate and the fact that it benefits from a large variety of natural resources favourable to the production and widespread use of renewable energy (waves, wind, sun and biomass), Hawaii is a perfect place to implement renewable energy models. Moreover, its climate being similar to that of other developing nations, the significance of these experiments to the wider world is quite important. Successful models can be mainstreamed, and implemented elsewhere and thereby contribute to one of the most problematic points in the Copenhagen agenda: reducing fossil fuel dependency and carbon emissions in the developing world.
However, about three decades ago a similar renewable energy plan was formulated by the Hawaiin govermnent, that never saw light of day. Hopefully, thirty years on the pressing need to combat climate change is greater than political complacency.
Hawaii needs renewable energy to reduce the cost of energy to its citizens, avoid the negative economic effects of volatile oil prices, reduce its overdependence on oil, and increase its energy security by reducing imports from overseas. Renewable energy can grow new industries in Hawaii, provide jobs and income for its citizens, and protect its environment, which is also the basis of its economy. Hawaii’s citizens pay the nation’s highest energy costs. This is in part due to the fact that Hawaii is the most oil-dependent of the 50 states. The Hawaiian Islands have no fossil fuel resources and do not import natural gas.
Given its location in pacific, its tropical climate and the fact that it benefits from a large variety of natural resources favourable to the production and widespread use of renewable energy (waves, wind, sun and biomass), Hawaii is a perfect place to implement renewable energy models. Moreover, its climate being similar to that of other developing nations, the significance of these experiments to the wider world is quite important. Successful models can be mainstreamed, and implemented elsewhere and thereby contribute to one of the most problematic points in the Copenhagen agenda: reducing fossil fuel dependency and carbon emissions in the developing world.
However, about three decades ago a similar renewable energy plan was formulated by the Hawaiin govermnent, that never saw light of day. Hopefully, thirty years on the pressing need to combat climate change is greater than political complacency.
Thursday 3 December 2009
Oh Copenhagen!
"This is the generation that must stop the spread of the pollution that is lowly killing our planet... Rolling back the tide of a warming planet is a responsibility that we have to ourselves, to our children to all of those who will inherit creation long after we are gone."
- Barack Obama, April 2009.
From the 7th to the 18th of December, the officials, environment ministers and leaders of the world's most powerful nations will once again convene at Copenhagen to discuss quite literally the planet's future and how as nations a greener world can be created for this and future generations.
Naturally, with every country pulling its weight to ensure that policy decided upon at Copenhagen is suitable to their own realities, the summit has the reputation of turning into a business as usual situation more often than not ending in a deadlock (such as over the issue of funding green technology for developing nations).
After 2 meetings at Bonn, 1 at New York, another in Bangkok and yet another in Barcelona, this year alone, the lead up to Copenhagen has been dynamic to say the least. For all those who are still wondering, these are the key tasks ahead for Copenhagen not to turn into one of the biggest political failures.
1. Setting binding targets to reduce carbon emissions. So far the US, EU, India and China have all tables offers of reducing their carbon emissions. Whether these are implementable remains to be seen, as does the issue of accountability.
2. Green Funds and Technology should be established to encourage low carbon emissions in developing countries. This hotly debated issue of who picks up the bill is one of the key areas of conflict at Copenhagen.
3. Developing Countries need to take anti-deforestation actions that are associated with emissions and consequently commit to 30% lower emissions than what they are currently projecting by 2020. Once again a bone of major contention, the question remains how can these countries afford to implement greener economies when they are not at par with richer nations? Can we expect the same type of commitment to greening the planet from countries that have complicated histories (often further complexified by the effects of colonisation) and pressing issues such as civil war, starvation and hunger, conflict and other endemics, not to mention poor economic development?
4. Rich nations need to leverage more support and finance to green the planet
5. All countries must agree that global emissions must be at least 80% lower than 1990 levels by 2050.
Somehow reminiscent of an armchair revolution, these talks have been alive for the best part of the decade, and it seems that most agree on most of the points. The crucial question of HOW is yet to be answered. Perhaps the old and wise of the world woud consider third sector involvement that bypasses counter productive political nerve endings.
- Barack Obama, April 2009.
From the 7th to the 18th of December, the officials, environment ministers and leaders of the world's most powerful nations will once again convene at Copenhagen to discuss quite literally the planet's future and how as nations a greener world can be created for this and future generations.
Naturally, with every country pulling its weight to ensure that policy decided upon at Copenhagen is suitable to their own realities, the summit has the reputation of turning into a business as usual situation more often than not ending in a deadlock (such as over the issue of funding green technology for developing nations).
After 2 meetings at Bonn, 1 at New York, another in Bangkok and yet another in Barcelona, this year alone, the lead up to Copenhagen has been dynamic to say the least. For all those who are still wondering, these are the key tasks ahead for Copenhagen not to turn into one of the biggest political failures.
1. Setting binding targets to reduce carbon emissions. So far the US, EU, India and China have all tables offers of reducing their carbon emissions. Whether these are implementable remains to be seen, as does the issue of accountability.
2. Green Funds and Technology should be established to encourage low carbon emissions in developing countries. This hotly debated issue of who picks up the bill is one of the key areas of conflict at Copenhagen.
3. Developing Countries need to take anti-deforestation actions that are associated with emissions and consequently commit to 30% lower emissions than what they are currently projecting by 2020. Once again a bone of major contention, the question remains how can these countries afford to implement greener economies when they are not at par with richer nations? Can we expect the same type of commitment to greening the planet from countries that have complicated histories (often further complexified by the effects of colonisation) and pressing issues such as civil war, starvation and hunger, conflict and other endemics, not to mention poor economic development?
4. Rich nations need to leverage more support and finance to green the planet
5. All countries must agree that global emissions must be at least 80% lower than 1990 levels by 2050.
Somehow reminiscent of an armchair revolution, these talks have been alive for the best part of the decade, and it seems that most agree on most of the points. The crucial question of HOW is yet to be answered. Perhaps the old and wise of the world woud consider third sector involvement that bypasses counter productive political nerve endings.
Wednesday 18 November 2009
Water Conservation: Lunch box recap
Last week was the water conservation lunchtime talk, in accordance with water amnesty month. The month is now coming to an end, but the talk was great and gave many ideas on what is and can be done going forward.
With a well rounded panel of three speakers, Matt Richards of Christian Aid- telling about water conservation and supplying efforts to areas of Kenya, Chris Meloy of the University of Westminster- speaking on alternatives to bottled water and on water conservation and innovations with drilling their own spring in Chiswick, as well as Katherine Richardson of the Plymouth Marine Laboratory- speaking on the current state of the earths oceans, as well as alternative energy sources that could come from the oceans.
This week we will post a blog about what each of the speakers shared with us at the event. This week we will recap what Matt Richards had to say.
