15th May 2024
Maintenance is linked to repair. Good maintenance reduces the need for emergency repairs.
The things we maintain most – now that we no longer have a car – are our bicycles. Cleaning, checking tyres and brakes, and twice a year a thorough service at the local cycle shop.
Waterproof coats and trousers, walking boots and shoes, all benefit from regular cleaning and rewaterproofing.
18th January 2024
Repair and maintenance of things as well as clothes extends their useful life and so makes best use of resources. This can include an annual maintenance visit for your boiler (if you still have one), cleaning and or polishing footwear, reheeling/ resoling shoes, cleaning washing machines including the filter, cleaning washing machines, cookers – in fact anything that can be cleaned- descaling kettles, cleaning cycles, changing brake blocks, oiling chains as well as having a regular servicing, re-decorating painted window frames, doors etc, cleaning out gutters (you may need help with this).
Websites such as https://hoa.org.uk/advice/guides-for-homeowners/i-am-managing-2/home-maintenance-checklist/ can be a starting place to check on routine maintenance for your home (although I wouldn’t recommend jet hosing patios etc as that wastes water and energy).
8th November 2023
Repairability and maintainability of things we buy and own is an important part of sustainability. I have previously commented on repairing and mending things around the home – https://greentau.org/tag/repairs/ – and on regular bike maintenance – https://greentau.org/2022/09/03/counting-on-day-298/ Maintenance also includes regularly cleaning shoes, re waterproofing coats, emptying and cleaning vacuum cleaners, servicing boilers etc.
Maintenance may also include reviewing our lives, our daily habits, to check that they still align with our faith values.
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.
29th March 2022
Wellington boots are ideal for jumping in puddles! Growing up in rural Warwickshire in the 60’s and 70’s, Wellington boots were the main footwear for a good half of the year. We wore them so often they would physically wear out developing cracks around the ankle. Now I have walking boots to cover both wet days and long walks. Regular cleaning and re waterproofing ensures my feet stay dry. Good maintenance prolongs the life of so many things we own and is something sustainability counts on.
Waterproof garments also last longer when regularly cleaned and waterproofed.
24th March 2022
Cycling is always easier of your cycle is well maintained: peddles, wheels and gears flow easily allow you to cycle further/ faster with less effort. You can book your cycle in for a routine servicing at a local bike shop or finding training opportunities so that you can become your own cycle mechanic. Richmond council is offering the following free workshop: The Cycle Maintenance Course at the Holy Trinity School Cycle Hub will take place on Wednesday 23 and Wednesday 30 March at 5pm. Both courses are completely free to attend.The event is being organised by the borough’s Healthy Streets Officer. To secure your place, please send an email to raphael.younger@sustrans.org.uk.
Bikeworks also offers maintenance workshops at different levels https://www.bikeworks.org.uk/Event/maintenance-courses/
Action 23: 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 and the recent heavy rain we have had will have added more grime and mud to the frame and 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.
The Green Tau 