Counting On … – Page 89

Counting on … day 289

25th August 2022

https://veganuary.com/ten-vegan-sandwich-fillings/

Another recycled Counting Down action : Go out for a vegan picnic. Sandwiches are the basis of a picnic and most bread is vegan. Vegan options for spreads include plant based butter/ pesto/ mayonnaise/ tapenade/mustard. Add fillings such as vegan cheese (nut-based cheeses are good for protein), hummus, mushroom pate. Add slices of vegetable such as red pepper, radishes, grilled aubergine or courgette, nasturtium leaves, cress or rocket or add chutney/relish. Or try a banana hot dog roll? Pack sandwiches in greaseproof paper or fabric wraps. Pack fruit and pieces of vegetables that can be eaten with fingers and again see if you can avoid plastic packaging. Fill flasks with either hot or cold drinks. Pack some vegan cakes – rock buns, muffins etc – or a bar of chocolate to finish.

Counting on … day 288

24th August 2022

A Count down action recycled from last August:-

In Britain we get through 2.5 billion single use coffee cups each year. Each cup – typically made of paper with a thin plastic layer – has a carbon footprint of 60.9g and that is before it leaves the cafe. Only 1 in 400 will be recycled with the remainder ending up in landfill, further adding to their carbon foot print. Each year single use coffee cups produce 152,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide – the equivalent to the output of 33,300 cars.

For times when you are not being offered your coffee in a reusable cup or mug, have a keep-cup to hand. In the same vein have a refillable water bottle – especially useful when we have periods of hot weather.

Visiting a National Trust café, I noted a 5p charge for a disposable takeaway cup and a 25p discount for bringing your own keep cup – all other coffees were served in ceramic cups.

Counting on … day 287

23rd August 2022

This summer is heat waves, drought and impending fuel crisis have highlighted our country’s unpreparedness for the effects of climate change that we are already experiencing, let alone the ones that are to come. Much of the responsibility lies with our government and its influence over big business. To this end Greenpeace has set up a petition asking for action from the UK government:

“You must do more to prevent climate change and protect us from the damaging impacts of extreme weather:
– Deliver a proper plan to make our buildings and infrastructure more resilient to extreme weather
– Improve national water storage to prevent future shortages
– Force water companies to reduce leaks and increase the efficiency of household and business water usage ”

If you would like to sign this go to – https://action.greenpeace.org.uk/uk-extreme-weather-climate-emergency-drought-floods?source=EM&subsource=ECCLREPEEM05MY&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=UK+Extreme+Weather+Aug+2022+PE+20220812&utm_term=Full+List

Counting on …day 286

22nd August 2022

The biggest source of carbon dioxide that is accelerating the climate crisis are fossil fuels. The International Energy Agency has calculated that if we are to keep the rise in global temperatures within a safe threshold, we cannot open up or expand anymore fossil fuel sites. Instead we need to be replacing fossil fuel energy with renewable energy. It is against this background that so many people are horrified that the UK Government is allowing new gas fields to be developed in the North Sea – specifically the Jackdaw field. This week you can join the concerted campaign to stop this happening.

Sign the petition – https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/tell-the-uk-government-to-stop-the-jackdaw-gas-field/?link_id=3&can_id=e902af66de593980c250d076f315d318&source=email-uk-announces-new-oil-gas-drilling&email_referrer=&email_subject=its-time-to-stopjackdaw

And/ or email your MP.

Counting on …day 285

21st August 2022

https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/community-and-advice/garden-advice/pondsforwildlife/index.aspx

Wildlife is also having to adapt to climate change – and will probably not always succeed because the change is happening too rapidly. In our small ways we can help by making sure our gardens are wildlife friendly – providing water for drinking and bathing, providing a variety of plants to ensure a food supply throughout the changing seasons, providing shelter and places to nest.

https://www.rhs.org.uk/wildlife/gardening-in-a-changing-climate

https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/actions/climate-friendly-gardening

https://theconversation.com/five-ways-to-help-wildlife-in-heatwaves-186964

Counting on …day 283

20th August 2022

Taps, showers, baths and toilets can use vastly differing amounts of energy and water, making some more efficient and environmentally friendly than others. The Unified Water Label is used by companies across Europe to give consumers the information they need to make informed choices. There is, as yet, no legal requirement for such labelling to be used in the UK.

Counting on … day 282

19th August 2022

Domestic appliances including fridges and freezers, cookers, washing machines and dryers, dishwashers, TVs and electronic displays, and lighting, come with energy efficiency ratings. These labels have been recently updated ranging from A, the most efficient, to G, the least efficient (A+s has been removed). The labels also show the energy consumption of the appliances and, where relevant, water consumption.

Counting on …day 278

16th August 2022

As well as saving water and energy, we can also take positive steps by saving food – or more particularly not wasting it! Some 40% of the food produced world wide ends up as waste each year. This occurs at source, during processing and distribution, and in our own homes! We can address the issue in our homes by planning meals and meals sizes more carefully, by using up left overs and oddments, learning new cooking skills, and making shopping lists to avoid unnecessary purchases. What happens at home is easy to see, but what happens in the other stages of the food line is more obscure. Legislation is in hand to require companies to openly report on food waste. This should improve action on food waste by companies and keep us the consumer better informed. To support this legislation you can contribute to the DEFRA consultation via FeedBack Global’s proforma:- https://action.feedbackglobal.org/page/109702/action/1?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The%20Oddserver%20%20AUGUST%20%28Yp2bjz%29&utm_content=sign%20their%20email%20action%20here&_kx=7I12iaMPyUTtHKRSEXyzHh4mnvKbosjpuhdAUvBF19MSWyfWVaBduyhvFzkMZphO.Q6bY5H

For Eco tips on avoiding food waste – https://greentau.org/2021/08/09/eco-tips-4/

And eating with a food conscience – https://greentau.org/2022/01/03/green-tau-issue-29/

Counting on … day 281

18th August 2022

When homes are sold they are given an ‘energy performance certificate’ that shows how well the place is insulated and how efficient is its in terms of the energy used. The certificate may also point out where improvements could be made. A second certificate records the ‘environmental impact (CO2) rating’ and measures the carbon footprint for the unit. Both range from A, being the most efficient, to G, least efficient.

Counting on …day280

17th August 2022

Some food items – such as sandwiches in cafés or packets of lentils in supermarkets – are now carrying a label indicating their sustainability. The labelling system reflects the product’s carbon footprint, water usage, water pollution and impact on biodiversity.

One by Foundation Earth ( https://www.foundation-earth.org/ ) scores products between A (most sustainable) coloured green and G (worst) coloured orange. Another is organised by Oxford University – https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/sep/22/green-food-eco-labels-study-environmental-cost-consumers?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

The aim is to enable customers to make more informed choices.