Menorsponsiblity; Collective Effort

Something we need to be thinking about every day - every minute of every day - truth be told. How to play our part in the huge need for care for our planet. 

The theme chosen by Earth Day (dot) Org this year reflects our collective responsibility. Sure, we can say that governments are not doing enough... but we - the individuals of society - have our part to play in electing those governments. We need to exercise our hard-won rights to vote to fulfil our part in the collective. Oh sure, we can exercise our rights as human beings to not vote - to sit on the fence. But where did that ever get us? Fences only divide us, no matter how neutral you think them to be.

Here are the criteria as set out by the organisation:

We can vote with our central government election process, our local government process, and our town council process. We can also vote with our £/$/₹/ ¥... seeking purchases from establishments with proven credentials in the climate change efforts. This is what the theme for this year engenders.

It's a long haul. This short video looks at carbon capture and gives an excellent little graphic example of the task at hand...

We have all experienced extreme weather in recent times. Unusual, untimely storms and heat waves. To deny the need for action - well, I just don't know how anyone can. We are power-hungry, but it behoves us to seek out ways to reduce our usage and to use what we have more strategically. Wherever possible, buy foods with minimum transport miles, and eat seasonally (a forgotten art, I know, and even I struggle with that). There are so many little tweaks we can make if we are prepared to put our minds to it. 

It is also not without reason that The Big One gathering in the streets of Westminster is starting today.

...and now your reminder that next week is Final Friday Feature time once more!

MenoSundays; Life Lived Lovingly

This is a famous clarion call from Swami Vivekananda, as he rallied people to reach for the highest standards of humanity within themselves.

Today, though, I thought to use it also to back up the call-to-action I put out on Thursday. It occurred to me that, while that particular event mentioned is specifically in the UK, there is absolutely no reason at all that all of you reading this in Australia, India, countries of Europe, Canada, and the USA could not write, email or text your relevant offices of government registering your concerns as raised by the IPCC report last week.

How does that fit in with living lovingly? How could it not?!!! Concern for the environment and climate is concern for all of humanity as well as all the flora and fauna of this gem of a planet.

So easily we can say 'I love you', but how often do those words lie empty? They only vibrate with life when we fill them with emotion in our voice, with the outreach of our hand, through touch - that is to say, by acting upon the words we spoke. Below here, you can read the draft of my message to my local MSP to use as inspiration for your own action. Don't just sit there, do something. Sometimes Love with the capital 'ell' means stretching your boundaries! (Please note, the draft will be formalised one week prior to The Big One, allowing for any developments between now and then. You do not have to use the references, but simply take this is a framework.)

DRAFT MESSAGE TO MEMBER OF SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT TO BE BROUGHT TO ATTENTION OF THE UK GOVERNMENT.

RE: The Big One April 21st, 2023

Dear......,

I am writing to confirm to you that whilst not physically able to attend the gathering in Westminster on the date above, I am no less concerned by the matters raised by the organisers and fully support the action.

I have perused the IPCC report myself, and it makes fearful reading. Focus on fossil fuels needs to be stopped immediately, and attention turned to the fullest on expanding the renewables infrastructure. Not 30 years, not 20 years, not even 10 or five years from now. Action must be taken without delay. The IPCC Summary for Policy Makers clearly lays out the issues and explores actions for mitigation. It should be read by all of the government and its suggestions taken into earliest consideration.

In this article from the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, it concludes with a damning statement (in reference to a recent conference at Sharm el Shaikh), 

Countries were unable, however, to adopt a formal decision to agree to phase out fossil fuels, and even more disappointing, they did essentially nothing to assure that previous commitments to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions would be fulfilled.

Would the UK government not like to become the one to say, 'wait a minute!' and lead the turn toward a truly sustainable future???

Thank you for taking the time to read and in advance for your acknowledgement of the contents.

Sincerely,

Menoof; To The Point

I am sure many of you will have seen the headlines about the IPCC report published this week. First, we had the warning of the Doomsday Clock...

...And now we have THIS. Yes, that's the actual report I just linked, and yes, I read it... but really, most headlines have pretty much hit the mark. We are in deep doo-doo if there is no serious and universal activity to mitigate the risk to our climate.

It is a simple fact that nothing much changes at the policy and governmental level without there being a major 'revolt' from "the people". To this end...

