Apparently B & Q take back plastic plant pots and recycle them

This is a link to the Mayor of London’s environment newsletter saying what they are doing in the capital.

http://email.london.gov.uk/interface/external_view_email.php?AL846359559742404592886462816

According to the Ethiopian government, yesterday, 353,633,660 trees were planted in Ethiopia by volunteers to help tackle climate change. I hope they remember to water them.
The aim is to plant a total of four billion indigenous trees.
The previous record of 50 million trees planted in a day was set by India in 2016.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-49151523

We are supposed to be planting an additional three billion trees. How long will it take us?

As it was a nice day we took two of our grandchildren to Southend yesterday and intended to have a swim. We got knee-deep and noticed hundreds of jellyfish so decided to get out. My eight-year-old granddaughter asked me if there was any useful point to jellyfish and I said "probably not". I googled it anyway and was amazed to find in Asia people eat them, and they also have medicinal uses as well.

A clever idea that I'd never heard until today but will adopt immediately: to help one sleep in this hot weather, fill a hot-water bottle with cold water and put it in the fridge until bedtime. Enthusiasts can also freeze their sheets and pillowcase but the cold-water bottle seems likely to have a longer-lasting effect.

https://coach.nine.com.au/latest/summer-sleep-tips-to-beat-the-heat/e7e20fb5-242c-4c5c-bb4f-aaccb49094dd?fbclid=IwAR1ExhGwklOVVtxW-BYk-CjYS9FXrv0fYZ2YJMrDpIM2q5wP2kD7Pd67zBA

I found this article interesting and challenging.

https://medium.com/@wtmsinclair/the-real-problem-of-hypocrisy-for-extinction-rebellion-4a6851dcdeb7

https://pebblemag.com/magazine/doing/plastic-free-shopping-13-of-the-uks-best-zero-waste-stores

Green roofs are becoming fairly common - although often only visible from flats high up in developments, so not of much (if any) benefit to the public realm generally. I find them fascinating, especially on small structures like garden sheds and bin cupboards.

There are some extra-sustainable ideas at http://greenengineers.co.uk/green-roofs, where they try to reuse materials, wherever possible.

This was a question raised in a local community thread, prompted by the labelling of Sainsbury's (cheap) colourless malt vinegar.

The simple answer is: 'yes', which I discovered by reading a section of the Wikipedia article about vinegar: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinegar#Spirits

This is the relevant paragraph:
"The term "distilled vinegar" as used in the United States (called "spirit vinegar" in the UK, "white vinegar" in Canada) is something of a misnomer because it is not produced by distillation but by fermentation of distilled alcohol. The fermentate is diluted to produce a colorless solution of 5% to 8% acetic acid in water, with a pH of about 2.6. This is variously known as distilled spirit, "virgin" vinegar, or white vinegar, and is used in cooking, baking, meat preservation, and pickling, as well as for medicinal, laboratory, and cleaning purposes. The most common starting material in some regions, because of its low cost, is barley malt, or in the United States, corn. It is sometimes derived from petroleum. Distilled vinegar is used predominantly for cooking, although in the UK it is used as an alternative to brown or light malt vinegar. White distilled vinegar can also be used for cleaning, and some is actually sold specifically for this purpose. "


[As an aside, if you are ever offered "non-brewed condiment" for your chips, the acetic acid has been produced using chemical processes rather than fermentation. It's kind of 'artificial vinegar'!]

https://www.zerowastelife.co.uk This looks like an interesting blog. https://m.facebook.com/groups/JZWUK/? And this is a facebook group (Journey to zero waste). They also have some local groups . Enfield has one for instance.

Microplastics in the environment were referred to in the post ‘Reusing expanded polystyrene’. A petition to 'Install microplastic filters on new washing machines as standard' can be found on the parliament website. There are 16,027 signatures and a long and non-committal response from the Government. 100,000 signatures are required to force a parliamentary debate on the subject.

