tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79366956252785431582024-02-19T10:39:25.991+00:00Laura's ecoescapeLaura Greenman is founder of green travel website ecoescape.orgLaura Greenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10971061071996764692noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936695625278543158.post-91966321626942837822010-05-27T18:51:00.007+01:002010-05-27T19:02:45.363+01:00To the Magnetic North<a href="http://www.magneticnorth.travel/"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 142px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476011723197861746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdOBPbNlumZUkiFewlKQSUQxhmupRAPUFwonn9ISMgJupQVOcyfLnwaIXQTCiBC3UbcrBo81BrXrvvQ9gcaOGTNP0KuQAJh2dAvJ3493SRjWsVMUv1DFEOyAgFy4uQ2YuYaPcuTvF3s7w/s200/MN_logotype.jpg" /></a> With a certain sadness, I will be leaving this blog for th<a href="http://www.magneticnorth.travel/"></a>e time being. It's been fun, and I'm sure I'll return. But other duties call, namely my new travel venture - <a href="http://www.magneticnorth.travel/">Magnetic North</a> which has been bubbling away in the background for a while now and is finally ready for the big wide world. Magnetic North Travel embodies all the sustainable values that I've created within Ecoescape, but packages it all up into unique, memorable holiday experiences to Norway, Scotland, Sweden, Iceland and other rugged Northern places. I really hope you'll join me on this new adventure - come to fjords, forests and islands. View the Northern Lights or learn about how people have lived in nature. Or if you can't join us in the North just yet, please continue to support Ecoescape over at <a href="http://www.ecoescape.org/">http://www.ecoescape.org/</a> - we've just re-launched the website with a fresh look and feel.<br />Thanks for reading, and see you in the Magnetic North! <a href="http://www.magneticnorth.travel/">http://www.magneticnorth.travel/</a><br /><br /><div><div><br /><br /><br /><div>Laura Greenman</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Laura Greenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10971061071996764692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936695625278543158.post-48381005248306822392009-11-19T08:51:00.001+00:002009-11-19T08:52:10.974+00:00My top 5 tips for social entrepreneurs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxbajUZN01RDH4BNmRDkQCp5peXElCL5FqDeZaPvSXeQ_fa1oWYP9AIsCExk-0VYddIf9ghRdKSPTSEDrhJnmdFoVXXSRnlT2fHW6wboItEbFYcR3ZfMC8lSxcWglDcAm_vVbFsqhF34/s1600/gew_logo_2009.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 162px; height: 136px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxbajUZN01RDH4BNmRDkQCp5peXElCL5FqDeZaPvSXeQ_fa1oWYP9AIsCExk-0VYddIf9ghRdKSPTSEDrhJnmdFoVXXSRnlT2fHW6wboItEbFYcR3ZfMC8lSxcWglDcAm_vVbFsqhF34/s200/gew_logo_2009.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405453817203429650" border="0" /></a><img src="file:///C:/Users/Laura/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg" alt="" />Today is Social Enterprise day as part of <a href="http://www.gew.org.uk/">Global Entrepreneurship Week</a>. One thing’s for sure is <img src="file:///C:/Users/Laura/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.jpg" alt="" />that the social enterprise sector is growing. As people reject behaviour demonstrated by the banks, and look for more meaningful ways to make a living and to live, social enterprise has been the obvious answer. This is demonstrated in part by the increased awareness around social investment.<br /><br />It would appear that investors from many private and public backgrounds are looking to invest their cash in social enterprises. I’ve recently been to two conferences (<a href="http://www.good-dealsuk.com/">here</a> and <a href="http://www.clearlyso.com/">here</a>) that have talked about just that. In fact, there’s talk of <a href="http://www.socialenterpriselive.com/section/news/good-deals-09-we-should-play-win-%C2%A330bn-social-investment-uk">huge sums of money</a> that can potentially be re-directed to social enterprise. So are we sat at the edge of a big opportunity? I think that this remains to be seen. But what I have picked up are a few key points that can indicate success for social entrepreneurs. Here’s my list.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Look to the long term in everything you do.</span><br />Exit strategies are not common speak in social enterprise strategies. I think there are a number of reasons for this. First off, to run a successful social enterprise, you need to have commitment and not to be afraid of being in it for the long-term. A three year plan with exit strategy just ain’t going to cut the mustard at the moment. Why? Well, running a social enterprise is tough. Let’s face it. We’re taking into account lots of complex ideas and factors that make running our businesses difficult, but potentially hugely rewarding too. So looking to the long-term is important – whether it’s for investment, projects, suppliers, or contracts.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Measure, measure and measure again</span><br />SROI – social return on investment is the weapon in your armoury that can bring good things – from finance and contracts to funding and PR opportunities. Set up a key list of impacts and ensure you can measure them – i.e. how many people have you helped, how much money has gone into supporting local communities etc. And keep the data current, and don’t be afraid to publicise your achievements too.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Keep politics at arm’s length</span><br />One of the questions at a recent conference was, what difference would a Conservative government make to the social enterprise agenda? And I say, who cares? If we’re going to prove ourselves as business owners, we need to generate income and be independent of political agendas. In other words, know when politics can help you, but don’t rely on it, for goodness sake. Some would disagree – especially those who rely on public sector contracts, but that’s quite scary in itself. We need to compete on a level playing field with other businesses and develop skills which will help us to do so.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Scale vs localism</span><br />Grassroots is a common term used among social entrepreneurs. It gives the impression of people running projects within a tightly-knit community in one geographical location with limited budget and scope to replicate. I think, while community projects such as these are interesting and important, the grassroots movement is more than this. It’s about working within a context and developing an understanding of a group of people or the issues of a place. Take Ecoescape for example, we’re based in Nottingham but our work covers the whole of the UK and Ireland. Despite this, we’re seen as quite a grassroots organisation having been started on a shoestring based on a need and opportunity. However, our challenge is to remain relevant to our communities and beneficiaries whilst having a broad reach. This way, we can continue to operate in a way that has impact and longevity. If an idea can be scaled, then why not?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. Have a track record</span><br />Don’t just start a social enterprise because you think it would be a cool thing to do, or you just want ‘to do good’. You must, above all, have an interest and developed experience in one area – whether this is in a private, public or third sector organisation. Having a track record and commitment to one field will help enormously as you develop your business. Once you do set up the social enterprise, keep a portfolio of your achievements including press coverage, awards, funding, and milestones. And create a management team that has a broad range of expertise and skills. It helped us to draw a matrix of all the areas that we needed to run the business (e.g. finance, marketing, operations etc) and work out where the gaps were.