To save you time, I have looked up what The Big One is about... and THIS ARTICLE brings it together. While Extinction Rebellion, in its new 'peaceful' guise, is the instigator of the gathering planned for April 21st, many other groups are collaborating. Precisely the unity of purpose required at the top level, thus setting the example. Some things in the world are simply above all the politicking and geographical and economic gesticulating.

Importantly (if you watched that video to the very end), if it is not possible to physically attend The Big One gathering, then write, email or text your relevant member of parliament and voice your support for those who are able to go. Let the government know that the numbers stretch far beyond the streets of Westminster!

(I know this is a UK-only action for now... but be on the lookout for similar things going on in your neighbourhood of the world - and share the info, tell us about it. Remember, we are a village!)

Menongility; Making A Difference

First, let me again offer this link for making donations to the Disasters Emergency Committee. Donations can be made directly from the page... and the UK gov will match £ for £, thus doubling your contribution. NB - overseas residents can donate by changing country on the donations form.

Big week last week for renewing any fading interest in matters 'disaster' or 'tragic'... President Zelenskyi's out-of-country tour seeking further support with air armaments and an astoundingly profound speech at Westminster, then this expanding horror on a border between other battling countries - an almost silent war and certainly one that had been put in the background due to the Ukrainian situation. Now, that rumbling is still going on, even as the people on the ground itself are struggling to come to terms with their radically changed living circumstances. 

I don't doubt that you have all listened to news reports yourselves, and it is entirely possible that you have already taken some action - I merely offer these connections as part of my 'dhyana'; acts of charity are not just the giving but the spreading and sharing. 

In looking around for an official equivalent in the USA, I did struggle a bit... one might have thought that USAID was a direct reflection of the UKDEC. Nope. That is about how the USgov is spending its pennies overseas. the Council of Foreign Relations is much the same if a little more layperson-friendly. All good info, no doubt... but donations??? Ah, here we are... FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). It is still not as straightforward as the DEC site... you have to work to find a place to donate, and the basics are given there (I have just cut and pasted, so links remain live, so not as pretty as an image link):

How You Can Help

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Graphic

If you have items to donate, time to volunteer in support of a nonprofit, or cash to give and have questions, email the FEMA Donations Unit. We would love to help you help others.

To find a list of trusted organizations, additional information on donations and other resources, visit National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster.

If any of my US readers know anything different, feel free to take put links in the comments.

For my Indian readers, I could only find a National relief fund and nothing for international... will have to leave that one with you to discover and follow for yourselves.

For my Australian readers, there is no direct government donations facility, but there is a coalition of charities at work with a central 'pot' as per the following:

There's a coalition of 15 charity organisations collectively called the Emergency Action Alliance, which is launching a joint appeal for the earthquake. Essentially, the alliance acts as the main portal for fundraising, saving member groups from the administration efforts of appealing for funds. Member organisations best placed to respond to the crisis apply for funds raised by the alliance, which says no more than 10 per cent of donations go to administration and operation costs. 

So far, at least 11 of those charities are already at work in the region:

• Act for Peace
• Action Aid
• ADRA
• ALWS
• Australia for UNHCR
• Baptist World Aid 
• CARE Australia
• Caritas Australia
• Plan International
• Oxfam
• Save the Children

You can donate to the Emergency Action Alliance's earthquake appeal here. 

These are the three main centres of my readership, but I know there are followers from various European countries and, of course, Canada! I hope that this post will encourage you to seek out your own trusted centres of donation.

None of this is 'an order'... it is merely my acting on capital 'ell' Love and the wish to encourage others to follow suit. Thank you for reading and, if you are able, offering just a few of your hard-earned to help lift your distant neighbours.

MenoSundays; Life LIved Lovingly

I am scheduling this post last Tuesday morning. It is a delayed response and may well be out of date in many respects. But I cannot let the chance pass to share with you two monologues that hit the mark. The first is one of the most intelligent, unscripted discourses you could listen to with regard to the state of play in the USA - but the words and sentiments of which reverberate in all societies. I thank blogpal Janice for bringing Trevor Noah to my attention. Many of you may have already seen this. It bears listening to more than once.  (This is actually the second half of an 18-minute talk, which is available on YouTube. The initial eight or nine minutes are also worth hearing, but the nub of it is contained here.)

