Welcome to my Environmental A-Z…today it’s the letter W…I have been heartened to hear how many of you feel like I do that we need to take our own steps to avoid pollution and waste wherever we can…especially at this time of the year when waste is at its highest …Let’s all aim for a sustainable Christmas or as near as damn it as possible even one change is a result multiplied…
Abraham Lincoln is correct we need to act now to create the future for our families that we want…but at the moment we can only dream of…
The best way to predict your future is to create it...Abraham Lincoln.
The A-Z of the environment and Climate Change… letter W…
Waste Management…
Waste management (or waste disposal) includes the processes and actions required to manage waste from its inception to its final disposal…
The mismanagement of wastes results in deaths of wildlife and marine animals after eating rubbish food, soil and groundwater contamination with polluted water …
There are eight major categories of waste management, and each of them can be divided into numerous sub-categories. The categories include source reduction and reuse, animal feeding, recycling, composting, fermentation, landfills, incineration, and land application. Some of these methods like reduction and reuse can be started from the comfort of your homes.
Waste Prevention…
There is so much we can do in and around the home to prevent excess waste...It all starts from the minute we start shopping and if we shop wisely we can avoid taking waste home with us…we are already living with the results of waste management although using landfills is becoming less these days, thanks to the lack of space available and the strong presence of methane and other landfill gases, both of which can cause numerous contamination problems.
Landfills give rise to air and water pollution which severely affects the environment and can prove fatal to the lives of humans and animals. Many areas are reconsidering the use of landfills…which is why we have to do what we can and think about the impact the packaging on the products we buy is having on the environment especially at Christmas when food waste and packaging waste multiplies …for example:- Americans throw away 25% more trash during the Thanksgiving to New Year’s holiday period than any other time of year. The extra waste amounts to 25 million tons of garbage or about 1 million extra tons per week!
Much of the packaging that we dispose of over the festive season is made up of different types of materials which means it requires specialist equipment to recycle and many companies don’t have the facilities therefore much goes to landfill either in our own country or abroad and we know the consequences of that…Don’t we?
Wood Dust/Smoke…
Exposure to excessive amounts of wood dust may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Workers may also experience shortness of breath, dryness and sore throat, conjunctivitis (inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eye), and rhinitis (runny nose). Dermatitis is common and may be caused by the chemicals in the wood.
The biggest health threat from smoke is from fine particles, also called fine particulate matter or PM2. 5. These microscopic particles can get into your eyes and respiratory system, where they may cause burning eyes, runny nose, and illnesses, such as bronchitis.
Wind Energy…
An alternative source of energy and we do as a world need to be considering that…
The terms “wind energy” and “wind power” both describe the process by which the wind is used to generate mechanical power or electricity. This mechanical power can be used for specific tasks (such as grinding grain or pumping water) or a generator can convert this mechanical power into electricity.
My favourite way of showing how much thought has gone into how something is powered this year was at “The “Earthshot Prize” awards that Prince William and Sir Michael Attenborough are promoting…Coldplay powered their performance using pedal power…impressive…
It shows that thinking outside the box does produce something that works and I’m sure some bright little spark can expand on the power of the pedal…sometimes simple is best…
Thank you for joining me today and as always I look forward to your comments…x
Welcome to my Environmental A-Z…today it’s the letter U…I have been heartened to hear how many of you feel like I do that we need to take our own steps to avoid pollution wherever we can…I am hoping that COP26(Conference of the Parties) will make the difference we need.
Abraham Lincoln is correct we need to act now to create the future for our families that we want…but at the moment we can only dream of…
The best way to predict your future is to create it...Abraham Lincoln.
The A-Z of the environment and Climate Change… letter U…UNESCO, UNFCCC, Used Oil inc Household used Oil and Universal Waste…
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change…
What is the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change? The UNFCCC entered into force on 21 March 1994. Today, it has near-universal membership. The 197 countries that have ratified the Convention are called Parties to the Convention.
For nearly three decades the UN has been bringing together almost every country on earth for global climate summits – called COPs – which stands for ‘Conference of the Parties’. In that time climate change has gone from being a fringe issue to a global priority.
