Eco Business - A Separate Forum Section?

[RayB]

Its your (Fridge) Magnate -ism

Hopefully common sense will prevail and most will realise we aint "poles apart"

 

[mconridge]

So why bury it ( esp: huge bearing in the future), heck we have a franchising section with tumbleweed rolling about the place - does not make sense to me :|

I'm not saying we bury it! If we have a Green Forum then why not a CSR forum, an Ethics forum, a forum for dealing with competition etc.

As I see it it's just part of business life, all be it a very important part. It's not a specific like Finance and SEO etc.

 

[iklemiracle]

One subject i should imagine cropping up allot more is Wee disposal.( if there was a separate section) There are new guidelines for this now inst there?

 

[RayB]

I'm not saying we bury it! If we have a Green Forum then why not a CSR forum, an Ethics forum, a forum for dealing with competition etc.

As I see it it's just part of business life, all be it a very important part. It's not a specific like Finance and SEO etc.

Recently we had a debate about SEO - and it was added as a new section. Of course SEO only affects businesses that need it - but it was added (and I agreed with it)

We have a franchising section - ho hum

So why not a green section (which touches all businesses to some extent)

As the Forum gets bigger - which it does every day - we need more categories to stop stuff getting lost

Or am I missing something?

 

Yes, strawbale loos and composting loos, I mean, there's absolutely no way that I'm going to bring up that subject in the general business section, my credibility would be shot to peices, but I did think once what a great business to be involved in.

This is exactly why we need our own sub forum, because quite frankly us green welly parade bunch can then talk about issues like this.

And don't laugh, it's a very important issue.

 

[RayB]

One subject i should imagine cropping up allot more is Wee disposal

I continue to use a WC wherever possible

 

[iklemiracle]

I continue to use a WC wherever possible

Ha ha BOOm BOOM!

 

[mconridge]

Recently we had a debate about SEO - and it was added as a new section. Of course SEO only affects businesses that need it - but it was added (and I agreed with it)

We have a franchising section - ho hum

So why not a green section (which touches all businesses to some extent)

As the Forum gets bigger - which it does every day - we need more categories to stop stuff getting lost

Or am I missing something?

I do see your point but then where do we stop? How many areas do we cover? I suppose it comes down to how many people demand it which is why threads like this are good for the community.

I don't think we need one but then again I'm not involved in this section so maybe that's why.

I'd be interested in seeing what Sift say on the subject.

 

[RayB]

Ha ha BOOm BOOM!

Now we are in danger of crossing over into the fireworks thread

 

[RayB]

I do see your point but then where do we stop? How many areas do we cover?

IMO forum categories are a bit like "My Documents" on your PC- in the early days you can throw them all in together - but inevitably - as the number grows - you simply create more sub folders to find eveything

I'd be interested in seeing what Sift say on the subject.

I think this thread needs to brew a little longer - but look at the view and post stats after 1 day - it aint going away

 

Totally bored tonight ,no orders coming in,nofink on telly,all me sites are No 1 on Google so nowt to do there.

I orginal voted that I was not fussed.

But have changed my mind.The sheer waste that the western world developes allied to its contempt for energy conservation is appalling.

Packaging,cars,home insulation,lighting,and a million other things.

I reckon we could cut our energy consumption by 50%,if we all drove vehicles that did 80 mpg,turned off a few lights e.t.c,and stopped producing packaging that cost more than the products and is immpossible to open without the use of deadly force.

so yes a green thread should be implemented post haste,as a form of education,information and green supplier resource.

where you draw the line on what is a green product who knows ?

Earl

P.S don't anybody suggest a "Geriatrics thread "

 

[frockery]

I reckon we could cut our energy consumption by 50%,if we all .......stopped producing packaging that cost more than the products and is immpossible to open without the use of deadly force.

Lots of injuries are caused opening impossible packaging (thank goodness for screw top wine bottles, but some of these cans are still a major challenge).

P.S don't anybody suggest a "Geriatrics thread "

You just have - see you there!

Regards, Alison

 

[Eco2You]

So much for those that suggested that the overwhelming majority were against this.

Where are you?

