Recent Comments

1. Recycle Your Stuff - 31 Oct 2005

   I joined the freecycle mailing list and managed to recycle some stuff this way recently. It’s a way of making people know about stuff you’re giving away (or that you need), rather than selling it or dumping it. Go to http://freecycle.org/ and find your local group.

2. Buy Presents That Make A Difference - 31 Oct 2005

   I’m planning to buy Christmas presents from Traidcraft, charity shops, as well as do some “buy a goat” type presents. Also, I’m going to the Christmas markets in Germany and will focus on getting some handmade or organic presents from there.

3. Take A Mug To Work - don't use plastic - 31 Oct 2005

   I have a mug for tea and hot drinks, and a bottle for water which I fill up from the water dispenser in my office.

4. Switch off and unplug appliances and chargers - 31 Oct 2005

   We used to find it really annoying when my brother would turn everything off at the plugs (e.g. kettle, toaster, TV & video, etc) but I realise now that he was saving us a lot of energy and money! Now I turn most things (washing machine, TV, Video, chargers) off at the wall if I’m not using them. I haven’t quite gone as far as turning off my kettle at the wall, cos I always end up waiting for it to boil when it’s turned off.

5. Give A Gift That Keeps On Giving - 13 Dec 2005

   I have given a couple of ‘just’ gifts (a fruit tree, and some school supplies) to friends for birthdays recently, which they actually requested. And for my birthday recently I asked friends to give me ‘just’ gifts, which a few of them did (I got 2 goats and a fruit tree)! This Christmas I’m giving environmentally friendly presents or ‘just’ gifts – buying handmade things from markets and online charity gifts or ‘just’ gifts. I think it’s nice to give something little (e.g. xmas biscuits or tea) along with the ‘just’ gift, so the recipient has something to enjoy for themselves. But for some who I know won’t mind, and perhaps live a long way away, I plan to send them a ‘just’ gift by email. Emily

6. Stop Taking Plastic Bags From Shops - 13 Dec 2005

   I usually try to take plastic bags with me when going to the supermarket, but sometimes don’t have enough, or forget to take them. When I get the bags home, I keep them and use for wrapping my packed lunch in, or for small bin liners. I was in Germany recently (for the Christmas markets) and took lots of plastic bags with me to use for my shopping, and in one shop I tried to use my plastic bag and the cashier said “but our bags are prettier”!! So I had to succumb – I did actually end up using all the bags I brought with me, so that made me feel better about it, but at the time it was rather strange – I think Germany is a lot better at recycling than we are. Emily

7. Buy Presents That Make A Difference - 10 Jan 2006

   I did some oxfam unwrapped presents for various family members, got some things from markets and charity shops, and also a couple of carbon offset payments (giving the person a certificate to explain how much has been offset). See http://www.climatecare.org. My parents gave all of us charity presents – e.g. they paid for toilets, taps, and a special needs teacher in Africa; computer training and medical supplies for Bolivia, etc. It was great to see someone else doing this in a serious way. Best wishes, Emily

8. Phone a friend - someone who has sent you a card this year who you don't see often - 10 Jan 2006

   I’m going to phone a few people I haven’t spoken to for while, and also writing a new year letter, as I didn’t get around to sending everyone Christmas cards!

9. Offset your Airmiles - 10 Jan 2006

   I’ve offset a recent flight to Germany and also offset some flights and other carbon usage for other people as Christmas presents. I plan to do this every time I take a flight, which isn’t very often.

10. Get someone to join the Generous Community - 11 Mar 2006

    I emailed loads of friends to encourage them to join, but nobody has let me know if they did join. I’ll keep trying to encourage people and hope lots of people will join up.

11. Make A Positive Lifestyle Change And Tell Us About It - 03 May 2006

    I gave up caffeine recently, and feel great for it! Also have just signed up for an organic box of fruit and veg to be delivered to my door! See http://www.abel-cole.co.uk

12. Use your LOAF at the shops (Local, Organic, Animal-Friendly and Fair Trade) - 03 May 2006

    I’ve just signed up for an organic fruit and veg box (http://www.abel-cole.co.uk) and try to use ecover products wherever possible.

13. Switch To Good (Green Or Socially Resonsible) Energy - 03 May 2006

    I’ve just switched to Ecotricity (http://www.ecotricity.co.uk/) which invests money in building new sources of green energy.

14. Get Rid Of Some Of Your Books - 03 May 2006

    I tried to sell some books on ebay, but nobody wanted them : ( Will try to sell them on green metropolis and see if I get any more luck!

15. Make A Positive Lifestyle Change And Tell Us About It - 04 May 2006

    Here’s a tip for a lifestyle change. The Phone Co-op have an ethical and environmental ethos and also offer cheaper phone calls. The vegan website Viva! has a way of switching to the Phone Co-op which supports Viva! and the Phone Co-op: http://www.viva.org.uk/businesses/phonecoop.html

16. Switch it off at the Plug. (Don't Stand By.) - 16 May 2007

    I’m currently keeping my computer, TV, Video, DVD player, Digital box, Wireless broadband box, all turned off at the wall when not using. I leave my microwave and dishwasher on because the plugs are too hard to access behind the worktop and I use them alot, and my radio alarm, because the clock and radio stations reset if it’s off for more than an hour. It’s no problem turning off the broadband box, as it takes about the same time as the computer to turn on, and I’m not watching the TV much so makes sense to keep all that stuff turned off at the wall (also stops me from watching it unless I really want to!). At work I find it amazing how so many people don’t turn off their computers, monitors and printers at the end of the day – it doesn’t take long to do and saves so much energy!