This year will be the 26th annual summit – giving it the name COP26(Conference of the Parties). With the UK as President, COP26 is taking place in Glasgow…I’m sure I am not the only one who is hoping that the talking will end and radical change to address Climate Change will take place…
In the run-up to COP26, the UK is working with every nation to reach an agreement on how to tackle climate change. World leaders will arrive in Scotland, alongside tens of thousands of negotiators, government representatives, businesses and citizens for twelve days of talks.
Not only is it a huge task but it is also not just yet another international summit. Most experts believe COP26 has a unique urgency…
Unesco…
UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It seeks to build peace through international cooperation in Education, Sciences and Culture. UNESCO’s programmes contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals defined in Agenda 2030, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015.
Used Oil…
Or waste oil…used oil as any oil that has been refined from crude oil or any synthetic oil that has been used and as a result of such use is contaminated by physical or chemical impurities. Simply put, used oil is exactly what its name implies—any petroleum-based or synthetic oil that has been used.
During normal use, impurities such as dirt, metal scrapings, water, or chemicals can get mixed in with the oil, so that in time the oil no longer performs well.
Once the oil has been used, it can be collected, recycled, and used over and over again. An estimated 380 million gallons of used oil are recycled each year. Recycled used oil can sometimes be used again for the same job or can take on a completely different task. For example, used motor oil can be re-refined and sold at the store as motor oil or processed for furnace fuel oil. Aluminium rolling oils also can be filtered on-site and used over again.
Household used oil…
This used cooking oil can be processed and repurposed into biofuel, animal feed ingredients, as well as several common household or commercial products such as paints, solvents, cleansers, lotions, plastics, tires and more. As the demand for yellow grease (processed UCO) grows, so does its inherent value.
The global used cooking oil market size was valued at $6,041.2 million in 2018 and is projected to reach $8,886.7 million by 2026, registering a CAGR of 5.0% from 2019 to 2026. Used cooking oil is also known as waste vegetable oil.
I am banned from putting any oil down the waste pipe and I am happy to oblige hubby…I do have concerns however about what happens to the used oil …
I am trying to find out if there is a collection point near me…unsuccessfully at the moment, it seems there are randomly scattered collection points around with the aim of making bio-diesel but nothing nationwide…How is your used cooking oil disposed of???
Universal Waste…
Universal wastes are hazardous wastes that are widely produced by households and many
different types of businesses. Universal wastes include televisions, computers and other
electronic devices as well as batteries, fluorescent lamps, mercury thermostats, and other
mercury-containing equipment, among others.
What is not a universal waste?
Batteries. …Some batteries meet the above definition but are not universal waste. These
include spent lead-acid batteries that are being managed under the requirement of 40 CFR part
266 subpart G…batteries that are NOT waste because they have not been discarded and
batteries that are not hazardous waste.
Thank you for joining me today and as always I look forward to your comments…x
Welcome to my Environmental A-Z…today it’s the letter P…I have been heartened to hear how many of you feel like I do that we need to take our own steps to avoid pollution wherever we can…
Abraham Lincoln is correct we need to act now to create the future for our families that we want…but at the moment we can only dream of…
The best way to predict your future is to create it...Abraham Lincoln.
The A-Z of the environment and Climate Change… letter P.
Pharmaceutical Waste…
Pharmaceutical waste is any leftover, unused or expired medication that is no longer needed or can no longer be used. It can be classified as either hazardous or non-hazardous depending on its chemical properties and its risk to humans and the environment.
To reduce these risks, pharmaceutical waste must be sorted and specially treated in one of several ways. Popular methods include the use of lined landfills, incineration, return to the manufacturer for chemical recycling, or encapsulation in cement (World Health, 1999).
Pollution…
A Simple Definition...Pollution is the introduction of harmful materials into the environment. … Pollutants can be natural, such as volcanic ash. They can also be created by human activity, such as trash or runoff produced by factories. Pollutants damage the quality of air, water, and land.
A simple solution...there is not one …pollution surrounds us…in our everyday lives, jobs, leisure even while we sleep with the aircon running…
Pesticides…
A pesticide is a chemical that is used to kill or prevent small animals (or organisms) which are considered to be unwanted. These organisms are called pests. … Many pesticides are poisonous, and are bad for not only the organisms they kill but for humans too. A pesticide also affects the environment and the atmosphere.