Matt Richards
Matt Richards, of Christian Aid, recently took a trip to Kenya with the organization to address the massive drought in Kenya and aid some of the people living in remote areas, here is what he had to say:
Responses to climate change and drought
"CA has been working with a partner organisation in rural Kenya called Ukamba Christian Community Services, the organisation is providing the knowledge and funding to build sand and earth dams as well as helping to sink new wells.
The sand dams are built in dry river beds. Behind these concrete dams, which are sometimes 3 or 4m, high sand is dumped which serves as a holding tank for the water whilst filtering it. As the ground water is kept beneath a layer of sand it is protected from evaporation and the water remains there throughout the dry season. It is also worth noting that as there is no open expanse of water malaria carrying mosquitoes cannot breed and there is less chance of animal contamination. The water is stored here and can be pumped out by the villagers when needed. A shallow well and pump is constructed on the river bank which can be used to pump out from under the layer of protective sand. .
CA is also funding the construction of earth dams which create small reservoirs of water. The earth dams are larger than the concrete ones, sometimes 10m or 12m high. Behind the dam water is collected from nearby hills and higher ground, this run off is stored here for use by the villagers. The water is piped out of the lake and filtered so that it is fresh and clean for use by the community."
Here are examples of two different types of dams built and that Matt visited. (The photos used are Matt's photos on location)
Miumbuni Sand Dam at Uvaleni
"I visited Uvaleni village in the countryside about 150km south of Nairobi. In the 1960s the river that flowed here was 10m deep but it is now a dry river bed. In a narrowing of the river bed a large sand dam has been constructed from concrete. The dam cost around 800,000 KSh or £8000 which was paid for by Christian Aid. The dam has transformed the lives of these villagers, before it is was built they had to walk 5km to collect water, a 10km round trip to be taken every morning. They had to leave their homes at 3 or 4am in order to have water for the start of the day. But this water was often used up at the start of the day which meant that wives had to go again to collect water after breakfast, making the 10km round trip again. But thanks to the construction of the concrete sand dam there is clean, fresh water for 1000 households and 2000 cattle, a real change to the lives of the Uvaleni villagers and less than a 1km walk from the village."
With a well rounded panel of three speakers, Matt Richards of Christian Aid- telling about water conservation and supplying efforts to areas of Kenya, Chris Meloy of the University of Westminster- speaking on alternatives to bottled water and on water conservation and innovations with drilling their own spring in Chiswick, as well as Katherine Richardson of the Plymouth Marine Laboratory- speaking on the current state of the earths oceans, as well as alternative energy sources that could come from the oceans.
This week we will post a blog about what each of the speakers shared with us at the event. This week we will recap what Matt Richards had to say.
Matt Richards
Matt Richards, of Christian Aid, recently took a trip to Kenya with the organization to address the massive drought in Kenya and aid some of the people living in remote areas, here is what he had to say:
Responses to climate change and drought
"CA has been working with a partner organisation in rural Kenya called Ukamba Christian Community Services, the organisation is providing the knowledge and funding to build sand and earth dams as well as helping to sink new wells.
The sand dams are built in dry river beds. Behind these concrete dams, which are sometimes 3 or 4m, high sand is dumped which serves as a holding tank for the water whilst filtering it. As the ground water is kept beneath a layer of sand it is protected from evaporation and the water remains there throughout the dry season. It is also worth noting that as there is no open expanse of water malaria carrying mosquitoes cannot breed and there is less chance of animal contamination. The water is stored here and can be pumped out by the villagers when needed. A shallow well and pump is constructed on the river bank which can be used to pump out from under the layer of protective sand. .
CA is also funding the construction of earth dams which create small reservoirs of water. The earth dams are larger than the concrete ones, sometimes 10m or 12m high. Behind the dam water is collected from nearby hills and higher ground, this run off is stored here for use by the villagers. The water is piped out of the lake and filtered so that it is fresh and clean for use by the community."
Here are examples of two different types of dams built and that Matt visited. (The photos used are Matt's photos on location)
Miumbuni Sand Dam at Uvaleni"I visited Uvaleni village in the countryside about 150km south of Nairobi. In the 1960s the river that flowed here was 10m deep but it is now a dry river bed. In a narrowing of the river bed a large sand dam has been constructed from concrete. The dam cost around 800,000 KSh or £8000 which was paid for by Christian Aid. The dam has transformed the lives of these villagers, before it is was built they had to walk 5km to collect water, a 10km round trip to be taken every morning. They had to leave their homes at 3 or 4am in order to have water for the start of the day. But this water was often used up at the start of the day which meant that wives had to go again to collect water after breakfast, making the 10km round trip again. But thanks to the construction of the concrete sand dam there is clean, fresh water for 1000 households and 2000 cattle, a real change to the lives of the Uvaleni villagers and less than a 1km walk from the village."
Nzezeni Earth Dam at Mukaa
"As I mentioned earlier CA are funding the construction of earth dams as well as sand dams. Here in the village of Mukaa a dam about 12m high has been constructed by the community. Our partner organisation UCCS provided the knowledge and funds for the dams construction. The lake which was created as a result of the construction of this earth dam is currently about 8m deep and it is hoped that when the rains do come it will be about 10m deep. When it is full it will store enough water for the community for 4 years. The villagers have built a pipe system at the base of the earth dam which filters the water from the reservoir and enables them to use a tap to collect it. A fence has been built around it to stop animal contamination and they hope to plant fruit trees on the bank which can be used to generate income for the community."
"As I mentioned earlier CA are funding the construction of earth dams as well as sand dams. Here in the village of Mukaa a dam about 12m high has been constructed by the community. Our partner organisation UCCS provided the knowledge and funds for the dams construction. The lake which was created as a result of the construction of this earth dam is currently about 8m deep and it is hoped that when the rains do come it will be about 10m deep. When it is full it will store enough water for the community for 4 years. The villagers have built a pipe system at the base of the earth dam which filters the water from the reservoir and enables them to use a tap to collect it. A fence has been built around it to stop animal contamination and they hope to plant fruit trees on the bank which can be used to generate income for the community."
Matt had an amazing experience and was able to see and learn more than he was able to share at the event. If you have any further questions for Matt on his experience, please feel free to make a comment or ask a question and we can pass it on to him. We are thankful for Matt's participation in water amnesty month at the University of Westminster.
Monday 2 November 2009
An Inconvenient Suggestion
On September 24th and 25th Pittsburgh was host to the the 20 most powerful economies of today. As you all know, the G20 convened once again to discuss the future of their world, our world, your world. One of the many points on the agenda, consistent with other recent G20 summits, was tackling climate change. To this effect, the G20 sees itself as pioneering a groundbreaking effort that includes phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, encouraging greater transparency and oversight in oil markets, boosting investments in green technology and innovation, promoting bilateral climate change partnerships for clean technology.
