Hello everyone
Once again it is the monthly creative writing challenge, Tell Us About… when I join with some lovely bloggers from around the world: Portugal, The States, Australia and the UK to write about a new subject every month – do have a look at their links at the end of this piece.
This month the theme is Going Green.
Climate Change is something I am very aware of. I research it and think about it often, so ‘going green’ is an interesting choice and one that I believe in – up to a point! Read on for more of my views, which is as you know are quite left-leaning!
I think we all know how to go green. It’s been kind of in the ether for some years now and I can easily make a list:
Avoid single use plastic – yes, indeed. The easiest avoidance of plastic to do is stop buying the soap in plastic containers and go back to…soap!
Recycle – of course, who wouldn’t!
Reduce food waste – I am guilty of that sometimes. But I do make very good ‘slightly-off’ vegetable soup!
Pay attention to what we eat – as in, reduce meat consumption. Switching to a vegetarian diet can reduce our carbon footprint by 73% as raising farm animals is one of the most polluting of greenhouse gas emissions. Think of the methane producing poo for starters! Plus, shopping locally produced food is also important. Organic food too is a good to buy – the fewer chemicals in the environment the better.
Conserve energy in the home – I absolutely know that you know how to do that. Good insulation, double or triple glazed windows, unnecessary lights turned off and hanging washing outside (as in not using a tumbler dryer) are just a few of the many things we can do.
Conserve water – the easiest thing to do is turn the tap off while brushing teeth.
Buy sustainable cleaning and beauty products – I don’t think I always do. I definitely need to look at my buying habits before I can say I do that.
Buy clothing wisely Absolutely 100%. Never forget that jeans need simply humungous, enormous amounts of water for just one pair of jeans. I have only 4 pairs of which just one was bought new and that was pre-Covid! Fast fashion, of course, is a no-no and even ordinary everyday ‘fashion’ is a stupid waste of the earth’s resources. See the New Year for my resolution to significantly change in that fashion area.
Vote wisely Ha! It seems to me that politicians are the very last people who have any interest in Climate Change – but hey it’s not popular, so you know needs must… Well, more fool them. But yes, before we vote we should question our local and national politicians – what are you doing for the future of our planet? What…do tell…..???
Support environmental causes and organisations I know I keep saying this but if I was younger, I would be out there – climbing up trees, bridges, you name it I would be doing it. Oh, I would, definitely. I would be a radical environmentalist – and would I put myself in danger of criminalising my actions? That’s interesting. Possibly, however, I do think the organisation, Just Stop Oil does irritating, and rather stupid things, like throwing paint everywhere including at great art. Errr, no, that won’t get people joining your crusade. But I would join something – and do something like I did when I campaigned vigorously against Cruise missiles being based at Greenham Common. The young can see where this is going, and I don’t blame them for their anger.
One can, however, support local environmental issues and join in local environmental projects, that is not against the law – yet. Because it is a fine line. Criminalising certain environmental actions is fine, when it is slightly ridiculous, that’s fine, but no further. That one has to be watched as the ability to protest must always remain a right for citizens around the world.
Ah yes, citizens of the world. And here is where I differ with the idea of ‘going green’. It is a phrase of privilege – it is relatively easy for us to give up things, or add insulation or contemplate changing our ways of living. This, in a world where plenty is unevenly divided amongst people and nations, where for many hunger, violence and war is the norm.
Personally, I think, ‘going green’ is a bit soft. And this is where I am going to set out some of the reasons why I think this is so and what ought to be happening. Skip to the end if you don’t want to read – I quite understand 😀
For instance, our Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, has said that the new UK government’s primary purpose and policy must be growth, growth and growth. Nothing to worry about there, because isn’t that what we all want?
Well, if we want to prevent our planet hurtling into climate catastrophe, the world needs more than a few people going green and rather less of growth, growth, growth. Surely the entire system that the world functions under needs to radically change.
