BS8555 is designed for small and medium sized companies (SMEs) to make it easier to achieve ISO14001 through a phased approach. BS8555 is useful for demonstrating a company’s commitment to environmental improvement and working towards ISO14001, particularly where a company has been asked to achieve an accreditation as a contractual requirement.

The standard links Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001) and Environmental Performance Evaluation (ISO 14031), provides for focused training, auditing and implementation at each level and supports relationships between suppliers and customers.

BS8555 describes how to implement a generic EMS and can be used as a route towards ISO14001 and EMAS. The standard’s inclusion of ISO 14031 allows the development of tasks focussing on indicators that add value and are driven by company needs e.g. Turnover, competitive advantage, views of interested parties.

The environmental performance focus of BS8555 is valuable within the supply chain and concentrates on:
•Delivery of measurable benefits for participants
•Delivery of performance data for internal/external reporting
•Maximum credibility and competitive advantage
 

The EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) is a management tool for companies and other organisations to evaluate, report and improve their environmental performance. The scheme has been available for participation by companies since 1995 and was originally restricted to companies in industrial sectors.

Since 2001 EMAS has been open to all economic sectors including public and private services.

In 2009 the EMAS Regulation has been revised and modified for the second time. Regulation (EC) No 1221/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2009 on the voluntary participation by organisations in a Community eco-management and audit scheme (EMAS) was published on 22 December 2009 and entered into force on 11 January 2010.
 

Buy Nothing Day is a global holiday from consumerism - Spend a Day Without Spending!

Saturday - November 26th 2011 will be the next Buy Nothing Day (UK). It's a day where you challenge yourself, your family and friends to switch off from shopping and tune into life. The rules are simple, for 24 hours you will detox from shopping and anyone can take part provided they spend a day without spending!

Everything we buy has an impact on the environment, Buy Nothing Day highlights the environmental and ethical consequences of consumerism. The developed countries - only 20% of the world population are consuming over 80% of the earth's natural resources, causing a disproportionate level of environmental damage, and an unfair distribution of wealth.

As consumers we need to question the products we buy and challenge the companies who produce them.

We all know recycling is OK for the the environment, but consuming less is better and Buy Nothing Day is a great way to start.