Sound like a broken record?
What's so groundbreaking about these points that seem like the favourite refrain of every politician seeking to earn a few brownie points?
Well, for starters, this agenda was accompanied by Barrack Obama's Recovery Act, which not only assumes the fact that the USA is the the world's largest producer of carbon emissions, but also pledge $80+ billion towards clean energy. Moreover, it includes a comprehensive energy and climate bill that proposes reducing carbon emission by 80% by 2050 in the USA.
More groundbreaking still is the suggestion that India (spearheaded by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh) proposed at the summit. In a nutshell, developed countries should take on a larger share of the responsibility concerning climate change, since less developed countries do not have the same resources to tackle these issues. Not that India is saying the weight of climate change lies solely with the West, simply that it is in a better position to effectively address the issues at hand. Also, and here's the clincher, patents and intellectual property laws should be waived with respect to clean green technology. Since climate change is something that effects the whole planet, knowledge on how to tackle and concrete methods that work should be shared equally across the globe.
How's that for a sustainable, equitable suggestion?
The question still remains, beyond all gestures, proposals, talks and good intentions, can the world look beyond profit, political, economic, social and cultural difference and truly unite under the fight to save our environment, and how?
Wednesday 28 October 2009
Water Amnesty Lunch Box Talk
As some of you may have noticed, we have been making a mad dash around all of the campuses trying to inform students and staff about the Universities participation in Water Amnesty Month.
We have had a few weeks of events promoting water saving, some of you were lucky enough to get a bag full of helpful water saving tips. As part of water Amnesty On 10 Nov 1pm – 2pm in C402 Cavendish, there will be a lunchtime discussion on water: You’ll get to hear about latest innovations and water sourcing projects. Bring your questions and your own lunch with you and we provide coffee/tea, biscuits and water. Please RSVP: csr.westminster@gmail.com .
Additionally, if you want more information on Water Amnesty month please go to the Universities Sustainability site at: http://www.wmin.ac.uk/page-16980
look forward to seeing you there!
We have had a few weeks of events promoting water saving, some of you were lucky enough to get a bag full of helpful water saving tips. As part of water Amnesty On 10 Nov 1pm – 2pm in C402 Cavendish, there will be a lunchtime discussion on water: You’ll get to hear about latest innovations and water sourcing projects. Bring your questions and your own lunch with you and we provide coffee/tea, biscuits and water. Please RSVP: csr.westminster@gmail.com .
Additionally, if you want more information on Water Amnesty month please go to the Universities Sustainability site at: http://www.wmin.ac.uk/page-16980
look forward to seeing you there!
Friday 16 October 2009
Forthcoming
Bionic Ear Show
Wednesday 21 October, at 2pm in LT2 in the LRC in Harrow. Free entry. No need to book.
Look after your ears now…enjoy music forever...
The Bionic Ear Show is particularly relevant for those who are interested in music and reliant on good hearing for their careers.
The Bionic Ear Show tells the story of sound as it travels through the ear to the brain, what happens in different parts of the hearing system, and how each part of the system can fail or break down.
The show aims to raise awareness of the importance of hearing, how it can be damaged and what you can do to protect it.
During the show, the presenter builds the world’s largest ear on stage – a huge outer ear on one side and a giant brain on the other. In between, interactive demonstrations and models illustrate every stage of the hearing process.
Anyone who wants to know how to protect their hearing or who might be experiencing age-related hearing loss and wants to know more about the condition will find the show fun and informative.
For further information, contact Niamh Nelson, Safety Health and Environment Team Ext 3937 N.Nelson@westminster.ac.uk
Presented by Deafness Research UK Registered charity number: 326915
Seasonal Flu Vaccinations
Marylebone Health Centre, who provide our Student Health Service, will be supplying seasonal flu vaccinations for students and staff again this year, at a cost of £18 per injection.
The Central London vaccination session will be held at the Student Health Service Room M320 Marylebone 3 - 6pm Wednesday 21 October.
The session at Harrow will be held at the Student Health Service Room EG5 11.30am - 1pm on Thursday 29 October.
Further information is available from Jeanette Creaser at Marylebone Health Centre on 020 7935 6328.
It is important to note that the seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against swine flu.
There is no need to book for this service.
Stop Smoking Classes
You're four times more likely to quit smoking for good if you use NHS Stop Smoking Services.
These free classes are run by the NHS at the University, and are open to staff and students.
All sessions start at 1pm and last approx 45 mins. You should aim to attend all six sessions.
Places are limited and strictly first come, first served.
You can get confidential, specialist advice and receive medication (patches, gum, lozenges etc)
Please be aware that an NHS prescription charge will be payable if you pay for prescriptions.
Staff: Please book a place on a course via MyHR or by emailing staffdev@westminster.ac.uk
Students: Please book a place on a course by emailing N.Nelson@westminster.ac.uk
Go to the NHS Smokefree website, or call 0800 022 4332 to find your nearest NHS Stop Smoking Service.
Harrow:
27 October - 1 December
Tuesdays, 1-2pm
Location A 5.3
Regent and Cavendish:
29 October - 3 December
Thursdays, 1-2pm
Location Regent RS 357
Marylebone:
3 November - 8 December
Tuesdays, 1-2pm
Chalk Suite Meeting Room 2
For further information, contact Niamh Nelson, Safety Health and Environment Team on Ext 3937 N.Nelson@westminster.ac.uk
Wednesday 14 October 2009
Of protests and climate change
The MP's certainly had a an original welcome party upon their return to the House of Commons after the summer.Last Sunday (11th October), some 35 Greenpeace activists breached Parliament security using ladders and scaled the roof of the House of Commons to make their message heard. Passerbys, tourists, politicians, and the general public of London witnessed the silent but extremely clear message: a change in politics is desperately needed if climate change is to be tackled.
Perhaps not the most legal or safe way to go about getting your voice heard, but effective nonetheless, this manifestation of sorts was abruptly ended yesterday and the activists were put behind bars.
Without scaling roofs and putting ourselves in mortal danger or behind bars, there's a lesson to be learnt here: we're all a part of saving the climate, and doing our bit means engaging our individual responsibilities. Perhaps that way the climate can be saved from below.
Tuesday 6 October 2009
The Point of No Return
In the past couple of years, the media has been very vocal about the fact that the polar ice caps are melting. To most of us in the UK as well as elsewhere is the world this seems ominious enough, but all the same, a distant reality, almost something out of a science fiction movie.
Understandably so, because we are not directly affected by it, or rather not yet affected by it.
The fact still remains that near or far, each one of us on this planet contribute to this unalterable effect of climate change. Yet we understand so little of what is actually happening.
