Counting On … – Page 61

Counting on …. Day 1.171

13th September 2023

Yesterday I took part in a peace vigil outside the Excel Centre which was hosting the DESI arms fair. The names of just a few of those who have been killed by military armaments were slowly read out accompanied by a slow drum beat. Armaments kill people. They also kill birds and animals, destroy trees and plants, and pollute soils and water ways. Their noise disrupts the migratory movements of birds and other creatures including migrating sea creatures.

In the season of creation-tide it is important to understand the widespread and destructive consequences of resorting to war.

Counting on … day1.170

12th September 2023

Yesterday I was helping with our local church’s Messy Church which this month was held on Sheen Common. Children with their mums/ carers did a scavenger hunt, made bark rubbings and arranged things they found to make a picture. It was good to see them having such fun whilst getting up close and personal with the natural environment.

Counting on … day 1.169

11th September 2023

Here in the UK not everyone has equal access to green spaces, fresh fruit and vegetables, clean air.

This is a justice issue and one that should be tackled to improve wellbeing for the individuals and for society as a whole. It is something that has been recognised by the Government but how it can be realised and financed is not so clear.

“Parks and greenspaces in England deliver an estimated £6.6 billion of health, climate change and environmental benefits every year. But with 80% of people now living in towns and cities, one third of people do not have access to good quality green and blue space within 15 minutes of their home. The government’s Environmental Improvement Plan, published [31st January 2023], includes a commitment that the public should be able to access green space or water, such as woodlands, wetlands, parks and rivers, within a 15-minute walk from their home.” https://www.gov.uk/government/news/natural-england-unveils-new-green-infrastructure-framework

Counting on … day 1.168

8th September 2023

Trees are good at creating a better environment for us to live in – shade and cooling the air, limiting flooding, absorbing air pollution, and protection from winds. They can also improve our mental and physical wellbeing.

There is some research that suggests having indoor plants can also benefit our health and well-being – but this does rely on someone taking the time to look after them. This too may have its own benefits!

For more info on the health benefits of trees –

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/jun/08/forest-bathing-japanese-practice-in-west-wellbeing?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/90720.html

For more info on the health benefits of indoor plants –

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-66186492

https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20201022-why-living-with-and-tending-plants-is-good-for-you

Counting on … day 1.167

7th September 2023

Where it is not possible to plant a tree, or as an interim measure, we could grow green walls. Green walls are where climbing plants are grown either directly against, or on support structures integrated on the outside walls of a building. Growing plants such as ivy on the outside walls can reduce internal temperatures by about 2.5C. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306261916313824

A step up from green walls are living walls. These “are constructed with planter boxes or felt; these do not require the plants to be climbing, they often need to be irrigated and plants for intensive green roofs are frequently suitable for these systems.” * Such walls can sometimes be seen on the sides of tower blocks – offices and hotels – and can presumably provide a green overcoat for buildings that outstrip the height to which plants can naturally grow.

*https://www.rhs.org.uk/garden-features/green-walls

Counting on …. Day 1.166

6th September 2023

I read recently that a tree provides the equivalent cooling of two air conditioning units. That must depend on the size of the tree and of the AC unit but it is an interesting thought. How much cheaper it must be to plant a tree than buy and run an AC unit. But of course a tree needs time to grow. Should we not be planting as many trees as we can now to provide cooling for the years to come when summer temperatures may be routinely hotter?

Last year at the Lambeth Conference, the delegates agreed to set up a global Communion Forest. Provinces, dioceses and churches were encouraged to plant trees to celebrate events such as baptisms, weddings and confirmations, by planting trees. It is a good idea and even where we don’t have the space ourselves to plant these trees, we can sponsor the planting of trees in woodland areas such as those cared for by the Woodlands Trust.

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/support-us/give/dedications/

Counting on … day 1.165

5th September 2023

Trees and forested areas are, we know, good for the environment. They cool the air, store carbon, absorb water before later releasing it. They support a diversity of plant and animal life. They protect and enrich soils. And they improve our physical health and mental well being.

Sadly tree overage in the UK is only 13% – compared with 38% across Europe and 31% world wide.

Planting and looking after new trees and maintaining and protecting existing trees is surely common sense! And where trees are cultivated for use, including felling, that needs to be carried out in a way that protects and nurtures the ecosystem just as one should with a herd or flock of animals.

https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/tools-and-resources/statistics/forestry-statistics/forestry-statistics-2018/international-forestry-3/forest-cover-international-comparisons/

Counting on … day 1.164

4th September 2023

1st September to 3rd October is creationtide – time to celebrate the awe and wonder of creation and to renew our commitment to care for all of creation. This year’s particular theme is justice. Determining what is fair and right can be a tricky balancing act between competing needs of plants and creatures and humans. Sustainable ecosystems perhaps best demonstrate what is possible – where species support each other, where what is input is generous, and where what is extracted is not detrimental to the whole.

Counting on … day 1.163

1st September

Another source of plant based protein is nuts. These can be enjoyed, plain or roasted, chopped or ground into flour. They can be used in these different forms when baking and cooking. For example ground nuts can be added to vegetables to make a pasta sauce or to a creamy soup, as well as enriching cakes and biscuits. Ground nuts can be used to coat vegetables for roasting. Whole nuts can be added to casseroles, stir fry’s, cakes and deserts. Chopped nuts can be used in vegetable pies, nut roasts, stuffings, risottos, as well as cakes and deserts.

For more tips on swopping to a plant based diet – https://greentau.org/2021/10/12/eco-tips-11/

Counting on … day 1.162

31st August 2023

Seeds are also a good source of protein as well as various minerals and vitamins. Try chia seeds, linseed or – the wild version – camelina seeds, pumpkin, sunflower, poppy, sesame and hemp seeds. You can add seeds to muesli or porridge, salads and mix them into bread dough.

You can use chia or linseeds as an egg replacement mixing one table spoon of seeds with 2 tablespoons of warm water, leaving it for a short time while the seeds thicken and produce a jelly-like texture.

You can use pumpkin or sunflowers seeds instead of pine nuts to make pesto.

You can also add seeds to hummus either blitzing them with the chickpeas or adding them whole for a different texture.