SaveThePlanetTrackWorld

I haven't read the thread in it's entirety...

But some people have theorised that our mounting environmental problems have been part of a deliberate attempt to foist some kind of global government upon us, a kind of 'fait accompli'.

Unless there's a faster-growing weed, then surely the legalisation and proliferation of hemp cultivation everywhere as a 'carbon sink'would be a good idea.

We've got vast areas of moorland in the U.K. that could be used to cultivate it.

Great in cities too, as a way of absorbing pollution.

Planting more trees is great, but they take a long time to reach maturity.

As for plastics, we need to recycle more of it into 'glass'.
Apparently, the supplies of sand of the right kind are dwindling.

Lots of people still use their car for grocery shopping.
Afaik, we should use the supermarkets to deliver the heavy goods,and wherever possible, we should physically carry the lighter, more perishable items home.

Found out that tea bags don't compost anymore (the bags). Not only do they contain plastic, but they are bleached.
Yorkshire tea are trying to sort out the problems they have with their 'natural' bags, but until that happens I'm going to buy loose tea in a box and pop the leaves into our compost heap.

This seems like a good solution:

Just 10% of fossil fuel subsidy cash 'could pay for green transition'

But if got me to thinking... just how much taxpayers money are governments around the world investing in fossil fuels?

United States Spend Ten Times More On Fossil Fuel Subsidies Than Education

The report explains that fossil fuels account for 85% of all global subsidies and that they remain largely attached to domestic policy. Had nations reduced subsidies in a way to create efficient fossil fuel pricing in 2015, the International Monetary Fund believes that it “would have lowered global carbon emissions by 28 percent and fossil fuel air pollution deaths by 46 percent, and increased government revenue by 3.8 percent of GDP.”

But how much are we talking?

Well, in terms of direct subsidies, we're into the hundreds of billions:

Appreciate that's not UK figures... however, climate change is a global issue that unlike agenda driven politicians, gives no shits whatsoever about borders;

UK figures are less accessible, no doubt in part to transparency issues and creative accounting (we'll leave the role of tax havens in all of this for another day), however, data suggests the UK subsidizes fossil fuels to the tune of around $11,000,000,000 (£9,080,342,000) a year

But of course, there are many factors to consider beyond direct subsidies...

The study includes the negative externalities caused by fossil fuels that society has to pay for, not reflected in their actual costs. In addition to direct transfers of government money to fossil fuel companies, this includes the indirect costs of pollution, such as healthcare costs and climate change adaptation. By including these numbers, the true cost of fossil fuel use to society is reflected.

Something to remember in all of this given the UK's special relationship regardless of who's elected is that the US Military is the world's largest single polluter...

A huge chunk of foreign policy and military strategy for many countries involves protecting shipping lines for fossil fuels. The US military spends at least $81 billion a year protecting oil supplies. Meanwhile, there are no carrier groups defending wind turbine supply chains or a strategic silicon reserve for solar panels.

Factoring in the indirect costs as mentioned above, just how much is the fossil fuel industry subsidized every year?

Blimey, that's a lot of zeros

Found that my independent health food shop sells: recycled baking paper, aluminium foil, kitchen roll and loo paper (mmm not sure about that- haha). I've bought most of these.
The also sell biodegradable bin liners.

I'm doing my bit by having sold my hulking great Volvo & replaced it with another bike. I will probably regret this decision come winter, but that's future me's problem (the train station is only a mile away and is well connected). The car still obviously exists... but probably won't see a lot of action.

Super excited at having made 1500kWh of electricity with my solar panels since the beginning of April. With Yorkshire sun even. So excited that I’ve ordered an electric car.

I had to admit that I couldn’t quite do without a car first though, which was a bit sad. Even though I cycle all local trips and there’s a train line but there are a lot of journeys that don’t quite work still. Mountain biking trips were one thing and work trips to places that don’t have easy train routes. It’ll probably arrive once the sun goes in, but it’ll be ready to soak up the rays in the spring.

Also getting much better at getting cleaning products refilled now. And veg box delivery cuts down on the ‘must use a car to do a supermarket shop’. Toiletries switching is going well - wood toothbrush, solid shampoo and a cardboard tube deodorant that actually works are the new additions.

