Reflections and actions during COP26 and going on
3rd April 2022
Nature is good for us. Being out in nature, taking note of the natural world around us help us maintain a sense of proportion. The Conversation recently posted this article suggesting five short walks to help us address our climate crisis fears.
2nd April 2022
Why not use your window, gate post, car windscreen to host a poster to support the demand for action to address the climate crisis? It may spark interesting conversations; it may give others like you the feeling of solidarity; it will demonstrate how widespread is the concern.
XR has various posters – https://extinctionrebellion.uk/act-now/resources/art-group/ – but equally you might want to find other sources on line or create your own.
1st April 2022
The elder tree – sambucus niger – is often more a bush than a tree. It can grow to a height of 15m and has a life span of some 20 years. Its flowers provide nectar for many insects, its leaves food for caterpillars, and its fruit food for birds and small mammals. The flowers are fragrant and used to flavour cordials, whilst the fruit which is rich in vitamin C can be used for jellies, fruits pies, cordials and wine making.
The elder’s name may come from the Anglo Saxon “aeld” meaning fire. Its hollow stems were used to blow air into the heart of a fire to kindle it. The soft wood is easy to whittle.
They said to one another, ‘We’re not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he opened the scriptures to us?’ Luke 24:32
Contemplation is nothing else but a secret, peaceful and loving infusion of God, which, if admitted, will set the soul on fire with the Spirit of love.’ John of the Cross
Up date on the use of neonicotinoids that kill bees: Greenpeace has a petition requesting the Government to reinstate its ban: https://action.greenpeace.org.uk/e/854853/3vcTclL/xbxqy/630056084?h=CcRCux7bliXlWFOsJaeYBMq-Hy1tNLZFXNTfKsa7UOs
1st April 2022
‘Climate change is a threat to human well-being and planetary health. Any further delay in concerted anticipatory global action on adaptation and mitigation will miss a brief and rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a liveable and sustainable future for all’ – from February’s IPCC report.
The time is now and we need to take action. Earlier this month Extinction Rebellion wrote to the Government highlighting the situation: ‘Every day the UK government fails to act makes our common future more bleak, our prospects more terrifying.’ Extinction Rebellion is calling for an end of the fossil fuel economy and is inviting everyone to take part and join in the demonstrations taking place on 9th April.
31st March 2022
This May, 5th, London’s local councils will be up for re-election. It is important that our local councillors know which things actually matter to us. The London Cycling Campaign has created an email letter to send to candidates asking them to prioritise various cycling matters that will create greener and pleasanter neighbourhoods. Richmond Council is already instigating many of these proposals but there is always scope for more if councillors feel it is something g we really want.
30th March 2022
The following Early Day Motion has been put forward by our local MP, Sarah Olney.
“That this House maintains an unwavering commitment to achieving net zero targets; acknowledges the urgent need to tackle high carbon emissions produced by homes across the UK; recognises the need for a comprehensive Government scheme to incentivise retrofitting to improve energy efficiency of homes and buildings; pledges that any future additional investment in energy production is directed to renewable sources of energy; extends the phasing out of Russian energy supply imports to include natural gas; and commits to making the transition away from Russian oil and gas a green one.”
Thank you Sarah!
29th March 2022
Wellington boots are ideal for jumping in puddles! Growing up in rural Warwickshire in the 60’s and 70’s, Wellington boots were the main footwear for a good half of the year. We wore them so often they would physically wear out developing cracks around the ankle. Now I have walking boots to cover both wet days and long walks. Regular cleaning and re waterproofing ensures my feet stay dry. Good maintenance prolongs the life of so many things we own and is something sustainability counts on.
Waterproof garments also last longer when regularly cleaned and waterproofed.
28th March 2022
What a run of beautifully warm, sunny days!
We can of course count on there being some wet days to come – and rain is a necessary part of our survival. Can we enjoy wet days just as much as sunny ones? Wet becomes uncomfortable when one gone gets cold and/or when you end up sitting in damp clothes. But otherwise we tend to veer unnecessarily away from going out in the rain. Waterproofs can keep us dry and getting wet doesn’t really hurt – it can be fun feeling rain drip on to your face. As can watching the rain drip off leaves or run down gullies.
Welly Wandering is number 6 of the National Trust’s 50 Things to do! And in Sweden they are developing play grounds that come to life in the rain!
27th March 2022
In the past working dogs would pull carts delivering things such as milk. Today we have carts that transport dogs!
The Green Tau 
