Oct
15
Blog Action Day - The Environment and Me
Filed Under Leadership, Scotland, Community, Blog Action Day
There are some things in life that are so huge that it is difficult to see how we, as individuals, can make any difference. However,I believe that working to protect the environment is not one of them. Every action we take impacts on the planet - down to our very breath- so every action we take to reduce the impact must also count.
I thought a lot about this since signing up for blog action day and really reflected on my purchasing choices. Then I was listening to a discussion on the radio where a scientist being interviewed said that our supermarkets have so much choice - they would say responding to our demands - that it clearly cannot be sustained from the UK sources alone and shipping costs and the related impact on our carbon footprint comes into play.
I love Braeburn apples. On tasting a Braeburn in New Zealand not far from where they are grown I realised how much better they taste locally. I know how I felt having flown half way round the world - what does it do for “fresh” fruit? So from now on I will buy apples that are grown in the UK. But then it is not possible to source locally grown bananas .
I guess that growth and success of the farmers market in Edinburgh has come from people thinking that way. I keep meaning to visit - but then that is a journey into the centre of town and my local supermarket is 5 minutes away. The supermarket is offering more locally grown produce ( though in lots of packaging) so I do have more choice than I used to have.
I think the best thing I have done lately in doing my bit is to buy a canvas shopper from the Princes Trust. It cost £5 - proceeds to the Trust - and it folds into a small square and is in my handbag all the time. I try to use it every time I shop. It has opened up conversations with all sorts of people. There is nothing new in this though - I remember my Mum carried all of her shopping in a “string” bag when I was a lass - and the products were in paper bags if anything. Nobody would have shrinkwrapped a cauliflower or potatoes in those days.
There has been much discussion about household waste recycling here in the UK recently. Since we started separating the plastic, bottles, cardboard and paper from the other stuff our main rubbish bin is usually little more than half full each week. Before we could often not get the lid closed. One household delivering half what they would have to a tip must be a good thing.
As an individual I am now making informed choices. I switch off instead of leaving equipment on standby - but I have to say this was prompted by finding out that not doing so was a fire hazard but it also works for as energy saving. I use my canvas bag. I buy local produce when I can.
But - on the other hand - I like to buy Fairtrade - and then that takes me back to shipping costs etc. I guess it’s about balance too.
If you want more ideas - or to check how you are doing already - have a look at this post
http://blog.blogactionday.com/environment/50-quick-painless-ways-you-can-help-the-environment-today/