1 Million years from now, the earth will still be here & humans won't. Either by our own influence or some external source.
Do whatever makes you feel good, but the earth will be fine (probably better of without us actually).

Bumpity bump!

Have mentioned my local-ish zero waste shop before and it's great to see a new small business really taking off. Here's a pic of their huge refill station together with price list demonstrating that saving the planet can be affordable and not just for the well-off.

[img] [/img]

Suma Shampoo & Conditioner range 60p/100g
Faith in Nature Shampoo & Conditioner range £1.30/100g
Cole & Lewis / Eden Body Wash 65p/100g
Faith in Nature Body Wash £1.30/100g
Hand & Body Lotions 65p/100g
Ecoleaf Liquid Hand Soap 32p/100g
SESI Liquid Hand Soaps 62p/100g

SESI Washing Up Liquid 22p/100g
SESI Dishwasher Powder 40p/100g
SESI Rinse Aid 20p/100g
SESI All Purpose Cleaner 25p/100g
SESI Cream Cleanser 30p/100g
SESI Glass Cleaner 18p/100g
Ecoleaf Toilet Cleaner 20p/100g

SESI Biological Laundry Liquid 32p/100g
SESI Non-Bio Laundry Liquid 32p/100g
SESI Fabric Conditioner 22p/100g

Strong White Vinegar 12p/100g
Bicarb of Soda 15p/100g

Eco-friendly dish-washing scourers just not cutting it unfortunately and reviews for alternatives, of which there are plenty, seem very mixed. Has anyone found an alternative to plastic scourers that really do work?

Do update with your eco-friendly successes, failures would be helpful too!

I've been trying to use 'Maistic'. A hemp, no scratch scrubber.

It's fallen apart a bit.
The sewing that keeps the hemp together (over locking) has come away.

It's not ideal but still better than sponges (which I'm still using, until they run out.

Same!

Went car free last month. Bought a bicycle trailer for when we need to carry a bit more stuff, and will hire vans if we need to carry more than that.

We've been living practically car free since March, but my other half wanted the security of having it 'just in case'. I have to admit to relishing not worrying about paying out for tax, insurance, diesel, and repairs. We also took our first long trip away without it at the weekend and it was better in every way.

Been having suicidal thoughts, well it's a start.

Went car free last month. Bought a bicycle trailer for when we need to carry a bit more stuff, and will hire vans if we need to carry more than that.

We’ve been living practically car free since March, but my other half wanted the security of having it ‘just in case’. I have to admit to relishing not worrying about paying out for tax, insurance, diesel, and repairs. We also took our first long trip away without it at the weekend and it was better in every way.

Nice one! 😎

Bunnyhop and malteser oh dear! Funnily enough what I was using had the same as yours on one side but the other side was some kind of terry towelling. It hasn't fallen apart but can't cope with dishes that were soaked immediately after use.

Have seen some good reviews for coconut fibre scrub but they're £2 each. Flame away but this morning I bought 5 plastic scourers for £1.50, at least I know they will work!

lucasshmucas wow and would be interested to hear how you're finding it in, say, 6 months time. Have been wondering about hiring a car as and when needed due to mileage drastically reduced, getting a flat battery etc. Hard to justify purely for convenience and certainly food for thought.

Just a heads up that Faith In Nature are directly offering some products with 30% off. This includes the 5 litre (plastic) containers of body wash, shampoo and conditioner. Postage extra unless order value is over £55.

https://www.faithinnature.co.uk/departments/special-offers.aspx?deptid=SPECIALOFFERS

Always worth checking prices at Dolphin Fitness as they tend to be very competitive.

Happy shopping and do update this thread with your top tips, latest projects etc.

My latest purchase is silk tooth floss. It comes in a little container, into which you can put refills.

Also pleased that my local family run bakery has started putting the loaves they slice into bio degradable bags. We use sliced to cut down on food waste, by freezing bread and only taking out of the freezer the slices we need.

I'm aiming for zero waste in the food collection bag. (it only really holds potato peelings and tea bags atm). We're going onto loose leaf tea very soon, which can be composted, the bags had plastic in them.

Sounds good @Bunnyhop and you're doing more than me on the food collection front. Have always used loose tea and my local zero waste shop is now selling various types meaning you can experiment by buying small quantities.

