She said: ‘We’ve had an abundance of both men and women in, who all love the finished result. I was amazed by the difference the products make having trialed them myself first.’

She said: ‘Our products are tested on vegetable skins, but many leading brands still test them on animals. It’s a shame that hairdressing has been around so long and yet the products haven’t changed.’

Yvette said: ‘We couldn’t have an eco-friendly salon and not be conscious of it in our practises. In the first week we were here, I only chucked out one small carrier of rubbish. Everything else was composted and recycled.’

‘The best part of my job is when a customer looks in the mirror and says she couldnít believe she could look that good. When you’ve got good hair, you don’t need make-up or posh clothes.’

She said: ‘All my family are really brainy. My brother lives in Japan working for Honda, and so I wanted to do well with what I’m doing.’

She said: ‘I had some great support from The Princes Trust, who gave me all the information I needed and referred me to my local council, who provides money for green ventures.’

She said: ‘I can not even bring myself to buy anything that isn’t organic now. The other day my boyfriend brought some Tesco value chicken home for tea and I could not even look at it.’

She said: ‘I’m really happy with how it’s going at the moment. I didn’t expect for it to get as much interest as it has done. A lot of people just aren’t aware of the effect we’re having on our environment, and if I can have just a small impact on people’s lives than at least I can say I’ve done my bit.’

Chairman of Bridgtown Parish Council, Eddie Smith dubbed Cannock a “dumping ground” after seeing Biffa’s plans to build the 400,000 tonne  plant on the outskirts of the town, at the near-by Lakeside Industrial Park, Norton Canes.

He Said: “I am totally opposed to these plans – they can’t keep shoving stuff in Cannock for us to get rid of. We intend to look at the plans closely, then get in contact with Environmental Health. We are concerned by what is being filtered into the air for people to breathe in.”

Residents speak out

The town already sports a large industrial landfill site along Orbital Way, by waste giants Biffa Waste Services Ltd, and many regular users of the road and visitors to nearby Sainsbury’s Supermarket have strong opinions on it:

Edith Brittle, 70, from Hednesford, Cannock can’t understand why the town needs another plant:

“I can’t understand why they fell the need to stick up yet another waste plant in the town, the site we’ve got already has been sufficient enough for donkey’s years! Why do we need another one now? They’ve got more money than sense! The council should be putting money into other things.”

Sarah Evans, 40, from Pye Green, Hednesford feels the smells from the two plants will put people off going shopping:

“In the summer you can’t drive down the Orbital with your windows down the smell is that bad. Sainsbury’s is lucky it’s downwind so their customers don’t get put off. But from where it seems this new plant is going, I think it will affect the Orbital Business Park. Who wants to do their food shopping in an area that stinks of waste?”

Biffa speaks out

The new plant would entail the construction of a state-of-the-art energy plant in the Kingswood Lakeside Industrial Park, revised vehicle access, and increased capacity of the existing anaerobic digestion facility.

It will deal only with the area’s ‘non-hazardous commercial and idustrial waste’ – waste remaining after recycling and composting, in turn, generating 34 megawatts of electricity – which is enough to power around 68,000 homes.

Biffa remain positive for their plans to go ahead, and due to apply to Staffordshire County Council in June later this year

Jeff Rhodes, Biffa’s Head of Panning looks forward:

“We have formalised a plan to bring a number of proposed, linked actions under one comprehensive scheme

However, Cllr Smith does not see the ‘bright side’ to this proposal, even noting that other districts are revelling in their supposed ‘green credentials’, when all of their waste was being brought into Cannock.

The exhibition

The exhibition of the plans will be held, this Thursday (May 21), from 2pm-8pm and on Friday (May 22) 10am-4pm.

If the plans get the ‘green light’, it could be up and running by 2014.

View £200m Proposed Waste Plant in a larger map

The proposed plan will mean that everyone will be expected to contribute to the effort, including every household, local business, and organisation.

Birmingham City council plans to invest money in ‘alternative energy sources’ in order to play their part, which they hope will help cut the city’s usual energy bill.

‘Council officials have estimated the city’s total energy consumption, at current prices, costs £2.2 billion a year – £1.5 billion for gas and electricity and £700 million for petrol and diesel’. (Birmingham Post)

Birmingham City Council speaks out

Birmingham Recycled approached a number of council officials and members of ‘green organisations’ in order to get their views on the proposed cuts, and whether they were feasible for the city to make.

