I recently heard about this search engine, did some research and it appears to be legitimate. It is now on our iPad and my mobile phone and works very well. A brilliant idea:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecosia
🌲🌳

I think it is a hotel for bees, etc, but I don't know, as my late mum bought it years ago. When I moved in, I left it where it was, until late last year when I was doing some garden tidying and realised that it was intended to be hung on the brick wall, not lying at the foot of it, and that the sloping side was a roof! Several years of lying on the ground have meant the snails have decimated whatever was supposed to be in there -- you can just see it looks like giant corrugated card.

So, I am hoping members of this group can confirm what it is and what should best go inside it, so I can hang it back on the wall for use. Ideas, please?

I have a feeling it’s a bit much to think about the planet whilst all this Covid business is going on so here’s some lazy ways to save the planet. I liked the one about switching to Ecosia as your search engine ...might as well let them plant trees as I search.

https://friendsoftheearth.uk/climate-change/8-lazy-ways-be-environmentally-friendly

From the latest issue of The Ecologist.
https://theecologist.org/2020/jul/07/protestors-guerrilla-tactics-hinder-hs2

From the latest issue of The Ecologist.
https://theecologist.org/2020/jul/07/protestors-guerrilla-tactics-hinder-hs2

https://theecologist.org/2020/jul/07/protestors-guerrilla-tactics-hinder-hs2

https://theecologist.org/2020/jul/07/protestors-guerrilla-tactics-hinder-hs2

Reassuringly, some aspects of government aren't being distracted too much by the twin crises of this pandemic and Brexit.
It's very good to see how seriously members of the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee attended to the Restart Project's evidence, focusing on waste prevention and repair.
https://therestartproject.org/news/commons-evidence/

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8444185/Swan-dies-broken-heart-teenage-yobs-killed-unborn-cygnets-smashing-eggs.html

Chris Packham is calling for people to avoid these at all costs. Here’s an article about why they’re so bad.

https://www.mygreenpod.com/articles/time-to-ban-disposable-bbqs/

https://inews.co.uk/news/environment/plastic-pollution-efforts-worldwide-cut-down-throwaway-plastic-threat-coronavirus-lockdown-447914?

This is sad - and just as things were improving. I know I had been pretty ruthless about cutting out plastic but my resolve has wavered since lockdown. Have found them hard to avoid. How have others got on?

https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/fracking-ban-uk-kwasi-kwarteng-climate-change-methane-shale-gas-a9575906.html?

This seems like good news for a change!

I have many, many old videos which I am really reluctant to put in landfill. We are keeping some, as we still have a video player, though whether we shall use that, I am doubtful. However, I have loads of children's videos used for grandchildren who are now far too old. I have tried a few local care homes for dementia, in case they still had old video players. Only one did, but I had such mixed messages about whether they wanted them or not, from different staff, I didn't follow through, as I don't want to pass my disposal problem on to them. Would be grateful for any suggestions - I do know that one is supposed to separate the actual tapes from the hard container - that will take a couple of days, I think!!!

http://news.sky.com/story/plastic-nile-three-quarters-of-fish-studied-contain-microplastics-in-worlds-longest-river-11996741

2020 - Declared by the United Nations as the International Year of Plant Health

2 May - World Tuna Day

8 May - Sir David Attenborough's birthday - (Born 1926)

9 May - World Migratory Bird Day

10 May - Mother's Day

15 May - Endangered Species Day

18-24 May - National Volunteer Week

20 May - World Bee Day

22 May – International Day of Biological Diversity

23 May – World Turtle Day

27 May-3 June - National Reconciliation Week

Welcome to our newest members. The group has been very lively in the past but sadly I think most of us have had our attention focused elsewhere lately. I know I’ve had to compromise on buying stuff regardless of packaging lately. Needs must. But in other ways have been forced into living a healthier, more sustainable life - driving much less, growing more fruit and veg, composting more. I have been more aware and appreciative of nature, on my own doorstep. Here’s a few photos taken on my recent walk.

Any ideas on how this can be reused; it does not appear to be recyclable.
I do not want to create a mess with it in my gardening ventures as it gets very messy but I am thinking, assuming it has natural drainage, someone who could use it to sow seeds; does this sound feasible; if so, I could leave it out for someone.
I loathe to add it to a landfill...

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/mar/27/wildlife-charity-heal-rewilding-buy-uk-land-nature?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

I signed a petition on Action Network telling European Commission to Demand the Right to Repair your smartphone.

They don’t make ‘em like they used to.

Cracked screens, weak batteries, broken charging ports… We’d like to fix them, but instead we end up buying a new smartphone because repairs are too expensive, difficult or impossible.

Reducing the lifespan of a product may drive sales, but this comes at the expense of consumers and the climate.