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/248269

Apparently, the decision for this year's Glastonbury Festival to ban the use of unnecessary plastic was a success. I hope other major events will follow suit, eg, Wimbledon, other rock festivals, flower shows, etc. Fingers crossed!

One of the last things we buy wrapped in plastic is yoghurt...specifically greek yoghurt . I do have a yoghurt maker but don’t find the results less than pleasing. It seems, thin, watery and just a bit slimy. Has anyone perfected a nice thick creamy yoghurt at home with or without a yoghurt maker.

A neighbour with a sack of polystyrene block pieces was bemoaning the local council's lack of facilities for recycling this tiresome form of plastic packaging, so I wondered if there were any options. Recycling seems to be very rare - even though the material can be reused to make other things.

There are more ways of reusing it at home than I'd realised, though; see https://www.greenredeem.co.uk/greener-living/lifestyle/10-ways-to-reuse-polystyrene. I particularly like the idea of using it instead of perlite, since heavy London clay often needs lightening.

This scheme looks inspiring though a bit expensive. What do you think? It suggests planting one sequoia can offset a lifetime of carbon emissions.

https://onelifeonetree.com/?

Morning, can anyone please recommend me your ideal eco-friendly dishwashing and clothes washing liquid? I really want to know what is the best brand with good value for money out there. Thanks!

Thanks to the efforts of Gardeners' World et al., we now know that black plastic plant pots can't currently be recycled exactly like other hard plastic items because automated recycling systems rely on optical sorting - which apparently doesn't recognise black.

So one can only get black plastic plant pots recycled (once they're completely beyond reusability) by collectivising their collection locally, eg where the local garden centre operates a collection point, and then deliver them in bulk to the local recycling facility.

Unfortunately, not only pots but also plant pot trays, vegetable trays etc are made of black plastic. (Our local garden centre only takes the pots.) And I've just realised that the best shampoo I know comes in black plastic bottles, too. So I've written to the product's current owners, asking them urgently to alter their packaging so that it doesn't contaminate the recycling stream and end up in landfill. Can't think of an easier solution....

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5a899f44b1ffb63e0c81fed9/t/5bd606380852291fdf5b1d2b/1540753006345/Everyday+Plastic+-+What+we+throw+away+and+where+it+goes.pdf

Shredded paper - it's strange that we are told not to put this in the recycling [apparently it clogs the machines] but have to bag it and put it in the general waste.
Surely it could be used for something as recycled paper products must have to be shredded first i would think. (less)

Anyone know of any place where these can be donated for recycling?

I collect in a jar and when I have a few, I put in my recycle bin; however, I am now thinking they are likely to get thrown away or not recycled, especially as they are so small.

So, just wondering if anyone knows of a better use or a specific recycling station for used staples.

Inspired by LesleyA's post about making your own cleaning products, I stumbled across this page on the Sarson's site!

Now, Sarson's are known for their malt vinegar, so it is encouraging they are suggesting uses beyond sprinkling it on your chips!
https://www.sarsons.co.uk/vinegar-tips

Most intriguing are the tips for cleaning ballpoint pen ink, chopping boards, carpets and, particularly, hardened paint brushes!! (although this one you might need to do while your 'other half' is out, and don't use the best saucepans!)

I thought this video was very clear.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=J0304MYCNA4

This looks to be a good resource- publishes a series of articles on a variety of recycling issues .

http://www.wasterecycling.org.uk/home_recycling/recycling_other_items.php

I have hundreds of them which I have collected over time but I actually have no use for them whatsoever yet it is not easy to find anyone who collects.

It seems a great pity to throw into a landfill.

Any ideas?

I thought it would be a great idea if we could all make a specific pledge to reduce our carbon imprint.

I am going to stop buying plastic bottled water for myself and discourage others to do the same!