<br /><br />Ecoescape is a <a href="http://www.cicregulator.gov.uk/">Community Interest Company</a>. This is a relatively new legal structure allowing companies to trade but with a not-for-profit status. All <a href="http://www.ecoescape.org/">Ecoescape’s</a> profits, in fact, go back to the community and projects that we support. We believed that the CIC model best represented the way we wanted to run our business – the first of its kind in the travel industry! Obviously you don’t have to run a social enterprise as a Community Interest Company – there are other legal and equity structures which support companies that have strong social and environmental aims. We’re aiming to be self-sufficient which means that the support of our suppliers and readers is crucial. We’re lucky to have so many loyal people behind us.Laura Greenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10971061071996764692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936695625278543158.post-24949827866218620172009-10-15T14:50:00.000+01:002009-10-15T14:57:56.943+01:00A sustainable 2012 Games?Recently I took part in a sustainability tour of the 2012 Olympic Park as part of Greengaged Week. The tour was led by Dan Epstein who is the Head of Sustainability at the Olympic Delivery Authority. We all hopped on a special Olympic bus which carts various groups around the park to view it at various stages of development. We were interested in the sustainable features and materials that were used as part of this epic build. And epic it is when you see for yourself the stadiums and buildings slowly emerging on the landscape. <br /><object width="320" height="265"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dsfEVCy5pkc&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dsfEVCy5pkc&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="320" height="265"></embed></object><br /><br />As the bus wound its way around the East London site, Dan not only gave us a fantastic update on the progress that was being made by the ODA but also pointed out some impressive eco-credentials that had been put in place. Everyone involved in the project has to commit to creating a sustainable games. It’s a pretty ambitious aim when you think about all the suppliers involved. But Dan is confident that the contractors he works with see the benefits of using sustainable materials and thinking about the lifecycle of buildings. In fact, many of the big contractors have used the opportunity to introduce sustainable practices within their businesses using the 18 KPIs that Dan has set for them.<br /><br />The most impressive aspect of the tour was understanding how materials have been recycled or used in a way that takes a long view. The ODA scrutinises every material used in the Park through monitoring contractor invoices and carrying out site inspections. It’s tough love that’s for sure. But it’s something that the legacy of the Games can use in the future and be proud of. I liked the fact that buildings could be deconstructed after the games and used elsewhere - like the main stadium. The buildings and open spaces will be part of the community’s future too. Sounds good, no?<br /><br />The ODA will finish their work in the Park in a year’s time. The buildings will have been built and the green spaces laid out. The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games will take the reigns to organise an event to hopefully remember. But what will visitors remember? My guess is that it will be a plethora of things: travelling to London, travelling around London, seeing some world-class sport, medals, buildings, people etc. A general buzz will keep people interested and inspired, no matter how far they’ve travelled. When you watch any Olympic Games on the TV, I think viewers should really get a sense of the atmosphere and hum-drum – if they don’t, it has failed.<br /><br />So how will London inspire people? I think green issues will play a big role in promoting this aspirational, future-thinking event. For the first time, if the Games can’t show the world how to live and work sustainably, they never will. So I’m keeping a close eye on how things unfold until 2012 asking difficult questions and hoping that the Games will deliver on all fronts: entertainment, opportunities to learn and, most importantly, hope for the future.Laura Greenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10971061071996764692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936695625278543158.post-42537286299790190312009-09-10T15:07:00.000+01:002009-09-14T12:16:38.774+01:00Say hello to our first PURE Digital Winner<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQtJwyGmFiCgPU5-RMUvYnbwtOMtHdarO1q0TQTVbw6vfrhH8Wbm2DD4aSkBcKobdpvy8rfUJDpdkh-mwxLwtF7aS7v7xnbNRnBTHfnUEiISFXyuVUS_0PElaf3djWleGP_Ow-NZiBqGM/s1600-h/Thomas+Waddington+Michael+R+Peters.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQtJwyGmFiCgPU5-RMUvYnbwtOMtHdarO1q0TQTVbw6vfrhH8Wbm2DD4aSkBcKobdpvy8rfUJDpdkh-mwxLwtF7aS7v7xnbNRnBTHfnUEiISFXyuVUS_0PElaf3djWleGP_Ow-NZiBqGM/s200/Thomas+Waddington+Michael+R+Peters.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379840798675242866" border="0" /></a>This is Thomas and he's just won £500 to go on an Ecoescape of his choosing! Thomas had to work for his prize though, as his challenge was to sell as many <a href="http://www.pure.com/">PURE Digital radios</a> as he could for the month of June. And he did it! So he'll be off on his ecoescape adventure very soon.<br />Thomas is the first of our year-long trade incentive winners in conjunction with PURE Digital. Their aim is to reward their independant retailers while promoting the energy efficiency of their radios. In fact, did you know that you can run four, yes four, PURE digital radios on less power than one low energy lightbulb? Amazing, and something PURE should be proud of as we work hard to reduce our environmental footprints. If you'd like to find out more about their radios, go to <a href="http://www.pure.com/">www.pure.com</a>.Laura Greenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10971061071996764692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936695625278543158.post-76073537836076268262009-08-17T17:24:00.000+01:002009-08-17T17:35:02.190+01:00Radical Nature Exhibition<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFq9u8MALKB5FN8Fb7idZ4eHhllIGbnQ0uWFG-hw0apBUbSFbqDxamthpuT0JlW62z7CnCqcmUxGZn7An4UH2nCidHqV4ow8cgUwB1sgm2ioxlvxJO_q6t4DsrT-8_zeep9wsuj241IPo/s1600-h/RadicalNature01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFq9u8MALKB5FN8Fb7idZ4eHhllIGbnQ0uWFG-hw0apBUbSFbqDxamthpuT0JlW62z7CnCqcmUxGZn7An4UH2nCidHqV4ow8cgUwB1sgm2ioxlvxJO_q6t4DsrT-8_zeep9wsuj241IPo/s200/RadicalNature01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370970014265512050" border="0" /></a>Art and Architecture for a Changing Planet 1969 - 2009<br /><br />The Barbican is currently host to a captivating exhibition that runs inside the art gallery as well as off-site in a corner of Dalston. The exhibition crosses decades of thought that explores the boundaries of Land Art, enviromentalism and architecture. Inside you'll find ways that nature has influenced design and how design has been imposed on nature. Sometimes it's difficult to see where the two differ. The theme feels like a work in prog<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmD1FNNJffAaSaSZbRyPlKZPZ9J0Q0NnVvlR-lCfr7ogUhKsNkFiZSJm2ko_1EK2Mlzy5YL9rrOsYNXElyJUBjKps-DWjQH6oyr2wF7TM_0bZ2XjJQ48vmNYDxNSfEGA9JCPiTlLPNYlA/s1600-h/RadicalNature02.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmD1FNNJffAaSaSZbRyPlKZPZ9J0Q0NnVvlR-lCfr7ogUhKsNkFiZSJm2ko_1EK2Mlzy5YL9rrOsYNXElyJUBjKps-DWjQH6oyr2wF7TM_0bZ2XjJQ48vmNYDxNSfEGA9JCPiTlLPNYlA/s200/RadicalNature02.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370971548762427810" border="0" /></a>ress and this exhibition is just a snapshot into the evolving world of living structures. It's well worth a visit and the Barbican is an excellent venue for it. And if you've got time, hop on a bus to Dalston to visit the Dalston Mill - a disused site turned into a wheatfield and functioning windmill that produces flour and bread (right).<br /><br />For more info, click on <a href="http://www.barbican.org.uk">www.barbican.org.uk</a>Laura Greenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10971061071996764692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936695625278543158.post-31099667726710615462009-07-28T10:34:00.000+01:002009-07-28T10:52:33.611+01:00A Third Culture could save us?According to Seed Magazine, 50 years ago there was a significant chasm between scientists and intellectuals or humanists. It was a case of 'them and us' when it came to agreeing the world's biggest problems or theories. 