That’s why we are asking the European Union to give people the Right to Repair their smartphones. Manufacturers like Apple or Samsung should be required to:

- Design smartphones that can be easily disassembled without breaking the device;
- Make spare parts available to all repairers and consumers;
- Provide repair manuals and information on how to fix their phones.
- Commit to long-term security updates to extend the life of their products

Help us put an end to the “throwaway” economy. Sign the petition and demand better products for a better planet.

Can you join me and take action? Click here: https://repair.eu/smartphones/?source=email&

Thanks!

This is the main topic on the Hackney mutual aid group today. Too many small retailers are either trying to profiteer from having stock of scarce items that people badly need or have suppliers which are hiking prices, forcing the retailers to recoup their costs from consumers.

Unlike the USA, UK authorities have no civil legal powers in this country to tackle price gouging, unless the seller has a 'dominant position' in the marketplace. That rule should prevent the big supermarkets (or markets such as Amazon or eBay) from playing (or enabling others to play) this nasty trick but seems unlikely to be capable of covering small shops which are exploiting a temporary advantage over other retailers. The Competition and Markets Authority advises only that, "It might be abusing a dominant position if it’s unfair to its customers or other businesses."

There have, however, been reports that the CMA is planning to prosecute sellers - perhaps for an offence under the Theft Act, such as obtaining a pecuniary advantage by deception.

So one should report price gouging in the UK to the CMA, via the link from https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tell-the-cma-about-a-competition-or-market-problem . (I've seen a neat little report notice posted online but was unable to verify the telephone number and e-address on it, so it's safer to use the official form.)

This was helpfully just posted on the Hackney Covid 19 Mutual Aid group: authoritative scientific advice on how long this coronavirus survives on different surfaces.

An invaluable reference guide for those taking in deliveries, borrowing from libraries or just exercising extra caution generally.
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/new-coronavirus-stable-hours-surfaces?fbclid=IwAR0a8EIPJlkQbD5EPe4HFkQOhL1avq4Tg8nPZJGXClOqjGw-sFkV8ZCn3Yg

If you haven't yet come across a mutual aid group for your area, try looking at the list published here: https://freedomnews.org.uk/covid-19-uk-mutual-aid-groups-a-list/?fbclid=IwAR3jXayIwXR_PJUHPckToIKSEni1XJpiAOfyQGSgaGbnTfynNPHSOYKt6Lo. There's also an interactive map run by the organisation which seems to have developed this system of local mutual support groups, at https://covidmutualaid.org/local-groups/ .

My local group (covering Hackney) is on Facebook and helpfully lists (under its Announcements tag) all the ward-level groups, which are using WhatsApp to co-ordinate their efforts. I can't use WhatsApp, but the discussion on the Facebook parent group gives me scope for helping to sign-post others to what they might need.

The few other boroughs that I've checked also have ward- or street-level sub-groups but those may be using other IT systems, rather than WhatsApp.

For anyone who's ever wanted to go to a Restart party but been put off by timing, distance or over-long queues of others, preventing one from getting the fixers' help with one's particular dud gizmo, the virus crisis has resulted in an unexpected benefit.

The Restart Project has begun listing repair events that are being run online. There's already one being run by the Reading group this weekend - but physical distance is irrelevant, as long as Zoom can accommodate all those interested.

Why not watch this ever-changing list for one that suits your diary and see what you can learn, to use at home. Everyone has something that needs fixing, after all - and it's another way to learn something really practical online.
https://therestartproject.org/parties/

'strict confinement measures in China, where the coronavirus outbreak began, and in Italy, Europe’s most affected nation, have led to falls in air pollution as fewer vehicles are driven and industrial emissions fall. A preliminary calculation by a US expert suggests that tens of thousands of premature deaths from air pollution may have been avoided by the cleaner air in China, far higher than the 3,208 coronavirus deaths.'

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/mar/17/air-pollution-likely-to-increase-coronavirus-death-rate-warn-experts

(I'll put this in Anything too)

This excellent NY-based cook is collating her store-cupboard recipes to help us all cook better while stuck at home: https://smittenkitchen.com/recipes/pantry/?format=photo&fbclid=IwAR0uIR6fQRQSCvP7t3XO7eFRcUVIJj1S44uvXQ2ncC3JPQ8kawyECfdwG1w.

Having to cater from what one has already needn't be a bad thing, since it encourages one to dig out whatever neglected possibilities are lurking at the back of the cupboard (or fridge), helping to reduce food waste.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/mar/04/tropical-forests-losing-their-ability-to-absorb-carbon-study-finds?fbclid=IwAR2Q7_5scohqHVSoZEBfD2uoiYbw54KpJNRXAwYaXwlxgS3KAPrVxG0s4tM#maincontent

We hear a lot about XR these days. But who are they, and what do they stand for? Visit XR’s website to find out more or to join.

https://rebellion.earth/

Personally, I loathe and don't ever want a smartphone but the principle of repairability is really important.

