A recent study conducted by E.ON - one of the 'big six' energy suppliers - has revealed that householders across the United Kingdom are wasting around £134 million in electricity each year, simply by overcharging electronic gadgets.

Around one in five people in the United Kingdom admitted to leaving their devices charging - despite being at full power - while one in ten stated that they were 'too lazy' to remove the charger.

Despite potentially causing their gadgets irreparable damage, nine in ten said that they left their laptops and mobile phones permanently on charge.

E.ON's Emma Thompson commented on the findings: "We're using more and more gadgets in our daily lives. It's crucial that we keep an eye on how much money and energy we're wasting keeping them charging when we don't need to."

"It only takes small steps to get Energy Fit and make significant savings. For example, when you plug in a charger, think about how long it needs to reach full charge, rather than just leaving it on overnight," Thompson added.

"Generally mobile phones only take two hours to charge but most people leave them plugged in overnight. By unplugging your gadgets once they're charged, you'll be helping to reduce your energy bills," she concluded.

To help you start 2012 afresh and in time for Big Energy Week commencing on 16th Jan, our savasocketcan help you save money!

The idea is that you can plug it in, forget about it without wasting energy as it cuts the power off when the device has been fully charged. It uses 2W when charging and 0.19W in standby. Without the savasocket plug a normal charger uses 1.5W when switched on but not connected to anything this is 75% of the energy that it takes when the battery is actually charging. In addition it extends battery life of the products it charges!

For more information, please click here to see the savasocket product range.

The London Borough of Bexley is pleased to award its first round of ‘Green Points’ on the lead up to Christmas. Households in Thamesmead and local charities have earned 800,000 Green Points through the London Green Points – Bexley scheme.

Every household in Thamesmead that has activated its Green Points account is getting 1,000 Green Points (which equates to £2.50) with 100,000 Green Points (equating to £250) also going to each of the three beneficiary charity projects. The Council is offsetting the cost of the points with savings in waste disposal charges combined with increased income from recycled materials.

The London Green Points - Bexley scheme, which started in September, incentivises residents to reduce the amount of rubbish they send for disposal by reducing, reusing and recycling their waste. Every three months the residual waste and the amount of recycling are measured on a neighbourhood scale, not by individual households, and if there is an improvement all households with activated accounts share the Green Points equally.

Just three months in, the new waste and recycling incentive scheme is already showing early signs of improvement in reducing waste. Weekly localised spot-checks being carried out show positive signs of reduced residual waste and increased recycling within the area.

Councillor Gareth Bacon, Bexley’s Cabinet Member for Environment, is delighted that the scheme has got off to such a good start: “We’re the first council in the country to participate in the Local Green Points scheme, and it’s very exciting to see Bexley residents and local retailers getting behind it so quickly. Already 25% of households in the phase 1 area have activated their accounts and with 30 local retailers signed up too, we’re off to a flying start.” 

Green Points earned can be redeemed for a range of eco products and exciting days out or donated to selected local charity projects. Participants also have access to a wide range of offers and discounts provided by 30 local retailers.

Local resident, Katrina O’Connell, is equally enthusiastic about the scheme: “Living in a tower block means I have to take my recycling down to the communal bins in the street outside, but once you’re in the habit it’s really not difficult; the discounts from local shops and cafes plus the Green Points have really encouraged me and my neighbours to make that little bit of extra effort – I plan to donate my points to charity.”

The three beneficiary charities were selected by a Community Leaders Panel and include Thamesmead Youth Awareness Project, MyBnk and Trees for Cities.  Chantel Marcroft from Thamesmead Youth Awareness Project is delighted to be benefitting from the recycling efforts of local people: “We work with teenagers in the Thamesmead area to help them participate fully in the cultural life of the community and it’s great to see recycling efforts in the area supporting our activities; and of course we’d be absolutely thrilled if local people also choose to donate their household Green Points to us!”

Legendary broadcaster Neil “Doctor” Fox, host of Magic FM’s Brighter Breakfast Show and ‘ambassador’ for London Green Points, is encouraging other households to get signed up to the scheme: “It’s great 25% of eligible households are already signed up and I’d urge everyone in the phase 1 area to get involved – there’s some great stuff to spend your points on, including the option to donate them to the charity projects, but people are only going to get the points if they go to the website and get themselves registered for the scheme.”

