THE CLIMATE & US: E-SCOOTERS & E-BIKES

QUICK AND HEALTHY VEGETARIAN SNACKS

THE CLIMATE & US: E-SCOOTERS & E-BIKES

By Tristan Best

this edition of our climate change column, we take a look at the green transport revolution… recently purchased an electric scooter, and I’m glad to announce that in under three months, I’ve managed save 64.5 kilograms of carbon from going into the atmosphere, while travelling 400 miles to and from work. the same time, I’ve managed to save more money, now don’t have to pay as often for public transport only when journeys are of a much greater length. personally advise you to invest in an e-scooter, especially if you are young, saving for a car and need access to transport for work. This will boost your stature in the long haul. I do suggest heavily that you also invest in a helmet – as health is wealth in its greatest form.

There are great communities of people who have joined together with the mutual aim of improving and developing the world positively. They’ve spread far and wide, nudging closer to your neighbourhood day by day.

Derby recently had a programme to hire e-bikes for use around the city – but where did they all go?

In this edition of our climate change column, we take a look at the green transport revolution…

I recently purchased an electric scooter, and I’m glad to announce that in under three months, I’ve managed to save 64.5 kilograms of carbon from going into the atmosphere, while travelling 400 miles to and from work. At the same time, I’ve managed to save more money, as I now don’t have to pay as often for public transport – only when journeys are of a much greater length. I’d personally advise you to invest in an e-scooter, especially if you are young, saving for a car and need access to transport for work. This will boost your stature in the long haul. I do suggest heavily that you also invest in a helmet – as health is wealth in its greatest form.

By Tristan Best

Unfortunately, the entire operation ended up being scrapped due to the large scale of vandalism to the bikes. 67% were damaged in some way, which left most of the fleet out of action and unfortunately which also set Derby Council back greatly, in terms of time and money. This example shows poor awareness from the people of Derby. That said, the recent uptake in e-scooters may show a renewed interest in green transport.

Derby recently had a programme to hire e-bikes for use around the city – but where did they all go? Unfortunately, the entire operation ended up being scrapped due to the large scale of vandalism to the bikes. 67% were damaged in some way, which left most of the fleet out of action and unfortunately which also set Derby Council back greatly, in terms of time and money. This example shows poor awareness from the people of Derby. That said, the recent uptake in e-scooters may show a renewed interest in green transport.

Every small step we take towards being carbon neutral is bigger than it seems. If each individual takes or makes the sacrifices necessary, we may genuinely enable the chance of saving this beautiful, unique planet we call home. If we do not on the other hand, we will learn the hardest way, as the human race usually does.

Let’s stay positive by doing what we can to contribute less towards climate change and enjoy our lives more. Let’s be clean and green, treating the world like it’s our garden – because it is.

THE SEASONS OF YOUR MENSTRUAL CYCLE - By Chloe Jones

After hundreds of periods, I have only just tuned into my cycle, noticing that my mind and body drastically change throughout the month. Sometimes as early as 2 weeks before starting to bleed, the world appears dull, I’m consumed by insecurities, experience body image issues, my skin doesn’t appear the same and I feel generally anxious and foggy. Responsibilities feel impossible and exercise leaves me feeling defeated. I’ve spoken with other girls who have noticed the same dullness during this stage of their cycle, learning I was not alone was reassuring, there is an explanation to this unfair madness! Tuning in with your cycle can advise you on which food is appropriate, how much socialising you should be doing in the low stages and how much exercise is okay when your body wants to be in hibernation mode.

By paying attention to the slight or not-so-slight changes in energy and moods will allow you to tune into your body’s requests. Understanding your menstrual cycle better means understanding yourself better. To begin understanding your cycle, it’s enlightening to keep a dated journal that will help you differentiate the stages.

To make things easier, you can map out your menstrual cycle like the seasons of the year. Winter (menstruation) Spring (follicular stage) Summer (ovulatory phase) Autumn (luteal phase) However before delving into metaphorical seasons, it’s important to remember every woman’s cycle is unique. (Hence why introspection and journaling are essential) You may experience a longer cycle than other women, or spend longer in certain “seasons” than others. Winter: Winter marks the start of your menstruation. Today is the start of your bleed. Jot down in your journal the date and what you are experiencing. Progesterone and Oestrogen, the reproductive hormones are at their lowest. Fatigue and general ‘’meh’’ feelings. Your body wants to enter hibernation, only participate in gentle exercise, keep your social calendar free and preserve your energy levels.