Listened to the most inspiring podcast yesterday, actually everyone needs to listen to it. A UK stand up paddle boarder called Cal Major has achieved some incredible feats such as paddle boarding the length of the British coastline in order to draw attention to plastic waste. She's involved in all sorts of groups and projects by clearing the beaches of plastic, apparently in Scotland there is a serious problem with plastic as well as fishing nets etc.

Her boyfriend has made a film on her exploits and, get this, she has cycled around the UK to all the screenings and answered questions from the public.

Here's the link, just scroll down. It's essential listening:

https://www.asustainablelife.co.uk/12-days-of-sustainableish-day-3-plastic-freeish/

im pretty stunned that they were putting plastic in f*****g tea bags, wtaf! - however the pack purchased yesterday claims to be fully compostable (pg tips) even if it is still wrapped in poly

over the last year i have successfully ditched the disposable razors and remain silky smooth if a little bloody using a DE razor - still working my way through the plastic tub of soap, but that might have to be my next swap.

ive not managed to change my shopping habits (location) but have quickened up the fruit/veg section by only buying whats sold loose - there isnt much choice, so way less decisions

Thanks to this thread I have gone plastic free for bath times. Using those bamboo bags and Faith in Nature soap along with a shampoo soap. It is also great not having loads of plastic bottles around the bath. Got the OH to switch to soap, but conditioner and shampoo is proving harder to move from.

In the garden this year, I have created a dead hedge and put up lots of bug hotel type things along with a few more bird boxes. Really carefully thinking about my planting too, will only go for native and grown in the UK. Probably wont make a massive difference but hey ho.

soobalias - I only found out about the tea bags because I've always composted them. Then I noticed that they were left whole in the compost heap (minus tea contents). After some searching I found out that there is plastic in the bag construction.

So it looks as though my fab zero waste shop 'may be' moving to a far flung area that's around 3 times as far for driving. Boo. And boo again.

In other news, I followed a recipe for a facial moisturiser and it's turned out well. No plastic involved.

Kudos to @mrwhyte for his garden endeavours which will make a difference.

What's everyone been up to then?

Frequenting local farm shop & green grocers for all fresh goods, using reusable bags or containers on all visits there - need to get a bike trailer to cut down on car trips as they are both local to us.
Thinking of culling the children as they are an environmental disaster but can't choose which one.

Toilet rolls Ethical Consumer organisation has given open access to most of an article, it's normally behind a paywall. There's a fair bit to read and digest but am pleased to see there's some that's 100% recycled fibre from the UK.

https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/home-garden/shopping-guide/toilet-paper?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=twitter

I’ve mentioned elsewhere that the govt should allow supermarket delivery vans to use the bus, taxi and cycle lanes.

As for the supermarkets, they still predicate their packaging on families or couples buying their products.
More people live on their own and the portions offered are potentially wasteful.

A lot of the packaging in supermarkets could be optimised for frugality.
Sometimes I buy those 4 portion dipping trays..salsa, sour cream, cheese and chive, guacamole, etc.

Problem is, if you only want to scoff one corner with your nachos, you’ve really got no option, but to open all four corners.

And as for the nachos, it would be nice to see the supermarkets offering them in the same size, but with a perforation down the middle, so that you can choose to eat a whole packet of nachos or just half.

Likewise with packets of gnocchi. Most of the time, one packet is too much for just one person.

It was nice to see the royal family raising awareness of green issues at cop26.

But they’ve got to sort out their own backyard first:

https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/news/royal-family-golden-eagle-trap-photo-illegal-scotland-balmoral-grouse-shooting-a9058466.html

Most of the people who own these estates display an indifference, bordering on contempt for the environment.

They do, however look to the royals for leadership.

The royal family should send out a clear, positive message to us all about the benefits of hemp cultivation.

And as for the nachos, it would be nice to see the supermarkets offering them in the same size, but with a perforation down the middle, so that you can choose to eat a whole packet of nachos or just half.

This isn’t so much saving the planet, it’s saving you the bother of resealing the pack (or of storing in a kilner) 😉

Frugality is (IME) best helped by supporting fresh markets and packaging-free shops - with the focus on storing ingredients and prepping/cooking own food.