To activate a Green Points account, people living in flats in East Thamesmead need to log on to www.localgreenpoints.com/bexley or call the Local Green Points hotline between 9am and 5pm, Mon-Fri on 020 7326 5082.

Pupils from St John Fisher Catholic Primary School in Thamesmead joined legendary broadcaster Neil “Doctor” Fox, host of Magic FM’s Brighter Breakfast Show and ‘ambassador’ for London Green Points, and local dignitaries and residents for the Big Recycle to mark the official launch of the London Green Points scheme in Bexley on Monday.

The London Green Points scheme incentivises residents to reduce the amount of rubbish they send for disposal by reducing, reusing and recycling their waste. The residual waste and the amount of recycling are measured at a neighbourhood level, not by individual households, and all households with activated accounts share the Green Points equally. Green Points earned can be redeemed for a range of eco products and exciting days out or donated to selected local charity projects. Participates will also have access to range of offers and discounts provided by local retailers.

Earlier this year, it was announced that the London Borough of Bexley had received funding from the London Waste and Recycling Board’s Flats Recycling Programme and Recycle for London to support the scheme in partnership with Gallions Housing Association. The first phase will reach just over 2,000 flats in East Thamesmead with a potential expansion to 15,000 flats across Bexley planned for 2012.

Councillor Gareth Bacon, Bexley’s Cabinet Member for the Environment, is delighted that Bexley is the first council in the country to adopt the scheme: “We’re proud that Bexley is already London’s top borough for recycling with a recycling rate over 50%.  However we recognise that we can still do more and see the London Green Points scheme as an excellent way to encourage even more people to recycle more waste, as well as helping to build community cohesion.”

Tony Cotter, Chief Executive at Gallions Housing Association is equally enthusiastic at the launch of the scheme in Thamesmead: “There is a great sense of community here and we recognised early on that the London Green Points scheme has a very strong community element, supporting local charities through the donation of Green Points. We also see the partnerships with local retailers as benefiting the local economy”.

Residents began to receive their welcome packs at the beginning of September and are starting to activate their accounts with over 10% of flats in East Thamesmead already signed up. The three selected local charities, The Youth Awareness Project, MyBnk and Trees for Cities, were also present at the launch along with many of the 30 local retail partners who are already signed up and supporting the scheme.  Graham Simmonds, Partner at Local Green Points LLP, the company behind the scheme, says that reaction from the community has been very positive: “I spent some time recently out and about in Thamesmead talking to residents about the scheme and their enthusiasm for it was really encouraging. Of course, the ultimate test will be the reduction in waste that’s sent for disposal and the increase in recycling, but the initial positive reaction from residents and the local community is a great start!”

London Green Points Ambassador; Neil Fox, summed up the scheme’s ethos; “Whenever there is a discussion on waste and recycling, whether on radio, tv or at the office, it is one subject that everybody has a view on.  We all know there is a problem with too much stuff going to landfill, and most people would like to do something constructive to help.  Well here it is – London Green Points, a simple and effective way for people to get involved.  When you combine the retailer offers we’ve lined up on local high streets with the Green Points people earn, I believe London Green Points will make a big difference to how people deal with their rubbish.”

For more information on how the scheme works for residents, please click here.

To see how the scheme works for Bexley, please click here.

To download this article in a pdf format as a press release, please click here.

London Green Points is a scheme that incentivises people to reduce, reuse and recycle their waste by offering a range of rewards including discounts and other special offers from local retailers as well as Green Points, earned as a result of the reduction in waste people throw away. These Green Points can be spent on themselves or donated to local charity projects.

Earlier this year the London Borough of Bexley was announced as the first area in the UK where the scheme is to be introduced.  The scheme, which brings together a wide range of partners, is starting with 2,000 flats in Thamesmead followed by a further 13,000 homes across the borough within two years.  These first phases will focus on flats and the Borough has been awarded a grant from the London Waste and Recycling Board’s Flats Recycling Programme to part-fund the scheme, as well as support through Recycle for London. There are plans to extend the scheme to all 90,000 homes in Bexley in future years if successful.

Throughout September, residents in flats across East Thamesmead will be receiving their welcome packs for the first phase of the scheme and a team of advisors will be out and about making sure people know they can participate. There is an official launch of the scheme planned for 3rd October.

Legendary broadcaster Neil “Doctor” Fox, host of Magic FM’s Brighter Breakfast Show, and ‘ambassador’ for the London Green Points scheme, is really pleased with the response so far and says, "We already have 29 local retailers signed up offering a great range of special offers for participants on their local high street as well as three really strong local charity projects selected by a Community Leaders Panel.” 

