Import/Export

Monday

Reverese Vending Machines

A reverse vending machine is a device that accepts used materials for recycling, usually beverage containers such as aliminium cans and plastic bottles. The RVM (reverse vending machine) then gives the user money or credits dependent on how much material has been recycled. Thats it. Exactly what it says... a reverse vending machine.

It is a simple concept, that is similar to bottle recycling schemes that were used in the past where Supermarkets would give a small amount of money to customers who returned their used glass bottles, so that they can be reused. This is not such a common idea anymore and we have seen an increase in the popularity of bottle banks and sorting our household rubbish to be recycled.

Nonetheless in my opinion, one of the best ways to get people recycling is for there to be an incentive at the end. This is exactly what the reverse vending machine provides its users with.

This really is a simple idea that has developed into a vending machine system because of updates in the technology available. The machines actually scan the bar codes of materials that are inserted to gain the relevant information on the item before accepting them, which means no miscellaneous items can be accepted.

There are currently around 90,000 reverse vending machines in use around the world (according to www.reversevending.co.uk) which is surprisingly not that many. They can hold around 1,000 bottles or cans before they need emptying and cost as little as £0.15 pence to run per day.

The machines have become common place in countries such as Norway and Germany. In the UK many local recycling schemes already provide special boxes for cans and bottles, however these tend to be quite small and often overfill ends up going in with the rest of the rubbish.

While these machines are already in use in many countries in Europe including the UK, I feel that they could work on a much bigger scale if correctly promoted. Getting money, or discounts on your shopping is an incentive that I feel would motivate many different people all around the world to bring their empty bottles and cans to the supermarket with them on each visit.

This is innovative new technology and on top of council recycling schemes I feel this could help make a difference.

http://www.reversevending.co.uk

London On Tap

Having looked at soft drinks, this brings me to my next post. London on Tap is a new scheme with the intention of reducing the wastage created by bottled water. London's Tap water is the rated the purest in the UK and one of the best sources of water in the world. Thames Water insist that it rates highly in taste tests, beating more expensive bottled alternatives, so for this reason they have decided to create their own brand of sustainable bottled tap water.

Thames Water stress, "Our water is 500 times cheaper than bottled water, and is kinder to the environment, emitting 300 times less CO2 to process than bottled alternatives. Tap water is not only good for you, it’s good for London and kinder to the planet.”

However despite this fact we find it difficult to ask for tap water in bars or restaurants because it is free and looked upon as being cheap. Thames Water have therefore taken the initiative to make an attractively designed bottle that contains their water that will be sold in restaurants. Their plan is to create a place in the market for tap water.

David Owens, executive director of Thames Water said the campaign also aimed to help consumers feel confident asking for tap water when dining out.

“According to the industry’s water quality watchdog, we have the best-quality water of all the major water and sewerage companies in England and Wales – and we’ve got a first-class carafe in which to serve it. We want to get as many of the capital’s eateries and bars involved as possible.

Since launching the carafes in May, we've had great feedback from restaurateurs who've been using them. Many of their customers say Tap Top's iconic design makes them more comfortable about choosing tap water".

As well as Thames Water being more sustainable, the packaging is made from recyclable materials and being sold in establishments where they will be recycled. In addition to this, £1 from the sale of every bottle will be donated to a water aid charity.

While some people may resent paying for something they could get for free, London on Tap is likely to increase consumer and staff awareness of tap water in restaurants. The idea differs to that of Dasani, which was purifying tap water and selling it as bottled water, this is bottled tap water being market as tap water.
See http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3523303.stm

I think this is an idea that could go on to be successful. It will at the very least create an acceptance of tap water as an alternative to bottled water. If people resent paying for tap water in a restaurant then it may encourage them to ask for tap water for free.

One problem with exporting the idea on a global level is that not everywhere has tap water with the same high purity levels as London. For example in Pakistan bottled water is very popular because of the contamination of drinking water.

At £10 a bottle London on Tap is an expensive product that many people can simply not afford to pay for, although it is aimed at restaurant clientele who are more likely to pay for water. Thames Water still encourages just as many people to drink from their taps at home and their bottles are simply non profit alternatives to try to change the perception of tap water.

There are many countries in Europe and North America that are the major consumers of bottled water. Expansion of bottled tap water such as Thames water in these countries could create a widespread acceptance of tap water, which in the long run would help the environment by producing less C02 emissions amongst other things. This is a forward thinking idea that I think could work in many developed countries that are not utilising their supply of clean tap water.

www.londonontap.org

Sunday

Bar None - Lexington

Bar None, is a purposely non alcoholic family sports bar based in Lexington, Kentucky, USA. The aim of the bar is to provide "all of the fun. None of the hangover" in the hope of catering for a clientele ranging from young children, student athletes and even alcoholics anonymous groups.

