Green mortgages have been around for years for building energy-efficient properties or improving existing homes. Green mortgages incentivise homes to reduce the| Green Choices
A recent study by Phocuswright reveals a significant gap between what travellers believe about Sustainable Tourism and their actual practices. The research, presented at a conference in Florida, focused on six Western markets: the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. Through an online survey conducted from June 2 to June 26, 2023, and in-depth interviews with various travel industry participants, the study gathered insights from over 5,000 respondents and 21 organisations. None of the p...| Green Choices
In today’s world, pursuing efficiency has become a primary goal in various fields, including energy consumption, technology, and resource management. We constantly strive to develop more efficient technologies, hoping to reduce our environmental impact and enhance overall sustainability. However, a fascinating phenomenon, the Jevons Paradox, suggests that efficiency improvements can sometimes lead to increased consumption rather than the intended conservation. Here, we will delve into the c...| Green Choices
Transportation accounts for a significant portion of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, with road transport being the most important contributor. It is crucial to transform mobility patterns to achieve net-zero emissions and prioritise electric vehicles (EVs) in the road transport sector. Yet, the high upfront costs of new EVs have impeded their accessibility for many households. In this context, the used EV market is vital in democratising the shift to net-zero transportation — analysis ...| Green Choices
At first, you wonder what will happen as the film’s carefully considered cinematography draws your attention. Unusually, the imagery, editing and script lack all the cues of contemporary filmmaking. It’s slow. The cameras are static, and there are no close-ups. Yet, these beautiful, thought-provoking landscapes hold your attention. Then abruptly, the reality dawns. This pristine environment you are viewing is full of rubbish. Finally, the narrative is set, and you unexpectedly spend preci...| Green Choices
Whilst coronavirus has cut many lives short and robbed families of precious time to be together, the lockdowns have given many of us, something we were short of, TIME. Okay, not if you’re juggling home-schooling with working from home, but if you’re on furlough, chances are you’ve had the opportunity to have a good declutter! | Green Choices
In a circular economy, resources are kept in use for as long as possible, maximising their lifespan (and therefore their value) before the materials are eventually reused and recycled. Unlike the traditional linear economic model in which raw materials are mined, processed to develop a product and then disposed of, a circular economy has several essential benefits such as reducing waste, preserving resources and driving a more sustainable production process. The short-term consumption associa...| Green Choices
There’s no question that Brits love a holiday, with data from the international trade body for aviation reporting that British passengers made up 1 in 12 of all international travellers in 2018. While many of us are seeking the warmer climates of Caribbean shores or the bustle and buzz of a European city break, staycations are proving to be just as popular. As awareness grows over the impact of air travel on the environment, the choice to holiday at home seems set to increase.| Green Choices
Since my student days of ‘skip raiding’ I have always favoured second-hand, pre-loved furniture over new stuff. Apart from a few beds and a sofa 30 years ago, most of our furniture, and some of our curtains, have been acquired gradually from charity or second-hand shops, given by family, or bought at local auctions. We’ve got an old school art cupboard still smelling of pencils and a dressing table with drawers lined with 1950’s wallpaper. I like that these pieces have ‘lived’ in ...| Green Choices
Waking up to the news that we all need to wake up to the urgency of climate change was unpleasant but not surprising. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) launched a special report on the impact of global warming of 1.5C. It urges rapid action, yet we all twitter whilst the planet burns!| Green Choices