Aug 27, 2008

Electric Picnic working to achieve Eco-librium

In the light of responsibility we all have to address our impact on climate change, POD Concerts & Aiken Promotions have announced details of a range of environmental measures to be implemented at this years' Electric Picnic. As well as the introduction of a large number of eco-friendly initiatives for this year's Picnic, 2008 marks the launch of a long term Sustainability Strategy to make the Electric Picnic one of the most 'Low Carbon' festivals in the world...

A new area, the Global Green, has been created at this year's festival. This will be the place at the festival to relax and reflect. The area will feature Amnesty's Tea and Bingo Hall, eco-fashion, demonstrations of renewable energy such as wind & solar power, Trocaire, Friends of the Earth, green crafts, and the launch of the EmissionZero carbon calculator. Stop Climate Chaos, Change and others will be active in the Global Green and Cultivate's 'Re-Think Tank' will be the place to open your mind with cutting edge short films and art.

Cultivate's Rethink Tank - Electric Picnic 2008

  29-31 August | The climate is changing … will you?

See full programme of events

Cultivate's rethinktank will be the place in the Global Green at the Electric Picnic to relax and be inspired with cutting edge short films, talks, debates, exhibits and art that will inform and entertain you. Slowdown and take in some good organic food, subtle beats, and reflect on a better world.

At the hub of the Global Green in the rethinktank, Cultivate presents:

Rethink.. the future and the way we live.

Redress.. ideas for ethical fashion.

Reform.. the latest in eco-design.

Re-engage.. artists and designers come together around critical issues.

The Carbon Confession Box.. calculate your carbon footprint and relieve your carbon conscience by confessing your carbon sins.

Friday 

19.00 The Powerdown Show - The Challenge Ahead   

Cultivate's Powerdown TV Show is a series of ten twenty minute programmes that aim to inform individuals and groups on the context and responses to climate change and peak oil.  www.cultivate.ie

19.30  Design Anarchy - The Uncommercials from Adbusters   

Short films and art from Adbusters, a magazine that details the work of culture jammers from all over the world who want to advance the new social activist movement of the information age.  www.adbusters.org

20.00  The Story of Stuff - Short Film by Free Range Studios   

Written and presented by Annie Leonard, this film takes you on a provocative tour of our consumer-driven culture, from resource extraction to iPod incineration. It'll teach you something. It'll make you laugh.  www.storyofstuff.com

21.00  One World Sounds - DJ Set with William Softly

www.oneworldsounds.com

23.00  Design Revolutionaries  - Creativity with a Conscience   

While other creative agencies work to sell products, Freerange work to sell ideas that build a more just and sustainable world. They believe the right stories told in revolutionary ways can transform society.  www.freerangestudios.com

Saturday

11.30  World Café Discussion - Climate's Changing. How Will We?   

The British Council's Challenge Europe Climate Champions lead a World Café discussion on the question of this year's Electric Picnic.

12.00  The Powerdown Show - The Power Of Community   

The second episode of Cultivate's Powerdown TV Show, a series of ten twenty minute programmes that aim to inform individuals and groups on the context and responses to climate change and peak oil. www.cultivate.ie 

12.20  Skilling Up For Powerdown - Turning Crisis Into Opportunity   

How should we respond to climate change and high energy prices?  Davie Philip, Cultivate's education manager and the co-ordinator of the Transition Network in Ireland, explores the vision of Transition Initiatives.  www.cultivate.ie

13.00    Eco Black Eye -  Duncan Stewart on Ireland's Environmental Performance   

Duncan Stewart, the award-winning architect and well-known TV presenter, gives this short no-holds-barred presentation exploring how Ireland can improve its green and clean image. www.easca.ie

13.30    The Climate is Changing. Will You?    Creatively Communicating Climate Change   

Minister Eamon Ryan, Duncan Stewart (Eco Eye), John Gibbons (Irish Times), Andrea Carroll (EmissionZero), Jim Gannon from (Change, RPS) and Eric c. Lohela (Sustainability Consultant USA) join Cultivate's Davie Philip and others for a discussion on how we can creatively get the message across on the issue of climate change.