I personally feel that this is a great idea because there seems to be a mindset that sport and alcohol must go hand in hand. An establishment like this gives people a chance to avoid alcohol and to enjoy sporting events without the temptation of alcohol.

The website Kentucky.com describes, "Owner John Sims said he hopes it'll be a fun place where families take their kids, student-athletes hang out without worrying about getting into trouble and Alcoholics Anonymous members go to watch a big game without the temptation of alcohol.

Sims said Bar None will be a combination sports bar, restaurant and lounge, with a full menu, along with specialty sodas, energy drinks and full-time bartenders blending non-alcoholic "mocktails." Something else that will be missing from Bar None will be refillable fountain drinks. Sodas, root beer and ginger beer will be served bottled or in chilled mugs, just as in a regular bar." This is an important part of creating a non alcoholic bar to create a mature atmosphere and create a bar experience that people feel comfortable in.

I think that this is actually an idea that in theory could work if exported to the UK. At present binge drinking costs the government £20 million a year and a bar like this really makes people think about the possibility of not drinking and still having a great time.

If bar none became popular with customers, it would give them another option that doesn't involve alcohol and perhaps convince more people that you don't always need a drink to have a good time. There are of course many dry countries, where it is illegal to serve alcohol, so an idea like this would not be necessary. However the idea is much more interesting in Western culture where drinking alcohol is common place and could help to aid some of the ongoing problems we have with alcohol.

http://www.kentucky.com/latest_news/story/917800.html

Freecycle

Freecycle is an innovative online community similar to LETS for its Use of the idea of trading goods using online without the use of money. Freecycle is based around the trading of goods as opposed to services. The organisation's goal is to try to keep as many usable items out of landfills, doing this by finding new owners for these items through an online community.

They explain, "The worldwide Freecycle Network is made up of many individual groups across the globe. It's a grassroots movement of people who are giving (and getting) stuff for free in their own towns.

Freecycle groups match people who have things they want to get rid of with people who can use them. Our goal is to keep usable items out of landfills. By using what we already have on this earth, we reduce consumerism, manufacture fewer goods, and lessen the impact on the earth. Another benefit of using Freecycle is that it encourages us to get rid of junk that we no longer need and promote community involvement in the process. "

For users a huge advantage is that large unwanted goods can be collected cost free by another user who is happy to take ownership of the unwanted item. Again it provides a platform where offers can be seen easily by large numbers of people. Conversely people make requests for goods and in turn users looking to offload good can seek out these people to trade with.

I think this is another effective platform for trading that could be exported around the world. It is something I could genuinely see people using because it is so simple to find new owners for unwanted goods that even if there are no takers, nothing has been lost. The incentive is simply that you are helping the environment, people in your community and saving time in not having to take these items to the tip.

www.uk.freecycle.org/

Saturday

LETS LINK UK

Similar to the bartering boards developed by ASDA, LETS (Local Exchange Trading Systems) is a network of local communities that allow people to trade good and services without the need for money. LETS differs from a system like the barter boards because there does not have to be a direct exchange of services in every transaction. One service is not necessarily traded for another but instead its users can earn community credits by providing someone else with a service. Different services have different community credit values and therefore you could choose to build up your credits to purchase a service of a higher value.

LETS explains, "LETS are revitalising communities throughout Britain. As grassroots initiatives they are open to everyone - people of all ages, skills and abilities; local clubs and associations; voluntary groups, charities, community initiatives; housing co-operatives, small businesses and local services - helping everyone to give and take, connect to new resources, and find a genuine community identity.

LETS offer equal opportunities to all - whether employed or unemployed, financially secure or on low income, black or white, able or disabled. LETS use a system of community credits, so that direct exchanges do not have to be made. People earn LETS credits by providing a service, and can then spend the credits on whatever is offered by others on the scheme: for example childcare, transport, food, home repairs or the hire of tools and equipment.

Research in about 1996 indicated that at least 40,000 people were involved in some 450 LETS schemes, most of them established according to the democratic and co-operative LETS model developed in Britain by LETSLINK UK, which began work in 1991. In the year 2006 our current contact list of over 300 indicates that their has been some shrinkage - if we say that membership averages 100 per scheme, this means about 30,000 or fewer members in the UK."

I think that like the barter boards, this type of trading is something that has worked in the past and could continue to do so. While it had become outdated new platforms such as a barter board or an online community give the idea the mass exposure that it needs to work. Rules and regulations are created by moderators which again gives the users the necessary faith in the idea to want to trade.

