Talking green energy in the home, with Times Radio

Hugo Rifkind, Times Radio, Saturdays 10am - 1pm Imagine my wife's delight when someone else actually volunteered to listen to me talking about green issues. She got half an hour off on a Saturday morning, and I got an interesting discussion with others far more qualified than me, ranging from the value of solar panels … Continue reading Talking green energy in the home, with Times Radio →

What can I do to have the greatest impact?

Photo by Markus Spiske Let's not pretend we can save the planet by rejecting plastic straws or switching our detergent, or even off-setting a 'business as usual' approach. The truth is we've left it too late for any response but the most urgent and far-reaching, involving each and every one of us. 'We are now … Continue reading What can I do to have the greatest impact? →

The greatest opportunity ever wasted

Photo by Anne Nygard Everyone agrees that the misery of COVID-19 presents an opportunity. Never has it been more necessary to reset our broken world, and never has there been more willingness amongst the public. Policies that only recently were inconceivable, from mothballing airports to shutting us in our homes, have become reality. Consumers and … Continue reading The greatest opportunity ever wasted →

Why offsetting isn’t the answer we think it is

Small steps... Offsetting via a reputable organisation is better than nothing, but mustn't impede real emissions REDUCTIONS.Be consistent: if you recognise the need to offset your flying, consider offsetting your other carbon-based activities as well, from driving to heating your home. That way the cost (and raised awareness) will only help encourage the necessary REDUCTIONS.Challenge … Continue reading Why offsetting isn’t the answer we think it is →

It’s good to talk

Small steps... Demonstrate the change you want to see.Take what opportunities arise to talk about it; be an unashamed ambassador for your choices. The quiet power of the ripple effect(photo by Jordan McDonald) Three recently witnessed events that highlight to me how far we have to go: Sitting in our school car park waiting for … Continue reading It’s good to talk →

To fly or not to fly

Small steps... Recognise the true cost of a plane ticket beyond the purely financial.Wherever possible, swap the plane for a train.Protest against any airport expansion until the current infrastructure is carbon-neutral and running at capacity.Encourage businesses to reduce flights and offset.Don't be a frequent flyer but, if you have to go by plane, go economy, … Continue reading To fly or not to fly →

Green electricity – Part 2

Small steps... Wherever possible, REDUCE ENERGY USE.Get your electricity from a supplier offering '100% renewable' power.Better still, distinguish between the truly green suppliers and the 'greenwashed': sign up to one that directly invests in renewable generation. There's green and then there's GREEN.(Photo by Annabelle Tipper) For years, I've cheerfully subscribed to 100% green tariffs on … Continue reading Green electricity – Part 2 →

Driving electric – Part 2

For those who've asked, a bit more on the numbers: It's been almost three weeks since we picked up our Nissan Leaf, long enough to accumulate some first-hand experience, and also to slightly broaden my understanding of EV use in general. First and foremost, I love it. And my wife loves it. For a couple … Continue reading Driving electric – Part 2 →

Driving electric

Small steps... Wherever possible, walk, cycle or take the bus.Recognise the real cost of just nipping out to the shops - plan your logistics to eliminate unnecessary journeys.If you need a car, go electric - with grants and interest-free loans. My favourite post so far... Transport is the main cause of air pollution in our … Continue reading Driving electric →