Be aware, this is not at all condoning looting and other 'aggro' actions; it is, though, a very reasoned and meaningful insight and is worth investing ten minutes of your time. (In case you wonder about TN's credentials for offering such commentary, you may wish to read his book - none of us who does not have direct experience can truly know...)

The second item is from last Sunday's sermon from Most Rev M B Curry. He shares thoughts on the 'pandemic of human nature', the despair it can cause - and the solution of Love with the capital 'ell'.  I attach my Eternal Prayer (click the candle - or here), in the hope you will utter it with me now and each day.

(2/2) Trevor on George Floyd and the Minneapolis protests:

“If you felt unease watching that Target being looted, try to imagine how it must feel for black Americans when they watch themselves being looted every single day. Police in America are looting black bodies.” pic.twitter.com/oO6s8sNY44

— The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) May 30, 2020

MenoSundays; Life Lived Lovingly.

Well.

The old saying "may you live in interesting times" is considered as a polite way of cursing someone. The entire world now lives in interesting times.

Finding respite from the barrage of endless 'news' updates (we have the technology and the captive audience, so why not, eh?) is a challenge. Certainly, for mental and indeed physical wellbeing, doing stretches, switching off radios and televisions and avoiding social media is to be encouraged.

Stretches, did she say? 
↬Yes. Get up every hour and bend towards your toes. Then reach for the ceiling. Hold the arms out in front and twist them round to the left and then round to the right - slowly and measured mind. No sudden jerks. Drop them to your sides.

↬Take three, long, diaphragm-deep breaths, slowly. Now stretch the arms out to the sides and lift the left leg, bring your foot to your right knee and see how far to the left you can swing that left knee to the side. Hold it for a few seconds, release and swap to the right leg to repeat. Do this up to ten times. Relax and repeat the three breaths. Bend to your toes and reach for the ceiling.

↬If you have a garden - make full use of it. Wrap up and take a brolly if needed. Just get some fresh air into those lungs! Those who are dog walkers - hoorah.

OKAY; I want you all to relax your minds and hearts. Remember that the ultimate source of information within your own countries will be your government websites. Not the populist news channels. For the globe as a whole, WHO is the place to go.

Let me share this with you (as at 1500 GMT 21st March 2020):

What's that, you are wondering? That, my friends, is the expression of the currently quoted number of confirmed C-19 cases as a percentage of the global population (rounded up 235k v 78bn) - that's 0.003%. Here is the current report from WHO:

SOURCE

When you see the percentages presented in the news, they are expressions only of the KNOWN cases of Covid-19. In the scenario above, the death-rate comes out a little over 4%. It is statistics like this that has created the absolute idiocy which now prevails. In terms of the global population, the rate is 0.001%. Whereas the likely global rate of death from 'seasonal flu' (i.e. the 'usual' respiratory stuff) is in the order of 0.083%. (That link, BTW, is worth reading; written two years prior to the current pandemic and somewhat prophetic.)

Now, of course, there are 'hotspots', China itself being the first. Poor Italy, and other hubs. What has become very clear is that the worst affected places are those where lifestyle encourages close and intimate mingling - even among strangers. Therefore some places are going to show higher percentages locally.

In Scotland, at the time of writing, 0.006% of our population is affected and 0.00014% deaths. That is to say, of one hundred thousand people, six are infected. Am I going to bump into them? Odds are against it. I did get the seasonal lurgy though and that was unpleasant enough.

Now, you know me here. I am not at all trying to belittle the fact that the world has got itself some strife. The important thing to note is that the virus is highly contagious and therefore social distancing makes a great deal of sense, for the potential for this thing to reach the entire population is there. Hence the upgrade to the term 'pandemic'. Taking appropriate cautions is nothing but common-sense. (Oh, yeah, that thing.) As someone who has always been a hand-washer, I am often dismayed at others' lack of personal hygiene; particularly when handling food or other personal shared items. I hope that the increased awareness with the current push will encourage continued attention to this very basic but oh-so-necessary discipline.

