Mobile Phones & Environment

I have a smartphone and although I hardly use social networks or understand the many things it can do, I’d say it’s still an essential part of my daily life. But it’s only recently that I’ve become aware of the darker side of owning that phone: its impact on Climate Change, on deforestation, and the exploitation involved in mining for electronics. Last year, after schools and businesses closed during the Covid lockdown, remote working and learning via video-conferencing became the main means of communication. As a result, there was a 26% increase in sales of smartphones, tablets and computers. Additionally, with growing concern about the Climate Crisis there has also been an unprecedented rise in sales of rechargeable electric and hybrid vehicles all of which use Lithium-ion batteries too. Lithium is needed for the batteries to make our electronic devices work, whilst the phones themselves use rare-earth minerals Cobalt and Tantalum from the ore Coltan. It’s worth noting too that all the world’s wind turbines producing ‘Green’ Energy use these rare-earth minerals in their technology. Coltan is a highly precious and sought-after ore, being extracted on an industrial scale by multinational companies who are making vast profts as a result. Over 60% of world production originates in the Democratic Republic of Congo where 20% of the mines are small-scale and use mostly child workers aged between 3 and 17, who have to work in appalling and dangerous conditions, usually barefoot. Unicef estimates that 42% of DRC’s children work in the mines.

Extreme poverty means that working in the mines is a necessity for many Congolese families, who are left with no choice but to send their children to work. Whilst other children work there in order to be able to buy food and clothes or simply pay for school. According to an Amnesty International report, children work for at least 12 hours a day without protective equipment in deep underground shafts around 10 metres long, which they have often dug themselves. With no mask or helmet, they go down into the shafts unprotected and put their lives in danger to bring mineralencrusted rocks to the surface. They are paid a dollar a day or less, and are exposed to huge risks including fatal mine collapses, industrial injuries and many serious health issues including cancer, mercury poisoning and respiratory diseases. For more information on these shocking facts visit the Thetford Extinction Rebellion Facebook page. So, as I am now aware of my part in this problem, what can I do? The technology isn’t going away, but some of the things I could do are: Make do with the phone I have and not upgrade it. When it breaks, get it fxed or buy a reconditioned mobile phone. Support organisations such as Amnesty International, or charities working for children’s rights. Write to the local MP to demand social justice for people overseas who are being exploited. This includes ending the corruption in source countries (such as China, the US, plus Germany and South Korea) where multinational companies are buying these minerals. And fnally, I have to be aware that my life and habits must and will change in response to the Climate Crisis, and the social injustices it will bring. Extinction Rebellion Thetford

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The days are lengthening, and sometimes we even get a glimpse of the sun to warm our backs! If the soil isn’t frozen, onions, garlic and shallots are hardy enough to be planted in prepared soil but it’s too early for sowing seeds outside. Traditionally garlic and shallots were planted on the shortest day and harvested on the longest day but winters are warmer and wetter now so planting later in February is more successful. By email - eclipsegardens@btinternet.com No Job to Small 1-8 Advert REV4.qxp_Layout 1 10/11/20 planting shallots now they can be harvested in August. Sets are planted 22cm (9”) apart with rows the same distance apart. Shallots have a

LAR DECORATORS more subtle favour than onions and are more versatile in cooking. Soil can be warmed for some No Job 2 Small early seed sowing by covering with black plastic or cloches. Autumn raspberries can be completely

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Snowdrops and Hellebores make an appearance this month brightening and bringing colour to our gardens. Why not visit one of the gardens nearby specialising in snowdrops such as Fuller’s Mill garden at West Stow or the beautiful winter garden at Anglesey Abbey near Cambridge? Any remaining perennials can be cut back and tidied this month as well as ornamental grasses. Wisteria needs regular pruning to keep its growth in check and improve fowering. Cut back growth to 2 or 3 buds, this is easier to carry out while the plant is dormant and leafess. Any ‘whippy’ growth should have been pruned in August. Forced indoor bulbs which have fnished fowering can be left in a sheltered spot outside to fnish dying down and then planted out in the garden. Our speaker for this month’s meeting on 24th February is Margaret Chamberlain as Pam Ayres, 7.30pm at United Reformed Church at 7.30pm. Happy Gardening! Maggie Baldwin Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 23

Community minded individuals are continuing to meet and help rid Thetford of litter during these colder Winter months.

There’s at least three regular community litter picks that take place each month - covering the Cloverfeld Estate, Norwich Road Estate and the town’s Burrell Ward. The sessions are open to all from across Thetford. Between them, they remove an estimated 25 bags of rubbish every month. Litter picking kits have recently been made available for individuals and families to keep so that they can litter pick at times convenient to them or cover areas that do not have group events. To enquire about having a kit for yourself, please contact Councillor Terry Jermy via email;

cllrterryjermy@googlemail.com

Litter Picking Dates In February

Saturday 5th February, meeting at 10am at Admirals Way shops - organised by Norwich Road Residents Association

Saturday 12th February, meeting at 10am at Charles Burrell Centre, Staniforth Road -

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Attendees at a recent litter pick around the Redcastle Estate Organised by Burrell Ward District Councillors. Refreshments provided afterwards in the Engine Room Cafe Friday 18th & Saturday 19th February, meeting 10.30am both days, at Cloverfeld Church Car Park. Organised by Cloverfeld & The Willows Residents Association (CAWRA) If you are organising a community litter pick, or are passionate about litter picking locally - please get in touch with About Thetford magazine via: aboutthetfordmagazine@googlemail.com

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