Tim Cornwell: Ditch the discs, embrace MP3s, save the planet

Published on Wednesday 25 November 2009 21:55

COMPACT DISCS, it is now claimed, are an environmental menace only marginally less damaging than plastic bags, but the UK independent record label Aardvark Records is backing a green policy that could help reduce their negative impact.

"The petrochemicals used in manufacturing CDs are environmentally toxic," says Aardvark managing director Alex di Savoia, "and CDs don't biodegrade. What I'd like to see is record labels investing in research to make CDs environmentally friendly. Recycling unwanted CDs and DVDs could be one answer."

The Falmouth-based company was urged by students at the local University College to recognise that MP3 files are far more environmentally friendly than discs.

The hope is that fees from MP3 sales could help pay for research into greener CDs – that is, assuming everyone is paying for those downloads.

Saltire celebration

ENDLESS revels in the formerly sleepy, one-time Royal Burgh of Haddington this weekend, as it reminds us of East Lothian's proud heritage as the home of the Saltire.

A string of events to mark St Andrew's Day – and the Year of Homecoming finale – kick off with the Army's Golden Lions parachute display team landing the flag near the village of Athelstaneford.

It was there, legend has it, that King Angus saw a cross of white clouds in a blue sky before doing battle with larger English forces and defeating them (a feat Alex Salmond has yet to repeat).

The flag will be carried on horseback to St Mary's Kirk in Haddington, to be met by assembled choirs and speechifying, and thence to Mercat Cross in a torchlit procession. There's also a street party, with Capercaillie headlining.

And the fun doesn't stop there. On Monday, Haddington-based East Coast FM goes on air, with a four-week licence, hoping to demonstrate the need for a community radio station in East Lothian.

Broadcasting via a mast on Garston Hill on 87.7FM, and via the web at www.eastcoastfm.co.uk, volunteer DJs include local rock hero Fish on Monday evenings, and The Red Hot Chilli Pipers on Tuesdays.