However, I do think that we all need to take a collective breath and know that this virus, too, will pass and history will - probably - record it not to have been anywhere near as 'deadly' as all the news outlets would love it to be. Nobody ought to be predicting health outcomes because as WHO itself has declared:

In the end, the figures may all prove to be speculative, because so many folk are so marginally affected they are not even going to their doctors (at least in countries where that matters and can be done). I have presented this to you in the hope of bringing some balance, some perspective. At least for now, purely from the medical aspect, the risk of death from C-19 is rather less than from the seasonal viruses which do the rounds...for which all the common-sense precautions are equally necessary. Also, bear in mind that Tuberculosis (another droplet-spread respiratory disease) affects significantly more people each year. Yes, it predominates in 'third-world' countries, but it is global.
USA
UK
Australia

History will remark on the ancillary effects, the social and economic upheaval, caused by Covid-19. The incompetence of some governments. And, hopefully, the community uplift from neighbours and strangers lending a hand where they can. It would be wonderful to think that - somehow - capital 'ell' Love manifested more openly now. In some places it most definitely is. I do not, however, wear rose tints...

Be safe. Be well. Behave.

MenOoWaC; Being Attentive

You all know by now that matters environmental are of significant interest to me. Political, too, if the truth is told. I like to keep my finger on the pulse, so read widely and regularly. I am not a fan of MSM (main-stream media), but it is what most folk have as their 'rod' for gaining info. I like to dig deeper, though. I subscribe to some sites where investigative journalism takes precedence. Yes, there are still axes ground, but articles with strong reference links get my vote even when I may disagree with some (or all) that is said. I like facts and figures. I am also a fan, being a research addict, of going as much to source as I am able myself.

I encourage all to do this also. However, recognising genuine research over bogus is another hazard on the WWW. There are a plethora of very professional-looking sites out there which are just 'rehashers' and perpetrators of theories and myths. It takes time to sort things out. I am fortunate in having that time.

Here are some links that may be of interest to some or all of you. Not every link will be to your liking, but even if one or two pique your curiosity, be sure to follow it through!

The Green New Deal Group (UK) running a different economy
Regeneration International (USA) in relation to Green New Deal
There's one just for Scotland too!!!

Given that many retirement pension funds like to invest in the fossil fuels sector, the Carbon Tracker Initiative may be of interest to you.
Another gas and oil paper which some will appreciate.
This link is to the full paper from which I took the quote you saw here last week regarding transportation.

Be aware that you can always go to your government's publications departments to find news of relevance.

The Doomsday Clock is a symbol that represents the likelihood of a man-made global catastrophe. It has recently been reset to one minute and forty seconds to 'midnight'.

Finally, today, something to lift your hearts. Leonardo Dicaprio is one of our fine young film actors who also knows how to be a very decent human being. Click HERE to link to the website of his environmental foundation. But before you go, enjoy this beautiful short film.

Menoroondyup; Loose Ends

There have been a few comments/enquiries and an end or two I need to tuck.

Yesterday, KB remarked about purchasing and having delivered much of her shopping... how does it compare in terms of carbon footprint. WELL... this article gives you a fair idea when it comes to all things non-grocery (or even that too, if you are on their food supply lists). It's worth clicking through to the linked article within the one I just linked, too. I know that delivery by drone is becoming a bit of a thing... but this then goes into how one feels about those things.

In terms of groceries, I have recently taken to ordering the weekly shop for dad's place from our local supermarket, which happens to be Sainsbury's. Not having a car now, and not the strength or capacity to bring home such heavy and bulky goods myself, it is most certainly worth my while doing. That store does not run single deliveries. One chooses time slots - some of which are classified as "green", though this seems to be a tad random. The order is one of many in that van. It is, therefore, equitable to all those folk going in their own vehicles. One van verses several cars does seem a reasonable trade-off. Not brilliant though. A move to electric vehicles over the next few years would be a good thing. I certainly appreciate having the shop brought right into the kitchen though!

Joanne made a post yesterday remarking on littering. It astounds me how much muck is floating about our streets and countryside. When I was growing up, the Keep Britain Tidy campaign was a huge success and it was rare to see stuff lying around. There has been a renewal of that campaign in visual advertising on the side of litter bins, but not really a concentrated push on other media, that I have noticed. True, not all recycling is all it purports to be, but it is still a whole lot better than we used to have.

I am going to bring you some more very informative links next week.

One or two folk have inquired about my health. I do now accept that I have had some form of influenza. Two weeks on, the cough is lingering and the energy levels are low. I would say that I am now at about 85% capacity (up from 60% three days ago). So, mending, but still room for improvement! Am staying for a third week in Edinburgh to cover cares for dad as Mac1 had to give up one of her weeks of annual leave to look after us both!

