Marks & Spencer uncorks carbon-saving plastic wine bottles
Marks & Spencer switches its entire range of miniature wine bottles from glass to plastic in attempt to cut carbon and reduce waste levels
Jessica Shankleman, BusinessGreen, 05 May 2010
Glass wine bottles could be on their way to history's recycling bin after retail giant Marks & Spencer announced that it was to abandon glass in favour of greener, lightweight plastic for its entire range of miniature 25cl wine bottles.
The company said that it has spent two years developing a new plastic technology known as MLP PET with Paul Sapin and Roger Harris Wines that could keep wine drinkable in a plastic bottle for up to a year.
The pioneering technology is made with two layers of Polyethylene Terephthalate, that sandwich a barrier material that prevents oxygen entering the bottles and spoiling the wine.
"Traditionally, PET has been used for sporting events or in-flight catering where there is a very fast turnover, but with the new oxygen barrier technology, it is now possible to achieve a significantly longer shelf life," M&S said in a statement.
M&S said it hopes to save 525 tonnes of packaging per year by switching to the plastic bottles.
The company failed to provide exact information on how much carbon the new technology would save, but Roger Harris Wines said it would "dramatically reduce " carbon emissions on the grounds that the new bottles are less energy intensive manufacture and are 88 per cent lighter than glass, which means that they result in lower carbon emissions during transport.
A spokeswoman refused to confirm if the company plans to roll out the new material for its larger 75cl bottles.
However, the switch for mini bottles is particularly timely as it coincides with the start of the summer when demand for small wine bottles is expected to rise as more people will be drinking outdoors at picnics and music festivals.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Funding for Innovators
NS: Feds announce more R&D commercialization funding
By Staff, Transcontinental Media
Source: The Daily Business Buzz, May 6, 2010
[HALIFAX, NS] — The federal government has launched a new round of funding under the Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF).
“Our government continues to encourage Atlantic Canadian entrepreneurs and researchers to undertake world-class, leading-edge research that will help drive the region’s long-term economic growth and development,” said Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. “The Atlantic Innovation Fund has been instrumental in helping Atlantic Canadian businesses, universities and research institutions collaborate on ideas and commercialize new products and services.”
The previous round of AIF was announced just four months ago, offering funding for 30 research and development projects throughout Atlantic Canada.
ACOA reports its Atlantic Innovation Fund has been an important catalyst for many Atlantic Canadian businesses, universities and research institutions, creating more than 680 partnerships to help commercialize innovative ideas, products and services. The organization says the commercialization of this homegrown research helps create jobs, develop a highly-skilled workforce, builds institutional and private sector capacity, supports the development of emerging clusters, and increases trade and investment.
Since 2006, including the results of the round announced in January 2010, the AIF has committed over $343 million in assistance to 145 highly innovative R&D projects across the region valued at over $775 million.
Eligible proponents — which include private sector businesses, universities, colleges and other research organizations — are required to submit a mandatory letter of intent, followed by a complete project proposal. The deadline for submitting mandatory letters of intent is June 15, 2010, and the deadline for submitting complete project proposals is September 1, 2010. Detailed information is available on ACOA’s website: http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca .
Proposals will be evaluated against the AIF’s objectives and criteria and forwarded to the AIF Advisory Board, which is composed of people from across Atlantic Canada with expertise in research and development, business and economic policy.
By Staff, Transcontinental Media
Source: The Daily Business Buzz, May 6, 2010
[HALIFAX, NS] — The federal government has launched a new round of funding under the Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF).
“Our government continues to encourage Atlantic Canadian entrepreneurs and researchers to undertake world-class, leading-edge research that will help drive the region’s long-term economic growth and development,” said Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. “The Atlantic Innovation Fund has been instrumental in helping Atlantic Canadian businesses, universities and research institutions collaborate on ideas and commercialize new products and services.”
The previous round of AIF was announced just four months ago, offering funding for 30 research and development projects throughout Atlantic Canada.
ACOA reports its Atlantic Innovation Fund has been an important catalyst for many Atlantic Canadian businesses, universities and research institutions, creating more than 680 partnerships to help commercialize innovative ideas, products and services. The organization says the commercialization of this homegrown research helps create jobs, develop a highly-skilled workforce, builds institutional and private sector capacity, supports the development of emerging clusters, and increases trade and investment.
Since 2006, including the results of the round announced in January 2010, the AIF has committed over $343 million in assistance to 145 highly innovative R&D projects across the region valued at over $775 million.
