Let me begin by saying that free range eggs are much, much better than battery eggs.
This is something we all know - and most people who care about ethics opt for the free range option every time. Battery hens are crammed into a miserable existence, unable to raise even a single wing; in contrast, free range hens are allowed at least some movement and outside access.
But is the free range option actually more damaging to chickens, the environment and the animal rights movement in general?
Or would it be better to avoid eggs altogether?
Here are a few facts
1. Free range hens are usually kept in cramped, indoor conditions. The only legal requirement is that they have some access to the outdoors. However, this often means a few holes cut in the walls, through which only a handful of chickens will ever go. This 'outside' area is often a tiny patch of bare earth.
2. Free range hens undergo painful and inhumane procedures - including being 'debeaked', which involves having the ends of their beaks cut off without anaesthetic.
3. For every free range hen born, a male chick is born. As male chicks are unable to lay eggs they are usually killed soon after birth by a range of methods including gassing, strangulation, crushing or live shredding. Those that are not killed are raised for meat, with none of the benefits that free range hens enjoy.
4. Free range hens are killed as soon as their egg-laying starts to wane - usually after about twelve months (their natural lifespan could be six-seven years). This involves a long trip to a slaughterhouse without food or water, where they are killed using the same methods as non-free range hens.
5. While free range hens undoubtedly live in better conditions than battery hens, the existence of free range hens gives a 'conscience soother' to those people who would otherwise avoid eggs. Therefore, like many other ethical 'tickets', such as carbon offsetting, it is diverting attention away from the real problem which is: the egg industry is cruel, no matter how it is carried out.
6. All eggs, free range or otherwise, are packed full of cholesterol.
7. Free range eggs still damage the environment - in fact more so, as more land and energy are required. The meat industry is extremely damaging to the environment - more so than the world's entire transport system including aviation.
8. Free range labels provide a smoke screen for farmers who actually engage in cruel activities. An image is projected of happy, natural hens roaming the land, and ethically concerned consumers are deceived into believing they are making the humane choice. If these labels did not exist, these same ethically concerned consumers would probably avoid buying eggs altogether.
Obviously, if you are going to buy eggs at all, free range eggs are the preferable option. But if the demand for eggs remains so high, then supply has to match it - and the only way to ensure adequate supply is by cramming as many hens as possible into as small a space as possible.
Demand has to drop in order for supplies to drop - which is the only way to ensure hens are not subjected to horrific cruelty.
So next time you're shopping, why not consider avoiding eggs, free-range or otherwise?
Sunday, 25 July 2010
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...
Thursday, 22 July 2010
Random Acts of Kindness
Before I drag myself off to work i just wanted to quickly draw your attention to an utterly fantastic website called 'The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation'.
The idea behind it is simple: by committing small and random acts of kindness for strangers, we nourish not only others but ourselves. A bit pretentious? I really don't think so - in a world dominated by 'how does this benefit me' thinking, anything that promotes doing good things just, well, for the hell of it really, is a fantastic thing by my book.
For more information and ideas for random acts of kindness, please pay a visit to http://www.actsofkindness.org/.
The idea behind it is simple: by committing small and random acts of kindness for strangers, we nourish not only others but ourselves. A bit pretentious? I really don't think so - in a world dominated by 'how does this benefit me' thinking, anything that promotes doing good things just, well, for the hell of it really, is a fantastic thing by my book.
For more information and ideas for random acts of kindness, please pay a visit to http://www.actsofkindness.org/.
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/
Sunday, 18 July 2010
Wake up and smell the (fairtrade) coffee
Ah, coffee.
What would the world be without you?
OK scrap that: what would my world be without coffee? A dark and terrible place, I’m telling you. The working day would probably pass in a sleep-induced haze (either that or I would lose my mind in a fit of withdrawal symptoms).
But what about the world outside my rather limited, caffeine-driven one? How does coffee affect it? You might not think it is very important in the scheme of things.
The fact is that coffee is extremely important – and every time you buy a jar, you are making a decision that could affect millions of vulnerable and marginalised farmers across the world.
How does coffee affect people?
The fact is, traditional coffee trading is deeply unfair.
OK, I know most of us realise this – but how many of us really think about it? Really?
For products that are not fairly traded, there are no standards in place. When you buy such a product, you may be paying for:
- child labour
- sweatshops
- unfair and unstable wages
- exploitation
- damage to the environment
- and a whole lot more.