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson says: ‘I know the good people of London's suburbs are keen to be green and to recycle whatever they can and I'm also aware that it is not always easy to do that. Bexley's London Green Points Scheme is great, offering residents the chance for community investment in return for recycling. I have always been a huge enthusiast for this kind of scheme which revolutionises the way people think about waste and recycling.'

Cllr Gareth Bacon, Bexley’s Cabinet Member for the Environment said: "Thanks to the efforts of our residents, Bexley is already London's top borough for recycling. We have achieved a 50% recycling rate in each of the last two years but we do not want to rest on our laurels. To continue to be the best we must consistently look to improve and come up with new ways to reach the challenging targets we have set ourselves."

Mandy Doe, Operations Director for Gallions Housing Association and a member of the Community Leaders Panel said; “Community regeneration and creating sustainable neighbourhoods are at the forefront of what we do. This is a great way to raise awareness for local charitable projects as well as helping to raise funds. I hope the local community in Thamesmead really gets behind the initiative.”

To see the full press release, which includes contact details and notes for editors, 

please click here.

Green Rewards is pleased to announce the launch of its new “Eco Gift eVoucher.” The eVouchers can be purchased in values of £10, £25 and £50 to be spent in Green Rewards’ own on-line shop (www.greenrewards.co.uk) where customers will find a wide selection of green gift products and experiences. The Eco Gift eVoucher is an eco-friendly addition to the Green Rewards online shop and encourages customers to select products that are all positive for the planet.

Graham Simmonds, Founder and Managing Director at Green Rewards, says: “The UK gift card and voucher market is a £4bn per year industry in the UK*, and just imagine what a positive impact there would be on our precious planet if this was all spent on eco-friendly products and experiences!”

The eVouchers are available directly from the Green Rewards website and are emailed directly to the customer allowing them to add a personalized message before forwarding on to the recipient of their gift. There is also an opportunity for corporate customers buying the eVouchers to have them co-branded with their company logo.

With the launch of the new eVoucher, Green Rewards’ customers can now choose between paper vouchers made with 100% recycled, uncoated card stock or the new Eco-Gift eVoucher - the ultimate eco-friendly gift. One of the environmental benefits of vouchers is that they avoid unnecessary wastage, as recipients can spend them on things they actually want and need.

Products in the online shop range from contemporary household furnishings to unique sea-kayaking excursions. Customers can spend their Eco Gift eVouchers on a wide range covering more than 1,000 diverse products and experiences, each of which has been ethically sourced as well as vetted and approved by an independent Sustainability Advisory Panel (SAP – see Notes for Editors) to ensure they all meet the highest standards in sustainability and fair trade.

Green Rewards is delighted to announce the appointment of Trewin Restorick to its independent Sustainability Advisory Panel (SAP). 

Restorick is the CEO of the award-winning environmental charity Global Action Plan, which he founded in 1993. The charity runs programmes to reduce carbon emissions, energy consumption and waste with businesses, schools, community organisations and households.

 “I’m delighted to take on this role”, says Trewin, “by bringing together leading independent eco and ethical expertise, consumers can trust and rely on the Sustainability Advisory Panel as a trusted authority;  knowing my expertise can help consumers take steps towards a more sustainable way of living is very exciting.”

The role of the Sustainability Advisory Panel is to vet and approve every one of the 1,000 eco products and experiences in the Green Rewards’ range to ensure they all meet the highest standards in sustainability.  SAP also acts as advisor to Green Rewards generally on sustainability issues.

Restorick is the Chair of the Environmental IT Leadership Team (EILT), sits on the Defra Third Sector Advisory Board, is a trustee for Sustainability and Environmental Education, and co-chaired Defra’s Compact Group which won the National Compact Award for Excellence. He has also been trained as one of Al Gore’s UK Climate Change Ambassadors and is a frequent media commentator on environmental issues appearing on Channel 4 News, Sky News, BBC Breakfast, and is a regular contributor to The Guardian’s Sustainable Business Network.

Before starting Global Action Plan, Restorick worked for Friends of the Earth as Recycling Co-ordinator and Head of Marketing. In these roles he established the first blue box kerbside recycling scheme in the UK and created Paper Round, an office based recycling scheme in London which now has a turnover of £3 million. He has also worked for Plymouth City Council, the Dartington Trust and the BBC.