15.00    Change your World. Change the World  - The Change Campaign   

Jim Gannon from RPS and the Change Campaign outlines Irelands plan of action on climate change. www.change.ie

15.30    Design Outlaw  -  The Life of Buckminster Fuller   

Designer, architect, engineer, inventor and philosopher, Buckminster Fuller (1895-1983) was undeniably one of the key innovators of the 20th century. Michael John Gorman, author of "Buckminster Fuller: Designing for Mobility", gives an illustrated presentation on the life of Fuller, the creator of the geodesic dome and champion of autonomous living.

16.00    What the F**K is Sustainability  - The Natural Step   

The Natural Step is a simple science-based tool for analysing the complex issues associated with sustainable development. John Harrington outlines the system conditions that must be met in order to have a sustainable society.

16.30    Sustainable Development My Ass!   - Just How Unsustainable We Are   

Gavin Harte (sustainability consultant, former national director of An Taisce and the founder of the Village project) explores how sustainable we are and what we will need to do to weather the storms approaching.

17.00    Fashion Evolution    Ethical Fashion – You Are What You Wear!   

Constance Harris from the Sunday Independent joins Re-dress, EDUN, Olivia Hegarty, Deirdre Harte, Rediscovery Centre and the Science Gallery to discuss what it means to make ethical fashion choices. www.re-dress.ie

18.15    Biomimicry – Designs From Nature  - Short Film from TED   

In this inspiring talk about recent developments in biomimicry, Janine Benyus provides heartening examples of ways in which nature is already influencing the products and systems we build. www.ted.com

18.45    Design Revolutionaries  -  Creativity with a Conscience   

A selection of short films from North America's Freerange Studios. www.freerangestudios.com

19.45    Earthling VJ / DJ Set  -  With Just Multimedia and Pat Best   

20.45    Media The Matters  -  Short Films for a Better World   

The Media That Matters Film Festival is the premier showcase for short films on the most important topics of the day.
www.mediathatmattersfest.org

21.00    Six Ways Mushrooms can Save the World  -  Short Film from TED   

Paul Stamets'  has filed 22 patents for mushroom-related technologies, including pesticidal fungi that trick insects into eating them and mushrooms that can break down the neurotoxins used in nerve gas. www.ted.com

22.20    Design Anarchy -   The Uncommercials from Adbusters   

Short films and art from Adbusters, a magazine that details the work of culture jammers from all over the world who want to advance the new social activist movement of the information age.  www.adbusters.org

Sunday 

12.00    World Café Discussion  - Deconstructing Dinner: What is a Low Carbon Diet?   

The British Council's Challenge Europe Climate Champions lead a World Café on the question of local food.

12.30    Get Growing!   - Supporting Local Food Production and Consumption   

An exploration into our options for local community food systems with Trevor Sargent, Minister for Food and Horticulture, Sarah Fleming (Healthy Food For All), Matt Mills and Kaz Jeffries (Sustain West Cork) and the British Council's Challenge Europe Climate Champions.

13.00    What Will We Eat as the Oil Runs Out?  -  Transition Towns and Local Food   

Trevor Sargent, Minister for Food and Horticulture joins Transition Town groups and local food advocates for a discussion on local food initiatives. Transition Towns is a new process for building community resilience in the face of climate change and oil depletion. Pioneered in Kinsale and Totnes, Devon, it is now being implemented in 800 communities around the world.

14.00    The Powerdown Show  -  The Power Of Community   

Cultivate's Powerdown TV Show is a series of ten twenty minute programmes that aim to inform individuals and groups on the context and responses to climate change and peak oil. www.cultivate.ie

14.30    Building Resilient Community  -  The Cloughjordan Eco-Village   

Davie Philip and Gregg Allen outline the experience of being involved in The Village project.  As a living community, The Village will demonstrate renewable energy, ecological building, local food production, natural health care, community-level governance, and play a part in conserving the genetic biodiversity of Ireland. www.thevillage.ie

15.00    Surfing The Green Wave  - Sustainable Living in California   

North American blogger and sustainability consultant Eric C. Lohela will give this presentation on the implementation of sustainability in the USA.  www.ecosplatter.blogspot.com  

15.30    Edenbee Global Swarming   - Eco Social Networking   

An exploration with Dave Hayes of Edenbee into a hive of hot ideas on how social networking can help keep our planet a cool place to live!  www.edenbee.ie

16.00    Artivism   -  Contemporary Street Art   

Irish stencil activist Will St. Ledger presents a rogue show of contemporary street art that communicates critical issues.

