This is not my... Therapy
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Can we help you switch to a more sustainable / ethical way of life?
"I didn't mean to but it was just so hard to resist. First it was just one inefficient appliance, then a pair of gorgeous trainers from a 'not-so-squeaky-slean' retailer. Before I knew it I was on a private jet to Australia so that I could go SUV sand dune surfing in one of my many sweat shop produced PVC outfits..." - P Diddi
It's a common story. We aren't here to judge. We're here to help.
If you have a guilty pleasure let us know. We will see if we can come up with an alternative or let you know if you're beyond hope.... (kidding!)
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Where can I recycle batteries?
Lucy Seigle of the Observer wrote a piece on this which has lots of information about battery alternatives. Sadly it focuses on alternatives so much because battery recycling in the UK is not easy. A new EU directive is coming into effect in 2008 which may lead to better provisions but till then you will need to check recyclenow to see if your local authority will take them.
Mine does which is good as I have a pile collected about 2 years ago before I gave them up (easier than giving up smoking I'm told) though I have to go somewhere special and they will probably then be sent to France as we don't have the right facilities. One step at a time I guess. |
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Is it still ethical to buy organic in the supermarket?
A report published by the journal Food Policy noted that local food is better than organic. Friends of the Earth point out that supermarkets get a lot of their organic produce from overseas. In addition, supermarkets don't always get a great response from organisations such as Corporate Watch and they wrap their peppers up individually in cellophane and charge £1 for them - the cheeky thieves!
Organic food is produced in a more environmentally friendly way but it would be better to try to source this through a local box scheme of at a farmers market if you can. If not then perhaps try buying items that are from the UK when you head to the shops. |
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Is the destruction of the rainforests for the cultivation of soya an acceptable exchange for the ending of the cruelty of the meat industry?
At the risk of offending all vegetarians I should admit that Lara and I aren't veggie - though Ollie is. (I eat smaller amounts of organic meat.) I agree that the meat industry as a whole leaves a lot to be desired in terms of animal welfare but hope you will forgive me for answering the question with a more environmental focus. Soya production in the Amazon basin can have a devastating effect. For more details, have a read of this article by Daniel Howden of the Independent. He notes that:
"Previous threats to the Amazon from illegal loggers and cattle farmers have converted the forest into agricultural land at a rate equivalent to five football pitches every day. But soya farming is even more pernicious, turning the thin top soil of the region into desert in as little as three years, thanks to intensive farming efforts."
It is not as simple as just not eating soya though. Soya is in everything, feed, meat, bread, ink, plastic, oil etc. It is a great vegetarian option but also has many uses that are not so obvious.
Being more aware of how soya is used, checking labelling of soya products for their ethical, environmental policies and supporting groups such as GreenPeace who have convinced the Brazilian government to sign a two year moratorium on Amazonian destruction can all help though.
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To fly or not to fly...?
Ah that is indeed the question! Flying contributes hugely to CO2 emissions and air travel is rising. Ideally it should be avoided. If you can take the train - in the UK or into Europe - or use video conferencing to limit business travel that is great. Sometimes, though, flying may be unavoidable.
If that is the case, flying at night leads to the emission of more CO2. So book a day flight. Buying local products also means that transport and flying costs can be reduced.
You can also off-set the CO2. There has been contention over which projects bring the best results and what levels of off-setting are required. I would go for a project where off-sets increase energy efficiency (with immediate impact) and over estimate the amount required to off-set the journey.
If you do want to make a statement about not flying then why not join Flight Pledge - there are gold and silver awards, for cutting out or down on flying. Almost as exciting as a Blue Peter badge! |
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What is the most energy efficient kind of fridge?
In terms of energy efficiency I could not find one 'super deluxe amazing runs off air fridge' but the great thing about buying white appliances is that due to European regulationsthey must all have an energy rating.
For full ratings details check out this information from Defra. Essentially though, you need an A-rated fridge and these are easy to find in all stores (well those that sell fridges obviously!)
What you might also want to bear in mind though is that you should also:
Select the most appropriate size fridge or freezer for your storage requirements. Check the temperature. (Fridges should operate at around 3ºC to 4ºC and freezers at -15ºC to -18ºC.) |
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Which is preferable - to insulate with unethical insulation or not to insulate at all?
Ooooh - ever looked at something and felt completely out of your depth! Thank the lord that there actually is an environmental insulation.
