A link sent to me by a friend (thanks Dave) about recycling in my home town of Hull. Apparently much of it is transported up to 250 miles away to be sorted.
Which begs the question: is it worth it? Are the air miles and energy required for recycling really good for the environment, or just a PR exercise to sooth troubled consciences (as so many environmental initiatives are)?
You can read the full article here:
County's recycled rubbish will be shipped hundreds of miles to be sorted
Showing posts with label Environment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Environment. Show all posts
Thursday, 12 August 2010
Friday, 6 August 2010
Washing up vs dishwashers
A quick search on google yields a list of results that indicate dishwashers are more environmentally friendly than washing up.
Now, being a cynical soul, (as well as one who believed beyond doubt that washing up was more environmentally friendly until a month ago) I was initially inclined to believe that this myth had been circulated by the people who wanted us to believe it the most - people who sold dishwashers.
But after looking more carefully, I can see that this is actually true - provided the following:
- the dishwasher is new (ish) and energy efficient - don't just go for the cheap option
- you only run it when it's full
- you don't rinse dishes beforehand
- you don't utilise the drying option
But how is this possible? Surely using our free, natural and environmentally friendly hands has GOT to be more environmentally friendly than powering a machine?
Apparently not. There's an interesting article on it here: Diswashers vs hand washing (on what is, incidentally, an excellent site called green living tips).
The energy required to heat up the water, coupled with the amount of water used (especially if rinsing before and after) and the frequency of completion means that washing up is generally more environmentally damaging - with a few clauses:
- The energy and materials required to manufacture a dishwasher are much greater than that required to manufacture a sink (and our hands!)
- Dishwasher tablets are, apparently, more damaging to the environment than most washing up liquid brands
- Running it frequently or when it's not full can be very damaging - which means it can be difficult if you just need to wash a few things to cook with (especially if you have no draining board, as is the case in our new flat!)
All in all, I am still fairly cynical about the environmental credentials of any machine. It stands to reason that if you do one lot of washing up per day and you are sensible with water, it would be more environmentally friendly. For many people however, especially with families, this isn't possible and so a dishwasher would be a better choice.
There is also the fact that it saves on time and makes room for other (usually environmentally damaging) activities. Such as watching TV, going on the computer, writing blog posts...
Now, being a cynical soul, (as well as one who believed beyond doubt that washing up was more environmentally friendly until a month ago) I was initially inclined to believe that this myth had been circulated by the people who wanted us to believe it the most - people who sold dishwashers.
But after looking more carefully, I can see that this is actually true - provided the following:
- the dishwasher is new (ish) and energy efficient - don't just go for the cheap option
- you only run it when it's full
- you don't rinse dishes beforehand
- you don't utilise the drying option
But how is this possible? Surely using our free, natural and environmentally friendly hands has GOT to be more environmentally friendly than powering a machine?
Apparently not. There's an interesting article on it here: Diswashers vs hand washing (on what is, incidentally, an excellent site called green living tips).
The energy required to heat up the water, coupled with the amount of water used (especially if rinsing before and after) and the frequency of completion means that washing up is generally more environmentally damaging - with a few clauses:
- The energy and materials required to manufacture a dishwasher are much greater than that required to manufacture a sink (and our hands!)
- Dishwasher tablets are, apparently, more damaging to the environment than most washing up liquid brands
- Running it frequently or when it's not full can be very damaging - which means it can be difficult if you just need to wash a few things to cook with (especially if you have no draining board, as is the case in our new flat!)
All in all, I am still fairly cynical about the environmental credentials of any machine. It stands to reason that if you do one lot of washing up per day and you are sensible with water, it would be more environmentally friendly. For many people however, especially with families, this isn't possible and so a dishwasher would be a better choice.
There is also the fact that it saves on time and makes room for other (usually environmentally damaging) activities. Such as watching TV, going on the computer, writing blog posts...
Sunday, 1 August 2010
Planting trees to offset carbon - what's wrong with it?
It's human nature: we like to fix problems after they've happened. There's no impetus to do so beforehand, because we cannot comprehend the scale of the damage until we have to face it.
