Christmas shoppers are back at Cribbs Causeway, two minutes from where I work . The schools are starting to go on holiday so the kids are flooding in to see Star Wars at the nearby cinema. Work 'do's are filling restaurants around the retail parks. 

The other evening it took me 25 mins to get to the M5 junction on my way home, when it normally takes 5 mins. 

Congestion is Bristol is getting to a limit I am not enjoying, so what do I suggest? I am no transport planner, but I do drive and I live in Bristol, so here's my two penny's worth. 

​
Work with local businesses

Congestion is worst at either end of the working day. Creating safe cycle storage and changing facilities at offices helps to reduce congestion – as does allowing for home working and staggered start and finish times. In Nottingham a workplace levy for businesses with lots of parking spaces has generated much-needed cash to fund alternatives and will help reduce traffic.

Introduce a congestion charge

London's congestion charge was implemented in 2003 and has been a success, reducing traffic volumes by just over 10%. 

Sort out the buses

The routes, certainly in Bristol, can be fragmented and illogical. Established hubs are not used as well as they could be, and there may be a case for large scale re-routing to make rides more efficient and cover more areas. One friend of mine takes 90 mins to get to work (on a good day), and he lives in Bristol. I used to commute from Swindon and it only took me 55 mins. That's not right!!

Open up old train lines

I would LOVE to go to work on the train - extra napping/reading/writing...working time, and no angry drivers. So many areas in Bristol are way off the train lines which currently exist, with many others closed and forgotten. I'd certainly use the Henbury station if it reopened! And surely Cribbs Causeway could do with something train-like, closer than Patchway...?

Give away free helmets and bike locks

One of the things that might put people off cycling and therefore remain driving is the cost of a helmet and a lock to secure their bike. The two together could cost upwards of £45 and can be quite an investment. However, both items are essential for riding, so funding free helmets and locks may act as a good incentive. 

Promote bus apps more

There are some great techy options to help you plan your route on public transport, but many people don't know about them. For Bristol buses I recommend the app 'Travel West Bus Checker' You can put your postcode in for your starting point and destination and it does the rest. 

Install more bike rails for securing your bike 

When I biked into town for dinner a month or two ago, I struggled to find a spot to safely park my bike. I ended up going several streets over from the restaurant I was meeting El Husbandio in - hardly ideal. It would also help with businesses - business relations and residents who live in popular areas: fewer 'eyesore' bikes attached to railings on the shop/house fronts. 

A single transportation body across the city

Coordinated and well-planned, well-timed projects for transport improvement should be run by one independent body, in my view. This will make development easier, possibly making it cost less, and would pool resources into one key place. 

More enforcement against banned drivers and uninsured drivers 

This would get a good percentage of drivers off the road!

Rewards for walking the short journeys

Reward schemes are big business nowadays - could log local journeys when you would have used a car but walked/biked and receive vouchers.

Cut train ticket and bus ticket prices

Nuff said. 

Raise the driving age to 18

Now school is compulsory to age 18, there is not a need for young people to drive so much. Argument was they might need it for work after 16, but that's no argument now. I would have hated this suggestion when I was 17 and driving, but it would knock down the number of drivers, and potentially make the roads safer too. 

What do you think?

Lou x

Find me on Facebook
...and on Twitter
Born to be a Tourist

Ugly sunsets - there are no such things. 

And I've Googled it.

​There's a photo saying 'I give up finding an ugly sunset'.

There's a song.

And there's an Adobe colour scheme. 

There's no actual sunsets which are ugly. 

And that's pretty un-ugly in itself. 

Lou x

Find me on Facebook
...and on Twitter
Born to be a Tourist

I made it - it's only the third time I've cycled to work from the new house, and I think (hope!) it's getting easier. That 25 minute uphill ride is challenging, I'll say that!_

Still, I wanted to use this opportunity to signpost you, lovely readers to my travel blog, Born to be a Tourist. I have a category on that blog roll on cycling, which, if you're reading this post, you may enjoy. It's loosely linked to travel as I've been around a lot on it (Wales, Gloucester - more to come!), but it's full of fun stuff. Take a look!

So... did you cycle to work today?

Lou x

Find me on Facebook
...and on Twitter
Born to be a Tourist

Volunteering to promote Recycle Week at work partly involved me sending out a daily email crammed full of tips and info on recycling, and how we can do more to minimise our impact on the environment at home and in the workplace. 