One of the things I have done in my downtime is fall into the rabbit warren that is Ravelry. I had no idea... I thought it was just a place to buy patterns, but turns out it is a major network site for knitters and crocheters. With lots of patterns on offer, many of them free. Have been getting ideas for using the yarn I went in search of on that day I fell ill. Anyone else on there? Let me know your usernames or send me links and let's connect there!

It's all just life process, right? Thanks for all the messages of healing wishes and thoughts.

MenOoWaC; Are We Concerned... Cruising is Losing

Getting back to matters meaningful. In the previous concerned post, I touched upon the fact that the majority of our consumable items are transported from their countries of manufacture by sea.

There is much ado about flying. Let's be clear - all transportation on this planet is currently an environmental beast. However, flying has been getting a really bad wrap because it is such an obvious and visible whipping pony. As you will have noted from the chart provided in the first instalment, transportation overall, whilst significant, is not the most offending regarding contributions to the global greenhouse gas emissions. Our electricity and heat demands outweigh them by some 10%.

When it comes down to the transportation sector, I found this neat little chart which applies within the European continent. Road transport, 71%. On this one, there is little difference between air and water transport. Together they have about a third of the impact of road vehicles. (Quite what 'other' transportation might be is something of a mystery. Drones, maybe?)

It's one thing that we obtain goods via the sea. But what about the rise in popularity of cruising? I know a handful of my readers are fans of this kind of vacation. But the thing that one needs to be aware of with all shipping, over and above gas emissions, is the overall environmental impact. Shipping is, without doubt, one of the dirtiest and most offending industries there is, but it is a case of 'out of sight out of mind'.

CLICK HERE to read full article

As of this year, the IMO will be imposing some output restrictions and the industry is having to get prepared. Just how well it is doing that is open to wide debate. There are many accounts and studies that demonstrate the challenges in changing habits on the sea. Not just the fuel and emission situations, as mentioned, but also matters of eliminating general waste and (in the case of commercial goods) the loss of containers, break up of ships, and all manner of other sea-damaging issues. (This article, and also this one, are both worth a read. Note that the fines imposed on cruise lines equate to each of us being told to stump up for a cup of tea...)

Alternative fuel options are not many. LNG is the main one being taken seriously at the moment. But this is the one I'd really like to see get moving! Here's hoping.

MenOoWaC; Are We Concerned...(cont'd)

The complexity of environmental impacts and actions was given a bit of an airing last Thursday on this bloggy. I am no environmental warrior. I cannot physically get out and remonstrate by protestation. I am not a banners and chants kinda gal. I am, however, a pretty good reader/researcher and I can wield a word or two with effect. If I am able to contribute with raised awareness and informational links, then some small thing has been achieved. The comments on last week's post demonstrated that it is possible to be active in the promotion of environmental and ecological concerns without causing public upheaval and risking opprobrium.

One comment stuck with me though and encapsulates what I feel is core to the change that is necessary in the world:

Exactly as Gandhiji would have it!

The point being, if every individual takes responsibility for their own footprint, that means the entire community and then the whole of society, and ultimately nations will have proved their environmental worth.

Business and economics have influence over whether there will be a change in how we treat the earth. It would be easy to point to the multinationals in finance, manufacture, energy, and seek to lay blame for lack of cooperation with directives regarding environmental change. However, those businesses only exist due to the consumption of their product. That throws it right back on us, the end-users of Widgetry and Fantoomery.

From where do all those goods originate? With our food, we are growing ever more conscious of 'mileage'. Is it local (i.e. at least in-country) or has it travelled from outwith our borders? If so, how was it transported? Trucks, trains, and boats, all of which consume fossil fuels, are the primary methods for transporting large quantities of food around the world. There may be some transportation by air for 'sensitive' items, but this is not regular. And this is just one example. An important one.

Pretty much everything we own and use, however, will have - at least in part - travelled significant distances. We all know that there is hardly anything that is not from places like China, India, Turkey, and so on. Cheap labour. This is what encouraged Scottish fish to be transported to China to be filleted and packed and then returned to the UK for supermarket sales. It is also why Alaskan Salmon is not all we would hope of it. Let's not think about the meat industry. It's not that we vegetarians are free from such capers, either. I love green beans, but they are highly seasonal in the UK. If I want some with my winter meals, I have to accept they come from Kenya. Or opt for what IS seasonal and produced here in Scotland. (I was spoilt in OZ, where fruit and veg production is continual and with very few seasonal considerations.)

