Thumbs up: The school holidays haven't even started and back-to-school stories are already appearing.

Marks & Spencer announced last week that it has developed school clothes made from recycled plastic bottles. The used plastic is turned into polyester yarn, which is woven into fabric and used in the new M&S school uniform range.

Rocking October

Thumbs up:Oxfam Ireland is looking for anyone involved in music or anyone who just loves music - from bands, promoters and street buskers to DJs, music students and piano teachers - to become part of Oxjam, which takes place in Ireland and Britan throughout October. The aim is to "stage as many music events as possible to raise money for Oxfam Ireland". The shout-out is being made now, as Oxfam Ireland reckons the average gig takes three months to organise. To find out how to get involved, visit www.oxfamireland.org/oxjam.

Lobby goes offline

Thumbs down: PriceWatch is sorry to see the committee of consumer lobby group IrelandOffline calling it a day. IrelandOffline was formed in 2001 and has campaigned for the rights of consumers who wanted cheaper dial-up intenet and for those who wanted broadband. Chairman Damien Mulley said the current committee was unable to find enough people to take over.