That's how I see carbon offsetting.
Many scientists are in agreement that we are currently at a tipping point: it's not too late to solve the problem of climate change, but it will be soon.
But because we like our cosy lifestyles (I'm not knocking it - I'm just as bad) we'd rather invest time and energy on a quick fix than alter our lifestyles and expectations.
So we invented carbon offsetting to try and manipulate the carbon cycle to our advantage.
The carbon cycle consists of carbon pools (where carbon is stored, for example vegetation, the ocean etc) and carbon flows, by which carbon flows between these pools. Plants naturally remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis (converting carbon dioxide into new plant tissue) causing carbon dioxide to flow from the atmosphere into vegetation.
Therefore, by planting extra trees, we can supposedly offset the negative effects of excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, and carry on polluting at will. This idea is promoted by many companies as a way to ease the conscience of ethically sensitive consumers.
Sounds good, yes? Surely it's better to do something than nothing.
But that completely misses the point.
If people are encouraged to offset carbon emissions, then they are receiving the message that it's OK to pollute. The burden can be passed onto someone else (usually a poor community which is charged with the responsibility of maintaining the forest).
The facts are clear to see: this is not acceptable. Something must be done to reduce climate change emissions as well as mitigating them. The situation is too urgent to simply carry on as we are.
Not only this, but carbon offsetting schemes are very often flawed P.R. exercises:
- Carbon offsetting forests are often forced on poor communities which lack either the knowledge or the skills to maintain them. Such communities can even be displaced by such schemes.
- These forests can consist of trees which are alien to the environment in which they are planted, therefore damaging the local ecosystem and descreasing biodiversity.
- The lifespan of a tree is not guaranteed: it can be killed by disease, deforestation or climate change itself, therefore eliminating any benefits. We all remember the debacle of the Coldplay Forest (Telegraph article: The Coldplay Forest).
- Sometimes old trees can be cut down in order to plant trees to supposedly offset carbon!
- There is a lack of accountability.
- They deflect attention away from reducing carbon emissions.
Don't get me wrong - planting trees is obviously a good thing.
In the face of widespread deforestation, and climate change, tree planting is an extremely positive activity and one that can indeed reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere.
However, it should not be viewed as 'offsetting' - it is something that should be done as well as reducing emissions.
It is telling that the firest travel company to introduce the idea of carbon offsetting to mitigate the effects of flying (Responsible Travel) were also the first to get rid of it (you can read why here:http://www.responsibletravel.com/Copy/Copy101331.htm)).
Friends of the Earth are also strongly opposed to the idea of carbon offsetting (you can read why here: http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/briefing_notes/dangerous_distraction.pdf)
So for the sake of the planet, please don't make the mistake of using companies that offer carbon offsetting, or promoting such companies to others.
Prevention is better than cure.
That's how I see carbon offsetting.
Many scientists are in agreement that we are currently at a tipping point: it's not too late to solve the problem of climate change, but it will be soon.
But because we like our cosy lifestyles (I'm not knocking it - I'm just as bad) we'd rather invest time and energy on a quick fix than alter our lifestyles and expectations.
So we invented carbon offsetting to try and manipulate the carbon cycle to our advantage.
The carbon cycle consists of carbon pools (where carbon is stored, for example vegetation, the ocean etc) and carbon flows, by which carbon flows between these pools. Plants naturally remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis (converting carbon dioxide into new plant tissue) causing carbon dioxide to flow from the atmosphere into vegetation.
Therefore, by planting extra trees, we can supposedly offset the negative effects of excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, and carry on polluting at will. This idea is promoted by many companies as a way to ease the conscience of ethically sensitive consumers.
Sounds good, yes? Surely it's better to do something than nothing.
But that completely misses the point.
If people are encouraged to offset carbon emissions, then they are receiving the message that it's OK to pollute. The burden can be passed onto someone else (usually a poor community which is charged with the responsibility of maintaining the forest).
The facts are clear to see: this is not acceptable. Something must be done to reduce climate change emissions as well as mitigating them. The situation is too urgent to simply carry on as we are.