16.30    Stop Climate Chaos   -  2 Degrees or Less   

avin Harte, Sustainability Consultant and Niamh Garvey, Climate Change researcher at Trócaire introduce the Stop Climate Chaos coalition and the need for an agreement to keep the rise in global temperatures to 2 degrees C or less.

17.00    Global Citizen  -  What Does this Mean in the 21st Century?   

In the context of human rights, climate change and an unraveling global economy what does being a Global Citizen mean today? With Tara O'Leary, (International Association for Community Development, IACD), Nick Wilding, (Carnegie UK Trust), Eric C. Lohela (Sustainability Consultant USA) Noelenn Hartigan (Amnesty) and Dr. Cathy McGuire (Friends of the Earth).

18.00    Global Lunchbox   -  Exploring Peak Oil   

Featuring a short documentary on the history of oil, this 'lunchbox' will explain Peak Oil, why it is such an important issue, and what positive opportunities this crisis may bring.  www.futureproofkilkenny.org (A Transition Town Initiative)

18.30    Sustainable Development My Ass  -  Just How Unsustainable We Are   

Sustainability consultant, former national director of An Taisce and the founder of the Village project, Gavin Harte explores how sustainable we are and what we will need to do to weather the storms approaching.

19.00    Being Human VJ/DJ Set  -  With Davie Philip and Geoff Fitzpatrick   

A transformational journey in sound and vision.

20.00    Future Sounds DJ Set  -  With Steve Reddy   

21.30    Design Revolutionaries   -  Creativity with a Conscience   

A selection of short films and viral media from North America's Freerange Studios and Adbusters.
www.freerangestudios.com and www.adbusters.org

Saturday & Sunday in the Marquee

12.00 - 24.00    Ethical Fashion - You Are What You Wear
(information and exhibits on ethical fashion)

14.00 - 17.00   Ongoing workshops:

  • Make Your Own Slogan T-Shirt with Re-dress
  • Tent Workshop with Olivia Hegarty and Deirdre Harte (turn last year's tents into this year's fashion)
  • Pimp your T-Shirt with the Science Gallery's LED Workshop
  • Craft a Patchwork Map of Africa with EDUN LIVE
  • Turn Waste into Fashion with Designers from the Rediscovery Centre Ballymun


Aug 26, 2008

Muc Mhara - Ireland's Smallest Whale; Irish Whale and Dolphin Group 2nd International Conference 19th - 21st September 2008

I am pleased to inform you about our upcoming conference, Muc Mhara - Ireland's smallest whale, which will focus on the ecology and conservation of the harbour porpoise, one of our most elusive and poorly understood cetaceans. The conference will take place on the 19th - 21st September 2008 at Fitzpatricks Castle Hotel, Kiliney, Co. Dublin.

Further details are available on http://www.iwdg.ie/mucmhara2008/ where an online registration and payment option will be available shortly.

Irish Whale and Dolphin Group

www.iwdg.ie

Aug 24, 2008

Local Food Production Event

An event to highlight the importance of Local Food Production-Sunday 28th September, 11.30am-7pm.

 

Due to the rising costs of fossil fuels and the effects of climate change, the security of global food production is in jeopardy. As awareness grows, the importance of producing food locally is becoming apparent and tangible solutions need to be developed.