“I’m really pleased that Trewin is joining our Sustainability Advisory Panel,” says Green Rewards MD and founder Graham Simmonds; “he is one of the most experienced and thoughtful environmentalists in the country and his insight will be invaluable as we continue to develop our range and our activities.”
Restorick’s favourite Green Reward is the Worm Farm; “having a wormery is a fantastic way of seeing in your own home how easy it is to turn a waste product into something useful - truly the principle of a close loop system in your own backyard!” says Restorick.

For more information on Global Action Plan, please visit their website at http://www.globalactionplan.org.uk/.
 

Local Green Points, as part of its London Green Points scheme in Bexley, is today calling for charities that are active in South Thamesmead to come forward with projects that will make a real difference to people living in the area.  

The London Green Points scheme in Bexley is the first of its kind in the country and is aiming to reduce household waste by encouraging more recycling and re-use.  Through the scheme, households will earn Green Points that can be exchanged for eco products and family days out, or donated to local charity projects, as well as benefitting from a wide range of special offers provided by local retailers.

Research carried out recently in the area indicated that people are keen to see local charity projects supported as a result of their recycling efforts, and Local Green Points is today inviting charities that are active in Thamesmead to apply for funds. Legendary broadcaster Neil “Doctor” Fox, host of Magic 105.4’s Breakfast Show, is ‘ambassador’ for the London Green Points scheme, and says, “London Green Points is a great way to raise funds for local community projects and I want to see our scheme supporting projects on the ground that are making a real, tangible difference to people’s lives - so if you’re involved in a charity project in Thamesmead, we want to hear from you”.

Charities have until 18th July to submit a short application form and all applications will be reviewed by a panel of community leaders; the panel will choose the three best projects which will benefit from donations made through the scheme. Graham Simmonds, Partner and Co-founder at Local Green Points, adds, “As chairman of the environmental charity, Trees for Cities, I know how hard it is for charities to get the support they need to do all the amazing things they want to do; we’ve made our application process as simple as possible as I also understand how time consuming it can be trying to raise much needed funds.”

The London Green Points scheme is due to go live in September in Bexley where Local Green Points has teamed up with the London Borough of Bexley and Gallions Housing Association.  The scheme will start with 2,000 homes in Thamesmead followed by a further 13,000 homes across the borough within two years.  These first phases will focus on flats and the Borough has been awarded a grant from the London Waste and Recycling Board’s Flats Recycling Programme to part-fund the scheme, as well as support through Recycle for London. There are plans to extend the scheme to all 90,000 homes in Bexley in future years if successful.

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson says: ‘I know the good people of London's suburbs are keen to be green and to recycle whatever they can and I'm also aware that it is not always easy to do that. Bexley's London Green Points Scheme is great, offering residents the chance for community investment in return for recycling. I have always been a huge enthusiast for this kind of scheme which revolutionises the way people think about waste and recycling.'

Cllr Gareth Bacon, Bexley’s Cabinet Member for the Environment said: "Thanks to the efforts of our residents, Bexley is already London's top borough for recycling. We have achieved a 50% recycling rate in each of the last two years but we do not want to rest on our laurels. To continue to be the best we must consistently look to improve and come up with new ways to reach the challenging targets we have set ourselves."

Mandy Doe, Operations Director for Gallions Housing Association and a member of the Community Leaders Panel said; “Community regeneration and creating sustainable neighbourhoods are at the forefront of what we do.  At Gallions we’e also keen to see innovative projects come forward that will contribute towards that.  This is a great way to raise awareness for local charitable projects as well as helping to raise funds. I hope the local community in Thamesmead really gets behind the initiative.”

Charities that are active in Thamesmead, and community groups in partnership with a registered charity, who have a project that needs support should email p.roberts@localgreenpoints.com for an information pack including application form or call Local Green Points on 020 7326 5055 (applications must be returned by 18th July).

 

‘An Evening for Growth’ - In support of the Capital Growth Campaign
Wednesday, 29th June 2011 at 6:30pm
£75pp

Cyrus & Pervin Todiwala are delighted to host an evening of fine food and wine at Café Spice Namaste, the landmark Indian restaurant in the City, winner of the 2011 Sustainable Food Award.

The evening aims to raise funds for Capital Growth, a campaign to support 2,012 new community food-growing spaces in London by the end of 2012.  The campaign is run by food charity Sustain and is supported by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson and provides support and funding to community groups who want to grow food in London.