 

[RayB]

Where are you Chris Kaday?

No need to provoke an argument - the debate will carry the day

I'm hearing nothing but fluff against the proposed section though

 

[RayB]

But have changed my mind.The sheer waste that the western world developes allied to its contempt for energy conservation is appalling.

Packaging,cars,home insulation,lighting,and a million other things.

Good call Earl - and again - I'd rather this debate had a home here at UKBF - rather than elsewhere

 

[Eco2You]

No need to provoke an argument - the debate will carry the day

I'm hearing nothing but fluff against the proposed section though

I'm not trying too, I'm asking him to reply to the statement he made before, if I don't mention his name how else will he know that a reply is wanted?

 

[AdamJ]

I'm just confused as to the point you are trying to make :|

The point made earlier was that perhaps green issues / advice would be better than a forum for eco-businesses. I was agreeing with that.

Green issues = resource for all businesses, good idea.
Eco-businesses / eco-business forum = niche and exclusive, bad idea. Hence I lead us down the H&S rat-hole - me trying to explain my view of inclusivity is better than exclusivity and a commonality with environmental issues.

 

[ADW]

I think there are probably 2 lines of thought on this subject which is creating very different views. Some of us are interested in making a business out of green products or services whilst others see this as something that will affect there current business "going green". Some want to make money out of it and others think it will cost them money.

When I voted yes it was purely for developing business such as sourcing services/product ideas which someone could get involved in. If the vote is for banging the drum that everyone should be lessening their carbon footprint and hugging trees then I would vote no.

Would this sub forum be focused on building new green business or encouraging current business to go green? I don't know what I have voted for now or was it both.

 

[RayB]

The point made earlier was that perhaps green issues / advice would be better than a forum for eco-businesses. I was agreeing with that.

Green issues = resource for all businesses, good idea.
Eco-businesses / eco-business forum = niche and exclusive, bad idea.

Thanks for clearing up your stance :| - but I think this thread established ages ago that if we do anything it would be the former rather than the latter of the approaches quoted above - your subseqent posts seems to muddy some nice clear water :|

 

[RayB]

I think there are probably 2 lines of thought on this subject

agreed

which is creating very different views

no need to

Some of us are interested in making a business out of green products or services whilst others see this as something that will affect there current business "going green". Some want to make money out of it and others think it will cost them money.

Agreed - although this is really about a place to discuss the issues - no more, no less

If the vote is for banging the drum that everyone should be lessening their carbon footprint and hugging trees then I would vote no.

Agreed - so would I vote no if that were the case - but that is not the case - and careful reading of this thread will reveal that

 

I think there are probably 2 lines of thought on this subject which is creating very different views. Some of us are interested in making a business out of green products or services whilst others see this as something that will affect there current business "going green". Some want to make money out of it and others think it will cost them money.

When I voted yes it was purely for developing business such as sourcing services/product ideas which someone could get involved in. If the vote is for banging the drum that everyone should be lessening their carbon footprint and hugging trees then I would vote no.

Would this sub forum be focused on building new green business or encouraging current business to go green? I don't know what I have voted for now or was it both.

Does it really matter if I tell you that by swapping your 4 x 4 and the wifes people carrier for fuel efficient cars ,you will have £4,000 quid every xmas to go on a cruise with.

Or by installing solar hotwater systems you can cut your hot water bill in half.

I think whats needed is a resource that can tell one what really works in the green field

Earl

 

So much for those that suggested that the overwhelming majority were against this.

Where are you?

Chris Kaday bless his cotton socks said he is too busy to reply, to take part in the discussion furthermore when I pm'ed him telling him how much I missed his points of view.

I'm a tad annoyed about that to be honest.

Was hoping he'd stick his oar in again, just to use a few more statistics.

Yes, I know I'm terrible.

So I watched Question Time on the beeb instead, bound to be rather interesting with George Galloway and issues surrounding Iran.

 

[RayB]

Chris Kaday bless his cotton socks said he is too busy to reply

Good to know Chris is busy today.

He must have been pacing up and down waiting for work yesterday (when he did have time to post on this thread)

 

He is probably run out of petrol in his Jaguar XKR 12 mpg and couldn't possibly comment.

