Day 44

Help others to cut their emissions. You could buy an energy saving light bulb or something else mentioned in the Fast and give it away to someone to help them on the way to cutting their emissions.

I haven’t given anything away apart from advice and general nagging. I hope it helps?

Day 45

Today’s action is to ask a car or vehicle owner to check their tyre pressure. Low tyre pressure means higher fuel consumption.

Now done and all fine!

Day 46

It’s the final day of the Carbon Fast so replace the light bulb you removed at the start (make sure it’s an energy saving one!)

Done and it is nice to have a living room that is not so dark.

So the adventure is finished and I must say it has been provoking but really what has it done?

As we talked at the beginning I was clear I wanted this to affect my relationship with God and it really hasn’t. As a Christian I am fully aware of the impact my lifestyle has on the people around me and the planet and so the challenge was all together quite easy.

So where do I go from here? I am not sure. I need to keep speaking to God and listening to him as he leads me on the greatest adventure of all, as a servant of Christ.

May our father in heaven richly bless you all.

Save paper today. Don’t print unless you need to and when you do, print double-sided onto recycled paper.

I promise that I will not print anything today and will thus save paper! I am also heading to the recycle centre this morning!

There is so much we can do but we also have to remember that we will all create waste we just have to think about it and be sensible with it!

Think first!

Calculate your carbon footprint today at www.tearfund.org/mgi, and find out what more you can do about climate change. Order Tearfund’s green guide ‘For Tomorrow Too’ at www.tearfund.org/climate for ideas on cutting emissions.

It seems I use more than my fair share of carbon! 4.8 Tonnes. I am sorry! I guess this  is why we are doing this carbon fast. I thought I was doing a good job but it seems there is a lot more to do!

I am back now. I haven’t managed to do any of the above actions, i haven’t even opened the emails.

I will, and I will see how I feel.

Day 35…

Today ask your electricity and gas suppliers if they have a green or renewable energy plan. Make the switch to a green plan today.
Bonus: switch to an energy company that supplies 100 per cent renewables such as Good Energy.

Already do!

Day 36….

Travel light today. Think before you drive: cycle, walk the school run, share lifts with colleagues, use public transport.

Taking a laptop and 2 boxes is always easy on the bike. I guess I try a little.

Day 37….

Turn your central heating thermostat down by 1oC. Bonus: Turn your central heating down to 18oC. Wrap up with a jumper rather than turning up the heat.

The heating isn’t even on!

Day 38….

Today’s action is to reduce the number of plastic bags you use. Get a fabric or reusable bag instead and take it with you when you shop.

Got and do!

Day 39…

Try a lower carbon way to shop rather than driving to the supermarket. Shop online, visit your local market, or share transport with a neighbour.

We walk to the market and buy nearly all our fruit and veg. I don’t like on online shopping though.

Day 40…

This Sunday pray for those already being affected by climate change through floods, droughts and changes to harvest patterns.

I can and will do.

Day 41…

Boilers are among the worst energy offenders in our homes, accounting for a third of domestic carbon dioxide emissions. Today, arrange for your boiler to be serviced so it can run more efficiently.

Having it serviced 2 months ago I think I can miss this one.

So I haven’t missed too much then. Not really the point though is it.

Going back to day 32…..

Recycle Tetra Pak and yogurt cartons. These often go into landfill as recycling facilities are not visible when in fact 82 per cent of the country can recycle cartons. Find out where you can recycle Tetra Pak cartons here: www.tetrapakrecycling.co.uk/locator.asp

Good news is we have 4 places within 5 miles, so no excuses! Shame we don’t get curb side pick up but too be honest we usually forget to put the stuff out and I get sent the next day. It still annoys me that some yogurt pots can not be recycled, so always check that before you buy.

Day 33 asked us to……

Start your Carbon Fast action today by reading Genesis 1:1-2:3.
Reflect on the goodness, beauty and power of creation. Thank God for his power in creating and sustaining the earth and for everything that is good on earth.

