Leading energy and solutions provider E.ON has begun the installation of a new solar panel array at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo as part of the wildlife conservation charity’s commitment to reduce its carbon footprint by 60% by 2030 and be net zero by 2040.

Today, animals of Edinburgh Zoo inspected the new solar panels being installed and gave their seal of approval. Popular zoo residents including meerkats, giraffes, armadillos and penguins all looked on as construction of the new solar meadow gets underway.

Edinburgh Zoo’s solar meadow will feature more than 1,500 bifacial solar photovoltaic (PV) panels¹ which can potentially generate up to 880,000 kWh of power a year. The solar meadow is expected to generate around 25% of Edinburgh Zoo’s electricity consumption, with the 1,548 solar panels being installed on the site by the end of 2023.

David Field, RZSS Chief Executive, said: “It’s vital that we inspire people to protect, value and love nature, and that starts with ensuring we’re reducing our own carbon paw-print on site at our zoos.

“Nature and nature-based solutions must be prioritised, and our new solar installation with E.ON is a huge step in setting RZSS as a global exemplar for biodiversity and sustainability. The meadow is projected to generate up to 880,000 kWh a year, which represents a saving of 194 tonnes of CO2e, or 8% of our carbon annually.

“Our charity plans to reduce its carbon footprint by 60% by 2030 and develop a strategy to be net zero by 2040. When the solar meadow is complete, we’ll become the number one zoo in the UK for green energy generation, and number three in Europe.”

Chris Lovatt, Chief Operating Officer of UK Solutions at E.ON, said: “There’s no greater positive link between energy and our environment than generating sustainable power and using it for wildlife conservation, and this agreement with RZSS delivers both an economic and environmental win.

“This project contributes to the great work of RZSS and is just one of the ways we’re working with customers at home, in business and across whole communities, taking climate action to help the UK meet its net zero targets and combat the climate crisis.”

RZSS is one of Europe’s leading wildlife conservation charities, promoting environmental education and research, helping to ensure the survival of species around the world. 

E.ON is committed to being carbon neutral by 2040 and is leading the energy transition; providing smart, sustainable and personalised solutions for customers across the UK. E.ON offers a wide range of efficient and smart technologies to help customers at home and in business reduce their impact on the planet by using less energy and even generating and storing it themselves.

·       For more information on how E.ON is taking climate action now, visit eonenergy.com/action

·       To discover how E.ON is helping businesses to become more sustainable, visit eonenergy.com/sustainable-businesses

·       To learn more about RZSS’ 2030 strategy, visit rzss.org.uk/about-rzss/strategy

In the fast-paced world of personal care products, one trend has captured the attention of beauty enthusiasts and eco-conscious consumers alike: shampoo bars. These ever increasingly luxurious compact, solid bars are quickly gaining popularity as an innovative and sustainable alternative to traditional liquid shampoos. With their numerous benefits for both hair and the environment, it’s no wonder shampoo bars are currently trending in the beauty industry.

Beauty Favours is a UK business that has recently been awarded as the Sustainable Cosmetics Retailer of the Year in Staffordshire for 2023 by the Midlands Enterprise Awards, recognising the dedication to sustainable business practices. In addition, Beauty Favours were awarded the title of the Best Cruelty-Free Shampoo Bar Company 2023 London at the SME Business Elite Awards, reinforcing the commitment to cruelty-free beauty and high-quality products.

Shampoo bars offer a range of advantages that are fuelling their rapid rise in popularity. Firstly, they are highly concentrated, resulting in a high foaming, longer-lasting product that reduces packaging waste. Unlike plastic bottles commonly used for liquid shampoos, shampoo bars are typically packaged in minimal, eco-friendly materials, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions.

Moreover, shampoo bars are a game-changer for frequent travellers and those seeking convenience in their hair care routine. The compact size and solid form make them ideal for easy transportation, eliminating the risk of leakage during transit. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a long-haul journey, shampoo bars provide a mess-free and hassle-free option for maintaining healthy, beautiful hair on the go.

Beyond their practical benefits, shampoo bars are renowned for their hair-loving formulas.  These bars are often crafted with luxurious nourishing ingredients, and mild cleansing for ultimate care for both hair and scalp.The rising popularity of shampoo bars has also ignited a wave of creativity and diversity in the market. With an increasing number of brands and artisans entering the scene, consumers now have a plethora of options to cater to their unique hair needs. From bars formulated for specific hair types, such as curly, oily, or dry, to those enriched with botanical extracts, nourishing oils and vitamins, the variety of shampoo bars available ensures that every individual can find their perfect match.Recognising the potential of shampoo bars to revolutionise the way we approach hair care; industry experts anticipate further growth in this trend. With their environmental benefits, travel-friendly nature, and hair-loving formulas, shampoo bars are poised to become a staple in personal care routines worldwide.

To try some of the latest shampoo bar formulations see www.beautyfavours.com

 

Kitty Cabins are one of the UK’s favourite pet shelters and now animal lovers can buy an eco-friendly version that’s made entirely from waste plastic.

Kitty Cabins are made using a manufacturing process called rotational moulding by a company called RevMo, based in Callington, Cornwall. The shelters are popular because they’re made from a single piece of highly durable plastic so they don’t rot like wooden shelters, they need no assembly and they’re easy to clean.

Although the process is relatively low waste, the company has found a way to collect all of the waste and get it ground down to form the powder suitable for making new products.

Claire Walker, managing director of RevMo, said: “We use a moulding process that doesn’t create a lot of waste but we always try and re-use as much as we can. We wanted to make sure the Cabin still looks good and is nice and smooth inside so it’s comfortable for pets. And now, we think we’ve cracked it!”

