An international project supported by the European Commission is taking bike recycling to a new level and fostering stronger international connections between local bike recycling organisations. The Talking Bikes project is aimed at giving people from different cycling countries opportunities to meet, share information and experiences and build cultural bridges. Language training is a key aspect of the programme, and participants are encouraged to learn each others’ respective tongues. Tyneside organisation Recyke Y’Bike saves bicycles from landfills, giving them new leases on life. The group also promote cycling as an environmentally-friendly form of transport. As part of the Talking Bikes programme, ... Full Story

Students at 40 schools in Ealing have been instrumental in keeping 80 tonnes of waste out of landfills. Thanks to the pupils and a recycling programme launched just a year ago, 32 tonnes of cardboard waste and 49 tonnes of food have avoided ending up in landfills this year. The recycling scheme was kicked off at the beginning of the 2009/2010 school year by Ealing Council. To begin with, only 15 schools were part of the programme, but another 25 schools joined during the year. Green-thinking kids have already demonstrated the hugely beneficial effect of their recycling efforts. Ealing Council is now ... Full Story

A photograph of Everest taken by a mountaineer in 1921 has revealed alarming loss of ice. The Asia Society (AS) arranged for climber George Mallory’s photo to be mimicked exactly in a bid to compare how Mount Everest looked in the 1920s to now. In a statement, AS said the loss of ice in the Himalaya was “startling” and that the rate of melting over the past 89 years has been “alarming.”   Mallory took ... Full Story

Defra says it can contribute to economy by helping to cultivate a green economy that can withstand climate change. Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman announced that Defra’s strategy for helping the nation rebuild its way out of the economic depressed economy puts the green economy at its core. Prime Minister David Cameron joined Mrs Spelman to publish the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs Structural Plan, under which, Defra intends to make sure that economic growth is maintained in conjunction with environmental conservation and boosting the competitiveness of the entire food chain. The Structural Reform Plan (SRP) outlines three priorities for the department. ... Full Story

A solar-powered plane has landed in Switzerland after setting a record for time spent in flight, a whopping 26 hours. The aircraft took-off on Wednesday, and is the first step in the ultimate goal of developing an aircraft that can circumnavigate the globe using only power generated by the sun. Not only did the plane top previous flying duration records, it also set a new height record as well, as it soared at an altitude of 8,700m at its apex. The aeronautic marvel has 12,000 solar panels on its wings to keep its four engines fuelled for the duration of its ... Full Story

A leading car rental company has set up an environmental information website to respond to growing customer concerns about green motoring issues. Avis UK’s micro-site follows research which found that 64 per cent of Europeans want to protect the environment. This figure is up from just 55 per cent in 2007. The company claims that the creation of the micro-site marks the next step in its commitment to become more environmentally responsible. The website will share information on what Avis has been doing over the past ten years to prevent spills and leaks, reduce emissions, recycle and cut waste. Drivers can also ... Full Story

A new research study, conducted by ABTA and the Travel Foundation, revealed that many Brits completely forget to recycle while holidaying. Nearly 90 per cent of people polled said that despite regularly recycling cans, bottles and papers in the home, less than half of them also recycle while abroad. One of every five holidaymakers admitted that while on break they do not even consider the environment. The findings are part of a larger campaign to 'make holidays greener' during an awareness week from 26 June to 3 July. The national campaign, being run by the Travel Foundation, will urge people to be ... Full Story

Environment Minister Lord Henley gave a statement today, saying that school children would serve as examples across the country by engaging in eco-friendly behaviour. The minister was speaking at the Eco-Schools Conference as he met with youngsters at the annual fair. Students working to save the environment by saving water, growing plants, and cutting down on waste were awarded for their efforts at the conference. Over 2,000 pupils were in attendance at the conference, which was held at East of England Showground near Peterborough. Activities and workshops were offered and was sponsored by Keep Britain Tidy, an eco-charity. The annual conference was launched ... Full Story

As Recycle Week takes off on Monday, the theme for the campaign has been announced - 'Love your electricals'. Based on research compiled by Recycle Now, the national recycling scheme, examining people's attitudes towards small electrical devices, such as mobile handsets, MP3 players, and laptops, it was discovered that many hold onto such items long after they use them. Of the respondents, 40 per cent said it was too sad to part with such an item, even once it had been made redundant. Another 41 per cent felt the electronic may come in handy later, and 23 per cent thought the item ... Full Story

As WRAP's Recycle Week kicks off at the end of this month, Innocent will partner to support the recycling body's campaign. Innocent has joined up with WRAP to create a limited-edition label that features a brand character on the recycling-logo. Dubbed the 'recycled dude', he will replace Innocent's benchmark 'dude' character for the month of June. Featured on all of the company's bottles, 'recycled dude' will promote good recycling habits and sustainable living. At the base of the label, Innocent has included the phrase 'Supporting Recycle Week 21st-27th June 2010'. Louise Adams, sustainability manager for Innocent, said that the company has always ... Full Story

As SITA UK continues to search for methods that will cut down on waste and boost recycling, it has been concluded that education still remains the most effective way to breed avid recyclers. In a survey, sponsored by leading waste management firm SITA UK, education came out as the dominant tool to improving recycling. The results are released just a week after the new coalition government abandoned Labour's plans to implement fines in favour of a rewards-based approach. SITA UK will launch a second survey that will look at barriers currently facing the waste management infrastructure developments. In all 46 respondents participated ... Full Story

A charity worker in Burnley has saved loads of old school equipment from landfill in order to help kids in Africa. The Burnley-based charity has already made 25 shipments of desks, computers, blackboards, sporting equipment, and chairs to Ghana, Kenya, and Pakistan. Terry Burns, former Lancashire County councillor, launched the charity, Furniture for Education Worldwide just over three years ago and since has made good on his promise to reach children in developing countries who need school supplies. Burns, 51, said that the 25th shipment, a 40ft container, will soon be on its way to various schools in The Gambia carrying tons ... Full Story