Monday All about the money! (The company I work for saves £1000 a year recycling our waste instead of binning it!)

Tuesday was about re-purposing things to avoid throwing them away. For example, an old colander makes a great hanging basket. 

Wednesday I encouraged people to donate unwanted household items and selling them online - how to find your local charity shop, advice on Gumtree, eBay etc. 

Thursday This email was about paper recycling, as this is the most common form of waste we produce in the office. 

And today, Friday? I'm focusing on food waste. The banana bread I baked especially for today demonstrated how to use up some fruit turning brown at home, putting bananas to good use, even when they're past their best. 

The Telegraph reported bananas are 'the most wasted food' in the UK. They estimate that 1.4 million bananas are thrown away EVERY DAY.

So next time you think about throwing away your browning bananas, why not embrace the idea of loving it a little further an making a delicious cake?

Read more about reducing banana waste here!

And I have to say, my cake's gone down very well this morning! 

Find out more about Recycle Week
Twitter @recycle_now
They're on Facebook too.

Lou x

Find me on Facebook
...and Twitter
Born to be a Tourist

Commuting by car can be a real bind. Traffic, cost, unreliability of timings... Check out my recent thoughts on the commute here, but tell me something… Why don’t you cycle to work? Commuting is 16% of England’s total travelling time, so the impacts of this are not easily ignored. A daily four mile commute will save you 66 gallons of fuel per year, so cost savings are certainly no discouragement. The average British commute is seven miles – about a 30 minute ride... More than achievable for most.

So why don’t more people bike to work?  

A survey run by American psychologists in March looked into the psychological barriers to bike commuting. I’ve taken it as my responsibility as a keen cycle-commuter to prove these excuses are just that: excuses. 

BUSTED! Reason no.1

Potential riders perceived bicycle commuters as young, energetic and physically fit people, with special clothes or gear.

Age is nothing but a number. Nuff said. Some people laughed when I said I gave my 80 year old grandma a webcam for her birthday but she’s one of millions of silver surfers now. Biking, like an internet connection is good for all ages, with as much exercise and challenge as you want to do. 

Despite what my husband thinks, you don’t need professional gear or expensive gear. I would recommend a padded saddle and shorts if you’re going longer distances – same goes for gel padded gloves. However, if you have a ‘normal’ bike which works and a helmet, that’s all you need. If you do want some gadgets or extra gear, there are plenty of stores and online outlets which sell affordable items, and you can always ask for the fancier stuff as a gift. Friends and family will love to give you a gift you’ll actually be grateful for and use!


BUSTED! Reason no.2

Potential riders are worried about how to maintain a professional image if they cycle to work.

Simple solution: take a change of clothes. I don’t shower when I get to work (due to my relatively short commute), but I make sure I wear an outfit with tights and skirt/shorts comb, or a leggings/skinny trousers based outfit so I don’t get caught up in baggy hems and bulky outfits. I wear a sports bra when I can get away with it (more comfy – still a tomboy at heart! ***link***), and I swap over my top when I arrive. It’s a bit of fiddling around when I arrive, but leaving for home I cycle in what I wore at work. No one cares what I look like when I get home and jump straight in the shower! Your office may have shower facilities you don’t know about; might be worth asking the office manager. 

Bad case of helmet hair? Don’t do your hair before you leave home, ladies – just take your products with you. Travel-sized ones will limit the weight gain in your bags. 

What’s more professional than someone taking care of their body? You’ll live longer, feel happier, and work more productively, I guarantee, and your boss will love that!

BUSTED! Reason no.3

Potential riders felt they couldn’t commute because they have to have a car available for running errands, carrying bulk items and childcare responsibilities.

I shop more in a ‘little and often’ way now, so this helps a lot when I make a run for the groceries. I have a set of panniers which I am happy to fill. I have been known to have two bottles of squash, a laptop, a bag of rice, a lunchbox and my handbag in them on a normal work day, so I know it’s possible to carry a load. Kiddies wise, you can get some brilliant kid-cargo trailers. I saw a few from £60 at the weekend, and I look forward to the day I have a little one behind me. I imagine us singing (maybe just me!) as we pedal along. Again, just me! Biking as a family won’t stop as we grow into a family with kids. 

