26 November - 7 December 2008
National Tree Week is a great chance for communities to do something positive for their local treescape. Each year, Tree Council member organisations such as voluntary bodies and local authorities, up to 200 schools and community groups, 8,000 Tree Wardens and many others, support the initiative by setting up fun, worthwhile and accessible events, inspiring upward of a quarter of a million people to get their hands dirty and together plant around million trees.
To see what events are taking place around the country visit http://www.treecouncil.org.uk
19/11/2008
10/11/2008
Leap sponsors ‘Most Inspirational Film 2008’ at this year’s Cornwall Film Festival.
On Saturday, the Sandsifter hosted Cornwall Film Festival's 'BOARDSHORTS' which was presented by film critic Mark Kermode and Leap was one of their main sponsors!
Most Inspirational film 08 went to The Life of Ply by Ocean Motion Pictures and Leap supported them by presenting a cheque for £250 !
The event showcased short films and slideshows from local and international talent, documenting the wonderful world of wave riding in all its forms.
This year the film festival trebled the capacity of the venue to include a marquee to accommodate the expanding audience.
The quality of the entries this year were outstanding, with entries from the Uk’s very best film makers and Leap was very proud to be a part of it!
24/10/2008
21/10/2008
First things first 2000 a design manifesto
We, the undersigned, are graphic designers, art directors and visual communicators who have been raised in a world in which the techniques and apparatus of advertising have persistently been presented to us as the most lucrative, effective and desirable use of our talents. Many design teachers and mentors promote this belief; the market rewards it; a tide of books and publications reinforces it.
Encouraged in this direction, designers then apply their skill and imagination to sell dog biscuits, designer coffee, diamonds, detergents, hair gel, cigarettes, credit cards, sneakers, butt toners, light beer and heavy-duty recreational vehicles. Commercial work has always paid the bills, but many graphic designers have now let it become, in large measure, what graphic designers do. This, in turn, is how the world perceives design. The profession's time and energy is used up manufacturing demand for things that are inessential at best.
Many of us have grown increasingly uncomfortable with this view of design. Designers who devote their efforts primarily to advertising, marketing and brand development are supporting, and implicitly endorsing, a mental environment so saturated with commercial messages that it is changing the very way citizen-consumers speak, think, feel, respond and interact. To some extent we are all helping draft a reductive and immeasurably harmful code of public discourse.
There are pursuits more worthy of our problem-solving skills. Unprecedented environmental, social and cultural crises demand our attention. Many cultural interventions, social marketing campaigns, books, magazines, exhibitions, educational tools, television programs, films, charitable causes and other information design projects urgently require our expertise and help.
We propose a reversal of priorities in favor of more useful, lasting and democratic forms of communication - a mindshift away from product marketing and toward the exploration and production of a new kind of meaning. The scope of debate is shrinking; it must expand. Consumerism is running uncontested; it must be challenged by other perspectives expressed, in part, through the visual languages and resources of design.
In 1964, 22 visual communicators signed the original call for our skills to be put to worthwhile use. With the explosive growth of global commercial culture, their message has only grown more urgent. Today, we renew their manifesto in expectation that no more decades will pass before it is taken to heart.
signed:
Jonathan Barnbrook
Nick Bell
Andrew Blauvelt
Hans Bockting
Irma Boom
Sheila Levrant de Bretteville
Max Bruinsma
Siân Cook
Linda van Deursen
Chris Dixon
William Drenttel
Gert Dumbar
Simon Esterson
Vince Frost
Ken Garland
Milton Glaser
Jessica Helfand
Steven Heller
Andrew Howard
Tibor Kalman
Jeffery Keedy
Zuzana Licko
Ellen Lupton
Katherine McCoy
Armand Mevis
J. Abbott Miller
Rick Poynor
Lucienne Roberts
Erik Spiekermann
Jan van Toorn
Teal Triggs
Rudy VanderLans
Bob Wilkinson
original Manifesto, 1964
reaction
by Jouke Kleerebezem
disciussion
Info Design Cafe mailinglist
miscellaneous reactions
17/10/2008
Bedruthan Steps hotel gains triple success at this years Cornwall Tourism awards 2008!!