Not only this, but carbon offsetting schemes are very often flawed P.R. exercises:
- Carbon offsetting forests are often forced on poor communities which lack either the knowledge or the skills to maintain them. Such communities can even be displaced by such schemes.
- These forests can consist of trees which are alien to the environment in which they are planted, therefore damaging the local ecosystem and descreasing biodiversity.
- The lifespan of a tree is not guaranteed: it can be killed by disease, deforestation or climate change itself, therefore eliminating any benefits. We all remember the debacle of the Coldplay Forest (Telegraph article: The Coldplay Forest).
- Sometimes old trees can be cut down in order to plant trees to supposedly offset carbon!
- There is a lack of accountability.
- They deflect attention away from reducing carbon emissions.
Don't get me wrong - planting trees is obviously a good thing.
In the face of widespread deforestation, and climate change, tree planting is an extremely positive activity and one that can indeed reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere.
However, it should not be viewed as 'offsetting' - it is something that should be done as well as reducing emissions.
It is telling that the firest travel company to introduce the idea of carbon offsetting to mitigate the effects of flying (Responsible Travel) were also the first to get rid of it (you can read why here:http://www.responsibletravel.com/Copy/Copy101331.htm)).
Friends of the Earth are also strongly opposed to the idea of carbon offsetting (you can read why here: http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/briefing_notes/dangerous_distraction.pdf)
So for the sake of the planet, please don't make the mistake of using companies that offer carbon offsetting, or promoting such companies to others.
Prevention is better than cure.
Wednesday, 28 July 2010
Green (Living) Review
A quick post telling you about another fantastic blog called 'Green (Living) Review' - which reviews all things to do with the environment and sustainable living. Packed full of hints and tips, information about items in the news, green products and lots of more. I found it while surfing for related blogs and I ended up staying for ages - a very interesting read for people interested in the environment.
You can find it here: http://greenreview.blogspot.com/
You can find it here: http://greenreview.blogspot.com/
Friday, 23 July 2010
50 ways to save energy...
Here goes... *deep breath*
1. Turn lights off when you leave the room
2. Turn appliances off when you're not using them (don't leave them on standby)
3. Use energy-saving lightbulbs
4. Only charge appliances (such as phones) for as long as they need
5. Don't drive when you can walk/cycle/use public transport
6. Only fill the kettle as much as you need (or have a cold drink)
7. Only use the washing machine when you have a full load
8. NEVER tumble dry - put clothes on the line if it's nice, or use a clothes drier indoors and open the window.
9. Have cooler (and shorter) showers
10. Put a jumper on before you turn the heating on
11. Take a layer off before you put the air conditioning/fan on
12. Turn your thermostat one degree lower
13. If the weather's nice, go to the park instead of watching TV/listening to music/playing computer games
14. Turn your washing machine to 30 degrees (or lower, if it'll let you)
15. Go for a run instead of to the gym
16. Get an energy meter/monitor installed to keep track of how much you're using
17. Invest in energy efficient equipment if you can - such as the boiler, washing machine, dishwasher etc. These things are expensive but save money in the long run.
18. Insulate your loft
19. Get double glazing
20. Don't leave the fridge door open if it's unnecessary
21. Allow food to cool before putting it in the fridge
22. Match the size of the pan to the size of the ring on the hob (this prevents heat from being lost either side of the pan)
23. Open the window before you put the extractor fan on
24. Insulate your hot water tank
25. Fit draught proofing products to your doors, windows and keyholes
26. Accelerate and brake smoothly when driving
27. Switch to a renewable energy company (doesn't necessarily save energy, but it doesn't damage the planet so I'm keeping it in)
28. Don't put furniture in front of radiators as it will block the heat
29. Turn the thermostat on your hot water tank down to 60 degrees
30. Put the plug in the basin when running water (especially hot water)
31. Put a lid on saucepans to stop heat escaping
32. Keep your fridge in a cooler room such as the garage
33. Defrost your freezer regularly
34. Put a mirror opposite a large window - it'll make maximum use of natural light
35. Use thick curtains
36. Put rugs on the floor
37. If you're going on holiday, turn the thermostat down (but not completely off in order to prevent pipes freezing.) Be thoughtful towards pets: don't turn the heating down if you are leaving them at home.