 

This year An Sanctoir – a 30 acre holistic community owned and run project just outside the village of Ballydehob, West Cork, has begun to look at community food-growing activities and is taking part in this year's Growing Awareness farm walk programme. The guided walk will take in the Nature Trail which supports a wide variety of wildlife and habitat areas, and will finish in the new Forest Garden Project begun this spring. The full days' programme will include a selection of speakers, demonstrations and activities on topics such as: Beekeeping; Working Horses: Community and Schools Gardens; Allotments and Vegetable Box Schemes; Fruit and Nut Growing; Basket Making; Seed Saving and much more.

Come along and enter the Heaviest Pumpkin and the Largest Diameter Sunflower Head competitions, and enjoy the on site Cafe from the deck of a 40ft Pirate Ship whilst being serenaded by local musicians! People are also welcome to bring a picnic.

The Café will be raising funds towards the running costs of the event and there will be no admittance charge. We therefore encourage people to donate generously, and all profits will be put forward to help pay for the wheelchair accessible pathways recently put in place in the An Sanctoir Forest Garden.

 

Event Co-Ordinator: Caz Jeffreys email: cazjeffreys@gmail.com 028 25978

This event is supported by Sustain West Cork and West Cork Community Partnership. Further volunteer support and sponsors welcome.

Check out our website for the full programme at www.ansanctoir.ie

 

 

 

Aug 18, 2008

Macroom Heritage Week

HERITAGE WEEK 2008

EVENTS IN THE MACROOM AREA

Tracing 400 years of Protestant Cultural Contribution, Macroom

24/08/2008 - Times: 2:00pm-4:00pm Admission: Free

Event Description: Tracing 400 years (1591 to 1991) of Protestants cultural contribution to our town
Event Organiser/Organisation: Macroom Environmental Group
Venue: St Colman's Church of Ireland, Castle Street Macroom Co Cork, Cork County
Suitable for Children: No
Wheelchair Access: None
Car parking Available: Yes
Any Other Details:
Event Category: Architecture
Event Type:
Organiser Name: Ted Cook
Contact Address: Kilbarry Macroom Co Cork
Email:
Telephone: 086 8789891

The wildlife value of Ireland's 26 native trees and shrubs. Presented by Ted Cook of Macroom District Environmental Group

26/08/2008 - Times: 12 noon to 1p.m. Admission: Free of charge

Event Description: Informative discussion on the native trees & shrubs of Ireland by Ted Cook. There will be some trees & shrubs on display.
Event Organiser/Organisation: Macroom Library & Europe Direct Information Centre
Venue: Macroom Library, Macroom Library, Briery Gap Cultural Centre, Main Street, Macroom, Co. Cork., Cork County
Suitable for Children: Yes
Wheelchair Access: Full
Car parking Available: No
Any Other Details:
Event Category: Wildlife
Event Type:
Organiser Name: Macroom Library
Contact Address: Briery Gap Cultural Centre, Main Street, Macroom, Co. Cork.
Email: macroomlibrary@corkcoco.ie
Telephone: 026-42483

Guided walk with Kevin Corcoran

27/08/2008 - Times: 6:45pm Admission: Free

Event Description: Guided walk of Macroom's environmental group's perpetually entrusted blanket bog with it's wealth of wildlife.
Event Organiser/Organisation: Cabragh Bog Sanctuary
Venue: Cabragh Bog, Meet at Carriganima Church Carriganima (Between Macroom and Millstreet), Cork County
Suitable for Children: No
Wheelchair Access: None
Car parking Available: Yes
Any Other Details:
Event Category: Walkways-Greenways, Wildlife
Event Type:
Organiser Name: Donal O Leary
Contact Address: Cork Street Macroom Co Cork
Email: macroomenv@hotmail.com
Telephone: 087 7409304

Practices and Principles of Surveying Our Water Bats

29/08/2008 - Times: 8:30pm Admission: Free

Event Description: Restoring and building our consciousness of the ecological functions and services of our Daubenton's water bats
Event Organiser/Organisation: Macroom Environmental Group
Venue: Castle Arch, The Square Macroom Co Cork, Cork County
Suitable for Children: No
Wheelchair Access: None
Car parking Available: Yes
Any Other Details:
Event Category: Wildlife
Event Type:
Organiser Name: Donal O` Leary
Contact Address: Cork Street Macroom Co Cork
Email: macroomenv@hotmail.com
Telephone: 087 7409304

