Greenwashing -And Washing Greens

Like you, I am hoping those people at COP27 make some good resolutions then return home and keep them. But I am also finding it increasingly difficult to be personally consistent about 'Green Living' and things are not helped by companies which engage in greenwashing

I read an ad, and the company promises to plant a tree for every item sold, or they tell me that buying their coffee beans will help third world farmers employ more sustainable agricultural methods, or the wrapping on the product is recyclable...But can I believe their claims?

Apparently 73% of consumers say they would change consumption to reduce global impact - so companies say 'we are offsetting our carbon footprint by planting trees'. But scientists tell us  that less than 5% of carbon offsets actually remove CO₂ from the atmosphere -so planting trees is just a tiny part of the solution.

And whilst we are being urged to 'pod' our laundry, and told that these easy-to-use things are covered in "biodegradable plastic" called PVA, it seems that up to 75% of this is entering the environment without  breaking down, as it needs specific conditions to do so. 

We need to read labels really carefully. I think sometimes there has to be a trade-off. Often products from companies which are really ethical and eco-friendly come at a premium price, and I would rather pay a little less for a slightly less 'green' product and then support environmental charities directly. 

Back in the spring, I went with Liz to a BCorp shop. I think the principles behind this system of certification are helpful. This takes a holistic approach, not focusing on a single social or environmental issue. As Kermit the frog said, "It's not easy being green"

...And washing greens? well, I was growing these 'winter lettuces' as Huw's book suggests. Tbh we didn't actually like their taste in salads- they were a bit 'tough, and worthy' said Bob. However, rinsed and gently cooked off in a pan they softened and became wilted greens rather like spinach. A splash of balsamic vinegar or mushroom ketchup enhanced the taste too. I decided that I would precook some and freeze them to eat later. I went out and filled a big plastic bowl, and washed my greens carefully to remove dirt and bugs.

This is when you realise just how much these leave wilt. One huge bowl of leaves reduced to just two small portions!.

I have a few 'regular' lettuce left in the raised bed, and Bob is agitating for me to harvest my leeks soon. He and Rosie emptied one of my tubs of new potatoes at the end of half-term [she insisted on wearing my Summer Gardening Hat!]