大象传媒

Dog breeders claim new laws to prevent puppy farms risk putting small responsible breeders out of business. New rules were introduced in England last October, and they're designed to prevent the mass breeding of puppies in poor welfare conditions. Breeders are reporting that local authorities are applying the new rules in different ways. We hear from a breeder who was told she'd have to get planning permission for change of use, as she breeds dogs in her home. Others have complained that breeders in some parts of the country are allowed to breed more litters per year than others, and the fees charged by councils vary greatly.

Car dealerships have been hit by a fall in both new and used car sales. One of the biggest UK dealerships, Lookers, reported a 40% fall in profits for the first half of 2019. We look at what businesses are doing to make revenue aside from selling cars, from one hour servicing to on site restaurants and bars.

Bamboo is increasingly being presented as an ethical, sustainable alternative to plastic. Bamboo clothing, toothbrushes, coffee cups are all being promoted as a sustainable option. Bamboo is a great crop in that it grows quickly, and doesn't need much water. However there are concerns about whether demand for bamboo could lead to deforestation. Also, chemicals have to be used to break down the bamboo fibres before they can be turned into consumer products. We look at how easy it is to get information about the origins of bamboo products, and how they've have been produced.

Presented by Winifred Robinson
Produced by Beatrice Pickup