How many of us want to pay for those things? Not me.
Since 2001, the World Trade Organisation has been holding discussions about how to change the world trade system to benefit the poor. But countries such as mine (the UK), other EU countries and the US (among others) have resisted these changes. This means the growth of the fair trade movement is critical.
So why fair trade?
When you buy a fair trade product, the producer receives not only a fair and stable price, but in many cases a premium to invest in their community. This could go on anything from schools, food, tools, technology, water wells, healthcare and a whole lot more. The fair trade logo also gives a guarantee that social standards are in place, and that coffee production does not adversely affect the environment. It also guarantees producers have not been exploited, and no child labour has been used.
How do you know if a product is fair trade?
Many fair-trade products carry the international Fairtrade Mark, which looks like this:
It is awarded by the Fairtrade Labelling Organisations. Look for it next time you shop. Many fair trade products are the same price, or a little more expensive, than non-fair trade products. Those extra few pennies could make a world of difference.
And trust me – as a coffee fanatic, fair trade coffee tastes every bit as good as the unfairly traded equivalent. Examples of major fair trade brands include:
- Clipper
- Percol
- Cafedirect
- Traidcraft
- Equal Exchange
Most supermarkets stock their own fair-trade coffee, and some supermarkets (for example The Co-Operative and M&S) have the fair-trade logo on their entire stock of own label coffee. Other brands, such as Nescafe, also produce a fair-trade range.
In ’50 Reasons to Buy Fair Trade’ (which you can buy here...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/50-Reasons-Buy-Fair-Trade/dp/074532584X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1279536908&sr=8-1 I do not get any commission for a sale)
... Nicaraguan coffee grower Blanca Rosa Molina is quoted as saying that fair-trade ‘makes the difference between whether my family eats or does not eat.’
For the sake of a simple choice in the supermarket, what reason is there not to buy fair trade?
ARE there any reasons not to buy fair trade?
The fair trade system has received criticism from both ends of the spectrum. Some say that it is an artificial system which impedes growth and could lead to over production, and at the other end, others claim it does not go far enough in protecting vulnerable workers.
My thinking is: the fair trade system is not perfect (nothing ever is), but a world without it, would be a world that accepts brutal and unfair conditions. Just so we can have a cup of coffee in the morning.
I don’t want to be part of a world like that. Who would?
Martin Luther King is credited with saying:
‘When we arise in the morning... at the table we drink coffee which is provided for us by a South American, or tea by a Chinese, or cocoa by a West African; before we leave for our jobs we are already beholden to half the world.’
We are beholden to half the world. I truly believe we are forever indebted to the poor of the world; it is the unfair balancing of the trading system which means we in the west can live the luxurious lifestyles we do.
So next time you’re in the supermarket – take a minute to browse the shelves, take a minute to consider where your coffee is coming from, and who you could benefit with your choice.
It could be the most important thing you do all day.
What would the world be without you?
OK scrap that: what would my world be without coffee? A dark and terrible place, I’m telling you. The working day would probably pass in a sleep-induced haze (either that or I would lose my mind in a fit of withdrawal symptoms).
But what about the world outside my rather limited, caffeine-driven one? How does coffee affect it? You might not think it is very important in the scheme of things.
The fact is that coffee is extremely important – and every time you buy a jar, you are making a decision that could affect millions of vulnerable and marginalised farmers across the world.
How does coffee affect people?
The fact is, traditional coffee trading is deeply unfair.
OK, I know most of us realise this – but how many of us really think about it? Really?
For products that are not fairly traded, there are no standards in place. When you buy such a product, you may be paying for:
- child labour
- sweatshops
- unfair and unstable wages
- exploitation
- damage to the environment
- and a whole lot more.
How many of us want to pay for those things? Not me.
Since 2001, the World Trade Organisation has been holding discussions about how to change the world trade system to benefit the poor. But countries such as mine (the UK), other EU countries and the US (among others) have resisted these changes. This means the growth of the fair trade movement is critical.
So why fair trade?
When you buy a fair trade product, the producer receives not only a fair and stable price, but in many cases a premium to invest in their community. This could go on anything from schools, food, tools, technology, water wells, healthcare and a whole lot more. The fair trade logo also gives a guarantee that social standards are in place, and that coffee production does not adversely affect the environment. It also guarantees producers have not been exploited, and no child labour has been used.
How do you know if a product is fair trade?
