Grandson Number One gets a little annoyed by the fact that when he buys a soft drink the screw top is attached to the plastic ring round the top of the bottle, making drinking from the bottle rather awkward and uncomfortable. As for me I have been noticing that the plastic tubs that you buy which contain hummus or cheese ‘n’ chive dip or similar stuff increasingly come without a lid but with just a poorly sealed cellophane covering. This makes it awkward if you don’t consume all the contents of the plastic tub in one go and want to pop it in the fridge for the next day.
In both cases I assume the idea is to prevent waste and save plastic. Apparently bottle tops were regularly being just thrown aside and not making their way into recycling plants. Mind you, judging by the bottles I see thrown down at the roadside or along paths, I suspect that a lot of those who buy bottles of soft drinks, especially to consume while out and about, do not bother to recycle much anyway. As for those plastic tubs, I re-use them to save small portions of leftovers, quantities too small to need a large Tupperware container but not small enough to be thrown into the compost bin. So I like to have the lids!
It seems you can’t win but we have to keep fighting to save the planet.
In eastern Europe they have been having floods. Storm Boris (perhaps aptly named) has been causing havoc. Here’s something I read this morning:
“Climate breakdown is one of several factors aggravating floods along Europe’s rivers. A study last year estimated that 83% of the projected economic damage caused by global heating up to 3C above preindustrial levels could be avoided by creating “detention areas” – bathtub-like systems that can temporarily store water during flood peaks. It was the most cost-effective strategy the researchers assessed, ahead of strengthening dykes, flood-proofing individual buildings and relocating communities.”
Then comes the telling rider:
“However, authorities across Europe continue to cover land in flood-prone areas with asphalt and concrete – a process known as soil sealing – forcing surface runoff.”
Around here I despair at the number of gardens which have been converted into parking areas with tarmac or flagstones. Just a bit more ground that can’t absorb rainwater - and we do get rather a lot of rain and there are rather a lot of cars seeking places to park.,
Amongst all the doom and gloom stories in the news, every so often we get a feel-good story. One of the latest concerns an escaped capybara which is now back back in the Shropshire zoo from which she a sconded when they opened a gate for a tractor.
“She looks nice and fit and healthy,” said Will Dorrell, the co-owner of the zoo. “Where she was, she was living her best life. The area’s a capybara’s paradise … but unfortunately, we have a responsibility to make sure that we don’t just leave non-native animals in the British countryside.”
How nice to have a responsible zoo man!
Today is Party in the Park day at the cricket and bowling club not far from our house. Every year a group of people, possible the Wake Up Delph committee, organise this mini-fiesta with rides for children, fast food outlets, a beer tent and a line-up of tribute acts as well as the local brass band performing. This has been going on for a while now. Posters say this is the 17th such event. First thing this morning the day looked inauspicious - misty, damp, cold and grey - but the sun has come out so maybe they’ll have a good day after all. For far enough along the road there are NO PARKING signs. Goodness knows where the party-goers will park! Not my problem fortunately.
Life goes on, stay safe and well, everyone!
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