I need something explained

[Stephen_374341239]

Hi all

All these CO2 and emissions and all this green stuff. We all in this country seem to me to be doing well. So there,s us on our tiny little island getting taxed to the hilt for being green. But USA, China etc and all these massive countrys that take up more space in the order of thing just keep on pooring out more and more emissions. So what I need to know does this tiny little blob make any differance at all.

 

[Chrissylizzie]

Hi Stephen

I agree with your sentiments as we have also had these thoughts. We have recycled glass, in particular, for 30 years, steamed veg for the same length of time, now have energy saving light bulbs, and cavity wall insulation,but then read of planes being flown empty to far away places so that they don't lose their slots at airports.

Piccadilly Circus, New York, etc. all still have amazing displays of lights so until ALL these energy wasting things are removed from ALL OVER THE WORLD, I can't see how me chucking empty bottles and cardboard into separate bins is going to make that much difference! (However, I will still do it, just to feel I am making an effort).

 

[Reg]

I feel that I am doing the country a service by taking the van abroad for as long as I can and leaving all my emissions there.

Well that's my excuse!

 

[SteveW77]

Surely after steaming vegatables for thirty years, they must be well done by now.

Steve W

 

[Chrisbee]

Not if the're sprouts.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hi Stephen,

Let me split your question into two areas,

Your last point that questions the value of the effort we put into CO2 reductions and and general recycling may seem like a drop in the ocean, but to pinch a phrase 'Every little helps'. Not only does it make us feel good about doing our bit, but if it shows others that it can be done, then the the snow ball will grow.

But your first point has many ramifications, and it does concern me how our Government is using the pretext of saving the planet to apply more and more taxes and continue to project further tax increases on the back of 'green' policies.

There is no positive incentive to get people to recycle. They are ready to fine us for transgressions, and the the inconsistencies about what you can recycle and where are so great it is another example of a post code lottery. When I look at our household waste, the vast majority is packaging both by volume and weight. It is my opinion that many items are vastly over packaged, and could be just as easily distributed with less.

Junk Mail and free newspapers represents 75% of our paper waste, and irony considering the credit crunch I an receiving up to 8 letters a week trying to get me to sign up to new credit cards!

But it doesn't have to be that way!

Government should be bringing pressure to bear on all manufacturers to use materials that can be easily recycled and to cut down on the amount of packaging they use. The food industry should also be looking very closely at packing and display materials.

Bring back reusable glass milk and pop bottles.

In British Columbia, Canada, they have some very effective recycling, and it is done by private companies, You take your waste to a centre and best of all they pay you by weight or qty for what you bring. All plastics are sorted and accepted, Clothes, tyres and batteries etc.

There is money back on pop bottles and cans (like we used to do), so there is less litter.

Now that is an incentive, rather than being fined for minor transgressions, so it can be done.

 

[rob_jax]

Hi Stephen,

There is an important difference between the USA and the developing economies of China and India - they are by no means anywhere near the end of their potential for growth and usage of resources.

The USA with roughly 5% of the world's population uses about 25% of the world's resources. A factor of about x5

European countries as a generalisation have a usage factor between x1.5 and x2.2, and are actively trying to reduce this - admittedly by the use of the punishment stick

The decision is would we want China and India, with roughly 50% of the world's population to follow a European usage model and consume roughly 50%, or the profligate American one and use 250% of the 100% pie?

And maybe the only way to influence the developing economies is by action...

Robert

 

[Gafferbill]

Stephen

You do not need anything explained.

You have the position acurately portrayed in your mind.

Nothing will stop developing countries from developing just as we did further back in our history.

Taxation has always been targeted to where it can be got away with.

The real problem for our planet is the relentless human population increase..... who knows how to deal with that!!

 

[Guest]

They used mixamatosis on rabbits didn't they? OK, it was just a thought.

I think we all try to do our bit for recycling, but when you see the waste that fast food outlets and supermarkets produce in excess packaging, it is a bit of an uphill battle.

I do agree restoring glass bottles for many liquids would be a significant start, and when oh when will people stop buying bottled water??? It is the most expensive liquid there is and the plastic bottles make mountains of waste. As most manufacturers fill the damm things from the tap anyway, one can only state 'you can always fool the gullible'.

 

[craigmurray]

i like many other fellow caravanners drive a 4x4, admittadly it is a 3.9v8 rangerover, but my point is this, i dont use my car for walk just my push bike and the rangie only gets used once a week so in my eyes i am producing less emissions than an eco friendly car that may do 20,000 plus miles a year but i will be tarred and feathered by the government bcos of what i drive. there are probably many many other people in the same boat as myself , so shouldnt we be taxed on mileage instead? regardless of what we drive? help keep the likes of land rover, jaguar and aston martin in business????

 

[Stephen_374341239]

My point is why do we have to keep doing it all. We as a country are s small why in every thing does it have to be use. We keep having to clear up other poeple mess all the time why.

 

[craigmurray]

bcos we get sold down the river with everything and it means the government can get more money out of us......

 

[Chrissylizzie]

Nice one Steve W.

 

[RogerP]

Craig makes an excellent point

I worked out some time ago that my miles per year in a 4x4 produced LESS Co2 than my bosses eco friendly Toyota.

Why because she is doing 3 times as many miles as me yet I'm punished.

I also have a theory that would help China and India cut its Co2 emissions

DONT BUY THEIR RUBBISH GOODS!!!