Now maybe this catastrophe won’t happen in my lifetime (although there are many signs now that disaster is just around the corner and will happen far quicker than the experts thought it would) but it certainly will happen in my grandchildren’s lifetime. Anyway, without a doubt life on this earth is become increasingly environmentally precarious and unpleasant and that can only continue.
Consequently, what is needed is a very hard look at capitalism and the growth that it is based upon.
Economic growth is of course the norm. It is unquestioned and considered natural, but I am not the only one to question this normative value as there is a critique of growth coming from people that think that this modern idea of economic growth is ecologically destructive and a driver for climate change.
These are ‘green growthers’ and they include Mark Carney, former governor of the Bank of England, economists and business gurus who advocate decoupling from growth in a moderate way through technology and market-based climate policies such as off-setting with net-zero pledges, carbon capture, renewables, planting trees, and many other ‘green’ promises in order, of course, to maintain business as usual.
There is much debate around this view, and I could say a lot more, but suffice to say it is all about working with capitalism while crossing fingers and toes, that ‘green growth’ will work. But have you heard the term, ‘greenwashing’ doing the rounds where the criticism is that this ‘green growth’ is merely business as usual, with the oft mentioned carbon capture programmes and tree planting not doing much at all to reduce the impact of climate change. They believe that ‘going green’ alongside ‘green growth’ is ineffective.
And yet if something more effective is needed there is the problem of thinking through how we might change systems, infrastructures and institutions. For instance, who decides and makes everyone on the planet take and use public non-motorised, and non-oil transportation rather than cars and planes? Who? And how can we all move to a plant-based diet. Is choice, no longer available in this world view?
The thing is of course, capitalism is not going to go away. It is the system. But even so there is another view that the way forward has to be even more radical to prevent climate catastrophe. This is ‘degrowth’, in other words an uncoupling from constant growth, which, if done, will prevent climate catastrophe. In this view economic growth is incompatible with sustainable life on this planet: basically, endless growth can only lead to a dead planet. Etcetera, etcetera, I could go on, but you get the drift of their argument.
How to shrink a global economy though? How to uncouple from the constant production of stuff that is considered the norm. It’s almost impossible to imagine any nation taking the lead to transform the global economic order, including reducing the output of products that come about through capital and labour.
In my view, output has to reduce and yet, it won’t. And anyway is this a view of the privileged? Are these views coming from first world nations and thinkers – who are we to say stop to poverty-stricken nations in the south who need growth!
There is far more I could say, here, but enough. Just know that I cannot write about ‘going green’ without a very hard look at what that actually means. It is a far too soft a response to a real situation that we, sadly, have very little control over. So of course we should recycle. But at the same time, we should also realise what is needed. Because if we don’t act radically, this planet will have its way, and life for my grandchildren will be very different if the temperature and the seas continue to rise over the coming years.
The 2 photos below and the 1 above are reminders of our beautiful planet.
The blue skies of Spain.
The bleak beauty of Dungeness – with a car!
And now it is the time for my good friends and colleagues to have their say, starting with Gail of Is This Mutton. She recalled the green initiatives of her childhood, which were more closely linked to frugality and outlines her current approach to Going Green. Click here to read more
Suzy writes about her love for the colour green and shares practical ways she incorporates sustainability into her life, from recycling and shopping second- hand on Vinted to embracing the charm of pre-loved furniture. Click here to go to her website for more about this.
Rosie has chosen 3 of her favourite eco-friendly ideas that she implements in her life. Click here to go to her blog Book reviewer and garden enthusiast.
Marsha has a couple of things recycled by her dad way before recycling was a thing. One of them is a treasure. the Other lives with her son. In the early days of recycling at her hometown, Marsha was definitely a hands-on recycler. To find out more about this click here.
Debbie, of Deb’s World – Midlife – travel, fun and adventure, goes green in a slightly different way with fashion and native flowers. She also shares some eco friendly products. Click here to find out what they are!