BUSTED! Reason no.4

Potential riders are worried about safety – cycling in the dark and other road users a particular concern. 

Biking can be dangerous, but not if you’re careful. Where I live there’s lots of dedicated bike paths. These are perfect for traffic-free travel and often go through some gorgeous countryside views. 

“Be safe, be seen” is the old phrase I was taught at school. Throw on a hi-vis jacket, make sure your lights work if you’re cycling into the evening, and try to stick to well-lit routes. 

It goes without saying, but I’m saying it again. Always wear a helmet, folks! They’re called ‘crash cups’ and ‘brain buckets’ for a reason – people crash and the brain is protected by the helmet. "American Family Physician" reports that head injuries cause the most fatalities and long-term disabilities when it comes to cycling accidents, with approximately 22-47% of injured cyclists experiencing head injuries. .Need another reason? I think not, but here’s 10 Reasons To Wear A Bike Helmet from @bicyclehabitat to make sure you’ve got the message. 

So, really, the dangerous sides to cycling can be managed to a large degree. Arguably, NOT cycling could be worse for your health than jumping on your two-wheeler. 

This wasn’t a result of the American survey but I can envisage this is a problem for some wannabe riders too…

BUSTED! Reason no.5

Potential riders don’t have a bike and/or are worried about maintaining it.

Don’t own a bike in the first place? Jump on your choice of eBay, Gum Tree, Craigslist for very reasonable prices on second hand bikes… Wait for the holiday sales in the big stores… Check to see if your company does a cycle to work scheme (UK version gives you a tax free bike)... Get down the local re-furbishers… Ask around - you might even get a free one if you work your sales pitch!

There are more and more cycle maintenance shops and services popping up – four in my local area alone! – but you don’t always have to pay. Most basic maintenance is just that: basic. Oil the chain, adjust the brakes, keep it clean – even I can handle that. However, consider if there is a future mechanic or engineer teen living next door? They may enjoy fiddling with your bike and improving it. Have you seen the latest Royal Navy recruitment advert on TV? “If I can fix a bike, I can fix a car. If I can fix a car, I can fix a military helicopter.” [abridged] You could inspire a young mind – and get yourself a free servicing too!

BUSTED! Reason no.6

Potential riders are worried for the safety of their bike while at work. 

This is pure fluff. There is nearly always somewhere safe to store your bike, and if in the unlikely event there isn’t, request it! I would avoid chaining your bike to private fences or railings, but there should be somewhere near to your work you can lock it up. Make sure you have a good lock (or two, if you have concerns about your wheels ‘walking off’). Remember to  take anything you keep in your panniers with you – the scruffiest hoodie might join your wheels in disappearing, so don’t leave anything behind. I recommend a lock on a chain form, not a D-lock, as they’re lighter to carry and more flexible when you need to chain your bike to an awkward signpost or fence post. 

The survey did have some positive results…

The consensus seems to be that if your co-workers ride, there’s a morale boost right there with chat about your journey, how fast you were today, comradery around the wet weather experiences etc. It was also seen that cycling was a good was to de-stress after a day at work. And boy, are they right there. My 10-15 minute ride home works wonders – and I beat the traffic jams. 

The chart below (from the National Travel Survey 2013) shows the distribution of modes of transport for English commutes in 2013. Notice bikes are in the tiny 'other' category... I am hoping the rise in the popularity of cycling since the 2012 Olympics might make an impact on this number. It does look like it could overtake bus, rail and even walking! 

Plastic is a big issue in waste. Made from oil, they're hardly a renewable resource, and the impacts of plastics being irresponsibly used and disposed of are enormous. 

Apart from landfills... Apart from litter... We are slowly filling our oceans with plastic. An issue important enough to get royalty backing a campaign to highlight and improve the situation!

The age-old environmental figurehead of polar bears are in trouble too from the impact of waste plastics - it's not just climate change which is killing them off. 

Recycling is no longer the answer - so last century! We need something bigger, stronger...

Reduction of plastics is the environmental message for plastics in the 21st century!!!

So, most of you know I'm a bit of a green-fiend. (Check my blogs on environmental issues!) I love to read about environmental issues (a regular on Treehugger), I work in the waste management sector, and my degree was heavily involved in the environmental sector's business. 