Cllr Paul Tilsley, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, is optimistic that the hefty targets can be achieved, having already made “huge strides forward on the green agenda”, by managing to cut carbon emissions by 103,000 tonnes last year alone.

‘Birmingham has already shown its commitment through initiatives on district energy, electric vehicles and housing retrofitting, but keeping up this level of progress will be challenging, which is why it is essential to have a structured approach to tackling the issue in the form of the Birmingham Climate Change Action Plan.’

‘There is plenty of work still to do but we now have a road map that plots how we can reach the ambitious, but essential, goals we have set. It is imperative we take action to enhance energy efficiency across all sectors as it will help reduce fuel poverty, boost businesses, improve residents’ health and make Birmingham a better city in which to live, work and play.’

The main target, transport

The council’s first move will me to target the huge 1.57 tonnes of carbon emission (according to the latest study carried out in 2005), created in Birmingham through transport.

Money-saving tips that will be promoted to Birmingham motorists in the coming months and years as the programme is developed include:

Before driving: planning the shortest route in terms of distance, time and fuel use, ensuring tyre pressures are correct, clearing out any extra/unnecessary weight in vehicles, and having them serviced regularly
While driving: speed up and slow down smoothly, change gears at lower revs, switching off engines if you’re likely to be stationary for more than three minutes, and not using air conditioning unless essential

A report produced by environmental think-tank Forum for the Future in 2008 suggested that by adopting these good habits, a typical motorist who drives 10,000 miles a year could save 10 per cent of their fuel (£10 a month), a figure based on fuel costing £1 a litre – which means based on current prices they would save even more.

The driving tips – inspired changes made to the driving test in 2008, the national Act on CO2 campaign and the city council’s TravelWise initiative – are seen as part of the solution to cut this figure to 0.66 tonnes by 2026, equivalent to a reduction of 48 per cent when compared to 1990 levels.

Birmingham Friends Of the Earth shares their thoughts

Environmental outreach officer for BFOE, Karl Whale offers a more reserved view on the planned targets:

‘Personally I think they are ambitious but not impossible targets, the motivation’s money, but money is the root of all evil so maybe they’ll lose site of the objectives that they’ve set. However if people were less bothered by the appearances of some renewable energy sources it’s possible … But then that’s an excuse because if people understood the issues of global warming they’d cut their noses off to spite they’re face.’

The plans may not be received with open arms from Birmingham’s ‘motor industry’, as Cllr Tilsley hints that they may have to take a knock back.

‘Birmingham, thanks to its rich industrial heritage, has a reputation for being a motor city. That is why – despite the exciting plans we have for the city to be at the forefront of the green vehicle revolution – we need to look at things that will enable us to reduce emissions from existing forms of transport.’

‘The simple tips we want to promote will make a big difference as we begin the transition from fossil fuel to low-carbon technologies. I would urge all motorists in the city, from commuters to taxi and bus operators to those running haulage firms to take these points on board when on the road.’

Having received mixed responses from council and ‘green’ officials alike, we at Birmingham Recycled have devised a list of ways you can contribute to the action plan:

The ‘Birmingham Friends Of The Earth’ association are planning to hold a spring fair, with ‘being green’ in mind. The event is due to take place this St Georges day and will include a whole host of locally-produced wares and crafts.

The fare will run alongside the hugely popular Moseley Swap shop and farmers market, which already draw huge crowds to the town who come to experience the diverse local produce on offer.

What’s on offer

Stalls will include an eco craft workshops from Happily Ever Crafter, mask making, live entertainers, games for all the family, and a plant and seed swap.

Revelers can also enjoy local baked potatoes and tasty home made cakes to quench their hunger following their swapping and shopping-filled afternoon.

So come and celebrate the long-awaited arrival of spring in Moseley. The team at Birmingham Friends of the Earth say that they look forward to seeing you there.

The aptly-named ‘Eco Ambassadors Project’ will ‘promote’ secondary school students from years 7-8 who are members of an ‘Eco Council’, which meets once a week for an hour. During this time the pupils will be taught some of the basic principles of environmental issues and projects they can be involved with.

Following their initial ten weeks in the council, pupils will be encouraged to rise to an ‘Ambassador’ status. This will incur privileges such as: participating in various activities/projects, & going on school trips to The Northfield Eco Centre, The Centre of the Earth, & Millennium Point.

