Published on 17th February, 2017
Dear all
For as much as our technical ability and development seems never ending, we still cannot completely control our environment. We may be able to control parts of it. For example, we have buildings that provide a safe, warm and dry place in which to live and work but we are only creating a small controlled environment. Thankfully we do not yet have the ability to control the greater environment, although it could be argued we do have the means to seriously damage it!
That is why we need to be aware of our impact on the world that surrounds us and on how it can impact on us. I am not necessarily talking of a global perspective, important though that is. I am thinking more of how all of us can take a look at everyday life and see how we can make a change for the better. These changes do not have to be big, small things can make a difference. Turning off lights that are not needed; lowering the thermostat on the heating just a little; re-cycling and re- using are all well known.
But what about thinking ‘outside the box’ when it comes to conserving our resources and improving our lives? Recent weather conditions have been causing havoc with winter vegetables that we import from the continent. As a result the price has gone up in many cases. This is not the forum for discussing a stronger home agricultural economy, although it should be high on our agenda. Let’s think instead about some simple home food production.
You may not have an allotment or even a garden where you can grow vegetables in the conventional way. If you have some space for a dust bin you can grow potatoes. This is a great way of getting early new potatoes that taste wonderful! Make sure there are drainage holes in the bottom of the bin, then put in a good layer of compost. You can mix the local authority green waste compost 50:50 with a general garden compost , or even better use your own. Plant about six or so seed potatoes in the bin and cover with more compost. Do not put the lid on the bin, keep it watered and as the plants grow top the bin up with more compost until it’s full. If you don’t have a bin then a strong bin liner will also do the job. Once you have flowers on the plants it’s time to harvest the ‘Fruits’ of your labour. Tip the contents out, cook , eat and enjoy!
The Environmental Youth Awards team at the Royal Bath & West of England Society are always on the lookout for innovation. Again this year we have sponsorship from HSBC Bank to help future project work concerning youth and the environment. If you want to win you’ve got to be in, so let us know what your doing. It could be your group or school picking up the prize money next time.
Good luck and best wishes,
Environmental Youth Awards Team