Page 10 | Would anyone be interested in trying to do one small thing each week to tackle climate change?

AngryWhompingWillow · 10/08/2021 10:30

@ChainJane

I despair at threads like this. If you care about the environment then you need to make changes that you find difficult or life-limiting. The point is if everyone makes small changes, the benefit will be very small. "DH needs car for work" or "I have medical condition so need to use tumble drier" or "I only have five pairs of shoes" (5! Got 10 feet then?). Give up the car even it means losing the job! Put up with damp clothes on an airer if you can't get outside! Own maximum of two pairs of shoes, one smart and one casual.

The report yesterday was quite clear - people need to understand it's a choice between irreparable damage to the planet, or serious changes to our lives that will affect our quality of life. I've chosen the former because the worst effects of climate change won't happen until after I'm dead. If people choose the latter course that's fine. But please: don't kid yourselves that "one small thing you do each week" will help tackle climate change in a meaningful way.

It needs to hurt.

Are you having a laugh?

Or are you being serious?

Can't figure it out.

"I only have five pairs of shoes" (5! Got 10 feet then?)

Give up the car even it means losing the job! Put up with damp clothes on an airer if you can't get outside! Own maximum of two pairs of shoes, one smart and one casual.

WTAF?

GoldenOmber · 10/08/2021 10:31

“I can’t be arsed to do anything at all, but I would like to take this opportunity to lecture everyone doing more than me about how it’s still not enough.”

TheKeatingFive · 10/08/2021 10:35

The point is if everyone makes small changes, the benefit will be very small

Everyone knows this.

But, better to have a very small benefit than none at all and smaller changes can inspire and support bigger changes.

I’m not going to give up all mod cons of modern life overnight (even if I should), but making smaller changes and living more mindfully will push me to do more and more. Particularly if other people are all doing the same.

Original poster

riotlady · 10/08/2021 10:39

@workwoes123 if you read my first post, the first action that I took WAS to contact my MP. You’re right that we need change from the government as well, I don’t think anyone believes that hand soap alone is going to save the world

OP posts:

TheKeatingFive · 10/08/2021 10:40

I can’t be arsed to do anything at all, but I would like to take this opportunity to lecture everyone doing more than me about how it’s still not enough

AngryWhompingWillow · 10/08/2021 10:40

@TheKeatingFive

The point is if everyone makes small changes, the benefit will be very small

Everyone knows this.

But, better to have a very small benefit than none at all and smaller changes can inspire and support bigger changes.

I’m not going to give up all mod cons of modern life overnight (even if I should), but making smaller changes and living more mindfully will push me to do more and more. Particularly if other people are all doing the same.

Exactly this. ^

The 'what's the point in doing small things' brigade are really pissing me off. Maybe THEY don't think we can all make a difference.

They don't know that.

Bloody pessimists.

Polkadots2021 · 10/08/2021 10:40

@riotlady

I’ve seen a few threads on aibu recently with people panicking about climate change and I often find myself worrying about it too, especially in light of the report published today. Studies show that one of the best ways to combat anxiety is to feel like you’re doing something about the problem, so I’ve decided to challenge myself to do one small thing to reduce my impact on the planet each week. I’m wondering if anyone would like to join me? I’m thinking small actions like walking or cycling a journey when you would normally take the car, swapping shower gel for bar soap, switching to a greener energy supplier, etc. No judgement about what is and isn’t feasible for people- for example I have ME and am very fatigued, so often use my tumble drier instead of hanging things out as I just don’t have the energy. There’s no point guilting myself over that, so I might as well focus on the things that I CAN change.

I’ve just sent an email to my MP so that’s my start to this week :)

Amazing idea! A thousand small things can become big. I am not driving unless completely necessary, no fast fashion, recycling, encouraging kids regularly to consider the environment, being a member of Greenpeace. I'll try to think of more.

AngryWhompingWillow · 10/08/2021 10:41

@GoldenOmber

“I can’t be arsed to do anything at all, but I would like to take this opportunity to lecture everyone doing more than me about how it’s still not enough.”

crankysaurus · 10/08/2021 10:43

I've stopped using next day delivery for online orders and am saving up multiple purchases for one order rather than many.

