As a rational conscientious customer of Abel & Cole, I'm interested in purchasing the goods and services which I have built faith in. As well as for the convenience of regular door-step deliveries, I choose to shop with them because they are more likely to sell products which support British farmers, are sourced & produced ethically, are in season and more environmentally sensitive.
As a customer, independently sourcing produce which support such a wide range of concerns is difficult. Careful studies, debates and consequential policies covering these issues are hugely complex, contentious and are sometimes overrun by fashion & endorsement. So, choosing to shop with Abel & Cole is a convenient way of abdicating the work of researching, sourcing and purchasing goods from multiple stores. Yes, it might be lazy, but I'd imagine that's a reason why many, including myself, choose to shop through the company.
Indeed, supporting these worthy aims is strongly advocated and supported by Abel & Cole. They seem to elevate themselves in being a responsible standard-bearer in these areas. As a consequence, I often read the product descriptions to find out why they've chosen particular products. I'm expecting these descriptions to square closely with their much purported ethos. So, it's understandable why I wrote to them about this bemusing description for Biodynamic Penne Pasta (screenshot of description):
"They grow the durum wheat using biodynamic methods - a method of farming that pre-dates organics, which works in harmony with the constellations and the positions of the planets and use holistic crop management techniques using natural ingredients."
I emailed Abel & Cole asking what is meant by "works in harmony with the constellations and the positions of the planets and use holistic crop management techniques using natural ingredients" and what is meant by "biodynamic". I told them that I believe by making such spurious nonsensical claims they are detracting from the serious issues which they claim to support.
Abel & Cole replied saying:
"You do bring up the valid point that our product description reflects a more metaphysical tone than one substantiated with science, and I completely understand and appreciate your concerns with such seemingly non-evidential statements. Biodynamic agriculture is in fact an organic, holistic, certified method of farming which came into development early in the last century, and involves an emphasis on the interactions between every conceivable aspect of the farming process. This not only includes the relationships between conventional factors such as the crops, soil, weather, animals and farmers themselves, but also the more perhaps nonconformist, "universal" factors such as astrological cycles and lunar/planetary phases."
Abel & Cole further said:
"Although these claims do convey a sense of intangibility, Biodynamic agriculture does remain a popular form of farming, and numerous studies have been undertaken and associations founded in support of the method. If you are interested in reading more, you can find further detailed information at the Biodynamic Agricultural Association website."
Abel & Cole finished by saying:
"Understandably, the Biodynamic method does have its criticisms, but due to its nature, tradition and sustainability factor, we have deemed it of interest to our customer base to point out the eccentricities of Biodynamics within our product descriptions. However we would never want to give the impression that we are advertising unsubstantiated or false claims, and I have passed your feedback onto our marketing department to make them aware of your concerns. In any case, please rest assured that all Biodynamic products we supply are most definitely 100% organic and sustainably produced."
I wrote to Abel & Cole again with these thoughts:
"It would concern me if the stance of supporting and advertising such suspect practices becomes the "thin end of the wedge". Although such practices are quaint and descriptions delightful, personally I wouldn't want to see such marketing techniques become more prominent, thus lessening the prominence of serious issues, policies and product range supported by the company."
Abel & Cole said:
"our marketing department is fully aware of your comments and we will be in touch with any feedback".
I look forward to marketing's reply. I'm eager to know of the scientific validity of Biodynamics and of its modern agricultural credibility.
Is this just playful marketing fluff, is it intended to dupe, or is it a serious choice for a wary consumer?
Wednesday, 28 January 2009
Sunday, 20 April 2008
The end of home broadband
On trial is a radical change to how I access the internet. I'm considering doing away with my BT landline, broadband provider freedom2surf and all the paraphernalia of ADSL modem, wireless access point and associated tangle of cables. Considering I'm paying £26 per month for a truly uncapped broadband service as well as the BT landline, which I rarely use to make calls, recent mobile broadband offerings have become viable financial contenders.