Food: Menstruation is an energyintense process and your body will be in need of protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, dark leafy greens, vitamin C, peppers, broccoli, mango, pineapple, and strawberries. Iron intake is important as you lose lots through the bleed.

Magnesium and B vitamins support some physical and emotional changes. Dark chocolate, avocados, nuts, tofu and whole grains are all sources of magnesium. Avoid caffeine, too much sugar and alcohol, this can increase PMS symptoms.

Spring: During this season, oestrogen rises in the lead-up to ovulation. You may notice the world looks brighter, feeling a rise in energy and hope. Now is a good time to catch up with friends, brainstorm, plan creative ideas and participate in light exercise. Foods that help metabolise oestrogen include beans, eggs and fermented food such as kimchi.

Summer: Oestrogen peaks! Looking and feeling your best. Glowing skin, high libido, abounding confidence. Monopolise on this energy and increased motivation. Schedule intense exercise during this season. Go to social events and plan romantic dates. However, excess oestrogen can lead to uncomfortable pms symptoms; cramps, tender boobs and acne breakouts. Foods with fibre that remove excess oestrogen include fruits, veggies, fresh herbs, legumes, pulses, nuts and seeds.

Autumn: Oestrogen drops and Progesterone rises. PMS symptoms kick in, anxiety, crying, mood swings, appetite changes, dull skin, symptoms of depression, sometimes body image concerns. Be kind to yourself, take breaks when you can, inform those around you that you might be introverted in the coming days. Self-love will build resilience to negative thought patterns. Sources of chromium contribute to the maintenance of blood sugar levels; chromium can be found in brazil nuts, shellfish and broccoli. Sleep may become erratic, disturbances and mild anxiety. Magnesium helps mood and sleep, dark chocolate, pumpkin seeds and quinoa.

Listening to your body’s needs may improve your mental wellbeing and soothe negative symptoms. Noticing patterned bodily changes could give you a chance to lessen the negative impact they have on your life. It is not always hormonal and seeking therapy may be necessary. But leaning into your body’s requests is one way of strengthening emotional intelligence and using our self-help tools to get by!

RECLAIM THE NIGHT MARCH - By

A women’s march and rally, arranged by Reading’s Labour Party, took place at 6:30 pm in Reading town centre on Friday evening, December 3 to create awareness of ending violence against women.

Eva Karanja

We as Utulivu Women’s Group continue to work tirelessly in raising awareness in our communities on gender-based violence. Taking action to UNITE with (including with men and young people) to end GBV in our generation.

A statement from Utulivu Women’s Group by Eva ‘No woman or girl deserves to experience violence. It is a Human Rights violation and a real Public Health concern with devastating implications.

In the words of António Guterres secretary general of the United Nations, “Violence against women and girls may be the world’s longest, deadliest pandemic”.

Sadly, 1 in 3 women globally will experience violence in their lifetime. Less than 40% of women and girls experiencing gender-based violence seek help whilst most harm goes unreported. In 2021, women aged 2024 were married off before they were aged 18.

These alarming statistics call for the need for more awareness campaigns, educate communities about the prevalence of abuse, encourage people to take action to promote social change and empower survivors with the options and resources that are available to them.

The theme this year is “UNITE! Activism to end violence against women and girls” and invites everyone to play their role in ending violence against women and girls, show support and solidarity to women’s rights activists, and to resist the rollback on women’s rights.

Together we can change this narrative.

This year we have trained over 25 Community genderbased violence Ambassadors to amplify the voice of the survivors, protect, raise more awareness and try to end all forms of violence against women and girls in our communities.

Together we have marched to reclaim this night tonight – let’s work together to reclaim every night, every day, every community and every home for all women. Women and girls deserve to live without violence in ‘safety, dignity, and freedom!

THE CLIMATE & US: E-SCOOTERS & E-BIKES

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