38. Don't overload the fridge/freezer
39. Only use the dishwasher for a full load.
40. Don't open the oven door too often when cooking food
41. Use the microwave instead of the conventional oven when you can
42. Leave enough space between your fridge and the walls - trapped heat can affect efficiency
43. Decorate with pale colours. This means lower lighting is required.
44. Keep light bulbs clean
45. Go to bed earlier in the summer. This means you will be awake for a smaller portion of the time it's dark, and so will use less electricity.
46. Insulate your hot water pipes
47. Unplug your laptop when the battery is charged to 100%
48. Turn down the brightness setting on your computer so it uses the battery more slowly
49. Put an extra quilt on the bed instead of using an electric blanket/hot water bottle
50. And finally... any of the tips from my article '20 ways to save water' (here: http://goodliving-blog.blogspot.com/2010/07/20-ways-to-save-water.html) will also help save energy, which is used in transporting the water to your taps, and also for heating it up.
Phew. That was tiring. Think I'll have to switch the kettle on and watch a bit of telly...
1. Turn lights off when you leave the room
2. Turn appliances off when you're not using them (don't leave them on standby)
3. Use energy-saving lightbulbs
4. Only charge appliances (such as phones) for as long as they need
5. Don't drive when you can walk/cycle/use public transport
6. Only fill the kettle as much as you need (or have a cold drink)
7. Only use the washing machine when you have a full load
8. NEVER tumble dry - put clothes on the line if it's nice, or use a clothes drier indoors and open the window.
9. Have cooler (and shorter) showers
10. Put a jumper on before you turn the heating on
11. Take a layer off before you put the air conditioning/fan on
12. Turn your thermostat one degree lower
13. If the weather's nice, go to the park instead of watching TV/listening to music/playing computer games
14. Turn your washing machine to 30 degrees (or lower, if it'll let you)
15. Go for a run instead of to the gym
16. Get an energy meter/monitor installed to keep track of how much you're using
17. Invest in energy efficient equipment if you can - such as the boiler, washing machine, dishwasher etc. These things are expensive but save money in the long run.
18. Insulate your loft
19. Get double glazing
20. Don't leave the fridge door open if it's unnecessary
21. Allow food to cool before putting it in the fridge
22. Match the size of the pan to the size of the ring on the hob (this prevents heat from being lost either side of the pan)
23. Open the window before you put the extractor fan on
24. Insulate your hot water tank
25. Fit draught proofing products to your doors, windows and keyholes
26. Accelerate and brake smoothly when driving
27. Switch to a renewable energy company (doesn't necessarily save energy, but it doesn't damage the planet so I'm keeping it in)
28. Don't put furniture in front of radiators as it will block the heat
29. Turn the thermostat on your hot water tank down to 60 degrees
30. Put the plug in the basin when running water (especially hot water)
31. Put a lid on saucepans to stop heat escaping
32. Keep your fridge in a cooler room such as the garage
33. Defrost your freezer regularly
34. Put a mirror opposite a large window - it'll make maximum use of natural light
35. Use thick curtains
36. Put rugs on the floor
37. If you're going on holiday, turn the thermostat down (but not completely off in order to prevent pipes freezing.) Be thoughtful towards pets: don't turn the heating down if you are leaving them at home.
38. Don't overload the fridge/freezer
39. Only use the dishwasher for a full load.
40. Don't open the oven door too often when cooking food
41. Use the microwave instead of the conventional oven when you can
42. Leave enough space between your fridge and the walls - trapped heat can affect efficiency
43. Decorate with pale colours. This means lower lighting is required.
44. Keep light bulbs clean
45. Go to bed earlier in the summer. This means you will be awake for a smaller portion of the time it's dark, and so will use less electricity.