Earl

 

So, from those of you here on this forum, that voted yes, what issues would you like to discuss in this new area of the forum?

Obviously green business discussions can cover a vast spectrum, so what would be your main areas of interest, that you would like to learn more about?

And how would searching for this on a sub forum make your life easier?

Would be really interested in your replies.

 

So, from those of you here on this forum, that voted yes, what issues would you like to discuss in this new area of the forum?

Obviously green business discussions can cover a vast spectrum, so what would be your main areas of interest, that you would like to learn more about?

And how would searching for this on a sub forum make your life easier?

Would be really interested in your replies.

Well the accumulation of fluff in me belly button has always been of great concern to me,is there a green solution out there ?

Earl

 

Bicarbonate of Soda SirEarl with a touch of vinegar and lemon juice, shifts anything.

 

Bicarbonate of Soda SirEarl with a touch of vinegar and lemon juice, shifts anything.

cor your right you know.

I now got a belly button on me right elbow

 

[Cornish Steve]

Steve, whilst normally I enjoy your posts, on this issue, I just don't understand why you are so against it. You seem absolutely adamant that it wouldn't work, that it would cause fragmentation etc across the forum, sorry to say, but it just reads like paranoid thinking to me, exactly what are you so scared of?

I'm not scared of anything. Here is my rationale for being against it:

1) I learn the most from people who strongly disagree with me. It helps me to understand the perspective or others and may reveal that I'm in error. While it's comforting to have people agree, it's hardly useful. If we set up a green forum, it is likely to be frequented by green proponents with similar views, to become a club of sorts, and its usefulness will decline.

2) A green forum is likely to be frequented more by green proponents - and maybe avoided by others. That means you dilute your message. Instead of reaching a wider audience, you'll reach a smaller audience. Even if you post a message in the general area, there's a good chance the mods will move it to the green area - which happens a lot with other sub-forums.

3) Why limit it to a green forum? Look at some larger contributors to the economy: international business, for example. What about the person who started a thread about the gay community? Wouldn't that make UKBF a leading light too? Or pet owners? That's really big business and growing. Someone else suggested a forum for matters of ethics - great idea! That topic comes up more than green matters. Why green?

4) What's to stop it becoming a clique? Would I be banned from your little area if I post a message there stating that Al Gore is a fraud? Would you have your own set of rules so that only those who are qualified as green or who express environmentally friendly messages can post there? Other categories today are truly apolitical; a green forum is likely to be very political. You'd have the Young Conservatives wanting their own section too.

I must apologise for my sour reaction to some earlier messages in the thread. It's just that I get fed up with green companies pretending to be more ethical and trying to be 'holier than thou'. That's just plain ridiculous and rather insulting to others. Plus, I dislike those who try to force their political agenda on others, bending facts to suit their own purposes. Yes, it's a pet peeve, so I'm sorry for reacting.

Let me change my vote from 'No' to 'Not fussed either way'. Let's see what the UKBF owners think.

 

[maxine]

Just so you know I voted for dont mind either way because I didnt have a strong view either way. On one hand if it is going to make it easier to find posts in a category then great and also great if going to encourage more discussion but on the other hand I might miss out if I forget or am too lazy to make the effort to specifically go into that category.

 

[Eco2You]

I'm not scared of anything. Here is my rationale for being against it:

1) I learn the most from people who strongly disagree with me. It helps me to understand the perspective or others and may reveal that I'm in error. While it's comforting to have people agree, it's hardly useful. If we set up a green forum, it is likely to be frequented by green proponents with similar views, to become a club of sorts, and its usefulness will decline.

2) A green forum is likely to be frequented more by green proponents - and maybe avoided by others. That means you dilute your message. Instead of reaching a wider audience, you'll reach a smaller audience. Even if you post a message in the general area, there's a good chance the mods will move it to the green area - which happens a lot with other sub-forums.

3) Why limit it to a green forum? Look at some larger contributors to the economy: international business, for example. What about the person who started a thread about the gay community? Wouldn't that make UKBF a leading light too? Or pet owners? That's really big business and growing. Someone else suggested a forum for matters of ethics - great idea! That topic comes up more than green matters. Why green?