50 years on, we wonder if the chasm has closed and instead a third arena has appeared which bridges this once dangerous divide.<br /><br />It's an interesting point at which to view how science and the humanities can work together to tackle today's challenges like climate change and poverty. Perhaps it is indeed the future and one which gives me a hope as I've struggled at times with pure scientific theory in attempting to put it into some kind of seemingly hopeless human or environmental struggle. Being open to science will be crucial and I'll make it my mission.<br /><br /><embed src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/seedplayer/seedPlayer_320x240.swf?xmlURL=http://s3.amazonaws.com/seedtwocultures/data/stc_introduction_e.xml&width=320&height=240&autoPlay=0" quality="high" scale="showall" salign="lt" bgcolor="#000000" name="seedPlayer" allowscriptaccess="sameDomain" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" width="320" height="240"></embed><br /><a href="http://www.seedmagazine.com/twocultures/"><img src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/seedtwocultures/misc/footer_two-cultures.png" style="border: 0pt none ; margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt;" alt="Seedmagazine.com" border="0" width="320" height="24" /></a>Laura Greenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10971061071996764692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936695625278543158.post-33858898520763567262009-07-24T09:07:00.000+01:002009-07-24T09:20:33.376+01:00Greenage AngstThe youth of today do care. That's according to a new report called "The Rise of the Greenager" by Xtreme Insight Youth. Commissioned by The Big Lottery Fund among others, the report explores the issues occupying today's youngsters and how the future might look when they're in charge. I think it might be pretty good if the predictions are correct:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.futerra.co.uk/downloads/Green_article.pdf"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 142px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheUkTKzFy6EDVO_KrIYbIRVJoiGh2MnRs8fcqZSlBmZv9FPPExAi4n4KBIoxmrDS3daPEvguR7eo7YVKuCh-sFvImQfX1m_hfZaz0AIBP3T_qoeOE830niORzV-PYhBdZHE1YYqVpVrw4/s200/greenager.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361938025033795954" border="0" /></a><ul><li>70% will refuse to work for companies that do not behave ethically</li><li>three quarters aim to run a low-carbon household</li><li>over half (54%) will spend and invest their money with companies that behave ethically, while a further 46 percent want to own eco-cars.</li></ul>It will be interesting to see if these predictions weigh true if today's youth are confronted with the pressures of work, family and society at large. Interestingly, "13 percent supported a ban on travelling by air for leisure purposes".<br /><br />Ed Gillespie, Co-founder of Futerra Sustainability Communications, also gives his thoughts on the debate saying that issues of self-esteem, fear of crime and unemployment also feature highly on the youth agenda and should be taken into account.<br /><br />To read and download the report <a href="http://www.futerra.co.uk/downloads/Green_article.pdf">click here.</a>Laura Greenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10971061071996764692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936695625278543158.post-85694516823723773432009-07-20T17:35:00.000+01:002009-07-20T17:50:03.076+01:00Location Aware Bikes - The Copenhagen Wheel<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://senseable.mit.edu/copenhagenwheel/"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJbLJ5bX0JHGH_uqvujRVc11njQNUhTJRRsc7Cm47QozSe6oexIk2ubldGWchAaDRw8r2u49qAD6KOIHa6-f96ChQRbVhey3UTGOqApZfNvJ3DlnHEoA6nf8nDhTZhYxDK95pZMdFDu0/s200/senseable1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360584034789590882" border="0" /></a>Where else in the world would you be able to test out the madly wonderful idea of location aware cycling but Copenhagen? The mad professors at MIT shunned their Boston locality to test out some of their most exciting ever cycling projects, all bubbling away nicely in their SENSEable <a href="http://senseable.mit.edu/"TARGET="_blank">City Lab</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://senseable.mit.edu/copenhagenwheel/">The Copenhagen Wheel</a> is all about creating connections between the city's cyclists through clever location-aware devices embedded into the wheels of the bicycles. The devices will help map the flow of cycle traffic around this cycle-mad city and contribute to creating an even more cycle-friendly and sustainable Danish capital. Exciting, huh?<br /><br />The electric wheels can be retrofitted into any normal bicycle. They contain location and environmental sensors which are powered by the bike wheel and in turn provide data for a variety of applications, not least to connect with your Facebook contacts while on the go. It'll also make it fiendishly difficult for thieves to make off into the sunset with your beloved wheels.<br /><br />We'll be watching their space for updates on the project. For now, go to <a href="http://senseable.mit.edu/copenhagenwheel/">http://senseable.mit.edu/copenhagenwheel</a> for more info.Laura Greenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10971061071996764692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936695625278543158.post-3273442755037751372009-07-02T11:19:00.000+01:002009-07-02T17:38:09.472+01:00Loved up in Scandinavia<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirErM4lX582b-P86uCYAAzYLah9IYHtSBOz0KIP28tvTW3Vm_TBJb5omRVtEHwAnXpA51_Rn7QYQ5JuEsiqCwjdtrN1GIbfSla10uUW2CIghAiUFmLEDvbtzr3UH3HDkc10oeOBKZvl_s/s1600-h/3681458952_72e3613143_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirErM4lX582b-P86uCYAAzYLah9IYHtSBOz0KIP28tvTW3Vm_TBJb5omRVtEHwAnXpA51_Rn7QYQ5JuEsiqCwjdtrN1GIbfSla10uUW2CIghAiUFmLEDvbtzr3UH3HDkc10oeOBKZvl_s/s200/3681458952_72e3613143_m.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353857849673861938" border="0" /></a>Not the typical honeymoon destination, granted. But Scandinavia (well, Denmark and Sweden) proved to be an excellent place to recharge the batteries and experience of bit of what my husband and I now refer to as 'infrastructure' tourism.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPosnsp55z0RkA1YlW1WmRu556L5JeKsO01uc0hLc-Hq67LUK04YQtIra9mNvDRV-t6Sg7kKn0Y8eNezpgzJeJQ2XjGAmdkYjwh25XdmoqUCwUX5uBIpGaJm13O-QRvnek3M1hWSomrU/s1600-h/3680783975_6068e3ff77_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPosnsp55z0RkA1YlW1WmRu556L5JeKsO01uc0hLc-Hq67LUK04YQtIra9mNvDRV-t6Sg7kKn0Y8eNezpgzJeJQ2XjGAmdkYjwh25XdmoqUCwUX5uBIpGaJm13O-QRvnek3M1hWSomrU/s200/3680783975_6068e3ff77_m.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353858615930071954" border="0" /></a>Our aim clearly wasn't to fly, flop and fry in the sunshine. That was soon proved right as we arrived in Copenhagen (by ferry and train) to be greeted with the highest levels of rainfall that the city had seen in over 50 years. It rained and didn't stop for a long, long time. So what started as denial-wear (cue new summer wardrobe) ended in waterproofs from head to toe, dawn until dusk. But still, what we do best as Brits is grin and bare the weather in all its extremities, or sheer persistence in this case. And so, our flashpacking tour of Nordic infrastructure wasn't impeded, it was just a bit damp.<br /><br />The first point that I'll make is an obvious one, but cycling in Denmark makes a huge difference to the way its cities work. Cycling is the default transport mode. I knew I'd love it. But seeing it all in action really makes you think, 'well why don't we do this in the UK'? It will take commitment from the government and long-term thinking. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rItU5cH8lXZkmAfdfJckFGSeWWsvxZ5jwn00dOozLFC0x0W6akqCoExZAT_LeZQnAKEmSiS6T8uVUUwWmZS5Is2pZQ_O-Fa_ifyzkGpNaMRfAAfna2xnc_qNFJ3Liaa3skgSerCfF-A/s1600-h/3681456776_a5fcfab85e_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rItU5cH8lXZkmAfdfJckFGSeWWsvxZ5jwn00dOozLFC0x0W6akqCoExZAT_LeZQnAKEmSiS6T8uVUUwWmZS5Is2pZQ_O-Fa_ifyzkGpNaMRfAAfna2xnc_qNFJ3Liaa3skgSerCfF-A/s200/3681456776_a5fcfab85e_m.