Category: Counting On …

Reflections and actions during COP26 and going on

 Counting on …day 255

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/

 Counting on ….day 253

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. 

https://www.rspb.org.uk/our-work/rspb-news/rspb-news-stories/keep-your-garden-birds-healthy/?utm_source=&utm_medium=email&utm_term=&utm_content=6&utm_campaign=

 Counting on … day 252

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.

https://theconversation.com/five-ways-to-help-wildlife-in-heatwaves-186964?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Imagine%20042&utm_content=Imagine%20042+CID_1ed4054deff27141e13704c6d3c2e41a&utm_source=campaign_monitor_uk&utm_term=aiding%20wildlife

 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.