The Earth's polar ice caps are as we know located in the North and the South poles. The North Pole is covered by floating pack ice over Arctic Ocean. Portions of the ice that don't melt seasonally can get very thick, up to 3–4 meters thick over large areas, with ridges up to 20 meters thick. One-year ice is usually about a meter thick. The area covered by sea ice ranges between 9 and 12 million km². In addition, the Greenland ice sheet covers about 1.71 million km² and contains about 2.6 million km³ of ice. The land mass of the Earth's South Pole (in Antarctica), is covered by the Antarctic ice sheet. It covers an area of almost 14 million km² and contains 25-30 million km³ of ice.
The all time low for ice cover in the Arctic was reached in 2007. This year, ice cover is up by 23%. However most of this is fragile one-year ice and nevertheless represents the same risks to the eco systems of the North Pole. The backbone of the poalr icecaps are mutli-year ice sheets which are steadily in decline. Once lost these can never be refound, as they have taken 12,00 years to be formed.
The effects meting ice in the North Pole are numerous. Obviously, it causes sea levels to rise, putting whole communities close the Artic Sea at risk. Secondly, harmful effects on the natural habitat of Arctic animals such as the polar bear are quite serious. Most importantly, if a warmer Artic ocean emits heat into the atmostphere which affects global cimate pattern, to which no counrty or place, however distant is an exception.
This is where the story comes full circle: greenhouse emmissions cause our plane to heat and thus the polar ice caps to melt. Therefore, by cutting down on C02 emmissions every individual on this planet can help prevent irreperable damage to the polar ice caps.
Understandably so, because we are not directly affected by it, or rather not yet affected by it.
The fact still remains that near or far, each one of us on this planet contribute to this unalterable effect of climate change. Yet we understand so little of what is actually happening.
The Earth's polar ice caps are as we know located in the North and the South poles. The North Pole is covered by floating pack ice over Arctic Ocean. Portions of the ice that don't melt seasonally can get very thick, up to 3–4 meters thick over large areas, with ridges up to 20 meters thick. One-year ice is usually about a meter thick. The area covered by sea ice ranges between 9 and 12 million km². In addition, the Greenland ice sheet covers about 1.71 million km² and contains about 2.6 million km³ of ice. The land mass of the Earth's South Pole (in Antarctica), is covered by the Antarctic ice sheet. It covers an area of almost 14 million km² and contains 25-30 million km³ of ice.
The all time low for ice cover in the Arctic was reached in 2007. This year, ice cover is up by 23%. However most of this is fragile one-year ice and nevertheless represents the same risks to the eco systems of the North Pole. The backbone of the poalr icecaps are mutli-year ice sheets which are steadily in decline. Once lost these can never be refound, as they have taken 12,00 years to be formed.
The effects meting ice in the North Pole are numerous. Obviously, it causes sea levels to rise, putting whole communities close the Artic Sea at risk. Secondly, harmful effects on the natural habitat of Arctic animals such as the polar bear are quite serious. Most importantly, if a warmer Artic ocean emits heat into the atmostphere which affects global cimate pattern, to which no counrty or place, however distant is an exception.
This is where the story comes full circle: greenhouse emmissions cause our plane to heat and thus the polar ice caps to melt. Therefore, by cutting down on C02 emmissions every individual on this planet can help prevent irreperable damage to the polar ice caps.
Thursday 24 September 2009
Monday 14 September 2009
The Art of Walking
How much easier would it be to live greener and more environmentally responsible, if one could see the impact of the smallest daily activity? Well, that can now be scratched off the wish list!
The most wonderful discovery of this weekend is by far this website:
www.walkit.co.uk
Its relatively straightforward to use and works for all of the UK. By typing in your location and your destination, not only does it provide you with an easy walking route, it also calculates how much energy your burn in calories (depending on your pace) and how much C02 emissions you save!
Whats more, there are plenty of interesting activities listed that can all be done walking . Don't miss the interesting facts on walking that make giving the tube/bus a skip well worth it.
And with the winter knocking on our doors, who can resist the idea of getting a little warmer?
So, grab a pair of comfy shoes and walk it!
The most wonderful discovery of this weekend is by far this website:
www.walkit.co.uk
Its relatively straightforward to use and works for all of the UK. By typing in your location and your destination, not only does it provide you with an easy walking route, it also calculates how much energy your burn in calories (depending on your pace) and how much C02 emissions you save!
Whats more, there are plenty of interesting activities listed that can all be done walking . Don't miss the interesting facts on walking that make giving the tube/bus a skip well worth it.
And with the winter knocking on our doors, who can resist the idea of getting a little warmer?
So, grab a pair of comfy shoes and walk it!
Wednesday 2 September 2009
are you up for the 10:10 challenge?
Whoever said the best ideas are the simple ones hit the nail on the head! And 10:10 is a perfect example of this. Contributing towards stopping Climate Change never sounded this simple, and yet so meaningful.
The 10:10 campaign is movement to unite every sector of British society to collectively work towards reducing Britain's carbon emissions by 10% in 2010. How's that for a start?!
If you jog your memories a little to our screening of The Age of Stupid, in May this year, you might recall Daniel Vockins, a campaign coordinator from the film talking about using the film's message to bring companies, individuals, institutions and governments together to actively fight climate change. Well, a few months later, an idea struck Franny Armstrong (Director, The Age of Stupid), and Team Stupid and hey presto! 10:10 was born.
Launched yesterday (1st September 2009) at the Tate Modern, the 10:10 campaign already has a whopping 7500 individuals, around 7600 educational institutions and close to 7600 organisations already signed up and ready to reduce their carbon emissions.
The ten commandments so to speak of 10:10 are relatively straight forward and do-able by just about anyone who wants to make a difference:
1. fly less, holiday more
2. save 10% on heating
3. save 10% on electricity
4. drive less
5. eat better
6. buy good stuff
7. dump less
8. don't waste food...
9. ...or water
10. feel happier!
So how about it?
For more information on 10:10 and how to sign up, check out: www.1010uk.org
The 10:10 campaign is movement to unite every sector of British society to collectively work towards reducing Britain's carbon emissions by 10% in 2010. How's that for a start?!
If you jog your memories a little to our screening of The Age of Stupid, in May this year, you might recall Daniel Vockins, a campaign coordinator from the film talking about using the film's message to bring companies, individuals, institutions and governments together to actively fight climate change. Well, a few months later, an idea struck Franny Armstrong (Director, The Age of Stupid), and Team Stupid and hey presto! 10:10 was born.
Launched yesterday (1st September 2009) at the Tate Modern, the 10:10 campaign already has a whopping 7500 individuals, around 7600 educational institutions and close to 7600 organisations already signed up and ready to reduce their carbon emissions.
