I’m behind you all the way over the objectionable nastiness of litter everywhere, people just don’t seem to care nowadays and casually toss their wrappings away where they stand or out of car windows. As a child in the 70s I remember all the litter campaigns and think they may have had more of an effect on my generation than anything aimed at younger people. I’d quite happily shoot anyone I caught as reasoning with them doesn’t seem to work - grrrr!

In the UK, Green lifestyles began to be followed in earnest in the 70s too, although at the time anyone who talked about green issues was thought of as a bit of a hippy with the accompanying vegetarianism, hand woven shirts and sandals. The concerns were taken far more seriously in other areas of Europe and became part of mainstream life and politics rather earlier than the UK. I seem to rember that Peak Oil, CO2 levels and other issues were an issue then as well as for those who could afford it, living a more sustainable lifestyle, often because it was simply considered healthier.

Being ‘Green’ is now mainstream and taught at school, but more than anything rather than climate issues and sustainability, for most individuals at the present time and financial climate, I feel that it’s a question of saving money. Many industries, certainly the building companies, now have ‘Sustainability’ within their core values, though I’ve yet to see how any new-build could possibly be carbon neutral, whatever they claim.

Besides private property owners and businesses, many councils are now building their social housing with PVs to take advantage of feed-in tariffs, solar water heating and ground source heat pumps or other forms of greener heating methods and retrtro-fitting existing properties. Whilst this may boost their green credentials, finance is a huge factor as they can take advantage of grants. There are actually huge concerns about the manufacturing processes and transportation of solar panels as they are made in China - how ‘Green’ are they really? I admit to being pro-wind energy, but it’s not really the most efficient form of renewable energy and yes, it can be very unpopular whether over to concerns over wildlife and the environment, or the underlying reasons that individuals and companies may actually have to erect turbines.

At the end of the day I feel it will come down to us learning not to consume so much, whether we like it or not. Until we do this there will continue to be more energy generating plants built, more power used and fuel used.

Kate

As to cars that’s the argument the greens favour of course, increased cost drives down demand - with motoring it helps the planet so obviously a bonus, the downside is they’re selling more V8 Range Rovers than ever whilst ordinary working people can no longer afford to drive . . .
Best
Rod

LB

Regarding recycling, I went off that when I was working at home one day and saw all my bins of carefully sorted refuse …glass in one …..paper in another etc……… all going into the same refuse van . And yet we are fined if we put the wrong thing in the wrong bin. But it all goes in together anyway.

What I DO object to though is people who leave their rubbish , generally fast food packaging , all over the place , affecting the environment and wildlife.