I recycle whatever I can (would be ashamed to admit I didn't, even if I didn't work in the industry!), but what more can I do to help this crisis of plastic waste mountains? Plastics are one challenge I have struggled with at home, while traveling and at work. They are ubiquitous!

Today I stumbled across the brilliant My Plastic-Free Life blog and I resolved to challenge my plastic habits. It's a challenge, but you know I like my challenges!

Quitting Bread (2011)
A to Z Challenge 2013 - on writing, books, life etc. etc!
A to Z Challenge 2015 - Costa Rica theme
30 Before 30 (2013-15)

What do I do already to reduce my plastic consumption?

1. I take reusable shopping bags with me when I'm grocery shopping. 

2. My lunchbox has no evil cling film in it, and the box is reusable. I've even had comments about how cool my retro 'Vitalite' tub is! 

3. I buy coffee in jars or tins. 

** Mmmm time for a coffee. **

4. Shampoo and conditioner in our house is bought in big bulk bottles.

5. I have a giant BPA free water bottle on my desk at work to save on use of (potentially harmful, infertility and cancer inducing) disposable plastic bottles.

6. I used proper metal cutlery to eat with, even on a picnic. Posh, hey?

7. Rubbish is put into plastic sacks, but recycling is taken out to the recycling bin in a reusable box. 

8. Washing up is done *ahem* using a paper-based cloth. (Could move to a strong cotton cloth/napkin?)

9. I take an empty bottle of water through customs at the airport and fill up on the other side. Rule friendly, cost effective, and planet friendly!

10. Also while travelling, I use my own headphones, not the crappy plastic wrapped ones you get given on the plane. Next step: PVC free headphones! 

11. In hotels, I refuse to use their mini shampoos and shower gel. I'd rather bring my own, use my own, and save the waste. And chance of possible allergic reaction - bah, skin products! 

12. On a similar note, I have never (bar one chocolate desperation moment years ago) raided the mini bar. It's expensive, for one, and the mini nature of the items in the fridge scream resource inefficiency. I may be a party-pooper for the start of the party, but I'll bring my super-size wine bottle along for later instead!

13. I download my box set DVDs and music now, thanks to the digital age. No more plastic CD cases!

14. Beers and cider cans in our house are bought loose on in cardboard boxes, not in the wildlife-killing plastic ring sets. 

-----

How can I reduce the environmental impact of the plastics I use?

How can I use less plastic?

1. Ask ebay to not encourage their sellers to use bubble wrap. That's an easy win! - DONE!

2. Do a beach litter pick - gloves at the ready! It's not technically my plastic, but it all helps. I live not far from Severn Beach - good for a blustery River Severn / coastal walk. But with all the walkers and fishermen, there's often debris left behind. No doubt I'll find a can ring set washed up...

3. Attempt a plastic-free grocery shop - no cheating, a 'normal' shop next week with my intended shopping list items. 

4. Find my local farmers' market and buy veg from them as much as possible. I work too conveniently next to Asda, one shop rammed with plastic packaging. Shopping at a market could reduce my plastic consumption dramatically. 

Harbourside Market, Bristol - the target for a Sunday afternoon in the near future!

5. Address the issue of my make-up. No, not to improve my skills in application (although I could use some pointers!), but I want to have a lesser reliance on plastic for my albeit minimal make-up collection. Check out 'Westy' who's trying to overcome the same challenge...

6. Refuse a straw in bars and restaurants. This should be an easy one, but it becomes more difficult the more I drink!

7. While we're talking drinking, I will try to buy wine bottles with actual corks in, instead of plastic screw-tops. 

8. I'd really like to buy food from a bulk barn, but I don't know where to find one... Any suggestions for the north Bristol area?

9. Take my own container to a butcher or deli counter to save on plastic wrapping.

10. When my plastic ice cube trays break, I will replace them with a metal version. 

11. I'm going to choose body/face care products without the plastic ingredient “polyethylene” listed. This one will probably be the hardest as I am prone to allergic reactions when trying new products so I stick to what I know - but I'm doing it for the planet, people! Read My Plastic Free Life's post Flushing Plastic Down The Drain! for more information.

12. I'm going to Sign a petition, while I'm at it, to ban micro-beads (plastic exfoliation aids) in facial scrubs etc. - DONE!

13. I'm going to track down an unpackaged shampoo bar to get rid of those 'quite environmentally friendly' plastic bulk bottles I buy. 

