Sustainable business: 'Building the Eco-Economy' is the ambitious title and theme of a business conference and design forum in Cultivate, the sustainable living centre, Temple Bar, Dublin, from October 14th-17th.
The programme begins with a lecture entitled, The Next Industrial Revolution, by Dr Michael Braungart. Professor of engineering at Nordostniedersachsen University of Applied Sciences in Suderburg, Germany, Braungart is associated with such developments as the first CFC-free refrigeration system, dioxin-free paper bleaching and such concepts as life-cycle industrial design and sustainable operating models.
The business conference will be addressed by speakers including Gerry Wrynn, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, David Middleton from the Business Council for Sustainable Development, Dr Mary Kelly, director of the Environmental Protection Agency and Brian Hurley from Airtricity.
The Design and Innovation Forum will look at the model of sustainable design. A Slow Fashion cabaret featuring eco and ethical designs presented innovatively and a Real Food Sunday Banquet are among the informal events of the weekend. More details and booking on tel: 01-6746415 or e-mail info@sustainable.ie
Know your rights
Have you ever wondered whether you had a legal right to cut a branch of a neighbour's tree overhanging your garden? This and other questions regarding the responsibilities and rights of those who own trees will be answered at the annual Sean MacBride Forestry Lecture next Thursday. Lawyer Damian McHugh will expand on the topic of Trees and the Law in Ireland at Theatre FS01, Agriculture Building, University College Dublin at 8 p.m.
Animal crackers
Experts on animals and fossils will be on hand to reveal interesting facts about Ireland's mammals, fish, birds and insects in the Afterdark event on Tuesday, October 12th from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. at the Natural History Museum, Merrion Street, Dublin. Those who attend this special after-hours information session can find out how such things as how Ice Age mammals are radiocarbon dated and how dogfish got their name. Admission free but booking essential on Tel: 01-6777444.
Vegetarian cook book
World Vegetarian Day will be celebrated tomorrow at a food fair in St Andrew's Resource Centre, Pearse St, Dublin from noon to 5 p.m. Aside from tasting and cookery demonstrations, there will be talks on Vegetarianism and the Environment, Veganism and Nutrition and The Vegetarian Mother and Baby. Admission 2.50 adults, €1.50 concessions and children aged under seven free. See also www.vegetarian.ie