BBC and Guardian launch new eco sites

by Kate Gibbs, Media Week 30-Oct-07

Two of the UK's leading media groups, Guardian Media Group and the BBC, are to launch environmentally focused websites.

The Guardian will launch an eco-store on its website in conjunction with
the Natural Collection from today.

The site, www.guardianecostore.co.uk, will sell more than 1,000
different eco-friendly, organic and fair-trade products online, ranging

from fashion to office and gardening equipment.

Meanwhile, BBC Worldwide, the public broadcaster's commercial arm, has
revealed plans to launch a major eco website, where users can access
information on subjects including climate change.

It is understood the BBC site will be launched towards the end of the
year or early next year. It is thought that the venture will tie in with
the BBC's environment related programming - such as the recently
launched loveearth.com. More details will be released over the next
month.

Guardian Ventures business manager Christian Harris said there was a
growing demand from readers for such services.

"Most of our readers are committed to environmental sustainability and
eco-friendly commerce," he said.

"We are anticipating the site will be extremely successful in the run-
up to Christmas and we won't be ruling out expanding this in future to
include other ethically produced brands and products."

The Guardian's new website will be fully supported with an online and
print campaign.

Advertisers such as Oxfam are filling banner ads and more companies are
being sought.