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21-04-2009
The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) is to support ‘The Green Blue’ by including environmental considerations in its prestigious ‘Lionel Munk Award’. The IWA which is a registered charity was founded in 1946 and advocates the conservation, use, maintenence and development of the inland waterways for public use.
The Lionel Monk Award is made to the boat builder who in addition to meeting the normal criteria for standards of comfort and construction, can also demonstrate what they have done to minimise environmental impact in their build.
Boat builders entering for the award at the IWA National Festival this year, which is to be held over August bank holiday weekend at Ratcliffe-on-Soar, Nottinghamshire, will each be asked to submit a list of environmental measures that have been included in the build. Judges will then nominate five boats based on construction, design, value for money fit out, innovation, and these environmental considerations. The five nominees will each be handed a framed certificate for each boat to display during the show indicating that they are a ‘nominated boat’.
Clive Henderson, IWA’s National Chairman, said, “We are delighted to be able to support The Green Blue in this way. IWA believes that being more environmentally friendly starts with the boat builder introducing measures such as the use of timber from sustainable sources, eliminating water pollution from fuel and oil spills and using a hull design which reduces wash and propulsion energy. A number of boat builders are already introducing eco-measures into the build in response to growing demand from the boating public. By highlighting environmental measures through the award, IWA will demonstrate that improving boating sustainability is key to a sustainable future for the waterways”.
Sarah Black, Project Manager for The Green Blue said, “We are delighted to be working with IWA to recognise the importance of environmental improvements in boat design and construction. There is so much that companies can do to minimise their environmental impact, from lean manufacturing to energy efficient hulls. I am really excited to see what entrants we get!
Many environmental improvements are not expensive to incorporate at the design stage and others are really a matter of good house-keeping. See our Tade Talk sections for ideas on how businesses can green up their acts.
For more information on the Lionel Monk Award please contact Peter Bolt (IWA National Festival Awards Officer) peter.bolt@waterways.org.uk Tel: 0151 678 9300
01 - 04 - 2009
The Green Blue, has today announced the appointment of their new Sustainable Facilities Officer, responsible for implementing The Green Blue’s ‘Sustainable Facilities’ programme across the UK.
Dan Reading takes up the post having completed almost a year as The Green Blue’sRecycling Officer. In this new role Dan will be providing targeted practical advice to marine businesses, clubs and training centres around the UK based on the new developed ‘Marine Toolkit Website’. From recycling and energy and water efficiency to waste management, Dan’s task will be to educate and inform clubs and marinas about how to save resources and money!.
Sarah Black, The Green Blue project manager said: “We are delighted to confirm Dan as the new Sustainable Facilities Officer. This role is crucial to the marine sector. The Green Blue has had great success over the last few years and this new post will enable us to reach more business and clubs with our practical cost saving advice.
One of the first tasks for Dan will be to get clubs and marinas working through the toolkit more. This online device walks business through all the complex environmental legislation relevant to them and then gives them a simple action plan which can make real differences to their efficiency when implemented.
“I’m really looking forward to the challenges of this new role and look forward to working with the marine industry to assist them in developing more environmental friendly practices”, concluded Dan.
To view the tool kit click here
24-03-2009
To celebrate Dee Caffari’s world first of becoming the first woman to sail non-stop and alone both ways around the world The Green Blue wanted to mark the occasion by presenting her with a unique gift.
Sarah Black, Project Manager for The Green Blue and the team presented Dee with a directors’ chair made from recycled sails, something Dee can relate too after thousands of miles under her own disintegrating main during the recent Vendee Globe.
Made by the innovative company, ‘Reefer Sails’, the chair is emblazoned with congratulations messages. Dee, who is an ambassador for The Green Blue, was delighted to receive the unique gift and said: “This is such a cool chair. After watching my main fall apart it is good to see that old sails do have a use. Mind you I did get faster as the sail got worse, I think it was reverse psychology by the boat, the faster it fell apart the quicker she wanted to get home!”
“It was great to see Dee come across that line, what a fantastic achievement. We were also pleased to be able to tell her that the recycling she had asked for at the Royal Clarence Marina is starting very soon! Perhaps this chair will inspire her to give us more eco-challenges in the future!” concluded Sarah.
Reefer Sails started in 2008 and recycle marine and aviation sails into their range of unique products.