The ten commandments so to speak of 10:10 are relatively straight forward and do-able by just about anyone who wants to make a difference:
1. fly less, holiday more
2. save 10% on heating
3. save 10% on electricity
4. drive less
5. eat better
6. buy good stuff
7. dump less
8. don't waste food...
9. ...or water
10. feel happier!
So how about it?
For more information on 10:10 and how to sign up, check out: www.1010uk.org
Wednesday 19 August 2009
Footprints, Anxieties, and Thirst...Oh My!
As it has been awhile since our last post there are a few different things we want to show you, bring to your attention....
How Many Planets are You? Calculate Your Carbon Footprint.
What are the REAL barriers behind making individual changes to help the fight against climate change?
Man, the BBC Sure is Thirsty!!!
While I have more I want to share...I fear I have overloaded you on this entry- I promise we will get back to writing more frequently so we can give you more target entries :).
How Many Planets are You? Calculate Your Carbon Footprint.
One is figuring out what your carbon footprint is. This is a very cool link to the WWF website that allows you to take a quick and easy assessment and it tells you what your current footprint is. Ours are not impressive, since we are an American and Indian women living in London we each visit our families at least once a year- this puts us both in airplanes for 12-25 hours at least once per year...needless to say that accounts for 48% of my carbon footprint! There are no excuses...but the site gives really helpful and easy tips on how to reduce your footprint- all based on what you are willing to take on. Check it out at this link and please post us your results!!
Mine is 3.15 planets or 13.8 tonnes....disgraceful- but at least now I know and can do something about it!!
This national footprint calculator is interesting too!
What are the REAL barriers behind making individual changes to help the fight against climate change?
Well, according to a report published last week by the American Psychological Association, "Anxiety and helplessness rather than ambivalence or apathy are the biggest barriers to individuals taking action."
This is ironic because it is exactly something we tried to bring forward in the panel discussion following our film screening of The Age of Stupid a couple months ago. We discussed how overwhelmed individuals felt by it all- conflicting stories in the media, conflicting tales of what one should do- all the confusion really does leave one feeling helpless and anxious. Individuals feel it is all too far gone so whats the point, and even if they could do something what should it be and where do they start.
The article link below takes a great look at this and brings up some great points. It is short, concise, and interesting- so take a look.
Man, the BBC Sure is Thirsty!!!
This week, it has come out that the BBC is accused of spending £406,000 a year on bottled water! Well, whatever we may think of the BBC at least we know they are well hydrated...keeping those creative juices flowing.
This is both a environmental and an economic nightmare. They claim that while their Welsh offices are already using tap water, for their England and Scotch offices they need to look into the "health implications" of drinking from the tap. I have news for them, they don't need to look any further or spend any more money, THE TAP WATER IN LONDON IS SAFE! Yes, I said it folks- it is drinkable...even for BBC staff.
I get the novelty factor of having water coolers in the office- it looks nice, you feel like you are getting a perk, and lets not forget the ever popular "water cooler gossip", what office would be complete without it!!! But get your lazy bum up and fill up your mug from the tap! The environmental cost of shipping all of those bottles around the country- picking up and delivering- picking up and delivering...that is ALOT of emission and consumption of fuel.
I also get the bottled water at meetings thing. It is nice to walk into a board room and be offered a nice bottle of water, however I have to say I have been in a few board rooms and I am equally impressed by a nice cool jug of water. Or, if it is the prestige of bottles you are after, do what our university does through a company called Vivreu. They bottle tap water for us in branded recyclable glass bottles, what do you think of that for fancy?!? Okay okay, it does not solve the environmental implications completely, but it is a start... As I feel sensibility is an important part of sustainability, and the reality is BBC will not full stop discontinue use of bottled water. However, if they used a company like Vivreu for meetings and sent their employees to the taps....we would be making both and economic and environmental savings here.
The article below explains the breakdown and finding I am referring too above- really interesting!!
While I have more I want to share...I fear I have overloaded you on this entry- I promise we will get back to writing more frequently so we can give you more target entries :).
Wednesday 15 July 2009
Big Lunch. Big Community. Big Ambition.
According to the creators of the Big Lunch, rebuilding our sense of community could be the antidote to global warming and global isolation.
What is that?!?! How?
Well, if you don't already know, the big lunch is a concept that as a community, or a whole we are stronger- so, get to know the people around you and BUILD a community together. By getting rid of the isolation, individually we morph into a whole, and of course we feel warmth, responsibility, and pride in the new "whole" we become. So, by reforming a sense of community, we are more likely to be more environmentally and socially concerned with those around us- and dare I say it, they for us. By getting to KNOW the people who surround you- you begin to care about them and their future- your collective futures. Things such as community watch, recycling programmes, composite and growing schemes are just a few of the ways caring about the people and place you live in can fight climate change. Not a bad concept if I do say so myself!!
The Big Lunch is "your party" as they say. They suggest the most popular socially conducive event....a meal...a BIG LUNCH if you will. However, they arent trying to control or monopolise what you want your community to be, so they say to "Do whatever you would feel comfortable with." The site is clever in their acknowledgement that it is hard to not be a stranger, but the benefits massively outweigh the initial awkwardness.
The Big Lunch is scheduled for communities all over the UK this Sunday July 19th. To find your Big Lunch, simply visit the site http://www.thebiglunch.com/find-big-lunch, and plug in your post code.
Let us know what you find, we would love for you to post your Big Lunch stories!!
What is that?!?! How?
Well, if you don't already know, the big lunch is a concept that as a community, or a whole we are stronger- so, get to know the people around you and BUILD a community together. By getting rid of the isolation, individually we morph into a whole, and of course we feel warmth, responsibility, and pride in the new "whole" we become. So, by reforming a sense of community, we are more likely to be more environmentally and socially concerned with those around us- and dare I say it, they for us. By getting to KNOW the people who surround you- you begin to care about them and their future- your collective futures. Things such as community watch, recycling programmes, composite and growing schemes are just a few of the ways caring about the people and place you live in can fight climate change. Not a bad concept if I do say so myself!!
The Big Lunch is "your party" as they say. They suggest the most popular socially conducive event....a meal...a BIG LUNCH if you will. However, they arent trying to control or monopolise what you want your community to be, so they say to "Do whatever you would feel comfortable with." The site is clever in their acknowledgement that it is hard to not be a stranger, but the benefits massively outweigh the initial awkwardness.
The Big Lunch is scheduled for communities all over the UK this Sunday July 19th. To find your Big Lunch, simply visit the site http://www.thebiglunch.com/find-big-lunch, and plug in your post code.
Let us know what you find, we would love for you to post your Big Lunch stories!!
Friday 19 June 2009
Food for thought
Hello Everyone,
We hope you're enjoying the beautiful weather, fickle as it may be! But fret not, the weekend promises a few hours of sunshine mostly on Sunday.