The Eco Kitty Cabin is just as robust and good-looking as the original but made entirely from waste plastic. This 100% recycled plastic pet shelter shows how manufacturing can help the UK meet its global commitment to net zero.

The original Cabin is made from a highly durable moulded plastic so it lasts a long time, but this recycled version means that no new plastic was used in its making.

Claire added: “The Cabin is made from a plastic powder that’s heated inside a metal mould until it forms the shape. The challenge was to produce something that looks attractive. Traditionally reprocessed plastic is all black, no matter the original colour of the waste material. Now we have managed to recycle our waste in a way that the finished product is a random colour effect.

“I’m so pleased we got it right in the end and I can’t wait to see what customers – and their pets – think of it.”

Eco Kitty Cabin | Recycled Plastic Pet Shelter – Cosy Cabins (cosy-cabin.com)

Royal Assent has been granted by the King for the Animals (Low-Welfare Activities Abroad) Bill – now making this Law.

The Bill has passed through all Commons and Lords stages without any amendments or opposition, which is unique for any animal law and has immediately received Royal Assent the same day from King Charles.

Duncan McNair – CEO of award winning charity Save The Asian Elephants who devised and has driven the Bill says:

“Save The Asian Elephants and the millions who have supported our campaign hope the passing into law of the landmark Animals (Low-Welfare Activities Abroad) Bill will prove a momentous day for animals everywhere.

The measures, resolutely implemented and enforced, will help protect endangered and vulnerable species across the world from extreme exploitation, harm and death in tourism. They will also save many lives of humans too, turned upon by maddened elephants and other creatures provoked by torture.

Save The Asian Elephants is hugely appreciative of all who have supported our campaign for these changes, of our government, our Parliament across the party divide, the charity sector and the public. All must now set our hand to starting the transition from brutal and dangerous practices to ethical sanctuaries and wildlife reserves.

Britain can take pride in this world-first law. Now we must encourage the world to follow suit whilst time remains for so many beleaguered species, our brothers and sisters in nature.”

One of the most important animal-related bills ever in the UK, protecting millions of endangered animals worldwide is a necessity because of extreme brutality to many species (often endangered) in modern tourism.

With Asian elephants this starts with “pajan” (breaking of the spirits) …. snatching baby elephants illegally from the wild, isolating and starving, into crushing cages (kraals) then severe stabbing, ripping and beating till they are terrified into submission for easy use in tourism.

STAE has identified to date 1,212 UK based travel companies advertising nearly 300 brutal overseas elephant venues alone.

Elephants, primates, big cats, bears, dolphins and marines, exotic birds, horses, donkeys and camels – all and more – can be helped back from cruel abuse and often from the brink of extinction now.

Duncan adds;

“Our House of Lords and King Charles has backed this historic measure to protect endless endangered and vulnerable species from extreme violation and death in abusive tourism across the world.

Now Law a wondrous new vista of opportunity falls open for the safeguarding of the most beautiful and most beleaguered of the world’s creatures.

The aims and wider potential are momentous for this Law. It is a world first for our nation and a template for all nations that harbour a ruthless trade in abusive animal tourism.

Parliament, government, animal welfare advocates, everyone who treasures this wondrous inheritance of the animal kingdom, will continue to work together to realise the opportunities this Law presents.

We must harness our efforts to start turning back the many decades of degradation and destruction just one species – ours – has visited on so many others.

This important Law provides the means of striking back to depose those who would ravage the precious and vulnerable creatures with whom we share this planet. They have been exploited till the last penny of profit has been squeezed from them in blood and pain. Yet they are our brothers and sisters.”

STAE has been named amongst the 10 best charities in the world 2023 for helping elephants: https://impactful.ninja/best-charities-for-protecting-elephants/  

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SUPPORT FOR THE GARDENS!

This winter, visitors to Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens in Horsham, West Sussex, can enjoy a captivating after-dark light trail as the gardens come alive with colour and sound during this year’s Leonardslee Illuminated event.  

Open between 4pm and 10pm, with light trails running from 4.15pm to 8.15pm, the event will take place on various dates from 24th November to 21st December: please visit the Leonardslee website for details of ticket prices and free and discounted offers for Leonardslee members. 

Now in its fifth year, Leonardslee Illuminated at the historic 240-acre Grade I Listed estate will transport visitors into a magical world as the gardens are transformed with illuminations, large-scale installations, and atmospheric soundscapes. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a Victorian funfair, a small Christmas market, a selection of seasonal food and drink, and other entertainment before entering the mile-long trail. 

“Visitors can explore the lit trails and walk down through the valley, decked with fairy lights and lanterns, giant flowers and mythical animals. There will be displays of massive stars and planets suspended over the seven lakes, reflecting the sparkling lights and the towering lakeside trees,” says Adam Streeter, general manager. 

“We’ve worked hard to make the event even more affordable this year, given the rising cost of living: there is a price reduction from last year, and Leonardslee members will get free entry on selected days, and 50% off at other times. 

“There are fairground attractions, mulled wine and other food and drink to enjoy either before or after the trail, which is around 60 to 90 minutes long. The market features arts and crafts and other gifts for sale from local artisans, and our shops will be open, with wines from our sister estate’s vineyards at Benguela Cove in South Africa”. 

Streeter says that the illuminations and other events are vital to maintaining the estate, helping to fund the major programme of works needed to preserve the woodland gardens, which were originally created by the great Victorian plant collector, Sir Edmund Loder. The estate is now a protected ecosystem for fauna and flora that are threatened elsewhere in the UK and beyond, including several rare ‘champion’ trees.  

Tickets are available online, at a reduced price this year, from £16 for adults and £9 per child, down from £18 and £10 last year, and with special free and discounted ticket offers for Leonardslee members. Annual membership at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens starts from £60.

Visit https://www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk/all-events