Counting On … – Page 110

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.

Counting on … day 122

14th March 2022

Another sign of spring: we have two clumps of frogspawn in the pond. Despite large number of eggs laid, few will make it to adulthood. Most will be an essential part of the food chain – including the dragonfly larvae which currently live in the murky depths of the pond but who will in the summer make their dazzling transformation to dragon flies. I wonder if we fully understand the role of life and death in the cycle of the ecosystem.

Counting on…day 121

13th March 2022

Hanami or blossom watching is a practice that has been adopted from Japan. The blossom of trees is both beautiful and short-lived. Blossom watching is to consciously take the time to enjoy this transient delight. Already here in London the first trees are beginning to blossom whilst below them the crocuses are being being replaced by daffodils.

Counting on…day 120

12th March 2022

Litter is a form of pollution. It is an eye sore; if ingested by animals it can cause them pain and death; if it blocks drains it can cause flooding; if it blows into streams and rivers it can be ingested by fish etc. Overtime plastic waste breaks down into smaller particles which pollutes both air and water and which is already being found within the metabolism of humans and creatures.

25th March – 10th April is dedicated to the Great British Spring Clean when participants are encouraged to go out and pick up litter. Why not give it a go?

https://www.keepbritaintidy.org/get-involved/support-our-campaigns/great-british-spring-clean

Counting on …. Day 119

11th March 2022

The crisis in Ukraine has highlighted our dependency on oil and gas, whilst at the same time the IPCC is again highlighting the urgent need to rapidly reduce our carbon emissions. This is the time to cut back on our use of fuel for heating homes and water, and for driving cars. We can also contribute by cutting back on flights and imported goods, rather aiming to shop locally.

Counting on … day 118

10th March 2022

Spring is a good time for foraging. Plants are beginning to sprout and it is often the newest, youngest leaves or shoots that are sweetest. Our garden is a quasi wild garden, so I can forage there for dandelion leaves – good for salads, or for use as spinach – and nettles whose young leaves are good in soups.

Nettles are an important food for various caterpillars. Dandelion flowers are an important food source for various insects including bees, whilst their seeds are popular with goldfinches.