What is writing really like?
Getting cooler,
Rain and sleet,
Umbrellas open,
Soggy feet.
Conkers falling
From the trees,
Blowing on
The Autumn breeze.
Darker evenings,
Brisker walks,
Warming fires,
Ideal for cosy talks.
Autumn brings
A feeling good,
Don’t deny it,
You knew it would.
For another of my poems click here.
It was a very busy day today but I made sure that I had conversations with colleagues and others about climate change. I was surprised how little awareness they had about the COP26 Summit happening in Glasgow.
Word of mouth is going to be so important in awakening everyone to the significance of this climate conference. Many people are saying it is vital that this meeting ends in visible changes or we stand little chance of keeping temperature rise to 1.5 degrees.
I heard on the radio that Greta Thunberg had led a protest next to the Glasgow meeting. Her words resonated with me as they ought to with anyone who hears them. She said on Twitter, “As citizens across the planet, we urge you to face up to the climate emergency. Not next year. Not next month. Now.”
Summary
It is only day one but I will be watching the COP26 discussions closely and trying to ensure that as many people as possible engage with this topic. There must be scientists out there who can come together to find ways to solve some of our pollution problems.
Keep talking about Climate Change and share your thoughts on what comes to light at the international Summit.
As we reach the middle of Blogtober there is no better time to draw attention to climate change. The Climate Summit is about to begin in Glasgow and I want to see lots of blogs encourage readers to think long and hard about this important matter. With these ecofriendly things that you can do now, I hope to inspire more chatter about this.
I wanted to suggest some simple changes that you can make to your everyday life. Increasingly I try hard to make changes myself. Some are small and others big. It takes effort and we all have so much to do if we really stand any chance of undoing the climate damage already done.
8 Changes You Can Make Right Now
I wonder how many of these changes you might be willing to make.
1) Have a shorter shower. Instead of spending fifteen minutes in the shower, try to do it in five. Saving water and using it appropriately is one small way to show an ecofriendly attitude to your life.
2) Walk to your local shops twice a week instead of driving to out of town retail centres. By buying local you are supporting small businesses as well as reducing your vehicle usage. You are also getting some exercise and fresh air.
3) Encourage your children to walk or cycle to school instead of driving them there. Having studied this particular aspect of transport I could write a whole article just about this.
More people walking to school and work would make the streets feel safer and reduce the pollution and road traffic accidents which relate to local vehicle use at peak time.
4) Add more plants to your garden. We are losing our wildlife rapidly, as highlighted on today’s national news. By planting a small tree, some shrubs and a few extra plants, you can help to green up your locality. Even better, perhaps have a go at creating a vegetable patch.
5) Change your holiday plans. Swap one of your aeroplane getaways for one that you get to by rail or sea. I started doing this in 2014 and haven’t looked back. Also take the opportunity to explore your own wonderful country. I still have so many places I want to visit in Scotland and Wales.
6) Ignore fast fashion trends. Consider wearing clothes until they are worn out or repairing them as they fray. The fashion industry uses a lot of energy and creates a lot of waste.
The industry works on seasons and introduces new selections regularly. We need to resist buying clothes just for the sake of it or for the sake of being ‘on trend’. Being sensible and repairing clothes should be the new ‘trendy’.
7) Get your home insulated and turn down your heating by 2 degrees. Make sure you are wrapped up instead. A sweater on and plenty of throws around the house should enable you to lower your heating output. This is especially relevant during our current energy shortage in the UK.
8) Find out more about climate change because knowledge is power. Discuss the issues with your families and make it an ongoing conversation. The more we talk about global warming, the more likely it is that we will find ways to solve it.
Thank you for reading my eight ecofriendly things that could change your life for the better. I hope that you have enjoyed this post and, if you did, then please consider following my blog. For a similar article, click here.
