THE MODERN MINT BLOG
Just before Christmas last year, Arnold Schwarzenegger (of Mr Universe, Terminator, Governor of California fame… you’ve heard of him, right?) posted a short essay on Facebook about climate change. It was titled:
I don’t give a **** if we agree about climate change
A fantastic, emotive title, but even better is what he had to say in the post – he refused to spend the time debating with naysayers who didn’t believe in climate change. Just took this waste of time and energy arguing about ‘the facts’ right out of the equation.
“To use one of the four-letter words all of you commenters love, I don’t give a damn if you believe in climate change. I couldn’t care less if you’re concerned about temperatures rising or melting glaciers. It doesn’t matter to me which of us is right about the science.”
By wiping the table clean, he could focus on what was important – that if we wish to continue living the lives we do, we need clean, renewable energy.
He then insists it is time to invest in a clean energy future, and backs it up with the simplest way to win any political argument – by quoting how much money can be made/saved by changing to renewable energy sources.
You can’t argue with the numbers!
Schwarzenegger’s essay is a masterpiece. Not just because it supports an idea we think is important and are emotionally invested in, but because he changes the terms of engagement and concentrates on the heart of the matter – making change.
He is one interesting and smart man (oh yes!) and at Modern Mint we salute the work he is doing to help the planet.
To read the whole essay you can visit Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Facebook page here.
To see how a farm in the UK is combating climate change, read our blog post on Wild Farming at Village Farm.
To turn your garden into a sustainable haven, there is only one book you need – How To Create an Eco Garden by John Walker, the earth friendly gardener.
Modern Topiary, the Book, at Garden Media Guild
My book about topiary, Modern Topiary, has been mentioned on the Garden Media Guild newsletter…. As the screenshot says, the book can be read for free online here. At the bottom of the screenshot, it looks like another Garden Media Guild member has a book out called ‘A Year In A Cottage Garden’…. so if that is where your garden heart lies, check that out too! And at the top of the screenshot, it looks like I was listening to Pelleas et Melisande, by Debussy. What a classy chap I am, listening to classical music as I reply to emails. …
Start of the Whitby Topiary Library
I have been offered a space here in the centre of Whitby, south-facing aspect, with some raised beds in, so that I can make a Topiary Library. In my head, a topiary library is a place to showcase the common (and then not so common) shapes you can make out of topiary. With classical topiary plants, as well as some more unusual pieces. This Topiary Library can act as a reference for people to learn more about pruning and clipping. The space is small but the aspect is great and the beds are deep enough to put some plants in. …
Delivery After Dark – From the Makers of The Amelia Project
Last week I spent most nights stood in cold water streams on the moors of North Yorkshire, helping to film a new project called Delivery After Dark from the makers of the Amelia Project. I worked on the Amelia Project back at the end of 2024, lending my terrible vocal talents to a small part in the episode Didius Julianus. But this project is something new – and exciting! – and thankfully only needed me to be filmed, rather than to actually say anything. But not only did I have to stand in cold moving water at midnight, I also …