Last night at the Cornwall Tourism Awards 2008/9
Bedruthan Steps hotel won the following awards:
Gold Large Hotel of the Year
Gold Sustainable Tourism of the year
Silver Website of the Year
Well done Bedruthan!
15/10/2008
Zero Waste - throw away less and make more of a difference
Zero Waste Week is running from Monday,October 20th until Sunday,October 26th and has been set up by Cornwall County Council To order an advicepack about taking part in the Zero Waste Week Challenge visit.http://www.recycleforcornwall.org.uk/zerowaste/
13/10/2008
Simple changes can often bring impressive results.
As the depressive wave of the credit crunch consumes the nation and we acclimatise towards a more penny-conscious society, some fear corporate and consumer commitments to
sustainability might weaken. But to what extent is the economic situation having a positive impact on environmental activities – are the links growing between
financial stability and sustainability?
At the moment, competition is rife within all sectors. With fewer business opportunities around, such a competitive market enables companies to be more fastidious in their
supplier selection process. Where one company ’s offer is much the same as another, environmental and ethical credentials can provide a strong advantage.
sustainability might weaken. But to what extent is the economic situation having a positive impact on environmental activities – are the links growing between
financial stability and sustainability?
At the moment, competition is rife within all sectors. With fewer business opportunities around, such a competitive market enables companies to be more fastidious in their
supplier selection process. Where one company ’s offer is much the same as another, environmental and ethical credentials can provide a strong advantage.
BANKSY IN NEW YORK?
The Village Petstore and Charcoal Grill - www.thevillagepetstoreandcharcoalgrill.com
10/10/2008
Out of the Green!
Leap reaches international acclaim in Korea
The Seoul Design Olympiad (SDO) is taking place this weekend and the British Design Council will be attending, representing Leap amongst others.
The Design Olympiad 2008 is a world design festival hosted by Korea’s capital city of Seoul. It is organised by the Seoul Metropolitan Government to enhance and promote Seoul as the center of world design, in line with its designation as the World Design Capital in 2010.
Re-design’s Sarah Johnson is taking part in two of many sustainable design events during the Seoul Design Olympiad and is putting forward Leap’s work as an example for sustainable design: challenge and opportunity for creatives.
Sarah will be discussing the following topic:
What is Design For?
What is the purpose and potential of design? How are UK designers reimagining and reinventing our world, so it is better set up to fulfil our physical and emotional needs whilst respecting ecological limits?
There is a multitude of inspiring tactical approaches taken by UK designers in response to issues of waste and climate change. But for greater effect, some designers are beginning to revolutionise design practice. They are working strategically, using creative processes to intervene at higher levels in systems. These pioneers are leading the way, developing innovative process models, and positive environmental and social outcomes.
For more info view…
http://www.designcouncil.org.uk
http://www.redesigndesign.org/
The Seoul Design Olympiad (SDO) is taking place this weekend and the British Design Council will be attending, representing Leap amongst others.
The Design Olympiad 2008 is a world design festival hosted by Korea’s capital city of Seoul. It is organised by the Seoul Metropolitan Government to enhance and promote Seoul as the center of world design, in line with its designation as the World Design Capital in 2010.
Re-design’s Sarah Johnson is taking part in two of many sustainable design events during the Seoul Design Olympiad and is putting forward Leap’s work as an example for sustainable design: challenge and opportunity for creatives.
Sarah will be discussing the following topic:
What is Design For?
What is the purpose and potential of design? How are UK designers reimagining and reinventing our world, so it is better set up to fulfil our physical and emotional needs whilst respecting ecological limits?
There is a multitude of inspiring tactical approaches taken by UK designers in response to issues of waste and climate change. But for greater effect, some designers are beginning to revolutionise design practice. They are working strategically, using creative processes to intervene at higher levels in systems. These pioneers are leading the way, developing innovative process models, and positive environmental and social outcomes.
For more info view…
http://www.designcouncil.org.uk
http://www.redesigndesign.org/
09/10/2008
Cornwall's Greenest Design Agency Welcomes New Recruit!
