Green Thing Blog

(Image: Shutterstock) 

Carrying the ring up the tortuous path to Mordor, vanquishing He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and saving the (wizarding) world, or defeating the corrupt Galactic Empire may all be a part of our favourite fictional characters heroic journeys, but such lofty goals may not be as attainable for us mere British mortals.

However, there are unsung heroes in our midst, and the WWF wants your help to know who they are.

In anticipation of Earth Hour on 23rd March, WWF has launched a nationwide competition to find those who have taken that extra step to improve the environment in their local community.  The “Hidden Heroes” campaign wants to hear about people and groups that are actively leading a greener lifestyle and are inspirational to the green community.

Winners receive more than a pat on the back in this competition. Both a £500 cash prize to support a green initiative of their choosing and an invitation to receive their award at an exclusive ceremony in London on 23^rd March are offered to each winner.

With three categories - individuals, schools and youth groups, and the workplace – and a simple on-line entry, recognizing a Green Hero in your life has never been so easy.  Nominations are open until 11:59pm on 4th March with winners being announced on the 15th March.

As football legend and WWF Amassador Grame Le Saux noted, “Our planet is brilliant and we want to find the people who are working hard to keep it that way.”

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What's the best thing you can do with an old car? Make it into a bike.

That's what Spanish creative agency Lola Madrid have been doing. By hunting through scrapyards and picking pieces off rusting cars they have managed to make beautiful, working bikes by recycling and hacking what they find.

Each handmade bike is unique as it depends on what they find. The frame comes from metal from the body of the car, the chain is a transmission belt, signals turn into reflectors and door handles become bike seat posts. Even the saddle and handlebars get a touch of automobile added to them by being covered in car seat fabric.

The end products, called Bicycled Bikes, will be available to buy. Or you could try making one yourself. Although we don't recommend this unless you know your way around a workshop. And bikes.

P.S. Want to try your hand at bike-making? The Bicycle Academy in Somerset are the people to help you on your DIY way. Plus you'll be helping Africans in need of bikes too. Bonus.

(Spotted on GOOD)

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We're big fans of David Mitchell. And even more so after watching this video podcast of his about climate deniers and the burden of proof.

Take three minutes to watch, laugh and think 'yeah, exactly'.

(Spotted on Treehugger)

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(Image: Mud Jeans)

With London Fashion Week sashaying on this week, we've all got fashion on the brain. So when better to discover Mud Jeans and their new initiative, Lease A Jeans.

This Holland-based service lets you lease a pair of Mud Jeans (beautifully made from organic cotton) for one year. If anything breaks or rips during the year, Mud Jeans will repair and replace them and at the end of the 12 months you send them back and can rent out the latest, greatest pair.

You get the latest look, they can recycle the materials and no jeans get left forgotten and unworn in the back of your cupboard. Pretty clever really. Especially if you struggle to Stick With What You Got.

Of course, if you know you will love and wear them forever then you can just buy a pair outright. But for those of us whose outfits closely follow the fashion seasons, this could just be the sustainable pair of jeans we've been looking for.

P.S. Got a load of jeans that you don't wear already? Swish them with your friends so they can be worn and loved again.

(Spotted on Allmygoodness)

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Today is the start of London Fashion Week. So when better to talk about ethical shopping. When it comes to buying clothes that are fashionable, sustainable, well-made and fit you perfectly, it can be a struggle to tick all the boxes. Especially if you're trying to find out what a brands ethical policies are whilst trawling the high street.

Measure Up is an independent website dedicated to giving you all the details about your favourite fashion stores. If you want to know about workers rights, how much they get paid and the factories that these clothes are made in then the results are just a few clicks away.

Simple, free and completely honest. It's the number one tool for any ethical fashionista.

We weren't surprised to discover that ethical fashion brand People Tree came out tops. And rightly so. But how does your favourite shop measure up?

P.S. The best place to go for a guilt-free shopping spree is the charity shop. Or your mate's wardrobe. Try swishing your way to a new outfit. And discover where your unsold, donated clothes end up.

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