Welcome Bright Sparks!

Many thanks to all who participated in The Green Workshop at The Brighton Science Festival and particularly those of you who took part in the Peak Oil competition. Here are the results;

Question: Which of the following oil producing countries produces the most oil?

1. USA
2. Venezuela
3. Kuwait
4. Russia
5. Saudi Arabia

Answer: Saudi Arabia

43 people chose Saudi Arabia, 29 people chose Kuwait, 23 people chose Russia, 18 people chose USA, 13 people chose Venezuela.

Here are the statistics on oil reserves;

1. Saudi Arabia - 264 billion barrels
2. Kuwait - 102 billion barrels
3. Russia - 80 billion barrels
4. USA - 30 billion barrels
5. Venezuela - 80 billion barrels

Compare this with the oil reserves of the UK which is 4 billion barrels.

These statistics were taken from the "Statistical Review of World Energy" published by BP on 13th June 2007.

AND FINALLY .......... the winner is Ticket No 19 which belonged to Milo. Milo if you are out there, congratulations on winning the Green Hamper. Please contact mel@thegreencentre.co.uk to arrange to receive your prize.

Your winning ticket was selected by Mr David Rees - volunteer with The Green Centre project.

Oil Gushes to over $100 a barrel

Crude Oil rose to a record $100.10 a barrel as speculation brewed that OPEC is preparing to cut production when it meets next month. Oil is fast becoming an issue as serious as Gloabal Warming and Climate Change. Those familiar with the term Peak Oil will know that many believe we have used half of the world's oil reserves. With demand increasing it is believed that we see demand outstrip supply leading to further price increases and increased conflict. See P for Peak Oil on The Green Centre A - Z to understand a little mote about the future of oil.

What's new in the world of eco-warrior?

Viridor are offering £240,000 worth of grants for community and environmental groups based within 10 miles of Horton landfill site near Steyning. Check out their website for details. Magnolias are flowering in Britain earlier than ones in native India - and speaking of India - along with China they have lowered their rice exports because of a global shortage. Prices are up 60% and basmati rice has doubled. Another thing to have increased in price is the London congestion charge. Gas-guzzling vehicles are to be hit with a £25 charge from October 27th 2008. So still time to trade your guzzler in for a sipper !!

Biofuels worsen global warming! But not in Brighton!!

So what's new in the "green world" today? Well apparently biofuels could do more harm to the planet than good. The effects of the so called "green fuels" worsen global warming!! This was discovered after an examination of the effects of converting natural forests and grassland into biofuel-producing areas. Destruction of these habitats caused more carbon to be released than was saved producing the biofuels. In Brighton we have several schemes whereby used cooking oil is collected and helps run local vehicles. Several schools participate in the "slick schools scheme". These schools will gratefully accept your used cooking oil - please choose C for cooking oil in The Green Diary at www.thegreencentre.co.uk to find out more about this scheme.

Life without a car!

Well it has been officially confirmed - the car is on it's way to car heaven. Life without a car is OK. I take the bus. It's a bit difficult to manage The Green Centre activities without a car. I am currently looking in to the car-share schemes. So far I am not impressed - it seems to be a lot of money needs paying up front before one can borrow a car. Surviving on lifts - no major problems so far.