my thoughts on the planet this week

Coming Soon……. Posts on Companies and organisations that should maybe listen……….

The kyoto protocol reaches its expiration this coming December and a convention will be taking place in Copenhagen where the hope is that a more agressive approach is adopted in the fight against climate change.

The kyoto protocol, an international agreement involving the united nations focusing on climate change including a collective of 37 countries using industrious processes, is with an aim to implement targets to be reached in reducing the current levels of emissions. 

With over a century of industrial emissions the levels of these greenhouse gas emisssions were in need of attention and it was decided that monitoring of these emissions would be in place in an effort to try and dramatically reduce the output levels.

There is much debate as to whether the kyoto protocol is effective or not. Having done some research, there is an article on the opinion of a leading econimist detailing his opinion of introducing a global carbon tax, rather than what he considers an ineffective kyoto protocol. My first concern with a global carbon tax is that of will the money be spent wisely and will it not in effect create more industrious processes in that of red tape and all that bestows with it.

 One point is that of the percentages of emissions globally and of the reduced emissions of the 37 countries involved in the kyoto protocol. The conundrum is that of due to the number of countries involved being not enough to equate to effectiveness as the cost of reducing those emissions they report that with many countries not participating it equates to a much greater cost to those who are participating. Essentially, the 37 countries end up paying more as an almost penalty.

I really do not see the idea of a global carbon tax taking off to a fantastic start, mainly due to my sceptical mind thinking that introducing another tax is definately not the answer if any previous taxations are to go by. There are people that evade their tax every year, both legally and illegally, there is the rise in prices in food and petrol, but some, if not most people still spend. They will just find another thing to sacrifice or add it to their overdraft or credit card if in a position to do so. The belief that higher tax on petrol and so on will curb emissions is a laughable statement considering we are a planet of consimers with a long history of production and manufacturing to cater for this desired consumerism.

There are answers without adding to what we are currently experiencing as a recession at this current moment in time, even if not in a time of recession, it is proven that money is of no real value, yet we still strive for it to be of importance. With the importance of money in mind, (considering that it is what motivates most people, and rightly so as we need to earn and live). What use is money when there is no town to purchase goods or no place to spend money on clothes?, what if we really have depleted the planet of its useful elements and have intoxicated it beyond return? what use will the tax on the petrol be? and what use will peoples money be when it possibly comes to there being no town?

The real answer is in unity and cooperation and really allowing ourselves to be open to the innovative and imaginative. The problem is one that seems to baffle all and it is not a problem that can be seen to come to an agreeable and conceivable conclusion of positive action.

There are processes in place for us all to contribute to our defense in climate change, there is recycling in an attempt to reduce our use of resources. In the process of recycling, there is also the issue of emissions produced from the recycling process as well as emissions produced from the transportation of items to be recycled. There is a vicious cycle of problematic dysfunction, in that one resolution does reduce waste consumption, but it does not solve the problem entirely as it has another negative factor in that it contributes to emissions. There is no counter effect, it is one that also reduces but also increases. There is no solution it seems, other than to increase recycling emissions and lower the levels of resources consumption giving an unbalanced scale effect.

Governements should enforce higher expectations and standards of regulations for the manufacturing of items. There are many items that can be natural and with less of an impact on the environment than those current materials and processes used for manufacturing. Maybe there is not enough of more natural resources to go around, in fact no, there probably isn’t. The planets population increases and so does the level of consumerism, this is a natural part of life. But we have the kyoto protocol in place for a reason. I am not really aware of any other environment campaigns on such a grand scale ever being entertained. (Maybe there has been, and it’s either my age or I wasn’t really paying attention). But the point of the kyoto protocol is to make an effort in preserving what we have and looking after all that we have in gratitude, not with ignorance or an oblivious approach that is undeservadely due to the planet. We want to see more tomorrows, we live in hope and with hope has to come action. 

I would like to see the government make an effort in introducing electric cars at a significantly reduced price in order to lower car emissions as they apparently contribute to 30% of emissions. Of course, there will be the emissions involved in their production, maybe this could be carried out with as little impact on the environment as possible. Long term, maybe a mass of electric cars could make an improvement on todays current levels. If the concern is of money, in respect to the economy if we were to stop the purchase of petrol entirely, then there would be job losses and so on. Maybe we could create jobs by replacing petrol stations with wind powered battery stations instead, still being able to make money, but with a different material or product. Have battery stations where electric car owners can purchase re-charged batteries for the same cost as petrol based on to the mile usage. Sounds crazy, but maybe worth entertaining? 

Another point I would like to raise is that of the responsibility that is put on the consumer, when it could be more a choice of the government in the first instance. For example, Sainsbury’s have an organic range, where the fresh tomatoes are packaged in compostable and recyclable materials that take up hardly any space in comparison to the bulkier plastic packaging.  The only problem is that they do not appeal to every consumer as they are more expensive in comparison to other alternatives offered at a cheaper price. They do not reach a wide target audience as they do not meet every budget.