4) What's to stop it becoming a clique? Would I be banned from your little area if I post a message there stating that Al Gore is a fraud? Would you have your own set of rules so that only those who are qualified as green or who express environmentally friendly messages can post there? Other categories today are truly apolitical; a green forum is likely to be very political. You'd have the Young Conservatives wanting their own section too.

I must apologise for my sour reaction to some earlier messages in the thread. It's just that I get fed up with green companies pretending to be more ethical and trying to be 'holier than thou'. That's just plain ridiculous and rather insulting to others. Plus, I dislike those who try to force their political agenda on others, bending facts to suit their own purposes. Yes, it's a pet peeve, so I'm sorry for reacting.

Let me change my vote from 'No' to 'Not fussed either way'. Let's see what the UKBF owners think.

I'm sorry if I offended you.

 

[Cornish Steve]

I'm sorry if I offended you.

When it comes down to it, passionate individuals are successful because they really believe that what they're doing will make a difference in the world - and it spurs them on. Sometimes, though, we go a little too far and believe that what we're doing is better than what others do. You didn't offend me at all - just caused a little frustration. Thanks for your good grace in posting this message.

 

[asonda]

Steve, You can't ever take your posts the wrong way! A much respected member of the community if I say so myself!

Me, I'm against the Green Idea. Why? Why? Why?. Just because everybody else is going overboard to look Green, to look Environmentally friendly, why does there have to be a separate section?

What kind of questions will be asked in there?

How much A4 pieces of paper do you use?
Have you cut down on using paper in favour for e-mail?
Does the food industry now use manual can openers instead of electric ones?

I mean, come on...I don't see the value a WHOLE different section can bring to the community.

The current set-up is working and there are plenty of sections to post in...

If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

 

Piffle.

If you don't like it, simply don't post in there, very simple really.

You say you don't feel threatened by it, or the suggestion of this, but you could a fooled me.

As for posting a comment like, would you post things like how many A4 sheets of paper do you use etc, what a codswallop reply that is, and pretty insulting to our intelligence too. May I ask you to refrain from bringing into the discussion, such absurd and quite frankly, not needed sarcastic remarks.

Seems especially that what we have is three or four people at most that have cared to comment very strongly, and in no uncertain terms that they do not want this and seem too, hell bent on stuffing their opinions and derogatory views on the rest of us, that think it's a jolly good idea.

As for this clique argument put forth, what a load of hogwash. I've never heard so much tripe in all my life. Where have we even suggested anything about setting up a clique? This notion put forth is absolutely absurd.

Rather than going through all the main key points again, may I suggest that you go back and read the threads in question again, on the reasons exactly why we feel this would be beneficial and highly useful to us.

Blimey, these chelsea tractor types get right up my nose. Bleating on with no substantiated argument, throwing their weight around and their opinions and basically saying, stuff the lot of you and your green environmentally friendly viewpoints and lifestyles.

I tell you it's not on.

Blimey!

 

If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

Yet here, you've set up a near identical forum, http://www.ukbusinesschat.co.uk/

Isn't that like calling the kettle black?

 

[Eco2You]

It does make me think, how not that long ago, most directories didn't even have a environmental section, no one was really interested ( ethical junction and eco street excluded), and now there are "green" directories popping up everywhere.

As a sidenote, it is really quite funny in my opinion that same Directories are getting beaten really quite hard by the Gooooogle Spanner, I know pagerank isn't everything, but some have dropped from PR 7 to 3. Not that the algorithm/PR export has anything to do with the environment.

I'm starting to ramble.

Point is, most people don't like change, it scares them, so there will always be an "anti leauge" quite often just arguing moot points that have more to do with their fear of embracing change, or how that change may affect them.

 

[maruby]

So, from those of you here on this forum, that voted yes, what issues would you like to discuss in this new area of the forum?

Obviously green business discussions can cover a vast spectrum, so what would be your main areas of interest, that you would like to learn more about?

And how would searching for this on a sub forum make your life easier?

Would be really interested in your replies.