Salsa for instance is fast and easy to cook from fresh ingredients and/or tinned. Can’t remember the last time I bought ready-made salsa (admittedly was unimpressed with both the taste and packaging)

Here’s a weekend project:

Now you have a tortilla-press (an iron one is not expensive though, about £20) to cook as many (or as few) fresh, authentic chips as you like, for the rest of your days.

oh now thats cool.

Did anyone see this about how supermarkets putting doors on their refrigerators could save 1% of UK electricity.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-59141894

Did anyone see this about how supermarkets putting doors on their refrigerators could save 1% of UK electricity.

Been ****ing obvious for years, what sort of complete idiot then puts a hot air blower above an aisle of open chillers?

The Scotmid Co-op in our local town has just had a refit and replaced all the fridges and freezers with ones with doors.

Anyone near to Worcester City (shop) or (for delivery) to

Malvern +, Ledbury, Bishop's Frome, Bromyard - first Tuesday of the Month
Out as far as Bewdley - second Tuesday of the Month
Evesham & anywhere along the route - 3rd Tuesday of the month

You can now order for collection or delivery online:

https://www.packitin-zerowasteliving.co.uk/

Did anyone see this about how supermarkets putting doors on their refrigerators could save 1% of UK electricity.

Quite a few have doors now. Does anybody else walk around supermarkets closing all the doors that have been left open?

Did anyone see this about how supermarkets putting doors on their refrigerators could save 1% of UK electricity.

Does that number seem credible? I'm not doubting that there's an opportunity to save electricity by doing it - but 1% of ALL the UK's electricity? That would be an ENORMOUS amount of money, even without the planet supermarkets would surely have done that to benefit their bottom line. UK electricity demand is apparently 320,000 GWh [1] so 1% of that is 3200 GWh. Which at 10p per KWh (a very cheap price [2]) = £320M of missed savings between the supermarket chains.

[1] https://www.statista.com/statistics/323381/total-demand-for-electricity-in-the-united-kingdom-uk/
[2] https://powercompare.co.uk/electricity-prices/

@p7eaven:

It’s Sod’s law that anything stored in a container in my fridge is guaranteed to be neglected/ spoil.

Some people enjoy the convenience of convenience foods.

They’re also supporting the indigenous dip-farmers of olde Tesco towne.

Obviously, the whole salsa/ nachos thing was an example. But I’m guessing that once you’ve opened a pack of nachos, that’s going impinge on their shelf life.

Likewise my gnocchi.

I’d like to see the food manufacturers phase out their use glass jars (extra weight in transportation) and tin cans (too bloody lethal for this day and age).

You’d want your baked beans or spaghetti to be packaged in a biodegradable packet, perforated to reflect your culinary requirements.

I think there’s a more general concern with supermarkets not reflecting the change in demographics towards singletons.

Making nachos from scratch sounds fun/ messy.

Present company excepted, but people do get in a bit of a tizz about packaging.

There’s no reason why my nachos can’t be packaged in biodegradable hemp plastic.

The demand for hemp plastic will fuel the demand for hemp cultivation. Growing hemp will take co2 out of the atmosphere and eventually return it to the soil.

“According to Defra, UK Farming emits a total CO2 equivalent of 57
million tonnes in green house gases (GHG’s). UK agricultural land
use is 18.5 million hectares. This amounts to an average of around
3.1 tonnes of CO2 per hectare total embodied emissions.
In comparison, one hectare of industrial hemp can absorb 15 tonnes
of CO2 per hectare. It is possible to grow to two crops per year so
CO2 absorption can be doubled.” (European Institute for Hemp Cultivation).

It seems like a virtuous cycle, growing hemp and making everything out of it.
Win-win?

I’m starting to read up on the carbon cycle. I guess that some items, like hemp packaging are returned to the soil quicker than others (clothes).

How quickly do they release co2 as they decompose?

The only downside to me from hemp cultivation is that it apparently attracts lightning. (Scary!)

Had to ask for the thread to be reopened, the last post was 2 years ago!

This link may be of interest to some and there's plenty to read. Currently looking into this and would very much like to support a local farm by purchasing their meat.

https://www.pastureforlife.org/

Link for raw milk producers:

https://rawmilkproducers.co.uk/

Save our farms!