be eco friendly. I’m Brenda. I live in Ashingdon and have just joined Scooploop today. Here are the things myself and a group of neighbours are committed to doing where possible.
Reduce energy use
1. Turn off lights and unplug devices when not in use.
Switch to LED bulbs.
Use a programmable thermostat.
Wash clothes in cooler water when possible.
2. Cut down on waste
Avoid single-use plastics (bags, bottles, utensils).
Use reusable items—water bottle, coffee cup, shopping bags.
Start composting food scraps if you can. We have food waste boxes now in our area.
Reuse containers and jars instead of throwing them out.
3. Choose greener products
Opt for biodegradable cleaning supplies or make your own (vinegar + baking soda).
Buy items with minimal or recyclable packaging.
Repair before replacing.

Walk, bike, or use public transit as often as possible.
Share car journeys when possible.
Combine errands into a single trip.
If you drive, keep tyres inflated and car maintained for efficiency.
Eat more plant-based meals (even one or two per week helps).
Buy local or seasonal produce.
Reduce food waste—plan meals and store food properly.
Bring your own containers for leftovers or bulk shopping.
Take shorter showers.
Fix leaks quickly.
Use a water-efficient showerhead.
Only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads.
Buy higher-quality items that last longer.
Support eco-conscious brands or second-hand shops.
Avoid impulse purchases—ask yourself if you’ll use it more than 20 times.

.....& then falling short. IT`S BEEN HAPPENING FOR A LONGTIME.
Thatcher’s inquiring mind demanded a scientific briefing about the dangers of the hole in the ozone layer, and subsequently on another even greater potential catastrophe, climate change! In November 1989, Margaret Thatcher addressed the United Nations about the threat of climate change!!! Thatcher and other European leaders warned that the world was headed for disaster if it did not cut down on the use of fossil fuels.
It was clear from the beginning that Thatcher’s understanding of the science clashed with her ideology. Curbing the free market was not going to happen.
Instead, she did what all politicians do – diverted attention by creating something else. In this case, it was the Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction and Research, to study the subject better.
BUT...The centre is now one of our world-renowned institutions.

Sadly, grey squirrel numbers are increasing. They strip the bark off and can severely damage or kill even large trees.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gznnl41mxo

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2xz8r7egpo

https://yorkshirebylines.co.uk/news/environment/the-effects-of-human-activity-on-woodland/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0r1de24pdgo

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clyr1qr9796o?at_campaign=crm&at_medium=emails&at_campaign_type=owned&at_objective=conversion&at_ptr_name=salesforce&at_ptr_type=media&at_creation=[87759_PANUK_DIV_22_NEW_PoliticsEssential230_RET_COHORT]-20250530-[bbcnews_willanyonemissacouncilfloodcommittee_newsengland]

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/15LqZFWXPp/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://observer.co.uk/culture/interviews/article/hanna-bourne-taylor-qa

https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/news/manx-wildlife-trust-restore-largest-area-rainforest-date

https://act.38degrees.org.uk/act/swifts-petition?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwKLCYRjbGNrAosJfGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAAEeNmisSizWBCbpzxu2_tfet4jC48pjk_o13EBx6mMHHEEwfW35iprDSVwKWsc_aem_yppP1OkmB667ih4CJBQNBQ

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bronte-country-to-become-countrys-newest-national-nature-reserve

Safeguards needed for Environmental Delivery Plans for developers.
https://action.wildlifetrusts.org/page/169472/petition/1?locale=en-GB

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/02/win-win-farmers-how-rewetting-peatland-boost-crops-cut-co2

Donations to The Tree Council will be matched by The Big Give. Ends Tuesday.
https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05WS000002AlFpYAK

https://www.bto.org/our-science/projects/blackbirds-gardens/taking-part

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/22/activate-climate-silent-majority-support-supercharge-action?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
Quotes from the article..
1)The global average of those willing to contribute 1% of their income was 69%.
2) People in China, the world’s biggest polluter, were among the most concerned, with 97% saying its government should do more to fight climate and evenb in the US it`s as high as 74%
3)Politicians suffer from serious misperceptions. In the US, almost 80% of congressional staffers underestimated people’s support for limits on carbon emissions.
4)Perception gaps can have real consequences – they could mean that climate policies are not as ambitious as the public sentiment.
5)Substantial evidence exists that correcting mistaken beliefs about the views of others can change people’s views on many subjects, from opinions on immigrants to environmental topics. This is because people are instinctively drawn to majority views and are more likely to do something if they think others are doing it too.