Eligible proponents — which include private sector businesses, universities, colleges and other research organizations — are required to submit a mandatory letter of intent, followed by a complete project proposal. The deadline for submitting mandatory letters of intent is June 15, 2010, and the deadline for submitting complete project proposals is September 1, 2010. Detailed information is available on ACOA’s website: http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca .
Proposals will be evaluated against the AIF’s objectives and criteria and forwarded to the AIF Advisory Board, which is composed of people from across Atlantic Canada with expertise in research and development, business and economic policy.
A Climate Fund
Europe development agencies to launch climate fund
Fri, Apr 30 2010LONDON (Reuters) - A group of European development agencies will launch a joint climate change fund to promote low-carbon and sustainable investments in emerging countries, the agencies said on Thursday.
The European Investment Bank (EIB), France's Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD) and 12 members of the European Development Finance Institutions (EDFI) will sign a memorandum of understanding to launch the Interact Climate Change Fund at a meeting in Bruges, Belgium on Friday.
The fund will create a portfolio of climate friendly private sector investments across countries in Africa, the Caribbean, Asia-Pacific and Latin America, the agencies said in a statement.
"The initiative has the twin aim of promoting sustainable development of private sector climate change projects and strengthening meaningful co-operation between (the agencies)," they said.
The EIB in December offered to lend southern Mediterranean states 5 billion euros ($6.71 billion) over three years to invest in renewable energy.
Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind would help limit growth in greenhouse gas emissions and countries such as Morocco have committed to heavy solar energy investments.
The EIB, with three banks including Lloyds Banking Group, also said last November they will provide 1.4 billion pounds ($2.17 billion) in loans to help finance onshore wind projects in Britain. (Reporting by Michael Szabo; Editing by William Hardy)
Fri, Apr 30 2010LONDON (Reuters) - A group of European development agencies will launch a joint climate change fund to promote low-carbon and sustainable investments in emerging countries, the agencies said on Thursday.
The European Investment Bank (EIB), France's Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD) and 12 members of the European Development Finance Institutions (EDFI) will sign a memorandum of understanding to launch the Interact Climate Change Fund at a meeting in Bruges, Belgium on Friday.
The fund will create a portfolio of climate friendly private sector investments across countries in Africa, the Caribbean, Asia-Pacific and Latin America, the agencies said in a statement.
"The initiative has the twin aim of promoting sustainable development of private sector climate change projects and strengthening meaningful co-operation between (the agencies)," they said.
The EIB in December offered to lend southern Mediterranean states 5 billion euros ($6.71 billion) over three years to invest in renewable energy.
Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind would help limit growth in greenhouse gas emissions and countries such as Morocco have committed to heavy solar energy investments.
The EIB, with three banks including Lloyds Banking Group, also said last November they will provide 1.4 billion pounds ($2.17 billion) in loans to help finance onshore wind projects in Britain. (Reporting by Michael Szabo; Editing by William Hardy)
Labels:
Europe climate fund
Friday, May 7, 2010
On at Council
Municipality of the District of DigbyCommittee of the WholeAgendaMeeting DateMay 10, 2010Pause to Seek GuidanceApproval of the AgendaAdditions/DeletionsPresentationsIan Russell-Nova Scotia WeekApproval of MinutesApril 13, 2010Old Business /BusinessArising from Minutes# 1.0# 2.0# 3.0Other BusinessArisingWardenThurberDeputy WardenMacAlpineCouncillor GregoryCouncillor AmeroCouncillor Adams
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Page 2
Municipality of the District of DigbyCommittee of the WholeAgendaNew Business#1Unsightly ComplaintDerelict Vehicles on Digby Neck#2Unsightly ComplaintLitter in ditches#3Airport Surveillance CameraQuotes#4Digby County FamilyResource CentreLetter of Support for funding application for feasibility study for Multi-Use Community Centre #5#6# 7# 8CorrespondenceReceivedInformation Only# 1Region of QueensLetter to Minister Jennex Re: municipalfines # 2 Fisheries andAquaculture MinisterBelliveauMunicipal Feedback/Consultation on Coastal Strategy# 3 VON Tri-CountyVON Week May 17 to 23rd#4Ashraf MahtabCopy of letter sent to Federal Fisheries Minister Re: Potential adverse environmental effects on marine life fromblasting
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Page 3