46. Insulate your hot water pipes
47. Unplug your laptop when the battery is charged to 100%
48. Turn down the brightness setting on your computer so it uses the battery more slowly
49. Put an extra quilt on the bed instead of using an electric blanket/hot water bottle
50. And finally... any of the tips from my article '20 ways to save water' (here: http://goodliving-blog.blogspot.com/2010/07/20-ways-to-save-water.html) will also help save energy, which is used in transporting the water to your taps, and also for heating it up.
Phew. That was tiring. Think I'll have to switch the kettle on and watch a bit of telly...
Tuesday, 20 July 2010
Green Issues Blog
Just wanted to let you know about a great environmental blog that I stumbled across, which contains both snippets of green advice as well as more analytical posts concerning items of news. If you're interested, you can find it here: http://green-issues.blogspot.com/
Thursday, 15 July 2010
Be green at work
10 ways to be green at work
I'm going to assume, like me, you are a lowly commuting employee, rather than the owner of a business or someone with real input into the company's environmental management system . If you are the owner of a business, an entirely different post is required (something which I intend to look into at some point.)
However, my fellow dogsbodies, there is plenty you can do to make your experience at work an altogether greener one.
1. Commute by foot / bike / public transport / car share. An obvious one, but overlooked by many. Your environmentally friendly day can start before you've even arrived.
2. Once you arrive at work, use your own mug for tea and coffee - rather than disposable plastic ones. Unelss you absoltuely can't go without your caffeine kick (like me, sadly), try having a cool drink instead.
3. Turn off lights when you leave the room. Well, duh.
4. Don't print emails unless you absolutely have to. If you need to show an email to another member of staff, forward it on. Put a line in your email signature saying 'please do not print unless absolutely necessary.'
5. Surround your desk with plants - this helps remove toxins from the air and generally create a pleasant working atmosphere.
6. Turn taps off tightly when you have finished using them, and turn any off that you see dripping.
7. Switch off your computer monitor when you are not using it (even if you are just nipping out).
8. Use paper that has been printed on as scrap paper. Similarly recycle lever arch files, archive boxes, file dividers, and anything else you can possibly re-use!
9. Make that trip to the recycling bin. Many offices these days have a central paper recycling facility. While some workers are lucky enough to have recycling bins under their desks (I have worked in one such place), most places require you to get up and walk. So: even if the temptation of putting it in the bin under your desk is difficult to resist, get up and make that walk. You'll feel better, I promise.
10. And finally (if management will allow it) put a jumper on before you turn on that heater; and take it off before you turn on that fan. Electrical temperature manipulators should always be a last resort - that's what clothes were invented for!
GUILTY CONFESSION: I do not keep to all these. Sometimes, in a bad mood, I might screw up some paper and toss it in the bin under my desk. Or I accidentally leave my computer on standby. I'm only human (aren't we all).
So now we've got that out of the way... what other ideas do you have?
I'm going to assume, like me, you are a lowly commuting employee, rather than the owner of a business or someone with real input into the company's environmental management system . If you are the owner of a business, an entirely different post is required (something which I intend to look into at some point.)
However, my fellow dogsbodies, there is plenty you can do to make your experience at work an altogether greener one.
1. Commute by foot / bike / public transport / car share. An obvious one, but overlooked by many. Your environmentally friendly day can start before you've even arrived.
2. Once you arrive at work, use your own mug for tea and coffee - rather than disposable plastic ones. Unelss you absoltuely can't go without your caffeine kick (like me, sadly), try having a cool drink instead.
3. Turn off lights when you leave the room. Well, duh.
4. Don't print emails unless you absolutely have to. If you need to show an email to another member of staff, forward it on. Put a line in your email signature saying 'please do not print unless absolutely necessary.'
5. Surround your desk with plants - this helps remove toxins from the air and generally create a pleasant working atmosphere.
6. Turn taps off tightly when you have finished using them, and turn any off that you see dripping.
7. Switch off your computer monitor when you are not using it (even if you are just nipping out).
8. Use paper that has been printed on as scrap paper. Similarly recycle lever arch files, archive boxes, file dividers, and anything else you can possibly re-use!