However, for rainy Saturday, here's some interesting ways to pass time:
1. People and Planet conducted an evaluation of the University's 'green-ness'. Results can be found on:
http://peopleandplanet.org/green-league-2009?ggl09profile=2104&test=91cf39#grades
These are some good ways to reflect upon how we can make the University a greener, more sustainable environment. All your thoughts, comments, ideas, suggestions and questions are always welcome, so don't hesitate to drop us a line
2. Some interesting links which include easy to do, quick fix ways of being more sustainable in our everyday lives:
3. Lastly, a fun idea for the weekend, which could win you a fantastic prize: the third annual westPHOTO photography competition. The theme is sustainability, so click away people!
For more info, check out: http://www.wmin.ac.uk/mad/page-1596
Have a great weekend, and be green!
We hope you're enjoying the beautiful weather, fickle as it may be! But fret not, the weekend promises a few hours of sunshine mostly on Sunday.
However, for rainy Saturday, here's some interesting ways to pass time:
1. People and Planet conducted an evaluation of the University's 'green-ness'. Results can be found on:
http://peopleandplanet.org/green-league-2009?ggl09profile=2104&test=91cf39#grades
These are some good ways to reflect upon how we can make the University a greener, more sustainable environment. All your thoughts, comments, ideas, suggestions and questions are always welcome, so don't hesitate to drop us a line
2. Some interesting links which include easy to do, quick fix ways of being more sustainable in our everyday lives:
http://www.green.tv/energy_
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
3. Lastly, a fun idea for the weekend, which could win you a fantastic prize: the third annual westPHOTO photography competition. The theme is sustainability, so click away people!
For more info, check out: http://www.wmin.ac.uk/mad/
Have a great weekend, and be green!
Monday 15 June 2009
Its the Little Things...
There are lots of little things we could all do to help in the fight against climate change. Check out the links below.
Meat Free Mondays!!
A fun way to help reduce climate change by not eating meat one day a week. Finding alternatives can be fun and adventurous. Check out the Meat Free Monday site and if you don't want to take our word for it, check out what Sir Paul McCartney has to say about it...
http://www.supportmfm.org/
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/5/20090615/ten-green-mccartneys-meat-free-monday-pl-8a3eada.html
Train vs Planes
We all know that trains are a much more environmentally responsible form of transportation than a plane, but are we fighting an uphill battle with it in the UK? The Government is giving tax breaks every year to planes, and wants to increase what is already the highest rail fares in Europe! Find out more in the link below...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuX9O_MWWOY
Adopt a Climate Negotiator
This link is a blog you can follow- just set up an RSS feed :). It is the journey and stories of a Climate Negotiator building up to the UN Climate Conference in December 2009. The blog entries are interesting, and you can check the archives to start from the beginning if you would like. WELL worth a look.
http://adoptanegotiator.org/
Meat Free Mondays!!
A fun way to help reduce climate change by not eating meat one day a week. Finding alternatives can be fun and adventurous. Check out the Meat Free Monday site and if you don't want to take our word for it, check out what Sir Paul McCartney has to say about it...
http://www.supportmfm.org/
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/5/20090615/ten-green-mccartneys-meat-free-monday-pl-8a3eada.html
Train vs Planes
We all know that trains are a much more environmentally responsible form of transportation than a plane, but are we fighting an uphill battle with it in the UK? The Government is giving tax breaks every year to planes, and wants to increase what is already the highest rail fares in Europe! Find out more in the link below...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuX9O_MWWOY
Adopt a Climate Negotiator
This link is a blog you can follow- just set up an RSS feed :). It is the journey and stories of a Climate Negotiator building up to the UN Climate Conference in December 2009. The blog entries are interesting, and you can check the archives to start from the beginning if you would like. WELL worth a look.
http://adoptanegotiator.org/
Thursday 11 June 2009
HOME: a film by Yann Arthus Berthrand
The link below is to a full-length film. We suggest taking a minute to have a look at it. The person behind it is a famous photographer : Yann Arthus-Bertrand, his photos are simply breathtaking.
http://www.youtube.com/homeproject
Enjoy!
Comments, suggestions, opinions are welcome as always!
http://www.youtube.com/homeproject
Enjoy!
Comments, suggestions, opinions are welcome as always!
Tuesday 9 June 2009
westPHOTO photography prize
Great News!
westPHOTO is organizing their third annual photopraphy competition. For those who don't already know this, westPHOTO is an agency set up at the University of Westminster that helps photography students sell their pictures. Every year they hold a comptetion, with a different theme that is open to ALL students.
This year, the theme chosen is sustainability... so start clicking folks for a chance to win a great prize!
Friday 5 June 2009
World Environmental Day!
For some interesting thoughts on Climate change and our role in helping slow it down, if not reverse it:
http://www.sustainabilityforum.com/blog/climate-change-does-every-little-help-0
Please feel free to contribute!
http://www.sustainabilityforum.com/blog/climate-change-does-every-little-help-0
Please feel free to contribute!
Tuesday 2 June 2009
Age of Stupid...Dawn of Awareness
We would like to thank everyone that turned out to view the film and speak with the panel last Thursday at the Old Cinema for the Age of Stupid screening. There was great discussion by the audience and the panelists, and again we would like to thank you all for that!!
For instance, some of the best ways for us to individually make an impact is to support and campaign for more wind farms here in the UK- This country has the greatest wind resource in all of Europe!! Also, don't take flights on Holiday (visiting family is an exception)- but don't fly anywhere you don't HAVE to! Generally, just do everything you can to reduce your carbon footprint!!
Please visit the University's sustainability website to watch the video of the event and visit our Facebook to view some pictures from the event, http://www.wmin.ac.uk/page-16980 and facebook Tomorrow's Leaders Westminster.
AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
Thank you for all of you who have been taking the ribbons in support of the awareness campaign! We appreciate your support and it helps us know that the bigger and better campaign we will launch in the autumn will be supported!!
Friday is...WORLD ENVIRONMENTAL DAY 2009
Mexico City is to Host World Environment Day, commemorated each year on 5th June. It is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action.
To find out more on how to get involved and everyday pointers on how to do your part please visit the website http://www.unep.org/wed/2009/english/
IBE Student Essay Competition 2009
CSR is not just about the environment, it is also about caring about the community surrounding you and making your institution a better place. This is why we wanted to let you know about the IBE Student Essay Competition 2009. You also have a chance to win £500!!
The IBE Student Essay Competition 2009, is proud to launch the 2009 Student Essay Competition in Business Ethics.
Business ethics is an increasingly important issue for all organisations. Scandals continue in the business world and society has higher and higher expectations of the role of business.
To find out more, go to http://www.ibe.org.uk/education/studentawards.html, where you will find the essay requirements.
We wish you the best of luck, as Business Ethics is important- now more then ever!!