For a fantastic chart of all different types of insulation and the environmental pros / cons check this one out. It seems that cellulose is one great alternative as it is made up of recycled newspapers. It is also said to last longer than fibreglass and so have cost benefits over the longer term. In the UK, Warmcel is made from 100% recycled newspapers, though there may be other brands out there if you have a search around.
Alternatively you could make your own. Though apparently this does require you to track down a genuine farmers hammermill... Actually my Dad's a farmer so maybe I can get some made up and then start to sell it off cheap. Hmmm - not such a crazy idea.... |
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Is it better to buy organic from Argentina or non organic from the UK?
Another tough one! I guess that the ideal is to buy local organic. With the plethora of box schemes and local markets this is now possible and it is easy - unlike the best thing to do which is - growing your own.
Having said that.... I too must confess that I have exactly the same dilemma when I can't resist the ease of the supermarket. I try to buy local. If not UK, then as near to it as I can. There was a journal published last year that investigated this and came to the conclusion that as local as possible is best.
But then I am lucky. My formative years were spent on a farm so I feel fairly pesticide free and able to cope with a few extra chemicals. Plus I don't have children who I would want to eat organic.
For a bit more info. and debate why not check out the social experiment currently being run by anti apathy on this very issue.... |
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Can you only get 2 types of energy efficient bulbs?
For normal bulbs you do seem to only get the two types (screw and pin) but if anyone has seen others please let me know as I am constantly looking for new and exciting lighting (crazy days indeed).
There are though all sorts of other more efficient lights. I.e. solar powered, LED and all of the other ones that are listed on here so maybe there is something that will be ok for your fittings among those... (N.B. that links to a US-based company so when you find the one you are looking for you may need to google it for the UK.
There is also a whole host of information and useful links, details of cheap bulbs etc on the Ban the Bulb blogspot so you might want to check that out. |
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What can I do about the millions of white goods that are thrown away each year?
Hmmmm I guess starting with your own it is good to check firstly to see if your local council will come and pick it up for recycling (they are mostly made of metal so there is quite a lot that can be recycled). Or, if your white goods are still useable, you can donate them to a charity (try using the goodwill gallery or the furniture recycling network) or give them away through www.freecycle.org
In terms of doing something about the millions.... I guess the best thing to do is to tell as many people as possible about the ways they can recycle there's or get involved with what is going on regarding WEEE (I know it is immature but that is quite a funny acronym...) the European regulation adopted in 2003 on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment which has not yet been implemented in the UK.
Alternatively - you could take notes from the people who made this picture and just use all old appliances as strange installation art works...
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Does carbon neutralising actually work?
Oooh contentious - in my opinion the off setting market goes some way to helping alleviate the effects of climate change but is no substitution for simply not emitting the carbon in the first place. Some argue that it detracts from the real issue - especially with companies like BA starting off-setting schemes.
However, for a slightly fuller argument (though US focused) there is a good one on salon.com you have to click on an add for Syriana to view it but it's free so worth the two second inconvenience.
If at the end of it you still aren't sure whether or not to off-set (neutralise) then why not save the money up that you would spend and do something which makes your home more efficient / use it to top up your shopping fund to get the locally produced or organic products even if they are a little pricier than those from the big multinationals?
As even Tesco's would attest - every little helps... |
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I want to use greener energy but I simply can't afford it. What can I do?
Ahh there is always something to be done. In the first instance why not check out which Green Tariffs you can afford on the Money Supermarket.
Although not as ideal as those that are 100% renewable you can in some instances request that a green payment is made by your usual supplier for no extra charge. So that has got to help a bit and send a good message out.
Plus there is of course the financial bonus of using less electricity. Changing your light bulbs to energy efficient saves £7 per bulb per year and I found some in Morrisons the other day for 50p each. Then there is turning appliances off stand by and turning them off when you leave the room etc.
All will save you some pennies and the environment too. |
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Where can I recycle my paint cans in Lambeth?
If you have some left over paint there is a Community RePaint centre in Lambeth which is a great way of giving your unwanted paint away to those who need it.
In terms of actually recycling the cans I can't find anything on-line but I need to call the council anyway so will do as soon as I get chance and ask what they suggest...
Watch this space.
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I want to buy ethical cleaning products but they are too expensive.