Guided walk of The Gearagh Alluvial Floor Plain with Peter Beaumont

30/08/2008 Times: 2:00pm-4:00pm Admission: Free

Event Description: A celebration of the natural regeneration of one of Europe's most important wet habitats with Peter Beaumont
Event Organiser/Organisation: Macroom Environmental Group
Venue: Gearagh Main Access, 1 mile south of Macroom on R584 to Toonbridge, Cork, Cork County
Suitable for Children: Yes
Wheelchair Access: None
Car parking Available: Yes
Any Other Details:
Event Category: Inland Waterways, Landscape, Wildlife
Event Type:
Organiser Name: Ted Cook
Contact Address: Kilbarry Macroom Co Cork
Email: macroomenv@hotmail.com
Telephone: 086 8789891

Draft Cork City Development Plan 2009-2015


Draft Cork City Draft Development Plan 2009 - 2015

The Draft Cork City Development Plan 2009 – 2015 is on public display from August 6TH to October 15TH and Cork City Council has invited interested parties to make submissions on the plan before October 15TH. A public consultation exhibition is being held from 8 September - 15 October 2008. The Draft Plan and details about public consultation can be accessed at http://www.corkcitydevelopmentplan.ie/.


Aug 15, 2008

Irish Food Awards

 

INAUGURAL IRISH FOOD & AWARDS LAUNCHED

 

- celebrating our food heroes -

 

August 2008.  The search is on for the best food and drink Ireland has to offer with the launch of the inaugural National Irish Food Awards, 'Blas Na hÉireann', the first awards of their kind in Ireland .

 

Blas na hÉireann will celebrate and recognise both the passionate, driven people behind this country's exceptional food and drink and the fantastic products that they make.

 

There will be 17 categories ranging from meat, poultry and pie to cheese and chocolate.  The winners of each category will then do battle for the prestigious title of overall Producer of the Year 2008.  Supported by Udaras na Gaeltachta and BIM, the awards will be independently judged by a panel of experts including food buyers, retailers, writers, chefs and industry figures and overseen by the Food and Nutritional Sciences Department of UCC. 

 

The winners will be presented at an Awards Ceremony on the 5th October 2008, in Dingle, Co. Kerry at the annual Dingle Peninsula Food & Wine Festival. 

 

Says Éamonn Ó Neachtain, Regional Manager of Údarás na Gaeltachta, "Total employment linked to the Irish food and drink industry is almost 230,000 and the sector has a gross output of over €18 billion per year. Within this, speciality food has shown particular strong growth and become big business in a country where many traditional farmers have had to diversify in order to stay afloat.  This success has been responsible for re-invigorating local communities, inspiring confidence in our artisan producers and encouraging support amongst restaurateurs and retailers alike. "

 

"Through the publicity and business opportunities created by Blas na hÉireann, we are hoping to help in the creation of long term, sustainable markets for these products, and also to use it s quality as a means of attracting visitors the world over to Ireland ."

 

A full list of awards is available on the website, www.irishfoodawards.com, along with a downloadable copy of the awards criteria and entry form.  The deadline for entries is Friday 5th September.

 

Editors Note:   All foods entered into the awards must be commercially available in at least 3 outlets and be made in Ireland (North or South) by companies registered on the island.  

 

Categories for entry are:
 
1. Drinks and Juices
2. Condiments (vinegars/dressing/sauces)
3. Preserves/conserves
4. Meats (cured and specialty)
5. Sausages and black/white puddings
6. Seafood
7. Cheeses
8. Breads
9. Yoghurts and Smoothies
10. Honey
11. Confectionary
12. Desserts (cakes/pies/etc.)
13. Biscuits
14. Ice Cream
15. Chocolate

16. Newcomer

17. Health & Wellbeing

 




Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com

Aug 13, 2008

Cork Heritage Open Day 30th August 2008

Cork Heritage Open Day celebrates the amazing architecture and history of the Built Heritage in the Cork City Region.  This event will be held on Saturday the 30th of August 2008 and is organized by Cork City Council in partnership with the Heritage Council, Dept of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Cork County Council.

