https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/dec/26/bogs-banks-and-bubble-barriers-five-great-projects-to-protect-nature-aoe?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

Wishing you all well over this festive period and here’s hoping we can look forward to a better and greener 2022. 🌿🦔🐇🌴🎄🎅🍄🌹🌼🌏🍇🌊💦🥦♻️

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/05/cargo-bikes-deliver-faster-and-cleaner-than-vans-study-finds

https://www.westsussextoday.co.uk/news/opinion/west-sussex-wildlife-project-will-create-new-wildlife-corridors-across-county-3499429

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/dec/18/peat-sales-to-gardeners-in-england-and-wales-to-be-banned-by-2024

Given how little Christmas shopping I have to do, keeping it sustainable seemed as if it should be easy enough. That was before I read this, however. What a good thing that I'd already bought what I needed....
https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/ethical-christmas?utm_source=ECRA+Monthly+Newsletter&utm_campaign=a21898f971-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_12_16_2021_non-subs&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_9856040c29-a21898f971-321357508

I realise this doesn’t directly affect many people in this group but I know the campaign against this incinerator has relevance to some, so this letter may be of interest. Its from solicitors acting on behalf of the coalition of groups opposed to the incinerator and speaks for itself.
https://www.encaf.org/_files/ugd/192828_fea6c536b303483c99e2ca91809c7b24.pdf?

Although we should all consume less of everything, some essentials are constantly used up, or wear out and need replacing. So seeking out more sustainable replacements for our daily needs seems worthwhile.
This offer can be used as a starting-point for finding ethical suppliers, not only of the small treats in the goody bag but other presents for our nearest and dearest: https://mailchi.mp/ethicalconsumer.org/christmas-goodies-giveaway-2021-non-subs?e=57f084c3a9 .

One of the saddest tales of hardship following Storm Arwen was told by a woman lamenting that, if they hadn't just changed their old oil heating system for a new air source heat pump-based one, the loss of power wouldn't have deprived them of heat as well as electricity.
Something rather similar happened locally, when a district heating system failed over this last, perishing cold weekend; see https://www.hackneycitizen.co.uk/2021/11/30/shoreditch-pipe-leak-450-residents-without-heating/ .
That reminded me just how useful it is to have both gas and electricity, as when my new gas boiler broke down just after I moved house at the end of November. At least I still had an immersion heater to produce hot bathwater, after having to keep 'warm' getting grubby with endless furniture shifting, cleaning and unpacking of boxes.
If we all go all-electric, we put ourselves at the mercy of a breakdown in our only source of power. So I'm hoping that pure hydrogen-fuelled boilers become practical in London by the time that my current gas boiler needs replacing. I don't want to lose the alternative source of power, in case something goes wrong in future - as it invariably will do, sooner or later.

A different approach- wonder if it would make a difference? And is it achievable?

https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/news/personal-carbon-allowance-trading-climate-crisis-b1956705.html?

Every household in our village has just been given a young wild cherry tree to plant - either in their own garden or in a public place in and around the village (guidance to be given). Such a lovely idea and to know that in years to come the village will be blossom filled every spring is a great thought. Our village society has masterminded this. They have also planted many other trees in and around the area. A great way to save the planet.

https://www.scooploop.com/thread/ev-charging-points-to-be-made-compulsory-in-new-homes

Seems like a good move though not sure how easy it will be to accomplish.

https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/new-homes-in-england-to-have-electric-car-chargers-installed-by-law/

https://www.positive.news/environment/what-can-i-do-about-climate-change-how-to-lower-your-carbon-footprint/

Haven’t read it yet but this sounds very interesting and hopefully encouraging.
https://www.positive.news/environment/rewilding-sixty-years-ago-scientists-let-a-farm-rewild-heres-what-happened/?

