Posted on 08/10/2018 13:39
The very latest predictions paint a challenging future for us and our hobby. Some would suggest grim even whilst others suggest that with intervention and a change to our habits all is not lost. What changes to our leisure pursuits and lives do folk think will make that difference for our future generations?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-45775309
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Posted on 12/10/2018 15:57 by TinwheelerWell, I’ve certainly done my bit in helping to reduce population growth.
Posted on 12/10/2018 17:09
And me. Haven't flown since mid 1980's (bar 20 minutes in a helicopter from Scillies!
) we don't rush to replace our cars every three of four years, don't leave the tap running when teeth brushing, and recycle and reuse as much as we can.
So, my years to come are going to be spent doing exactly what I want, where I want, how I want. Mainly in a 4 litre petrol Jeep, a 2.8 diesel Jeep, a diesel Motorhome and a classic MG. with the odd plane, train and boat thrown in.
My carbon footprint as a none reproductive member of the species will still be in credit.
Posted on 12/10/2018 17:33
I'm slightly annoyed and irritated that I made major changes to 'help the planet' some years back. I was driving a beautiful 3.0 ltr Toyota Camry V6 Auto (petrol) saloon which towed my caravan a treat. On the advice of a certain government I changed it for a diesel- you all know where this is going. Sadly, I cannot purchase a similar model to my previous Toyota, but am looking at their luxury brand and a hybrid. It seems to be the only alternative available to me and my needs, at present.
Along with solar panels, recycling, litter picking and reducing plastic usage, I feel I'm 'doing my bit' as much as possible and it's great to hear others' comments. Clearly some are really passionate about our planet.
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Posted on 12/10/2018 16:45 by HedgehurstTaking your question at face value, about changes we make to our present lives...
Practical measures, among others, include: solar panels on the roof, so helping cut generation emissions; driving less; sourcing food more locally when possible (less "air miles"), also eating more organic food so cutting reliance on industrial farm fertilisers, often oil-based, which only make ground reliant on ever more use of them, reduce its ability to sink carbon, and create huge environmental problems in both production and use; cutting the amount of meat eaten; keeping old machinery like computers running longer rather than tipping them, so saving resources as well as landfill; little things like switching off unnecessary lights, not idling car engine' trying to find lower energy ways of running our household, and more.
Leisure - rarely using air travel for a start. Cycling holidays - sadly not practical in our case for health reasons. Only towing a small caravan with low drag while using a relatively economical car to do so, driving "conservatively" without being a drag on the road behind.
In general - reading research and trying to evaluate what's just bunk, what's scientifically rigorous, and what's got industry behind it trying to skew the truth and spin the statistics. Not trusting what some newspapers are keen to tell us.There's lots more - others are welcome to add, but these are some of the ones we find to be workable. I'd love to have things like ground effect central heating but we'd need lots more capital (and also more land) for that to work.
I hope this helps.
Posted on 12/10/2018 21:36
Would I have invested in solar panels if there hadn’t been a tax free Fit payment as an incentive, probably not. Do we recycle and compost, yes it has no cost for us. Do we have a hybrid or electric vehicle, no because by and large they are too expensive and don’t fulfil my requirements for a tug. A selfish mercenary view, perhaps.
I’m pretty sure that in the time left to me I will continue to spend my leisure time pretty much the same as we do now.
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Posted on 12/10/2018 21:36 by OneputtWould I have invested in solar panels if there hadn’t been a tax free Fit payment as an incentive, probably not. Do we recycle and compost, yes it has no cost for us. Do we have a hybrid or electric vehicle, no because by and large they are too expensive and don’t fulfil my requirements for a tug. A selfish mercenary view, perhaps.
I’m pretty sure that in the time left to me I will continue to spend my leisure time pretty much the same as we do now.
Posted on 12/10/2018 20:25 by CornersteadyI am humbled in the face of such an eco-warrior
But to really go for it give up towing, you'll double your mpg
I recycle and..... err well that's it actually.
Now where's that awning heater I put away last winter?