9. Make that trip to the recycling bin. Many offices these days have a central paper recycling facility. While some workers are lucky enough to have recycling bins under their desks (I have worked in one such place), most places require you to get up and walk. So: even if the temptation of putting it in the bin under your desk is difficult to resist, get up and make that walk. You'll feel better, I promise.
10. And finally (if management will allow it) put a jumper on before you turn on that heater; and take it off before you turn on that fan. Electrical temperature manipulators should always be a last resort - that's what clothes were invented for!
GUILTY CONFESSION: I do not keep to all these. Sometimes, in a bad mood, I might screw up some paper and toss it in the bin under my desk. Or I accidentally leave my computer on standby. I'm only human (aren't we all).
So now we've got that out of the way... what other ideas do you have?
Tuesday, 13 July 2010
20 Ways to Save Water
...and energy... and money
Due to climate change, and a growing population, we are using more water than the environment can cope with. Not only this, but the treatment and transport of water to our taps is using energy, which contributes to climate change.
We all know we need to use less water - not just for environmental reasons, but to save a few pennies in this tough economic climate - but how? Here are a few ideas I've come across...
1. Check for leaks in the house - just imagine how much water you are wasting if a drop of water comes out of a leak every five seconds (I once had a leak under the sink which filled a pint glass every few hours).
2. Put a bottle full of sand/water into the cistern to reduce the amount of water used with each flush
3. Buy a water butt to collect rain water from the roof, and use it to water the plants / wash outside areas / wash the car
4. Shower instead of having a bath
5. Talking of showers, make them short. Wet yourself, then turn the shower off; lather up, then rinse it off.
6. Don't leave the tap running when brushing your teeth / washing your face
7. Always make sure the washing machine has a full load before turning it on
8. Leave a bottle of chilled water in the fridge so you don't have to run the tap cold (especially with this hot weather!)
9. When washing dishes, don't let the water run - only use it for rinsing
10. Don't flush rubbish (such as face wipes) down the toilet
11. Fill the kettle for only as much as you need (try filling the cup first and pouring it into the kettle)
12. Use buckets and a sponge to wash your car, not a hose
13. Choose water efficient washing machines and dish washers
14. Water your plants when it's cooler (eg the evening) so water is not lost through evaporation. Also choose drier plants that do not need as much water, and do not over-water them.
15. Start mowing the lawn so it is an inch or two higher: this helps retain water
16. Collect the water used for rinsing vegetables, and use it to water house plants
17. Cut down on your washing up by using one glass throughout the day, or refilling a water bottle. Also refill mugs for tea and coffee etc.
18. Turn off taps tightly after use - and teach your kids to do the same
19. Find out where the master water shut off valve for your house is located - in the case of a burst pipe, or serious leak, this could save a huge amount of water and money (I know this from experience - let's just say i didn't know where the valve was, and one flooded kitchen later, now I do...)
20. Finally, so you have any idea of how much water you are using (and can start to save money) have a meter installed, and only pay for the amount you use (rather than a set amount). Contact your water supplier for information on how to do this.
If you have any more ideas, do let me know!
Due to climate change, and a growing population, we are using more water than the environment can cope with. Not only this, but the treatment and transport of water to our taps is using energy, which contributes to climate change.
We all know we need to use less water - not just for environmental reasons, but to save a few pennies in this tough economic climate - but how? Here are a few ideas I've come across...
1. Check for leaks in the house - just imagine how much water you are wasting if a drop of water comes out of a leak every five seconds (I once had a leak under the sink which filled a pint glass every few hours).
2. Put a bottle full of sand/water into the cistern to reduce the amount of water used with each flush
3. Buy a water butt to collect rain water from the roof, and use it to water the plants / wash outside areas / wash the car
4. Shower instead of having a bath
5. Talking of showers, make them short. Wet yourself, then turn the shower off; lather up, then rinse it off.
6. Don't leave the tap running when brushing your teeth / washing your face
7. Always make sure the washing machine has a full load before turning it on
8. Leave a bottle of chilled water in the fridge so you don't have to run the tap cold (especially with this hot weather!)