Tuesday 19 May 2009
Awareness Campaign May 18- June 6, Age of Stupid May 28th at Old Cinema at Regents...and much much more
Awareness Campaign May 18- June 6
Tomorrow's Leaders Project launched out first awareness campaign yesterday May 18- June 6. Over the next three weeks we are trying to create awareness on conserving energy, water and cutting down on paper consumption. All "proactive" efforts rather that "re-active", taking easy steps such as shutting down a computer when you walk away, turning off a tap when you brush your teeth, or thinking before you print...these things all make a difference.
You will notice there are "Go Green" wrist ties at the front desks of each building. Please take a FREE wrist tie and wear it for the next few weeks- to show your support for the cause, campaign, and acting as a reminder to be more conservative with your resources- more "green".
Age of Stupid
Tomorrow's Leaders is screening the film on climate change and the effects at the Old Cinema on the first floor at Regents on May 28th. This event is free, but space is limited so please email us at csr.westminster@gmail.com to reserve a space. There will be a brief introduction made by the campaign manager of the film as well as a panel discussion following. We hope to see you all there!!
For some basic information on the film, please click this link. http://www.ageofstupid.net/synopsis_0
Student Symposium
Are you interested in finding more about the implications of working while you study. What this means while you are in school, as well as what it means for your career post education? Join the student symposium on May 29th, please contact us at csr.westminster@gmail.com and we can forward your name to the right people to ensure you secure a spot at the workshop.
Tomorrow's Leaders Project launched out first awareness campaign yesterday May 18- June 6. Over the next three weeks we are trying to create awareness on conserving energy, water and cutting down on paper consumption. All "proactive" efforts rather that "re-active", taking easy steps such as shutting down a computer when you walk away, turning off a tap when you brush your teeth, or thinking before you print...these things all make a difference.
You will notice there are "Go Green" wrist ties at the front desks of each building. Please take a FREE wrist tie and wear it for the next few weeks- to show your support for the cause, campaign, and acting as a reminder to be more conservative with your resources- more "green".
Age of Stupid
Tomorrow's Leaders is screening the film on climate change and the effects at the Old Cinema on the first floor at Regents on May 28th. This event is free, but space is limited so please email us at csr.westminster@gmail.com to reserve a space. There will be a brief introduction made by the campaign manager of the film as well as a panel discussion following. We hope to see you all there!!
For some basic information on the film, please click this link. http://www.ageofstupid.net/synopsis_0
Student Symposium
Are you interested in finding more about the implications of working while you study. What this means while you are in school, as well as what it means for your career post education? Join the student symposium on May 29th, please contact us at csr.westminster@gmail.com and we can forward your name to the right people to ensure you secure a spot at the workshop.
Friday 24 April 2009
CSR
For some great information on CSR, what it means, how it can be implemented etc check out the link below:
http://www.hefce.ac.uk/lgm/build/event/show.asp?id=04
Comments, thoughts, ideas and suggestions are welcome as always!
http://www.hefce.ac.uk/lgm/build/event/show.asp?id=04
Comments, thoughts, ideas and suggestions are welcome as always!
Tuesday 21 April 2009
AWARENESS
In May, the Tomorrow's Leaders Project is looking to start an awareness campaign targeting paper, lights, and perhaps water through the university and in our lives. The slide show below came through my email and got us to thinking how wasteful we all really are (and these figures are just from the US).
http://docs.google.com/gview?a=v&attid=0.1&thid=120b4b3a21008584&mt=application%2Fvnd.ms-powerpoint&pli=1
Here is a sample of whats in the link above...AMAZING stuff!!
Check it out and let me know if you have any ideas or would like to help with the campaign!!
http://docs.google.com/gview?a=v&attid=0.1&thid=120b4b3a21008584&mt=application%2Fvnd.ms-powerpoint&pli=1
Here is a sample of whats in the link above...AMAZING stuff!!
Check it out and let me know if you have any ideas or would like to help with the campaign!!
Friday 3 April 2009
G20, Earth Hour, and Other Great Events!
It has been a busy week or two. I know many of you have been finishing final projects and looking forward to the approaching holiday, but we appreciate everyone who has found time to attend the events as of late.
G20
As you know, the G20 is going on this week and many people are taking to the streets to march for their concerns of the current global environment. The G-20 now has a crucial role in driving forward work between advanced and emerging economies to tackle the international financial and economic crisis, restore worldwide financial stability, lead the international economic recovery and secure a sustainable future for all countries.
Below are some photos from Saturdays march at Picadilly Circus. If anyone has experiences or photos from any peaceful G20 protests, please feel free to tell us about your experience and share the photos.
Earth Hour 2009
For those of you who participated, we are greatful!! The University of Westminster had great success in turning off all of the lights at all four sites of the campus, great thanks to all involved!!
Earth Hour 2009 was a great success, here is what the World Wild Life Fund posted on their site "WWF’s Earth Hour 2009 was a massive global phenomenon. Our thanks to the millions of people around the world who switched off their lights for one hour on Saturday 28 March – you sent a dramatic visual signal to world leaders that they must take urgent action on climate change. This awe-inspiring event kickstarted our efforts to secure a strong ‘global deal’ at the Copenhagen UN climate summit in December."
Below are some photos of Parliment before and after:
There was some concern voiced that an hour is not enough, I agree, it is not, but it is a start. Below is an article talking about how it is improtance of raising the issue, not always the actual grandure of the act. As WWF States, it is a great inspiration to the world leaders to know people are watching and it is time to make some real decisions on global efforts to climate change.
http://www.stevelawson.net/wordpress/2009/03/earthhour-inspiration-collective-meaning-and-the-dangers-of-virtual-absolution/
JADE Conference and Business Combat Workshop
We had great success in educating students from our university and others on what CSR is and some initiatives they could take within their universities or in an SME.
If you have any comments, photos, or stories to add- please feel free to email us at csr.westminster@gmail.com, we would be happy to feature you in our blog!
G20
As you know, the G20 is going on this week and many people are taking to the streets to march for their concerns of the current global environment. The G-20 now has a crucial role in driving forward work between advanced and emerging economies to tackle the international financial and economic crisis, restore worldwide financial stability, lead the international economic recovery and secure a sustainable future for all countries.
Below are some photos from Saturdays march at Picadilly Circus. If anyone has experiences or photos from any peaceful G20 protests, please feel free to tell us about your experience and share the photos.
Earth Hour 2009
For those of you who participated, we are greatful!! The University of Westminster had great success in turning off all of the lights at all four sites of the campus, great thanks to all involved!!
