Big Tissue

Hello folks!

Greenpeace have recently chalked up a victory for their Kleercut campaign.

One of my last posts a couple of years back concerned Kimberley-Clark (the people who bring you Kleenex and other paper tissue products) and their consistent plundering of wood from endangered forests in order for you to blow your nose on them (or whatever).

Kimberley-Clark have done the standard greenwash thing in the time since then, pointing out in adverts how many lovely trees they do plant etc. However, they have finally bowed to pressure from Greenpeace and others and decided to adopt some much improved environmental policies.

They've "set a goal of obtaining 100 percent of the company’s wood fiber for tissue products, including the Kleenex brand, from environmentally responsible sources." I like that word 'goal' don't you? Anyway, this includes sourcing FSC certified timber and more recycled fibre so it's actually a bit of a result. It's going to take them at least a couple of years to sort much of this out though.

Some people criticise Greenpeace for not being hard line enough, but there's no doubt their policy of being open to talk with big industry has reaped rewards over the years. In line with their 'no permanent enemies' stance (and I presume much smarming from K-C) they have also suggested people praise Kimberley-Clark's stance and made this comedy 'making up' film:



That said, I won't be adding Kleenex to my shopping list anytime soon. Once they've actually achieved their 'goal' I might think about it. How about you?

Blame Canada (and España)

Right now, the United Nations is considering a moratorium on high seas bottom trawling. While the White House is supporting deep-sea protection, Spain and Canada are trying to block the deal.

According to the World Conservation Union, Spain is responsible for 40 percent of the high seas bottom trawl catch. Meanwhile, Canada has no high seas bottom trawl fleet and their Minister has admitted bottom trawling is destructive - but is opposing a moratorium anyway.

On the Ocean Defenders side is the USA, Australia, Germany, Brazil, India, South Africa, Palau and a host of other countries. The UN will make a final decision by November 23rd.

Amusing accompanying animated linkage: Oh my God, they killed Squiddy!

Or just go here and send e-mails and stuff.

Greenpeace Find Sex Toys Unsatisfying

It's official - Greenpeace - in fact rather appropriately the Netherlands office in Amsterdam - are warning that sex toys could be dangerous for your health.

So, do they want to spoil everyone's fun? No, but after EU legislation finally banned some harmful chemicals from children's toys last year, now the grown-up equivalent are in for a pounding.

Many of the chemicals used in everyday products we take for granted have, over time, been shown to be dangerous to our health. PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride - is such a product because in many applications phthalates are added. Phthalates are a plasticiser and their use is the reason why you can get flexible items like PVC clothing and cabling.

Phthalates have long been a worry though because they can leach out - a real concern when they are in toys kids can chew on - or with adult toys that are, umm, designed to be used internally.

The full report for Greenpeace is available here on the Greenpeace Netherlands website.

Short News cracked me up because they titled their take on the story 'Greenpeace Comes Down Hard on Dangerous Dildos'. That's just inspired.

Apparently the items on test supplied by the Netherlands office included a Spectra Gel Anal Plug and a Crystal Jelly Double Dong - plus items from the French office including a Clitofing and an Anneau d'Erection (anneau means ring, you work it out!). I guess this means, presumably, that even though the Dutch are sexually liberated even they felt a bit embarrassed about going into a shop and buying the whole list.

Want to do more for a toxics-free future? You can lend your support here.

NATO Big Brother House/What does your car say about you?

No FFFFPFF this week, sorry - I was busy yesterday having fun in Bournemouth and getting thoroughly tipsy.

I've noticed Greenpeace are doing more and more viral ads and interactive things to engage people with their campaigns. Amusing, with clicky potential too, good stuff!

This is fun:

NATO Big Brother House
Evict 'Missile Guy' - he's rude, aggressive and he never washes up.

And this is absolutely hilarious (contains a few rude words):

What does your car say about you?
You drive a big off-road car in the city. You've got 300 percent more power. You're putting 300 percent more pollution into our overheating world. So how cool are you?