Municipality of the District of DigbyCommittee of the WholeAgendaChief AdministrativeReportMay, 2010Request for Decisions/DirectionMeeting Dates/RemindersMay 17th@ 6:00 pm By-law & PolicyMay 25th@ 6:00 pm Council (Change from Monday May 24th)May 31st– No MeetingJune 7th& 14th– No MeetingJune 28th– Council @ 6:00 pm Bear River Fire HallDepartment Reports for April 2010AdministrationTaxationBuilding DepartmentBuilding PermitMunicipal Fire InspectorAirport/DispatchDispatch Call ReportAirport Statistical Dog Control ActivityDog Control Financial Coordinator Program DevelopmentKings Transit Ridership/Financial(Now reported on at Council)Updates from PreviousmeetingsSpecial Projects UpdatesStrategic PrioritiesUpdateNo update availableNotice of MotionIn-CameraAdjournment
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Page 2
Municipality of the District of DigbyCommittee of the WholeAgendaNew Business#1Unsightly ComplaintDerelict Vehicles on Digby Neck#2Unsightly ComplaintLitter in ditches#3Airport Surveillance CameraQuotes#4Digby County FamilyResource CentreLetter of Support for funding application for feasibility study for Multi-Use Community Centre #5#6# 7# 8CorrespondenceReceivedInformation Only# 1Region of QueensLetter to Minister Jennex Re: municipalfines # 2 Fisheries andAquaculture MinisterBelliveauMunicipal Feedback/Consultation on Coastal Strategy# 3 VON Tri-CountyVON Week May 17 to 23rd#4Ashraf MahtabCopy of letter sent to Federal Fisheries Minister Re: Potential adverse environmental effects on marine life fromblasting
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Page 3
Municipality of the District of DigbyCommittee of the WholeAgendaChief AdministrativeReportMay, 2010Request for Decisions/DirectionMeeting Dates/RemindersMay 17th@ 6:00 pm By-law & PolicyMay 25th@ 6:00 pm Council (Change from Monday May 24th)May 31st– No MeetingJune 7th& 14th– No MeetingJune 28th– Council @ 6:00 pm Bear River Fire HallDepartment Reports for April 2010AdministrationTaxationBuilding DepartmentBuilding PermitMunicipal Fire InspectorAirport/DispatchDispatch Call ReportAirport Statistical Dog Control ActivityDog Control Financial Coordinator Program DevelopmentKings Transit Ridership/Financial(Now reported on at Council)Updates from PreviousmeetingsSpecial Projects UpdatesStrategic PrioritiesUpdateNo update availableNotice of MotionIn-CameraAdjournment
Labels:
municipality of digby
Legal Information for Seniors and Families
Bloggr's Note: You can phone or write and ask when this is coming to the Digby area
Provincial tour: Legal Information for Seniors and Their Families Published on May 6th, 2010
Published on May 6th, 2010
The News Topics : Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia , Nova Scotia Centre , Mount Saint Vincent University , NEW GLASGOW NEW GLASGOW – Seniors will be able to learn more about protecting their financial health and safety at an information session later this month.
The May 27 session will focus on how seniors can protect themselves from financial abuse – from telemarketing fraud to the misspending of their money by well-meaning family and friends. A second session that day, designed specifically for service providers, will also be held.
It is one of more than 20 sessions being held across the province to launch It’s in Your Hands: Legal Information for Seniors and Their Families, a free publication on financial abuse developed by the Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Centre on Aging at Mount Saint Vincent University.
“The best forms of protection are knowledge and awareness,” says Maria Franks, executive director of the Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia. “This publication will increase seniors’ understanding of the issues to consider when planning and arranging their legal and financial affairs – a major step in making them safer.”
It’s in Your Hands was developed for seniors and their families and friends, but it will also help educators and decision-makers, community volunteers, social agencies and enforcement agencies – as well as people planning ahead for their retirement years.
“The information sessions will help to raise awareness of the issues and give everyone a chance to have their questions and concerns addressed,” said Franks.
Participants will receive a copy of the publication, which will later become available online. Specific topics covered will include wills, power of attorney, Internet fraud, property transfers and grandparents’ rights.
“With today’s growing senior population, we are seeing an increasing interest in their physical and mental health,” says Dr. Janice Keefe, Director of the Nova Scotia Centre on Aging. “But financial health is crucial too.”
The booklet is designed specifically for Nova Scotians, because many of the topics covered fall under provincial law.
Session will be held at the New Glasgow Library from 10 a.m.-noon for seniors and from 1:30-3:30 p.m. for service providers. The sessions are free, but anyone wishing to attend is asked to pre-register due to limited seating.
For more information on the book, the info session, or to pre-register, visit www.legalinfo.org or call 902-454-2198.
Provincial tour: Legal Information for Seniors and Their Families Published on May 6th, 2010
Published on May 6th, 2010
The News Topics : Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia , Nova Scotia Centre , Mount Saint Vincent University , NEW GLASGOW NEW GLASGOW – Seniors will be able to learn more about protecting their financial health and safety at an information session later this month.