 The event begins at 6:30pm with a drinks reception followed by a
four-course dinner of unique, specially prepared courses by Chef Patron Cyrus Todiwala OBE DL and Head Chef Angelo Collaco.

Tickets for this exceptional event are priced at £75 per head inclusive of dinner and drinks.

We very much hope you will join us on the night, to support food-growing spaces in London.

Tables of 10 are available at £675.00 

To book, call Cafe Spice Namaste on 020 7488 9242 or email: binay@cafespice.co.uk 

Café Spice Namaste, 16 Prescot Street, London E1 8AZ


Event supported by:

While most boats on the water today are powered by internal combustion engines that rely on diesel or petrol fuels, many of us forget boats can also be powered by electricity. Much like an electric car, electric boating reduces the level of Co2 emission, which in turns mean cleaner air and a much quieter and more pleasant boating experience altogether.

Here in Our Green Shop, the challenge of a greener boating experience has been met brilliantly by our electric engine supplier Torqeedo. Established in 2005, Torqeedo has been engineering and introducing industry first designs to create a new way boating.

As World Ocean Day approaches, we are focusing on sustainable boating. To help make your boating adventure truly green, we’ll give you a bonus of 20,000 Green Points when you buy a Torqeedo motor with us!*

If you’re not sure about which engine would best suit your boating needs, don’t worry; visit  Torqeedo at this year’s Beale Park Boat Show** and get your free spin on the water (and it’s also a lovely day out for the family!)

*Offer ends 12^th July 2011 at 11:59pm.

**The Beale Park Boat Show, Reading, will be held on the 10-12^thJune. For more information on the boat show and ticket pricing, please visit their official site at http://www.bealeparkboatshow.co.uk.

On the same day he announced his support for the Mayor of London's new Recycle for London campaign, top DJ Neil Fox also opened the launch seminar for London Green Points. Neil was recently appointed 'ambassador' for London Green Points and the message from the briefing seminar is that there is a high level of support from boroughs in London for the approach being taken by the London Green Points scheme.

The briefing seminar, held at the Western Riverside Materials Recycling Facility in Wandsworth, brought together waste and recycling professionals from across the capital who learnt of the progress being made with the scheme in Bexley and future plans for how the London Green Points scheme could be introduced more widely across the city.

The London Borough of Bexley was recently awarded grant funding from the London Waste and Recycling Board to implement the scheme, which will see the first phase launched to flats in the Thamesmead area.

With the Bexley scheme due to go live in the summer, Local Green Points provided details of the scheme and the vision for London Green Points. Attendees included representatives from London councils, the Mayor of London's Office, DEFRA, WRAP, waste contractors plus other bodies including the London Community Recycling Network.

As well as Neil Fox, other speakers included the co-founders of Local Green Points, Stephen Bates and Graham Simmonds; founding advisor Andrew Whiteman and Rebecca Goodwin from London Borough of Bexley.

Rebecca Goodwin, Waste Minimisation and Recycling Officer at Bexley explained to delegates why the council were keen to introduce the scheme; 'Although Bexley performs very well with diversion, we know this borough-wide performance is not reflected in Thamesmead and to a slightly lesser extent in other flatted communities. The ability to include a scheme such as this within a traditionally hard-to-reach area, its implicit simplicity and its strong community component made the Local Green Points scheme a compelling option'.

Graham Simmonds, Co-founder and Partner at Local Green Points, reported that work was well underway in Bexley with local retailers and community groups being recruited and that an announcement on an official launch date would be made over the next few weeks.

Andy Whiteman of RWA commented on the 'absolute need for transparency in the way the scheme operates. We need to always be aware that we are not just spending public money but also giving some of it back in the form of rewards. The data and methods that drive this have been developed to withstand the highest level of scrutiny.'

One of the barriers to entry for local authorities wanting to introduce waste incentive schemes has traditionally been the high level of initial investment needed and the length of time before a return can be achieved. Stephen Bates provided insight into the London Green Points scheme approach; 'There is no one-size-fits-all solution to waste management and our scheme is designed to be flexible so that it can meet the local needs, both practically and financially; in particular our approach aims to minimise the financial risk as far as possible for participating councils, and deliver a financial and environmental savings within a relatively short time period.'