Then think about all the electronics that dominate life these days. The completed units might be 'in-country', but guaranteed, a lot of the components are not. Take a look around you right this minute. Can you point to anything that is entirely locally produced? Or entirely produced within your borders?

How did this stuff reach you? More importantly, how did it reach the repository from where you purchased it? A very significant portion of our goods will have travelled by that almost invisible transport... shipping. About this, I shall continue in the next OoWaC post. Your 'takeaway' today, it is hoped, is that sourcing as much as you can (and can afford - that's the bugbear) locally will be key to letting big business know where their consumers' priorities lie. It also encompasses a need for all of us to reconsider what we are using and why. How much of our consumption is 'just because it is available'? What do we need versus what do we want. 

MenoOwAc; Are We Concerned...Enough???

This is the time of year when I generally do some conscience-pricking, insight-raising posts in regard to the ecology and the environment. In fact, I'm a little overdue.

Some of you will have been aware that the World Economic Forum, Davos 2020, has been and gone. That place where billionaires rub shoulders and egos and show off their shiny plans for their various administrations for the year ahead. It was notable for a few prominent speeches and 'debates'. I watched quite a few items via the YouTube channel. I was particularly taken with the opening words from Greta and the followup discussion in regard to averting 'climate apocalypse', which you can watch HERE. (The good stuff starts at minute six.) I encourage you to watch this through and to peruse and view a few others from the channel.

Climate change was not the only topic, but it would be fair to say that it dominated somewhat. As it rightly should. Bottom line is, we - as a species and definitely as individual countries - are just not moving fast enough in the direction of true environmental care. It requires a cultural change that eludes the vast majority.

Let's face it, even the most aware and caring of us find it a challenge to be completely plastic-free, or to consider how far our fruit and veg may have travelled and by what transport. The clothes we buy will almost certainly have travelled further than the borders of our terrain - and will quite possibly have been made in conditions that, by Western standards, are less than humane.

The thing is, the genie is out the bottle. To turn the world back to the time before the industrial revolution (which is what really needs to happen if we are to truly make the changes required for the climate and the sea and the land) is simply not a goer. As a race, I think that we are still not sufficiently concerned to make the efforts required for real change to take effect in a short enough space of time for stoppage or reversal of climate damage. All these figures of 1.5% and 2% and putting 'caps' on emissions and setting dates such as 2035 or 2050... are not enough. Big business (read petro-chemical, all kinds of manufacture) versus consumer demand will always result in loopholes. (Actually, business/economics has a great deal to do with why things are more static than they need to be... and Richard Murphy writes quite a bit on this point.)

Then there is the consideration that it's not all about carbon dioxide. There are other gaseous elements that contribute to global warming. Not least of these is HFC-23. The gas from our refrigerators and air conditioners. It was the one, you may recall, which replaced earlier propellants in aerosol cans such as hairspray and deodorant... the big answer to preventing holes in the ozone layer of the atmosphere. Now, scientists say one tonne of HFC-23 emissions is equivalent to the release of more than 12,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide. And its use is on the increase. 

Well, there's the catch-22, eh? Increasingly warm climate, just switch on the air-con...

Not here in the Bonny Land, of course. Heating is more our thing. Oh yes, that inconvenient fact that delivery of power utilities to our homes means the burning of coal, natural gas, and oil for electricity and heat is the largest single source of global greenhouse gas emissions.

The mind boggles at the complexity of the environmental hole we have dug ourselves...

Menoctionable - Shout Out

One of my dear (non-blogging) readers has alerted me to a very important environmental petition requiring signatures and also - if you can - a few pennies of help to get the petition well 'on the road' (if you read the link the last phrase will strike you strongly!).

This sort of thing happens all the time. As we grow more aware of our environment and how we ought to be integrating with it rather than stamping all over it, I hope that more and more such citizen action will take place. Never give up hope!!! Click that link above NOW and add your name to build a case against the destruction of  Ardee Bog.

MenOoWaC; a post of Wellness and Concern

A couple of weeks back, I posted a 'menorise' about the choice of timber. It is old Gaelic wisdom, both for the carpenter and out of respect for the trees that yield the lumber.