 

On the 30th of August, for one day only, over 30 buildings will open their doors free of charge for this special event. Members of the public are allowed a glimpse of some of Cork's most fascinating buildings ranging from the Medieval to the Military, the Civic to the Commercial and the Educational to the Ecclesiastical. Many of these breathtaking buildings have never been open to the public in this manner before and are relatively unknown to visitors and the citizens of Cork. 

Cork Heritage Open Day is now in its 4th year. Last year's event was greeted with great enthusiasm by building owners and members of the public alike with an estimated 5000 visits made in total to the 30 participating buildings such as the Masonic Hall, The Backwater Arts Studio and the Firkin Crane.

 

This year the event highlights the architectural prominence and the rich cultural diversity reflected in the various religious buildings and spectacular churches in the City.

 

In addition there is a special feature on Cork's Historic Plaques.  The historic plaques of Cork are a small but important part of the city's heritage.  Often overlooked these plaques celebrate historic events, identify important built heritage landmarks and commemorate the contribution made by people from Cork in their respective fields. 

 

Cork Heritage Open Day invites the public to explore Cork's hidden treasures and enjoy the unique story of Cork's Built and Cultural Heritage.

 

For further information on Cork Heritage Open Day, please contact Cork City Council @ 021 4924086, email: heritage@corkcity.ie or log on to www.corkheritageopenday.ie

 

Aug 11, 2008

Generating energy from residual waste


Generating energy from residual waste
- searching for the fully integrated & sustainable solution


The Waste Management policy for Ireland is currently under review and a practical and cost-effective plan seems long overdue - particularly when compared with neighbouring European countries. Recycling has been successfully encouraged and implemented, but most of this material is still exported and very little use is made of residual waste. The prospect of large landfill tax levies is now looming and time is pressing for a solution.

Generating energy from residual
waste aims to drive forward the debate on waste management technologies in Ireland, providing a forum for questions and networking and an opportunity to assess the benefits and challenges of a range of options. Current discussions lead to future policies - so, ensure you are part of the debate.

Generating energy from residual
waste will be held on Wednesday, 17 September 2008 at the SAS Radisson Hotel, Stillorgan Road, Dublin.

For more information - Click Here

 

Comhar Commentary: A Sensible Fact-Based Debate with Michael O'Leary

 

A SENSIBLE FACT-BASED DEBATE WITH MICHAEL O'LEARY

 

In his latest monthly commentary on sustainability issues, Professor Frank J. Convery, Chairperson of Comhar Sustainable Development Council, responds to views recently expressed by Michael O'Leary, Chief Executive of Ryanair, on the topic of sustainable transport. 

 

Professor Convery's latest commentary is available now at: http://www.comharsdc.ie/_files/Commentary_22-Air_Travel_andEmissions.pdf.

 



Aug 1, 2008

Forest Garden Workshop: "Plant Profiles and Soft Wood Cuttings" with Lisa Davies, An Sanctoir, Ballydehob


Saturday 20th September 10am-6pm

Forest Garden Workshop: "Plant Profiles and Soft Wood Cuttings" with Lisa Davies.  Max. 12 people. Cost E40 with some concessions available.

 

The focus of this workshop will be to take a further look at the plants themselves, and how to take successful cuttings from them. We will begin by preparing a nursery bed in the Forest Garden at An Sanctoir, and then take a field trip out to Lisas' garden on the Sheeps head Peninsula. There we will look at a wide selection of edible plants and learn how to take cuttings from them. We will then return to An Sanctoir and set the cuttings into the nursery bed and plant up the new pathway edges.

     Transport can be provided from An Sanctoir, leaving at approx. 11am, and pick-ups from the Durrus and Bantry areas on route are possible by prior arrangement. Soup is provided for lunch, but please bring additional items to share. Unless the weather is particularly bad we will be going ahead……bring wet weather gear if necessary.

 

For bookings and further info. contact Caz on 028 25978