So I hope that everyone will support this campaign: https://repair.eu/smartphones/?source=facebook&&fbclid=IwAR3ZbUVI3oiADY5dtEu9jJygm1fzMx2IeNIvv4DdPNd7ty9Ka-eErZ37p6s

https://www.scooploop.com/thread/food-storage
Good crossover topic in the group `Anything`,given that waste food is a green problem too. I`ll have to think of another way if members in this groups can`t access this thread.Let me know.

According to this article it is more polluting to make paper bags than it is to make plastic. Oh dear, it’s so difficult to know how to live sustainably. I try not to use paper or plastic when shopping. I buy as many lose veg as I can, even things like sprouts. I do buy baby toms in packaging but that’s about it.

https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/paper-bag-bad-environment-plastic-bag-ban-recycling-waste-a9380316.html?

This sounds like good news.

https://www.enviro30.com/post/aldi-tells-suppliers-product-packaging-must-be-100-recyclable-reusable-or-compostable-by-2025?

I’ve noticed that it’s getting easier to buy fruit and veg in Sainsburys without packaging. If it’s got plastic on it we just leave it.

I’ve just signed a petition calling on the UK government to take urgent action on climate change.

The IPCC’s latest report – written by an international team of over 2000 scientists – has given us less than 12 years to stop catastrophic climate change. But our leaders are letting us down.

We need to act now. I’d really appreciate it if you could take 2 minutes to join me by signing it too: foe.uk/shxh4

The more of us that add our name, the more likely it is that the government will listen.
New link: https://act.friendsoftheearth.uk/petition/climate?utm_source=thank-you&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=climate-change&utm_content=2019-04_attenborough-petition-thank-you

I'd never even heard of the London Waste and Recycling Board, let alone known that they aim to make London into a circular economy for reusing, repairing and recycling electrical waste.
It's really encouraging that they've already had the Restart Project research how to achieve this: https://therestartproject.org/news/london-can-be-a-leader/

If London can achieve this, then other cities won't have to re-invent this particular wheel entirely for themselves.

This has really cheered me up.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/feb/27/heathrow-third-runway-ruled-illegal-over-climate-change?

Restless Development very belatedly publicised this opportunity for young people:
"The United Nations has launched an amazing opportunity for young activists, creators, changemakers, advocates, campaigners and entrepreneurs aged 15-29 to become part of the 2020 Class of #YoungLeaders for the #GlobalGoals.
"Be a torchbearer of global change!

"Apply here👉🏽 http://bit.ly/SDGYL2020"
(Unfortunately, the deadline is 29th February.)

I'd never come across the term "the Global Goals" before but eventually found it linked to https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdgs .

I have no links to youth organisations but perhaps others here do?

A discussion about clearing moss from inaccessible areas, like awkward roofs, revealed that most people used Jeyes Fluid. It turns out to be very nasty stuff; see https://www.bridgebiotechnology.com/jeyes-fluid-5-important-reasons-why-not-to-use-this-product/?fbclid=IwAR2HKrqDeuV5XKi5RQVlcS08XyXq7eJDmq1kKj7x_N1gO5nTenIgEat0PTM

Apparently bleach also kills moss effectively, as do washing-up liquid and hydrated lime (although I don't know whether it's appropriate to use the latter on a glass or polycarbonate roof): https://homeguides.sfgate.com/home-remedy-kill-moss-pavement-quickly-60318.html?fbclid=IwAR03E-7I5stxo9CH-VfEJwv19UFoEtOLch9tTHNuCrh4CGh5lLAksWptdRg
The RHS mentions Just Green's Glasshouse Cleaner but I can only find them selling via Amazon.

What would other people use instead?

Found this article interesting and faintly reassuring. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-02-18/cdp-ranking-show-cities-working-to-reduce-greenhouse-emissions?

Was well attended, peaceful, good natured, and people seemed interested in the message. Some photos..

Recycling in Kerala, India

https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/meet-kerala-student-who-turns-bottles-discarded-ashtamudi-lake-art-99157

Friends of the Earth Petition

https://act.friendsoftheearth.uk/petition/help-reduce-plastic-oceans

I’m afraid that there are still climate change deniers around - just look how many posts in this group get downvoted. So here’s some evidence though I fear it will fall on deaf ears. https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/climate.nasa.gov/evidence.amp .

Extinction Rebellion (XR) and 17 other organisations are holding a march starting from Russell Square on 22nd February at 1pm. The march is to protect/protest the right to peaceful, non-violent protest and to say enough is enough - enough forest fires, enough procrastination on climate change, enough division, enough deforestation.... please think about joining the march to make your voice heard.