Posted on 12/10/2018 22:50
Well, recycling's a good start
Agreed, giving up towing would improve the mpg. Unhooked, the car averages 50-low 60's mpg. With caravan, the average so far is 40mpg. The 'van being only 2m tall in towing mode cuts drag usefully. But it's still burning the fuel, yes - hence my original hope that more would be done to encourage cleaner vehicles.
Giving up - we've only had it two years, after health issues stopped us using tents in our 60's, and other than the initial cost, it's cheaper to use than either self-catering rents or other accommodation, so is the source of most of our holidays now.
In its defence, at nearly 20 years old it's sort of recycling in itself - no new industrial products... and even po-faced eco-warriors need some breaks!
Posted on 12/10/2018 22:50 by HedgehurstWell, recycling's a good start
Agreed, giving up towing would improve the mpg. Unhooked, the car averages 50-low 60's mpg. With caravan, the average so far is 40mpg. The 'van being only 2m tall in towing mode cuts drag usefully. But it's still burning the fuel, yes - hence my original hope that more would be done to encourage cleaner vehicles.
Giving up - we've only had it two years, after health issues stopped us using tents in our 60's, and other than the initial cost, it's cheaper to use than either self-catering rents or other accommodation, so is the source of most of our holidays now.
In its defence, at nearly 20 years old it's sort of recycling in itself - no new industrial products... and even po-faced eco-warriors need some breaks!
Posted on 13/10/2018 09:41
I have to say that I am (seriously) impressed with your passion and sincere beliefs. Doing whatever people want to do is fine and some good suggestions have been made here (even if I won't bother thanks) and it's your money to with as you please, But my point is (in relation to your closed thread) that the club is not here to lobby for your beliefs and passion, I'd rather it does what I pay it to do, provide good sites and services.
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Posted on 13/10/2018 09:41 by CornersteadyI have to say that I am (seriously) impressed with your passion and sincere beliefs. Doing whatever people want to do is fine and some good suggestions have been made here (even if I won't bother thanks) and it's your money to with as you please, But my point is (in relation to your closed thread) that the club is not here to lobby for your beliefs and passion, I'd rather it does what I pay it to do, provide good sites and services.
Posted on 13/10/2018 11:44
Thanks for this, Corners, and we'll hopefully agree to differ amicably here.
I can quite see the club doesn't want to get involved in politics as such, and that it would be dangerous for it to do so.
I'd see the CAMC's role of providing good services for members as including encouraging suppliers to provide decent equipment for the future - it already offers all sorts of improved gadgets, runs articles about them, and presumably accepts payment for advertising such stuff. I noted the one about new batteries in the most recent magazine - good.
This is where we'll differ. I'm seeing taking what steps we can to hold back the speed of climate change as necessary. For one thing I want to improve the chances of our grandchildren, and those following, to have a decent place to live. Like most people, I'm still tied into the infrastructure our society has built. So I'd see appropriate development of the equipment we'll be using for caravanning and M-H-ing as part of the role of the club.
Others still don't see the climate change and our part in it as something we need to take seriously, so would see my view as political.
But it's been a useful airing of views and information, and thanks to Mickysf for not objecting to this diversion on your thread
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Posted on 13/10/2018 11:44 by HedgehurstThanks for this, Corners, and we'll hopefully agree to differ amicably here.
I can quite see the club doesn't want to get involved in politics as such, and that it would be dangerous for it to do so.
I'd see the CAMC's role of providing good services for members as including encouraging suppliers to provide decent equipment for the future - it already offers all sorts of improved gadgets, runs articles about them, and presumably accepts payment for advertising such stuff. I noted the one about new batteries in the most recent magazine - good.
This is where we'll differ. I'm seeing taking what steps we can to hold back the speed of climate change as necessary. For one thing I want to improve the chances of our grandchildren, and those following, to have a decent place to live. Like most people, I'm still tied into the infrastructure our society has built. So I'd see appropriate development of the equipment we'll be using for caravanning and M-H-ing as part of the role of the club.
Others still don't see the climate change and our part in it as something we need to take seriously, so would see my view as political.But it's been a useful airing of views and information, and thanks to Mickysf for not objecting to this diversion on your thread
mickysf
Motorhomer