beckyjo125 posted: " 31 December 2023 Do my eyes deceive me or do I really read some positive news about climate change in this week's news reels? It is a headline in the Guardian that stops me in my tracks, "Climate scientists hail 2023 as 'beginning of the en" Smashing Single Parenthood
I scroll through the article in sceptical disbelief. 2023 has been such a grim 12 months for humanity, for many reasons: conflicts, continuing cost of living crisis, chaotic government and what certainly appears to be an ever-accelerating climate catastrophe, that good news is difficult to comprehend... let alone believe.
We witnessed yet more record-breaking temperatures, flash-flooding and wild fires. Indeed in a previous edition of the same newspaper we read of scientists grimly heralding 2023 as a year in which 'humanity exposed its inability to tackle climate crisis...'. Against such a terrifying backdrop of visible destructive change, disappointment on the outcomes of COP 28 were so palpable that I couldn't summons up the enthusiasm to write my usual blog on the subject ... until now!
The Guardian article is cautious and outlines the extent to which the world is still years behind a schedule of true hope. Nonetheless, there is some optimism that "emissions from energy use may have peaked" and this is an important milestone. And, I don't know about you, but I decide that I'll take any green shoots on offer, and furthermore, I make myself sit down, our household eco-efforts this year. So come along ... to the bathroom
I remain almost plastic free in the smallest room with soap for face, hands, body ... and hair. And to keep everything tidily in place and soap-scum free, have discovered the fabulous Smol magnets, (these things are genius!), plus my soap bag picked up at a Summer market in Edinburgh.
Fussy deodorants keeps me smelling fresh and waste packaging to a minimum. And you'll also spot a new razor suckered to the shower wall, courtesy of my eldest daughter, who introduced the house to the wonderful world of Estrid Razors; believe me those things are built to last! The razor blades are sent via flexible subscription service, as are all my soaps (via Smol), so not only is it greener but so convenient!
But waitr, I did say 'almost' plastic free! Alas, my quest to find a hair-conditioner bar has not, as yet, met with success and I have, for now, reverted to a plastic tub of conditioner to tame my curly locks. But, I search on...
Getting back on track, let's pop downstairs to the kitchen, where Smol is again my current company of choice. A work colleague put me onto Smol and they are a joy to deal with. I swerve the supermarket 'household product' aisle these days, as Smol post tabs for the dishwasher, clothes washer and cleaning sprays to the door. For me, the products do the job and managing delivery dates is so easy and flexible, that it feels like good value too.
And where better to finish than by the bin, with my recycling of 'soft plastic' at the local supermarket? This one was inspired last year by Jen Gale, 'Zero waste mum' who only puts her bin out once per year. The sustainable super star, lead to our rather more modest commitment to putting our grey bin (of non-recycling) out every 6 weeks instead of every 3. And we have managed it!
But have I made a difference? I hope so, however small, because, when despairing of our political leaders and energy companies, I find it helpful to switch them off, avoid the tendency to mope and moan and do something... do anything! In any case I shall carry on trying in 2024 and keep you posted but in the meantime, a very Happy New Year to all...
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