Jill who blogs at GrownUpGlamour is focusing on appreciating the natural world and the impact it can have on our everyday lives. Click on this link to hear what Jill has to say.
And finally Leslie (who might be a little late this month) has been going green since the dark ages of her junior year of college. Before going green was even a thing. Stop by here to find out more!
That is all for this year with regard to Tell Us About… There will be some changes in the coming year – watch this space.
Thank you so much for reading to the end – one more blog coming your way before Christmas!
With love Penny, the Frugalfashionshopper
Thank you Penny, certainly lots to think about. You are right that what out grandchildren face is worrying in today’s world.
https://rosieamber.wordpress.com/
I think about that a lot Rosie. Gail’s blog explains how we used to live. Such a shame that world cannot be returned to. Mind you, things could change if we had the right calibre of politician – possibly. But none of those around at the moment, sadly.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this topic Penny, they are very interesting. Your take on politics in the UK and wider world are insightful and show your interest in this area. It’s been another great topic and I always enjoy reading everyone’s take on things.
At work we did a ‘green” seminar but my suggestion to stop using fabric conditioner because it is bad for fabric bad for the environment – the liquid and the bottle- irritating for many skins and expensive was received badly. As was my suggestionto use white vinegar instead. Not to mention using washing powder in cardboard boxes instead of plastic tubs. I was really polite, honest, but I felt like I’d questioned their righ to be good consumers and therefore good parents.
Hi Jan
Oh goodness me, I think your suggestions were very good, and that one about fabric conditioner is an interesting one – I shall try it. All I can say is very well done for sticking your neck out and actually it’s such shame you were made to feel a bit bad about it. When I led workshops and seminars I always made certain rules with the aim that participants felt it was safe environment to speak about their views.
So again – well done you!
Hello Jan,
I’ve been thinking about you and your recent ‘green’ seminar. I think you are to be applauded! Your suggestions may have landed on stony ground, but I wouldn’t mind betting you have ‘sown the seed’, as it were. The other people won’t forget what you said and then will gradually find that the same opinions are more widespread than they realise.
I use a plastic container for washing liquid but, like Penny, I am able to get re-fills from my local health food shop. I have also stopped using conditioner – it’s unnecessary. Surely good parenting is partly setting a good example!
I hope you’ve had very happy Christmas celebrations!
Warm regards, Penny
It’s been a great topic and I just couldn’t stop at ‘going green’. It’s good and incredibly important that we go green, but far more needs to be done. Sigh, where are the leaders who will take this on though?
I agree it is fascinating to read everyone’s take on this and indeed all the other subjects we have tackled.
I so agree with pretty much all of your points Penny. I know we all do our small bit but it does really need a change of thinking at a higher (gov.) level and businesses that are forward thinking. I do worry about the change to more right wing gov. and going backwards on climate change. I will also admit I am concerned for my children and grandchildren. You are a clever writer Penny.
Thanks Jill, yes, absolutely, we all need to do our bit but there is so much more that should be done – we can only live in hope.
Very thought provoking as usual Penny. I find it hard to be optimistic about the future of our planet. Our culture encourages us to buy, buy, buy in a way that didn’t happen in the past. My parents only replaced things when they broke or became worn out and lived a far less complicated lifestyle in terms of gadgets, clothing etc.. Although I will always continue to recycle, I’m a little sceptical about how much plastic is recycled ethically. There was a programme on TV a few years back by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall which showed many of our so called recycled plastic containers and carrier bags turning up in the Phillipines where they were being burnt just near to where people lived. The fumes from the fires were having an impact on some of their health with an increase in breathing related illnesses. The message was clear, our government was paying the Phillipines government to dispose of our ‘recycling’ – it was shocking! The whole programme was excellent and, having just googled as I couldn’t remember how to spell his name, Hugh FW is still actively campaigning against waste, in particular, commercial waste. I think it is also clear that how ever much recycling, walking, cycling etc. the average person does, it’s the large manufacturing companies that have the most impact on the environment.