What is your pledge?

https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/07/120719-young-gorillas-juvenile-traps-snares-rwanda-science-fossey/?fbclid=IwAR321UzhBmx-318CXI4k-RvQkhkfWOnc5Ne2K6odjWFXUjQgKM8oUQL4B_8

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/06/190613143520.htm?fbclid=IwAR0kBNbtSFmFamygCQjpUIkqPniUGep-W8UU_UKTJVoqfGgDrRzmPwP0E5Y

Almost 600 plant species have been lost in the last 250 years.... https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-48584515
Human encroachment is one reason.Human population is out of control for the size of the planet and we haven`t got `to the stars` yet!! Global warming is another. Plants are very sensitive to temperature. This chilly spring my beans are way behind. A few years of that could kill off some species. That`s exactly what`s happening.
Now add 60% of all wild animals have died of in the last few decades(figures vary). This article says 50%.... https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/sep/29/earth-lost-50-wildlife-in-40-years-wwf
Companies are NOT keeping promises to do such things as stop any deforestation they may be responsible for ... https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2019/jun/11/forest-destroyed-big-consumer-brands-greenpeace-report?fbclid=IwAR1qgjmGyQMprh_pjDmpxbUTtN6AmQNLLvyUAZrbX-2rqCA0gxZw6TMgIxU
No one is effective at reducing plastic pollution...
https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/07/plastic-produced-recycling-waste-ocean-trash-debris-environment/
They are still exploring for new oil feilds instead of converting to alternatives. More feilds have been discovered in the North Sea ( Greenpeace activists are currently occupying one ) and in Mexico. BP will exploit them,so global warming will continue apace!!
Sorry for the rant and all the links. It`s just SOOoooo depressing. We are running into the abyss!
Trying to reduce our own personal use of plastic or changing our Energy company seems so little!!
When I started this -nearly 50 years ago I joined Friends of the Earth-it seemed no one even believed it. Now people do and kids understand it`s their future being put in jeopardy and still things move so slowly!!😱😡

We think our plastic is recycled. Think again. Exported to Malaysia and just dumped. Now they had enough and will return where it came from.

Will be watching war on plastic.
More info:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/48445290

This article illustrates the complexity. Eating seasonally and buying locally grown seems to be a way forward.

https://theconversation.com/why-some-plastic-packaging-is-necessary-to-prevent-food-waste-and-protect-the-environment-117479

This report makes for interesting reading: https://science.sciencemag.org/content/360/6392/987/tab-pdf

Also summarised here by The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/may/31/avoiding-meat-and-dairy-is-single-biggest-way-to-reduce-your-impact-on-earth

Key quotes from the report:

'...the impacts of animal products can markedly exceed those of vegetable substitutes. To such a degree that meat, aquaculture, eggs, and dairy use 83% of the world’s farmland and contribute 56-58% of food’s different emissions, despite providing only 37% of our protein and 18% of our calories.'

'Today, and probably into the future, dietary change can deliver environmental benefits on a scale not achievable by producers. Moving from current diets to a diet that excludes animal products has transformative potential, reducing food’s land use by 3.1 billion hectares (a 76% reduction)'

Have signed this petition. Here’s the link if anyone else wants to sign.

https://secure.avaaz.org/campaign/en/climate_emergency_31/?ckepeab

Maybe you`d like to sign this petition about a Housing Associations proposal to turf over a vege garden in the name of"environmental improvement". Sounds like green washing to me!!
https://www.gopetition.com/petitions/save-john-hughes-garden.html

You are all cordially invited to join https://www.facebook.com/groups/ecoandethical/ if you `do` Facebook. It`s just another way of looking at the same problems I`m sure you`re all talking about here. There`s bound to be some overlap;but it`s an issue you can never `bee` too informed about. It`s us we`re saving and other life on Earth-the planet will go on despite us and after us.

Brixton Road outside the tube 10.30 this morning
More images from around the world
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/live/2019/may/24/school-climate-strikes-expected-to-be-largest-yet-live-coverage-greta-thunberg

At least the UK public are taking an interest. Let's hope this show makes the most popular list around the world.

https://www.standard.co.uk/stayingin/tvfilm/sir-david-attenborough-tops-netflixs-mostwatched-programmes-a4138011.html

-that are caused by human pollution

Someone just stated on another forum that wood burning particulates polluting the air we breath (along with car/plane emissions) is nonsense! When there is so much information ( scientifically backed) about air pollution and its contribution to increasing respiratory problems in young and elderly i.e. we are killing ourselves, how can that be ignored....?