With the Bexley scheme in hand and confirmation that Local Green Points is in discussion with other local authorities both in London and across the UK, delegates heard from Graham Simmonds about future plans to incentivise other pro-environmental actions. “Whilst waste is leading the way, our aim is also to work with authorities in London to help boost sustainable energy use, public transport and so on” says Simmonds

Want to see what you've missed? Don't worry, we took photos - Click here!

Who said Easter has to be all pink & yellow?
Here at Green Rewards, we’re going Green & Black’s!

 With spring sneaking up on us and Easter fast approaching, it is that guilt-free chocolate eating season once again. Here at Green Rewards this year, our team is enjoying a wide collection of organic chocolate, wine, cider, and beer (yes, beer!) by Green & Black’s! Jealous? Don’t worry, we’ve come to the rescue!

And don’t forget: for every pound you spend with us, we’ll give you 10 Green Points! It’s our way of saying thank you for being environmentally conscious. When you want to spend your points, every product in Our Green Shop is priced in cash and Green Points (GP) so why not enjoy a yummy and rewarding Easter!

 Beer & Bars Green Gift Set | £16.85

The Green & Blacks is a well known brand which produces high quality chocolate and has spearheaded the fair trade movement since the 1990s with its Maya Gold brand being the first certified fair trade brand in the UK. 

Today they are as well known for their ethics as their exceptional chocolates as they still insist on fair-trade organic cocoa beans being used across their range. The range itself is huge with something for everyone. We at Green Rewards especially love their gift sets which make great presents for everyone. Everyone loves chocolate and now you can enjoy it guilt free (well environmentally guilt free anyway!)

Chocolate Lovers Bar Collection | £20.42

Green & Black's organic collection of signature chocolate bars, for chocolate lovers. This is our ultimate flavour experience, ranging from the intense dark 85% to milk chocolate and white. Complemented by Green and Black's miniature collection, beautifully tied with gold ribbons. The whole gift is presented in a desirable gift box with a Green &Black's satin ribbon.

Ultimate Cook's Delight Green Gift Set | £25.54

Happy days are here for us with this fantastic organic chocolate cooks Gift set from Green & Black’s. 

Perfect gifts for passionate cooks are hard to find but we think we've cracked it with this one. Green & Black’s latest best selling recipe book which tempts, teases and torments lovers of this food of the Gods. 
Three 72% Cooking Chocolate bars- each square weighs exactly 5g, making it easy to measure.  Also included is the fairtrade cocoa powder which has a complex flavour and is alkalised or “Dutched” to emphasise the robust chocolatey notes.

Local Green Points is today announcing the launch of London Green Points, its scheme to incentivise households in the capital to take practical steps to reduce waste and increase recycling as well as raising much-needed funding for community charity projects. It has appointed well-known broadcaster Neil “Doctor” Fox, host of Magic 105.4’s Breakfast Show, as ‘ambassador’ for the London Green Points scheme.

“I am delighted to take on this role,” says Fox, “I am very aware as a Londoner that we all generate vast quantities of waste each year and disposing of the capital’s waste is a massive challenge that has huge environmental implications.  London Green Points will incentivise households to reduce what we throw out, re-use as much of our stuff as possible, and recycle more.  It’s also a great way to raise funds for local community projects and as patron for two charities that are active in London, Cash for Kids and Trees for Cities, I’ve seen first-hand the impact that good community projects have on people’s lives”.

Local Green Points is an LLP company backed by Green Rewards, Envirocomms and RWA (Resources and Waste Advisory Group). It’s London Green Points scheme is being implemented initially in the London Borough of Bexley, starting with 2,000 homes in Thamesmead followed by a further 15,000 homes across the borough within two years.  These first phases will focus on flats and the Borough has been awarded a grant of  £108,750 from the London Waste and Recycling Board’s Flats Recycling Programme to part-fund the scheme. There are plans to extend the scheme to all 90,000 homes in Bexley in future years.

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson says: ‘I know the good people of London's suburbs are keen to be green and to recycle whatever they can and I'm also aware that it is not always easy to do that. Bexley's London Green Points Scheme is great, offering residents the chance for community investment in return for recycling. I have always been a huge enthusiast for this kind of scheme which revolutionises the way people think about waste and recycling.'

Local Green Points’ co-founders are Stephen Bates, communications director at Envirocomms, and Graham Simmonds, managing director at Green Rewards and chairman of the environmental charity, Trees for Cities.  Bates is delighted to see the first scheme for Local Green Points, which is a national scheme, launched in Bexley and says, “At Local Green Points we are taking an innovative approach to waste and community support, so it’s highly appropriate that we are working with Bexley as they are a ’beacon council’ that put innovation at the heart of everything they do”.

