return2earth

Rant and rave

2009-07-21T02:37:00.000-07:00

To anybody with half a brain or any sort of conscience it is obvious that the world needs to make some pretty major changes to make sure that at the very least we all continue to live in an environment that is comfortable and conducive to operating at what we currently consider to be a "normal" level.

With this in mind it constantly amazes me that so many people and corporations can just bury their heads in the sand and ignore the facts or not comprehend the seriousness of the situation.

For example, I'm trying to get a dialogue going with some local councils at the moment and I was appalled at the response of one who shall remain nameless that said "we had a budget for green issues but in the current economic climate it was considered to be a luxury rather that a necessity". Please tell me how saving our planet can be deemed a luxury.

Please excuse the rant but it's also really annoyed me lately that certain high profile celebrities who have huge exposure and carry significant influence can make a joke of climate change and those of us who are trying to make a difference. Breakfast show DJ's should think about what they are saying and be more responsible. If they have nothing positive to say then talk about something else. It's hard enough trying to communicate the issues but when a corporation that should know better let's its employees belittle our cause then the negative effects are tenable.

OK rant over, feel better now that's off my chest.

Stay positive and we'll make it happen

Check out this site

2009-07-08T02:34:00.000-07:00

What a great idea

http://www.teamgreenbritain.org/home

Website Marketing

2009-06-19T03:40:00.000-07:00

As part of the drive to attract 1,000 founder members I've just put the finishing touches to a powerpoint presentation teaser for would be followers of return2earth. I have a whole list of people to send it to and if you can think of anyone who might like to see it or indeed would like it yourself then please just contact me at jason@return2earth.co.uk
Also, if anyone knows how I can make a powerpoint presentation available for download here I'd love to hear from you.
I've really been enjoying working from home this week. The weather has been mostly fantastic and all my family have been around making those tea breaks much more enjoyable (and far too frequent!). I now have a busy afternoon pushing through to the weekend and then two days of fun in the sun. I hope you all enjoy the coming weekend wherever you are and if you're in the UK, have a super fathers' day on Sunday

Check out this link

2009-06-11T07:58:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's really hard to keep your focus and make sure that every day in every way you're doing your bit for the environment. Today I watched this movie http://www.youtube.com/homeproject and it put everything into a very real perspective. It's only available until June 14th so go there right now and check it out - you will be moved and motivated to be the change we need.

Social Media....you gotta love it

2009-05-29T02:42:00.000-07:00

Here at return2earth not only do we try to do our bit for the environment but we also like to think we're making the most of the technology available to us.

Social media is currently one of the most talked about phenomenons of our age with new sites and variations popping up all the time we wonder where it will all end. People's tastes vary widely so whilst one person might love Facebook someone else might appreciate the bite size updates of Twitter. We can't decide between the two and use them for different things so you can find us here http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/wwwreturn2earthcouk/67004148005?ref=nf and here http://twitter.com/return2earth_01

Like our blog we'll try to keep these areas updated as often as possible and would appreciate any of your suggestions for blog topics and discussions for any of the available media.

Back soon...

Encouraging signs

2009-05-21T07:27:00.000-07:00

In a time where most of what we read in the national press or see on the news is at best negative and at worst downright depressing, it's been encouraging lately to see that certain businesses and sectors seem to be fighting back and showing positive signs and attitudes.

It's always tough starting a new business and the current climate makes it even harder but the more I read the more I see that a huge amount of new businesses are environmentally focussed and profess to be ethically sound. Something that strikes me as incredibly relevant with all that is currently going on behind the scenes at Westminster.

Perhaps it's an attitude that resides in all eco people or perhaps it's a real sign that eco businesses are here to stay, but wherever you look there are green businesses sprouting up. Brand new ideas or variations on an old theme, it really doesn't matter. There is a real shift in perception and when quality companies start producing quality green products and services then those who have shunned them in the past will run out of excuses. To be honest, I think we're already there, we just need to push those companies even harder and start using them so that they become the norm.

The future is bright, the future is green.

Tempus fugit!

2009-05-15T07:31:00.000-07:00

It's over a year since my last post and I'm very aware that so much has changed in that time. First of all the reasons for my lack of appearance here are two fold. The amazing news is that I now have a baby son who has changed my life completely but who for the last year has turned my life on its head...in a good way I hasten to add. All my dreams and beliefs have now been brought into sharp focus and the knowledge that his future is in my hands is both exciting and scary. Just like our planet, he needs to be nurtured and looked after to make sure he grows up into a well adjusted and healthy individual and that is a massive responsibilty but one that brings rich rewards.