There has been much talk and court cases over the use of pesticides and their effect on human health over the years…Yes, it takes time, effort, research and knowing your plants or crops to avoid the use of pesticides but it is doable as is preventing the cost of health and harm to the environment…don’t wait until its too late and the earth is too polluted to save …Act Now!
Phthalates…
What are Phthalates they are a group of chemicals used to make plastics more durable. They are often called plasticizers. Some phthalates are used to help dissolve other materials. Phthalates are in hundreds of products, such as vinyl flooring, lubricating oils, and personal-care products (soaps, shampoos, hair sprays).
Many of us pick these up and put them in our trolleys without a care…Little do we know the harm they do to us, the waterways, the environment and for plastic pollution the list is endless..
Plus food is the leading source of exposure. Phthalates have been found in dairy products, meats, fish, oils & fats, baked goods, infant formula, processed foods, and fast foods.
Ahhh so that’s what they are …Ewww another word to look out for when I am label reading…I often wonder (yes) too much time on my hands or a mind that doesn’t stop whirring…That if I could go into one store and sort the products I have or would buy into 3 piles…
A definite no pile,
I think you are being creative in your product description pile…so no!
Buy.
I am guessing I would be left with very little and probably mainly vegetables…
The Answer…
Don’t trust a label do your own research.
Grow or make your own or find a trusted local supplier.
Or ask yourself do I really need this product.
Polychlorinated biphenyls…
(PCBs) are a mixture of individual chemicals which are no longer produced in the United States but are still found in the environment. Health effects associated with exposure to PCBs include acne-like skin conditions in adults and neurobehavioral and immunological changes in children.
This statement makes me believe even more that far more stringent research needs to be done before a product is released to the world as although banned NOW…the harm continues…
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons…
Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons usually occurs by breathing air contaminated by wildfires or coal tar, or by eating foods that have been grilled. PAHs may contribute to reproductive and immunologic health effects and may be carcinogenic.
Post-Consumer Waste…
Post-Consumer Food Waste is food waste discarded by customers/guests/students/patients/ visitors after the food has been sold or served.
What can I add to what you don’t already know…fast food plus everyday purchases are mainly the culprits…I only need to read how waste from these has spiralled during the lockdown, takeaway food has been encouraged..stay home and get it delivered all our governments have been telling us…
Particulate Matter…
Particulate matter is a generic term to classify air pollutants comprising of suspended particles in the air, varying in composition and size, resulting from various anthropogenic activities. Industrial facilities, Power plants, vehicles, incinerators, dust and fires are the major source of particulate matter.
Well after a particularly joyous and informative post which left me the author feeling somewhat deflated and Mehr… thinking about all this and the fact it just surrounds me where do I start or what next is there to do and research, eliminate from my life and home..where will it end?… That I don’t want to think about…But I did and thought I need air…to cheer you up I hope you enjoy …
That’s all for today…I hope you have a lovely day tomorrow I invite you to join me in the kitchen… I hope to see you there.xx
Plastic Free July, was so successful that I decided that I will carry on from Plastic Free July and repost some updated previous posts on plastic from 2019…the reason being sometimes I feel we are going round in circles and promises are made and not kept…
I just want to revisit those initiatives praise those who are and have been as good as their word and taken their ideas forward and made a difference…
It is good to talk the talk but you have to walk the walk…
As you know because I tell you…haha… I am constantly really heartened by the initiatives which I am discovering that are happening from all around the world…Your comments are also a revelation when I hear from you guys what is going on in your neck of the woods… all good stuff…How you are reducing your carbon footprints and coming up with ideas to cut waste and protect the environment.
Politicians THE WORLD OVER make promises to the electorate…That is us... we need to become Climate Voters…Not because we are told to BUT because we have checked and are sure that who we give our vote to …HAS and WILL continue to make a difference and to honour their election promises…
The time has come for us to make our voice heard…Our beautiful natural wonders are being decimated, polluted we can stop this with our carefully, researched and considered vote… Politicians who endorse and allow what we consider to be environmentally wrong…we have the vote and can VOTE THEM OUT!
Be a climate Voter!