If only my mother were here she would now be waxing lyrical about the many use of bicarbonate of soda (in fact a few weeks ago she wrote us a poem about it...) Anyhow - since she isn't you will have to make do with me pointing you to a really handy page on: http://www.care2.com/ - Apparently all you really need is: baking soda, washing soda, white distilled vinegar, a good liquid soap or detergent, tea tree oil
One other great thing that I haven't yet tried but want to is Enjo. It is a way of cleaning without any products at all (and so will save money over time). Basically the clothes are super cunningly designed s that they attract the dirt/grease/whatever. Very clever indeed! |
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Is there anywhere that I can get ethical dog products? In particular there is a lot of waste in the dog poo picking up process.
Ahh such a delightful query! But yes - dog poo is not the best thing to find in the park (especially bare foot in summer) so I applaud all attempts to get rid of it.
They have now though got some biodegradable and compostable dog poo bags which could be one way of helping the environment all round. They seem to be relatively priced at Mango Mutt though much cheaper to buy in bulk (though if I am wrong I apologise for my terrible maths) at Envirobag.
More generally there are some ethical products on sale at Veggie Pets that you might want to try. |
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I want to cycle to work as I am worried about the pollution but my skin doesn't like the masks. Are there other ways to reduce the impact of fumes on your lungs?
I cycle about as well as I dance... so I thought it might be a good idea to get the opinion of someone more experienced than I and found one suggestion on: http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/index.php/t-104963.htmlt-104963
"Antioxidents are the powerful natural substances that can counteract the 'free radical' chemicals that can be contained in the body due to inhalation of car exhaust fumes. The best way to consume antioxidents is to find fruit and vegetables that are high in phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are nutrients concentrated in the skins of many vegetables and fruits...a good rule of thumb is: the deeper and richer the color of the fruit or vegetable, the more phytonutrients are present. So dark berries, dark grapes, peppers, red onions and fresh tomatoes are all what you should consume."
It seems that the amount of pollution is all to do with deep breathing (oooer) so is there any way that you can cycle faster in parks and off the main road and slower in traffic to limit the intake of fumes? |
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"I want to get washing powder that is good for the planet but it can be expensive... " - JK
What is cost when it is the planet we are talking about... ha ha - kidding.
Yep sometimes it can be that the 'better' products do cost a little bit more but - that is certainly not always the case.
Have you tried Eco-washing balls?
They do cost a wee bit initially but last 1000 washes! So - using my incredible maths - that works out as.... no idea! But cheaper by a long way than normal washing powder. Woohoo |
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"Tazo chai tea lattes from starbucks. It's wrong but I just cannot help myself. I really can't. Even worse - I also buy nestle chocolate sometimes without thinking about it." - JL
Well well well - not just one but twooooo guilty pleasures (though I have to say I am struggling to imagine drinking a chai latte as a pleasure).
Starbuck's (darn it) is super handy but so too are the AMT 100% Fair trade coffee stands you find in most train stations. La gets her chai latte there. You could also consider getting some Steenbergs organic chai and milk and making it yourself? Much cheaper in the long-run.
As for Nestle chocolate - what about a Dubble instead? Delicious, fair trade and you get to be a Secret Agent... so much more fun than a kit kat! |
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"Um... smoking and Mac D's sausage and egg mcmuffin. Oh yeah, and taking it up the poompa. Haha JOKE - ho ho ho." MR
Smoking - hmmm. I gave up after drinking Ayahuasca tea as part of a Santa Diome ceremony in the Brazilian jungle. I guess Brazil is a bit of a long way to go re. CO2 emissions but it did have a similar effect to hypnosis which you could try over here? The NHS quit line is probably the best place to start though - 0800 169 0 169.
Mac D's sausage and egg mcmuffin - me oh my that's nasty - would eating a bit of plastic be similar (and help with recycling)? If not, you could always check out the best of London sausages...
And - erm - great way of keeping the population down - well done.
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"How about powerboats and jet skis?" PH
Oooh a technical one. Well - according to About.com 4-stroke engines are more efficient than 2-stroke and the 4-stroke are smoother. If you must have a 2-stroke the new direct injection are better as the fuel is allocated more precisely.
The impression I get is that Honda seem to lead the field in trying to make more environmentally friendly engines but if anyone out there knows of others then let us know.
What about sailing... or rowing....? |