14. Cancel my magazine subscriptions. I subscribe to Writers News and Lonely Planet currently, but more often than not, they sit unread for months, if not years... almost long enough for degradation of the plastic wrapping to begin! - DONE!

15. I love pens and stationery in general, but I am going to make a concerted effort to use pencils instead of disposable pens. This will also make it unable for me to piss off conference colleagues with my fidgety pen clicking! - DONE! Well stocked up at home and at work now.

16. Wrap presents with ribbon - reusable, pretty and plastic free, unlike sticky tape!

Oops, that's 16!

-----

Check out 100 steps to a plastic free life if you fancy investigating more ways to reduce your plastic footprint.

We can't be total angels...

What am I going to keep using?

CHEWING GUM - yes, gum's mostly plastic! Needed for... well, see the point on drinking coffee!
NON-STICK COOKWARE - I hadn't even considered my cooking equipment! Non-stick has saved most of my amateur dishes, and we've also been given some gorgeous ones lately, so I'm sticking with this plastic.
DISPOSABLE RAZORS - I tried ditching these in the past, but I need to change my blades so often, due to being prone to skin irritation, it just wasn't cost effective.
TAMPONS - It took me ages to clock onto using these but I've never looked back. This is the only one here I would NEVER EVER give up. Mooncups ain't for me. I will just try to buy feminine hygiene products with minimal packaging... promise!

That's a good start - keep an eye on this post and see how I get one.

Lou x

Find me on Facebook
...and on Twitter
Born to be a Tourist - home to my 2015 A-Z Challenge

How good do you feel when you drop your milk bottle into your recycling bin?

Do you think 'ahhh, doing some good to the world!' as you stuff your newspapers into the recycling bank?

FANTASTIC! KEEP GOING!

However, I want to challenge you today about your recycling habits. More and more people are recycling in the UK, and that's excellent, but it is time for moving forward and doing more.

"Recycling can be a cop-out for consumers, making us feel justified about buying stuff in excessive packaging." That's what Katherine, writer for Treehugger says. I know what she means - so what if you're doing the norm and recycling your household waste like a good resident? That's not the 21st century point of waste management!

Have you heard of waste minimisation?

It's what comes when you've been recycling happily for a while and have got the hang of it. The idea of this is, yes, recycling your waste wherever possible is great, but not producing the waste in the first place is even better. 

Some ideas to get you going...

1. Let's start with an easy one... Choose to use reusable bags when you go shopping. This will reduce the amount of plastic bags created, used, and thrown away. There are some dead trendy reusable bags out there, but your old backpack will work just as well. 

2. Try to buy products with less packaging. The coconut, for example, solves shipping problems by having it's own perfectly suitable packaging in the husk, so avoid shrink wrapped coconuts or ones sold in boxes. And if you can't reduce the packaging, try to choose materials whoch are more readily recycled - check with your local Council for info on your area, but most places seem to accept glass, card and paper, and plastic bottles.

Do be aware of packaging myths though - most packaging is there to keep the food fresh and protects it in transport.

3. What to do with old jam jars...? Know someone who's into pickling or making jam? They will welcome your donations. 

4. Donate your unwanted but completely fine clothes/furniture/household goods to charity shops. There's a huge market for second hand items, both from the more and less affluent members of society. Not throwing these items in the bin saves them from landfill and puts them to good use. You'll also be helping out a charity - a double 'feel-good' whammy!

5. Cut down on unwanted mail by putting a small sign on your front door politely asking for no more junk mail or free newspapers. This also applies to Junk Mail. Visit MPS ONLINE to register for mail preference services (UK only). You can also register previous addressees and people who have passed away so this mail no longer comes through your letterbox.  

6. Use rechargeable batteries to save on disposal of old batteries - but even better, use the mains wherever possible. If you're worried about the old 'leccy bill increasing, copy my cheapskate-ness and charge your phone at work!

There are still some people who don't recycle, but most of us are making the effort. And if you go one step further with waste minimisation ideas, you can start to be aware of how much waste and recycling you're generating and work on reducing it to a more healthy, sustainable level. 

Feel that joy in recycling - just try to expand on that and make your world a greener more joyful, self-satisfied place!

If you want to know more, a good place to have a read is “Zero Waste Home” by Bea Johnson and “Garbology” by Edward Humes. They come well recommended. 