Next day deliveries and multiple small packages on different days leads to less fuel efficiency logistics in moving goods from producer to consumer.

gincakecomps · 10/08/2021 10:44

Lovely thread

Today I'm going to:

Peg the washing out rather than using the tumble drier

Take a re-usable water bottle to work

crankysaurus · 10/08/2021 10:47

I'm also going to stop using the internet as much (she says, typing on the internet) and read books, play cards games, use the paints etc in my cupboard.

The internet, especially streaming, has a really highly carbon footprint in terms of power supply to servers.

Original poster

riotlady · 10/08/2021 10:48

@crankysaurus

I've stopped using next day delivery for online orders and am saving up multiple purchases for one order rather than many.

Next day deliveries and multiple small packages on different days leads to less fuel efficiency logistics in moving goods from producer to consumer.

That’s a really good point I hadn’t considered. I’m definitely trying to move away from using Amazon as we got too reliant on it during lockdown!

My younger sister got me on to the Vinted app for second hand things. I find the quality and prices for things like kids shoes often a lot better than EBay- got DD some Clark’s shoes that look brand new for £8.

OP posts:

crankysaurus · 10/08/2021 10:49

That sounds great, riotlady, I hadn't heard of that.

jasjas1973 · 10/08/2021 10:56

The report yesterday was quite clear - people need to understand it's a choice between irreparable damage to the planet, or serious changes to our lives that will affect our quality of life. I've chosen the former because the worst effects of climate change won't happen until after I'm dead

I assume you ve no kids (or dont love them if you do) no nieces or nephews?
Or you just fancied stirring the pot?

derxa · 10/08/2021 10:58

as well as reporting any silage spreading This is why I can't take these threads seriously.

AngryWhompingWillow · 10/08/2021 10:59

Regarding the washing. I always ALWAYS hang it out, and always have. When it's not raining obvs!

I am baffled as to why anyone would ever choose to tumble dry everything. and I know 3 or 4 people who do that. Utterly bizarre. What a colossal waste of electricity.

Also, I don't even own a tumble dryer. (Or a dishwasher.)

Not being smug. Just saying it like it is.

TheKeatingFive · 10/08/2021 11:01

Dishwashers are actually more energy efficient than regular washing up.

TheKeatingFive · 10/08/2021 11:01

But yes, tumble driers are incredibly wasteful.

itbemay1 · 10/08/2021 11:03

We have been trying to do some small things when we can. Using reusable water cups, swapped cotton pads for reusable ones. More recycling. Less cleaning products. I hate the amount of waste we produce and am looking into better recycling options

BlackeyedSusan · 10/08/2021 11:04

We are in holiday at the moment.

Going to turn off the TV when not using it.

MareofBeasttown · 10/08/2021 11:05

@AngryWhompingWillow

Regarding the washing. I always ALWAYS hang it out, and always have. When it's not raining obvs!

I am baffled as to why anyone would ever choose to tumble dry everything. and I know 3 or 4 people who do that. Utterly bizarre. What a colossal waste of electricity.

Also, I don't even own a tumble dryer. (Or a dishwasher.)

Not being smug. Just saying it like it is.

1200 sq foot London flat with no "out."? :)

sst1234 · 10/08/2021 11:05

@TheKeatingFive

But yes, tumble driers are incredibly wasteful.

They are useless if you want a damp smelly house or not wash or go the whole winter without washing or drying clothes.

MareofBeasttown · 10/08/2021 11:09

Oh I thought my five pairs of shoes was being quite moderate, but I see PP thinks we need only two because we only have one pair of feet! LOL.

WingingItSince1973 · 10/08/2021 11:12

This is a great thread. Thanks for starting it OP. We do need to take a step back and see what's governing our lives now. Consumerism, holidays abroad, driving the car when you can walk. Use less plastic in the home etc etc. Looking at how much we spend on fashion and how much water etc it takes to make the latest trends. I've always been a makedo and mend girl although I do love clothes and style. If we all went back to second hand shopping (remember jumble sales) then we would be saving money, helping hopefully in saving the planet plus being individual and not following the fads. Xxx

LarryTheLurker · 10/08/2021 11:25

The one small thing you can do today is to read this and this and possibly this and then stop panicking.

We are being played.