Mark Turner from Reefer said: “We were delighted to have been commissioned by The Green Blue to make a chair for Dee. The Green Blue’s initiative for encouraging a sustainable boating community sits perfectly alongside our company’s belief in environmentally aware, ethical trading. We hope our approach appeals to both individuals and commercial organisations alike.”
The environmental impact from quantities of old sails ending up in landfill is considerable. Anyone with an old unwanted sail can send it to Reefer sails, who will not only use it to make a new product but send the owner an item from their range as a thank-you!
01-03-2009
The Green Blue, will be keenly following the progress of solo rower Sarah Outen as she embarks on an epic 3,100 solo row across the Indian Ocean.
Rowing from Western Australia heading for Mauritius, with her specially branded ‘The Green Blue’ oars, Sarah is bidding to become the first woman, the youngest and the fastest to make the crossing.
Outen, a recent graduate in Biology from St Hugh's College, Oxford holds environmental issues very close to her heart. She is endeavouring to make her trip as ‘green’ as possible. As well as offsetting the carbon emissions associated with shipping her boat and flying, she has also teamed up with the RSPB to promote their Save the Albatross Campaign (STAC)
Sarah has undertaken to keep a special ‘Litter Blog’ for The Green Blue and we will be updating our website with her latest news on a regular basis.
Sarah Black, The Green Blue project manager said: “Sarah is a great ambassador for the Oceans and we will be looking forward to her reports from across the ocean'.
Sarah’s trip will begin at the end of March and you will be able to follow her progress via The Green Blue website
Click here for Sarah's latest litter blog
To find out more about Sarah Outen and her Indian Ocean Challenge visit www.sarahouten.co.uk
01- 02 - 2009
British Waterways’ has included a rule in its new licence terms about discharge of waste or so called ‘grey’ water from boats, boaters should now only use phosphate-free detergents.
British Waterways are concerned that excessive amounts of plant nutrients – mainly phosphates are present in the network’s water, which can cause a proliferation of plant and algae growth.
Too many aquatic plants can become an obstruction to navigation, cause levels of oxygen in the water to fall dangerously low, and prevent rare and more delicate plants from growing. Too many algae can also cause oxygen levels to fall, and some species (blue green algae) can produce a scum that is potentially harmful to humans, pets, and farm animals.
British Waterways (BW) has always allowed boaters to discharge "grey water" (waste water from sinks and showers) overboard. This is perfectly legal and has not caused any problems to date. However, the number of boats using the network is growing, and there is also a trend for some to have dishwashers and washing machines, with the waste water plumbed into the grey water system. This means that the amount of pollution from boats is gradually increasing, and at a time where other forms of pollution are being better controlled.
In most waterways the amount is still small compared with other sources, but BW need to show that they are doing all that is reasonable to control the situation. BW realise that a ban on overboard discharge of grey water would be very inconvenient for boaters, but think that using phosphate-free detergents and soaps is something that all boaters can do at minimal cost. Indeed for some time BW has recommended the use of "environmentally friendly" detergents in the Boaters Handbook.
There are an increasing number of "green" products on the market, many of which will be phosphate-free (it will say on the label). Examples are Ecover, Tesco’s "Naturally" range, Sainsbury’s "Cleanhome" range, Faith in Nature’s "Clear Spring" range, or the Bio-D range available from many Oxfam shops. For washing machines, some "wash-balls" are also phosphate-free, such as the T-Wave laundry discs.
Shampoos and shower gels by ethical stores such as Lush and Body Shop are also likely to be acceptable according to BW’s website Waterscape.
It is clearly not feasible for BW to monitor compliance with any rigour, but should water quality problems occur in a particular area that are related to phosphates from boats, the licence condition gives BW the necessary power to take enforcement action.
For The Green Blue's advice on cleaning you boat click here
To visit the Inland Waterways Association website click here
29/01/09
The Green Blue has now recruited its first volunteers in Scotland and has recently held a very successful volunteer training day in Scotland. Kindly hosted by Royal Gourock Yacht Club, new recruits travelled from across Scotland to participate in the one-day training course.
Sarah Black (Project Manager) and Helen Waterhouse (Development Officer) provided training and gave an inspirational overview of The Green Blue environmental initiative, its achievements so far and the challenges ahead.
Volunteers were trained on The Green Blue's 6 main areas of work: Oil and Fuel, Cleaning and Maintenance, Appreciating Wildlife, Resource Efficiency, Waste Management and Sewage. The importance of volunteers, what volunteers do and the resources available to them was also covered. The training equipped the volunteers with the knowledge required to help the boating community “make the environment second nature”.