The scheme works by rewarding performance at a community level, on a round-by-round basis, measuring improvements in recycling, waste reduction and re-use.  Households earn Green Points which are funded through the financial savings in waste management, particularly landfill costs, and these Green Points can either be spent on a variety of eco goods and services or residents can choose to donate their individual points to local community projects.  In addition, all participating households have access to a wide range of discount offers from local retailers.

As Local Green Points co-founder Simmonds says, “We surveyed homes in the Bexley area and found that 42% of households plan to spend their Green Points on a mix of rewards for themselves combined with donating some to community projects, 34% plan to donate them all to community projects and only 24% plan to spend them entirely on themselves.  As someone who has spent most of my working life in the charity sector, I am very excited to see that people want their recycling efforts to benefit the wider community, and I guess this is the Big Society in action!”

London Green Points will bring together a wide range of stakeholders, and a key partner will be Gallions Housing Association as Mandy Doe, Operations Director from Gallions explains; “By virtue of what we do, Gallions has exceptionally strong links with the local community and are always looking at ways in which we can add to the local, social capital. We knew from the moment we first met the Local Green Points team that this scheme could have a profound, positive effect in Thamesmead and are delighted that we will see it launched in this area and look forward to supporting the initiative”.

Cllr Gareth Bacon, Bexley’s Cabinet Member for the Environment said: "Thanks to the efforts of our residents, Bexley is already London's top borough for recycling. We have achieved a 50% recycling rate in each of the last two years but we do not want to rest on our laurels. To continue to be the best we must consistently look to improve and come up with new ways to reach the challenging targets we have set ourselves."

Local Green Points has confirmed that it is in advanced discussions with a number of other local authorities in London and across the UK and plans to announce news of further scheme rollouts later in the year.

 For further information:- Contact Graham Simmonds at Green Rewards on  graham.simmonds@greenrewards.co.uk or 07500 946748.

Making sustainability possible for individuals, the local community, economy and the environment is a major challenge; but for those who succeed, they’re often unacknowledged and under-appreciated – that’s why greenrewards.co.uk has teamed up with StudentForce to supports its Stars of Sustainability Awards 2011.

Like StudentForce, Green Rewards believes passionately in sustainability, particularly encouraging the younger generation to take positive steps - our mission is to stimulate green and ethical consumption, encouraging people to lead more sustainable lifestyles. More carrots, less stick; so we’re helping students get a head start by giving away £5 eco gift vouchers* to every attendee!

Our eco gift vouchers are also being used to reward the student winners of the StudentForce Sustainability Star of the Year Award and the StudentForce Education Sector Star of the Year Award. Winners will receive an eco gift voucher, allowing them to choose from 2000+ eco-products online: from gardening to eco-gadgets, beauty products to eco-experience, such as our wine tasting workshop, a full day of canoeing, even the assault course for two; the possibilities are (almost) endless!

Jenny Mace, Projects Co-ordinator at StudentForce, says ‘This is an exciting time for young people, communities, employees and our partners – these people have done amazing things and their outstanding achievements need to be celebrated, shared and recognized.’

Taking place on Monday 28^th March, guest-speakers include Greenpeace, the Soil Association, the Green Party and author/documentary-maker Nick Rosen.

For more information, please visit the Stars of Sustainability website.

*minimum spend required

The eco incentives and rewards provider, Green Rewards, has today been bought out by a new company, Green Leaning Ltd, which is headed up the original Green Rewards’ founder Graham Simmonds.  The business has been bought as a going concern and will continue to trade as Green Rewards.  

Graham Simmonds, who also chairs the board of the environmental charity Trees for Cities and has been described by The Daily Telegraph as an “eco hero”, commented: “Green Rewards operates the UK’s only independently authenticated green and ethical incentives and rewards programme, and I am really looking forward to building on our consumer proposition through our website, www.greenrewards.co.uk; to developing our partnerships with a broad range of corporations in both the public and private sectors; and to introducing some innovative new products such as the Local Green Points scheme for local government.”