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353859178097587202" border="0" /></a>Something that politicians here can't quite grasp as elections take precedence over good ideas. The infrastructure for cycling needs us to admit: 'We need to stop driving around cities and prioritise bicycles'. Can you imagine? Cycling utopia really grips you when you visit Copenhagen and other cities in Denmark (Aarhus was another one). It really is the perfect back-drop to this year's <a href="http://en.cop15.dk/">COP15</a>.<br /><br />It is worth mentioning at this point that my husband is an ethnographer. Often confused with espionage, ethnography as a research method is excellent at pointing things out by immersing one's self in or around the 'other'. Or becoming the ‘other’ in some cases. As travellers in Denmark and Sweden, we can report back on what we see and find but as far as becoming the ‘other’, our claims are weak. But all the same, we made some observations which can be refuted as ‘merely’ a set of assumptions based on what we perceive as the differences between living in a place where you know the social practices that shape everyday life and a fantasy place where you do not know from experience the social practices. In other words, the classic ‘grass is greener’ scenarios. But we’ll make some assumptions all the same, and expect some challenges in return.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWuHAFJvN6rvcE6KzAehCHTLXnG2kkSSNvqgxmh0Ed3EWpdBaTLLJ6Wee9W7agEx6BWM0Xi6zgNARYrT-25YCD8cO0_NIX7AtzPCTWwxIrDcsH3n3H-oMWMEyw_XfSB1suwzSm1uC99A/s1600-h/3681673526_9ea39871e0_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWuHAFJvN6rvcE6KzAehCHTLXnG2kkSSNvqgxmh0Ed3EWpdBaTLLJ6Wee9W7agEx6BWM0Xi6zgNARYrT-25YCD8cO0_NIX7AtzPCTWwxIrDcsH3n3H-oMWMEyw_XfSB1suwzSm1uC99A/s200/3681673526_9ea39871e0_m.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353875455085182850" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">People get on pretty well. </span>We saw very few instances of public aggression – both passive and overt. We felt that personal space was respected even when we were close by to strangers. Yet their presence wasn’t felt. Our meal at Noma Restaurant was a classic example of this. Although being at one of the top restaurants on the planet, the atmosphere there was relaxed and fellow diners were close by. But at no point did they intrude on the enjoyment of the best meal I’ve ever tasted (oh my god, the Smoked Quails Eggs were unbelievable!).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Smaller divide between rich and poor. </span>It’s either that or the Danes are good at hiding their wealth or their poverty. Despite high taxes, their quality of life is pretty good. And cycling is a great leveller too as people ride modest bicycles (unlike fast/expensive cars that we seem to worship in the UK and judge people by).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwtgicuD4bNPiUsxYE6Tkw1z2k6oZ41YjwQ6ij4BqQsNF5jhrdz_sNG8ZYSevSCbUSRKyQOwNZ5K7LRrVTI8IgFjwovyyPXTRkohI6pEP0iTBPzaHSIm7e3zKFMqLwIIUOeS6VAtLupc/s1600-h/3681936722_92336c3172_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwtgicuD4bNPiUsxYE6Tkw1z2k6oZ41YjwQ6ij4BqQsNF5jhrdz_sNG8ZYSevSCbUSRKyQOwNZ5K7LRrVTI8IgFjwovyyPXTRkohI6pEP0iTBPzaHSIm7e3zKFMqLwIIUOeS6VAtLupc/s200/3681936722_92336c3172_m.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353878074066836242" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Children play and take risks.</span><span> And they’re not fat and stressed.</span> We sat by a beach near to an art gallery outside of Copenhagen and watched as groups of school children came down to explore. Some of them had a real sense of purpose as they scoured the beach for odds and sods. They climbed over rocks and perched on the edge of the pier under the watchful but not controlling eye of their (young and active) teachers. There was no fear of reprisal from either the teachers or the pupils who happily explored the beach.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Work and life in balance?</span> OK, so we visited at the beginning of the summer season when days are long (almost endless) and the people are gearing up for holidays. If we imagine the Scandinavians in darkness for the rest of the year, however, perhaps their productivity levels are sky high, and when May hits, they down tools for time out. But we don’t really know. But what we did notice was that people finished work before four and were spending time with family and friends. Mosebacke Bar in Stockholm at 4pm on a Tuesday afternoon was absolutely packed with demand for tables in the sun at a premium. Or take Aarhus, for example, where people wondered along the beach at all times of the day and evening to enjoy the sculpture exhibition with their families.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3RRh_zljGMdbWayBIb7E0EMmuP7jn1TO4rmtYB1QFpGFKsIuLDvi1CSjrx-mAVdvf-nCPFEJ-z1e9G6TKbkOlSLkVRQoM1eKCj6ZnAYHOK0AqW25CJeHQcV0NGepNzRwakKVxTdFvFc/s1600-h/3680787383_da10ff54be_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3RRh_zljGMdbWayBIb7E0EMmuP7jn1TO4rmtYB1QFpGFKsIuLDvi1CSjrx-mAVdvf-nCPFEJ-z1e9G6TKbkOlSLkVRQoM1eKCj6ZnAYHOK0AqW25CJeHQcV0NGepNzRwakKVxTdFvFc/s200/3680787383_da10ff54be_m.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353859905459874306" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Affordable and reliable public transport.</span> Say no more really. Except there wasn’t much point upgrading to First Class in Sweden as standard was more than ok. And everything ran to the second. Gawd damn it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Design we die for. </span>Ask Mark at <a href="http://www.danish-homestore.com/">Danish Homestore</a> in Nottingham. He’ll tell you about our unhealthy obsession of all things Danish, including lights, chairs, tables, tea towels (yes! they even make the most amazing tea towels we discovered in a Copenhagen department store). Husband Andy will explain our obsession in a curator-style way: “The Scandinavians embrace modernism (efficiency) without loosing craft skills – modern designs for living with a human/natural warmth (natural patterns of trees, leaves etc on many design products).” There you have it. Go Danish Design. It rocks.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Low crime, yet – few cameras?! </span> This must really flummox the British urban planners: ‘Er, we believe more cameras equals a safer society.’ Well, b*****ks to that because it just ain’t true. More cameras equals distrust and distrust equals lack of respect which equals crime against property and other people.<br /><br />I guess the list could go on. But for fear of ranting and criticising the UK’s short-comings too much, I thought I should let hubbie sum up:<br /><br />“From my perspective it is an interesting thought experiment to consider how different the social experience is in a country with a small population that is governed conservatively, taxed highly (compared to UK/US), values education, craft skills (traditions), play and has a strong work ethic that is balanced against encouraging non-work and time on, not time off for consumer experiences. And which also appears, at least as a phantasmagoria, to be more equal/open whilst also being capable of collective decision making.”<br /><br />An ecoescape story wouldn’t be complete without some helpful info on how to ecoescape in Sweden and Denmark. Here are just a few things we did on our flashpacking tour.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Louisiana Modern Art Gallery, outside of Copenhagen</span><br />Go and visit the exhibition on Green Architecture, running until 4 October 2009.<br /><a href="http://www.louisiana.dk/uk/Menu/Exhibitions">www.louisiana.dk/uk/Menu/Exhibitions</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_vaaih9LWdg4b6KTXJmmJxjnUPCNWIj3rWch2H7tH8Q9GntRnrne-Alnz8MavSP5_yH2FIrLZZJUWG-GB7dVNx2DsZGauPGM9lLMyjNjgjN4OpkDw-HcSAgPBQkzcRAI2fxc-itvacg/s1600-h/3680774017_9f8e98b5a1_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_vaaih9LWdg4b6KTXJmmJxjnUPCNWIj3rWch2H7tH8Q9GntRnrne-Alnz8MavSP5_yH2FIrLZZJUWG-GB7dVNx2DsZGauPGM9lLMyjNjgjN4OpkDw-HcSAgPBQkzcRAI2fxc-itvacg/s200/3680774017_9f8e98b5a1_m.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353859339030235954" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Noma Restaurant, Copenhagen</span><br />Michelin-starred and out of this world. I’m still dreaming about Smoked Quails' Eggs. The chefs forage for some of the ingredients like beach herbs. Incredible, incredible food. But book at least 3 months in advance.