Category: Counting On …

Reflections and actions during COP26 and going on

 Counting on …day 135

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. 

Counting on …day 134 

28th March 2022

What a run of beautifully warm, sunny days! 

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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!

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/06/wetter-the-better-gothenburgs-bold-plan-to-be-worlds-best-rainy-city

 Counting on …day 132

26th March 2022

‘Electric cargo bikes deliver about 60% faster than vans in city centres, according to a study. It found that bikes had a higher average speed and dropped off 10 parcels an hour, compared with six for vans. The bikes also cut carbon emissions by 90% compared with diesel vans, and by a third compared with electric vans, the report said. Air pollution, which is still at illegal levels in many urban areas, was also significantly reduced.’ https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/05/cargo-bikes-deliver-faster-and-cleaner-than-vans-study-finds

You can hire a cargo delivery service through companies such as Pedal Me to collect and deliver all manner of goods – and as a taxi service for people . Pedal Me offers such a service within a 9 mile radius of central London and can carry one/ two passengers and/or luggage and even dogs. 

Counting on …day 133 

25th March 202s

Try a cycle before you buy. 

Richmond council also has an arrangement with Peddle My Wheels (a living wage employer)  to enable people to hire cycles to see which suits them best before buying https://www.peddlemywheels.com/products 

For people who need an an adapted bike, Peddle My Wheels are partnered with Wheels for Wellbeing and Bikeworks who run all inclusive sessions for people to try a range of bikes. 

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Counting on…day 132

24th March 2022

Cycling is always easier of your cycle is well maintained: peddles, wheels and gears flow easily allow you to cycle further/ faster with less effort. You can book your cycle in for a routine servicing at a local bike shop or finding training opportunities so that you can become your own cycle mechanic. Richmond council is offering the following free workshop: The Cycle Maintenance Course at the Holy Trinity School Cycle Hub will take place on Wednesday 23 and Wednesday 30 March at 5pm. Both courses are completely free to attend.The event is being organised by the borough’s Healthy Streets Officer. To secure your place, please send an email to raphael.younger@sustrans.org.uk.

Bikeworks also offers maintenance workshops at different levels https://www.bikeworks.org.uk/Event/maintenance-courses/

 Counting on ….day 131

23rd March 2022

Cars might seem essential for picking up shopping, delivering goods, or transporting children, but in reality there are many alternatives. Cargo bikes can just as easily fit the bill. Our local authority of Richmond upon Thames, has a hire scheme so residents can make use of cargo bikes for a minimal outlay – indeed the first two hours are free. https://www.richmond.gov.uk/news/march_2022/new_cargo_bike_hire_scheme

If we are going to achieve net zero carbon and save ourselves and the whole planet from a complete climate catastrophe, we need to make real changes to the way we live our lives. Schemes like this make it that but easier.

Counting on …day 130 

22nd March 2022

The days are getting longer and milder – a good time to get back to cycling if you have had a winter break or to take it up as a new venture. Cycling is good for us mentally and physically as well as being far better for the environment than using a car. There are many sorts of cycles including specially adapted ones for people with particular disabilities, as well as e-assist cycles for those with less strength. 

Counting on ….day 129 

21st March 2022

As global temperatures rise it is probable that fruit trees and other plants will blossom earlier than previously. A research project is underway to collect date and plot exactly what is happening. Members of the public – citizen scientists! – are invited to contribute by recording when they see different fruit trees blossom in the local area. Results can be logged in at

Plum blossom in the back garden

http://www.fruitwatch.org/

If we are to adapt to the climate change that is already taking place we need this sort of information.

FruitWatch: Monitoring Fruit Tree Flowering Dates

 Counting on ….day 128

20th March 2022

Next Sunday is Mothering Sunday which has become a popular day for giving mums bunches of flowers, cards, breakfast in bed or a meal out. Originally the feast celebrated the role of Mother Church and gave everyone a break in the middle of the Lenten fast. With the global concern for the climate and the wellbeing of life on earth, it is also important to have care for Mother Earth. The Guardian has  reviewed some of the environmental questions around buying and sending bunches of flowers, emphasising in particular the merits of seasonal, locally grown, and locally delivered flowers. https://www.theguardian.com/money/2022/mar/19/how-to-buy-flowers-mothers-day-good-deals

The traditional Mothering Sunday gift was a cake.