The May 27 session will focus on how seniors can protect themselves from financial abuse – from telemarketing fraud to the misspending of their money by well-meaning family and friends. A second session that day, designed specifically for service providers, will also be held.
It is one of more than 20 sessions being held across the province to launch It’s in Your Hands: Legal Information for Seniors and Their Families, a free publication on financial abuse developed by the Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Centre on Aging at Mount Saint Vincent University.
“The best forms of protection are knowledge and awareness,” says Maria Franks, executive director of the Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia. “This publication will increase seniors’ understanding of the issues to consider when planning and arranging their legal and financial affairs – a major step in making them safer.”
It’s in Your Hands was developed for seniors and their families and friends, but it will also help educators and decision-makers, community volunteers, social agencies and enforcement agencies – as well as people planning ahead for their retirement years.
“The information sessions will help to raise awareness of the issues and give everyone a chance to have their questions and concerns addressed,” said Franks.
Participants will receive a copy of the publication, which will later become available online. Specific topics covered will include wills, power of attorney, Internet fraud, property transfers and grandparents’ rights.
“With today’s growing senior population, we are seeing an increasing interest in their physical and mental health,” says Dr. Janice Keefe, Director of the Nova Scotia Centre on Aging. “But financial health is crucial too.”
The booklet is designed specifically for Nova Scotians, because many of the topics covered fall under provincial law.
Session will be held at the New Glasgow Library from 10 a.m.-noon for seniors and from 1:30-3:30 p.m. for service providers. The sessions are free, but anyone wishing to attend is asked to pre-register due to limited seating.
For more information on the book, the info session, or to pre-register, visit www.legalinfo.org or call 902-454-2198.
Nova Scotia Tattoo
Kathleen is seeking expressions of interest in a Tattoo package (includes tickets and transportation). I already have two, looking for more to make it a go.
Kathleen
imgoing@auracom.com
Kathleen
imgoing@auracom.com
Labels:
shuttle tours
Advertsing Op with Destination South West Nova Association
2010 Southwest Nova Scotia
Explore Our Shores
Packages and Advertising Insert
Participate in the Southwest Nova Scotia Explore Our Shores marketing campaign, in partnership with Nova Scotia Tourism, Culture & Heritage, to promote your region's unique vacation destinations.
This is a highly affordable opportunity to promote the Southwest Nova Scotia region and grow your business. You'll reach more than 237,000 consumers in New Brunswick and Halifax Regional Municipality with your travel package or deal in our advertising insert.
Our focus is on luring customers to the actual product that they can experience... and BUY!
The price to participate is $50 (+ tax) per package or offer. Additional copies of the insert will be available at Provincial Visitor Information Centres. We'll also include your package or deal on www.exploreourshores.com, www.destinationsouthwestnova.com and www.novascotia.com for additional exposure.
The insert drop date is Saturday, June 26, 2010
What you'll get:
Full contact information for your business: name, physical address, phone number, email, website
Package/offer details, including: 7-word title, 25-word description and photo or logo
We welcome your participation in the 2010 Southwest Nova Scotia Explore Our Shores marketing campaign!
To book your space in this promotion please complete and submit the booking form by Friday May 14 and the material information sheet by Friday May 21 to:
Liz Barry Morine, lmorine@destinationsouthwestnova.com, (902) 365-3105
Explore Our Shores
Packages and Advertising Insert
Participate in the Southwest Nova Scotia Explore Our Shores marketing campaign, in partnership with Nova Scotia Tourism, Culture & Heritage, to promote your region's unique vacation destinations.
This is a highly affordable opportunity to promote the Southwest Nova Scotia region and grow your business. You'll reach more than 237,000 consumers in New Brunswick and Halifax Regional Municipality with your travel package or deal in our advertising insert.
Our focus is on luring customers to the actual product that they can experience... and BUY!
The price to participate is $50 (+ tax) per package or offer. Additional copies of the insert will be available at Provincial Visitor Information Centres. We'll also include your package or deal on www.exploreourshores.com, www.destinationsouthwestnova.com and www.novascotia.com for additional exposure.
The insert drop date is Saturday, June 26, 2010
What you'll get:
Full contact information for your business: name, physical address, phone number, email, website
Package/offer details, including: 7-word title, 25-word description and photo or logo
We welcome your participation in the 2010 Southwest Nova Scotia Explore Our Shores marketing campaign!
To book your space in this promotion please complete and submit the booking form by Friday May 14 and the material information sheet by Friday May 21 to:
Liz Barry Morine, lmorine@destinationsouthwestnova.com, (902) 365-3105
Labels:
DSWNA southwest nova scotia
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