I am working in London this week. In BT Center right now. My view out the window is the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral.

My initial impressions  are of significant environmental activity….

This morning’s papers (I was reading the Times) covered the results of the  UN’s inquiry report on the IPCC. The Times editorial talks about the importance of accurate science but stresses that the thrust of the report is right and that governments need to take real action.

Supermarkets stress sustainability and corporate responsibility. I have been into both Tesco and Waitrose and seen green issues and local and ethical supply chain  featured more prominently that in their US counterparts. On vacation at Butlins last week I saw comprehensive attention to details such as separated recyling, widespread CFLs and non TV remotes to encourage people to turn off the TV.  Incidentally, 75W incandescent  bulbs will be unavailable in the UK after this week.  Incandescents are being phased out by wattage. 100W went first last year.

I am challenged to put the trash out at my parents house as they have to divide it into three bins; compostable, recycling and landfill. Each is collected and treated separately by the city provided service.

Coming into London today I noticed the new Cycle Line sponsored by Barclays. you can see me trying one out for size in the photo. Unfortunately I didn’t have a helmet with me or I would have taken it for a ride.

Modeled I believe on a system operating in Amsterdam, subscription costs 45 pounds annually for which any of the many thousands of bikes across London can be used any time for up to 30 minutes at no additional charge. My brother runs an independent  financial advisory company based in Fleet Street and has bought a subscription to try it out to get to and from client meetings in the City. The pick up and drop off  locations are integrated with motorized public transport locations and together with congestion charging and the comprehensive train, tube and bus network in London,  seems to me like a good foundation for a smart transport approach that I would love to see in more American cities.

The cars here are noticeably smaller with fewer SUVs or even family vans.  On Sunday, while on a short walk in Mill Hill,  I saw a Reva G-wiz (electric car) charging in someone’s front yard. The first time I have seen an electric car outside of a showroom.

Of course, all is far from perfect, but I do see momentum and commitment. I will look out for other examples during the remainder of the week.

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