THE MODERN MINT BLOG
Climate change – mention it and you are guaranteed to make the discussion political. (Which probably isn’t a bad thing, as long as people are not so entrenched in their views they won’t listen to the other side…. and of course, that never happens!)
We went seal watching last summer on the estuary in Essex. It was amazing, seeing these wild animals just living on the banks. The man who took the group of us out on his boat spoke about the difference he has seen on the water over the last 30 years. He believes the water level has risen considerably, due to climate change and the heating of the planet.
It could be argued this does not represent cold, hard facts. But it does come from someone who cares about the world and who uses their very own eyes, over a long period of time, to see the changes happening in his particular area of expertise.
I believed him. He cared about the water, the environment and the seals he was taking us to see.
But not everyone was so sure. Another guy on the boat said he was still on the fence about climate change. So, if this is you, here is some cold, hard evidence to help you get off the fence and make a choice about what you know about the world…
A simple graph that says everything you need to know about the carbon in our atmosphere. Which in turn is heating the planet. Which in turn is melting the ice caps. Which in turn is raising the sea levels, as seen by our seal watching captain.
What Can You Do About Climate Change?
A few simple things, sure.
Switch to a renewable energy supplier would be a brilliant start. Or below, another graph, showing you which personal choices you can take to lower your contribution to climate change.
How Do I Personally Rate On This Climate Change List?
Let’s have a look how I do…
Upgrade light bulbs: Done. Boom! We’re in with an easy start.
Hang dry clothes: We do use a radiator in the winter. And the easy start is now a failure…
Recycle: Of course I do this. We all do, right? I also buy very little. Because I’m tight. Oh, and because I believe in buy once, buy well.
Wash clothes in cold water: Yep. And I stink.
Replace typical car with hybrid: I replaced my diesel van with a small car 6 years ago. Next step will be a hybrid… or one day, one perfect day, will be to live CAR FREE!
Eat a plant based diet: I don’t eat meat. But I do love dairy. Do I really have to change this one? Please don’t force me to have soya lattes! Or even worse, a mushroom latte! Aaaah! Is there mushroom for manoeuvre on this one? You can’t tell me lasagna is better without a big chunk of bubbling, melted parmesan cheese on top… no way! Ah, ok, I could eat less dairy.
Switch electric car to car free: That is the dream. Walk, cycle, swim everyday. Basically, live the life of a child!
Buy green energy: DO THIS NOW!
Avoid flight to USA and back: happy to do that, although we have family in South America so…. this may be a failure. Refuse to fly short haul would be a better bet. I haven’t managed that yet recently either. Oh dear, another must try harder. Much harder…
Have one fewer child: At last! The biggest impact I can have and I am doing it. Childlessness! Yes! I’m not going to be a father, so I’m saving the planet… for a child who will never experience it.
Oh, uhmm, yeah…. well, never mind.
Climate Change Conclusion
Don’t sit on the fence. Climate change is a thing. Start taking small steps. Take some big ones too. Grow your own vegetables, plant trees, eat less meat. Try not to preach (like me) just go do your thing, live by your planet loving values.
It will make the world a better place.
Make A Big Impact – Switch Energy Supplier Now
Topiary, The Art Garden at The Henderson
The Art Garden at The Henderson in Hong-Kong has now opened to the public. I joined the project last March, to work with Gillespies Landscape Architects on the topiary that had been designed for the Art Garden, which gives a calm, green space below the extraordinary Henderson skyscraper designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. The garden has been designed with butterflies in mind, so lots of nectar plants, and has other art projects and installations within its footprint. The history of the site is interesting too – it was originally the first cricket ground in Hong-Kong! So still a green space….! …
ClipFest 2025
On Sunday June 22nd there will be Clipfest 2025 at Ichi-Coo Park in Surrey. It is a celebration of all things pruning and topiary, and I will be there in my capacity of teacher at the European Boxwood and Topiary Society to demonstrate tool cleaning and sharpening, and how to clip. Tickets can be found here on Eventbrite. We are hoping for great weather and to see lots of keen pruners getting their shears out and joining us at this amazing garden! And for more on topiary…
Secateur Holders
A present arrived from Norway today, from a student who visited last February to work with Chris Poole and I on learning topiary. His new hobby – a beautiful and neatly stitched secateur holder. Thrilled with this! The holder will save me keep losing my secatuers too…! Thank you Bernt! It was the same student who introduced me to the APA with whom I am doing a talk at the end of March. Tickets can be bought here for ‘Defining The Essence – Aesthetic Pruning in the Garden’. Do join the European Boxwood and Topiary Society for that!