https://www.itv.com/news/2025-04-20/renewables-rollout-making-uk-electricity-supply-more-british-analysis-finds?fbclid=IwY2xjawJ17yxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFOamdwOEgzNFRoTHFOUHBlAR4akA2OQitW84rqzNtqalFnfxLqeLyrEctNFamLmn6W-nFEX0eXHtxorCHsaQ_aem_vKnwSy9oubG8Y9WrDwaSDg
Useful article when climate deniers and "we can`t afford to be green"ers on here and elsewhere start whingeing.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/17/revealed-worlds-largest-meat-company-jbs-may-break-amazon-deforestation-pledges-again

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/15/europe-storms-floods-and-wildfires-in-2024-affected-more-than-400000?CMP=share_btn_url

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cewgypewepno

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/716095

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/11/london-development-shows-harmony-between-nature-and-housing

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/mar/27/dying-fish-polluted-water-and-a-terrible-stench-the-french-firm-accused-of-dumping-toxic-waste-in-colombias-wetlands

Was sent this

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Mvh7YctY3/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Project by Northumbrian Water.
Work has started on a world-first project which will see poo turned into fuel for aircraft.
A team of research experts from Northumbrian Water are currently developing the ground-breaking project, which will transform algae grown in domestic sewage into sustainable aviation fuel.
Named the “Green Machine”, the innovation will see experts using algae to extract nitrogen and phosphorous from wastewater, recover it and then convert it into sustainable fuels.
The project, which has used a £6.5m investment from the water company, will help to reduce environmental impacts of waste treatment and will save up to £1m per year in operational costs.
Northumbrian Water is leading the development of the project to scale up the algal treatment of wastewater and is working with partners at American-based company, BrightWave, and filtration experts at Liqoflux.
It is hoped that the Green Machine will be trialled at Bran Sands Treatment Works, in Teesside, by the summer of 2025.
Angela MacOscar, Head of Innovation at Northumbrian Water Group, said: “The Green Machine is set to revolutionise the way we treat waste, and we are incredibly excited that we have started work on this brand new project.
“With our ‘Power from Poo’ project, where we create green energy using the sludge that is left over from wastewater treatment, we have already shown that we are leading the industry in pushing the boundaries of innovation – and this is set to be carried forward with this project.
“Not only will this help to develop a value-added product, but it will also help to boost us forward towards our own net zero goals and help us to achieve our net zero ambitions.”
Tim Shaw, President at BrightWave, added: “BrightWave is thrilled to support Northumbrian Water in this innovative and important project. It will be one of Europe's largest indoor algae-based initiatives and a model for future applications.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-03-10/36968

The Chalk Stream Recovery Pack is a DEFRA document outlining the policy roadmap to protect and restore England’s unique chalk streams
It exists. It was set for publication in 2023. The government shelved it
Now there is a petition to publish it.

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/711368

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/27/pet-fur-found-in-songbird-nests-contains-high-levels-of-pesticides-study-finds

Capturing water from fog - on a large scale - could provide some of the driest cities in the world with drinking water.

This what researchers in Chile have concluded after studying the potential of fog harvesting in the desert city of Alto Hospicio in the north of the country.

Average rainfall in the region is less than 0.19in (5mm) per year.

More here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgw3l7p79po

This isn't really news, but the dishonesty aspect has hit the headlines recently.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdxnpzzjed1o?twclid=2-7kbh8h541an9c8rn2fxpg3eeg

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/three-men-arrested-in-connection-with-hoads-wood-illegal-waste-dumping

https://globalsolidaritylevies.org/?utm_term=67a4a57095f499be4b3c5715827ebd0f&utm_campaign=DownToEarth&utm_source=esp&utm_medium=Email&CMP=greenlight_email

https://www.commondreams.org/news/billionaire-emissions?utm_campaign=en-oil_20220202&utm_content=318489450&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&hss_channel=tw-15193285&s=09

https://www.energylivenews.com/2025/01/06/uk-power-was-cleanest-ever-in-2024/

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/04/climate-driven-sea-level-rise-set-to-flood-major-oil-ports?CMP=share_btn_url

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx275510wn8o

CalMac’s emissions analysis shows that the dual-fuel Glen Sannox will emit 10,391 equivalent tonnes of CO2 annually, compared to 7,732 tonnes for MV Caledonian Isles. While the new vessel boasts greater car capacity, its larger engines contribute to the increased emissions, as does the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG), which emits methane—a greenhouse gas with a much greater global warming potential than CO2.

https://scottishbusinessnews.net/scotlands-green-ferry-produces-more-emissions-than-diesel-predecessor/

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/dec/28/english-wildlife-could-disappearing-dark-lack-scrutiny

Huge deal struck but is it enough? 5 takeaways from a dramatic COP29 https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp35rrvv2dpo

I found this interesting and reassuring.
Inside the London landmark where they're trying to save the Earth https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crlrxzl6y6lo

It's not exactly a radical move, but it has finally happened. I received this news release today.