Hi all

I'm not personally involved in organising this event so i can't

answer any questions/queries.

I'm simply posting the event information so people will know about it

Camden Repair Cafe

DATE AND TIME

Sat, 22 February 2020

11:00 – 15:00

LOCATION

Pirate Castle,Oval Road, NW1 7EA

Oval Road

London

NW1 7EA

Come along and learn repair skills to give new life to items that you would normally throw away and make them useable again.

ABOUT THIS EVENT

Our team of Waste Prevention Officers and repair specialists are looking forward to meeting you at this Repair Café. Bring along old or damaged belongings such as clothes and bicycles to be potentially fixed by repair specialists, for free. If you prefer to upcycle old clothes with a fashionable twist that’s no problem, bring your creative ideas with you, too. In addition to fixing an item, the repair specialists will train you one-on-one throughout the repair process, so that you can repair or upcycle items yourself in the future.

Please note that the following terms and conditions will be applied:

For bike repairs: only one bicycle is allowed per person, please be aware that spare parts such as tires, are not provided during the event.

For textile repairs: please note that you can only bring up to 3 pieces of textile with you to be amended.

What are Repair Cafés?

Repair Cafés are events where you can bring along old or damaged belongings such as clothes, electrical and electronic items, and bicycles to be potentially fixed by repair specialists, for free. If you prefer to bring old clothes and learn how to upcycle them, this is also fine. A Repair Café is not a place for people to simply drop off broken items, but you will get to interact with the repair specialists, learn skills and build a relationship with the processes and materials that go into the manufacturing of products.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/camden-repair-cafe-2019-registration-88846244509?aff=erelexpmlt

Hi all

Camden Friends of the Earth are holding another clothes swap on Sat 15 Feb at ⁦ThinkDoCamden.

I'm not personally involved in organising this event so i can't answer any questions/queries.

I'm simply posting the event information so people will know about it

⁩

DESCRIPTION

After two very successful events, we are welcoming you to our third clothing swap.

Every year in the UK we throw away 300,000 tonnes of clothing and on top of that there is a massive 183 million items of outgrown baby clothing tucked away in UK homes.

Are you fed up with fast fashion?

Are you annoyed of buying clothes that break after a few times you have used them?
Would you like to have new clothes but do not want to buy into fast fashion?

Join us for an afternoon of clothes swapping, talks and opportunities to find out how you can make the most of your clothes, without damaging the planet.

Bring between 3 and 5 items, everybody is welcome

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/new-year-old-clothes-clothing-swap-event-tickets-92998786875

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Wetlands_Day
"World Wetlands Day occurs annually on February 2, marking the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on February 2, 1971 when a small group of environmentalists signed an international agreement at the Ramsar Convention in Iran.[1]

Established to raise awareness about the value of wetlands for humanity and the planet, WWD was celebrated for the first time in 1997. Each year, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and groups of citizens have taken advantage of the opportunity to undertake actions aimed at raising public awareness of wetland values and benefits. Some of these benefits include: biologically diverse ecosystems that provide habitat for many species, serve as buffers on the coast against storms and flooding, and naturally filter water by breaking down or transforming harmful pollutants.[2]!

... and use them instead of washing-up sponges.
This is apparently as easy as growing cucumbers or courgettes, since they're members of the same plant family. See https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/01/27/grow-sponges-cut-plastic-waste-national-trust-says-first-property/?utm_content=telegraph&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=Echobox&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR1pBsslHVQFwqo2aqnBBAF886xcwaLNW9UE4ZS3eiSKYv8s3v4cq6B32jM#Echobox=1580145686

I recently started to get refills for washing liquid, fabric conditioner from my local health food shop which stocks a range of refillable products to save plastic. On Saturday I took my shower gel bottle in for a refill and was told there was a new regulation by Trading Standards that you could only refill the same liquid as the bottle, so my bottle was lavender and geranium, they had coconut or grapefruit which I could not have. They said it was to do with allergy information, if you fill up with something different you will not know know if you could get a reaction. Initially I had taken in Ecover bottles and filled up with their brand washing liquids. Now I will have to buy their brand liquids and use the same bottles to refill. I was a bit annoyed with this and so was the shop keeper as they were supporting their customers to reduce plastic bottles. I bought a new shower gel so I can refill that when I finish it. Is this health and safety gone mad or sensible regulation?

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/11/arctic-ice-melting-time-lapse-video/?utm_source=Facebook%20Videos&utm_medium=Facebook%20Videos&utm_campaign=Facebook%20Video%20Blogs
95% gone!!

This group is growing steadily. It’s almost as big as the general chat groups now, which hopefully means that people are getting very serious about climate change and other threats to the planet. Lets try and make this group as interesting and useful as possible. Please don’t stay silent...share ideas, tips, resources, successes and useful information links.