I think I remember that programme. And the awful mess of rubbish from the UK that ended up in great heaps in the Philippines to be burnt near people who consequently had awful health problems.
I so agree, we can all do our bit and recycle and so on, but far more needs to be done. We have to hope. Thanks Sylvia
Hello Penny another interesting blog and tell us about. Like you I worry what sort of world my grandchildren are growing up in and will inherit.
I tend to try to reuse as well as recycle. Were I live I’m lucky enough to have a very good shop on the Main Street where you can refill. Most items sold in the shop are sold loose in containers and when you buy you can bring your own jar/ box or the shop supplies paper bags. It isn’t the cheapest way to shop and I consider myself lucky that I can afford to shop there. My next thing is to stop buying cotton wool pads for removing makeup and buy some that can be washed.
Like you I think we need a government that are brave enough to put the climate first. Also what about growth being measured by the happiness of the population or is that a step too far.
Oh I love the sound of that, and actually there are two shops in Lewes that sell items in that way. One specialises in seeds and food stuff and the other specialises in cleaning products. We are very lucky to have these near to us. I don’t use them as much as I should. But because it’s Lewes (which is very right-on) they are used by a lot of people.
We can all do our bit but so much more needs to be done. Thanks Linda
There is so much we can do for a greener planet. But the big changes will never happen as it is all about money.
Anyway…..Dungeness…… gosh isn’t it such a special place! Such a weird fabulous vibe there. Enjoy your Christmas Penny!
Yes, it’s the big changes that need to happen.
And as for Dungeness can’t wait to go again. I have booked for mid September but might go earlier.
A very thought provoking piece Penny. You only have to look at the countries missing from the G8 Summit to see why global initiatives cannot succeed at present. When targets are too ambitious (for example electric cars) people, and businesses, push back and they have to be revised. I don’t know what the answer is. It may take a terrible natural disaster to change people’s perceptions.
I just couldn’t stop at ‘going green’ – because what else is needed? We are absolutely not doing enough. Although I ought to put the emphasis on politicians are not doing enough. We do not have the far-seeing leaders who will take the necessary steps for this wonderful planet we live on. Btw, I loved your post – that was exactly how we lived. A simple thing – why can’t we get our milk in reusable glass milk bottles? What a great step forward that would be!
Sadly I agree with your last sentence.
Hello, Penny
I don’t term myself as particularly ‘green’, but being a war baby I grew up with austerity ensuring that nothing was ever wasted, and so saving things for rainy days is still something I/we practise without thought. I’ve certainly done my share of turning sheets to the middle, darning socks, re-doing shirt collars with cut-off shirt tails and to this day I steam vegetables in a colander atop a saucepan of say, potatoes rather than have two gas rings on the go, something I learned from my grandmother. Back then, we grew our own vegetables, saved paper, re-used tins and glass jars and never threw anything away that just might have a future use, however remote the chance and we still do all of that except grow veg.
Nowadays, I shop secondhand mostly – I have clothes going back years which re-emerge during appropriate seasons – can’t remember the last time I ironed anything (such a waste of my energy and electricity!), re-use plastic containers, plastic bags and wrapping paper time and again, buy used books, never leave lights on in empty rooms, have heavy curtains especially across front and back doors plus drought excluders, and pass on as much as possible to charities. My husband repairs anything needing tender loving care that comes his way and leaves it outside for the taking. He makes the frames for my artwork from reclaimed wood and when we fancied a little garden gazebo thingy to sit in on nice days he built one out of old pallets. Ditto garden seats and bird tables. I don’t honestly believe we’re actually making a huge difference within the great scheme of things, but hope that just maybe we could be making a rather small dent!
Happy Christmas!
Zepherine x
Oh my word, that is exactly how things used to be – and Zepherine exactly how things ought to be. I remember my mother cutting threadbare sheets down the middle and ‘turning’ them. I steam a lot of my vegetables. And what a difference it would make if all our milk was available in reusable glass bottles – that really ought to happen.
