I think more needs to be done to encourage car drivers that are not going anywhere to switch off the engine and not have it idling.
There was something on tv a few weeks ago about school children telling the waiting mums to turn their engines off while they are waiting.
I've also noticed quite a few times, drivers get in their car and first thing they do is turn the engine on. Then they faf about for seeming ages (probably only minutes) before eventually pulling away.Today dad was riding his mobility scooter on the path and wanted to go onto the road as it was a less busy one. About 50 metres ahead we saw a man get into his car and heard the engine start. I said to dad, "Just wait for him to go, then you can go". We waited for several minutes. F... knows what he was doing. Told dad to go anyway. Lost patience waiting for him.

After following up a recent link from a post in this group, I signed up for a newsletter from The Ecologist. This morning I received an e-mail encouraging me to buy tee shirts made from organic cotton.

My response:
The tee shirts may be made from organic cotton (how reliable is the certification?) but cotton plants are notoriously thirsty and cotton farming has caused environmental disasters. Have you heard of the Aral Sea? Dyeing and bleaching cotton also uses vast amounts of water and causes pollution of rivers from factory outfalls.
Should you be encouraging people to buy yet more cotton tee shirts when they probably don’t wear all those they already have?

This morning's announcement of a moratorium on fracking in the UK means, in practice, that England is finally joining the more sensible Scots, Irish and Welsh, who'd already stopped it. It comes as a great relief, though.
https://www.theguardian.pe.ca/business/reuters/in-seismic-shift-britain-orders-immediate-moratorium-on-fracking-371213/

Just been announced. This was one if Extinction Rebellions key demands. I don’t think this is as all encompassing as XR wanted but it is a start. Would love to get selected!

Not sure how I first encountered this extension to Chrome but it initially sounded very like Ecosia (which seems to function as a Chrome extension), so I asked for illumination.

Apparently the distinction is that, whereas Ecosia is a general search engine, TreeClicks' promise to plant free trees in India with most of the advertising income gained from our using the shops etc which have signed up to their scheme is triggered by online shopping. Using both results in yet more trees being planted, which sounds admirable.
https://www.treeclicks.com/

Think&Do…coming to our high street this Saturday

Following one of the recommendations from Camden Council’s recently convened Citizens Assembly: “to mobilise community”, we are thrilled to have been asked by Camden Council to co-design a pop up community space which is opening next week in Kentish Town. Yes, you read it right - next week.

Based in the old Flapjacks cafe, Think&Do will be a community space for Climate and Eco Action. Open for 6 weeks every Thursday-Saturday, midday to 8pm, Think&Do will be a bustling hub of Imagination workshops, energy forums, ideas for greening up, share and repair, transport and pollution campaigning, fashion up-cycling, film-screening, a school wall, mapping workshops, and Saturday surplus suppers cooked with Vegbox: a space for us, the community, to come together to co-create ideas to address the Climate and Ecological Emergency in Camden. There will even be an energy bike to power a string of solar lights! Come and burn up some calories.

Our community space for climate and eco action, which we are co-designing with the council, will be open from this Saturday.

Do join us on Saturday for a day of pallet furniture making, community mapping and painting a kids school wall. There will be a shared lunch, or just feel free to pop in at any time on Saturday for a tea/coffee to take a quick look.

We will send a newsletter out soon with next week’s highlights. This will include: a wildflower workshop 3:30-5pm on 8/11 followed by an inspiring talk from Power Up North London on renewable energy 6pm-8pm. There will be a giant clothes swop on Saturday 9/11 followed by a Rewilding Camden veg box shared meal on 9/11 5-8pm.

Watch out for news on weaving workshops, letters to the earth, retrofitting, school debates, culture declares, laughter yoga… lots of events aimed at unleashing the power of our imagination, and bringing the community together to respond to the Climate Emergency.

If you would like to offer a workshop/talk contact debbiebourne21@gmail.com.

I have rather a wide definition of sustainability, so I think that this topic belongs here, but others may differ.
May we please discuss this before I share the particular idea that prompted the preliminary question?

https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/sites/default/files/flipbook/Issue181Preview/?+Monthly+Newsletter+2019_newsletter+non+sub_COPY&utm_term=0_9856040c29-d5b2282dc6-321073353
Does anyone take this magazine? I keep thinking I should! Each preview has been interesting.

The Ocean Cleanup have been developing a technological solution to cleaning plastic from the world's oceans. On Saturday was revealed the secret project they have been working on for four or five years: how to stop river-borne plastic debris from reaching the oceans.

