Tag: global warming

Wrapping Up Doesn’t Have To Be A Waste.

As we reach the end of the year, I am delighted to be able to write another Climate Change Collective post. With Christmas on the horizon, there are some aspects of our rituals that can be environmentally awkward. One such aspect is packaging.

The UK uses 227,000 miles of wrapping paper each year. Each Christmas each UK household throws away three and a half black bags full of Christmas packaging. (Source: GWP)

Startling facts like this highlight just how important it is that we start to reign in our packaging obsession over the festive season.

The Trouble With Glitter

I have been checking recycling instructions for wrapping paper. It seems that the general UK advice is that if you can scrunch it up and it stays scrunched then it is recyclable. There is an important note added to that though. If it contains glitter or foil decoration, then it can’t be recycled.

This is disappointing but makes a lot of sense. However, it is the reason why so many general waste bins are going to be stuffed full of wrapping paper this week.

One of the worst offenders when it comes to being single-use is the renowned (and often pointless) gift bag. A shiny and expensive gift bag usually contains an already fully wrapped present. Is this really necessary?

Being covered in foil and soon worn out, a gift bag commonly makes its way swiftly into the rubbish bin.

But why do people wrap their presents and still feel the need for individual gift bags too?

Suggestions For Change

First of all people need to start thinking about the type of packaging they use. Does it have to be shiny and sparkly?

I will be honest and say that this Christmas I gave my presents without any wrapping on at all. I don’t have any children in my family but would have wrapped their presents if so.

Using coloured paper which has no foil is a simple way of making gift wrapping better for the environment. It should be the thought that matters and the consideration that went into the present buying, not the sparkly packaging.

Final Thoughts

If landfill sites are being filled with gift wrapping every Christmas, then we really need to challenge this. In the spirit of Christmas, should we not be giving back to the planet instead of polluting it with rubbish?

It takes tinfoil (the same as the foil found in wrapping paper) around 400 years to decompose according to Recycle Coach.

Let’s make an effort to move away from unnecessary packaging and towards a more sustainable future full of recyclable Christmas wrapping and emptier dustbins.

Thank you for reading this article. Please message me if you are a blogger wanting to join The Climate Change Collective. Michelle (Boomer Eco Crusader) and I came up with an idea to establish a group of likeminded bloggers to write monthly features about the environment. Our group has blossomed and every member writes a link post each month.

To read the most recent post from our collective simply check out Caroline’s wonderful Reconnecting with nature and self article from November.

Take A Breath And Think – Poem

Today I have written a poem which is based on gut feelings. I want to encourage everyone to take a breath and use their voices at a time where sensible, level voices need to be heard over angry ones.

Take a breath and ponder,

All the crazy in the world.

The last time I thought about it,

My fingers and toes curled.

But think about it nonetheless

And try and take it in.

The world needs clever thinkers

To ensure changes can begin.

A lot of things are thoughtless

Knee jerk reactions cause most wars.

Pollution comes from thoughtlessness

Meanwhile Antarctic ice shelves thaw.

As anger drives decisions

And feelings drive divide.

You need to take a moment

And carefully decide.

Will you sit and watch the chaos

And allow for things to spin?

Or will you make a choice to fight

To turn a corner with a grin?

Only clever thinking

Will help to steady the divisions.

Political clear thinking

And some really tough decisions.

So vote for those who care

About society at large.

Don’t allow the ignorants

To easily take charge.

Think about the climate

As it steadily decays.

Use you voice and thinking

To make a difference. Don’t delay.

Thank you for reading my ‘Take a breath and think’ poem. For more of my poetry check out my Terrible Turmoil poem. Please also consider following my blog for similar future content.

The Truth IS Climate Change

A Climate Change Collective Link Post

Every month a different member of the Climate Change Collective group of bloggers writes about a pressing environmental issue. This month, the brilliant Transatlantic Notes covers the subject of Climate Denial which is sadly rife at the moment.

You can check out the very informative article here:

A Greener World: Debunking Myths About Climate Change

My Worries

Recently I was shocked by some of the responses I got to my posts on Twitter/ X about global warming. Some people are quick to shout down anyone who wants to promote awareness about climate change.

Similarly, certain high profile politicians are happy to deny climate change altogether. They call it a liberal load of rubbish and such like, suggesting that temperature change is natural and not related to industrialisation at all.

———————————————————————

The Transatlantic Notes article includes various myths that have appeared in the press and helps to squash them:

Myth 1. | The Climate Has Always Changed; It’s Normal

Yes, there has been natural climate variability throughout history, and the planet has experienced climate shifts. However, what we’re experiencing today has scientists and experts concerned. Climate change is accelerating at a much faster pace than previous natural variations.

———————————————————————

In A Nutshell

As a geographer who studied environmental change in the biosphere at University, I have been aware of global warming for thirty years. Only recently has it become more widely recognised, seemingly in line with heightened affects such as heatwaves, extreme weather events and flooding.

Following the misleading nonsense of climate deniers is undoing all of the good that climate protestors and scientists are doing. Hopefully, after reading the lead article you will see that there really isn’t a time or place for the denial of climate change.

Please check out the myths about climate change linked in the post above.

For another article by the Climate Change Collective of bloggers, check outWarmer weather – What’s not to like?