Solar-Powered Pop-Up-Shop for London Entrepreneurs

Creative entrepreneurs aren’t exactly having an easy go at things during this recession. It’s hard to find a good retail space that’s affordable and accessible to a wide range of consumers. But now, thanks to an innovative – and green – invention by designer Wayne Hemingway and London mayor Boris Johnson, they’ve got a portable place to sell their wares with virtually no overhead costs. The KiosKiosk is a rent-free space with solar panels to power laptops, lights and even a sewing machine.

From Jamble Mag, via Green Living Ideas:

Businesses signed up for the kiosk include Jamble favorites, Above & Below London, the makers of recycled tube shoes. Other creatives include the Arthouse, who exhibit and sell art work created by adults with learning disabilities, and Invisible Children, a charity focused on spreading awareness of child soldiers in Africa.

On the launch of the KiosKiosk, Wayne Hemingway, said: ‘We believe that the KiosKiosk concept is a simple and cost effective way to spice up our towns and cities. This architecturally interesting, easy to construct retail space, gives entrepreneurs and creative minds a chance to have a go and put their ideas in front of the public to encourage an enterprise culture. This also adds excitement to our streets. We’ve been overwhelmed by the phenomenal response to our call for KiosKiosk occupants proving through this experiment, that the demand and talent is out there.’

If you’re in London, check out the calendar on the KiosKiosk website to see which vendors will be occupying the space through the end of summer.

What a gem – there’s no reason why this concept can’t be spread to cities all over the world. Not only does it give small businesses lots of exposure, it’s cool design and eco-friendly to boot! What’s not to love?

Link [Jamble Mag] + [KiosKiosk] via [Green Living Ideas]

Polar Bears Float Past Houses of Parliament in London

Londoners got quite a shock yesterday as polar bears floated down the Thames River on icebergs, past the Tower Bridge and the Houses of Parliament. They didn’t make some kind of bizarre, epic journey down from the Arctic, though – they’re sculptures launched in the river to raise global warming awareness, as part of the launch of new British television channel ‘Eden’.

From The Times Online:

A total of 15 artists spent two months constructing the 20ft by 20ft square structure, which was launched at 6:30am before travelling up the Thames, stopping besideTower Bridge and the Houses of Parliament. The structure weighing, 1.5 tonnes, was winched into place.

The event coincides with the Eden Channel’s Fragile Earth series, presented by Sir David Attenborough.

Melting ice caps threaten the existence of polar bears as their habitat disappears. There will also be serious consequences for the two billion people who depend on glacial meltwater to feed rivers.

Sir David said: “The melting of the polar bears’ sea ice habitat is one of the most pressing environmental concerns of our time. I commend Eden for highlighting the issue; we need to do what we can to protect the world’s largest land carnivores from extinction.”

The polar bear will also be touring other cities, including Glasgow and Birmingham.

That’s certainly a good way to grab people’s attention. The sculptures are pretty lifelike, but a close-up on the Times Online website shows that no fur was involved. (UPDATE: See video above!)

Link [Times Online]
Photo credit: The Daily Mail

London to Start New Bicycle-Sharing Program

London is the latest city to get a bike-sharing program, with mayor Boris Johnson announcing that city residents will be able to pick up and drop off one of 6,000 bikes at 400 locations across the city. Before the plan is final, however, Johnson will have to get the “political buy-in” of all 9 London boroughs.

From The Guardian:

The bikes will be kept at docking stations and the design is expected to deter thieves. Renters will have to pay a deposit when they take the bicycles and there is expected to be an annual fee for registration.

Johnson said: “I have long held the view that a cyclised city is a civilised city, but if we are to get more Londoners on to two wheels rather than four we need to provide the facilities to help them do so.

“I hope a central-London cycle-hire scheme will inspire Londoners as a whole, and not just the adventurous few, to get on their bikes and give cycling a go. I believe that the work we are carrying out can make the capital a city of cyclists, where to use two wheels is common, not curious.”

Johnson invited companies to bid on the project, with JC Decaux – the French company that has set up bicycle sharing programs in 15 cities across the world – expressing interest.

Some boroughs have yet to give the green light because they have to get permission from the owners of the land on which the stations would be located. But, all are expected to join in, as Londoners are enthusiastic about the project.

It’s great to see so many cities take on bike-sharing programs. There’s no telling how many people will choose to ride a bicycle, see the scenery up close, interact with the community, and get exercise and fresh air instead of driving a motor vehicle. Beneficial to all involved!

Link [The Guardian]
Photo credit: Flickr User Malias