Category: Counting On …

Reflections and actions during COP26 and going on

 Counting on …day 251

20th July 2022

There is a proposal to extend London’s ultra low emissions zone to include all of the Greater London area, thus ensuring that everyone in London benefits from the resulting cleaner air. This is particularly important when we consider the extra strain being placed on our bodies by the current heat wave. The move is likely to rescue the number of vehicles being used which will reduce both congestion and fossil fuel consumption. There are exemptions to ensure that people with disabilities, charities etc are not adversely affected. Public consultation is underway, if you would like to express your views –

https://url5523.sg.actionnetwork.org/ss/c/mw31GZsW-tYdpIw-ePlYv9YXu7kMu4z6Uzey9O4F-KaZ42znTgRrq5X1ds_Mi9FilYtWgTDrcjgtPYZK7olrv18Ja0EOg0L5Zx_1AXP1naN9vNcc4jZijuyIz71V47QA-nXwXw6BoU_CFe-jPbtpMr0HpMUT-FslSIrjm7TbRqWx4iE_kVRpRgrgBqZCxRYt5U6gV8cfSNj3t7xp6hEpzdHaWa5nPOlsFGDB9FVFuQakk_HYWpvb89zhE8com6LOMzkMcExPWG5rSqE9vPhBJh1CQpcnleSMkkxj-O5IZxwWi3W02hj-rNkLFvjKvQAZ/3nu/5uip7kYvS4umHBgZlQjzdg/h0/e0EHAqZz-Nwnx2AffxFxeQd0e5KyRe-kzrmuFJp9d_s

 Counting on …day 250

19th July 2022

We have to find means of adapting as best we can to cope with the challenges of our increasingly hot climate. This morning’s air was still warm so when we opened the windows this morning to cool the house, we drew the curtains across and sprayed them with water. As the air coming into the house will dry the curtains and so cool the house. 

Counting on …day 249

18th July 2022

In May many people took part in the Big Plastic Count organised by Greenpeace. They have now produced the results of survey  and a report in which they highlight that only 12% of plastic household waste is recycled in the UK, as opposed to being buried as landfill, incinerated or sent abroad. This is not a happy state of affairs and not surprisingly they now have set up a petition calling on the government for more responsible action.

https://action.greenpeace.org.uk/plastic-waste-crisis?source=EM&subsource=OCPOPSPEEM07OI&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=The+Big+Plastic+Count+results+petition+one-click+%5BRB%5D&utm_term=

 Counting on … day 247

16th July 2022

Also on the nature front, Friends of the Earth are asking us to ‘notice nature in the everyday’.

Whilst at the gym I spotted a dozen (each) sparrows, starlings and jackdaws, 3 parakeets, a goldfinch, a blue tit, a magpie and a kestrel!

https://action.friendsoftheearth.uk/petition/notice-nature-everyday?utm_source=call-to-action-supporting&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nature&utm_content=FY2223-07_lm2207003_peer-2-peer-notice-nature-reminder-email-share-ask

 Counting on … day 242

13th July 2022

Urban areas are generally hotter than their nearby rural areas. Buildings and vehicles all add heat to their local micro climate, whilst vegetation reduces temperatures. Not driving cars during hot weather is one small way of keeping the air cooler. You too will probably feel cooler walking on the shady of side of the street rather than being sat in a hot metal box.

 Counting on … day 241

12th July 2022

Double glazing also keeps excess heat out! When the outside temperature is hotter than inside, closing the windows and drawing the curtains can help insulate rooms from high temperatures outside. On the other hand if you can open several windows causing a flow of air through the room, the movement of air may feel more comfortable. 

Counting on … day 239

10th July 2022

You see it in some cafés – for a cool drink, fill a jug with water and add strips of cucumber/ slices of lemon or orange/ sprigs of mint/ slices of root ginger/ even melon rinds. Keep the jug in the fridge – it will stand a few refills before the additions loose their flavour. (No sugar, and no bottles to recycle).