Helen's carbon challenge diary

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p.penn
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Helen's carbon challenge diary

Post by p.penn »

Well, reducing my carbon emmisions is going to be tricky for me as I live in the middle of nowhere and I don't cycle, so a car is a necessity. Having said that, when I changed my car from a 2 seater to 4 to accomodate 2 grandchildren, my car had done under 6,000 miles in 5 years. So I guess that is pretty good anyway eh?

Saved some today by being poorly so haven't driven to work.

I kind of think my diary is going to be full of 'didn't do this' or 'decided not to do that', but in my way I will try and do what I can.

I deliberately didn't burn the toast this morning either to save carbon emissions. :-D
Helen xx

3 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 chooks, 3 fish, a shrimp that thinks its a prawn and a dappy dog.
http://www.acountrygrandma.blogspot.com
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Re: Helen's carbon challenge diary

Post by saint-spoon »

p.penn wrote:I deliberately didn't burn the toast this morning either to save carbon emissions. :-D

that is incredibly environmentally minded of you Helen.
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p.penn
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Re: Helen's carbon challenge diary

Post by p.penn »

Thank you SS. I thought so too. :-D
Helen xx

3 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 chooks, 3 fish, a shrimp that thinks its a prawn and a dappy dog.
http://www.acountrygrandma.blogspot.com
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Re: Helen's carbon challenge diary

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Yesterday I quite impressed myself! I had a hospital appointment and was dropped off while Mr Penn went away to do some shopping in the nearby town. I arrived really early and was seen and out before my appointment was even due, so to give him some browsing time (and to save carbon emmisions )grin2( ) instead of ringing him to come and pick me up, I walked the 15 mins down to the town and rang him when I was in the high street and we met up there.

I am trying to put just below the minimum mark into the kettle when I want a cuppa, as it is still enough for a mug full. I turn it off manually instead of waiting for the auto off to work too. Saves electricity.
Helen xx

3 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 chooks, 3 fish, a shrimp that thinks its a prawn and a dappy dog.
http://www.acountrygrandma.blogspot.com
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Re: Helen's carbon challenge diary

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Not done terribly well really for a few days. My daughter hurt her back last week so I had to use the car for extra school trips and back home again. }hairout{

Having said that, while I was in a neighbouring village dropping the kids off, I took the opportunity to visit people, which I wouldn't have done normally.

When my granddaughter came for lunch, I burnt the first batch of bagels to charcoal in the toaster. It was a real waste but will this extra carbon in the atmosphere affect the planet?

Other than that, not been anywhere other than work or dog walking.
Helen xx

3 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 chooks, 3 fish, a shrimp that thinks its a prawn and a dappy dog.
http://www.acountrygrandma.blogspot.com
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Re: Helen's carbon challenge diary

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As I have to drive to work, I have been trying a different system to save carbon emissions - I have been driving slower. I have been cutting 5-10 mph off my usual 70 on the main road. I don't want to go below that really as I think it is dangerous to drive slowly on fast roads and much as I am trying to cut my carbon usage, I don't want to cause an accident. I am also trying not to change gear or brake unless absolutely necessary.

Every little helps so I am led to believe.
Helen xx

3 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 chooks, 3 fish, a shrimp that thinks its a prawn and a dappy dog.
http://www.acountrygrandma.blogspot.com
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Re: Helen's carbon challenge diary

Post by saint-spoon »

Very true Helen, it does help and it’s nice to see that you’re not just giving up even though you do need your car for work.
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Richard
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Re: Helen's carbon challenge diary

Post by Richard »

Exactly and good thinking Helen, maybe that will bring a few more people into this Project.

It's not about simply using the car, it's about how you go about it as well, even when you buy a new one, buy a low footprint model, also saves on Road Tax, so it has a frugal slant as well.

)c(

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Re: Helen's carbon challenge diary

Post by Bollybarb »

My OH thinks that people are generally going slower recently. He's tweeked his car in various way including removing a cat!! His comsuption has dropped dramatically by the tweeks and driving slower and we don't seem to have so many people rushing past us on fast roads.

Good move PPen i was thinking of how i can compensate for the car use for work, i just need to drive my car like i drive his....
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Re: Helen's carbon challenge diary

Post by p.penn »

Does using the car radio and electric roof affect anything too? Just a thought.
Helen xx

3 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 chooks, 3 fish, a shrimp that thinks its a prawn and a dappy dog.
http://www.acountrygrandma.blogspot.com
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Re: Helen's carbon challenge diary

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Today, instead of driving 3 mins so the dog can walk without having to go on her lead (as my arms are poorly), I bit the bullet, put lots of painkilling cream on and walked her up the road instead.

Right now I am thinking that may have been a bad idea!
Helen xx

3 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 chooks, 3 fish, a shrimp that thinks its a prawn and a dappy dog.
http://www.acountrygrandma.blogspot.com
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Re: Helen's carbon challenge diary

Post by p.penn »

Well today I took the dog to her walk in the car. Felt bad about it but really suffered yesterday.

I feel very frustrated that I am unable to walk her on lead as I love it so much and would much rather do that than go in the car. Needs must though and I guess that is what the car is for.

Reheated tuesday's leftovers for dinner for 4 of us, saving on oil for the cooker. That was something at least. Also did gardening with my granddaughter instead of cake making.
Helen xx

3 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 chooks, 3 fish, a shrimp that thinks its a prawn and a dappy dog.
http://www.acountrygrandma.blogspot.com
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Re: Helen's carbon challenge diary

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I prefer cake to garden )gr:
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Re: Helen's carbon challenge diary

Post by saint-spoon »

except beer gardens )t'
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Re: Helen's carbon challenge diary

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with cake and beer/cider )t'
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