9. When washing dishes, don't let the water run - only use it for rinsing
10. Don't flush rubbish (such as face wipes) down the toilet
11. Fill the kettle for only as much as you need (try filling the cup first and pouring it into the kettle)
12. Use buckets and a sponge to wash your car, not a hose
13. Choose water efficient washing machines and dish washers
14. Water your plants when it's cooler (eg the evening) so water is not lost through evaporation. Also choose drier plants that do not need as much water, and do not over-water them.
15. Start mowing the lawn so it is an inch or two higher: this helps retain water
16. Collect the water used for rinsing vegetables, and use it to water house plants
17. Cut down on your washing up by using one glass throughout the day, or refilling a water bottle. Also refill mugs for tea and coffee etc.
18. Turn off taps tightly after use - and teach your kids to do the same
19. Find out where the master water shut off valve for your house is located - in the case of a burst pipe, or serious leak, this could save a huge amount of water and money (I know this from experience - let's just say i didn't know where the valve was, and one flooded kitchen later, now I do...)
20. Finally, so you have any idea of how much water you are using (and can start to save money) have a meter installed, and only pay for the amount you use (rather than a set amount). Contact your water supplier for information on how to do this.
If you have any more ideas, do let me know!
Monday, 12 July 2010
Staples in paper recycling: OK or not?
I recently had an argument (well heated discussion) with somebody about whether it is OK to leave staples in paper before putting it into the recycling bin. I thought it was fine; she thought it was bad etiquette and just gave the good folks at the recycling plant more work to do.
Well, after some research, I have discovered the truth.
It is, in fact, fine to leave staples in. During the recycling process, paper is reduced to a mushy pulp and a strong magnet is used to pluck out staples and other bits of metal.
So there is no need to sit ripping all the corners off millions of bits of paper.
Now, I will go and glow in my self righteousness... :-)
Well, after some research, I have discovered the truth.
It is, in fact, fine to leave staples in. During the recycling process, paper is reduced to a mushy pulp and a strong magnet is used to pluck out staples and other bits of metal.
So there is no need to sit ripping all the corners off millions of bits of paper.
Now, I will go and glow in my self righteousness... :-)
Sunday, 11 July 2010
The Environment Site
Just wanted to let you know about a great forum I've just discovered called 'The Environment Site' http://www.theenvironmentsite.org/ which has an amazing wealth of topics from recycling to GM crops, so it might be worth checking out for anyone who's interested in green issues.
Saturday, 10 July 2010
How can we reduce food waste?
A quick follow up...
I've been reading over my posts so far and realised I've got off to a rather downbeat start. Of course there are plenty of depressing things to focus on, but I'm sure anyone visiting this forum also wants to know how they can help as well as what's wrong in the first place.
So as a follow up to my post 'What's wrong with waste?' I want to give a few thoughts on how to cut down.
In my experience, there are many simple ways to reduce waste, and most of them start in the supermarket. Try planning the week’s meals and writing a list of ingredients - this can help avoid impulse purchases which only end up in the bin.
Also bear in mind the difference between ‘best-before’ and ‘use-by’ – best-before dates are just a guide and food is usually in an acceptable condition for some time after this date. Try and avoid ‘2-for-1’ offers unless you would genuinely buy and eat two of them without the offer.
When buying fruit and vegetables, consider buying those with an odd shape; there is a good chance no one else will buy these ones, so snapping them up can help reduce supermarket waste.
Finally, we’ve heard it before but try not to shop on an empty stomach, which can make the most unlikely items seem appealing. Shop when you are full, with your sensible head on. It’ll save you time, money and maybe a few inches off your waist.
Once the food is home, make a mental (or physical) note of what is in the fridge so forgotten items don’t rot in the back.
Freeze what you can: most foods will keep almost indefinitely this way (but regularly check what’s in there). Plan to have meals involving easily-perishable goods (such as salad) early in the week and save frozen meals until everything in the fridge has gone.
Finally, as nice as it is, try not to eat out too often. Restaurants often serve enormous portions which end up going to waste.
Hmmm... I've just checked my fridge and found a couple of mouldy peppers in the back. Oops.
