Transport plans

We had a few emails this week from people at Aberystwyth University, saying that the University is investigating the environmental cost of their transport. We applaud the move. The text we were sent was:

Sustainable Travel

The University has produced a green paper on Sustainable Travel, with an aim to engage primary stakeholders in a discussion regarding the development of a comprehensive University Travel Plan.

In accordance with government guidelines and the University’s own policies, the Travel Plan’s principal aim is to encourage and to record a commitment of an institutionalised shift to more sustainable modes of travel within the culture of the University.

During this period of consultation, we would like to encourage all staff and students to read the Green Paper, and to submit feedback for its development. After this period, the document and relevant feedback will be used to inform the further development of the Travel Plan and its associated policies.

Let's hope it leads to a positive change, it is certainly a step in the right direction.

The Green Paper is available in English and Welsh. Feedback can be sent either by email to tmm@aber.ac.uk or by post to Dr. Tim Macy, Estates Department, Aberystwyth University, Lord Milford Building, Plas Gogerddan, Aberystwyth, SY23 3EB. Only staff and students at the university can respond - the consultation has not been opened out to the wider community, even though university traffic does have an impact on it.

The senders said it was unfortunately very short notice and asked us to mention it ASAP, since the deadline for feedback is Friday 11th December. So that's two posts in one day from CIN, your lovable local group of concerned citizens.

Climate change global editorial project

Today for the first time in history 56 major newspapers in 45 countries all featured the same editorial, illustrating the vital importance of humanity acting to change our frequently wasteful way of life as soon as possible. You can read the 'Copenhagen Editorial' here; and find out how it came about here.

Rethink Trident

Add your name to the Rethink Trident statement.

CND and Compass have brought together a coalition of over 100 leading figures from across British public life to call for next week's Pre Budget Report to halt Trident replacement and re-deploy the resources saved to more socially useful areas. You can read the statement and add your name at rethinktrident.org.uk

Launched earlier today with an article in The Independent, the coalition reconvenes the group first formed in the run-up to the 2007 Commons vote on Trident, which at the time was calling for further public and parliamentary debate.

The fact that an even broader coalition has now come together on the basis of outright opposition to Trident replacement shows how opposition to the plans has toughened.

Penglais School Initiative

Penglais School in Aberystwyth managed to get a small grant from Keep Wales Tidy for litter-picking equipment, and has already started with student litter picks. Their first one by year 10 students collected 10 bags of rubbish. Congratulations Penglais!

Know any meat eating 'environmentalists'?

Some interesting and thought-provoking facts below, courtesy of PETA's Animal Times. Click to enlarge (two separate images).

Policies and the paper they're written on

We hate to complain about Aberystwyth University again, but we get a fair few emails on this topic, obviously people feel let down by the university's actions. We have had more emails, enough to add together as a new post. Wouldn't it be great if we could instead have positive posts about the university? E.g. they decided to preserve a greenfield site instead of building on it; or established a new wood; or instituted a policy of full consultation before any building projects; or halted expermentation on GMOs and their use of animals in vivisection?

Energy and the environment
In their Energy and Water Management Policy the university says:

"The University is committed to managing energy and water consumption in order to minimise the impact on the environment and maximise efficient use of resources."

However they don't even adopt the simplest step of using a 100% renewable energy supplier such as Good Energy. Even more ironic when a recent university press release says:

"One of the world’s leading biologists has said that new developments at Aberystwyth University place it in an ideal position to lead the world in environmental matters."

That biologist obviously has a very limited way of judging what is environmentally good. The scientist, Steve Jones, goes on to say:

“This Institute could make a major difference to some of the great issues facing the world today – including developing new crops that will offer the hope of greater food, water and energy security.”

By 'new crops' in connection with IBERS he means 'genetically modified organisms'. Hardly the natural option. Not surprising though when IBERS are getting a new building, with all the resource-use that entails. The University website said that the car park between Edward Llwyd and Cledwyn Buildings was closed for two weeks from Sunday 26th September in order for site investigation work prior to starting construction on their new IBERS building.

Oh well, at least the university builds environmentally-friendly buildings - yes? No, of course not! They go for the cheapest option. See Alun Williams' blog for a good example, where the university selected UPVC window frames instead of sustainably sourced wood.

Fair trade
The university say they are committed to fair trade in their Fair Trade Policy, yet a student emailed us to say that if you go to their vending machines (e.g. the machines at the Sports Centre and in the Hugh Owen Library, amongst others) you will find products produced by companies such as Coca Cola and Nestle - both well known for their exploitation of workers and developing countries.

Humans and other animals

We often hear 'humans' and 'animals' referred to as if they are separate things. However humans are a species of mammal: therefore we are animals in the same way that dogs, porpoises and rats are. However, few people stop to think about this kinship, or what our relationship really is, or should be. Sadly, in many cases, the relationship is to the detriment of other species, as these rare photographs of now extinct animals show.

How about the animals we like though? There is a lot of hypocrisy in these relationships. See the thought-provoking article below (click to enlarge) - if you care about dogs and cats, it doesn't make sense to support companies that torture them. The article by PETA includes information about alternative food companies that aren't involved with cruelty.


And the ways we treat different species of animals can in many cases define arbitrary discrimination. See this PETA campaign which highlights the hypocrisy of how we treat pigs and dogs, and watch the video below. There is plenty to think about here!




Find out why pigs go "Woof!" at peta2!