Environmental outreach officer for BFOE, Karl Whale outlines how being an ‘Eco Ambassador’ will benefit their career prospects:

“They’d have opportunities to do things which will look good on their their C.V, such as: making small films on environmental issues in their area, creating a web page for their school, & taking part in potential green design projects.

After the Eco-ambassadors have been fully trained the intention is that they will go to primary schools and teach younger kids about what they’ve learnt.”

The project branches from the ‘Birmingham Friends of the Earth Outreach project’, which strives to ‘create greater awareness of our work on green issues in local areas.’ The project approaches schools, businesses and local community groups, finding out what areas of concern they have and trying to find an efficient solution.

The Eco-Ambassadors project derives from this process, responding to the surge in National awareness of our need to be increasingly ‘green’, and it is widely believed that these fundamental lessons of life should start while young.

It is hoped that once the project has launched, 50 ‘Eco Ambassadors’ will host ‘Dimension Days’ once a month to work together towards a goal associated with their chosen subjects.

Karl is optimistic about the project’s future:

“The project is still in its early stages, so more could be potentially added but it’s huge already”.

Since Alistair Darling’s 2010 Budget announcement last week, there has been much speculation and hope amongst environmentalists that the proposed £2 billion ‘green’ investment bank, will be used wisely.

It was the Labour party’s ’stress’ that the money must go towards their commitment to ’supporting manufacturing and boosting regional economies’.

High Speed Rail receives funding

However, a recent investigation by Birmingham Recycled has unearthed that Birmingham City Council plans to use the money for the erection of the new proposed ‘High Speed Rail Network’, that is due to link the ‘West Midlands with almost anywhere in the UK including Manchester, Scotland and potentially even Paris’.

The project has been received by an uproar from environmentalists nationwide as the £30billion project is planned to go straight through the planned site of the new Birmingham City University campus, as well as linking the old Curzon Street railway station in the City Centre.

It will also create a link between Birmingham New Street and Birmingham Snow Hill stations, straight through a number a registered ‘green belt‘ areas.

This has provoked members of Birmingham’s thriving environmental groups, igniting anger and protest at how this money is to be spent for supposedly ‘green uses’.

Voice of ‘greeninbrum‘, on social networking site ‘Twitter’, Chris says:

‘If it is true, that’s a travesty of green funding. I propose building railways on all motorways – the heavy lifting has already been done!’

On attempting to contact the council on this matter, James Robertson, Green Party candidate for Ladywood attempted to discover what was being said by Birmingham City Council officials on the proposed usage of the money, but no no avail:

‘No further insight into how the money is to be spent: lots of firm opinions backed up by eloquent passion… but no hard data!’

Planned building of wind farms is ‘overlooked’

The shocking news, follows that of the planned ‘wind farms’ erection in Birmingham (which are also supposed to be funded by ‘green investment’) are falling short of their deadline ‘because local planning authorities are holding up the process’, according to leading body BWEA.

BWEA The British Wind Energy Association chief executive Maria McCaffery said:

‘In common with most other English regions, the progress made in the West Midlands is disappointing.’

These are most disappointing findings for a City that prides itself on its recently acquired ‘Fairtrade Town‘ status. However, it seems that it’s efforts in some ‘green areas’ are not as strong in others.

Birmingham City Council refused to comment on their reported ‘lack of effort’ in striving to meet the wind farm deadlines.

This makes poor reading for the City, as the planned wind farms would be no doubt a welcomed usage of the green investment, however it remains for the time being on the council’s ‘back burner’.

The range features ‘banana shampoo & conditioner’, ‘dewberry shower gel & body lotion’, & ‘carrot moisture cream’ to name but a few, and they are due to be snapped up as they are all available to purchase at a specially-discounted introductory price.

Beverly Stone, who works at The Body Shop store in Birmingham’s Bullring shopping centre is really excited about the range:

‘I can still remember when i used to wash my own girls’ hair with banana shampoo in the 80s.

It really takes you back, all of the range is made with fairtrade almond oil and all the ingredients are purchased at a fair price with the fair pay of the farmers and manufacurers in mind.

All packaging is also 100% re-used and so you can enjoy smelling like the 80s with peace of mind!’

The Body Shop has been a strong campaigner for their belief in that ‘there is only one way to be beautiful, nature’s way.’

‘We constantly seek out wonderful natural ingredients from all four corners of the globe, and we bring you products bursting with effectiveness to enhance your natural beauty.

