Ten days left to vacuum up a powerful cleaner

Anyone wanting to buy a powerful vacuum cleaner has only 10 days left to be certain of getting one - following new EU rules that come in next month.

The EU says most vacuum cleaners waste too much energy

From 1 September, companies in the EU will be banned from making or importing vacuum cleaners above 1600 watts.Hoover,based in South Wales,said that most of its cleaners were in that category.It has been replacing its models since July with less powerful versions, but a few are still left on the shelves.Elements of the directive - known as 2009/125/EC - are being challenged by the Dyson group.The consumer organisation Which? says many of the models involved were rated as "best buys" by its researchers.In one recent study, five of the top seven cleaners had motors of more than 1600 watts.The new European rules are part of the EU's energy efficiency directive, designed to help tackle climate change.

Among the models which will soon no longer be available are:

• Hoover Spirit TSP2101 (2100w)
• Miele S5281 (2200w)
• Samsung CycloneForce Sensor (2100w)
• Bosch BSG8PRO1 ( 1800w)

No models made by Dyson are affected, as all the motors on their machines are below 1600w.

Court Challenge

The new EU directive on energy efficiency will also require manufacturers to put an energy rating on the box.From 1 September, vacuum cleaners will be given seven different ratings, from A to G.This includes measuring the performance on hard floors, carpets, and how much dust ie emitted                                                                      

Models like this Hoover will no longer be available

But the Dyson group is challenging this aspect of the new rules, and has applied for a judicial review of the EU directive.

It argues that the performance criteria do not include testing a vacuum cleaner when there is already dirt inside it - what it calls "dust-loaded".

Dyson also says that 126 million cleaner bags and filters from new vacuum cleaners end up in landfill across the EU every year.

Yet the new labelling system does not reflect the impact of used bags and filters on the environment.

The rules will get even tougher in three years' time.

From 1 September 2017, all vacuum cleaners will have to be less than 900w.

From BBC news

Isle of Man basking shark sightings 'lowest ever'

Basking shark sightings in Manx waters are the "lowest they've ever been" according to the Manx Basking Shark Watch (MBSW).

Marine biologist Jackie Hall says the sightings are the lowest recorded since the MBSW was established in 2005.

So far this year, 41 sightings have been recorded, compared with more than 800 on a busy year.

According to her, this is caused by the lack of zooplankton and to the higher temperature of water, even in Spring.

The basking shark Cetorhinus maximus, is the second largest fish in the world. They may reach 10m in length but the biggest ones we see in Manx waters are normally 8m long. In the past they were said to reach much larger sizes, maybe over 12m long. They are listed as endangered on the IUCN red list. Some genetic work indicates that there may only be 8200 breeding females left in the whole world. They are protected from being hunted or harassed in the Isle of Man and in many, but not all, parts of the world. (from http://www.manxbaskingsharkwatch.com/)

The basking shark is a passive feeder, filtering zooplankton, small fish, and invertebrates from up to 2,000 short tons (1,800 t) of water per hour. They feed at or close to the surface with their mouths wide open and gill rakers erect. Unlike the megamouth shark and whale shark, the basking shark does not appear to actively seek quarry, but it does possess large olfactory bulbs that may guide it. It relies only on the water it pushes through its gills by swimming; the megamouth shark and whale shark can suck or pump water through their gills.( from Wikipedia)

Elephant poaching deaths reaching critical point in Africa

More elephants in Africa are being killed each year than are being born, according to a study.

Researchers believe that since 2010 an average of nearly 35,000 elephants have been killed in Africa every year.

Elephants are being killed by poachers who want their tusks. They contain a material called ivory which is used to make ornaments in parts of Asia.

The researchers warn that if this continues to happen, the animals could be wiped out in 100 years.

The report is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Illegal ivory

Selling ivory between countries was made illegal in 1989.

The illegal trade in elephant tusks has soared in recent years, and a kilogram of ivory is now worth thousands of dollars.

Pictures: The illegal trade in elephant ivory

Large ivory stockpiles have been destroyed in an attempt to halt the trade

Much of the demand for ivory is coming from Asia, where it is used to make specially designed ornaments and expensive gifts.China's government says ivory carving is an ancient art it wants to keep alive.George Wittemyer, from Colorado State University and who worked on the report, said: "We are shredding the fabric of elephant society and exterminating populations across the continent.Conservationists say urgent action is now needed to protect the elephant in Africa.

From CBBC newsround

Big rhino move in South Africa attempts to beat poachers

Five hundred rhinos are to be moved from Kruger National Park in South Africa in an attempt to keep them safe.

Officials said the animals could be relocated to nearby countries Botswana and Zambia.

South Africa is trying to tackle a severe poaching problem. More than 630 rhinos have been killed so far this year, and over 400 in Kruger alone.

Markus Hofmeyr, head vet of the national park, said: "We have to take rhinos to where they are safe."

It's thought moving the animals to countries like Botswana - with huge areas of wilderness that are really difficult to get to - could help protect them.

Rhinos are targeted by poachers because their horn is very valuable in parts of Asia. People think it shows you're rich and important.

Prince William has joined the calls to stop the slaughter,calling poaching "ignorant, selfish and wrong".

How do you move a rhino?

• Moving rhinos is not an easy job. They have to be tracked down and subdued before they can be transported.
• It can cost more than £1,000 to move one rhino.

From CBBC newsround