Sharing the interview which loads of my friends took part in it

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCEudrpkwmM&feature=youtu.be&t=247&fbclid=IwAR2k4BgY4g-qhNvJZ-leSix2wBNhCs9xVrJ4XXcgxhYbhrFS7GPTxpUHgNY

I had the privilege to hear these inspirational young ladies speak at the Guardian Live event couple days ago afternoon to a packed house. The humility of Greta is amazing given that she was given a standing ovation the moment she walked into the room.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/apr/22/greta-thunberg-backs-general-strike-climate-change-environment?CMP=share_btn_fb&fbclid=IwAR0B2g3x2heKE0NTGMkKSdBrb13WKRTcjNEDyctSE2R_SHu89usQKqulsTI

Unplug--there are many, many things around the house that are plugged in and draining little bits of energy round the clock, without even being "on"--i.e., your TV/VCR/Stereo/DVD player, computer, microwave, battery charger, anything else with a constant display (clock) or some sort of programming that resets when the power goes out. Unplug them until you are ready to use them and forego the convenience of the programming if possible, or use a power strip and turn it off, thus "unplugging" many things at the flick of a switch (great for the entertainment center).
Read more at https://www.beliefnet.com/inspiration/2006/04/saving-the-planet-one-idea-at-a-time.aspx#15XLqAjFKgttdGrZ.99

This tip is circulating on Facebook, so I thought I'd post it here:
"When you are cooking the Easter Dinner and washing up afterwards - Help protect rivers and seas by scraping fats, oils and grease into the food waste recycling or bin rather than pouring down the sink."

I usually soak and wipe the pan with kitchen roll but wondering if anyone has any better ideas? I'd prefer not to use so much kitchen roll to be honest.

And are their protests valid?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-47935416

Does anyone know why the discussion about nuclear weapons has been closed? I made a point saying it had no place in this discussion in the context in which it was posted. Have I upset someone???

World Changing Ideas 2019: 17 winning solutions that could save the planet

https://www.fastcompany.com/90329204/world-changing-ideas-2019-17-winning-solutions-that-could-save-the-planet

A new challenge has gone viral and this one is prompting people around the world to clean up their nearby green areas and post before/after photos.

The challenge, started on social media has made it around the world and encouraged people to get outside and help to clean up the environment. The trashtag challenge is an effort to clean up litter and trash on beaches, roadsides, parks, etc. Unlike some of the other more recent challenges, this one makes people feel good about themselves and the environment around them and helps to clean up spaces for others. As thousands of people go outdoors to help clear trash and litter, they help people focus on taking care of their community for future generations and others.

I see that a lot of us in this group are taking about saving the planet, how about each of us complete the challenge and post your photos here? Would you do that?

Hi! I am trying my best to use as little plastic as possible, and wondered if anyone here has successfully gone plastic free? Once you start noticing the amount of plastic used it's hard to understand why there's so much of it and why companies aren't doing more to reduce it!! I am slowly getting into 0 waste but I'm finding it really hard, especially food shopping. I've switched my shower gel and shampoo (thanks Lush) but struggling to find toothpaste and deodorant alternatives. Any tips/tricks?

Probably a silly question, but would anyone that supports or approves of nuclear weapons be welcome in this group. Personally, I believe that anyone who approves of something that could wipe out all life-form for millions of years has to be stark raving mad and not be made welcome, but that's for others to decide.

Hi there, I would love to share to you the `60 Thrifty Ways to Help Save the Environment`, scroll through the pictures to see it for yourself. Hope you will find it helpful :)

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/08/12/france-set-penalities-goods-packaged-non-recycled-plastic-2019/amp/