<br /><a href="http://www.noma.dk/">www.noma.dk</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kolarbyn, Sweden</span><a style="font-weight: bold;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbaXUrKu7Im5sJwx3B_-UbVAPijs_e5Kut5Yc_xqqrRhqj2mFayBQeCJdpA2NU2UIRpmGii_ZaPvnCG1Wjo93csgmTwJ66aVDb_phasJt4OZEJpX1IVDhJvgaqwxmW3kvSP22K2p8T2iM/s1600-h/3681620848_161b04c292_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbaXUrKu7Im5sJwx3B_-UbVAPijs_e5Kut5Yc_xqqrRhqj2mFayBQeCJdpA2NU2UIRpmGii_ZaPvnCG1Wjo93csgmTwJ66aVDb_phasJt4OZEJpX1IVDhJvgaqwxmW3kvSP22K2p8T2iM/s200/3681620848_161b04c292_m.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353859519355778066" border="0" /></a><br />Stay in a Swedish forest in a hut. No electricity or running water. Instead a beautiful lake, natural spring, open fires, sauna and heaps of fresh air. Go wild. We had the ‘honeymoon’ suite which is a cute cabin with enormous double bed. Our 'package' included a hamper of homemade dinner and wine. <a href="http://www.kolarbyn.se/">www.kolarbyn.se</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Take the train</span><br />It really is a pleasure in Denmark and Sweden. Quiet, clean, and spacious carriages. Reasonable prices, friendly staff. And you can book online for Swedish fares here: <a href="http://www.sj.se/">www.sj.se</a>. That’s how we got very cheap first-class travel between Copenhagen and Stockholm. Oh how we miss the dignified ease of it all.Laura Greenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10971061071996764692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936695625278543158.post-78573797217272355572008-07-31T16:47:00.000+01:002008-12-10T03:41:11.918+00:00The wonderful world of wikis and web 2.0My fiance sometimes works in schools with children. The other day he came home and said he learnt a new word that day from the kids and challenged me to 'translate'. The word was 'Neek'. And I knew exactly what it meant: it's a conjunction of the words Nerd and Geek. So perhaps meaning a Super Nerd, or whatever. The point was that Andy thought it was an apt way of describing me, or my latest project.<br /><br />I've recently been immersed in the book: <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/184354637X/flatwave-20">Wikinomics</a> by Dan Tapscott (left). It's a history, critique, and celebration of<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDECg8c-OSaKtwxefumZlS3eSHu0hVWH4n4DZnDe5232cHk9uSCkQsmgdREhZ8p47H4Bgs1u3FywlJYybIGeJWfcM8NKmfpnY123s_0d1vAqejOsuyl7Duwktarb6N77uMySFmOg05kkY/s1600-h/wikinomics.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDECg8c-OSaKtwxefumZlS3eSHu0hVWH4n4DZnDe5232cHk9uSCkQsmgdREhZ8p47H4Bgs1u3FywlJYybIGeJWfcM8NKmfpnY123s_0d1vAqejOsuyl7Duwktarb6N77uMySFmOg05kkY/s200/wikinomics.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229208062813923378" border="0" /></a> Web 2.0. It goes into heaps of detail about how the web is changing and consumers are becoming prosumers and an important part of the creative process.<br /><br />At about the same time I discovered <a href="http://www.squarespace.com/">Square Space</a> - a platform for creating one's very own Web 2.0. It's full of widgets and wonderdum which allow you to piece together your own website or should I say 'platform' as websites are for losers - according to Wikinomics. So anyway, I tried it out for myself and got busy with the tools and functions and quickly realised that it was the answer to what I've been looking for and satisfies all that is good and great about Web 2.0. So hooray, ecoescape members will soon have their very own networking site which will grow organically and in line with what they want. Let's hope they like it! And I'll continue in my Neekness.Laura Greenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10971061071996764692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936695625278543158.post-3614272308267733512008-07-08T09:25:00.000+01:002009-08-28T13:15:06.699+01:00UK Holidays - Sold Out this Summer?This story on <a href="http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1129770.php?mpnlog=1&m_id=_rbT_mY%21d">Travel Mole</a> highlights the surge in demand of UK domestic tourism this year. Good news for the environment and our lower carbon economy. And, of course, good news for the economy overall as travellers opt to support UK businesses.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.ecoescape.org">UK holiday accommodation</a> in July and August will sell out completely over the next few weeks, a leading domestic operator forecasts.<br /><br />Self-catering company Hoseasons says areas such as Dorset, Somerset, the Isle of Wight and parts of Wales are selling out fast in addition to summer favourites Devon and Cornwall.<br /><br />The rise in <a href="http://www.ecoescape.org">UK holiday</a> bookings is put down to the strength of the euro, wider economic uncertainties and a reluctance to fly after increased fares and problems at airports with delays and baggage handling.<br /><br />Last summer was also a wash-out is many parts of the UK due to flooding. <br /><br />Hoseasons chief executive Richard Carrick said: “We have found that more customers than ever before want to jump in a car with the family and avoid the hassle and increased costs of an overseas break. Our message is that if you still want to just pack up and go, book now to avoid disappointment.<br /><br />“This isn't solely an economic issue however, a growing number of holidaymakers are also rediscovering the joys of a UK break. <br /><br />“There is a real ‘feel good factor’ amongst holidaymakers with the success of truly British events like Wimbledon and Glastonbury, combined with the great weather, all helping to demonstrate what the UK has to offer.”<br /><br />VisitBritain chief executive Tom Wright said: "The findings from Hoseasons that the UK is set to have a great year as many operators see strong late demand for British holidays is great news for the British tourism industry.<br /><br />“In the current economic climate, we are finding that Brits are taking another look at holidaying at home and are surprised by the range of experiences on offer.<br /><br />“There are still some fantastic breaks out there, but we would suggest that if people are considering a domestic break they don't leave it until the last minute.”<br /></span>Laura Greenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10971061071996764692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936695625278543158.post-43285961927071436012008-06-25T21:20:00.000+01:002008-12-10T03:41:12.057+00:00The Food Maze<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGox2pSnzcWZGpjWHIYznYxajXui-zA6T1EklCjJB5v0kyhR8QyiyibNIJKf3rsbjZqxjQzNLwJ96RS9xeZQHxTiUjNU3SKitl_cDLtaAE9vZtDdKgveEHfnWwJHK0tKP0fu6u_c8vigU/s1600-h/The-Food-Maze.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGox2pSnzcWZGpjWHIYznYxajXui-zA6T1EklCjJB5v0kyhR8QyiyibNIJKf3rsbjZqxjQzNLwJ96RS9xeZQHxTiUjNU3SKitl_cDLtaAE9vZtDdKgveEHfnWwJHK0tKP0fu6u_c8vigU/s200/The-Food-Maze.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215918843900921154" border="0" /></a>Not only do the ecoescape businesses create wonderful and memorable experiences for their guests, but many of the owners, it would appear, have further hidden talents!<br /><br />Robert Elliott, owner of <a href="http://www.ecoescape.org/green-business/business_Detail.php?busID=54#">Aspen House</a>, recently wrote and published the Food Maze (left) - a magnificent insight into the production and marketing of our food. It's a fascinating and deep read, and one which will have you thinking about the traceability off food. Read my review <a href="http://www.ecoescape.org/news/detail.php?newsID=47">over on the ecoescape website</a> or order a copy of the book for just £9.99 from Robert's website: <a href="http://www.reallifepublishing.co.uk/">www.reallifepublishing.co.uk.