Reflections and actions during COP26 and going on
27th July 2022
It is only a week since we endured a two day extreme heatwave but is it already passing out mind, out of sight? Let’s continue to talk about climate change and how it is already affecting us. Let’s plan now for how we will help each other cope better during the next heatwave. This may come this summer, or maybe next, but it will certainly come.
26th July 2022
The Guardian reports that plans are ahead to make it illegal for shops to run the air conditioning whilst there doors are open, and already a by law exists in Paris resulting in €150 fines. Can we ask our local authorities to take action too?
French retailers have agreed to switch off illuminated signs when their premises close for the day.
25th July 2022
Ten plus years ago there was a report on the Guardian complaining of shops that keep their doors open in the winter whilst leaving the heating full on (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2010/nov/29/shop-doors-shut-save-energy?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other) Now we to be asking the same question of shop keepers/ store managers when they leave doors open with the air conditioning running full blast. Note which stores in your high street do this and email their head office.
24th July 2022
The more people use refillable water bottles, the less demand there will be for bottled water. The hot weather has reminded us of the importance of staying hydrated – can it also instil in us the habit of carrying a refillable bottle. Lots of cafes have taps or jugs of water for refills, many railway stations have water refill points, and there are a growing number of public water fountains around the country.
Refill has an app to help you find places to refill water bottles, cafes that give discounts for reusable cups, and places that will refill your lunch box (but not for free!) – https://www.refill.org.uk/
22nd July 2022
Whilst we may not be directly able to aid wild birds affected by avian flu -and which is devastating seabird colonies – we can help protect our garden birds from disease by ensuring we regularly clean birdbath and feeders.
21st July 2022
For those of us with outdoor spaces and gardens, there is much we can do to help support biodiversity. Like us, wildlife too needs help to cope with the extremes of weather – see the link below.
I have also noticed many shops and houses putting out bowls of water for passing dogs.
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 –
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.
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.
17th July 2022
Chocolate Mousse recipe (vegan)
Take one carton of Oatly custard and chill. Melt 150 – 200g dark chocolate. Pour the custard into a large bowl, add the melted chocolate and mix. Put into individual bowls and chill again before serving. Serves 4 to 6.
The Green Tau 