Riverford was set up over 25 years ago by Guy Watson from his farm in Devon. His vision was to provide good, wholesome, natural food with nothing added and nothing taken away. It has now expanded to cover most of the country and from our local farms, we provide a great range of fresh, seasonal organic produce, with over 100 varieties of fruit and veg to keep the boxes interesting all year round (so we won’t ask you to adapt to an unbroken diet of cauliflower, carrots and cabbage all year!) We have a wide range of boxes to suit different tastes and households. You don’t even have to have a set veg box if you prefer not to, many customers don’t – you can make your own order up from the extras list.

Delivery is free and with Riverford being consistently 20-25% cheaper than supermarkets making it good for you and good for the planet. To place an order contact us on 0121 661 6446 or www.riverfordsacrewell.co.uk

Pam Hopgood

Much of our bread, milk, dried products (such as beans and pulses), cold and hot drinks and some vegetables are organic. Our hot drinks and chocolate are fair trade. We buy some produce from local producers and suppliers though this is rarely organic and use some produce that is neither local nor organic to provide a varied and affordable menu. Our hot water is heated by the sun courtesy of solar panels on the roof of this building and all waste that can be is recycled including our waste vegetable oil which is filtered and used as fuel in a diesel car.

The Warehouse Cafe, 54-57 Allison Street, Birmingham, B5 5TH

For bookings and enquires:
Telephone – 0121 633 0261
www.thewarehousecafe.com

Because we only use bicycles towing trailers we can save emissions, and because we’re operating over a small area, guarantee a fast response when you need us.

www.cycle4u.co.uk

I know that many people are deterred from investing in such improvements by being unsure what to do first? What will work in my house? What will be ‘worth it’? Is there a grant? So, I have teamed up with Parity Projects, who have a tried and tested survey method, an analysis programme and ‘Energy Options’ report. They are independent of any product or supplier, and only exist to help people save energy. Many satisfied customers in London. Parity has won sustainability awards from Guardian, Observer and Building magazine.

Russell Smith, the managing director has turned his own home into a demonstration, saving 60% of water and 70% of CO2 emissions. He will be in Birmingham to do the first survey here – it could be you! Thereafter, I will have been trained to do the visits and surveys in Birmingham and Parity will provide the analysis and recommendations. This is a unique service in Birmingham, as far as I know.

The cost is £300 for a three bedroom, £375 pounds for four bedroom. I think this is reasonable for the work involved and Russell says most people get it back in the first year’s savings, plus avoiding wasting money on inappropriate /expensive mistakes in their house.

Parity website is here. But if you are at all interested please do contact me in the first instance on 0121 449 3977 days and evenings – and tell all your friends!

John Newson Low Energy House – 16th & 17th May 2-4pm (John Newson)