Reflections and actions during COP26 and going on
11th September 2022
Autumn is the best time to plant spring bulbs. Flowering from January onwards, these flowers are a real boon for insects looking for nectar, especially those that don’t hibernate or have come out of hibernation early. I am always surprised and amazed when I see bumblebees in January.
10th September 2022
Refocusing our environmental lifestyle should also include our finances. We can in small ways influence the environmental protection that financial world gives through our choice of bank, mortgage lender, insurance provider and pension fund. All these financial institutions invest money (our money in fact) to gain a return that finances their product. Where they invest their money can impact the environment. For example if they invest in companies that produce fossil fuels, they are financing the continued production of green house gases. If they invest in companies that manufacture plastic packaging, they are financing the continued production of the commonest form of litter. If they invest in companies that produce tobacco, they are financing the continued production of an addictive and carcinogenic commodity.
For more insight into the environmental issues around banks see this Ethical Consumer report. They also provide ratings for different financial institutions covering current accounts, savings accounts and mortgages etc. To access these you will need to be a subscriber.
For more information on pensions and pension funds see https://makemymoneymatter.co.uk/ which strongly advocates swopping your pension as the most effective way of tackling climate change. (However if, like me, you don’t have a portable pension this won’t be possible. Nevertheless you can still keep asking your pension provider to adopt an environmentally responsible approach to its investment strategy).
Good with Money is another useful website https://good-with-money.com/
9th September 2022
A resolution that is both environmentally kind and healthy, is to reduce the amount of meat and dairy products in your diet, replacing them with plant based foods instead – opt for those that are in season and locally grown.
See these Eco Tips for switching to a vegan diet https://greentau.org/2021/10/12/eco-tips-11/
Or for a whole range of articles on vegan eating and recipes see https://greentau.org/tag/vegan/
8th September 2022
Environmentally kind resolutions include greening our energy use. This could be switching to a green energy supplier; swopping all light bulbs with an LED equivalent; being conscious of how much energy we use and reducing by turning appliances off when not in use, and use them for shorter periods of time. The work of kitchen aids – such as cake mixers and coffee grinders can be done by hand – and the work of vacuum cleaners especially on hard surfaces can be done with a brush; hair can be rubbed dry with a towel; daily showers can be alternated with a good basin wash.
This month, compared with the same month last year, we have consumed 90% less gas and 50% less electricity.
7th September 2022 Second Hand September is a good reminder to us not to hoard things we don’t need or don’t use. These can be given a new lease of life in someone else’s home – so why not have a autumn clear out and feel less cluttered?
6th September 2022
Consuming less can also mean discarding. Do a survey of your dustbin. What are you throwing out? Could any of it be recycled, repaired or reused? Do some of the things that you buy come with too much packaging? Could you shop differently? What would it take to half the amount of rubbish you produce each week? What would it take to reduce it to zero?
5th September 2022
Consuming less is one clear way of being kind to the environment. Consuming less is not about being parsimonious nor being a kill joy. It can involve buying second hand – pre-loved – items. It is equally about ‘loving’ what we do have. Why not look through your wardrobe or your cupboard and pick out a favourite item that you have had for a long while, and appreciate its personal history.
4th September 2022
Environmentally kind resolutions can include our gardens – making space and caring for nature. You might set aside part of your garden for wildlife. Climate change places extra pressures on wildlife so give them a helping hand by encouraging wild plants (weeds) to colonise part of your garden. Nettles are very good for ladybirds and butterflies, dandelions flowers are good for bees and dandelion seeds are tasty food for goldfinches.
For further thoughts see https://greentau.org/2022/04/04/the-green-tau-issue-39/ and
3rd September 2022
Cycles of all shapes and sizes benefit from regular cleaning and maintenance: and you are rewarded with a speedy and comfortable ride. Even in the summer cycles get dirty with a grime that clogs moving parts. Once cleaned, lightly oil the chain. Check brakes and adjust or replace as necessary: in wet weather well adjusted brakes are an essential safety measure.
As the nights begin to draw in, make sure that you have a set of functioning front and rear lights.
2nd September 2022
As the summer holidays end and schools go back, it feels as if a new term is starting for us all. This can be a good time for setting in place new intentions or resolutions about how we live and how we care for the world around us.
Whilst the weather is still mild, it is a good time to develop the habit of active travel – using walking, cycling and public transport as our go-to means of getting around. Good for the environment and good for both our physical and mental health.
The Green Tau 
