Ecojam.org, a new one-stop website for Bristol's growing green and ethical scene, is taking a fresh approach to local environmentalism. Launched by researchers at the University of Bristol, it is a place for Bristolians to discover local green businesses and initiatives, search for ethical jobs, trade free stuff and tune into local news, events and discussions.

Visitors to Ecojam can find out how they can make a difference, through what they buy, how they get around, and what they do in their communities and at work. All tastes are catered for, from local food to ethical fashion and green travel. The site receives some 4,000 visitors a month and already has over 1,500 members who are trading everything from free washable nappies to office furniture to bread-making skills.

Speaking about the project, the site's founder, Matt Fortnam, said:

‘We all know there is a big problem: climate change and dwindling oil supplies are going to change our world as we know it. Although these problems are global, Ecojam focuses on what we can do locally. We often don't realise the people and companies that can help us do something positive are right here in and around Bristol. Ecojam brings them together under one roof.’

‘The site is not about pointing fingers at “climate criminals” and hugging trees isn't compulsory. It is about giving everyone the chance to get involved, whatever their shade of green. A visitor may use Ecojam to hunt down their local farmers market, or to de-clutter their home without the guilt of sending it to landfill. Others are finding jobs which "change the world", or advertising their events and discussing how to turn Bristol green. If you visit Ecojam today, you may end up peddling home a free bicycle, going to the Love Food Festival, or even becoming a trustee of a charity.’

Commenting on the project, Jo Gipps, Director of Bristol Zoo, said:

‘Bristol is bubbling with environmental activism and its people are known for their ethical vigor. Ecojam means I can finally keep my finger on the pulse and find out about the great initiatives that are happening across the city-region.’

Alastair Sawday, publisher and Chair of the Green Capital Momentum Group added:

‘There is nothing else like Ecojam and there is no doubt the city needs it. Initiatives like these are essential to the development of the sort of cultural and economic dynamism that a green city needs.’

Paul Harrod, Enterprise Network Manager at the University of Bristol said:

‘The University is delighted to be supporting Ecojam.org. It is an excellent example of how the University can work with the people of Bristol to make our city and region more sustainable.’

Ecojam is building upon research that brought together local people, businesses, academics and local government at 'sustainability cafes' to create a vision of Bristol as a sustainable city in 2020. Ecojam will continue this online by allowing a larger group of people to share ideas and news.