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Have a look and see what this community in Amsterdam, Holland is doing …
What a fantastic idea…and one which could be adaptable anywhere…Not a plastic bottle in sight…
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Bioplastics…There has been much written and many innovative products like straws made from mango peels which are now a bioplastic product…On the face it even I have thought wow how inventive is that all those mango peels and avocado pits made into something we can use…
That product however still required disposing of correctly…
Let’s look at Coca Cola...we all know who they are and how profitable their products are…
Another Sustainable Innovation they say and want us to believe and continue buying…can you feel the sarcasm?
The world’s first fully recyclable PET plastic bottle made partially from plants…They say!
Planet over profit ..they say!
But what does the small print say?
It’s easy to assume…I hear plant-based and my ears prick up…MADE FROM PLANT-BASED PRODUCTS…Smile…
It all sounds familiar though doesn’t it…Low Fat, Low Sugar, Low Salt, Organic, Fair Trade…I could go on but I am sure by now you got the picture…
Not all bio-based plastics are biodegradable, and not all biodegradable plastics are bio-based. And even biodegradable plastics might not biodegrade in every environment. Sounds confusing? It certainly is…
The answer does not lie in Bioplastics say the experts...experts who did not go to… The Google University or the elite Facebook University…Real experts who know more than me as they have studied and trained for years for their degrees…
Only a minority of these plastics are home compostable, so, the label “compostable” most often means industrially compostable. That coffee cup with a Seedling logo you’re drinking from won’t decompose very quickly, if at all, on your home compost heap, but will break down inside the right kind of industrial equipment.
We need to be more aware… we need to read the small print we also need to home in on words…home compostable…the right kind of industrial equipment…much of our waste can be compostable BUT only if your state, province has the right kind of equipment IF not our carefully sorted waste still goes to landfill or just a garbage mountain.
That my friends unfortunately is the stark reality!… Companies like Coco-Cola need to be producing bottles that can be recycled at home or pay for proper industrial equipment to recycle THEIR bottles.
Failing that …do your health a favour and stop buying soft drinks in non-recyclable bottles…
All we can do is cut our waste in our homes by buying in bulk, making sure we refill bottles where we can, finding alternatives that are just as good…but are more sustainable…I am doing mine one product at a time…
Choosing glass bottles over plastic when we shop as then we can reuse them when we cook from scratch…or make our own carbonated drinks…Let the kids help they will love it…
Most importantly please do not think that what you do in your own home doesn’t count because it does …It really does every little bit no matter how small adds to the bigger picture and that picture is growing and there will soon be enough to fill many galleries BUT we cannot rest on our laurels there is still much to be done and if you think of an initiative join a group make it a group effort if it requires that…
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Two years ago I posted about the Uk’s first local circular economy drive…when Sky Ocean Rescue campaign, a region of the UK had created the country’s first local circular economy.
The UK has re-affirmed its commitment to recycling 65% of municipal waste by 2035 as it on (30 July) 2021 set out its approach to transposing the EU circular economy package (CEP) into domestic law.
The traditional system of getting rid of waste is linear: packaging is made, used and disposed of but the local authority in Cambridgeshire along with a local plastics processor and packaging company have joined together to create a model which is circular.
The UK has re-affirmed its commitment to recycling 65% of municipal waste by 2035 as it today (30 July) set out its approach to transposing the EU circular economy package (CEP) into domestic law.
It also seems that the local Cambridge authority is forging ahead and going forward which is good to read…
Lego…The name ‘LEGO’ is an abbreviation of the two Danish words “leg godt”, meaning “play well”. The LEGO Group was founded in 1932 by Ole Kirk Kristiansen. The company has passed from father to son and is now owned by Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen, a grandchild of the founder.
My children and my grandchildren have loved Lego and it has been passed down through our family for years and now Lily plays with it building her shops and houses…
Lego has now taken it one step further and listened to the children and their parents and are turning plastic bottles into Lego…
Thank you for reading this post which I believe will point the way to a few changes we can make to really make a difference as I know I am not doing enough and should be doing more and that seems to be backed up by much in this post… what do you think?… Are you doing enough to Save the Planet ???