Lou x

Find me on Facebook
...And on Twitter
Born To be A Tourist

Two international events have inspired me to write this week. 

1. The new film "Noah" is being promoted all over the place. It's THE biblical Hollywood tale of the year, apparently!

2. The unusual air pollution levels we're experiencing here in the UK.

So what?

We've all heard of Noah. He was a man, fictional or not, who faced a huge challenge when the God warned him of an epic flood. Realising the bigger picture, Noah took some on a whole lot of work and made some tough decisions, leading the way to save his family and neighbours, not to mention the animals who came onto his arc "two-by-two". 

Now, I treat Bible stories with a pinch of salt. I believe they are picture stories constructed to teach us life lessons. Noah's story is of someone who was strong enough to take on a huge challenge and who ended up saving the 'world'. (I say 'world' because I think the flood in question didn't affect the whole world, but a localised area. It may have seemed like the whole planet to Noah's folk though!)

And what about air pollution? Why is this on my mind (and on the news)?

Air pollution has been a hot topic in the UK this week. These unusual levels of pollution are much more than the normal home-grown pollution a country like ours creates on a daily basis, and the emissions we import via European winds. This situation has been exacerbated this week by Saharan winds blowing particularly strong and effectively dropping part of the African desert into our atmosphere. Many people (mainly those with allergies, asthma, and the elderly) have had their health affected, but even on the smallest level, Brits are noticing the impact. Cars are filthy with a layer of the dirt, and visibility has been reduced due to the dust in the air. Take a look at how hazy Northamptonshire looked yesterday afternoon. These fields are normally a green and pleasant vista, but are now fogged in air pollutants. It's not the resolution of the photo - this really is smog. 

I find it a bit scary that this might be the future of our air quality...

Air pollution is one of the biggest environmental issues our planet is facing, and has been facing, since the introduction of industry, transport and development. And it isn't only the UK which is having problems. Only 1% of China’s 560 million city residents breathe air that is considered safe by the European Union. And, this severe air pollution problem, which has led to cancer becoming China’s leading cause of death, is no longer affecting the Chinese people alone - it's spreading globally. 

So what does the advent of a new blockbuster and increased air pollution have in common?

The story of Noah and his arc was a tale of foreseen disaster and preparing for the 'hit'. Noah was successful in saving humans and wildlife from the threat of extreme flood waters through planning, the support of his family, their understanding of the issue, and faith in his mission. 

You've probably worked out my point already: The situation Noah found himself in can be applied to tackling environmental issues - case in point, air pollution. Clean air is getting harder and harder to find as the years go on, and WE KNOW something has to be done.  We know there's a problem, but it seems we're sitting by and letting it get worse.

Like many environmentalists and scientists, Noah had his skeptics, but eventually everyone saw what was coming and pulled together. Sure, in this instance, all they did was jump on an arc when the hard work had already been done, but the point is made. When we all accept there is a problem and a serious threat to our environment, we can make a difference and fend off disaster. 

Question: Have you given some thought on how you can reduce the amount of air pollution you're creating?

I dearly hope that enough can be said and done in the next months and years to help the powers that be recognise finally that if we lose our planet, we lose everything.

Working together, like Noah and his family, we as mere inhabitants of this Earth can overcome the issues of air pollution. Technology is out there which can help. Campaign groups have huge support for combating the problem. Ideas are forthcoming from our great minds. There's certainly enough evidence to say something should be done!

CAUTION! We can't stop at solving air pollution. It's no secret that we humans have been causing damage to the planet for years. 

The world's population is 7.2 billion, many of whom are intent on living unsustainable lives. 
Humans caused this. 

An area of rainforest the size of England, Scotland and Wales combined is being lost every year.
Humans caused this. 

538 million tonnes of waste is dumped globally every year. 
Humans caused this. 

African elephants will become extinct in 10 years time. In fact, 1 in 4 mammals is at risk of extinction. 
Humans caused this. 

We have borrowed time on disappearing land as sea levels rise - a result of climate change. 
Humans caused this. 

It's not easy to find out who originally said this, but it makes a brilliant point, one of my favourite quotes ever. 

Get the picture? We're destroying our own home, one leap at a time. And this is just the start. Treehugger has more if you want more gut wrenching facts about how human activities are damaging the planet. 

