Saving the Planet, one Badge at a Time

 I had originally planned not to post more than once a day, but sitting here with the fan on in the coldest part of the house is rather nice, so I'm going to post again.

Today's post was meant to be an update on my progress with the Environmentalist Badge but turned into an Animal Lover post about my chickens.  So here is the originally planned post to keep me on track.

Clauses 1 and 2 for this badge are compulsory.

1. "For a month, track how much rubbish you generate personally." It goes on to suggest that you save it in a container, 'where practical'.  No, that isn't even vaguely practical!  So I am going to keep a log.

2. "For a second month, actively reduce your waste."

I started Clause 1 on Wednesday 13th July and due to finish it and start Clause 2 on Wednesday 10th August. I am firmly fixed on the 'rubbish you generate personally' section.  So, items we use as a family I am not counting.  Here's my personal litter so far:

• Chupa Chup wrapper (2) and stick (1) - some sticks are paper.
• Daily cotton bud
• Daily cotton wool pad
• Three string ties from new clothes - bought those before I started working on Money Saver and restricting my purchases.
• Love Corn packet (3)
• My Sweet Chickpea packet (1)
• Popcorn packet
• Ice lolly wrapper (2)
• Film from bread bag - the paper part recycles
• Starburst wrapper (4)
• Film lids from fruit / veg etc. (5)
  

I can already see one area where I can reduce waste and that's with the daily cotton wool pad.  I've seen washable ones online, so I need to research that.  However, I need to use the pads I already have in stock.

3. To complete the third Clause, you must choose 6 activities from a list of 12.

1. We've been investigating eco fuel options for a while now and are seriously considering solar panels. Especially as this weather is going to be the new normal.  Stupid climate change deniers. 😡 Done.
2. If you are a meat-eater have at least one vegetarian meal per week.  We no longer eat chickens (the horror of eating our friends!!), and rarely eat beef. I can't stand lamb.  So this is basically a "eat less pigs" activity. I'm counting this as done.
3. For a period of at least a month, actively reduce your travel carbon footprint. I don't drive, and I have been avoiding public transport since Covid, so walking and biking it is. Done.
4. If you have access to a garden or allotment, plant a tree.  We have planted two apple trees. Done. 
5. Be more mindful of the amount of water you use.  Doing this by turning off the tap whilst tooth brushing, encouraging the family to do the same.  Stopping the kids running the kitchen tap for the fun of it. 😒 I need to work out how to use my 'grey' water. This is a life-long ongoing activity, so I'm counting it as done.
6. Make sure every lightbulb in your house is an energy efficient one.  They have been for quite some time. Done.
7. If you eat seafood, make sure you are eating it from a sustainable source.  Always. 🐟 Done.

That's seven things, not six!  There is also an overlap with other Badges:

1. Learn about three endangered animals.  Visit a zoo or animal reserve which is working proactively towards animal protection.  That's two Clauses from Animal Lover, which I'm doing anyway.
2. Repair something you would normally throw away.  That's a Clause from Money Saver, which I'm also doing for my Carpe Diem Badge.
3. Minimise your spending for a month - buying only food and essential items.  That is a Clause from Money Saver!

All in all, I am doing many more than six activities.  There is also a "take part in a litter pick" activity, which might be something our Residents' Association could do together.

Oh look, the forecast is now saying a high of 39C rather than 41C!  Excellent.