Where I feel a system like LETS is more appealing is the fact that there does not have to be a direct trade. If there is not another service that appeals to you on the barter board, then you will not end up offering your services. However with LETS, there is still an incentive to offer something to the community in the hope of building up community credits and then purchasing something else at a later date that is more appealing or of a higher value.

I think this is a system that would give its users more choice and in turn would develop a more dedicated base of users. It is also a more advanced system than the barter boards and gives users the ability to communicate with people further afield.

http://www.letslinkuk.net/index.htm

Friday

Asda: Barter Boards

Having looked at a back to basics trading system with local currency like the Brixton Pound, I wanted to look at the idea of paying for goods/services without currency in a true back to basics way. This is how I came across the Asda barter boards.

In September 2008 an Asda store in Colne, Lancashire became the first supermarket store in the UK to create a bartering scheme, where customers could exchange skills and services for free. The barter boards came as part of the supermarket's local week, where customers are provided with freshly sourced local produce. However due to the recession they decided to also create a bartering scheme.

The Lancashire Telegraph explain, "The boards, set up by Asda’s general store manager Mark Edwards, offer people the chance to share their skills and cut costs using barter, which founded many of Britain’s original markets. Customers can use the board to trade services and skills. Some examples include piano lessons being exchanged for guitar lessons and someone offering gardening services for a patio. Customers can leave personal details such as phone numbers but for security reasons are advised not to leave addresses."

The store manager also added, "Mr Edwards said: “We understand that our customers are feeling the pinch right now and as well as keeping our prices low, we decided to provide a community service that wasn’t for our profit but for local people to work together and beat the credit crisis. The barter boards are not only a way for customers to save money but are a return to traditional British community values. Colne is a real community store and Lancashire has a great history of trade, so it seemed the perfect place to let customers try their hand at bartering.”

Due to the local success of the scheme Asda is planning to continue the scheme next year at a larger number of stores. I could see this working outside of Asda stores and outside of the UK because it allows people achieve more by working together. While this way of trading has become outdated there are also advantages to it. It allows us to trade our time and skills, which are things that we do not normally do, instead we would hire professional help. However the barter boards simply give us another option and allow us to essentially pay with time instead of money.

An organisation like Asda would be essential to the idea. The whole scheme relies on trust so a third party to run and organise the system gives people confidence to trade with others. An idea like this is not for everyone. Time is such a precious commodity today that many do not have the time to spare. The more affluent might already pay someone for such skills and services and have little desire to offer something in return. In cultures where status is important it may not be such an attractive prospect to be seen providing services for someone of a lower class, however for many ordinary people this would be an excellent way to save some time, money or just help out in the local community.

The Brixton Pound

The Brixton Pound is a new local currency that can only be exchanged for goods in the Brixton area. It is a complimentary currency which means that its aim is not to rival the Pound Sterling, but to work with it in an attempt to increase trade for independent retailers in the area. When I first heard about the new currency I assumed that you would be able to get more for your money by using the new currency, but this is not the case.

The creators of the Brixton pound explain "If you’re a local business, the B£ benefits you by:Promoting your business through the B£ leaflets and website, helping you to find local suppliers, or to supply other local businesses and adding to positive perceptions of Brixton’s strong community and diverse economy.

If you’re a local shopper, the B£ benefits you by bringing you special offers exclusive to B£ users, ensuring that more of the money you spend in Brixton stays here, helping local businesses thrive in the face of recession and fierce competition from chain stores and working to reduce Brixton’s carbon footprint by supplying more of its needs locally"

Essentially the Brixton Pound is more an awareness campaign for shoppers to support the area's local businesses and independent retailers through a difficult period, with the money being more a local gift voucher than a real currency. But the new currency could create a sense of unity between Brixton residents and see people taking more pride in their local area.

The Brixton Pound is the first use of a local currency in in an urban area in the modern day. However experiments with local currencies have taken place before. BBC News reports ""A local economy is like a leaky bucket. Wealth is generated then spent in chain stores and businesses. It disappears leaving an impoverished local economy," explains Ben Brangwyn, part of the team behind the Totnes Pound, launched in south Devon in 2007.

"Local money prevents that from happening and keeps the money bouncing around the bucket, building wealth and prosperity." Currently, 6,000 Totnes pounds are in circulation from an estimated local economy of £60m.
It is, stresses Mr Brangwyn, a radical experiment, still in its very early stages, but he can see a day when England has 2,000 local currencies. Other towns joining the experiment, started by environmental group Transition Network, are Lewes in East Sussex and Stroud in Gloucestershire."