Leap-design for change http://www.leapmedia.co.uk, a St. Austell based design agency, announces their latest recruit to the team as Marketing and Project Manager Charlie Guidal. Leap offers a high level environmentally friendly alternative to design and print and Charlie will be bringing a ‘one-to-one - thoughtful’ approach for all clients. Charlie had previously worked as a Marketing & Events Consultant for Cornwall & Devon Media Ltd and with a background in design and media she brings fresh knowledge, creativity and energy to Leap-design for change. Charlie quotes “ The new website re-launches in October and so my hands are going to be pretty full promoting and guiding people through our carbon calculator which also includes an interactive map that will help the client choose a green printing company near to them”. Since establishing in 2004, Leap has grown from strength to strength as more and more clients realise that high quality, sustainable design and print is a valid and affordable option. Leap now comprises a 9-strong team passionate, creative staff.
Matt Hocking, Director of Leap has won several environmental and creative awards and is passionate and proactive about promoting sustainable and non-polluting practices. This ethos is reflected in Leap's work and is shared by the whole team, who are rewarded with a bonus for commuting in less polluting ways such as cycling or by train.
ENDS
07/10/08
Matt Hocking, Director of Leap has won several environmental and creative awards and is passionate and proactive about promoting sustainable and non-polluting practices. This ethos is reflected in Leap's work and is shared by the whole team, who are rewarded with a bonus for commuting in less polluting ways such as cycling or by train.
ENDS
07/10/08
30/09/2008
Futerra's 10 signs of Greenwash
Very interesting report on greenwash from Futerra reported by the Guardian:
Futerra's 10 signs of Greenwash
These are the things to look out for on advertising and packaging that can indicate when a company is trying to use greenwash to sell its product or service, according to Futerra's Greenwash guide..
1. Fluffy language
Words or terms with no clear meaning, e.g. "ecofriendly".
2. Green products v dirty company
Such as efficient light bulbs made in a factory which pollutes rivers.
3. Suggestive pictures
Green images that indicate an (unjustified) green impact eg flowers blooming from exhaust pipes.
4. Irrelevant claims
Emphasising one tiny green attribute when everything else is "ungreen".
5. Best in a bad class?
Declaring you are slightly greener than the rest, even if the rest are pretty terrible.
6. When it's just not credible
"Ecofriendly" cigarettes anyone? "Greening" a dangerous product doesn't make it safe.
7. Gobbledygook
Jargon and information that only a scientist could check or understand.
8. Imaginary friends
A "label" that looks like third party endorsement ... except it is made up by the company itself.
9. No proof
It could be right, but where's the evidence?
10. Outright lying
Totally fabricated claims or data.
Futerra's 10 signs of Greenwash
These are the things to look out for on advertising and packaging that can indicate when a company is trying to use greenwash to sell its product or service, according to Futerra's Greenwash guide..
1. Fluffy language
Words or terms with no clear meaning, e.g. "ecofriendly".
2. Green products v dirty company
Such as efficient light bulbs made in a factory which pollutes rivers.
3. Suggestive pictures
Green images that indicate an (unjustified) green impact eg flowers blooming from exhaust pipes.
4. Irrelevant claims
Emphasising one tiny green attribute when everything else is "ungreen".
5. Best in a bad class?
Declaring you are slightly greener than the rest, even if the rest are pretty terrible.
6. When it's just not credible
"Ecofriendly" cigarettes anyone? "Greening" a dangerous product doesn't make it safe.
7. Gobbledygook
Jargon and information that only a scientist could check or understand.
8. Imaginary friends
A "label" that looks like third party endorsement ... except it is made up by the company itself.
9. No proof
It could be right, but where's the evidence?
10. Outright lying
Totally fabricated claims or data.
29/09/2008
Little goes a long way!
Leap is proud to have helped a Cornish author (and friend) reach the top of the book charts– outselling Harry Potter at a bookshop in Truro.
The Little Book of Cornwall hit the shelves 12 months ago, its pages filled with snippets of history and facts about the county and was designed & interpreted by one of our youngest team members, Claire England.
The miniature book has proved a hit with holidaymakers and local residents and sales have soared. Written by Emma Mansfield from Lostwithiel, the book is well on its way to being the best-seller in Waterstones,Truro with more than 14,000 copies sold to date.
