When Less is Best

Thursday's Daily  Telegraph says it well. It is not something new.

Studies have shown that we can save the planet by consuming less and by cutting on our wastes. We are to go back and do as our forefathers did. Eat less meat and reduce, reuse and recycle.

The report by the UK Government agency in charge of cutting waste, WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme), pointed out that one third of what we throw can still be used. So they are suggesting that we do not buy new things but rent them because by doing so, less goods are manufactured and thrown in landfill, therefore cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Being thrifty always helps, especially when times are bad.

Items that you can rent include tableware, gardening tools, new electronic gadgets, ski equipment, clothes, telephones and cars.

It was reported that the UK Government is committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by a third by 2020. The research found that better use of resources, by cutting down on packaging and boosting recycling - as well as consumer lifestyle changes - could cut 254 million tonnes or up to 10 per cent of that target over the next ten years.

Changing consumer behaviour is going to be very challenging for any society. A lot has to be done to educate society that you can reduce greenhouse gases simply by using less and consuming resources more efficiently.

So eat less meat, wear used clothes and reduce,  reuse and recycle whatever and whenever you can.