</a><br /><br />Well done Robert! And we're looking forward to reading more from you soon.Laura Greenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10971061071996764692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936695625278543158.post-41252749993290209942008-05-28T22:21:00.001+01:002008-05-28T22:21:03.292+01:00David at the Yard Cafe<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ecoescape/2515961505/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2088/2515961505_a7f1ea7fb9_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ecoescape/2515961505/">David at the Yarde Cafe </a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/ecoescape/">ecoescape</a> </span></div>This is David at the Yard Cafe - the second business owner to be photographed with their copy of ecoescape. This one, located on Devon's Tarka Trail, is both a cafe and now a bunkhouse. We visited in May, hiring bicycles in Barnstaple, and riding about 20 miles to the eco-friendly bunkhouse.<br clear="all" />Laura Greenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10971061071996764692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936695625278543158.post-63131516509407196912008-05-20T08:54:00.000+01:002008-12-10T03:41:12.397+00:00ecoescape in the Cornish GuardianOrchard Lodge B&B, one of our top 50 ecoescapes, recently appeared in their local newspaper - the Cornish Guardian, brandishing a copy of ecoescape. The article reads:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">LODGE WITH A GREEN INSPIRATION </span><br />Date : 14.05.08<br /><br />A couple who took<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryJThdg7qRUgtP5lAasqBT5-WjVGl3es4qqaonqFNBPrUhghGAd3jDrtfveHZDmO0U4Y7s66bIcZlJ_Hw-R6zLrn0HDa68aUJPg4yZpa7wcSn4MIRNtfVu1xVmZjpfASavrlWEdyNVNg/s1600-h/OrchardLodgeEcoescape200.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryJThdg7qRUgtP5lAasqBT5-WjVGl3es4qqaonqFNBPrUhghGAd3jDrtfveHZDmO0U4Y7s66bIcZlJ_Hw-R6zLrn0HDa68aUJPg4yZpa7wcSn4MIRNtfVu1xVmZjpfASavrlWEdyNVNg/s320/OrchardLodgeEcoescape200.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202367357290482210" border="0" /></a> over a North Cornwall business less than two years ago have made it into a prestigious new guide to eco tourism.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.orchardlodgeboscastle.co.uk">Orchard Lodge</a> is one of only two B &Bs in the area to be featured in the latest edition of ecoescape, described as "the handbook to responsible escapism". Editor Laura Burgess visited the guest house run by Geoff and Shelley Barratt (left) during their first full season last year and describes some of the new renovation as "inspiring". <a href="http://www.ecoescape.org/shop/">The second edition</a>, which has just been published by the Green Guide Company, also includes some of Cornwall's best known attractions, such as the Eden Project and Lost Gardens of Heligan.<br /><br />For Geoff and Shelley it's one of a number of accolades gained in the past year.<br /><br />Orchard Lodge, Boscastle achieved a gold award from the Green Tourism Business scheme and Shelley has been appointed an ambassador by the Cornwall Sustainable Tourism Project (CoaST) and invited to talk on sustainable tourism at conferences in Cornwall and the Scilly Isles.<br /><br />"Were delighted that the guide chose to feature Orchard Lodge.<br /><br />"We'd no idea we would get such a glowing report, we didn't think we would be important enough to be included" said Shelley.<br /><br />The book is defining a new way to travel and "proving that we can enjoy the environment but leave no hint that we'd ever been there."<br /><br />Ms Burgess said : "We don't have to go far to do this: we believe the best places to escape are closer than we had ever imagined.<br /><br />"In the UK there are some of the most inspiring people and places to be found anywhere in the world: It just takes some fresh eyes and a new mind set to enjoy them."<br /><br />At Orchard Lodge, Geoff and Shelley are already hard at work on more plans to develop the business. In the last few months they've joined farmers Liz and Anthony Brewer at their nearby B &B in a new scheme to produce their own pork for breakfast sausages, and only this week a new, state of the art, solar water heating unit has been installed.<br /><br />"We want to get away from any suggestion that being green or environmentally friendly means a lowering of standards," added Shelley. "We think you can care and enjoy all the comforts we've traditionally been used to in Cornwall. In the Boscastle area, for instance, there are five gold award winners, proportionately more than anywhere else in the UK and in real terms more than for the whole of Greater London."<br /><br />As members of Boscastle's Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Geoff and Shelley are also actively involved in planning for Boscastle's big festivals this autumn - the Food and Craft Festival on October 4 and 5, followed by Walking Week from October 6. This year the festival is raising money for the Precious Lives Appeal for a Children's Hospice in Cornwall. It will be launched with a charity concert on Thursday, October 3. Already more than 90 food and craft related businesses across the South West have signed up and chefs from leading restaurants such as Jamie Oliver's Fifteen Cornwall and Rick Stein's in Padstow will be giving demonstrations.Laura Greenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10971061071996764692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936695625278543158.post-85389791796109398082008-04-18T12:00:00.000+01:002008-12-10T03:41:12.558+00:00Lucky chocolatesI rarely win prizes. So when the little package arrived in the post this morning, I delighted at its contents - <a href="http://www.chocolala.co.uk/">Choco La La</a> Chocolates! Described as chocolates of gorgeousness, I soon found myself trying hard to resist eating them all in one go.<br /><br />I won the chocolate<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1tKPS1oRZkzyuoZeN8MHTJNnLlfsNuehloDZFcNbpqvTwmC-_QTlkaONnNJhAet5HAOP-vyTv4V6_Mu3P-U9qsYlzAabfBTXn5F6g7vvGCqK4V421pwsnM7e_OyV8wZ0fMIlC9yoAbY/s1600-h/choco+la+la.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1tKPS1oRZkzyuoZeN8MHTJNnLlfsNuehloDZFcNbpqvTwmC-_QTlkaONnNJhAet5HAOP-vyTv4V6_Mu3P-U9qsYlzAabfBTXn5F6g7vvGCqK4V421pwsnM7e_OyV8wZ0fMIlC9yoAbY/s200/choco+la+la.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190540181627006754" border="0" /></a>s on the <a href="http://www.greenunion.co.uk/">Green Union</a> website, as I'm trying to organise my green wedding for 2009. Signing up to a newsletter was little effort for my reward of Choco La La. The chocolates are all fairtrade and created to the highest eco standards - no plastic packaging here. Just minimal paper and a cool funky tin that I'll no doubt find a use for.<br /><br />So it's back to the chocolates and luckily I have a year to go before I have to fit into that all important wedding dress.Laura Greenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10971061071996764692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936695625278543158.post-22053281680229630072008-04-16T09:32:00.000+01:002008-04-16T09:38:24.446+01:00Recession proof and green holidaysOver on ecoescape's website, I've written <a href="http://www.ecoescape.org/news/detail.php?newsID=41">an article</a> about recession proof holidays in the UK. It's interesting to see that the view of travel in Britain is rapidly changing not least because for the first time in ages it's actually cheaper to travel here rather than abroad.<br /><br />Having worked on the <a href="http://www.ecoescape.org/shop/">ecoescape book</a>, I've got to know lots of budget and green travel ideas in the UK, particularly for families. So in the <a href="http://www.ecoescape.org/news/detail.php?newsID=41">article</a>, I've given a few ideas and tips for budget and eco-travel just on our doorsteps.<br /><br />We can save money AND go green! Hurrah!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ecoescape.org/news/detail.php?newsID=41">Read the full article</a>Laura Greenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10971061071996764692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936695625278543158.post-18872253914992628922008-03-28T12:25:00.000+00:002008-12-10T03:41:12.765+00:00Metal in Motion : David CameronA strange day was yesterday. I ventured into the RSA to hear Ed Gillespie talk about his <a href="http://www.lowcarbontravel.com/">low carbon travels</a> around the globe. That wasn't the strange bit though even though I greatly enjoyed his lively presentation and the debate that followed.