I do, or at least I did. It is a classic story. Along comes a child, planned or otherwise, and all of us are forced to buy baby baths, clothing and feeding equipment, and baby toys too.

We tend to hang on to it all, thinking or wondering whether another will come. Baby Clothing is often thrown away early, because of sanitary issues. The physical equimpent is probably last to go.

And ten even fifteen years later we look in the attic and what do we find? Puschairs. Toys. All sorts of equipment that could have been used by someone else.

It is refreshing to see that at car boot sales a lot of equipment is changing hands now, to realise cash.

The point is, it isnt just about the money. One more piece of baby equipment reused is one less that needs manufacture, and one less that needs disposal when long out of date.

In our case we had at least two pushchairs – so out of curiosity, I talked to a colleague that owns a store that sells baby pushchairs to find out what initiatives there are to help reuse the equipment, and whether the pushchairs could be handed on.

Car boot sales, freecycle, even ebay have a hand in this, but it is probably time that the baby equipment industry considered ways it can assist with recycling.

I recently emptied my attic, and found ready takers on freecycle for all kinds of things from beer bottles, to toys, and an old petrol lawnmower.

There is so much stuff people throw away – which is too good to bin, but either they do not want to sell, or the goods are not new enough but still useful to someone.

I think everyone should be encouraged to use this service for recycling. Bravo to them!

For sure – Moore’s law has conspired against us. The power of computers and electronic goods is growing at an exponential rate despite the barriers that have had to be broken to do it.

Applications got greedier too, so many computer games need the fastest available hardware. It is alarming that software engineers no longer seem to be taught the discipline of minimizing use of computer resources, and even if they are, the operating systems make it very hard to do this.

Reality y is however, for MOST people, computers are fast enough and big enough for MOST of what they do, and have been for several years

For documents – accounts – looking at photos, and videos from youtube and so on, a several year old computer is quite good enough.

There is a reluctance on most people to accept old – there is a stigma.

So it is so refreshing to see a company such as Laptop Repairs Manchester and Warrington offering factory Reconditioned laptop computers as a fun brand.

Only by starting to reuse the growing pile of electronic and computer equipment can we ever start to reduce the rate at which we consume resources, and reduce the landfill from electronics

Almost every decision we take has conflicting consequences.

Particularly when choosing a material out of which to create something.

Take the decision between wood and plastic as might be found when choosing whether to make for example wood or upvc patio doors

First is the impact of creating the raw materials. The impact of transporting them to the country of use.Then the impact of using them. Then the impact of destroying them.

An instant decision say wooden patio doors have less impact because they are natural, and the material will decay.

But is it really environmentally friendly to remove or destroy wood.

And then come the “hidden issues” here we will consider just one.

Take the security issue. You are over ten times as likely to be broken into with wood as upvc. So that means you will replace them more often. Allow also for the decay – and you replace them faster still.

So the replacement issue can certainly sway a carbon footprint decision.

Sure upvc does not decay, but that may not be the only issue.

It illustrates a key part of  human nature.

If somebody wants something enough, they will find a way to use what they have to get what they need – necessity is the mother of invention and innovation.

It also reminds you off the story of the ill fated Apollo 13 spaceship which suffered a very destructive explosion which left them with barely enough air or water to get home. With no choice they found ways to use materials from the spaceship in innovative ways to make such things as air filter.

The problem with use and abuse of fossil fuels, of using up resources like there is no tomorrow, is that the essential driving force behind much innovation – which is unsatisfied wants and needs, is not as yet there.

Let us hope we are not down to the very last tree, or drop of oil from which to make plastics and fuel, before we consider better ways to use the resources we have in sustainable and environmentally friendly ways.

Whilst facilities are generally available to dispose of the waste wrappers from fast food outlets, the provision of waste collection does not necessarily mean that either:

(a) The clientele use waste disposal close to the catering facilities, indeed a section of the younger generation seem to delight in spreading litter far and wide.

(b) The packaging is itself a problem. Polystyrene has an advantage for the customer , that it conserves heat. But polystyrene may be reusable, it cannot be easily destroyed.

This situation is certainly at its worst near catering trailers where permanent refuse facilities are rarely available – and a lot of the rubbish is dropped. For sure local authorities are clamping down both on the  moblie catering traders, many of whom do act responsibly, and on the public to take environmental considerations far more seriously.

The fact is the entire packaging systems used by the hot food industry need a review.

There must be better alternatives to plastic cutlery and polystyrene containers – neither of which can decay. Many years ago , the easiest  packaging available to catering and mobile catering facilites  such  as fish and chip shops was to use old newspaper, later replaced by more hygenic paoper.

The  use of plastics, is clearly retrograde, and the industry must rethink.