Aisa Nebreda, who works for the GRAB Trust in Lochgilphead said "the training was very inspirational and delivered enthusiastically, the training was interactive and I particularly enjoyed the games and activities"
The volunteers will assist Julia Christie, Project Officer Scotland, in spreading environmental awareness effectively across Scotland. "Volunteers are key to helping get the message out to their local boating communities" said Julia. "They will help by raising awareness, distributing publications, providing club liaison and attending sailing events and boat shows".
The Green Blue team thanks all those who participated in the training day and the help they can provide will be greatly appreciated – together we can make a difference.
If you are interested in The Green Blue Volunteer Scheme, please contact Helen.Waterhouse@thegreenblue.org.uk.
If you would like a member of The Green Blue team to visit your club or group in Scotland then please contact: Julia.Christie@thegreenblue.org.uk
19-01-2009
The Green Blue had a great time at London International Boat Show this year. Congratulations to the team, all their hard work really paid off with some great feedback from the people who visited the stand.
The focus of The Green Blue Stand this year was 'Wildlife Awareness' and how to avoid unnecessary disturbance.
12/12/08
The focus of The Green Blue Stand this year will be Wildlife Awareness and how to avoid unnecessary disturbance. We will have a number of activities taking place on the stand for children. Face painting (weekend's only) and create your own sea creature from scrap. Whilst on the main stage "Question Time" with Tom Cunliff takes place on Friday 9th Jan and a SeaSkool occurs daily. The Green Blue can be found on the RYA stand (B2) again this year.
01-01-2009
In August 2008 Andy Pag will start out on an epic drive around the world WITHOUT USING FOSSIL FUELS on an expedition which will explore and document our globes attitude towards energy.
29/01/09
Four hundred delegates from 28 countries around the world converged on Halifax, Nova Scotia, on 14th and 15th November, for the International Sail Training and Tall ships Conference 2008.
Sarah Black, The Green Blue Project Manager, was invited to host a workshop at the conference.
05/11/2008
The sell-out second annual conference of The Green Blue – the joint BMF and RYA initiative that promotes the sustainable use of coastal and inland waters – inspired and motivated its 110 delegates at the SS Great Britain, Bristol yesterday (4 November 2008).
31/09/2008
On the 30th September The Green Blue team ran a seminar for CCPR (Central Council of Physical Recreation). CCPR are the national alliance of governing and representative bodies of sport and recreation.
The seminar was held to help sporting governing bodies realise their legal environmental obligations, and encourage them to set up an Environmental Management System (EMS). The seminar also covered subjects such as, communicating your policy to stakeholders, how to save money and find funds and the psychology of change.
Representatives from nine national bodies attended the seminar. These included The Rugby Football Union, The Amateur Swimming Association, The National Association of Karate and Martial Art Schools, The Motorsports Association, The Football Association and The English Golf Union.
Full copies of the presentations can be downloaded here.
01-10-2008
09-07-2008
4th November 2008 - SS Great Britain, Bristol
02-07-2008
The Green Blue and Chevron have recently collaborated to help the Honda rib powerboat competition to be as environmentally sensitive as possible. Read more..
16-06-2008
Jane Swan has recently joined The Green Blue as ‘Partnership Officer’. Jane will work closely with Government agencies and secure partnerships and funding for the future development of the programme. Read more..
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13.05.2008
The recent shenanigans of the EU have left us facing the prospect of paying full road duty on our marine diesel, and thrown the current fuel supply problems into sharp relief for all boaters. Read more..
20.04.2008
26-03-2008
In the last ten years wehave become much wiser to the fact that the environment is under threat from a wide range of issues from pollution to global warming. Read more..
03-03-2008
An exciting new challenge has been launched today by TV personality and environmentalist Chris Packham. Read more..
03-03-2008
The RYA Planning and Environmental Handbook has just been produced to help RYA affiliated clubs and recognised training centres in running their facilities. Read more..
25-02-2008
The Green Blue will be exhibiting at the Dinghy Sailing Show 2008 held at Alexandra Palace from 1st - 2nd Mach 2008. Read more..
25-02-2008
Marine House, Egham, Surrey - Thursday 13th March 2008 Read more..
19-02-2008
All marine companies produce some form of waste whether this be paper from offices or waste materials form a manufacturing process. Read more..