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0hyphenhyphenypVyu61WlxRxtLPpxITOSP3vmy9zQ62ttIySg-3JbETAHr7OapmDAQPkb_FomvGao_Tq1SYWXn8E22f4gA6-faT-Q96uH4kNdfMtoSnvsrvgCcL9dR_qKFw2aEgEhiL0wdP8rnUI/s1600-h/DavidC.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0hyphenhyphenypVyu61WlxRxtLPpxITOSP3vmy9zQ62ttIySg-3JbETAHr7OapmDAQPkb_FomvGao_Tq1SYWXn8E22f4gA6-faT-Q96uH4kNdfMtoSnvsrvgCcL9dR_qKFw2aEgEhiL0wdP8rnUI/s200/DavidC.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182772460406238226" border="0" /></a><br />The strange occurance came on the way up to the room where the lunchtime lecture was to take place. Upon arrival in the RSA, I was surprised to see that the entrance lobby was overcrowded with people who I soon realised were members of the Conservative Party. Fine, I thought, I'll just try and get through them to reach the staircase to the meeting room.<br /><br />As I walked through the doorway that led to a narrow corridor, I spotted the leader of the Conservative Party, David Cameron, walking towards me. I mustn't stare, thought I, and instead I decided to have a smile at the ready should he make eye contact. As it turned out, he was in conversation with a fellow party member so I was in no danger of making any eye contact with him. But much to my surprise and bewilderment, as he passed me he caught my shoulder sending me crashing into the wall! And without so much as a cursory glance or better still, an apology!<br /><br />So there was I, just thinking about changing my political swaying, when a harsh reality check kicked in, and I tried to figure out whether it was Mr Cameron's apparent unconcern, unawareness, or perhaps more radical still, his iron body that left me a bit beaten in that corridor.Laura Greenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10971061071996764692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936695625278543158.post-76301616730491718702008-03-20T09:34:00.000+00:002008-03-20T09:37:30.493+00:00Watch out for cyclists!Living in London, I know first-hand how tricky cycling through the capital can sometimes be. Despite this, I think it's important to keep going, and have confidence. This latest viral vid from Transport for London is a great wake-up call to drivers who really should take more care on the roads..<br /><br /><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ahg6qcgoay4&hl=en"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ahg6qcgoay4&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="425"></embed></object>Laura Greenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10971061071996764692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936695625278543158.post-9049024231001372592008-03-18T10:02:00.000+00:002008-12-10T03:41:13.324+00:00The 11th HourYesterday I saw a preview screening of the 11th Hour which is on release at the Apollo Cinema in London later this week.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_oLuIBKO1IJarVtPiEha3yvE7Ai1YXSv8k1iKhcGx8FVqeprnxW8Ii0Bpegd8UhKWznr1_nJKyvOStROvWW0K71994ryGrcHL7CrTf6G7TxupLvmlTtpEg4wSe0vqzRhrmKYVgI02Nc/s1600-h/11H_Final_One_sheet.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_oLuIBKO1IJarVtPiEha3yvE7Ai1YXSv8k1iKhcGx8FVqeprnxW8Ii0Bpegd8UhKWznr1_nJKyvOStROvWW0K71994ryGrcHL7CrTf6G7TxupLvmlTtpEg4wSe0vqzRhrmKYVgI02Nc/s200/11H_Final_One_sheet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179023780120200290" border="0" /></a><br />I went to the screening fearful that the film would instill more gloom into audiences already growing weary of doom-mongering from notable figures around the world. Instead as the film passed its opening and bracing sequence, it started to make a lot of sense...<br /><br />Yes, there were a lot of frightening images of drought, famine, flood and death, as well as sobering statistics of unsustainable world growth. But amid this were voices that spoke with authority and certainty without preaching in any way. They were people from all industries and backgrounds - people who knew that the truth about the damage that we've inflicted on the planet. But the voices were unnaffected by the media, and spoke with passion and reason at the same time. They're largely not celebrities but people who've been working to find solutions to the planet's woes.<br /><br />The film starts to address profound issues that other films, books and documentaries have failed to address. These are not just about climate change or the effects of our behaviour on the planet, but instead our relationship to nature and ourselves. The film clearly questions any separation between humans and the environment - we are in fact inseparable. We are also vulnerable in the grand scheme of things. So as a result all we are doing is speeding up our demise whilst being a relatively young species.<br /><br />The film shifts the emphasis of the climate change debate to focus on what we're doing that's different to<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-uNHB18RdWGPUgVSa29l1hzwK23VI0z8P_PpsNy2CLRcJ5nZMvcw7skRUn714ZbwxU99kdjiLaZyZBdmV-r09M5S6T-Yyx2UXu_1XEZfPJNNwrj6FcBmmGki_fHzVIm6iII8G5D-p38/s1600-h/leo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-uNHB18RdWGPUgVSa29l1hzwK23VI0z8P_PpsNy2CLRcJ5nZMvcw7skRUn714ZbwxU99kdjiLaZyZBdmV-r09M5S6T-Yyx2UXu_1XEZfPJNNwrj6FcBmmGki_fHzVIm6iII8G5D-p38/s200/leo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179028809526903922" border="0" /></a> our pre-industrial ancestors. What we're doing now that didn't happen before is releasing the ancient energy of the sun that was previously not released. In other words, our ancestors lived by the energy of the <span style="font-style: italic;">current</span> sun and not the ancient sun which of course is not renewable. In unleashing this locked up energy, the population of the planet has rocketed to unbelievable proportions. Even in my grandparents' lifetimes, the population has increased over 5 times over. This just isn't sustainable.<br /><br />Having spent the weekend with a friend's baby, I started to question what the future of that young baby would be. If the world continues to deplete resources I genuinely felt afraid and unless things change, I started to question if I should myselfin the future bring a new person into a world which can't sustain it.<br /><br />A moment in the film which had resonance with my mission, was when they talked about our relationship to our homes. Something has brewed a kind of hatred toward our surroundings. Instead our consumer behaviour has taken over and tried to fill this gap and define who we are. As more people have grown tired of the constant bombardment of commercial imagery and brands, they are rejecting the notion of working more to buy more. And suddenly the idea of frugality is one that is appealing, and welcoming in a fast-paced, individualistic society.<br /><br />So is there a reason to be cheerful? Very much so. Well if you consider the planet as being another living being with rights too, then the planet is all ok in the long-term. Humans will be gone, but as the film finishes on, the earth will regenerate eventually, and life-in whichever way possible-will return. For humans though, all isn't lost. The film talks about what we can do - even if it's at the 11th hour, we still have a chance. In fact some commentators even say that this is the most fascinating era to live in. A chance to completely rethink the way we live and our relationship to the planet. As long as we keep in mind these possible solutions, we have a chance.Laura Greenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10971061071996764692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936695625278543158.post-63572428472356679912008-03-10T11:58:00.000+00:002008-12-10T03:41:13.375+00:00Sneak preview of the new ecoescape guide<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirB3JpXWayji7beyX_B0OE8gSkCtgaWWGViumHQT0yQZ7xkf78NyrXbiCqKSCplZfsJ77wtVTKHPpwt5qoDHqxeeCbZNKQY6fV3mr-gIG5u1sqoo9XcC3owwzueUcK0DysckENEbDH0h4/s1600-h/Ecoescape_UK_200.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirB3JpXWayji7beyX_B0OE8gSkCtgaWWGViumHQT0yQZ7xkf78NyrXbiCqKSCplZfsJ77wtVTKHPpwt5qoDHqxeeCbZNKQY6fV3mr-gIG5u1sqoo9XcC3owwzueUcK0DysckENEbDH0h4/s200/Ecoescape_UK_200.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176082277278254162" border="0" /></a><br />Having just got over the excitement of proposing to my other half on Leap Year day, now there's all the excitement of the new ecoescape guide to contend with! Here's a sneak preview of the cover which we've spent weeks deciding on. The new UK ecoescape goes to print this week and will be in the shops before the end of the month.