Havant Borough Council declares climate emergency

A climate emergency has been declared by Havant Borough Council during a meeting held of the Full Council on Wednesday 20 November.

Councillors agreed to a motion that commits the council to do everything within its power to take the steps to become a greener borough.

The need for urgent and transformative action has been identified as a priority following a shift in the political balance of the council following the election earlier this year when members of the Labour Party, Liberal Democrat Party and Green Party formed an alliance to take on a new political leadership.

Proposer of the motion, Councillor Grainne Rason, who is Cabinet Lead for Climate Emergency, Environment and Water Quality, said “The risk from extreme weather events, that may have an impact on our residents, businesses, and the environment, is escalating.

“We recognise the urgent threat of climate change to the borough, particularly due to its 56 km coastline, making many areas vulnerable to rising sea levels and flooding. This council has a responsibility to demonstrate leadership within our own estate and in our messaging to residents.”

Both the UK Government and Hampshire County Council declared a climate emergency that aims for net-zero emissions by 2050.

Havant Borough Council will also aim to achieve this through future policies, strategies, and action plans supporting a fair and just transition to a green economy, promoting green jobs, sustainable business practices, and workforce training. The council will also support the efforts of others in their efforts to become net-zero.

What is Net Zero?
Net Zero is cutting our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as close to zero as possible. This means reducing our emissions to avoid adding to the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Not all emissions can be reduced to zero, so any that remain can be offset by removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Examples of ways to do this include planting trees, renewable energy generation and by trading in carbon units.


My comment:
I'm not convinced about trading in carbon units. I'm happy to be proved wrong, but it seems to be another way to make money without achieving much and probably producing more greenhouse gases in the process.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/14/nature-carbon-sink-collapse-global-heating-models-emissions-targets-evidence-aoe

Good for her...
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/nov/13/barbados-pm-mia-mottley-donald-trump-climate-meeting-invitation?utm_term=6735e775914bd66495e32bd3f6328108&utm_campaign=DownToEarth&utm_source=esp&utm_medium=Email&CMP=greenlight_email

https://theconversation.com/what-trump-can-do-to-reverse-us-climate-policy-and-what-he-probably-cant-change-243129

I was very pleased to see that Boots now recycle foil medication blister packs so I dowloaded the app. They even offer points as a reward. It’s only at limited branches and it’s the most unwieldy scheme I’ve ever encountered. You have to photograph each empty pack and they approve them (or not). Stupid, feel it might be a bit of greenwashing going on here. Has anyone else tried it?

I have seen lots of photos of fungi recently, but not much local, until I found these perfect specimens of parasols. I have since discovered they are edible and, apparently, delicious.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/29/wildlife-trusts-buy-rothbury-estate-in-largest-land-sale-in-england-in-30-years

The Daily Mail headline?
Urgent warning to Britons as more than 50 different species of spider are found in a nature reserve - including one that has NEVER been seen there before.

One is only 3mm long and all are harmless.
No wonder nature is declining at an alarming rate.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjdlng5emgzo.amp

This should not be a surprise to anyone. There have been warnings for decades and, despite a lot of talk, very little has been done to improve things. There have been moves towards renewable energy and some remarkable tree planting projects, but they have been undermined by increased energy demands, including from more travel, larger and heavier cars, more cruises, more flights and increased deforestation, both in rainforests and nearer to home.

It hasn't been helped by the disinformation campaign by fossil fuel companies to convince the gullible that global warming / climate change / chaos is a hoax and lobbying governments not to implement policies that would harm fossil fuel businesses. And there are still people who say it is all a hoax, either because they are not capable of rational thought or they have a vested interest in profiting from fossil fuels.

As is stated in the article, some of the additional demand for electricity is being met by burning fossil fuels. If the problem was too expensive to do anything about when David Cameron said we needed to "cut the green crap" in 2013, it is more expensive now and solutions will become increasingly expensive in the future because the situation is getting worse.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn0d24w28qno