The result is The Interceptor, a fully-autonomous, solar-powered system for cleaning rivers of floating waste.

If you can afford the time, make yourself a cup of tea or coffee, and watch the video of the launch event. It's nearly 26 minutes long, but it explains the problem, and demonstrates the solution, far better than I could by pointing you at shorter clips or text pages. It is a very easy watch, even if Boyan Slat, the organisation's founder, does sound a little smug on occasions -- but he has every right to be: what they have created is amazing.

"Boyan Slat unveils The Ocean Cleanup Interceptor"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyZArQMFhQ4

If you don't have time for that video, there is a text summary, and links to further information, available on their website:

https://theoceancleanup.com/updates/the-ocean-cleanup-unveils-plan-to-address-the-main-source-of-ocean-plastic-pollution-rivers/


Being at the intersection of engineering and environmental issues, this is right up my street! If you would like to learn more, look at their website, and also these (short!) YouTube videos which show a lot more of the story.

The prototype system:

RIVERS | INTERCEPTOR 001 | Cleaning In Jakarta

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6bHhCNj6Fg

The first production system -- which also shows how the Interceptor can be shipped around the world in shipping containers and assembled on site:

RIVERS | INTERCEPTOR 002 | Cleaning In Malaysia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkQLwcYhBu4

The 7-borough North London Waste Authority made what sounded like a reasonable case for burning compostable 'plastic' waste (eg food waste bags) recently but it's burning a lot more than that. So there's a campaign to stop the boroughs automatically investing in a much bigger, replacement incinerator but rethink how this waste is tackled, including much better sorting systems and to prevent any future incinerator from blandly polluting the atmosphere. It looks worth supporting.

https://stop-edmonton-incinerator.org/

https://skepticalscience.com/denial101x-videos-and-references.html

This website has links to a whole range of videos and materials on climate change. They are focused on evidence to challenge the claims by climate change deniers - and we have a few of those on

Oxford City Council like many other councils declared a climate emergency. They decided to hold a Citizens’ Assembly to consider a key question about whether they could be more ambitious than the government in setting a target for lowering carbon emissions. They decided that they could. Citizens Assemblies are one of Extinction Rebellion’s key demands. This link is worth looking at - it shows the assembly in action - who was consulted, briefing papers, presentations, questions. I found it very interesting and encouraging.

https://www.oxford.gov.uk/citizensassembly

Looks like Lonicera missed a day!🤣 Go plastic free on Global Handwashing Day! Of course the obvious answer to plastic free hand/body washing is a bar of soap but here`s an alternative....
https://www.treehugger.com/cleaning-organizing/go-plastic-free-global-handwashing-day.html?utm_source=TreeHugger+Newsletters&utm_campaign=5464575ebc-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_11_16_2018_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_32de

This Saturday (19th October) 11-3 @St Andrew’s Centre . See link for more details and other cafés.

http://www.wiseuptowaste.org.uk/reuse/repair-cafés/

https://phys.org/news/2019-09-ocean-plastic-ships.html?fbclid=IwAR0DqalIN47N4tOIL7FndX7dPLshy0pZwNQ1TrPzXnnFhgapIG7HWtPoY2I

enter your postcode and see what its like
https://addresspollution.org/
addresspollution.org uses data from King’s College London to give every address in London an accurate, annualised reading of Nitrogen Dioxide. An easy to understand Air Quality Report then details specific Health and Financial Costs for living there.

Lots of interesting stuff with this warning at the heart of their mission,

“Despite the well-funded disinformation efforts of irresponsible, self-interested individuals and companies, there is no substantive controversy about the reality of climate change nor the human cause. Civilization has triggered the 6th Great Extinction Event, and we are on track to lose 30-50% of all species on Earth by the middle of this century, and much more after that. This is damaging the biosphere to the point where the planet may become uninhabitable for humans, and certainly one where it will become increasingly difficult to feed ourselves, even in the most prosperous nations, when we are hit hard by increasing drought over coming years.”

https://www.scientistswarning.org/the-warning/

well that took some doing of techi things I've never done before - hope it works

https://www.facebook.com/asha.ranchod/videos/10157736333997728/

Here’s the details: https://www.socialeurope.eu/a-novel-european-green-new-deal-to-tackle-climate-change?

https://repair.eu/

Saw this on another site. Conkers are full of saponin apparently (natural soap). Came across a haul of conkers today so am giving it a go. If they are effective then it seems a cheap, non polluting way of washing ones clothes. Will let you know how I get on.

http://www.simplyklaire.com/2019/01/16/switching-from-soap-nuts-to-conkers/

It's estimated that millions of old electronic devises are disposed in landfills, rather then recycled. Computer Access New Zealand is aware of the old devices disposed in New Zealand, that's why it started an annual eDay initiative, the day when people can bring their devices for recycling.

