Statement from leader of the Green Party John Gormley introducing the Government’s Capital Review Programme. Location:  National Convention Centre in Dublin.  Minister Gormley says:

This Capital Review takes a strategic, long-term view of what we need to do now to get the maximum return on capital investment into the future for jobs and economic growth.  State infrastructure investment is not merely about sustaining building sector jobs, although these are of course welcome. It’s about a fundamental move to the create a more sustainable economic and social future. We will encourage the development of a smarter and greener economy with real, lasting jobs. This programme makes definitive commitments to investing in research and development and to targeted supports for foreign and indigenous enterprises. We are confident that these measures will contribute to the realignment of Irish economic life. The strategy recognises the natural limits imposed on us – most importantly by peak oil and climate change – and meets the fundamental challenge of moving to a greener, more sustainable future. (more…)

With the holiday season upon us, why not pack a more natural mosquito repellent on this trip.

Citronella, basil, anise oil, balsamic vinegar and fresh garlic are all effective mosquito repellents (all in their own right – you do not have to mix them together you’ll be glad to hear).

They are all less harsh on your skin than the conventional pharmaceutical variety.  However, the fresh garlic alternative may acutally repel more than the mosquitoes!

Hearing of the “world’s first eco-friendly tattoo parlour” last week almost brought on my first tattoo. But then I realised it was, predictably, in LA, and that while the studio’s architectural values sounded fully sustainable (passive ventilation, green roof, etc), there wasn’t much that was eco friendly about the actual body art. (more…)

New EU rules on organic food labelling including the requirement to display the new EU organic logo, have come into force since 1 July, 2010. The so-called “Euro-Leaf” will now be obligatory on pre-packaged organic food products that have been produced in any of EU Member States and meet the necessary standards. Other private, regional or national logos will continue to appear alongside the EU label. The logo stays optional for non-packed and imported organic products. In addition to the logo, the new labelling rules also include the compulsory indications of place of farming of the products’ ingredients and code number of the body that had been in charge of the controls. Operators have a two-year transition period to comply with these new labeling rules. Another change is the introduction of EU rules for organic aquaculture for the first time. (more…)

The UN body on climate change, accused of ignoring critics and allowing glaring errors into its work, today declared a broader range of experts will write its next report on global warming.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change included more women and scientists from developing countries, but also selected authors with a wider range of backgrounds than previously – partly in response to recent criticism that earlier groups refused to address dissenting views. (more…)

Green Party Minister for Sustainable Transport Ciaran Cuffe has welcomed new statistics showing a large increase in people taking part in the Cycle to Work scheme. A survey carried out by www.bikescheme.ie shows:

• Cycle to Work Scheme participation has increased by 125% since 2009

• Bike shops report average of 43% of bike sales coming through scheme

• Just under half (49%) of bike scheme sales are coming from the public sector

• Over four fifths of bike shops report a positive effect on their business or cycling in the area (more…)

Doomsday predictions are nothing new. From Mayan profits to cult leaders to Keanu Reeves, plenty of people have predicted humanity’s end, but most visions of the apocalypse tend to fall flat. Now a relatively prominent scientist says the end is nigh—as in maybe just 100 years away.

The award-winning Australian scientist Frank Fenner, who helped eradicate small pox in 1980, is professor emeritus at Australian National University. He claims the human race’s “unbridled consumption” and population expansion makes our existence unsustainable. (more…)

Albert Einstein once said that if the bees disappeared, “man would have only four years of life left”.

The number of wild honey bees in Ireland and indeed worldwide has dropped dramatically in the last few years.  Putting Alberts profesy aside, the implications of the decline is alarming.  Most of the world’s crops depend on pollination by bees.

However, there is one encouraging development – despite there being fewer wild bees, more people are keeping beehives near their homes in Ireland, and many more want to learn about the activity. (more…)

With local councils giving water shortage warnings through out this hot spell, it is now more important than ever to reduce our water usage at home.

By filling a plastic bottle with water and placing in your cistern, you considerably reduce the amount of water used in each toilet flush.  (Don’t worry if you need the extra flush power, just remove the bottle again).

Also, it is worth knowing that a running tap wastes almost 9 litres per minute, so keep the flow to a minimum while washing your teeth, shaving, washing dishes etc…

A controversial scheme to fill in 50 acres of Dublin Bay for a port expansion was rejected by planners today over environmental concerns.

An Bord Pleanala refused Dublin Port Company’s application on grounds the firm had not adequately established what long-term effect the scheme would have on the loss of wetland habitat or on bird species.

Part of the planned site fell within a proposed special protection area. (more…)