Action 71: The Environment Bill is coming into its final steps and will set binding targets for nature recovery. It is in the House of Lords. Where the House of Lords is making recommendations. Third reading in Lords is 13 October 2021.When it comes back to the House of Commons, the House of commons will try and water it down. Ask you MP “Please vote for amendments that will strengthen it”
Action 70: One month left until COP26. Take a quick review of your lifestyle: do you think you have taken actions that are: reducing your carbon footprint, safeguarding the environment, increasing your appreciation of the world?
Action 69: Baking without using the oven. Ovens use a lot of energy, so if you can avoid using them it helps reduce your carbon footprint. Instead you can use a heavy frying pan as a griddle and bake foods such as Welsh cakes, soda farls and potato farls, drop scones, griddle scones and Staffordshire oatcakes.
Action 68: Enjoy porridge for breakfast. Porridge oats are the least processed of breakfast cereals and make an excellent hot start to the day. Oats are a good source of essential minerals and vitamins, provide slow release energy and help reduce cholesterol. I buy organic oats from Pimhill Farm which grows and mills its own grain: https://www.pimhill.com/
Action 67: Learn a new skill: knitting, crochet, a language, bread making, fermenting, drawing, photography – something that helps you develop a greater engagement with the world.
Action 66: Create a directory of local repair services. Use your own knowledge, the internet, suggestions from friends, and see if you can compile your own local directory – eg shoe repairs, washing machine repairs, sewing and tailoring repairs, watch repairs, cycle repairs …
Action 35: Nature watch. If you have been greening your garden and setting up a bird feeder, why not make a point of watching out for who is visiting your garden. Hopefully different birds, and may be insects: bees and wasps are still active looking for food, and you may find some beautifully made spiders webs.
Action 64: Make a toad shelter – also suitable for frogs and newts.
Action 63: Make some quince jelly. You can make this with fruit from a japonica bush. These ‘quinces’ are ready to pick when they beginning to turn yellow. Cut them in quarters with a string knife. Cover with water and boil until soft. Strain through a muslin cloth or ‘jelly bag’. For every 600ml of liquid, add 450g sugar. Bring to the boil and boil until the setting point is reached – 105C. If you don’t have a sugar thermometer, use a wooden spoon: stir the jelly, then hold the spoon curved side up and count to 20. Tip the spoon and if the liquid coagulates as it drips, it is at setting point. Pour the jelly into sterilised jars. It should be lovely pinky orange colour.
Action 62: Support local businesses. Local businesses tend to have shorter supply chains and because they’re local, you can get there on foot or by cycle. Reducing journeys helps reduces carbon emissions. Supporting local businesses also supports your local community.
The Green Tau 