Counting On … – Page 109

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

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.

Counting on … day 127

19th March 2022

One individual cannot keep track of all the ecological and social issues and developments around the world, or even in our home country. We count on local organisations, charities, and researchers to keep us informed. They may focus on particular issues and have detailed insights into them, such that they can pinpoint action that is needed etc. Such groups count on us the public for support – whether through volunteering, signing petitions, joining demonstrations or with financial contributions.

Counting on…day 126

18th March 2022

Russia and Belarus have both been major exporters of fertilisers, but sanctions have cut off this supply. Ukraine too has banned the export of fertilisers in order to ensure supplies for their own farmers. Despite the best endeavours of Ukrainian farmers, exports of wheat on which many other nations depend will be severely reduced. Wheat shortages and rising wheat prices will affect many nations. Egypt for example imports half its wheat from Ukraine for bread which is the staple diet of its citizens. Previously bread shortwaves have led to riots.

The conflict in Ukraine highlights our global interdependency. We really are one family, one body where harm to one part affects all.

Counting on ….day 125

17th March 2022

Following on from the Green Tau, issue about fossil fuel divestment, various companies and institutions are divesting from Russian investments. This includes the Church of England’s Church Commissioners and Pension Board. Divesting is a positive way of demonstrating and establishing one’s ethical principles. https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2022/4-march/news/uk/church-of-england-ditches-shares-in-russian-firms

Counting on ….day 124

16th March 2022

Recently I have inquired of a number of producers whether their plastic packaging uses recycled plastic. The response has been mixed, but two commented that part of the issue was a lack of recycled plastic. According to Recycling Today ‘The collection rate for plastics packaging recycled from April 2019 to March 2020 is 59 percent for bottles; 33 percent for pots, tubs and trays, 7 percent for film and 39 percent for all household plastic packaging’. https://www.recyclingtoday.com/article/recoup-plastic-recycling-rate-april-2019-march-2020/

This highlights the importance of ensuring waste materials are recycled and not jettisoned to land fill/ incineration. It also highlights the importance of cutting back on the amount of plastic we use.

Counting on …day 123

15th March 2022

Having just used the last of some sticky tape, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that you can now by zero plastic Sellotape which is made from cellulose film and naturally based glue. The cellulose film is derived from wood pulp, sourced from PEFC certified sustainable forests. The tape and its packaging is biodegradable and can be composted or recycled with paper items.

Daily life can be plastic free.