• Linking up with likeminded businesses
• Finding green suppliers more quickly by sharing information - does anyone know of a source for smart recycled gift packaging - please???
• Getting feedback on using green energy in your business
• Discussion on finding fairtrade suppliers - my experience is that it is very difficult
• Green directories - who's in what?
• Ethical and environmental policies - can we share?
• Who uses which networks?
• Charitable donations - do you donate? How do you do it? Through a business alliance like me? Or something you organise yourself?

As these subjects are niche, posts on topics like this just get lost in my experience because of the speed of the posting on the forums. They aren't just related to those of us on here who are are running an ethical business either.

I'm not a franchisor but it doesn't bother me that we have a franchise section...

Why not try it and see how it goes? What harm can it possibly do?

 

[Eco2You]

• Linking up with likeminded businesses
• Finding green suppliers more quickly by sharing information - does anyone know of a source for smart recycled gift packaging - please???
• Getting feedback on using green energy in your business
• Discussion on finding fairtrade suppliers - my experience is that it is very difficult
• Green directories - who's in what?
• Ethical and environmental policies - can we share?
• Who uses which networks?
• Charitable donations - do you donate? How do you do it? Through a business alliance like me? Or something you organise yourself?

As these subjects are niche, posts on topics like this just get lost in my experience because of the speed of the posting on the forums. They aren't just related to those of us on here who are are running an ethical business either.

I'm not a franchisor but it doesn't bother me that we have a franchise section...

Why not try it and see how it goes? What harm can it possibly do?

I can tell you where they do nice boxes, all above 75% recycled, they look the business too. Drop me a message.

 

[Gillie]

Piffle.

If you don't like it, simply don't post in there, very simple really.

You say you don't feel threatened by it, or the suggestion of this, but you could a fooled me.

As for posting a comment like, would you post things like how many A4 sheets of paper do you use etc, what a codswallop reply that is, and pretty insulting to our intelligence too. May I ask you to refrain from bringing into the discussion, such absurd and quite frankly, not needed sarcastic remarks.

Seems especially that what we have is three or four people at most that have cared to comment very strongly, and in no uncertain terms that they do not want this and seem too, hell bent on stuffing their opinions and derogatory views on the rest of us, that think it's a jolly good idea.

As for this clique argument put forth, what a load of hogwash. I've never heard so much tripe in all my life. Where have we even suggested anything about setting up a clique? This notion put forth is absolutely absurd.

Rather than going through all the main key points again, may I suggest that you go back and read the threads in question again, on the reasons exactly why we feel this would be beneficial and highly useful to us.

Blimey, these chelsea tractor types get right up my nose. Bleating on with no substantiated argument, throwing their weight around and their opinions and basically saying, stuff the lot of you and your green environmentally friendly viewpoints and lifestyles.

I tell you it's not on.

Blimey!

Mmmm how to bring people around to your way of thinking -NOT!

Perhaps instead of insulting the OP you should realise that perhaps its his concerns that need addressing rather than insulting him??

And I am not convinced that a WHOLE section (heck can that possibly mean that a sub-section would suffice, using the word whole??) is warranted, as I read new posts on here not just certain sections, and to date (and yes perhaps this would change if people saw others doing it) I have not noticed a massive input in this, although as I said, perhaps this would increase if others saw it happening.

Oh yes, and most of us don't have chelsea tractors and are not townies either and never have been .... we are merely wary of the other forum sections becoming dilluted and possibly giving the mods extra work moving things from one section to the other.

 

Oh yes, and most of us don't have chelsea tractors .

Me thinks you fib ,If I remember right you just bought a new BMW and unless its a diesel model then it certainly is a Chelsea tractor polution wise.

I think what brings home the green issue to me probably the most, is when I open my bin ,I think its 160 litres and every week its full +3 bags of cardboad and packaging.Thats 2 peoples waste,yet I am sure our actual food and dirt waste would only fill a bucket.

No wonder councils are asking people to pay extra for there rubbish collection.

of course the problem stems from this obsession with triple packing every product we buy,I wonder if having me cream donut covered in layer upon layer of airtight bubble packaging influences my decision to stuff me face

Earl