When he arrived I decided I needed to get a "proper job" so have spent the last year earning a living away from this business. I've now realised that his and my future is this business and it's about time return2earth started achieving what it was set up to do.

So, please forgive my absence and renew your support for this fledgling enterprise which one day soon will make a huge positive difference to all of our lives.

I'm the Daddy!

It works!

2008-02-04T12:04:00.000-08:00

One of the fundamental ideas of return2earth is to promote the businesses of its members specifically and green and ethical businesses in general. Well we're pleased to report that we had our first networking success in January with Derek Wilson using Sid Siddal and Coaster Coffee to supply his West Wittering Beach shop, Tucano Beach with quality fair trade coffee.

Congratulations to those 2 businesses and here's to it being the first of many relationships to be forged here

Radio radio!

2008-01-29T10:34:00.000-08:00

Sometimes opportunities come along when we're least expecting them. Take a couple of weeks ago for instance. There I was just about to start winding down after a day at the return2earth coal face when I received an email from a new contact of mine, an inspirational lady called Frankie Picasso.

One of Frankie's interests is an online radio station in the US and her email to me was an invitation to appear as a guest on a new radio show she is co-hosting, aimed at new businesses and individuals looking for marketing opinion and advice.

Obviously I was keen to get involved although my enthusiasm was slightly dampened at first by the need to set my alarm for 4am to fit in with their time zone. I'm so glad I made the effort because I learnt alot and got to talk to 2 extremely generous and intelligent people who have really helped me focus on what is important for return2earth and its success.

As a result of the exposure we have witnessed a huge increase in traffic to the site and what is remarkable is where the the new hits are coming from - we must have touched on every country in the world by now.

So thanks to Frankie Picasso and Tony Marino for their invitation, help and advice.

Take a listen to the show, I appear after about 75 minutes

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/lifecoach/2008/01/17/Make-It-Happen

Have Great and Green 2008

2007-12-31T09:27:00.000-08:00

Just a quick message from return2earth wishing you all a green and prosperous New Year.

2007 has been a crazy one and in the next 12 months we are hoping to consolidate and build on what we truly believe to be an amazing concept.

There will be some changes coming to return2earth.co.uk in the near future to make the site easier to use and understand - changes we're making as a direct result of your feedback, so thank you all.

We wish you all the best and look forward to developing a truly proactive and productive green community with your support and participation.

Jason

Progress

2007-11-18T09:27:00.000-08:00

So finally return2earth is live and the business is up and running. Apologies to those of you who have been waiting patiently but we wanted to get it right. Having said that, there have been a few teething problems which are now all sorted and the marketing drive is starting in earnest.

Our main focus is signing up founder members who will be the back bone of the business. We want commited, creative business people who care about our planet and we need you all to spread the word.

Today more than ever it seems we are moving closer to the tipping point and action is needed on a massive global scale. I truly believe this business has come along at exactly the right time and by bringing together likeminded business individuals we can have a real, positive, physical impact. We are ready, we just need a critical mass. We have to get in front of people and shout about this business because that's the only way the change will happen.

I walked my dog today along a wet, cold and windy beach. It's November and that's how it should be. It was amazing being out in what for the South Coast is fairly severe weather, but the coastline is eroding and the weather patterns are changing and we need to do all we can to keep the balance. The fight back starts here....

Stage 1 complete

2007-10-27T09:48:00.000-07:00

So the day has at last arrived when the return2earth website has gone live. It's taken a bit longer than expected but we wanted to get it right and give us all a good grounding for moving forward.

At return2earth we are very excited about where the company may go in the future and have lots of plans and dreams for the development of our business but also for the future of the businesses that use us and believe in us. We truly believe that together we can make a difference and that it is up to all of us to spread the word and get some return2earth momentum going.

Our hope is that this becomes a truly global phenomenon with products and services being found internationally from our Green Pages Directory and the sharing of knowledge in our forum giving ethical and environmentally friendly enterprises listed here a competitive edge as well as ideas for the future.

We're particularly excited about making that first investment in a fledgling green business. We know how tough it is to get started but we believe our Green Dragons' Den will provide a real springboard for those great ideas that can't attract financing in a conventional way or who just want to get it from a committed green source. We'll have alot of fun and learn so much and maybe, just maybe we'll find the next Anita Roddick, Trevor Bayliss or a green focussed Richard Branson. And imagine if we stumbled across some mad scientist type (we love mad scientists) who actually did discover an alternative green energy source - how would we all feel then?