Like the story of Noah, I believe not all hope is lost. I believe with hard work, some investment and education, and some serious political barriers being broken, we can leave this planet in a better state than how we found it.

If the metaphorical flood comes, it won't be just the third world who suffers. It won't be a problem for descendants we will never meet. It is real; it is now. 

We're all in this together - just like the animals and humans on Noah's arc. 

I hope you enjoyed this post. If it's made you think, please share it on Twitter, Facebook or send someone an email with a link in it. Last week's post on bacon was a little bit informal, but I couldn't be more serious about the issue I've written about today. 

Lou x 

Find me on Facebook
...And on Twitter
Born To be A Tourist

What makes a Christmas, for me? How do I get into proper Christmas spirit? Here's the essential guide to the best Christmas, Lou style!


(I realise 18 things aren't really 'essential' but they are unmissable to me!)

Best Christmas Prop? Santa hats! Furry ones, ones that light up, they're a must-have!

What's The Best Christmas Preparation Job? Wrapping presents, without a doubt. I love making the gifts look enticing, even with my distinct lack of artistic talent. 

First Drink I'll Taste: Mulled wine. Champagne isn't something I really enjoy and Christmas flavoured coffees are overrated. It's got to be a glass of warm, spiced red. 

No. 1 song to start the festive mood: SLADE - Merry Christmas Everyone (1973)
Pre-dating me by over a decade, it's still the ultimate Christmas tune!

Best Way To Avoid Confrontation: Dispel any brewing arguments by giving someone stressed a hug. They might need it if they've just burned the turkey!

That Reminds Me - Turkey or Ham? Turkey, every time. I hardly eat it the rest of the year, though. 

Best Way To Begin A Festive Feeling: Watching a Christmas movie.

Ok then... Favourite Christmas Movie? Bernard and the Genie (BBC 1991). Hands-down the best ever Christmas movie ever made. I have to indulge in Elf, Love Actually, and Home Alone too, or it's simply not Christmas. 

What should the weather be like? A bright, crisp, cold morning, with a frost on the garden. I don't remember a white Christmas...

Charades: Yes or No? YES!!! I'm game for any ... game! We've done Charades, Bingo, Family Fortunes, Rapido, Pictionnary, and the ol' family fave of "Tip It!" (don't ask...)

Best Ever Present? Maybe my Timberland snowboots, or my iPod. 

Favourite festive food: Brandy butter (for Christmas pudd or mince pies) and bread sauce

All-time Favourite Christmas Carol: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. What a belter!!!

Favourite tree decoration: This year, it's my owls, nestled in the tree. 

Least Favourite Part About Christmas: The amount of waste which is generated. Rubbish produced over Christmas by UK households would fill Big Ben 1500 times, so try to recycle where you can!

Christmas Cards. Go. I'm not sending any this year for the first time ever. I have taken a stand against waste generation and done my bit to protect our trees. The money could be better spent elsewhere; I have donated the money I would have spent on cards and stamps to my favourite charities. 

How Late Do I Leave The Christmas Gift Shopping? Always done before December, normally during November. That way, it's all done and dusted before the crowds descend on the shops, and I can enjoy my final pay cheque of the year!

Christmas Wouldn't Be The Same Without: My family. Silly hats, singing, eating our weight in stuffing, games.... Love it!

Merry Christmas everyone (in the words of Slade!)

Lou x

Find me on Facebook
...And on Twitter
Born to be a Tourist

It's Halloween - some folks are scared by thunderstorms, so this is a poem I've written about a huge thunderstorm. It hit my previous home town of Towcester ("Toe-ster") with a strong fist and I felt inspired. Yep, I'm a proud hippy. #NatureInspires 

Happy Halloween, everyone!

Humbled and Rumbled

First a rumble
A flash, a pause
I’ve seen heavier rain
But these drops sound weighted 

It’s a wonder
How rain eases
In anticipation
Of foreboding anger

Stuck in a bowl
Towcester’s storms hang
Over grey cloudy skies
Loudly voicing their thoughts

Rain falls harder
Hail storms partner
Celestial thunder
Follows a splitting sky

Photographic
Blinding lightening
Catch it in the corner
Of your eye – instant light

Flashes light rooms
Excitement builds
Electricity’s loose
On a regional scale

Lou x

Find me on Facebook
..And on Twitter
Born to be a Tourist

Image courtesy of Wunderground