Earth Hour 2009 was a great success, here is what the World Wild Life Fund posted on their site "WWF’s Earth Hour 2009 was a massive global phenomenon. Our thanks to the millions of people around the world who switched off their lights for one hour on Saturday 28 March – you sent a dramatic visual signal to world leaders that they must take urgent action on climate change. This awe-inspiring event kickstarted our efforts to secure a strong ‘global deal’ at the Copenhagen UN climate summit in December."
Below are some photos of Parliment before and after:
There was some concern voiced that an hour is not enough, I agree, it is not, but it is a start. Below is an article talking about how it is improtance of raising the issue, not always the actual grandure of the act. As WWF States, it is a great inspiration to the world leaders to know people are watching and it is time to make some real decisions on global efforts to climate change.
http://www.stevelawson.net/wordpress/2009/03/earthhour-inspiration-collective-meaning-and-the-dangers-of-virtual-absolution/
JADE Conference and Business Combat Workshop
We had great success in educating students from our university and others on what CSR is and some initiatives they could take within their universities or in an SME.
If you have any comments, photos, or stories to add- please feel free to email us at csr.westminster@gmail.com, we would be happy to feature you in our blog!
Wednesday 25 March 2009
Biggest Party on the Planet...What Are You Doing?
Join the party!
Earth Hour is this Saturday 28 March from 8:30-9:30 and well over 1 Billion people are said to be participating, don't be left out!!
There are lots of fun things you and your friends and family could do to partake in this historic global movement!! You could have a candle light dinner made with fair-trade goods, play charades by candlelight, a good game of torch tag, or have a "lights out" party with green themed drinks, like an Eco-tini.
Whomever comes up with the most creative activity, please submit a photo and a brief description of what you did and we will feature you on our blog!!
The University will be participating and turning off lights between 8:30 and 9:30 pm, taking a step towards being a greener place. This is a university wide initiative, led by Estates & Facilities and Tomorrow's Leaders - a student-led project focusing on sustainability and responsibility.
Enjoy Earth Hour and we look forward to seeing what all of you get up to!!
For more information and plenty of fun ideas for how to spend the hour look at : http://earthhour.wwf.org.uk/
Earth Hour is this Saturday 28 March from 8:30-9:30 and well over 1 Billion people are said to be participating, don't be left out!!
There are lots of fun things you and your friends and family could do to partake in this historic global movement!! You could have a candle light dinner made with fair-trade goods, play charades by candlelight, a good game of torch tag, or have a "lights out" party with green themed drinks, like an Eco-tini.
Whomever comes up with the most creative activity, please submit a photo and a brief description of what you did and we will feature you on our blog!!
The University will be participating and turning off lights between 8:30 and 9:30 pm, taking a step towards being a greener place. This is a university wide initiative, led by Estates & Facilities and Tomorrow's Leaders - a student-led project focusing on sustainability and responsibility.
Enjoy Earth Hour and we look forward to seeing what all of you get up to!!
For more information and plenty of fun ideas for how to spend the hour look at : http://earthhour.wwf.org.uk/
Monday 16 March 2009
Thanks to everyone who came to Cavendish and Regent for the Green Revolution Meetings!
It was a fantastic hearing people's ideas and we are currently working on putting together a list of what was discussed. So check be sure your inboxes next week and send us your thoughts and perhaps what you would like to do.
The Green Revolution is coming to Harrow tomorrow. To get on board, simply come around to the bar at 5pm for a chat.
For all those at Marylebone, we shall be at Intermission at 5pm on Thursday.
Come one, come all, and lets go green!
It was a fantastic hearing people's ideas and we are currently working on putting together a list of what was discussed. So check be sure your inboxes next week and send us your thoughts and perhaps what you would like to do.
The Green Revolution is coming to Harrow tomorrow. To get on board, simply come around to the bar at 5pm for a chat.
For all those at Marylebone, we shall be at Intermission at 5pm on Thursday.
Come one, come all, and lets go green!
Thursday 5 March 2009
Green Revolution!
Concerned about the environment?
Addicted to green?
Wondering about recycling?
Unsure of what to do with the stuff you don't need anymore?
Want to help make the university a more environmentally friendly and sustainable place?
Good news: the Tomorrow's Leaders project is launching a Green Revolution. The idea is to get together all your ideas, creative or practical, and work on concrete ways in which we can make the place we study and work in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly one.
Interested? Thoughts? Ideas? Suggestions?
Come share them with us:
Monday 9th March @ Cavendish 5 pm
Wednesday 11th March @ Regent 5 pm
Thursday 12th March @ Marylebone 5 pm
Monday 17th March @ Harrow 5 pm
Stay tuned for more details!
Addicted to green?
Wondering about recycling?
Unsure of what to do with the stuff you don't need anymore?
Want to help make the university a more environmentally friendly and sustainable place?
Good news: the Tomorrow's Leaders project is launching a Green Revolution. The idea is to get together all your ideas, creative or practical, and work on concrete ways in which we can make the place we study and work in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly one.
Interested? Thoughts? Ideas? Suggestions?
Come share them with us:
Monday 9th March @ Cavendish 5 pm
Wednesday 11th March @ Regent 5 pm
Thursday 12th March @ Marylebone 5 pm
Monday 17th March @ Harrow 5 pm
Stay tuned for more details!
Friday 27 February 2009
Tomorrow's Leaders: CSR
Hello! Welcome to the Tomorrow's Leaders: CSR Westminster Blog!
What is CSR you ask?
CSR stands for Corporate Social Responsibility. It addresses environmental, social and economic sustainability with in and around a business. University of Westminster's CSR programme is called Responsibility in Action.
As of September 2008, the University has been building momentum in their CSR programme, aiming for Sustainability of the University while getting students and staff involved in taking action! After all, the best way to get results is to get people involved!!
The Tomorrow's Leaders Programme aims to increase all of our knowledge of sustainability and social & community issues by coming together and educating each other! (students, academics and staff alike)
How will I fit into the equation you say?
It is true that everyone has something to contribute. While some may have more knowledge then others on environmental/social/ and economic initiatives, others may be more creative and entrepreneurial, and others still just wanting to get involved or learn more....THIS is the beauty of the Tomorrow's Leaders Programme - There is a need and a place for all of us to make our university and community the best possible place!
The ethos of this programme is that great ideas start with completely unrealistic thoughts, so feel free to contact us with any idea that you would like to undertake. After all, this is our project, as the community of the University of Westminster.
But, How?
There are a number of ways you can make your ideas heard and implemented. Take this blog for instance, everyone is welcome to post their thoughts, comments, suggestions, and ideas anytime. Alternatively you could contact the CSR Project Coordinators (Shelby and Gayatri) by email: csr.westminster@gmail.com
Better still, to be in the loop for news and events, you can join our Facebook group (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/profile.php?id=1463620023&ref=ts) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSRWestminster)
Watch this space for our website which is currently under construction.
Looking forward to hearing you ideas!
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