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Nuclear energy advantages & disadvantages
Published 20 May 2022Nuclear energy is sold to us as the solution to all our energy crisis problems. Those who are in favour say it is a low cost, low carbon and highly reliable energy source. Those who disagree say that it is unsafe and not as green as we would like it to be. What is nuclear […]
The problem of plastic waste in UK homes
Published 12 May 2022This week Everyday Plastic & Greenpeace team up for the Big Plastic Count (16-22 May). The campaign is easy to take part in. Simply count all the pieces of plastic waste you throw away at home during the week long period. By reporting back to Big Plastic Count, you can help the campaign to push […]
On the right track
Published 12 May 2022An artist’s project Painter Carolyn Blake has created The Unchanging Traveller, a collaboration between herself, fifteen poets and one graphic designer. Carolyn welcomed all on board to use her paintings of scenes through a train window to spark ideas. The book moves us from station to station, the route typically from Birmingham to Euston, London […]
Campaigning for change in the insurance industry
Published 6 May 2022Naturesave insurance is campaigning for insurance divestment. What does that mean and why does it matter? The insurance industry has a significant influence on the energy industry. And as we know, the energy industry has a significant impact on climate change. And climate change matters. Before sustainability and climate change were even fashionable terms, Naturesave […]
Home energy saving tips
Published 3 May 2022The price of home energy is high and many of us are considering how we can reduce our energy use and energy bills. By reducing our home energy usage we can also make a difference to the planet. Appliances that use the most energy in the home Energy Saving Trust has a handy list of […]
Join Blue Patch at Dulwich Festival in May
Published 22 April 2022Ian Dunn Woodwork & Design is taking part in the Artist’s Open House events during the festival and will be opening his workshop doors to the general public over two weekends in May. Ian will also host fellow Blue Patch members, including: Heliconia Furniture, Blackbird Bespoke, Elly Allen, Coldharbour Lights, Janet Tod and Jane Langley. […]
Spring cleaning in a sustainable way
Published 11 April 2022Spring has sprung and everyone is starting or has started their spring cleaning activities. This year, we want to be a bit more mindful about our spring cleaning and make it more sustainable. Here are some tips for how to spring clean in a sustainable way. Why is it called spring cleaning? Spring cleaning is […]
What are the main types of renewable energy?
Published 4 April 2022Renewable energy or renewables are energy sources that are continuously replenished. Whereas non-renewable energy which is finite. The main types of non-renewable energy are coal, natural gas, oil and nuclear energy. All these energy sources depend on limited natural resources and most of which are not clean. The use of fossil fuels (coal, natural gas […]
Environmentally friendly paint choice for progressive Climate Justice project at Manchester Art Gallery
Published 28 March 2022Manchester Art Gallery announces new Official Paint Sponsorship with Edward Bulmer Natural Paint. Edward Bulmer Natural Paint has been a member of Blue Patch since 2018. The company produces natural plant based paints that are plastic free and natural. The colour range is vibrant and exciting, with over 100 shades developed by designer, architectural historian […]
How the Happy Planet Store happened
Published 24 March 2022The Happy Planet store, a sustainable product shop in the Manchester Art Gallery, has been open since January 26th this year. In the last few weeks before the store closes, we review how it happened. Why use museums & galleries? Blue Patch founder, Jane Langley, is an artist herself. She has exhibited in The Textiles […]
Should we use more recycled plastic?
Published 17 March 2022Plastic is bad – at least that’s what we all seem to agree, but is it really? When we consider how plastics and micro-plastics are polluting our land and oceans, there doesn’t seem to be a reasonable argument for continuing to use them. When you consider the hard wearing features of plastic and the fact […]
Happy planet, happy children
Published 10 March 2022Working towards a sustainable future for our planet is all about ensuring a future for our children and their children. Here are some of the products on sale at the Happy Planet Store in Manchester Art Gallery until April 18th. Natural and sustainable children’s brands Parents look towards brands to make products that are more […]
Food sustainability
Published 28 February 2022What is food sustainability and how does the UK improve its food security? What can we do as individuals to contribute to food sustainability in our country? What is food sustainability? At a fundamental level, food sustainability is about generating enough food for the human population. It is “grounded on the availability of fertile land, […]
The Happy Planet store showcases innovative sustainability
Published 21 February 2022The trouble with being a sustainable business is finding the right materials. Sometimes there is a good reason for the material choice. For example, it is waterproof or long lasting or malleable. Making a manufacturing business more sustainable can become a game of ‘find the right material’ and this requires a lot of testing to […]
What is biodiversity?
Published 14 February 2022Biodiversity or biological diversity, simply put, is the diverse nature found in any particular location. Every living thing in a given location counts, from the microbes in the soil, through the plant life to the animals. The more diverse, the more desirable. What are the three areas of biodiversity? Biodiversity is broken down into three […]
Love the planet, love Happy Planet
Published 8 February 2022Looking for the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day? We’re featuring a selection of ethical and sustainable products that are currently on sale in the Happy Planet Store at Manchester Art Gallery. Gifts can be purchased online or in store, so why not make a day of it and take Valentine’s Day afternoon tea in the […]
Carbon offsetting
Published 4 February 2022This article explores what carbon offsetting is. First, let’s find out what some of the key terms are – carbon, greenhouse gases, measuring carbon emissions, carbon offset and finally scope 1, 2 & 3. What is carbon? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration tells us that carbon is predominantly stored in rocks and sediments. It […]
What is vegan beauty and why does it matter for the environment?
Published 27 January 2022Vegan beauty can be defined by not using animal-based products in the manufacture of your cosmetics. Standard cosmetic ranges include many different types of animal-derived products including collagen, lanolin, honey, gelatin, keratin and cochineal. Vegan beauty products are certified by four main bodies: PETA, Vegan Action, the Vegan Society and The Vegetarian Society. Look for […]
Blue Patch works with Manchester Art Gallery on a sustainable store
Published 21 January 2022Blue Patch are excited to launch a pop-up store in collaboration with Manchester Art Gallery. The Happy Planet store will enable members to showcase their sustainable products & services and help to create awareness of their businesses while at the same time generating additional footfall for the gallery. The event runs from 26 January to […]
The Happy Planet Store
Published 16 January 2022Blue Patch are delighted to announce the opening of the Happy Planet Store at Manchester Art Gallery January 26th – April 18th 2022. A collaborative partnership between Manchester Art Gallery and Blue Patch, a national social enterprise, is enabling sustainable, local brands to sell products through the Happy Planet Store, a curated pop-up of sustainable […]
Circular economy and sustainability
Published 13 January 2022Circular economy is a popular phrase in sustainability circles, but what does a circular economy mean and how can we make it work for our businesses? What does circular economy mean? According to the Ellen McArthur Foundation, a circular economy is a move away from a linear economy where we extract materials from the planet, […]
Ethical and sustainable sourcing
Published 3 January 2022Ethical and sustainable sourcing are at the heart of an environmentally friendly sourcing plan. We’ll look at the differences between ethical sourcing and sustainable sourcing and how they are integrated in business. What is ethical sourcing? Ethical sourcing is considering how and where products are made and what they are made of. Ethical sourcing takes […]