Recently, I have done many things for those around me, and I often try to change my habits and attitudes towards my every day living as a consumer and try to be a conscientious planet dweller. I try to avoid landfill and am a member of Free-cycle, a site that has built a community of sharers essentially, where members advertise their unwanted belongings, whether it be a book to the occasional car in an effort to give it to someone, rather than sell it, throw it out or see it go to landfill. One mans junk is another mans treasure as they say. (Please see the link to Free-cycle under the Blogroll to the right of this page) I recycle my clothes once I no longer want them, I use environmentally friendly products, I am more aware of our environment and what we can do in order to really achieve results in the battle against climate change and try to recycle all things recyclable. But as I always make mention to the masses and I will once again, it is important that we as people all contribute to a greener and cleaner future for our very precious planet. It after all, is just like us, in the sense we need water, nutrients and so on as the basic necessities in order to function. Just the same in the case of the planet, we cannot deplete and continue polluting the oceans and rivers waters, we need to treat the planet with respect and take good care of it, just as we need to with our own health, we need to keep the planet healthy. I have gone off on a bit of a tangent, but back to the point, which is that of human acts of kindness, living in London, which I call the anti-social place even though it likes to announce itself otherwise, I have been surprised by the generosity of others and have found many people around me to be of a giving nature. I received a gift in return of what I hadn’t even given thought to, all I did on a night out was give up some change for parking, and gave the waiter a tip (my own decision to do so) on behalf of all of us that were dining that evening. Of course the gift was greatly appreciated and gladly received, however I had given no thought that evening as to what could be considered my own generosity.

I then made a cake as a gift for someone else on their Birthday, and they had recalled a conversation without my knowledge at the time, of my mentioning to some polish sweets I had tried, that were plums covered in chocolate that I found to be truly delicious.

To my surprise I was greeted the following even by whom I had given the cake to and was expecting a slice of cake, but to my amazement, there were also some chocolate covered plums, which at first, didn’t even register in my brain upon taking back the container the cake was in. It had some scrunched up foil containing the wrapped cake, and another box. I then noticed what they were and I was, seriously astonished at the thought or remembering that had gone into it.

Again, greatly appreciated and gladly received. There was another instance where I recieved another gift out of the blue.

I was on my way home from work on the bus one day, which is something I don’t normally do as I can walk home from work. But this particular evening it was raining like hell and I was dripping in seconds, saturated with rain water, almost instantly. I huddled under the bus shelter and turned to see if there was a bus coming and lazily went one stop to get home. I was carrying a cake box, which had slices of cake in. Upon standing on the bus for the short journey, there were two young men who had enquired as to whats in the box and if it was cake, I replied, yes, where are you from? picking up on their welsh accents (I have a thing for accents). I of course jested at their initial comment of we’re from wales, that’s bad, isn’t it? by responding with a jokey yes whilst smiling with it already in mind that I would offer them a slice of cake. They too were smiling but were then almost defending themselves from their own comment, (being young and possibly confused?) I offered them a slice of cake, and they were taken aback by the offer, I said to them I am not joking, you are more than welcome to share a piece if you would like some, looking at each other almost confused, one then decided to accept the offer with a certain disbelief. I gave them a slice of cake and they happily devoured their halves in what seemed like seconds. I wished them a good evening and was then on my way home.

Now, onto another act of human kindeness; 

Myself and my partner once received a free boat trip from a complete stranger who had just purchased a new outboard motor and wanted to test it out but not go out alone on the waters in order to do so. I was sceptical at first of this man’s initial offer, being suspicious of him not knowing him and it was odd how the offer came to be as well. We were down at the mooring section along the coastline of Portsmouth and me and my partner had looked in either direction along the shore wondering whether we could walk along the coastline, rather than back through the fields to our tent at the campsite we where we were staying.

I had stopped and spoke to this man who was scruffily dressed in a green woolen hat wearing a bomber jacket, his hair was short and scruffy with the ends curling round his hat and at the back he had a long pigtail. I tried to initiate conversation in saying excuse me please. No response came from this man, and I initially thought is he ignoring me? I asked again, there was still no response, his back was turned to me to begin with and he had started to turn towards my direction. I then enquired again, and he saw my movements, abruptly explaining that he is deaf. I then asked him if  it was possible that we could walk along the coastline and he responded with no, its like quicksand, you will probably get stuck in there if you tried to walk through it, he strongly advised against it. I thanked him for his help and as he walked towards his american style pick-up truck that was of the modern expensive variety, I thought how odd that he has such an expensive looking car, obviously being slightly judgemental on this occasion.