Every year over 1 million devices are introduced in New Zealand, while 16 million more are already in use. The old devices are usually disposed, rather then being recycled. And disposal of electronic devices without an appropriate treat harms nature and may cause serious health issues, if a human, an animal or a bird comes into contact with its chemicals.

eDay was started in New Zealand to overcome the problem of electronic devices disposal. The initiative was started in 2006 at one location only. Around 119,000 lb (54 tonnes) of old computers, cell phones and other non-biodegradable electronic material were gathered. During the next years the event was extended to more locations to gather more old devices. New Zealanders come to dispose their electronic devices every year on October 4.

I have quite a few used cassette tapes.
Do people still use them or can they be recycled?

https://rebellion.earth/event/international-rebellion-uk-action-continues-7-october-2019/

Two weeks of disruptive action in Central London.

Two thoughts from their website:

‘Respect existence or expect resistance ‘ and

‘If not you, who? If not now, when?’

I’m planning to take part in this protest. I am a bit nervous because the police are said to be preparing for more arrests this time and I don’t really want a criminal record. I’ve always been incredibly law-abiding. BUT perhaps it’s time to protest. I am truly scared by the way the natural world is changing - things I see with my own eyes - fewer birds, insects, and other wildlife. Unpredictable weather, hurricanes, flooding, heat waves. I feel able-bodied older people need to take a stand - not because we created the mess - but because we CAN - we are often time-rich, don’t have jobs to lose, and no parents to worry and embarrass. In essence it doesn’t matter if I get arrested.

Bought a Sainsburys crustless quiche lorraine today. Previously the box had a plastic window so you could see the quiche. The new boxes don't have the plastic window so I could recycle the whole thing without having to tear out the plastic and bin it.

Link is to a Friends of the Earth post. We probably know most of it by now but might be useful to some of you, especially new members. The difficulty lies in putting it into practice.

https://friendsoftheearth.uk/plastics/living-without-plastic?

Entry in village magazine:

Last six month from textile bank Village Hall received £312.00

We only a small village about 1200 residents.

Looks like there is a lot of recycling going on in every town.

Fire fighters also do textile recycling.

Protect the River Lambourn from "treated sewage" discharge" and wanted to ask if you could add your name too.


https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/protect-the-river-lambourn-from-treated-sewage-discharge?share=68f7f64f-6ed9-4233-9f21-61ab0a6e7d1c

Freedom from Hunger Day is observed every year on September 28. The observance was initiated by international organization Freedom from Hunger, the first activities relating to this day were held in 2006.

Freedom from Hunger is an international nonprofit nongovernmental organization headquartering in Davis, California, United States. The organization operates in 19 different countries, where hunger threatens adults and children: Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Ecuador, Ghana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Madagascar, Mali, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Senegal and Togo.

Freedom from Hunger Day was observed for the first time in Yolo County on the 60th anniversary of foundation of the organization. September 28 was proclaimed to be a memorial day in the whole state of California. Although observance of Freedom from Hunger Day didn't achieve official status, various information about the hunger appears on the official website of the organization.

Every one of seven suffers from chronic hunger or malnutrition in the world. The maximum rate of mortality from hunger is observed in the countries with high population density and lack of natural resources.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/easybetter/easy-wash-simple-and-fast-wash-and-dry?ref=68e3o0&utm_source=jellop&ja=jcf&utm_term=017.jcf&utm_content=Easy_wash-VD02&utm_medium=facebook&fbclid=IwAR0A5ADCwpNbfGEECqjy41

My latest email from GreenRedeem advertising their online shop.

https://shop.greenredeem.co.uk/

Hello solar and storage supporters,

Thank you for signing the petition to halt the solar and storage VAT hike.

It has had amazing response, having now gathered over 17,500 signatures.

Since the petition was launched in May however, we have a new Chancellor in office, and
have seen no indication of HMRC scrapping the planned increase. Which is now imminent — due to come in from 1st October.

So today we have published an open letter to Sajid Javid, citing the support we have had from you, and cosigned by our friends at 10:10 Climate Action, Friends of the Earth and the Renewable Energy Association, calling again for the move to be stopped.

You can read the letter here. Feel free to share with your social networks, friends and family, along with the original petition which is still open to sign here.

