Making a difference

[cath_er_ine]

I spend a lot of time worrying about my impact on the World (along with a few other things...) and I have realized that this is pointless without action. Instead of worrying about all and sundry I need to pick something to worry about and then turn that worry into action, for example reduction of carbon footprint. There are too many things to choose from but I am starting here as it's a big one, and I already have animal welfare sorted*.

So, what can I do? I have just found what seems like a useful website. I have not read any other articles so I take no responsibility if you click on the link and find something abomindable there! I have formed this list from the website based on what I consider to be sensible ways to reduce my footprint (i.e. it is personal to me). I am keen to get more ideas if anyone has any. There are plenty of related things I want to do as well but I suppose it needs to be one step at a time, to avoid overload and ultimately failure and apathy!

Things to try

• Take public transport to work

This is quite a challenge for me. It is currently highly impractical, what with living 30 miles away and not on a major bus route, and not close to a train station at either end of the journey. However, after I move I will have to consider this again. It won't be easy but I can't say it's not possible, and therefore I must try it. I could cycle about two miles, then get a train, then either cycle a further six miles or walk for about a mile and get a free bus, or pay to get a bus from the station. It will almost certainly cost more and take significantly longer but it is worth it, plus I get some exercise. Just need to be strong enough to do the right thing (oh but the car is so much easier, cheaper & more fun!).

• Reduce energy use at home

I always replace bulbs with low energy ones. Again, though, this is something that will really kick in when I have my own house. I have the energy report and can see where measures can be taken to improve energy efficiency. This is another case of being strong and doing the right thing, as the money that I should be spending on roof insulation etc. could be spent on shiny new (old) furniture and horse riding!

• Food: eat local and reduce waste

I am not happy with my level of food waste. In the new house I will have a compost bin, but apart from that I could reduce wastage by being less lazy and using my ingredients up before they go off. I also spend far too much money in the supermarket, so will try harder to get what I can from local (real) farm shops in future. Time is an issue, but not an insurmountable one.

ION a trip to Didcot Railway Centre today - alas Thomas is absent today, but on the plus side that does make it cheaper!

* Of course, one can always do more but I am satisfied with my moral stand on this