At £15/month for 3GB and £25/month for 5GB, Vodafone is offering a similar price-to-download ratio to other mobile providers; however they offer what I think is a better additional usage scheme.
Beyond this cap Vodafone charges £15/GB. I think this is better than other providers such as T-mobile whose attitude to over-usage is to first warn the customer, then if the customer continues to 'over-indulgence', T-Mobile then reduces the level of service. Personally I'd rather pay for the additional usage, and not be penalised.
Like other mobile tariffs the most affordable price plans are offered for long contract commitments, which in Vodafone's case is 2 years.
The Vodafone package comes with a SIM, the USB device and an installation CD. The device is about 7cm in length and resembles a large white memory stick. The SIM slots inside the device. On Windows XP and Vista the software installs itself without too much fuss; the CD is provided for OSX. Here's a screenshot of the Windows software.
Vodafone provides up to 7.2Mbps, and so far at home and at work, the perceived speed is no different to my home broadband. Importantly Vodafone compresses jpeg images which means their file size is smaller, and therefore they have a smaller impact on download limit; however the consequence is poorer image quality.
This is a odd concept, which many would find very annoying. However, after searching the net, I've come across a program called Bytemobile which can configure the level of compression or turn it off. The Vodafone program uses the same software to compress images on-the-fly. By installing it yourself, you can take control. You can also change how the various internet protocols are handled; useful for getting instant messengers working. Read more about Bytemobile and other solutions, and download Bytemobile yourself.
Something else which was a surprise was Vodafone's censoring Access Controls, which they've slapped onto various websites. It prevents access to sites deemed to be unsuitable for those under 18-years. Oddly enough, this includes Flickr. This Access Control can be turned-off by calling customer services, or through the Vodafone account web interface.
So, am I going to do away with traditional broadband and use this little white stick instead? At the moment, I don't know, so the 14-day returns policy could come in useful.
The clear advantage would be that I can use the internet virtually anywhere. However I've only got 5GB to play with each month, which means very little video and bit-torrenting - that's unless I make use of the occasional open, unsecure wi-fi connections in the neighbourhood.
Ditching traditional broadband for mobile broadband would also mean I couldn't concurrently have more than one computer hooked-up to the internet. Although there are solutions on the market to distribute mobile broadband. For example, there's the Billion BiPAC 7300GX router.
At the moment, I don't know what to do!
At £15/month for 3GB and £25/month for 5GB, Vodafone is offering a similar price-to-download ratio to other mobile providers; however they offer what I think is a better additional usage scheme.
Beyond this cap Vodafone charges £15/GB. I think this is better than other providers such as T-mobile whose attitude to over-usage is to first warn the customer, then if the customer continues to 'over-indulgence', T-Mobile then reduces the level of service. Personally I'd rather pay for the additional usage, and not be penalised.
Like other mobile tariffs the most affordable price plans are offered for long contract commitments, which in Vodafone's case is 2 years.
The Vodafone package comes with a SIM, the USB device and an installation CD. The device is about 7cm in length and resembles a large white memory stick. The SIM slots inside the device. On Windows XP and Vista the software installs itself without too much fuss; the CD is provided for OSX. Here's a screenshot of the Windows software.
Vodafone provides up to 7.2Mbps, and so far at home and at work, the perceived speed is no different to my home broadband. Importantly Vodafone compresses jpeg images which means their file size is smaller, and therefore they have a smaller impact on download limit; however the consequence is poorer image quality.
This is a odd concept, which many would find very annoying. However, after searching the net, I've come across a program called Bytemobile which can configure the level of compression or turn it off. The Vodafone program uses the same software to compress images on-the-fly. By installing it yourself, you can take control. You can also change how the various internet protocols are handled; useful for getting instant messengers working. Read more about Bytemobile and other solutions, and download Bytemobile yourself.