I've been reading over my posts so far and realised I've got off to a rather downbeat start. Of course there are plenty of depressing things to focus on, but I'm sure anyone visiting this forum also wants to know how they can help as well as what's wrong in the first place.
So as a follow up to my post 'What's wrong with waste?' I want to give a few thoughts on how to cut down.
In my experience, there are many simple ways to reduce waste, and most of them start in the supermarket. Try planning the week’s meals and writing a list of ingredients - this can help avoid impulse purchases which only end up in the bin.
Also bear in mind the difference between ‘best-before’ and ‘use-by’ – best-before dates are just a guide and food is usually in an acceptable condition for some time after this date. Try and avoid ‘2-for-1’ offers unless you would genuinely buy and eat two of them without the offer.
When buying fruit and vegetables, consider buying those with an odd shape; there is a good chance no one else will buy these ones, so snapping them up can help reduce supermarket waste.
Finally, we’ve heard it before but try not to shop on an empty stomach, which can make the most unlikely items seem appealing. Shop when you are full, with your sensible head on. It’ll save you time, money and maybe a few inches off your waist.
Once the food is home, make a mental (or physical) note of what is in the fridge so forgotten items don’t rot in the back.
Freeze what you can: most foods will keep almost indefinitely this way (but regularly check what’s in there). Plan to have meals involving easily-perishable goods (such as salad) early in the week and save frozen meals until everything in the fridge has gone.
Finally, as nice as it is, try not to eat out too often. Restaurants often serve enormous portions which end up going to waste.
Hmmm... I've just checked my fridge and found a couple of mouldy peppers in the back. Oops.
Friday, 9 July 2010
What's wrong with wasting food?
When I was little, my mum would tell me not to waste food because of 'all the starving children in the world'. I have to admit, I was baffled by this logic; I wondered how the starving children benefitted from my dinner being in my stomach as opposed to the bin.
After some research, however, I can see that she was actually right about this (I can almost hear her saying, 'Mum knows best!')
Due to the fact that we operate in a global market, any food we buy is literally taken away from those who need it the most. And if we continually buy more than we can eat, we are wasting food that could have been eaten by the world's poor.
This is obviously a simplistic look at a complex situation, but the fact remains that a criminal amount of food is wasted in the west.
Consider this:
- According to WRAP (the Waste and Resources Action Programme) nearly 8.3million tonnes of food are thrown away in the UK every year (the weight of 1,137 Eiffel Towers!)
- The average family loses over £420 per year as a result of wasted food
- According to the Love Food Hate Waste campaign (http://www.lovefoodhatewaste.com/) if food waste was eliminated it would be the equivalent of taking 1 in 4 cars off the road
- Finally (last statistic, I promise), according to the Food Ethics Council, eliminating food waste could lift almost a billion people out of hunger.
Food for thought, eh?
So the next time someone asks you what's wrong with wasting food (or you even wonder yourself), just think of these reasons.
Furthermore, cutting down on food waste can help us save a packet - and who can argue with that?
After some research, however, I can see that she was actually right about this (I can almost hear her saying, 'Mum knows best!')
Due to the fact that we operate in a global market, any food we buy is literally taken away from those who need it the most. And if we continually buy more than we can eat, we are wasting food that could have been eaten by the world's poor.
This is obviously a simplistic look at a complex situation, but the fact remains that a criminal amount of food is wasted in the west.
Consider this:
- According to WRAP (the Waste and Resources Action Programme) nearly 8.3million tonnes of food are thrown away in the UK every year (the weight of 1,137 Eiffel Towers!)
- The average family loses over £420 per year as a result of wasted food
- According to the Love Food Hate Waste campaign (http://www.lovefoodhatewaste.com/) if food waste was eliminated it would be the equivalent of taking 1 in 4 cars off the road
- Finally (last statistic, I promise), according to the Food Ethics Council, eliminating food waste could lift almost a billion people out of hunger.
Food for thought, eh?
So the next time someone asks you what's wrong with wasting food (or you even wonder yourself), just think of these reasons.
Furthermore, cutting down on food waste can help us save a packet - and who can argue with that?
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