Thank you,

Ian McKee

Good Energy


----------Sorry link does not open ------

World Contraception Day Date in the current year: September 26, 2019
World Contraception Day World Contraception Day is annually observed on September 26. This day was observed for the first time in 2007, when it was initiated by ten international family planning organizations.

All international non-governmental organizations, that support observance of World Contraception Day, have a vision of a world where every pregnancy is wanted. Observation of this day raises public awareness of the means of contraception.

Sex educative programs are targeted at young people, including minors. Awareness of contraception and reproductive health will let avoid unplanned pregnancy, abortions and spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

Organizations responsible for observance of World Contraception Day call on conducing educational activities on the issues of sex education and family planning. These activities also draw attention to the problems arising due to neglecting the means of contraception. This event is organized under the motto “Contraception: it's your life, it's your responsibility”.

I have some old watches which are beyond economical repair but probably full of recyclable bits. How do others recycle them?

We should, of course, be recycling without a specific week to remind us, but a kick up the butt is often useful.

https://www.recyclenow.com/recycle-week-2019?

Christmas card scheme.

To save many cards.

Asked everybody to bring one Christmas card at next meeting. Collect cards and hand out at random. Write on top --to plus your name--keep the envelop and hand around card for all others to sign. Repeat in December for missed signing.

I have got many cards all signed by members of clubs/groups and it is a very nice memory to look at in years to come.

How/where do i dispose of a bottle of this ?

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/sep/22/tiny-changes-might-seem-insignificant-but-they-save-planet?

This is a programme worth watching. Watched it this morning and there was an interview with a woman named Seven who gave a speech to the UN aged 12 way before Greta Thunberg found her excuse to bunk off school.
She is no relation to Seven of Nine.
https://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/planet-sos/

Probably ignored because companies can make more money other ways.Like selling us electric cars!😠
It`s typical that technology-like this- that already exisits, is being ignored.
Share it!! The more people are aware of this and other eco-technologies the better!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mb_8DJF6Hp0&list=FLfhk0yZsDW8PBZv2YZHjEaA&index=4&t=0s&fbclid=IwAR26yy-yTa0lbnduFM2rkSryK6Kl9_dhwiLxbTDaGkuAN7CzlDbj6a6b4eA

I use two companies when I want to send flowers or a floral tribute - English Petal and Herb and Bloom and Wild.

I was very interested to read about this forthcoming book and am pleased to support their cause. Some interesting information here, even if you cannot pledge.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sarahdiligent/a-guide-to-floral-mechanics?ref=thanks-copy

https://www.ecowatch.com/conservation-group-buys-sequoia-2640439180.html And you can donate if you like!

https://ukscn.org/?source=gpuk_live?fbclid=IwAR3bVuDawwCqqKMecwAlEuxJtJx0lrF50U7zcvct1hpWyLKgr8z5vuaLcFU

https://www.facebook.com/theguardian/videos/vb.10513336322/511461779628725/?type=2&theater

Clean Up the World is a global campaign that is annually held on the third weekend in September. The campaign lasts for three days, starting on Friday, and it involves an estimated 35 million people in 130 countries around the world.

The campaign was started by the Clean Up Australia, a non-profit environmental conservation organization, in 1993. The organization decided to take the concept to the global level and its efforts had success. Millions of volunteers around the world annually gather to clean up their communities.

Clean Up the World is recognized by the United Nations and it runs in three languages – English, Spanish and French. The campaign is responsible for organization of different activities, corresponding to a certain theme. The theme is chosen annually to highlight certain problems of modern society and environmental situation.

Every community organizes its own activities to participate in Clean Up the World. The activities may include tree planting, recycling, water reuse, educational campaigns, exhibitions and competitions.

https://www.itv.com/news/2019-09-19/cheap-clothing-the-real-cost-tonight/
VERY interesting programme. You`ll have to do it on ITV+1 where it`s probably just starting.
Otherwise get it on `catch-up` on ITV`s website.

...or at least keep your eye on.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/plxdevices/legion-solar-4-permission-free-energy-and-storage?ref=2.go2.fund&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=2.go2.fund

Anyone going? I am planning to - here’s an article that I found interesting. I don’t think we should leave climate change protests to school children so will be joining them.

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/sep/18/why-you-should-join-the-global-climate-strike-this-friday

Burger King appears set to remove all plastic toys from their children's meals. Hurrah!! And a double hurrah for those two little girls who started the campaign against BK and McDonald's (highlighted on the recent BBC TV programme by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Anita Rani on our plastic consumption).

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/empowering-the-planet/burger-king-is-removing-all-plastic-toys-from-its-childrens-meals/ar-AAHuivc?ocid=spartandhp