Environment

by ding donging your bell on 9th September. Ding Day is a day for London cyclists to ring their bells with impunity, to say hello to other cyclists and be happy that they’re not stuck in a stuffy bus, tube or car.

against toxic trade to stop the UK’s electrical waste being dumped in developing countries.

Computeraid International have recently launched a campaign calling on the UK government to tighten up the WEEE directive and take action to prevent the UK’s electrical waste (e-waste) being illegally exported and dumped in countries such as Ghana, Nigeria and China.

Computer Aid’s mission is to reduce poverty through practical ICT solutions. Modern economic development is not possible without information and communication technologies, but we must put a stop to this shameful abuse of non tested and faulty equipment being dumped in the developing world.

Further information

Computeraid International

Tell Boris not to scrap the western extension of the congestion charge. The congestion charge works for cycling, but it risks being scrapped. It is essential that you make your views known to the TfL consultation.

London Mayor, Boris Johnson has asked for your views, so don’t lose this chance to support the congestion charge.

The original central London congestion charge led to an immediate reduction in motor vehicle traffic and a 30% increase in cycling. Pollution levels went down and the health of Londoners went up. The congestion charge raises vital income to support sustainable transport and a more liveable London.

The western extension of the congestion charge encouraged cycling and initially resulted in a 20% decrease in congestion. Major roadworks in the area have reduced the congestion impact, but without the charge congestion would be far far worse.

The Mayor and his advisors are known to be critical of the congestion charge. Boris Johnson is asking for views on whether the western extension should remain as it is; should be removed; or whether it should be altered. None of the alterations suggested in the consultation will reduce congestion and may even increase it.

London is renowned globally for the political courage in introducing congestion charging. Don’t let things slip back and see worse conditions for cycling and growth in motor traffic, congestion and pollution.

London Cycling Campaign is calling on the Mayor to retain the western congestion zone and strengthen its impact on reducing congestion.

LCC wants:

* Retention of the western extension and of the current operating hours * Action to reduce congestion caused by travel between the western extension and the central zone. This means separating the two zones, charging separately for each zone, with a discount for drivers and zone residents travelling across both zones * Measures to capitalise on the road space freed-up by congestion charging, such as reallocating the space to cycling, walking and making streets and public spaces people-friendly

You’ll find LCC’s official responseat www.lcc.org.uk

The congestion charge has been central to promoting cycling and making London more pleasant. We can and must stop it being rolled back.

Make your views known at: TfL consultation

When you visit the TfL consultation website, you need not be constrained by the options given to you in the questionnaire. If you share our views, we suggest you tick the box for ‘keep the western extension as it is’, and then use the space on the next page to suggest changes, such as those we list above.

Act now, to make London a better city for cyclists

Save money and time by upgrading your computer rather than buying a new one.

Help to protect the environment by preventing unnecessary e-waste and save yourself money at the same time!

The energy required to produce a new computer is enough to run a computer for 10 years, and the energy saved by extending the life of your computer by a year could run it for 2 years. Watch the campaign video to find out more.

From bicycle parades and green blogging to rainwater harvesting and walking: Make 5th June a zero emissions day!

and help raise awareness about organic farming for a sustainable future for ourselves, our children, our environment and our planet.
During Welly Week everyone is invited to host a welly walk or wear their wellies to work and celebrate all that’s good about organic farming, gardening and food! Garden Organic are asking people to donate a pound for each day they wear their wellies to work. Go to the website to register and find out more..

The smell wafting over South East England may be from Dutch farmers spreading slurry, and could become an annual event if the Government goes ahead with its plan to ban winter slurry spreading.

says an investigation by ActionAid into the activities of the world’s biggest platinum mining company. The ActionAid report details how the local Bapedi community have lost access to their main means of livelihood – land and a safe water supply.

Swedish scientists have found trangenic oilseed rape plants still growing in a field despite a decade of intensive efforts to remove them. “We should assume that GM organisms cannot be confined, and ask instead what will become of them when they escape.” said Prof Mark Westoby. “The government must now tear up its weak proposals for the ‘coexistence’ of GM with organic and conventional crops, and put in place tough rules that protect GM-free food and farming.” said FoE. FSA declares GM rice unsafe

The Home Office has recently released a consultation paper to gauge the public’s feelings around protesting in and around Parliament. You are invited to let your thoughts and feelings be known. And the BBC is asking its readers to vote whether a third runway and sixth terminal should be built at Heathrow.