Action Briefing Jun 2005 - Jul 2005
	The Newsletter of Birmingham Friends of the Earth

Warehouse News

As with any major project, our new solar water heating system has needed some 'tweaking'. One minor problem occurred when the water in the pipes close to the panels reached a piping 140 degrees C!

Overall, though, the system is working well and hasn't needed any supplementary electric heating for over two weeks. We haven't finished paying for it, and any further donations towards the roughly £2000 we still have to find ourselves! A big thank you to those who kindly contributed the more than £150 we've raised since the appeal went out (see Action Briefing Feb-Mar 2005).

Sadly, Cycle Chain, the bicycle workshop which has occupied our End Bay since 2002, has finally closed. However, there's a good chance that a new cycle shop will take over, so watch this space or check visit www.birminghamfoe.org.uk/warehouse.htm.

More Creative Recycling
Those of you who saw December's Creative Recycling exhibition will no doubt have marvelled at the unique works of contemporary art on show and the creative versatility of the materials used. The long-life, high-value composites are manufactured from 80-90 per cent recycled paper, combined with water-based resins and compressed (no solvents of toxic chemicals are used in processing). Although they have the consistency of hard wood, they have much greater design and artistic potential than wood, as colour and form is created within the laminate itself and then revealed.

If you missed the last exhibition then be sure to drop by the Warehouse on Tuesday 5th July for a second chance to see the stunning displays of contemporary arts and crafts made from recycled materials, including new works for sale by artists from Urban Earth. The free exhibition, which runs from 5pm to 10pm, will also feature Latin Jazz from Edgar Macias, Trevor Lines and friends, after 7pm in the Warehouse Cafe upstairs. Urban Earth artists and designers will be available to discuss the existing art works and future possibilities. Vegetarian and vegan food available, but bring your own alcohol.

Finally, on a similar theme, the Warehouse Reception now has hemp and recycled paper back in stock, £3.45 per hundred sheets.

Dave Clare