We too do a lot of shopping secondhand. And I have been doing a lot of thinking about my fashion habits – see more about this in the new year. We also wrap Christmas presents in plain brown paper.
And talking of Christmas, here’s wishing you a very Merry Christmas, Zepherine X
Such an important topic Penny. Our culture constantly encourages us to buy, we are not citizens but consumers. As many of your older readers I grew up in a household where we made do with what we had. And one wonders that no matter how much one tries to do the right thing , recycling, purchasing second hand, using public transportation and the like that those in power have have other plans. a few weeks ago I heard an interview with the governor of Alaska. He was bemoaning the fact that so many see his state as a kind of natural paradise, a sanctuary if you will as he considers it a huge source of revenue, that it’s resources are there for developing, the oil under the ground, the minerals, even the forests. I fear with the incoming administration he will be able to exploit his state to his greedy little hearts content, as will so many others like him.
I have been buying new clothing sparingly over the last couple of years. Looking at my closet as a kind of vintage store that happens to be in my home. Some of my things are 30 years old. Example; At least 20 years ago when I was still working my friend and I would sometimes check a store near my clinic which sold overstocks and unsold new women’s clothing. I saleswoman got to know us and sometimes pointed out something she thought we might like. Once she showed my and outfit, pants pf a silky material in an Asian print with a matching top. I did not know where I might wear it, but it was 13 dollars so I purchased it. The top got stained but I still have the pants. On so many occasions I have worn the pants, with a variety of tops and it always, even after all these years will get complements.
I have read a couple of the other bloggers and will read them all as I am very interested in what they have to say. I am sure this topic will come up again.
Anyway, I do wish you, your family and all in this little community a very happy holiday! With love from New York, Darby
Oh yes, I think Gail’s blog on Going Green encapsulates exactly how we used to live – with lovely photos too! We all lived far sparingly and indeed sensibly. Let’s hope Alaska remains a sanctuary, but it’s always money.
We have to live in hope as there is much that could be done if there is the will.
I’ve been thinking about my own consumption and I really want to rein in my buying of clothes. More about that in the New Year. That’s a lovely story about your silk pants. Thanks so much Darby
Penny, I’m so glad you did this deep look into climate change. I, too, worry about the future for my grands and their children. It seems like global warming was just a throw away topic for so many years, but the past few years have shown us how much faster it’s occurring. I’m afraid the politicians and large corporations don’t really care as they’re all of the mindset (and probably financial ability) that it won’t matter to them. You have really given me a lot to think about.
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
I think Biden tried to do something re: the climate https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_policy_of_the_Joe_Biden_administration
But somehow the overall temperature of this lovely planet keeps rising. And so much plastic. Here in the UK we get all our milk from the supermarket now and always in plastic bottles. What about returning to reusable glass bottles – it makes sense but it doesn’t happen.
We have to hope. So many things are achievable if there is the will.
It is very worrying, and I am concerned for the future of the planet. Certainly lots of food for thought here, Penny! I hope you have a wonderful festive season!
Hugs
Suzy xx
Sweet friend, you have hit the nail on the head with so many of your valid points of view. My daughters and their children truly lose sleep over the state of our world, our environment. I am beginning to join them. Have been guilty for much too long of replacing things that didn’t need to be replaced. Buying more and more and more. And I have quite a number of blue jeans – many of them years old – but still!! I want – WANT – a new canister set for the kitchen but there is not one thing wrong with my old one. So, for the moment, have talked myself out of that.
We live on the border with Mexico. When I bought my first house in northeast El Paso, the area was the prettiest, and environmentally ‘cleanest’ – less smog – of all the city. Now we have a terrible thick brown cloud that hangs over the entire city – northeast included – coming from our neighbors to the south. It is almost futile for us to have emission controls and other things in place when Mexico doesn’t. But change has to start somewhere.
Merry Christmas, sweet friend. No new jeans for me in 2025!!