Recommendation from Krista L. Quickly skimmed through but will peruse later in leisure.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20211105-how-carbon-might-go-out-of-fashion

Doesn’t seem to be anyone in our area but several suppliers in London. Has anyone done this?
https://www.countryliving.com/uk/homes-interiors/interiors/a29695669/rent-christmas-tree-cotswold-fir/

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20211105-how-your-house-will-go-carbon-free?ocid=fbfut

https://secure.avaaz.org/campaign/en/cop26_peoples_climate_deal_12/?tfLKjlb=502026868=18788843048&_checksum=b617effb3e4454725a1994e60073051af83867a78d978716845b4f071f918371
Shared from Lonicera`s post in "Anything" loop.
Sign,share and start the pressure for COP 27 to deliver better.

Seems like an interesting idea. It’s in Thailand. Thought the engineering aspect might interest you @PeterJ

https://interestingengineering.com/the-worlds-largest-floating-solar-power-farm-is-now-open-in-thailand?

https://www.secretsofuniverse.in/space-debris/

Has the Royal British Legion published any comment about the sustainability of the traditional paper-and-plastic poppies that we have all bought annually since the year dot?

I haven't researched this, but in terms of avoiding single-use plastic, surely the traditional poppy is an obvious target? Is there an environmentally-friendly alternative, or are the days of poppy-sellers numbered?

(I know there are many 'posh' poppies, such as enamelled brooches, available, but these are one-off purchases. The 'disposable' poppy is an annual reminder and encouragement to donate.)

Just found out about this after listening to a podcast (see @DianaW ‘s recent post ).

https://www.libraryofthings.co.uk/

The Restart Project has been producing a podcast for some years now, which sounds good, judging by their recent survey of what their listeners most value (and want from it in future): https://therestartproject.org/community/listener-survey-results-2021/ .

I don't want to spend more time online and am perfectly happy with my own thoughts (and birdsong) while working outdoors, out of range of the radio, but I know that others want more constant access to interesting listening. So you might like to try this podcast....

This sounds like a very positive move.
https://unfccc.int/news/cop26-global-innovation-hub-launched-for-transformative-climate-solutions

I often feel that by posting climate change articles in Save the Planet I’m adding to the general doom and gloom. It’s very difficult to raise environmental concern without also raising levels of anxiety. Young people are particularly affected. But academics and psychologists/psychotherapists are beginning to recognise the problem and are taking up the challenge of how to work with eco-anxiety.
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/oct/06/eco-anxiety-fear-of-environmental-doom-weighs-on-young-people?

Most Scooploop members live far from Portsmouth and would not be able to use this scheme, but it's an interesting idea that could work in any city.
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/community-e-cargo-bike-hire-scheme

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-59158098?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA

Martin Lewis has suggested doing this via Make My Money Matter, which is campaigning to make pension funds invest not in arms/tobacco/fossil fuels etc but sustainably.
There's a petition at https://makemymoneymatter.co.uk/ which people might like to sign.

Managing to ensure that savings are invested in really 'dark green' investments has never been easy but this seems an excellent opportunity to put pressure on the biggest holders of our money to do so. Unlike the average person, pension funds control so much money that they can afford to take the best specialist advice on green investing.

I'd hever heard of Dabba Drop but its complete avoidance of environmentally unfriendly packaging is admirable.
https://www.hackneygazette.co.uk/news/business/dabba-drop-hackney-business-natwest-awards-8449356?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=DM48909

A long read but well worth persevering. Very challenging but I think it’s hard to argue against his assertions.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/oct/30/capitalism-is-killing-the-planet-its-time-to-stop-buying-into-our-own-destruction?

This covers the basics.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-56901261?

This a long but very interesting article. Hope the link works!
https://www.newstatesman.com/environment/2021/10/the-price-of-the-planet-who-will-step-up-at-cop26

Wandsworth Council are organising a week of events to coincide with the COP26 conference in Glasgow (8th to 13th November).

There are some online events, but most are aimed at residents of the borough to visit in person. (But if you're in the area, it might be worth looking in the off-chance they aren't full?)

See this Scooploop event for more:
https://www.scooploop.com/thread/climate-change-festival-events

I knew that natural dyeing had taken off in some of our community gardens but this is a new development. So far, it's mainly been silk scarves etc being dyed, presumably because that's the easiest material to dye. But now there's this:
https://www.hackneycitizen.co.uk/2021/10/27/natural-dye-studio-hackney-underwear-company-crowdfunder/

I have some long out of date baking powder. Searched and found these uses.