The idea does feel like something that would be more likely to work in small close knit communities than in Brixton however this does not mean it will not work. Whilst many are skeptical of the new currency, it is optional. No one can force you to take your change in the B£, whilst the people who wish to support their local economy can do so, ensuring that their money stays in the area.

A limitation of the idea would be trying to introduce a local currency into severely deprived areas, where many people cannot afford to support independent retailers and will travel outside of town to find cheaper goods. Being able to choose where you spend your money can be considered a luxury. Another problem is that there is no financial incentive, which may not motivate people in certain areas. The idea could be a problem if executed on a global scale because every small town would be trading in different currencies and purchasing could become confusing if you lived on the borders of two different areas.

Whilst the idea has been labelled a brain child of the middle classes, if the people of Brixton are really passionate about supporting local trade then the idea will work. If it is to work over time in a mixed demographic area like Brixton then it could prove that the idea in theory could work right across the world.

Official promo video for the Brixton Pound

The Brixton Pound discussed on the BBC Politics Show

Pizza Hut: Book It

Pizza Hut's Book It scheme is an incentive scheme that has been running for 25 years in the USA, Canada and Puerto Rico. The program reaches out to 50,000 schools in the US and 22 million children, encouraging them to read with the reward of a free pizza for their efforts, if they can achieve individual targets set by their teacher.

"The Book It program was first started in 1985. It runs from The 1st Of October to the 31st of March every year and is focused on children from K through 6th grade. It also has a program which runs two months each year for preschool aged children. It encourages children to read at least 20 minutes a day. Teachers involved in the program set a monthly reading goal. When the child reaches that goal, they receive a coupon redeemable for a free personal pan pizza."

While some people have criticised the program for encouraging children to eat pizza when child obesity is on the rise and the fact that children are receiving a commercially sponsored education, I feel that the incentive of a class being able to go for a pizza at the end of term is something that would have really spurred me on. Whether it pushes children to read an extra few pages a night, or encourages them to help their class mates with their reading, I believe this is a worthwhile idea that could really work if implemented in the UK.

However the idea of certain incentives for learning is something that could be used all around the world where willing sponsors exist. One consideration when taking a scheme like this across the world would be the incentive offered to children. For example Pizza Hut would not be such a popular incentive outside of Western culture, where this style of food is less prominent. But the idea of giving kids incentives and rewards for working hard in the classroom is something I would like to see implemented wider than just North America. I certainly wish it was implemented in the UK whilst I was at school.

Kim
Westminster, MD
Favorite book(s) as kid: Island of the Blue Dolphins
"My family didn't have a lot of money, so when I received my free book it pizza, it meant my family went out for the night. Mom and Dad could get a sandwich or split a pizza themselves and I got my own personal pan pizza. It was incredibly fun. It was a great reward and a good memory."

Yasmeen
Seattle, WA
Favorite book(s) as kid: Julie of the Wolves
Everything about the BOOK IT! Program, but especially the status afforded by donning the jumbo hologram button (it's proudly displayed in my bookcase today, more than 15 years later!). Getting to finally wear the button on my jean jacket was like a modern-day rite of passage as a budding bookworm. Equally memorable was driving home from Pizza Hut, in the back of my folks' Chevrolet, with a hot personal pan pizza on my lap. I practically was on a first-name basis with the Pizza Hut employees in Columbus, Georgia. Pride for me back then was wearing my BOOK IT! button and redeeming countless personal pan pizza vouchers.

http://www.bookitprogram.com

Bellenden Big Lunch

"The Bellenden Big Lunch was held on Sunday 19th July 2009 as part of the national Big Lunch initiated by the Eden Project and supported by the Government. http://www.thebiglunch.com It was organised in Bellenden Road by local residents within the Bellenden area (several streets around Bellenden Road). Bellenden Road was closed to traffic between Oxenford Street and Avondale Rise. The event ran between midday and finished about 5.30pm. Some of the shops in Bellenden Road shopping Parade further along the road also took part in various ways."

This was a really nice idea that took place as part of UK wide scheme to bring back a sense of community spirit to local neighborhoods. I actually live just off of the Bellenden Road which is one of the main shopping streets in the Peckham Rye area. Since living in South London I have noticed how little interaction there is between neighbors in the street and I felt that this was a simple but effective way of bringing people together and getting to know the people in the community.

Local shops and neighbors from the surrounding areas contributed sharing food, music games etc and made it a really successful day that I feel could definitely work in other countries, especially in major cities where there is a lack of community spirit and neighbor interaction and become more than just a one off event.

The event actually took place on Bellenden Road (not Bellenden Street) in Peckham (not South Camberwell) but nonetheless it received coverage on the BBC.