Just once I would love to pick something up off a supermarket shelf be it labelled healthy or just junk food and know with absolute certainty that it contained no harmful chemicals or preservatives and that the package was fully decomposable…I can but dream…
Thank you once again for reading this post I hope you all have a great week xx
I do think that the tide is turning…I also think that we should nurture our young and encourage their ideas as there are so many young people who have discovered ways to help the environment and I am not talking about those who skip school and carry placards but still carry the latest phones and wear the latest fashions without a thought about how those actions hurt the environment, how much of that cannot be recycled and how much of that is produced using child labour instead they are intent on telling us to turn vegan/vegetarian and ditch the transport… Except of course when we are joining the other traffic as we drop them at school or college having picked their friends up on the way…
I live in the real world I know some transport is essential, I know some local transport isn’t as good and cheap as what it is where I live…I also don’t have to get children to school, to their activities and then go to work, come home and cook dinner…Oh, there is also shopping and cleaning…
I could go on but I won’t I will spare you that and rely on the fact that you also have active imaginations and can fill in any gaps.
Change needs to happen in our homes…our shopping habits…
Eating produce in season …Why? Because produce which is eaten at the height of its season, and close to where it was grown, usually tastes better — juicier, more flavourful, fresher.
Research also shows seasonal food can be more nutritious than food consumed out of season, and purchasing from local farms supports the local economy and requires less storage time and travel, which is better for the environment.
Of course, all you lucky people who live in Northern Climes have a glut of beautiful local fruits and vegetables which are typical Thanksgiving and Christmas fare…Luckily Brussels sprouts are grown in the colder North of Thailand but vegetables like parsnips and swede are imported and horrendous prices and that is without taking into account their carbon footprint…
Yes, I can get beautiful young strawberries around Christmas sweet and lovely …so it is swings and roundabouts …Most Christmases I get root vegetables but this year because of this blessed virus there will be no visitors to bring me parsnips, celeriac and swede…BUT I would much rather everyone stayed safe and well so will have to live with what I can get locally…
Advent Calendars there are lovely reusable wooden ones or you could make your own…or make a book I think this one is lovely and so personal…
Thinking about gifts you’re going to buy for Christmas, consider what kind of presents may be more long-lasting than others, and thus reduce the risk of simply being discarded after a short while.
This year due to all the lockdowns and restrictions we all have more time and I think this is beautiful for any age and a keeper…
Thoughtful, long-lasting presents may include a photo album, a plant or something the recipient has specifically said they want and is likely to use time and time again….Homemade cakes, puddings or sweets are always something a loved one would be happy to receive…
Alternatively, you could buy an experience rather than a material thing for Christmas, such as a trip to the theatre. A fun memory is a present that can last a lifetime, after all…it will also help the theatres once this Covid is over as many of them are struggling and it helps us in quarantine a thoughtful gift and knowing that we have something to look forward to …
This video which Tori who has supported me unfailingly throughout the year sent me the link to is worth a look as it suggests ways we can have a greener Christmas…Thank you Tori xxx Tori has also written some great kiddies books..If you still need stocking fillers then please visit her Amazon link
All the items we have in our homes and would be likely to throw away… some really cool ideas… I love the seed idea and snowflakes…
It is also no secret that I love music...It warmed my heart that Coldplay has taken a stand and won’t tour again until they can ensure that their concerts are “actively beneficial” for the environment.
Frontman Chris Martin told BBC News that the band would be “disappointed” if their next tour is not carbon neutral.
Of course, they have made their millions and don’t need to tour again and that puts them in a fortunate position that they are able to call the shots…So fair play to them as it will pave the way forward …I think it is a great move…
It will make the concert promoters more aware and they think in $ and £’s so it is in their best interest to look at plastic and solar power…
Chris Martin said “All of us have to work out the best way of doing our job,” telling the BBC that the group wants future tours to “have a positive impact.”
It is true as we know we all have to play a part however small it is just like a jigsaw …Lots of small pieces make a bigger picture…
Be wary of your Christmas tree’s carbon footprint…
While some may assume that purchasing a plastic tree would be a more environmentally friendly alternative to buying a real one, this isn’t necessarily the case.
The Carbon Trust outlines that a real Christmas tree has a “significantly lower” carbon footprint than an artificial tree, especially if it is thrown away in a responsible way.