Me and my partner headed back the way way we came up the hill towards the meadow fields to start the walk back to our tent. As we were walking up the hill, the man started to gain speed walking towards us. He stopped us and kept repeating, look, I am not being funny or anything, but would you like to come and join me on my boat? I am not being funny, which he repeatedly said. He explained that he wanted to test his new outboard motor and didn’t really fancy going it alone should it be faulty or not work for any reason not wanting to get stranded out on the water. He asked us to meet him down where we were talking before in 45 minutes if we wanted to go, also explaining that he didn’t want any money as it is not allowed as he is not licensed with his boat for hire, he said we would have to wear life jackets too. He advised us that we should go and get some warmer clothes on as despite it being a warm sunny day we would surely get cold out on the water. He said we didn’t have to go if we didn’t want to and that he was not being funny or anything, he said he would understand if we didn’t want to go, but the offer is open and if we want to go, to just be back where we met once we have some warm clothes. Again adding yet another time, I’m not being funny, I am not being funny or anything.   

We parted and we walked back towards the direction of the tent. As we were walking back I was deliberating on whether or not to go and my partner was quite up for it. I had said that we don’t know him, he is a stranger and he seemed a little strange. What if something was to happen? I remember thinking. I then decided that I was with my Fiance and that maybe on this occasion I should not be worrying as I could after all be missing out on a great experience of a boat trip that had been offered for free! We  then picked up pace to go and get some jumpers, got to the tent and gathered our warmer clothing. We then paced back through the meadows down the windy road that led to the hill that leads to the shore. We arrived and I remember looking up and down the jetty saying to my fiance, I hope its not that boat, or that one, they were the ones that looked like they might not make it anywhere and were old and worn. Then I remember seeing one almost at the very end of the jetty and I said it would be nice if it is that one, that looks like one of the best moored here. The man then approached us and we set along down the jetty and as we passed each of the old boats. I was thinking, great its not that shabby one nor that one then we were pretty much at the end of the jetty and were offered to get on board a lovely little boat that was almost like new.

 We sat at the back behind the man as he was standing at the wheel. We set off and no life jackets were worn but we were safe and he was an experienced captain with his knowledge of the English Channel, but maybe a nervous driver. He took us all along the shore, past the Spinnaker tower in Portsmouth and showed us his fish radar that he had invested in for fishing. The sun was shining and in the distance there were rain showers that looked like vertical tubes peeping from the skies clouds that were streaming water into the ocean. We were no where near the rain and the sky was magnificent in its many contrasting weathers and tones.

We were out on the water for almost 3 hours and enjoyed the voyage very much. The man had explained to us that he had not always been deaf and it was due to an accident where he fell and hit his head when he was a younger man. It had left him in a coma and as a result when he woke up, he was deaf and left partially disabled having to learn most things all over again. He was very open in explaining his circumstances and explained that his car and the boat were purchases that he made with the compensation he received for his injury. He said he enjoyed being out on the water, that it is something he can do and that it makes him happy as it is a way of his coping with his circumstances also. He showed us a video camera and the footage it contained of, I think it was his nephew when they were out on the boat one day, they had gone sea fishing and the nephew was proudly displaying a large ray that he had caught on the day.

This man that we initially knew nothing about, had shared many things with us including his generosity. When we headed back to the jetty and the boat had been parked, which the man did seem slightly nervous upon doing so when in reverse, we thanked him many times and offered something in return obviously not money as hat was as initial request in asking us not to pay. We asked if he drinked and he said that he didn’t drink, we said are you sure that there is nothing at all that we can get you? Again, he said really, no. He thanked us also for joining him and asked that all we do, is that if one day we ever have the opportunity or are in a position to do the same or a similar thing for someone else, that we do so, so that you pass on the something to give to another rather than himself. We thanked him again and I said that I can’t believe how nice he had been and that there was never an occasion that I had expereinced where a complete stranger was so nice and I thanked him for that. Thankfully my initial reaction of he could be a crazy psychopath  was put to the back of my mind and I had given him the benefit of the doubt and succumbed to the fact that maybe I was being paranoid, I am glad that it was a happy ending and not a massacre, but by giving him the benefit of the doubt we all experienced a wonderful afternoon of sunshine, sea and humanity in possibly the most generous and beautiful ways.

The point of this piece is that life can be good, and yes, there are bad people that also exist. The planet does not just contain beauty, peace, harmony and generosity, but also hate, anger, racism, violence and ugliness.

But when good things happen, it shows that there is still good to be seen in people and that there are those who are good natured without any sinister reasons or actions and they are examples that should be noticed by all in order for society to be one that works together in being helpful towards its fellow humans and the planet.

All I ask you after reading this; 

If you are not someone who already gives any random gesture, that you do so, and when given the opportunity, you also are an example like one of the many people in the stories mentioned above. Whether it be helping someone, recycling, offering compassion and friendship, giving a gift in appreciation, offering advice, or just a listening ear amongst many other possibilities, everyone can be generous and all walks of life have something they can offer or give to society.  

Changing your habits will have an effect on others and the environment, help towards peace, happiness and a harmonious society. All it takes is a bit of thought and effort.

(Please read my other posts on recycling and more earth friendly topics)