Go for a walk near your home. Thank God for his creation – whether you think it is beautiful or not. You could organise a walk for your church or home group too.

I enjoyed a lovely Sunday morning walk and then read this, so I guess that counts? I was listening to a Rob Bell sermon and was getting excited about Jesus so I think I am doing ok.

Creation is amazing! Make sure you didn’t miss it today.

And now we reach today…

Take a shower today instead of a bath. Look into getting a more efficient shower with a ‘low-flow’ shower head

I have taken two! Not that I am greedy but after going to the gym I would not be allowed home without one. Both we very low flow, not by design however I don’t think.

So the time has come to ask this question…

Reduce your emissions today by switching off lights when you leave a room.

So to make up for this I am sat in the dark typing this entry. It’s even darker because of course the lounge is still dark from the missing light.

Day 31 asks us

Today’s action is to source paper, tissue, toilet paper and wood that is recycled or has been accredited by the Forest Stewardship Council – this ensures it has come from responsibly managed sustainable forests or confirms that it is recycled (www.fsc.org).

Another good plan, and it seems these days you don’t have to lose quality and comfort for ethics. There is really no excuse for sourcing items from recycled materials when they are so readily available. So if you are not bothering I ask you why?

Well it’s Friday and that means I am already shattered so am off for a snooze in front of the cricket. It’s good to see that the England cricketers are helping save money by making the game as short as possible! Thanks boys!

Today’s action is to eat no meat and try to cut down on the amount of meat you eat each week. When you do eat meat go for free range and organic when you can.

Success. We are an ethical meat house as I think I have said before. No unethical meat enters through the front door, unless it is on a pizza. Still working on that one. So it was Quorn Kiev last night for dinner.

Day 29 brings us…

Today, find out what energy saving or climate change activities are going on in your local area by contacting your local authority or community groups.

Ok I can do this, but I will be honest. Not today. I am tired and need an evening away from the computer. If you are reading this then please pray for me. I have had an emotionally gut wrenching day.

Thank you!

Take action: tell the UK government what you are doing through the Carbon Fast and urge them to play their part by creating and implementing strong national and international laws to stop climate chaos.
Take action here:www.tearfund.org/carbonfastaction

I have indeed taken action and sent off the form. I did add my own little blurb and of course invited the PM to read and follow my blog. If you are reading Sir then hello, and I hope you enjoy. That goes for all of you though who are reading, and yes my wonderful wife you are included.  Love you!

Anyway sorry I digress. So yes action has been taken, but don’t just stop there. Print your letter out and sent it to all the political leaders in the country and your local MP’s. Let us hound our government into listening, otherwise why are we even bothering to do this at all?

Celebrate Mothering Sunday simply. Reuse material from around your home to make a card. Pray for families across the world as they adapt to climate change.

Well it’s a bit late. The card was in the post on friday. We can pray though and let us focus on those who don’t have their mum, or don’t know their mum. We pray for their peace and comfort on this day.

I need to dash, we have the folks heading over for lunch and I have a long list of jobs to do first.

Enjoy the day Mums!

Take action today by insulating your boiler and hot water tank with an insulation jacket.

Good advice, unless you really enjoying having an airing cupboard that is roasty. That’s the only downside for this carbon cutting tip.

The action today is to only use your washing machine when you have a full load. Run your washing machine at 30-44oC. Run at maximum spin to reduce drying times and avoid using a tumble drier.

If only our washing machine could actually do a wash at 30. Pretty much all our washing is at 40 and there is no tumble drier in site, just our handy clothes line!

Just been listening to Rob Bell, I am a pod-cast member of the Mars Hill Congregation, and am feeling pretty challenged and inspired as well. I am searching for the ‘logos’ in every walk of life, the life force. Not the impersonal ‘force’ that Luke was after (Star Wars Reference), but a personal, soul trembling, body rocking, life changing, powerful force of the almighty! How often do we fail to embrace this power?

How often do we walk around with our eyes wide shut?