Household Uses for Baking Powder:

• A gentle scouring powder for kitchen countertops.

• A paste (mixed with a little water) to shine stainless steel.

• A vinyl floor cleaner (1/2 cup mixed with a quart of water).

• A way to soften water so you can use less soap. You can add in a half cup to your laundry, for example.

• An air freshener: Set some out in a bowl, place some in your cat's litter box, or leave an open box in your refrigerator.


Step 1: Put the DRY baking soda down the drain. Use about 3/4 of a cup.

Step 2: Pour 1/2 cup of vinegar down the drain after the baking soda. Be sure to cover the drain immediately afterwards with a rag or plug, filling the hole completely so nothing can escape. This is because the interaction of the two will cause a "mini volcano" that will want to come up and out of the drain ... you want to keep it down there.

Step 3: Leave this concoction in the drain for about 30 minutes. While you are waiting, boil a tea kettle full of water.

Step 4: After 30 minutes, remove the plug and slowly pour the HOT water down the drain.

And there you have it, a science fair project turned into a do-it-yourself unclogger.

Will try the drain cleaner just hope there will be no report in Newspaper about house explosion.

On the recycling theme, this map shows where to take used medicine blister packs if you so felt inclined -

https://www.terracycle.com/en-GB/brigades/medicine-packet-uk

(No, I didn't recognise that term either. Probably better termed 'production emissions', I reckon - but maybe that one's already been allocated to something else.)

The Restart Project has a good article about this, introducing the podcast episode at https://therestartproject.org/podcast/consumption-emissions/ .

For those of you who want to delve deeper into the climate crisis here are some titles.

https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/books/non-fiction-books/best-climate-change-book-reviews-earth-day-b1835624.html?

Quite a few people have joined Save the Planet in the last week or two. Welcome to you all. It would be lovely to see some new people posting. Though I appreciate all the regulars that keep this loop active and interesting. I learn a lot from you.

Do take a look at this amusing tweet from Talk Radio host Mike Graham. He tries to interview a very sensible chap from Insulate Britain and makes a compete prat of himself - and then publishes it on Twitter!

The replies are wonderful, especially the 'giraffe'.

(It's only a minute long.)

https://twitter.com/talkRADIO/status/1452892180301889538?t=y1NKbBXV_g1iIT8hMr_Cwg&s=19

https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/check-your-vehicle/

The World Bank has reported that a rise of 4C is likely if we don’t take action. Even with mitigation there’s still a 20% chance of this happening.
https://www.carbonbrief.org/what-is-a-4c-world?

Read what some owners have found. There are grants available but the total amount the Governmenet have alloted isn`t great! https://www.theguardian.com/money/2021/aug/14/at-home-with-a-heat-pump-it-makes-hot-water-when-its-freezing-outside?CMP=fb_gu&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR0nTHRZdvm5G79X95m0YCM_gp1UyaYMivE2r

Rather than the American 'trick or treat' approach, North London is asking people to replace the sweet treats for participants with donations to the local food bank. See
https://www.hackneycitizen.co.uk/2021/10/12/trick-or-eat-halloween-hackney-foodbank/ .

The Ethical Consumer has produced a new report on the gap between aspiration and necessary action in relation to climate change, which makes useful reading.
I've looked at various parts of it but the most useful is the section on heating, which is explained at https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/energy/climate-gap-report-heating?utm_source=ECRA+Monthly+Newsletter&utm_campaign=f8669e674d-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2021_10_14_nonsub&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_9856040c29-f8669e674d-321357508
Other sections can be found by searching their website for 'climate gap report'.

This is encouraging https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2021/oct/14/skelleftea-swedish-plywood-eco-town-20-storey-wooden-skyscraper-worlds-tallest#comment-152514241

https://www.scooploop.com/thread/saw-this-and-thought-it-was-a-lovely-idea-green-job-fair

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-58724710?xtor=ES-211-[47658_PANUK_SOT_40_OPN_TheEarthshotPrize_RET]-20211013-[bbcnews_arcticsunknownvirusesandnuclearwasteourplanetnow_factualenvironment]