Hope this link works. The article makes frightening reading -as it says a wake-up call.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/?
Edit: if you press browse it should be top story.
Lesley A @Lesley4 Langton Green
Langton Green
Badges Earned
- 9 Friends
- 332 Posts
- 5420 Comments
- 3716 Reactions
- 8782 Points
-
-
See 2 CommentsApologies if this has been posted previously https://the.organise.network/campaigns/amazon-stop-destroying-items-donate-to-staff-charity?
-
See 18 CommentsA bit like when a couple decide to renew their vows after a rocky patch in a marriage, I feel it’s time for me to renew my vows regarding living in a more sustainable way. We were doing so well pre-pandemic but over the last 16 months we’ve slipped. It just became too much to think about and bad habits have crept in again. The only positive I can think of is that we haven’t flown for 2 years. So I’m going to make a new start and redouble my efforts. Has the pandemic affected your efforts to live sustainably?
-
See 5 CommentsThis is Ray’s suggestion and discussion will begin on Saturday 21st August. After that we will read The Mermaid of Black Conch by Monique Roffey.
-
See 7 CommentsI’m just wondering whether you’d like to read this as our next book? ‘The Mermaid of Black Conch’ by Monique Roffey. It was strongly recommended by a friend who said everyone in her book group had loved it. This book is the ‘Winner of the Costa Prize for Best Book and for Best Novel, Goldsmiths Prize shortlisted, shortlisted for the Rathbones Folio Prize, shortlisted for the Novel section of the OCM Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature, shortlisted for the Republic of Consciousness Prize, longlisted for the RSL Ondaatje Prize and longlisted for the Orwell Prize for Political Fiction’ It’s a bit more magical realism but hey ho maybe I can be converted. I’ve read another book by her which was very enjoyable.
-
See 16 CommentsThis was a novel that felt to me as if it needed a good editor. Just a bit too long. I don’t really know what I thought - I’m on the fence - I’m not a great fan of magical realism so couldn’t quite get my head around those bees and their affinity with Simonopio. My other concern was ‘time’ - I felt as though it was all wrong. I felt Simonopio grew up too quickly, one minute being suckled at the breast, then he was a youth, but at the same time the daughter’s wedding preparations were still ongoing. Am I alone in thinking the author messed up her timelines a bit, and I’m not referring to the zigzagging backwards and forwards? Having been negative so far, I did actually quite enjoy the book. The bits about the Spanish Flu were horribly relevant to today! I enjoyed the Mexican historical setting and quite liked the style of writing. I’ll be very interested in what others think. Maybe I’ll be swayed off the fence.
-
See 8 CommentsThis post is depressing- sorry about that but please sign and share. Link works for me. https://secure.avaaz.org/campaign/en/100_indigenous_land_rights_mtpc1/?
-
See 3 CommentsThis sounds to me like good news. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/06/210629120726.htm
-
See 12 CommentsHope you’re all buzzing having read ‘The Murmur of Bees’. I’ll be kicking off the discussion on Saturday 3rd July.
-
See 5 CommentsInteresting article on rewilding - has anyone visited Knepp? https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jun/16/half-the-trees-in-two-new-english-woodlands-planted-by-jays-study-finds?
-
See 7 CommentsI will kick off the discussion on Saturday 3rd July. It’s quite a long book so best not to leave it until the last minute. Happy reading!
-
See 2 Commentshttps://www.buglife.org.uk/our-work/b-lines/
-
See 12 CommentsHas anyone got any suggestions for our next read? Preferably something new to us all.
-
See 22 CommentsCrow Lake held my interest throughout. I thought it was written ‘quietly’ but powerfully - a proper family saga which brings out all the characters very clearly and realistically. I could really feel their individual struggles and they all rang true. I thought the role education plays as both an enabler and a divider was very well portrayed. It’s something that I can relate to quite strongly in my own family. I liked the remote setting and could feel the atmosphere, mosquitoes and all. I liked this book a lot. It’s her first novel. I wonder whether her later ones are as good - has anyone read her work before?
-
See 15 Commentshttps://apple.news/ARpimV3RjSI-lmsFCH2pprQ
-
See 24 CommentsMore innovative thinking. https://www.positive.news/science/innovation/plastic-alternative-introducing-edible-packaging/
-
See 6 CommentsA very interesting (and uncomfortable) read. https://apple.news/AzFahSUbjTOm5hVQwab2Zbw
-
See 7 CommentsWelcome to our latest members. The next book we’re going to read is Crow Lake by Mary Lawson. I’ll kick off the discussion on Saturday 15th May. Hope you’re able to join in with this month’s choice or future ones.
-
See 1 Commenthttps://www.recyclenow.com/local-recycling
-
See 5 CommentsI found this guide useful. https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/shopping-sustainably/article/how-to-recycle-in-the-uk-ajwEz4p63Qs6
-
This is encouraging news. https://apple.news/A99P4JWT6QP2XydgDJe6Y1w
-
See 2 CommentsThis is a novel, set in Canada, by Mary Lawson. It has won prizes so fingers crossed for a good read. Discussion from Saturday 14th May. EDIT- Should read Sat 15th May!
-
-
See 3 Commentshttps://action.wildlifetrusts.org/page/77618/action/1?
-
See 6 CommentsHopefully it will catch on. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/03/on-a-retro-style-milk-truck-london-entrepreneur-chases-a-zero-waste-future?
-
See 14 CommentsWell, where to start? That was something of a whirlwind of a novel! I really enjoyed it - liked the structure, found it amusing, fast paced, intriguing, and very different. A bit far-fetched in places but that’s okay -it’s just a yarn. I’m not going to say too much more now as I’m interested to know what others think.
-
So get your skates on if you haven’t finished it yet or marshall your thoughts if you have read it already. Edit - I said elsewhere it was the 19th - that was a mistake!