Many fair-trade products carry the international Fairtrade Mark, which looks like this:
It is awarded by the Fairtrade Labelling Organisations. Look for it next time you shop. Many fair trade products are the same price, or a little more expensive, than non-fair trade products. Those extra few pennies could make a world of difference.
And trust me – as a coffee fanatic, fair trade coffee tastes every bit as good as the unfairly traded equivalent. Examples of major fair trade brands include:
- Clipper
- Percol
- Cafedirect
- Traidcraft
- Equal Exchange
Most supermarkets stock their own fair-trade coffee, and some supermarkets (for example The Co-Operative and M&S) have the fair-trade logo on their entire stock of own label coffee. Other brands, such as Nescafe, also produce a fair-trade range.
In ’50 Reasons to Buy Fair Trade’ (which you can buy here...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/50-Reasons-Buy-Fair-Trade/dp/074532584X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1279536908&sr=8-1 I do not get any commission for a sale)
... Nicaraguan coffee grower Blanca Rosa Molina is quoted as saying that fair-trade ‘makes the difference between whether my family eats or does not eat.’
For the sake of a simple choice in the supermarket, what reason is there not to buy fair trade?
ARE there any reasons not to buy fair trade?
The fair trade system has received criticism from both ends of the spectrum. Some say that it is an artificial system which impedes growth and could lead to over production, and at the other end, others claim it does not go far enough in protecting vulnerable workers.
My thinking is: the fair trade system is not perfect (nothing ever is), but a world without it, would be a world that accepts brutal and unfair conditions. Just so we can have a cup of coffee in the morning.
I don’t want to be part of a world like that. Who would?
Martin Luther King is credited with saying:
‘When we arise in the morning... at the table we drink coffee which is provided for us by a South American, or tea by a Chinese, or cocoa by a West African; before we leave for our jobs we are already beholden to half the world.’
We are beholden to half the world. I truly believe we are forever indebted to the poor of the world; it is the unfair balancing of the trading system which means we in the west can live the luxurious lifestyles we do.
So next time you’re in the supermarket – take a minute to browse the shelves, take a minute to consider where your coffee is coming from, and who you could benefit with your choice.
It could be the most important thing you do all day.
Friday, 16 July 2010
London!
Just to let you know, I'm away for a couple of days in London so my next post will probably be some time on Monday (if I'm not recovering from my hangover...)
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?
Wednesday, 14 July 2010
Spotlight on charity: Amnesty International
One thing I want to do from time to time is focus on a particular charity which is close to my heart. I will give a few details, explain why I think it is important and give information on how to donate / help in other ways.
Today I want to look at Amnesty International, a British human rights charity.
The phrase 'Human Rights' has a stigma attached for many people (thanks to certain tabloid newspapers which will remain nameless!) but if you strip away the stigma, what it means is protecting the basic rights that everyone on the planet has, whether they know it or not.
Amnesty International operates in two ways: by conducting research, and promoting action and mobilisation among ordinary people to prevent and end violations of human rights.
They often focus on individual cases - for example, they put pressure on governments to release political prisoners, or to end torture, to ensure a fair trial or to prevent the death penalty.
In my opinion they are the last life line for people all over the world who face situations most of us can't even imagine. They are the thorn in the foot of tyrannical dictators the world over and they must be supported in their work.
Just remember the phrase 'There but for the grace of God (or fate) go I...'
If you want to help - either by signing a petition, sending a letter or making a donation - please visit their website at http://www.amnesty.org.uk/content.asp?CategoryID=10009
Thanks.
Today I want to look at Amnesty International, a British human rights charity.
The phrase 'Human Rights' has a stigma attached for many people (thanks to certain tabloid newspapers which will remain nameless!) but if you strip away the stigma, what it means is protecting the basic rights that everyone on the planet has, whether they know it or not.
Amnesty International operates in two ways: by conducting research, and promoting action and mobilisation among ordinary people to prevent and end violations of human rights.
They often focus on individual cases - for example, they put pressure on governments to release political prisoners, or to end torture, to ensure a fair trial or to prevent the death penalty.
In my opinion they are the last life line for people all over the world who face situations most of us can't even imagine. They are the thorn in the foot of tyrannical dictators the world over and they must be supported in their work.
Just remember the phrase 'There but for the grace of God (or fate) go I...'
If you want to help - either by signing a petition, sending a letter or making a donation - please visit their website at http://www.amnesty.org.uk/content.asp?CategoryID=10009
Thanks.
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... :-)
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