According to the organisation, a natural 2m Christmas tree that does not have roots and is disposed of in a landfill produces a carbon footprint of approximately 16kg of CO2.
I just think a lovely fresh tree or when you are on one of your walks look for any broken branches or a nice piece of wood and just simply dressed with a few lights or some holly or mistletoe it can beautiful…I just think however nice an artificial tree is they are not so cosy and warming as a real one…I have explained that very well just to me it just feels better…if that makes sense…A pressie wrapped in brown paper and tied with string just seems right and proper a real Christmas……
A 2m tree that has roots and is responsibly thrown away after being used at Christmas – by burning it on a bonfire, planting it or having it chipped – has a carbon footprint of around 3.5kg of CO2.
Meanwhile, a 2m plastic Christmas tree has a carbon footprint of around 40kg of CO2, more than 10 times greater than a properly disposed-of real tree.
To read more about the environmental impact of real and artificial Christmas trees, click here.
Did you know?
Turkey…It is estimated that 10 million turkeys were consumed last Christmas. This also means over 3,000 tonnes of turkey packaging was being used.
Taking this into account, 125,000 tonnes of plastic wrapping used for food will also be discarded over the festive period.
Christmas puddings… the majority of which will be packaged in some form of plastic and cardboard packaging…Last year the UK alone ate 25 million.
Mince pies…Brits eat 175 million…
Putting this in perspective, 1 million mince pie cases equates to 1 tonne of aluminium material.
Just these three festive food items…Conjure up in my mind a staggering amount of waste…
The Solution…
Well…The Christmas pudding and mince pies are easily solvable...Cook from scratch and make your own…No packaging required…If you know someone who can’t or doesn’t cook…Make them some and put them in a pretty container…That is their Christmas present sorted…They will love it!
Turkey… If you buy fresh and local… packaging should be at a minimum just some butchers paper…I know not everyone can do that…However, if you are making your own mince pies and puddings/cake…Be pleased with that reduction in waste and it gives you a whole year to think about next year’s turkey…xx
Turn your recyclables into decorations
Rather than buying decorations, get creative with your recyclables. Vodka bottles, wine bottles and even beer bottles can easily be repurposed as table decorations and candle-holders. You can make origami using old Christmas Cards.
Please share your stories on how you plan to reduce your home’s waste at Christmas we would love to hear them…xx
About Carol Taylor:
Enjoying life in The Land Of Smiles I am having so much fun researching, finding new, authentic recipes both Thai and International to share with you. New recipes gleaned from those who I have met on my travels or are just passing through and stopped for a while. I hope you enjoy them.
I love shopping at the local markets, finding fresh, natural ingredients, new strange fruits and vegetable ones I have never seen or cooked with. I am generally the only European person and attract much attention and I love to try what I am offered and when I smile and say Aroy or Saab as it is here in the north I am met with much smiling.
Some of my recipes may not be in line with traditional ingredients and methods of cooking but are recipes I know and have become to love and maybe if you dare to try you will too. You will always get more than just a recipe from me as I love to research and find out what other properties the ingredients I use contain to improve our health and wellbeing.
The environment is also something I am passionate about and there are now regular columns on my blog this year. It is important that we are mindful of the world we live in…We all need to be aware of our own home’s carbon footprints…where does our food come from? How far does it travel…Simple to do but if we all did it…Not only would we support local businesses but reduce our carbon footprint…
Exciting for me hence the title of my blog, Retired No One Told Me! I am having a wonderful ride and don’t want to get off, so if you wish to follow me on my adventures, then welcome! I hope you enjoy the ride also and if it encourages you to take a step into the unknown or untried, you know you want to…….Then, I will be happy!
Thank you once again for reading this post I hope you all have a creative week ahead xx
Hello and welcome to this weeks edition of recycling and climate change news from around the world. ..many countries are relaxing their quarantines and already some are seeing an increase in new cases and in light of recent developments around the world I am guessing it is not over yet…I was very disturbed to read about Swedens policies I am sure after this is over they may occur repercussions…Scary..