Something else which was a surprise was Vodafone's censoring Access Controls, which they've slapped onto various websites. It prevents access to sites deemed to be unsuitable for those under 18-years. Oddly enough, this includes Flickr. This Access Control can be turned-off by calling customer services, or through the Vodafone account web interface.
So, am I going to do away with traditional broadband and use this little white stick instead? At the moment, I don't know, so the 14-day returns policy could come in useful.
The clear advantage would be that I can use the internet virtually anywhere. However I've only got 5GB to play with each month, which means very little video and bit-torrenting - that's unless I make use of the occasional open, unsecure wi-fi connections in the neighbourhood.
Ditching traditional broadband for mobile broadband would also mean I couldn't concurrently have more than one computer hooked-up to the internet. Although there are solutions on the market to distribute mobile broadband. For example, there's the Billion BiPAC 7300GX router.
At the moment, I don't know what to do!
Wednesday, 2 April 2008
Introduction to Bushcraft
I went on a two-day Introduction to Bushcraft Course last weekend. It's one of many courses provided by Woodlore - a company run by Ray Mears. The course was held on Etchingham Farm, East Sussex.
The weather wasn't good, especially as I'd recently returned from Morocco where it was mild. Although it was cold and it snowed and occasionally hailed, thankfully the snow didn't settle and the air was quite still. Sleeping under tarp left me exposed to the elements a little. However it offered some nice moonlite views and I could track the path of the moon behind the trees as I lay awake.
The course covered, amongst other things, methods for lighting fire, how to build an improvised shelter, clothing & equipment, and identifying & use of various trees and plants.
Here's some photos.
The weather wasn't good, especially as I'd recently returned from Morocco where it was mild. Although it was cold and it snowed and occasionally hailed, thankfully the snow didn't settle and the air was quite still. Sleeping under tarp left me exposed to the elements a little. However it offered some nice moonlite views and I could track the path of the moon behind the trees as I lay awake.
The course covered, amongst other things, methods for lighting fire, how to build an improvised shelter, clothing & equipment, and identifying & use of various trees and plants.
Here's some photos.
Sunday, 25 March 2007
Powerful TV
I finally got round to watching the first of BBC Three's Kill it, Cook it, Eat it programmes. This has to be the best television programme I've watched this year.
The aim of the series was to reconnect meat purchased at the supermarket with the animals from which it originates. In this programme the audience witnessed the slaughter and butchering of three cows. They could clearly view the process through large windows which looked into the slaughter house. The audience then saw the meat prepared by a butcher and cooked by a chef. Finally they were offered to sample the meat.
I found the programme to be extremely well produced and truly risk-taking. Although the act of slaughter was gruesome, bloody and shocking, the programme makers ensured the show remained informative and balanced. The slaughter-men were both clinical and professional. A representative from the Food Standards Agency provided a narrative and responded to the presenters questions. The various reactions of the audience were filmed; the joint experience provided an almost comforting parallel for those watching at home.
With BBC Three suffering from endless Little Britain repeats and aimless top-100 style shows, this programme stands out as an example of brave, powerful television.
The aim of the series was to reconnect meat purchased at the supermarket with the animals from which it originates. In this programme the audience witnessed the slaughter and butchering of three cows. They could clearly view the process through large windows which looked into the slaughter house. The audience then saw the meat prepared by a butcher and cooked by a chef. Finally they were offered to sample the meat.
I found the programme to be extremely well produced and truly risk-taking. Although the act of slaughter was gruesome, bloody and shocking, the programme makers ensured the show remained informative and balanced. The slaughter-men were both clinical and professional. A representative from the Food Standards Agency provided a narrative and responded to the presenters questions. The various reactions of the audience were filmed; the joint experience provided an almost comforting parallel for those watching at home.
With BBC Three suffering from endless Little Britain repeats and aimless top-100 style shows, this programme stands out as an example of brave, powerful television.
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