The Little Book of Cornwall is on sale in all major book retailers across Cornwall, at The Eden Project, both in the shop and online, and it costs £4.99, perfect stocking filler prezzie!
www.littlebookofcornwall.co.uk
Claire has also had the opportunity to design its follow-up, ‘The Little Book of the Mind’, which is due to go to print this week.
Well done Claire, they look beautiful :)
The Little Book of Cornwall hit the shelves 12 months ago, its pages filled with snippets of history and facts about the county and was designed & interpreted by one of our youngest team members, Claire England.
The miniature book has proved a hit with holidaymakers and local residents and sales have soared. Written by Emma Mansfield from Lostwithiel, the book is well on its way to being the best-seller in Waterstones,Truro with more than 14,000 copies sold to date.
The Little Book of Cornwall is on sale in all major book retailers across Cornwall, at The Eden Project, both in the shop and online, and it costs £4.99, perfect stocking filler prezzie!
www.littlebookofcornwall.co.uk
Claire has also had the opportunity to design its follow-up, ‘The Little Book of the Mind’, which is due to go to print this week.
Well done Claire, they look beautiful :)
26/09/2008
Friday 26th September is FSC day!
The aim of the day is to raise awareness of the FSC logo.
For details log on to www.fsc-uk.org/fscday
FSC UK’s Marketing Officer, Rosie Teasdale, explains "We want to use FSC Friday to make people more aware of the importance of responsible forestry and the role of FSC. Ancient forests are still being destroyed at an alarming rate. Unfortunately, the products of illegal logging still find their way into the British marketplace. The FSC logo gives consumers confidence that they are not supporting this destructive industry."
www.fsc-uk.org
Forest Stewardship Council – the mark of responsible forestry.
04/09/2008
Cornish towns go plastic free!
‘Leap’ – Design for change and ‘Go Jute’, the South West’s leading importer and manufacturer of environmentally friendly jute & cotton bags, are succeeding in changing the way the public shop with their latest promotion in the Cornish towns of St Austell and Newquay.
Sponsored by Restormel Borough Council and Cornwall & Devon Media, ‘Go Jute’ provided 2000 jute bags, designed by us at Leap, to this initiative with the aim of persuading local people to stop using disposable bags।
A voucher system advertised through the local press helped raise the public interest, and every single bag went within the week!
With St Austell hoping to go plastic bag free soon and, having been recently awarded status as a ‘Fairtrade town’, this couldn’t have come at a better time.
Well done Leap & Go Jute, let’s keep St. Austell moving forward ☺
12/08/2008
Paper prices
Mundane I know but as with everything else now paper is going to go up, the report below is fairly conservative as I'm hearing possibly 20%+ increase from September 08.
We are receiving communications from our paper suppliers that another price increase is imminent.
This is likely to be as much as 10% which will apply from early September. There are also strong hints of further increases later in the year and into 2009.
Whilst we are doing all we can to resist and work with suppliers to minimise and delay increases, in reality, like the cost of oil, we can do very little. As there have already been price increases this year we feel it would be helpful to highlight the major contributing factors behind this situation.
Rising Fuel Prices – paper mills are extensive users of energy and the price of a barrel of oil has risen from $70 to $130 a barrel during the last 12 months (85% increase). With predictions of $200 a barrel by January 2010 this will continue to be a major contributing factor.
Currency Changes – Sterling has devalued by 15% in the past 12 months. This means that the return from the UK market is now less appealing for the Western European mills in particular.
Reduction in supply – currently demand is greater than supply. During the last 3 years over 3.4 million tonnes of production has been lost across Western Europe (1 million in the UK alone). There have been at least 300 mill closures since 2000 and large paper mills have taken drastic action to balance supply and demand. Over the past few years Far East paper mills have had a positive affect on keeping prices down but their home markets have increased to such a level they are unwilling to offer competitive export pricing.
Raw material increases – pulp prices are at a five year high from $580 dollars in January 2006 to $903 in June 2008. Chemicals prices also continue to increase.
What can you do? Why not review your planned print expenditure and consider placing imminent orders before the end of this month to protect current pricing. At the very least talk to us about how we may be able to help?
17/06/2008
30/04/2008
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