Our 5.4kW array soaking up the sunshine I'm frequently asked whether I'd recommend PV panels, especially since the incentive of the Feed in Tariff (FiT) was lost in spring 2019. So after about sixteen months of living with ours, this seems a good time to offer a summary. I'll start by saying that, while I'm … Continue reading Solar panels – are they worth it?
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
Where have all the leaders gone?
Photo by Annie Spratt There are terrifying parallels between our Government’s response to the Coronavirus and their response to the climate emergency. On Monday 12th March, 2020, our Prime Minister stood before the country and acknowledged that ‘many more families would lose loved ones’. Four days later, he told us all to ‘avoid pubs, clubs, … Continue reading Where have all the leaders gone?
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
Give fear a chance
Photo by Thomas Ehling Telling people how to live their lives isn't always popular, which is why many environmentalists prefer carrot to stick. We aren't going to fix this by telling people they are doing the wrong things.Chris Stark, Chief Executive of the UK Committee on Climate Change Instead, they want to elicit change by … Continue reading Give fear a chance
Which party will save the planet?
Action: VOTE! Photo by Heather Mount It’s THE issue of our age - perhaps even the issue of our species - so the increased attention on the environment in this election is long overdue. And with the experts warning again and again that we need strong leadership with urgent, radical policies, the actions of our … Continue reading Which party will save the planet?
Toilet paper – One small wipe for a man; one giant smack in the face for mankind?
Small steps... Check the virgin wood fibre content of your toilet paper, eg. via an FSC certification.Try one of the cheaper, more sustainable and more hygienic alternatives to paper, as used by the world's vast majority.If your butt insists on paper, go for a brand made from 100% recycled wood fibre. Photo by Fikri Rasyid … Continue reading Toilet paper – One small wipe for a man; one giant smack in the face for mankind?
Wood – carbon neutral fuel, or climate red herring?
One regular cause of friction in our house is the lighting. My wife would happily light up the entire house even when sitting in just one room, whereas I’m all for the easy wins when it comes to saving energy so walk around turning them off. After all our years together we’ve settled into a … Continue reading Wood – carbon neutral fuel, or climate red herring?
Why worry about saving energy on a green tariff?
Photo by Tim Foster As you'd expect from someone frantic enough to write a blog about the state of the climate and the mass extinction of life on earth, we're signed up to a 100% green electricity tariff. So we used to think that, as long as we could afford the bills, it didn't actually … Continue reading Why worry about saving energy on a green tariff?
But what about China?
Photo by Chuttersnap "The climate fight will be won or lost in countries like China and India, not here in the UK - we're a tiny fraction of the problem and already leading the world in our carbon reductions. So why risk our jobs and economy? Why limit our lives? Why disrupt our cities with … Continue reading But what about China?
Positively Green 