Here in Thailand we are not many days of declaring ourselves Covid-19 free…fingers crossed…BUT so far although some restrictions have been lifted masks and social distancing is still very much in the fore front of everyday life and not being lifted in the near future I am guessing but I am happy with that…
But let’s not dwell on what we have no control over and do our bit to stay safe and well and look at the good things happening and the things we can control in our daily lives…
If you have been keeping up with the news on climate change then you will know that there have been lots of changes in certain areas this has prompted calls for a green recovery plan and calls for a “green recovery” have been growing ever louder over recent weeks. Yesterday, the International Energy Agency (IEA) released a new report stressing that the world now has a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to pour investment into clean energy and create millions of new jobs.
Launched in cooperation with the International Monetary Fund, the report sets out sector-by-sector what it recommends should be done to ensure a “sustainable recovery” from the Coronavirus pandemic.
This in depth: BP data reveals that clean electricity matched coalfor the first time in 2019…which means strides are being taken in the right direction and hopefully this virus will give the world a much needed opportunity to make further strides and a bit faster.
Coffee is for many their drink of choice each and every day...But how ethical is your cup of coffee…Do you know where the beans come from? Do you know what happens to the waste…This startup has it sorted …
Palm Oil…Has been the source of much flack over the years from deforestation, babboons losing their habitat, indiginous tribes losing their land and livelihoods the list is endless…But the Palm Done right Campaign…is striving to do just that…
September is Palm Done Right Month and will be the third annual event.
The aim is to stop hiding palm oil behind labels where the ingredients are unclear but to proudly promote sustainable palm oil which consumers make an informed choice to buy.
There are over 30 organic and natural food brands and 50 retailers that have joined our mission, and are helping to spread the message. Sign up today to join the movement and be a part of the solution by supporting the brands and retailers who advocate for growing palm the right way. SIGN UP TODAY >
Palm Done Right Farmers grow palm in accordance with certified organic practises either by re-conditioning degraded land or transitioning existing conventional farms to organic…it is a collaboration between farmers which requires trust and involvement from them but enables them to earn a proper wage to support their families.
There is a right way and a wrong way of doing palm…
The bottom line is that to use any oil in excess would not be good for you and I use different oils depending on what I am cooking or baking…
Have you tried Organic Red Palm Oil?
Waste…waste annoys me but the thing which really annoys me is watching someone just throwing something away…they open their fag packet and the wrapper just idly flutters to the ground it has become such a habit to do that that I don’t think they even realise they are doing it any more…but my biggest bug bear is being the car behind as someone lobs their takeaway bag out of the window…Farmers are up in arms and who can blame them..they want retailers like Mc Donalds to print the customers number plates on takeaway bags…I think it is a brilliant idea and apparently …. The technology to put the car registration number on litter as you queue up to get your drive through takeaway is there. It could be printed in UV as well which would stop people seeing where it is printed and destroying it….
I think that would be an excellent source of revenue for governments…I love it!
This is so cool…can you imagine it?
I love this…I am sure the grand kids would as well…
Well that’s all for me this week on the environment and climate change…we are in our rainy season now so hot steamy days and stormy nights so everything is growing super quick…including the bamboo…x
Thank you for reading be well and stay safe xxx
About Carol Taylor: Enjoying life in The Land Of Smiles I am having so much fun researching, finding new, authentic recipes both Thai and International to share with you. New recipes gleaned from those who I have met on my travels or are just passing through and stopped for a while. I hope you enjoy them.
I love shopping at the local markets, finding fresh, natural ingredients, new strange fruits and vegetable ones I have never seen or cooked with. I am generally the only European person and attract much attention and I love to try what I am offered and when I smile and say Aroy or Saab as it is here in the north I am met with much smiling.
Some of my recipes may not be in line with traditional ingredients and methods of cooking but are recipes I know and have become to love and maybe if you dare to try you will too. You will always get more than just a recipe from me as I love to research and find out what other properties the ingredients I use contain to improve our health and wellbeing.
Exciting for me hence the title of my blog, Retired No One Told Me! I am having a wonderful ride and don’t want to get off, so if you wish to follow me on my adventures, then welcome! I hope you enjoy the ride also and if it encourages you to take a step into the unknown or untried, you know you want to…….Then, I will be happy!
Thank you once again for reading this post I hope you all stay safe and healthy xx
Retired? No one told me! 