Pietersite: is a combination of tiger’s eye or falcon’s eye that has become cemented with quartz. Appropriately called (Stormstone) and well known for its help during chaotic periods. It stimulates the pituitary gland and the brow (6th) chakra and helps you to see what needs to be done to bring order back to our lives during times of chaos.

Pietersite: gives a calming effect, even if you have a multitude of distractions and diversions in your life. It loosens blockages and helps to clear confusion we are experiencing. Ridding us of stagnate, toxic energy and bringing in a clear prospective. Energetic toxins also come from our immediate environment in the form of chaos and clutter.

Sometimes we feel overwhelmed with our surroundings because things that need our attention start to pile up.

When we allow clutter and unfinished business or projects to pile up, Do you find yourself surrounded by energy drains such as these? Closets, garages even cobwebs that need to be cleaned and organized, it is an energy drain every time we see and think about even that which needs only a little attention

Now is the perfect time to take care of the chaos as the ritual of spring-cleaning is at hand. Writing a to do list is the first step listing all you feel needs doing, then one by one remove them, and do a major attack on the chaos take a few days.  Have a garage sale and donate unwanted items to charity. It gives you a peaceful feeling of space. It lifts your emotional spirit by giving you a feeling of openness. Simplify your life in as many areas as possible; be amazed at how a good spring-cleaning frees up your energy, and feel more organized and in control.

You will find a vast array of good books, on clutter and organization clearing. at your local Library Feng Shui: books also have great tips on clutter clearing and valuable information on the flow or stagnation of energy.

The carpooling concept is becoming more popular day by day as it aids in the need to cut the cost of rising fuel prices, traffic congestion, air pollution, and contributes to helping the environment. A single car pooled, could reduce four cars from the road which is equal to growing as many as 4000 trees.

Normally vehicle’s have fuel efficiency of 10 KM/L. If a vehicle runs 20,000 km/year, it will consume 2000 L fuel in one year.  Burning 1 L of petrol emits 2.5 kg of carbon dioxide, thus the vehicle will emit about 5000 kg of CO2 in a year.

An average mature tree can absorb about 4.5-5 kg carbon dioxide per year.  We need about 1000 mature trees to absorb the pollution (carbon dioxide) emitted by one car. If people understood the concept of carpooling, the number of cars can be reduced to one fifth, as each one which was carrying one passenger, will be carrying 5 passengers.

We have to educate people about this carpooling concept and also request companies to promote this. Promotion of this concept will be beneficial to everyone who breaths air and live on Planet Earth.

You could say that it is up to our government to take care of reducing traffic and reduce pollution levels. But they are not the only ones responsible, we to need to take responsibility and do what we can as a society no matter how big or small it may seem.

Schools need to stop and have a think about who they use natural gas and electricity, heating and air conditioning systems.

One example; a school vending machine can cost up to $450 a year in electricity to run. However if they would attach a motion sensor that can automatically shut down the machine’s compressor when there is no activity, they would be able to save up to two-thirds electricity per machine, and most schools have a lot of vending machines.

Students everywhere in schools across the country need to get the message about taking responsibility for helping to save the planet.

Here are some groups to help you get started:

- EPA Student Center – This Environmental Protection Agency site includes information on a wide range of environmental issues. Kids can click on “Fun Activities” to play environmental games.

- The Greens – Izz and Dex are green animated characters that have lots of great ideas about protecting the planet. You can watch short cartoons about environmental issues.

Nature Challenge for Kids – a David Suzuki Foundation website for all kinds of fun activities such as ten simple ways to protect nature.

Remember to join some community groups this summer. Help pick up garbage at the beach, or simply at a nearby park. 

Sailing can be classed as a green hobby, but there certian factors that need to be considered.

I have put together a nifty little guide to help clear up a few things about “Green Sailing”. By taking into consideration some of the following steps, you too can help keep environmental costs of sailing down and help to sustain our water and local environments.

Incorrect disposal of Hazardous Waste is unnecessary – try and us a recycling facility to do you part in reducing our waster where possible., This way everyone is contributing to a future environmentally friendly environment.

Fuel Oil and fuels are frequently reported pollutanting the inland waters in England and Wales. Most of this reported damage comes from engine emissions, oil leaks and refuelling.

Appreciate the wildlife In the UK as there is a abundance of wildlife. It is our mission as sailing enthusiasts to do our part in protect this wild life.

- Don’t forget to use a funnel when pouring fuel or oil – Always maintain your fuel lines, connections and seals to help protect against leaks – Remember to use a drip tray when working on engines as this is a legal requirement on most waterways. Find and mend all leaks as soon as you find them.

It’s important that everyone maintains respect for the ocean and that everyone works together to protect and maintain our waters. Try to remember the 3 R’s…Reduce, Reuse and Recycle!

Look out for more tips in the coming weeks.