Is Time Running Out? Is time running out to “save the planet”? And is it the planet we are actually trying to save, or simply our (western) way of life? Let’s face it, planet Earth will continue to spin around the sun long after we puny humans have wiped ourselves out (well, as long as any aliens watching the mess we’re making of everything don’t decide to step in and blast us all to smithereens!). What would you sacrifice if you knew it would make a difference to the planet, make a more sustainable future for your children, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren? Would you stop driving a diesel or petrol car? Could you even afford an electric or hybrid vehicle? Perhaps you’d consider switching to public transport, or even a bicycle not easy commitments to make in the Peak District National Park, as public transport is sparse and it’s very hilly for bike riding! Maybe you’d become vegetarian (or vegan) although you would also have to commit to not consuming processed plant-based meals, soy products, almond milk etc., as they can be as bad for the planet as meat - and are not always a healthy option due to the mass of additives. And don’t always believe what you read; there are widely reported stats that it takes 1800 gallons of water to produce 1lb of beef; what is rarely stated is that figure relates to the US industrialised way of rearing beef in feedlots - NOT the way we do things over here. How about not watering your lawn, or even better re-wilding your garden, or growing your own fruit and veg? You could turn off your gas central heating and install green energy alternatives - if you could afford to. Would you be happy for a new
nuclear power plant to be built nearby? Contrary to popular belief, they can be a clean source of electricity when designed, built and run effectively. Plastic anything could be permanently crossed off your shopping list, and charity shops could become your new best friend when it comes to clothing. Could you live without your mobile phone, laptop, or any other bit of kit that relies on lithium type batteries (including electric cars!)? When it all comes down to it, yes, all of us could do all of the above and more. Our way of living would have to change dramatically, and we’d effectively have to adopt a lifestyle that is more akin to the way people lived 100 or more years ago - albeit still with “green” technology! But would that necessarily be a bad thing? Knowing we could cope however, is a very different thing from wanting to adopt such changes - and I’m afraid that until such ideas become seen as mainstream and normal, not simply “tree-hugging hippy” ideas (and yes, I’ve heard that said!) then we will never do anything. Bring on the aliens…?
These articles are researched and written by Laura Billingham, a local content writer and author. Laura moved to the Peak District several years ago to pursue her passion for writing. To find out more visit www. landgassociates.co.uk or contact Laura on 07736 351 341
Save Our Planet