Notes for Editors:
Green Rewards is a unique sustainable incentives and rewards scheme.   As well as providing an on-line shop for consumers underpinned by its own Green Points loyalty currency, Green Rewards provides motivational paper and e-vouchers to incentivise staff, customer and household behaviour.  Its on-line green shop includes something for everyone with over 2,000 products ranging from organic lip balms and ethical fashion to books, DVDs, organic wine, charity donations and even kayaking and sailing experiences.  Everything in the range is rigorously vetted and approved by an independent Sustainability Advisory Panel that includes some of the UK’s leading figures covering carbon management, ethical fashion, waste, recycling and fair trade.

For more information, please call Dominic Davies on 0207 326 5055 or email him at dominic.davies@greenrewards.co.uk
 

A new, pioneering, incentive scheme has been launched that, for the first time, will enable councils to benefit from a wide range of pro-environmental behavioural shifts beyond just recycling, by offering reward points as a “currency”, linking their value directly to the value of the performance increase that is achieved as opposed to simply relying solely upon retailer vouchers.

Green Rewards teams up with Enviro Comms and RWA to develop Local Green Points, a new approach to rewarding households for recycling and other green behaviours at home.  As well as providing genuine rewards for activities such as recycling, Local Green Points also aims to enhance community cohesion through a strong local, community-driven approach. 

If you are a local authority, a business or simply someone who is interested in finding out more about Local Green Points, go to www.localgreenpoints.com – or you can always speak to Graham Simmonds directly on 020 7326 5055.

Registrations now open for the world’s only Tree-Athlon!

London, Battersea Park - Saturday 18th September
Manchester, Heaton Park – Saturday 2nd October

Barefoot runners will be kick starting the 2010 Tree-Athlon events in London and Manchester.

Today, the independent environmental charity, Trees for Cities, is urging people to do their bit for the environment, by running a ‘Tree-Athlon’ this Autumn.
Now in its sixth year, the Tree-Athlon is a three part event, which includes a 5km run, the chance to make a tree wish and the opportunity to take home your very own sapling to plant. The aim is to raise funds for the planting and care of thousands of trees across the UK and internationally.

The 2010 Tree-Athlon plans to be bigger and better than ever before! Both races will consist of three groups: runners, barefoot runners and buggy sprinters, making it a perfect opportunity to gather friends and family for a big day out, to celebrate trees and raise money for urban trees.

In London, Ben Fogle and Tom Aikens will be teaming up to lead a Tree-Athlon barefoot run, whilst  parents are also being encouraged to take part in a buggy run.

Michelin Star Chef, Tom Aikens, says: “I am thrilled to be starting this year’s Tree-Athlon in London and leading the first ever barefoot run around Battersea Park! Trees and urban vegetation are so important – from brightening up grey city streets, to perking up community spaces and ‘edible’ school playgrounds.   Let’s plant the seeds, nurture them and watch them grow.”

Presenter, Writer and Adventurer, Ben Fogle, says: “I strongly support Trees for Cities' work and I am a true believer that we all need more green spaces in cities and healthier surroundings. Being part of the barefoot run at the Tree-Athlon with Tom Aikens is fantastic, and I can’t wait to see more trees planted in our cities as a result!”

The event is in partnership with Festival Republic, Manchester City Council  and Magic FM, and is being supported by Thames Water, CBS Outdoor, Red Rose Forest, Palo Alto, Stewed, Eat Natural and Together Drinks.

So fancy getting fit and helping our cities to breathe? Do your bit and start your tree-loving training!

Register now: tree-athlon@treesforcities.org & www.tree-athlon.org 


All media enquiries:
Inna Costantini: 0207 820 4428; inna@treesforcities.org
Stephen Gray: 0207 820 4428 stephen.gray@treesforcities.org

Notes to Editors

1.    Trees for Cities is an independent charity that plants trees and re-landscapes public spaces in urban areas of greatest need. The charity’s vision is to stimulate a greening renaissance in cities around the world that will impact on global warming and beautify the urban landscape, as well as encouraging greater social cohesion through the active participation of local people. A special effort is made to involve children and young people in all of the projects. The public can get involved by sponsoring trees, registering as a volunteer, enrolling in training programmes, taking part in the Tree-Athlon and going to fundraising parties – see www.treesforcities.org for more information.
2.    All funds raised from the Tree-Athlon will go towards tree planting projects in London, UK cities and beyond. Money raised in previous years went towards the creation of outdoor classrooms in London schools, planting new woodland plots in Leeds, a community orchard in Manchester, continuing native tree conservation projects in Peru, training local women in tree conservation in Ethiopia, and planting thousands more trees in Nairobi to help reforest the city.