<br /><br />You can request a copy through your local bookshop or order a copy through our website at <a href="http://www.ecoescape.org/shop">http://www.ecoescape.org/shop</a>.<br /><br />ISBN 978-1-905731-40-4<br />RRP: £8.99Laura Greenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10971061071996764692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936695625278543158.post-82510839080658537002008-03-03T21:55:00.000+00:002008-03-03T22:22:21.597+00:00Leap year madnessI don't know what came over me. I woke up on Friday morning thinking that it was just another day in the office - or should I say at home - working on the final pages of the new ecoescape book. Andy was around in the background working on the final pages of his thesis, so it seemed pretty straight forward to me.<br /><br />But then I had a mad moment at lunch and decided to ask Andy to marry me! As it's a leap year, the girls are allowed to pop the question (else the boys have to pay a fine/buy girl new dress). Luckily Andy said 'yes' which was just great. Except we have no idea how to go about this marriage thing. It feels like the right thing to do for both of us, we just don't know how to do it! I mean, how does one choose a ring, or more importantly, break the news to parents. Let's say, the latter was a learning curve and I've never seen Andy so nervous before. It took him all day to summon up the guts to ask for my parents' permission and, of course, they were absolutely delighted - phew!<br /><br />So now that part's done, I'm finding it hard to tell everyone else I know so I'm hoping they may read this blog and that's job done. I keep drafting a text message but it just seems wrong - or worse still I could broadcast a 'status update' on Facebook! No way! So my plan is to see how far and wide my mother can spread the news and the rest I'll fill in with some face-to-face get-togethers starting this weekend at what should be our flat warming party. That's unless they read this first...<br /><br />So to the future then. And I'll not get carried away with spending. I'll not get carried away with spending. I'll just keep repeating that to myself and hope it stops me.<br /><br />Any ideas or advice on how this marriage thing works, please write!Laura Greenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10971061071996764692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936695625278543158.post-9545267655747157442008-02-17T14:20:00.001+00:002008-02-17T14:22:13.981+00:00Eco Age Store in Chiswick<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ecoescape/2270741579/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2345/2270741579_18132597d1_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ecoescape/2270741579/">Eco Age Store Chiswick</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/ecoescape/">ecoescape</a> </span></div>This weekend I ventured over to Chiswick to check out Colin Firth's new <a href="http://www.eco-age.com/">Eco Store</a> on the High Street. Hoping to see the man himself, I was full of expectation. It was a well thought out place with lots of designer goodies and pretty things for the house like fairtrade cushions. There's also a roof-top terrace but access is only available by invitation only - may be that's where Colin meets his guests in person. Alas he wasn't to be seen on Saturday. But I enjoyed looking through his elegant and eco-friendly wares.Laura Greenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10971061071996764692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936695625278543158.post-10351728666893250532008-02-16T12:15:00.000+00:002008-12-10T03:41:13.635+00:00Heels and Wheels in Hackney<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMD7FpDrSqCj30Obft9vJvoZFUTtNxspOtnVm_JUS9MFLlQFFtnBgTpU56zZ6dyWdEDvjCF5tUzYQuK2newwQFMeyemxh0OVlgJe7OXe-AZm2qMhDyifh_HnWvwM2sExC1_VDICUkh_w/s1600-h/HeelsWheels1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMD7FpDrSqCj30Obft9vJvoZFUTtNxspOtnVm_JUS9MFLlQFFtnBgTpU56zZ6dyWdEDvjCF5tUzYQuK2newwQFMeyemxh0OVlgJe7OXe-AZm2qMhDyifh_HnWvwM2sExC1_VDICUkh_w/s200/HeelsWheels1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167552098747249026" border="0" /></a>Taking a break from my busy writing schedule, I got myself down to Columbia Road in London for a cycle wear fashion show as part of London Fashion Week. The models paraded some interesting, and some downright wacky bicycle fashions. The crowd turned out on a cold Valentine's evening and enjoyed the enter<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkZU0jSfLbSlFcn2hmjnZXYSxLQHsK2TvOFUF7l7d0ixbWOktFj8Cj6CR70vRKHbwPfNUvz-9pjF8WFzm97Nkok5kmG06wVSz5dqb1tIm7nJAcTAOvG4lcEqxdTssgADTkljlRBETGQg/s1600-h/HeelWheels2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkZU0jSfLbSlFcn2hmjnZXYSxLQHsK2TvOFUF7l7d0ixbWOktFj8Cj6CR70vRKHbwPfNUvz-9pjF8WFzm97Nkok5kmG06wVSz5dqb1tIm7nJAcTAOvG4lcEqxdTssgADTkljlRBETGQg/s200/HeelWheels2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167552193236529554" border="0" /></a>tainment provided by a pair of acrobatic cyclists sporting some fine tweeds and cycling along to some good tunes (Talking Heads, Kraftwerk - my favs!). The piece de la resistance came in the form of a flower covered bicycle with a big heart shape crest thing. Marvellous.Laura Greenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10971061071996764692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936695625278543158.post-25602619106240484012008-01-23T08:45:00.001+00:002008-01-23T08:48:27.164+00:00Andy in his snow shoes<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ecoescape/2209271203/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2379/2209271203_ea5d7a06e0_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ecoescape/2209271203/">Andy in his snow shoes</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/ecoescape/">ecoescape</a> </span></div>We've just returned from a week long trip to Chamonix having discovered the fun but absolutely exhausting sport of snow shoeing. Apparently it's better for the environment too as wildlife is less disturbed. I loved climbing the mountains and wandering around alpine forests and picturesque chalets window-deep in snow. Julie was our knowledgable guide. She runs a company called Tracks and Trails: www.tracks-and-trails.com.Laura Greenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10971061071996764692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936695625278543158.post-78221793378205278852008-01-06T15:39:00.000+00:002008-01-06T15:53:38.783+00:00New Year, New CityThree days into the new year, and I found myself in a new house in a new city. Leaving Nottingham after 6 years and coming to London wasn't a difficult choice to make. I've been meaning to move to London for a while, and so here I am. Nottingham had lots of good points, not least for being cheaper to live in, but I have grown a little tired of travelling up and down the good old Midland Mainline between London and Nottingham. I thought it was time to see if the pavements are really lined with gold here in London - well, at least travelling around the country will be easier. As of course all the train operators tend to spiral out from the capital city. So despite living bang in the middle of the UK in Nottingham, it wasn't always helpful for train services. Now I'm living in South London and adjusting myself to a faster pace of life.<br /><br />The move was nothing short of stressful. Downsizing to a one bedroomed flat with all our stuff came as a massive challenge over Christmas. The local charity shops did very well, but I was distressed to see how much we also threw away. Some to recycle, some - shamefully - not. All this taught me a valuable lesson - not to accumulate rubbish- or things! Things, things, things. Do we really need them? My method of keeping or getting rid, became a task of deciding if I'd miss the possession after a week of not seeing it. The answer was usually no, and so it had to go. Now I'm in London and thankfully everything fitted into the flat. We'll see how life in south London compares to life up north. So far, so good.Laura Greenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10971061071996764692noreply@blogger.com0