CLICK HERE
to hop over and
see more Peace Posts!

Mimi, at Blog4Peace, commented that 'trees are people too'. No argument here - or from those wise ones of yesteryear. Sure, it would be good if Mankind had learned to NOT use trees at all - or at least not to fell them for a specific purpose. Using the already fallen would surely be an honouring of their life. It would be lovely, too, if our leather could come only from animals which had lived full lives, rather than from those slaughtered for their meat, or only for their skins.

That genie is well and truly out the bottle, though. We now farm trees in the way we farm animals - for our benefit. Consumption of wood which has been grown specific to purpose is at least tenable. Here in Scotland, the Forestry people are in the process of transforming how this farming and harvesting is done. No longer the vast tracts of Norway and Sitka Spruce, but some return to varied forests and the inclusion of 'broad-leafed' natives as much as the standard pine.** It is now understood that, while we will continue to demand products which require timber, the trees at least should serve other purposes in their growth. Things such as better land management on hill farms, increased leisure areas for people to improve their activity and wellbeing, and that all-important component, 'air filters'.

Oh yes, dear ones, it must never be forgotten that all the plants of this earth, but the trees most of all, are the planet's lungs. They are also, like the canaries in the mines, an indicator of the environment's general health.

A problem is being faced right here by The Hutch. Yes, in Couthy Cowal our Corlarach Forest is being attacked by a nasty water-mould disease called Phytophthora Ramorum. The government sent us all a flyer and map with blue bits (forest parts currently restricted), red bits (forest parts being cleared), and yellow bits (forest parts hit directly by the disease).

It's mainly a climate-based disease. Its prevalence in the UK has increased along with warmer, wetter weather patterns. The western regions are thus more susceptible and, in particular, the west coast of Scotland. The spores can travel on mist, air-currents, rain-splash, via watercourses. But - and here's the kicker for all those of us who enjoy a bit of forest-bathing - it can also be spread on footwear, dogs' paws, tools, equipment, and vehicle wheels, including bicycle and mountain-bike wheels. Oh, yes, my dears!

Image courtesy of Scottish Forestry - KEEP IT CLEAN

You think changing the climate is all about cutting out petrol fumes and coal-burning??? No, as ever, it starts right under our own noses!!!

Now, cleaning one's shoes after such a walk is not such a stretch. Most of us would do that anyway, simply for cleanliness sake. However, it is also key to preventing the transfer of PR. Rather than traipse it all the way home consider cleaning them off in situ. The cleaning of bikes or pups paws may not come as an obvious requirement. However, certainly here in the Bonny Land, this is now being encouraged to aid disease control.

PR is not confined to these regions, though. It affects large parts of the Americas and many other woodland areas which present with the ideal climate. If you are a forest walker, biker, runner, 4x4 driver - THINK ABOUT KEEPING IT CLEAN!

** Although eighteen years old now, this PDF pamphlet gives a lovely history of Scotland's forestry. It was produced while there was still a 'Forestry Commission'. Now it is Forestry Scotland, and they have just announced their fifty-year plan.

Menondrum - yes, but?

Our pals at LLB are doing their fifth annual Halloween posts and comments donations for shelters blog hop... The charities I donate to are mostly national - but there is one local one called Daisy's Den; they run a little thrift shop and use all the profits to help out local dogs whose owners are in strife or have had to let them go for some reason.
I love that shop and visit it regularly. There is always something to buy and I know my pennies are going to a great local cause!

Now, for a bit of fun.

CLICK HERE to go see more 'tricks'

Menosukhi Monday; Fletcher Pupdate 3

Having had a couple of wee interim messages to allay any fears that Fletcher might be going to flunk, things are definitely looking good per this third update from his handler.

Menoloopal; crying shame...

...or ought that to read, 'cry in shame'? Really. Having touched upon the nature of 'goodness' within us, surely part of that needs to be an environmental awareness. The kind which makes us take full responsibility for our part in ensuring we walk lightly upon the earth. Before I go further, I would like you to CLICK HERE and watch the very short video you will find there. Please do this - I'll wait here.

Disturbing? Feel free to share that link yourselves - the more folk who are faced with the fact, the more (one can hope) they will think about making a change themselves. It is accepted that making any change, even within our own homes, is a challenge. Is it any surprise, then, that the challenge on the large scale can seem to be almost insurmountable?