-
See 1 CommentThe government seems intent on chipping away at our right to protest. Does this worry you? Have you taken part in protests? Would you again? Do you support protests that disrupt day-to-day life of others? Are peaceful protests effective? Am really interested what you think.
-
See 18 CommentsI realise that it has already been possible to recycle soft plastics at many supermarkets but this should make it easier and more obvious. Lets hope it’s rolled out nationwide soon and more supermarkets follow suit. https://apple.news/AVRjPwupfSj6aVFn7iZuQhw
-
This looks like an interesting idea. Different projects to get involved with. https://my.earthwatch.org.uk/
-
See 3 CommentsBig or small, it would be good if we could share what we’ve done so far, any tips, and your next aim. It would be lovely to hear from some of you that rarely comment. But please no one-upmanship- we’re here to support each other, and learn, not to find fault or criticise. I’ll kick us off. A small thing - we replaced our old large kitchen bin with a really small one. I thought we’d be forever emptying it but instead it’s made us far more aware of creating waste.
-
See 11 CommentsIn the UK supermarkets are not bound by law to redistribute their food waste, though many do voluntarily. In countries like France, where redistribution is enshrined in law the system seems to work more systematically and efficiently. https://apple.news/AVNcEPztJRZmUD5w-R8Z-bg
-
See 1 CommentFound this article very interesting and informative. https://apple.news/ApN7StwPCSNW5nPhPe6PIbQ
-
See 27 CommentsHas anyone got any recommendations for genuinely green, but nevertheless efficient, washing products? I’ve tried washing nuts and refills of ecover etc but is there anything better out there?
-
See 3 CommentsI think this sounds a lot of fun and very worthwhile - might have applied if we hadn’t left London. https://www.nationalparkcity.london/rangers
-
See 6 CommentsThere are some inspirational stories here. Amongst the winners is Nemonte Nenquimo, the indigenous Ecuadorian woman who has stood up against her government’s decision to allow exploration and exploitation of her tribal lands for oil and minerals. Her success was one of the good news stories posted yesterday. https://news.mongabay.com/2020/11/meet-the-2020-goldman-environmental-prize-winners/
-
See 4 CommentsHere are some positives to keep us going. https://news.mongabay.com/2020/12/top-positive-environmental-stories-from-2020/
-
See 16 CommentsOk - seems as though there are still enough people keen on keeping the book club going. I have just had this book recommended to me. ‘Where’d you go, Bernadette? ’ by Maria Semple. It’s supposed to be amusing ‘with heart’. We can only hope! I feel I need something a bit lighter in these dark days. Assuming people are okay with that suggestion discussion would start on 19th March. Please everyone give it a go.
-
See 4 CommentsStill trying to get my head around this economic model which is designed to enable sustainable living. Find it very interesting. https://time.com/5930093/amsterdam-doughnut-economics/?
-
See 9 CommentsI am thinking that this group has run out of steam - only a couple of people are joining in on a regular basis. Perhaps it’s time to call a halt?
-
See 18 CommentsI’ve certainly struggled. Before the pandemic I’d made big strides in living a more sustainable life. But I have felt a bit overwhelmed lately and know I’ve been buying more things in plastic, buying less local produce, and so on. I obviously haven’t flown anywhere and car driving is minimal but I admit I have lost some of my drive and commitment. Anyone else feel the same?
-
Ideas please for easy meals (not ready meals or pizza) when you don’t feel like cooking. I’m thinking of quick, tasty, healthy meals. Any suggestions?
-
See 8 CommentsMmm, not sure what to make of this book. I’m always glad to read a new author and I’ve heard Fante compared to John Steinbeck whose work I really love- can’t say I’d agree. Found this novel very slow, particularly at the beginning and rather depressing. That doesn’t normally bother me if it’s because the author has taken you fully into the reality of someone with depression. I might not enjoy the experience but it’s enlightening and you can empathise. But here I was never quite captured by any of the characters and the story itself wasn’t particularly powerful. I never really empathised. There were good bits and sometimes I thought I’m really enjoying this but that thought usually faded after a page or two. I did find the antagonism towards poorer Italians interesting - in my ignorance, not something I’d been aware of. I don’t think I’ll be buying another Fante work, but still glad I gave it a try.
-
See 26 CommentsThis looks potentially useful. https://diygogo.co.uk/about-us/
-
See 1 CommentHope some of you have read it - I’ve got to get my skates on.
-
See 7 CommentsA template if anyone feels like writing to their MP - add your name and address ( is continued on second post ) Dear ..... As a constituent, I am writing to ask you to vote for changes in the law to ensure enforceable air quality limits to protect the health of our local children and adults. Air pollution causes 40,000 early deaths at a cost of £20 billion each year according to the Royal College of Physicians. Meanwhile, people spend 90% of their time indoors and are exposed to harmful air-borne chemicals and The Royal College’s report on this makes a powerful case for indoor air quality to also be included in the Environment Bill. The coroner’s verdict, that air pollution was a cause of the death of 9-year-old Ella Kissi-Debrah, underlines the need for these changes. Therefore, I’m writing to you to ask you to vote for Amendment 2 and New Clause 6 to the Environment Bill, supported by the All Party-Parliamentary Group on Air Pollution, which provide in turn for,
-
See 1 CommentThis seems to be another case of the government saying one thing but doing another. And perhaps another regrettable outcome of Brexit. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jan/12/loophole-will-let-uk-continue-to-ship-plastic-waste-to-poorer-countries?
-
See 9 Commentshttps://www.rhs.org.uk/garden-inspiration/get-gardening/how-to-go-plastic-free-in-your-garden
-
Some of these look very interesting. https://blog.feedspot.com/sustainable_living_blogs/
