Green Living
Juneau, the capital of Alaska and a popular cruise-ship stop, has had little to celebrate since an avalanche wiped out the lines supplying it with hydroelectricity. But four weeks later it has become a model for energy conservation, with its citizens doing everything from unplugging tumble-driers to regulating airport runway lights.
Inside Green Living
Saturday, 17 May 2008
The world tends to divide into two when it comes to vertical gardening. On one side are those to whom the sight of a wall covered with greenery is something of beauty. On the other side are those who consider any climbing plant a nuisance, something that will damage the masonry or pull down the fencing or, at the very least, make them reach for the secateurs.
Thursday, 15 May 2008
A storm is brewing in the normally tranquil South Downs after permission to dig for oil was granted to a petroleum company. Conservation groups are furious that the council is allowing such a development on a designated area of outstanding natural beauty.
Thursday, 15 May 2008
Cycling and cancer have a curious and fascinating relationship. Few could have failed to hear the amazing tale of the seven-time Tour de France winner, Lance Armstrong, who, after contracting testicular cancer in 1996, had to have lesions removed from his brain, and multiple tumours extracted from his lungs. Yet as soon as he was able, he was back on his bike – fighting his way to better health from the saddle. Just three years after being diagnosed, he had won the world's toughest cycling race.
Thursday, 15 May 2008
Hear the phrase "green activist" and the image that pops in your head is probably someone like Swampy, or energetic rebels like the members of Plane Stupid, who climbed on to the roof of the House of Commons in February, protesting against a third runway at Heathrow. The last person you'd probably think of was a yummy mummy, living in west London, with a high-powered career.
Thursday, 15 May 2008
Sunday, 11 May 2008
Ministers have given permission for thousands of GM potatoes to be grown in Britain, a decision that is bound to provoke a new confrontation with environmentalists.
Thursday, 8 May 2008
Whenever I set foot in a new town, I'm always quick to get to work on finding a bike to rent. If there are none to be found, I put on my running shoes instead – but I still think there's no better way to explore a city or unfamiliar rural setting than on two wheels.
Thursday, 8 May 2008
Wednesday, 7 May 2008
There is a saying in business that you pay attention to what you measure. This adage also applies to making our lives greener. Measuring your home's carbon footprint annually is a great way of reducing the contribution it makes to climate change.
Sunday, 4 May 2008
Giant agribusinesses are enjoying soaring earnings and profits out of the world food crisis which is driving millions of people towards starvation, The Independent on Sunday can reveal. And speculation is helping to drive the prices of basic foodstuffs out of the reach of the hungry.