Whilst we’re doing this we always strive to protect this beautiful planet and the people who depend on it.

We don’t do it this way because it’s fashionable. We do it because, to us, it’s the only way.’

‘The clubs are fast-becoming an eco-friendly trend on the high street, sporting energy-efficient dance floors, waterless urinals/toilets, leaf-covered ceilings, and ‘eco Vodka’ (to name but a few).

The largest and most popular night clubs on Birmingham’s famous Broad Street were interviewed in our ‘green survey’ in order to determine if they were running any ‘green policies’. However, the results were shockingly poor.

Revolution, at the very top of Broad Street was the only bar that professed to be making any sort of ‘green efforts’.

General Manager of Revolution, Nazsangh said:

‘We recycle all of plastics and glass, and we use energy-efficient bulbs throughout our bar. We are very strict on these policies.’

However, this seems to be the only ‘ray of hope’ for Broad Street’s ethical aspirations, as club giants Gatecrasher, Risa, Walkabout, & Reflex all refused to comment.

Shared Earth

Shared Earth is a Fairtrade store just off Birmingham’s Victoria Square, where you can buy anything from a card to an intricately-stitched hand-made quilt. They stock some great things for Mother’s Day ideas, including jewelry, trinket boxes, hand-made notebooks, ornate mirrors, and much more. They cater for any budget, ranging from as little as £2 up to £60.

Body Shop

Any mum will love Body Shop! You can buy a whole array of smellies, including soaps, body butter, make-up, shower gel and much more. None of the products are tested on animals, and all of the packaging used is 100% recycled.

You can even pick up a specially-packaged gift set for Mother’s Day which vary from as little as £5.

Fairtrade Flowers

You can pick up a bunch of ‘Fairtrade Fleurs‘ for your mum from any Sainsbury’s as all of their flowers are fairtrade. Bunches range from anything between £2.99 and £20, and specially for mother’s day, Sainsbury’s in Cannock are specially wrapping flowers and bows for a small contribution to their Sports Relief fundraising efforts.

Co-op Chocolates

Buy your mum a box of the Co-op’s own brand Fairtrade chocolates, which have 20% especially for Mother’s Day!

Fairtrade Food Hamper

Treat your mum to something different this Mother’s Day and put together a ‘fairtrade food hamper’. Sainsbury’s supermarket’s have the largest selection of fairtrade products in the world, and so there’s bound to be something to suit every appetite! You can even by some fairtrade ingredients for a special breakfast in bed so your mum can have a lovely start to her day.

Sainsbury’s has even launched its own ‘Operation Mother’s Day’ in a bid to cut the number of arguments which break out every year because of loathed presents.

“Female colleagues in store will be on hand to help dads choose more suitable presents for their partners such as flowers, chocolates, and other luxury treats. This way, we’re providing helpful advice for Mother’s Day is part of our job.”

(JSainsburys – Twitter)

Make A Mother’s Day Card

Although it seems a ‘cheapskate’ way out of actually ‘buying’ your mother something for, it does give that ‘personal’ touch, and which a host of ‘hand-made’ paper you can buy now-a-days, you can easily accessorize with old pictures of you as a baby for that ‘awww factor’ that will be sure to make your mother content with the free gift.

The range will only be distributed online from a ‘green’ factory in Sri Lanka and therefore will entail a lot of carbon footprints.

The supermarket chain announced last week that they will release the collection as part of their campaign to be more ethical.

A representative of Birmingham’s Ladywood outlet of the superstore Maria confirmed this:

“I’m afraid we’re not going to be stocking that particular range as I have spoken to our clothing department and apparently it’s only going to be sold online for the time being.”

It begs the question of whether the environmental costs outweight the benefits of this ‘green’ range.

Tesco employee Victoria Sleigh offers some insight into whether or not it will have an adverse effect:

“Although distribution methods mean that it will cause some harmful effects to the environment, it is only a short-term process, until the range becomes popular (or not) and then decisions will be made to include the range in trial stores to begin with.”

Although the benefits for Tesco are obvious, sceptics are already doubting the range’s lifespan, as its partner fashion pieoneers From Somwhere comes from a fashion platform which isn’t doing particularly well at the moment.

And while sceptics may frown at the collaboration, Orsola (From Somewhere) argues that:

“Anything that gets ethical fashion into the mainstream can only help.”