Yet all that is required is that every human being makes one solid change - no plastic water bottles; no plastic bags; no plastic food wrappers - just one. Sticking to that one will already make an exponential change to the world as a whole. Then, having made that one change and made a habit of it, let each make one more change... then another. Step by step, item by item, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

If all individuals take responsibility for themselves and their 'plastic action', it turns out that the family, the community, the society, the nation and ultimately the planet benefits.

It is so very easy to point outwards and say, '...these people...' Until one is oneself completely changed, 100% plastic-free, there ought to be no pointing. Lead by example!!! I know that most of my readers are already on this path and this is a bit of a 'preach to the converted' - but we can always do more, and part of that doing more is to take up the bone and run with it like the dog who hasn't eaten for a month.

On a related note but a little bit more upbeat to finish the post today; last week, I was purchasing tomatoes and potatoes which were loose on the grocery shelf at the supermarket. I was determined not to use their plastic bags, so just placed them on the checkout counter as they were. The lady on the seat desperately wanted me to corral them in a plastic bag and offered me twice - it would have made it easier for her, but she did finally understand that I just did not want the plastic. As I was packing the last of my items into my trolley, having completed the payment, the lady behind me started to UNPACK her tomatoes and broccoli and handed the plastic bags back to the checkout chick. "You've inspired me!" she said to me with a big smile.

Wahooooo...

Menopdatery; further findings

Last Friday, I posted one of those periodic 'nudges' about plastic usage. Over at David's blog, I requested he ask Miriam about the beeswaxing for food wraps. You see, I had not come across this idea until very recently, when in QLD and doing a wee bit of gift shopping. A craft place had some for sale and I bought one, thinking this was original and marvellous.

This is the link kindly provided. That site is New Zealand based and is very generous with its info. It would be tempting to give them the business, but there might be a small matter of import tax here in the UK (border control can be funny about such things), never mind the cost doubling due to postage. This got me thinking that the idea is likely to be widespread, and there must be more local items available. Well, turns out I ought to have looked that up long before now. Mostly there are ready-waxed cloths on sale, but a few kits also. Following are a few links which might be of interest here in the UK/EU. I guess you all can do a similar search over in the USA. Those of you in OZ, well, the NZ option would be fine!

This one at Livemoor has free delivery, which has gotta be good, right?
BeeBambu ready-made from Amazon is a reasonably good price.
Lucy & Yak have a similar package as the BeeBambu one at a little more cost - but I like the look of their site for promoting low-impact living.
Pure Beeswax bars in small quantities might be the way to go for a try out on producing one's own wraps.
E-Bay, for those who are inclined to it; again for homemaking.
Vegan, anyone??? In fact, Etsy is positively heavy with wax wrappers and related products!
...and now I am thinking Christmas... I will buy this and split it among the family. Mean? No! we don't buy each other silly gifts and each of these items individually holds value; father will love having a straw cleaner with the bamboo suckers!

Best for last? Here's the jackpot, as far as I am concerned!!! Scottish, practically on the father's doorstep. Already ordered a kitchen pack and a bread wrapper - will report in due course!!!

Now the challenge is over to my USA pals - what's on offer your side???

Google images

Menolert; raising awareness

image from CLIPART MAX

Regular readers who have been around for some time know that I have a keen interest in how we can reduce the weight of our footprints upon our environment. As a reminder, or for newcomers, here are a few of my previous posts;

The Ocean Dump
Bandwagon 1
Bandwagon 2
Self-monitoring
A Project

I know you all to be very aware of the need to take some responsibility, but I also know how hard it can be to maintain the stance of 'activist'. It is important, therefore, to keep checking in and giving - or finding - reminders such as these posts.

Over at Travels With Birds, blogpal David has broken away from the avian and contributed a wonderful post on how to change one's usage. His wife, Miriam, has sewing skills and you will find on that link some amazing inspiration. Even for sewing idiots like myself, the concept of the produce bags ought to be easy to recreate.

Mind you, I have created a couple more of my bag-from-bags (see the project link above). However, they do carry a bit of weight in themselves, so cannot serve quite the same purpose as a full replacement for the plastic bags used to measure fruit and veg on the shop scales.

Do visit David's post and see if you can take away at least one idea to put into practice!