Archive for 'Driving off the grid'
Reduce and reuse in the kitchen
We’re all used to hearing the slogan reduce, reuse and recycle when it comes to waste in general especially man made products. When it comes to eating though, it all seems like such hard work and not necessarily that environmentally useful. A different approach is needed, then? This is an experiment I’ve been running the […]
Posted: March 13th, 2022 under 42, Driving off the grid.
Comments: none
Living la dolce vita
On the face of it, our lives at the moment should resemble hell. We’re having building work done and have vacated our bedroom but thankfully our son is a grown up and living in Newcastle, so we can live in his old room. Despite the noise (we’re both still working from home), life is surprisingly […]
Posted: March 9th, 2022 under 42, Driving off the grid.
Comments: none
Retrospective as 2021 comes to an end
Like many, this year has involved some changes health-wise (4 vaccinations, 3 for Covid-19 and one for influenza) and some sole searching following COP26. COP? Police? No, the climate crisess :D. For me, this has to be a personal thing. While governments and business can do their bit to ensure we can’t screw up, there […]
Posted: December 18th, 2021 under 42, Driving off the grid.
Comments: none
Now winter is almost here
It’s November, news flash, it’s winter! Very few days have peaked at 10°C, so it’s still autumn… Anyway, the heating is definitely on. Which is a great time to get a new EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) done. There’s no reason it cannot be done in the summer, any measurements are done in reverse, rather than […]
Posted: November 14th, 2021 under 42, Driving off the grid.
Comments: none
What’s your carbon footprint?
COP26 is on in the UK and we are all looking at these leaders for what we need to do. Living in the UK, the average person has a carbon footprint of 13 tonnes a year. Given a population of 67 million, that’s a huge national footprint. So, where do you fit on that scale? […]
Posted: October 28th, 2021 under Driving off the grid.
Comments: none
Economies of time
It’s a beautiful, sunny Sunday afternoon in early October and I’m sitting in the kitchen with my feet up. It’s the first time today I’ve had a chance to rest and I’d like to explain why. Doesn’t sound in the least interesting! Harsh, but true 🙁 Here’s why I’m writing this. We’re still in the […]
Posted: October 3rd, 2021 under 42, Driving off the grid.
Comments: none
Lying in bed, dreading getting up
Isn’t it a Saturday? Time of fun and joy and more importantly, the weekend? Yes, but I’m listening to the news… Ah, that’s where you’re going wrong! There are a few major takeaways today. Numero uno A couple of weeks ago now, a cable importing electricity from mainland Europe into the UK had a fire […]
Posted: September 18th, 2021 under Driving off the grid.
Comments: none
Cooking up a steam
Having heard about induction hobs in 2006, they have been on my radar but not something I’ve considered more than a “when I fit my dream kitchen, I’d like…” Our recent forays in the garden and making burgers have brought on a different issue though: how can we do the onions etc that we love […]
Posted: June 13th, 2021 under Driving off the grid.
Comments: 1
Using information to lower your carbon footprint
Sounds great, sign me up! Love your enthusiasm (must say, it’s a little unusual)… Focus! You’re right. Like many, we’re using smart meters and online portals to see what energy we’re using at any one time. Good for us and good for the planet. But not making the most of the collected information that’s out […]
Posted: May 20th, 2021 under Driving off the grid.
Comments: none
Life off grid
Gas, not electricity. Four weeks ago, we noticed that our boiler light was red and the unit was definitively not heating anything: not the floor or the water which (during the summer) is its sole raison d’etre. Oh dear, we said, how annoying or words to that effect 😮 Still, the sun was shining and […]
Posted: September 24th, 2020 under Driving off the grid.
Comments: none