I intend to keep dreaming and pushing return2earth in front of as many people as I can. Get involved if you'd like to help make a difference and please feel free to give us feedback on the site, the business or anything else you may feel is relevant. Now, back to helping save the planet.....

Photo Shoot

2007-09-08T02:26:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week I was happily sitting at my desk working on return2earth strategy, watching Ruby my chocolate labrador cavort around the garden then pass out under the shade of the nearest tree when I got Skyped by Ben, my web designer. "The sun's shining and I've got my camera" he said, "we need some more images for the site so I'll meet you at the beach in 40 minutes".

Being the shy, retiring type my initial thoughts were "Great, my once in a lifetime chance to be a model!". I soon realised that this was one of the hottest days of the year so far, the beach would be packed and I'd be there in a suit, with my trousers rolled up having my photo taken in all sorts of strange situations.

Well, nothing ventured, nothing gained. We met at the beach and grabbed a few props from my hut then ventured towards the waters edge. The next hour was one of many laughs and minimal embarrassment. Most of my time was spent trying not to squint and trying not to notice the strange looks we got from everyone who was there just to enjoy a day at the beach.

Needless to say I managed to look terrible in most of the photos with the best ones being with me slightly out of focus and not looking straight at the camera! That being said, Ben did a great job and we're really happy with the couple of images we settled on - the ones in this blog didn't make it!

The great thing is this hour spent at the beach in the heat of the day really was about work so I could feel completely justified being out of the office for a while - more confirmation the this lifestyle choice was the right one.

Writing copy and being interesting!

2007-08-07T09:32:00.000-07:00

With most of the website structure now in place the majority of my time is spent writing copy. On the face of it this is an easy task as I know my business back to front and also know what I'm trying to say. What I'm realising though is that it's actually quite tough finding the right "voice" for the site. We are a serious business but we don't want a corporate feel. We are addressing serious issues but we want to operate with a smile on our face.

return2earth is already attracting alot of interest and it's becoming more and more important to get the site just right. I've taken the decision just to write though and if things need changing later then we'll change them. It's more important that the site gets up and running and we can start making a difference. I'm trying to communicate to our subscribers that this business is always going to be a work in progress and that their input is always going to be needed to make sure we are everything we can be. With that in mind if the copy is not right first time or it could be more witty or interesting then let us know and we'll make it better.

We are looking at the end of August as our go live date so I guess it's back to the copy and away from the blog!

In the beginning....

2007-07-10T13:03:00.000-07:00

This blog is the continuing story of the development of my new company, return2earth. I'd like to convey how this business fits with my lifestyle and how my lifestyle fits with this business, and along the way relate stories of the good and the bad, the highs and the lows, and the lessons I learn from both.

First of all to give you an insight into the company I'll go all the way back to the beginning.
In November 2006 I was working in a responsible job, conforming to expectations but was aware of a constant nagging in the back of my mind that there was also something else out there. I tried to ignore it but the feeling became stronger and stronger until one night I woke suddenly from a deep sleep with the concept that has consistently occupied my mind ever since.I realise now that what was to become return2earth was born out of an overwhelming desire to really make a difference; to help change the world for the better and to ensure that our planet becomes sustainable and safe forever.The trick was to set up a viable business that could promote such ideals as well as benefitting all those involved.

return2earth does this on a number of levels.It is primarily a networking site for green and ethical businesses. This works because, by definition, all those contributing have a common interest and as such all our members have a pre-qualified audience.The site is also set up and marketed as a business directory for ethical and eco friendly businesses - our very own "Green Pages" where all our networking members can be viewed and searched by members of the public interested in a green service solution.

Where return2earth really differs from otherwise similar businesses is in our "Green Dragon's Den". We are using our membership fee income to invest in businesses who apply to us for funding and then present their idea in an online conference forum. In our case the Green Dragons are our founder members and they get to vote on who receives what money. As a founder member you also get to benefit from the future success of the company as our promise is to redistribute our profits to those who supported us at the beginning.We also have plans to set up a Green Property Development company which will build state of the art green homes and invest in the development of technology to aid cheaper sustainable living.
So far I have been setting up the company by getting the website designed and ironing out the basics. It is still a really fluid concept with new ideas coming together all the time, but the founding principle of the promotion of green, ethical business will always remain.

Keep reading to learn more about the company, the founders and our plans...