https://www.facebook.com/amazonwatch/videos/366909564677968/

International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste Date in the current year: September 29, 2020

International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and WasteInternational Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (IDAFLW) is observed annually on September 29. It was initiated by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and is one of the international days observed by the UN.
Every year, about 14% of food produced in the world gets lost between harvest in retail. Significant quantities are also wasted in retail and by consumers, resulting in roughly one third of all the food produced for human consumption getting lost or wasted. This means that water, land, energy, labor, capital and other resources that were used to produce the wasted food go to waste, too. According to estimates, 38% of energy consumed in the food production globally is utilized to produce lost or wasted food. Besides, food waste disposed in landfills emits greenhouse gas and thus contributes to climate change.

The number of people suffering from hunger has been slowly but steadily rising over the past few years, and yet many tons of edible food are lost or go uneaten and wasted every day. So reducing food losses and waste is essential for combating world hunger. It also helps prevent the depletion of the natural resource base, as well as reduces unnecessary pressure on the environment and greenhouse gas emissions.

International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste was declared by a UN General Assembly resolution in December 2019 and observed for the first time in 2020. The fact that the first ever observance took place during the COVID-19 pandemic was quite symbolic, since the pandemic caused the largest global recession in history and made the world realize that we need to transform the way we produce and consume our food.

The main goal of IDAFLW is to bring individuals, organizations, businesses and governments around the world together to reduce food loss and waste. Literally everyone can make a contribution by starting to treat their food more carefully (stop buying unnecessary food, store food correctly, make the most of leftovers, etc.), but it requires coordinated actions of authorities, businesses and organizations to successfully solve the problem at the global level.

For example, infrastructure, technologies and innovations are instrumental for increasing food system efficiency and reducing food losses and waste. It is also important to find ways to facilitate investments in food loss and waste reduction, as well as shape and finance new business models that will help reduce food loss and waste.

It is important to keep in mind that food loss and waste should be reduced at all stages of the food production, sale and consumption chain: reductions in food loss that occur closer to the farm help alleviate stress on the environment and address food insecurity, whereas food waste reductions that occur in the supply chain and at the consumer level contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

IDAFLW events and activities are coordinated by the Food and Agricultural Organization in collaboration with the UN Environment Program.

Surely no sane person would deny that ecocide should be an international crime. So let's all sign Stop Ecocide's international petition, to make that clear. (It's no longer only available to those who help fund their work.) https://www.stopecocide.earth/become?ss_source=sscampaigns&ss_campaign_id=5f64e0422d919365ad69a6d9&ss_email_id=5f662154886b4641515c56a1&ss_campaign_name=NEWSLETTER%20September%202020%20-%20the%20Pope%2C%20Paul%20McCartney%2C%20Peace%20%26%20Harmony&ss_campaign_sent_date=2020-09-19T15%3A21%3A32Z&fbclid=IwAR3YOJVvrxEReQRVsfhOonUgro0XAzDWXiVeqwz9jAZ5YFU92gtBq5quCi4

For the background to this campaign, see the Guardian Lab article at https://www.theguardian.com/climate-academy/2020/sep/16/ecocide-environment-destruction-international-crime?fbclid=IwAR2-yRXWMMPSQ05VZ8Z8UyYWmp_RofU9peu8WewMURLbgQ0t_WNIKdIcqD8&utm_campaign=buffer&utm_content=buffer3c313&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com

There's also a fairly new Canadian government petition, seeking to make ecocide a federal crime in Canada. Do share this with any friends and family over there: https://petitions.ourcommons.ca/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-2827&fbclid=IwAR2opJBLkUvqjAMEprPC3JgOFPLc4iSKVq3FrjviKxN2_YzR0VYUgqt_4Mk

This makes interesting reading - some things I think are too weak but other suggestions are good. I imagine this government will cherrypick and as usual look to what is most profitable.
https://www.climateassembly.uk/report/

This is a very good idea. I seem to amass loads of medicine packets. I would definitely use it if there’s a pharmacy near me that’s taking part. But I can’t get map to work to find out! They want people to ask their local pharmacy to take part. https://www.terracycle.com/en-GB/brigades/medicine-packet-uk

The forest fires have now spread right up the west coast of the USA to states like Oregon and Washington which have temperate climates and don’t normally experience wild fires. Millions of people have had to evacuate. https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2020/sep/09/california-skies-glow-orange-as-wildfires-continue-in-pictures?

Another wake up call. We are killing the planet. There are some solutions in there as well. https://livingplanet.panda.org/

https://www.itv.com/thismorning/articles/the-seven-best-sustainable-beauty-buys?

Worth knowing, especially about the recycling of any cosmetic brands by terra cycle.

On Britains got Talent tonight a group of kids who mean business. Please vote for them. Not my usual choice of programme but I think perhaps hope for the planet lies with the next generation. We can make sure their voices get heard.

The name speaks for itself. All is not doom and gloom.

https://mailchi.mp/71613f208d94/top-5-happy-eco-news-july-22-28-3790245?e=e653b2d1a6

Maybe the almost universal lockdown could be the leverage that's so desperately needed to spur radical change in how we regard food.
Yesterday's edition of 'The Food Programme' provided an inspiringly positive view of what might happen in the near future. Much simpler and wider-ranging ideas than one would get from just reading 'Sitopia', which I'd barely been aware of.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000m49j

This seems a good local initiative.
https://frpuk.org/community-work/tools/?

It’s not all about glueing oneself to trains. XR is a broad church - something for everyone. This event is about reusing your old clothes - learning skills and techniques. Excellent idea.

This cheered me to read. https://www.greenpeace.org.uk/news/bp-oil-production-renewable-energy/?

https://extinctionrebellion.uk/uk-rebellion-2020/

I thought this was a done deal but perhaps not...

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/25/legal-challenge-uk-exclusion-waste-incinerators-emissions-trading-scheme?

This sounds like positive news.

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/aug/15/uk-firms-solar-power-breakthrough-could-make-worlds-most-efficient-panels-by-2021?

The author was being interviewed on Woman's Hour this morning. Her practical approach sounds like a really useful guide to minimising the carbon footprint from how we eat. She sensibly outlines the principles but leaves recipe development to experienced cookery writers.

Apparently my constantly using a microwave rather than the main oven is just right, which is reassuring. (I hope that, despite its considerable age, it isn't too energy-inefficient - but replacing it while it's still usable seems far more wasteful.)
https://fcrn.org.uk/research-library/food-and-climate-change-without-hot-air

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.