04-02-2008
Boating Business Exhibition 2008 is being held in association with the British Marine Federation and the Marine Trades Association at the Bournemouth International Centre from 13th - 14th February. Read more..
22-01-2008
Discussions about the viability of non-biocide antifouling took a step forward last week at the Collins Stewart London Boatshow. Read more..
03-01-2008
This year, The Green Blue will be focusing its attention on how to renew your antifouling with the environment in mind. Read more..
21-12-2007
NetRegs, the organisation that provides free environmental guidance for small businesses in the UK has joined together with Business Link to develop a free, online self assessment tool to help you find out what you need to do to comply with environmental legislation. Read more..
30-11-2007
What is the future for antifouling use in the freshwater environment? Read more..
30-11-2007
Our latest Seasonal Maintenance article comes from David Parker of Warsash, Hampshire and reports of trials of Seajet 036 Shogun-Eco on Green Blue supporter, Mike Bailey's 27ft sailing cruiser. Read more..
On 28th September, The Green Blue held its first National Conference for marinas, sailing clubs and boatyards. Read more..
08-11-2007
The Green Blue has followed the progress of Yachtsman Mukti Mitchell and the ‘Low Carbon Lifestyle Tour’ over the summer. Read more..
26-10-2007
Ten key representatives from the marina sector visited the Netherlands earlier this month as part of a 'Best Practice Tour', organised by The Green Blue. Read more..
01-11-2007
09-10-2007
New guidance has been issued on the requirement for non-hazardous waste treatment prior to landfilling, as required by the Landfill Directive. Read more..
24-09-2007
The Green Blue launched its latest tool to promote environmental messages to boaters with their brand new ‘Into The Green Blue’ CD-Rom at Southampton Boat Show this year. Read more..
24-09-2007
Supported by The Green Blue, a forward-thinking new prize for environmentally friendlier boat propulsion systems was launched at Southampton Boat Show. Read more..
11-09-2007
We are pleased to announce the launch of The Green Blue CD Rom 'Into The Green Blue' at this years Boat Show. Read more..
The London International Boat Show returns to ExCeL from 9-18 January 2009, celebrating 55 years of bringing the best of boating to the nation’s capital.
Come along and enjoy the thrill of being onboard one of the hundreds of fascinating boats on display; from historic replica vessels to the latest in marine technology. With over 500 exhibitors showcasing power and sail boats, inland craft, dinghies, engines and electronics, deck equipment, clothing, sailing courses, holidays and more, the Show promises to offer something for everyone, whether you’re an enthusiast or a first time visitor.
The focus of The Green Blue Stand this year will be Wildlife Awareness and how to avoid unnecessary disturbance. We will have a number of activities taking place on the stand for children. Face painting (weekend's only) and create your own sea creature from scrap. Whilst on the main stage "Question Time" with Tom Cunliff takes place on Friday 9th Jan and a SeaSkool occurs daily. The Green Blue can be found on the RYA stand (B2) again this year.
There are a lot of other things to see and do at the Show too, with the interactive Deck Games area (supported by Team Dorset and Yachts & Yachting) now featuring a 20m indoor pool where you can try your hand at model boat racing as well as various watersports. And when your feet need a rest you can sit back and enjoy a Guinness at the Black & White Bar, which is back by popular demand.
If you’re interested in older, traditional boats, catch an update on the progression of the Cutty Sark restoration project which is part of the popular Classic Boat feature (sponsored by Classic Boat, Old Pulteney and International Paints).
The Main Stage – Powered by Fairline will host the sequel to last year’s star attraction, the Sea Queen Stage Show. The new show, ‘A Mermaid’s Tale’, will amaze visitors with daring aerial displays, extreme acrobatics, energetic dance and uplifting music. The stage will also be used for the official Show opening and will be central to numerous launches, activities and announcements throughout the 10 days, including the winner of the Design a Sail competition.
Make sure you head out to the Marina, which will feature a selection of inland craft as well as some of the largest exhibitor boats in production which physically cannot fit through the doors of ExCeL.
National Boats Shows are offering readers a 20% discount offer (normal ticket price is £15). This offer is only available by calling the hotline number on 0844 209 0333 or logging onto »www.londonboatshow.com and quoting ‘L21’. Discounted tickets are valid from 10-18 January and offer fantastic value for money, with each ticket admitting one adult and two children aged 15 and under.
To find out more information about the Show, along with terms and conditions, visit www.londonboatshow.com.
