tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-314408982884598189.post9175735123258481139..comments2023-08-06T10:35:16.566+01:00Comments on Sustainable Batik: 2008 carbon footprintRobin Parishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877912318183859857noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-314408982884598189.post-3711560566568851042009-01-12T23:45:00.000+00:002009-01-12T23:45:00.000+00:00Hi India, I agree completely about the using less ...Hi India, I agree completely about the using less point, but I do also believe in using more wisely. <BR/><BR/>One aspect of this is understanding the materials and processes we (we as a culture) use, and one way of understanding and of learning for a wiser way of using them is to know of their carbon contribution. It would be great to be able to work carbon neutrally - if carbon released during processes could be reabsorbed elsewhere in the cycle. (And cycle is a key word there.)(Sorry I'm not a scientist, my phrasing might not be accurate but you'll see my drift). <BR/><BR/>Sure there are also other pollutants, including greenhouse gas pollutants (eg methane, nitrous oxide), as well as pollutants in the more traditional sense. <BR/><BR/>I'm attempting to learn what I can about all of these in relation to batik. It takes time, and yo-yos around in my head as much is above me. I write very slowly too, it takes me ages. But I am trying because I don't see anyone else doing it for batikkers over here.<BR/><BR/>A reality of living in Europe and in Britain is that carbon taxes or personal credits are on their way. In what form I don't know, but for sure everyone will gradually get more knowledgeable about the CO2 (or CO2 equivalent) of 'stuff' just like they're now more aware of the vitamin or carb content of food compared to 30 years ago. <BR/><BR/>It may be years away still, and may not affect us small people directly. So, my plan is to be ahead. That's why I'm doing this.<BR/><BR/>A question I have being grappling with some time is the big one of what is the role for art/craft in this new culture of using less/more wisely that must emerge...<BR/><BR/>Is my art just stuff? Is it adding to the polluting culture? Is it encouraging, enforcing the consumerist culture? Is it - me as creator - hopelessly caught up in it? <BR/><BR/>No. Intentionally.Robin Parishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14877912318183859857noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-314408982884598189.post-61250889729087516722009-01-12T08:32:00.000+00:002009-01-12T08:32:00.000+00:00laudable musings...but remember carbon is only a c...laudable musings...but remember carbon is only a convenient scapegoat...there are many more pollutants out there being metaphorically swept under the carpet so that Big Industry can get on with business. According to at least one eminent scientist ongoing deforestation is having a far greater effect on climatic variation than CO2....<BR/>basically the world is in a mess and the best we can do is use less of everything...india flinthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01510066677833871579noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-314408982884598189.post-80646654895306703412009-01-09T11:46:00.000+00:002009-01-09T11:46:00.000+00:00Hi Steph and all the best for 2009 to you and Kim ...Hi Steph and all the best for 2009 to you and Kim too. <BR/><BR/>Kim is right - and it's not just businesses that do these kinds of un-eco things, larger educational establishments do too. I think people just absolve themselves of responsibility in these places.<BR/><BR/>Good for you to be thinking of your own (and Kim's) contributions. I agree that individual effort seems futile in the face of planetary crisis, but we have to have faith in making collective difference. Be the change, etc. <BR/><BR/>Figures... yes ugh! I really don't enjoy the quantitative measuring approach, would far prefer to 'feel' and 'know' my way through it all. But doing the figures is a way of getting the point over, not least to politicians etc who need to know that little people are making the effort (and so should they).<BR/><BR/>But the calculators do make it quite easy for you, they do all the maths you just input figures. For instance for your annual car mileage you can take milometer readings from your last two MOTs. Have a look at them before dismissing your abilities... maybe start with ActOnCO2? (Links at top of original post)<BR/><BR/>This project seems much more our kind of thing though http://www.escapelane.co.uk click on Resolutions Exchange. Totnes might be a bit too eco-far though despite the bribe of cake!Robin Parishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14877912318183859857noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-314408982884598189.post-69275141337836093082009-01-09T00:39:00.000+00:002009-01-09T00:39:00.000+00:00Wow! This is so impressive Robin - Happy New Year ...Wow! This is so impressive Robin - Happy New Year by the way!<BR/><BR/>I dispute the fact that you've "failed": you're an inspiration. I have to confess that numbers scare me - I just don't get them, more to the point I always get them wrong (I seriously think I have dyscalculia)and your dedication to them as a means to your end is amazing. It is not ok to say that you've failed, when of all the people I know you are likely the only one that even has a clue what their personal CF is, and are using this information in a creative, thoughtful and positive way to make changes to your lifestyle.<BR/><BR/>I know that I couldn't do what you've done, because of the number thing, but you inspire me to think more widely about what I can do to reduce my impact on the environment. It's the little things I'm going to make an effort with this coming year, like not having bills sent on paper - and not printing them off when they're emailed; being vigilant about getting my son involved in turning off the unused lights(learn the lessons when you're young...); keeping the heating lower and wearing an extra jumper; not buying new novels (I have so many I haven't read yet, and there are charity shops, libraries and friend's bookshelves to raid!); cycling more (this will be far easier when Kim starts school in Truro in September); growing my own food...<BR/><BR/>Even if we try, which we must, I still feel like what I do personally has such little impact when you consider the national or global impact of mass 'negligence'. I was shocked the other day when Kim told me that he'd heard on the radio that 45% of businesses (globally) leave their lights on over a weekend when there's no-one even there (he was shocked too!). In the face of those statistics I feel so small, minute, but I know that I still have to do something, and your efforts inspire me to do more. <BR/><BR/>Thanks so much for sharing. xAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com