Micro plastic or ‘nurdles’ as they are technically known are pellet like pieces of plastic that enter the sea through spillage and poor storage in factories; they have not yet been injection molded and are therefore perfect for production. While drifting in the world’s ocean microplastics can absorb persistent bioaccumulative and toxic compounds from seawater. Once ingested by animals, the absorbed pollutants may be transferred to the respective organisms. Nurdles are around 4mm in diametre and are often referred to as Mermaids’ Tears. The United Nations states 13,000 nurdles are floating every square mile of the ocean – this is an average figure and the concentration of nurdles worldwide varies greatly and is on the increase…

DYK? In organic farming: (1) artificial chemical fertilisers are prohibited – instead organic farmers develop a healthy, fertile soil by growing and rotating a mixture of crops, adding organic matter such as compost or manure and using clover to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere (2) pesticides are severely restricted – instead organic farmers develop nutrient-rich soil to grow strong, healthy crops and encourage wildlife to help control pests and disease (3) animal welfare is at the heart of the system and a truly free-range life for farm animals is guaranteed (4) a diversity of crops and animals are raised on the farm and rotated around the farm over several seasons, including fallow periods. This mixed farming approach helps break cycles …

You have to LOVE our little friends…Bees are vital to our lives as they are among the primary pollinators of plants. Bees favour certain types of flower that can also enhance a garden, and providing these is relatively simple. Look for cornflowers, buddleia and poppies, plus fruit trees and shrubs, rhododendron and other flowering shrubs. If you can, create a wild flower section in your garden for bees thrive on then an awesome awesomeness TGM shout out goes to you!!! We also LOVE the new bumblebee conservation trust website check it out and learn all about Bees http://bumblebeeconservation.org/

For all our UK super fans did you know? The BIG Butterfly count starts today 14th July – 5th August a nationwide survey aimed at helping to assess the health of our environment. Learn more and join in http://www.bigbutterflycount.org/

Our little GUERILLA GARDENING site is coming along nicely…no we’re not talking about our fury cousins, but secret gardening TGM fans! Here’s a SUPER TIP it’s vital that people get involved to help maintain and own an area that has been ‘eco pimped’ therefore it’s always handy to have a TGM ECO Trooper living close to a planting zone. Can you spot our little helper? If you fancy trying your hand at a bit of GUERILLA GARDENING we’ve got a super fact sheet to help get you started see below…

Guerilla gardening is all about mischief, having fun and spreading a little TGM happiness, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise right! It’s energy in action, and getting creative with people who care just as much as you about the planet and people. Coming to a waste ground near you…

 Isn’t the natural world just blooming amazing! You don’t have to look hard (even while waiting for a bus) to see natures little colourful wonders going about their own business while you go about yours. Remember ‘Green Marines and Mariners’ to keep your eyes and ears peeled and if you can let us know just what catches your eye? Here’s an interesting fact about Ladybirds – the seven-spot ladybird can eat a whopping 5000 aphids during its year long lifespan and this is why so many people love to see ladybirds. For more information or to take part in the Ladybird survey check out http://www.ladybird-survey.org

We gone all ‘batty’ here at HQ!!! The wonderful and award winning team behind the successful B.O.B.Box have generously donated a box to The Green Marine and we have to say that we feel very honoured as The Queen and Prince Charles both have their own BOB’s too. Students from Savio Salesian College in Bootle are the Observer newspaper’s Ethical Kids’ Awards winners 2011 for the ‘Savvy BOB’ hybrid bat or bird box, and well deserved too. We hope to have more Bat friendly news from TGM HQ real soon so keep watching this space. You can contact the award winning team using batorbirdbox@yahoo.com

It’s now August 2011 and our two urban test sites are still going strong…just imagine how many insects have paid a visit and said hello, the odd dog or cat, and not to mention a vehicle tyre or two ha ha but hey nature always wins in the end. So before the summer holidays are through why not make a plan with your friends to spread some of your own ECO love yeah!!!

  It’s your world…are you strong enough? Is one of our most famous motto’s and we’ve been lucky enough here at TGM HQ to be getting out and about and meeting other people who are definately strong enough and doing their bit to save and nourish our planet!!! The Golden Company is a social enterprise based in East London, UK. They work with inner city young people producing, marketing and selling urban honey and related products. The Golden Company’s young members (‘Bee Guardians’) help to create, market and sell their own products. They nurture entrepreneurial spirit through first-hand experience of all aspects of running a business – providing training in urban beekeeping, enterprise, carpentry, cosmetics making and life skills. All Bee …

Hey guys you don’t have to be a Limnologist (you what??? here’s something you can dazzle your friends with – Limnology is called fresh water science and is the study of inland waters ha ha) or a fresh water biologist to build your very own pond. We couldn’t resist posting this wonderful photo of a micro garden pond, it just goes to show that with a little imagination you don’t need a huge space to provide a wonderful habitat for wildlife to flourish.

WOW isn’t the natural world just amazing, this little shot was taken today by one of the team in central London. Yeah I know, an absolute feast of colour and bio diversity on our very doorstep. The importance of the natural world and environmental preservation plays a huge part for our continuing health and well being. Next time you step outside take a good look around and take it all in…we live and share an amazing planet!!!