Πέμπτη 30 Αυγούστου 2018

Microbeads are tiny pieces of plastic, most often made from polyethylene, that are added to many health and beauty products, including shower gels and toothpastes, and household cleaning products. These tiny particles easily pass through water filtration systems and end up in the ocean posing a potential threat to aquatic life, and can even end up in our food chain. Microbeads are not a recent problem; according to the United Nations Environment Programme, plastic microbeads first appeared in personal care products about fifty years ago, with plastics increasingly replacing natural ingredients (UNEP, 2016). As recently as 2012, this issue was still relatively unknown, with an abundance of products containing plastic microbeads on the market and not a lot of awareness on the part of consumers.

Microfibers are synthetic fibres smaller than the diameter of a strand of silk. They are used to make things like mats, fleece jumpers and other technical outdoor clothing. These tiny fibres can enter the oceanic food chain just like other microplastics, also posing a threat to life under water (Browne et al., 2011).

As an emerging field of study, not a lot is yet known about microplastics and their impacts. However, weathering and disintegration lead to a slow decrease in the size of the particles. In fact the biggest concern is over the smallest plastic particles – the nanoplastics. They are so small that it is much more likely that a wider range of animals, which are further down in the food chain, will ingest the particles. They can even enter organs and body fluids (UNEP, 2016). It also increases the surface area of the particles, which means that there is more opportunity for the particles to either absorb chemicals or to release them, through a process called chemical exchange.

Standardised field methods for collecting sediment, sand, and surface water microplastic samples have been developed and continue to undergo testing. Eventually, field and laboratory protocols will allow for global comparisons of the amount of microplastics released into the environment, which is the first step in determining the final distribution, impacts, and fate of this debris.

Sustainable Development Goals

The Sustainable Development Goals are:

No poverty
Zero hunger
Good health and wellbeing
Quality education
Gender equality
Clean water and sanitation
Affordable and clean energy
Decent work and economic growth
Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Reduced inequalities
Sustainable cities and communities
Responsible consumption and production
Climate action
Life below water
Life on land
Peace, justice and strong institutions
Partnerships for the goals

Πέμπτη 16 Αυγούστου 2018

Here are some key factors for the UK: how do you think these compare to other places in the world?

Ageing and inefficient coal power stations have been phased out primarily to control acid rain, and also to reduce CO2 emissions.
Supplies of cheap natural gas from the North Sea are dwindling and must be sourced from elsewhere or replaced over time. Much of UK domestic heating is currently provided through gas, and this is likely to move towards electricity in the longer term.
Nuclear currently plays an important role in the UK energy mix, though existing plants are reaching the end of their life and whether they will be replaced in the future is not yet clear, at least partly for economic reasons.
Climate change targets such as those included in the Paris Agreementmean that the UK is committed to reducing CO2 emissions (Carbon Brief, 2015). Specifically, the UK government announced in 2016 a commitment to reduce overall climate emissions 57% by 2030 on 1990 levels (BEIS, 2016).
Renewable energy is becoming increasingly financially viable and is playing an important role in the UK. The fourth quarter of 2016 was the first time that low carbon energy sources (nuclear and renewables) had provided over 50% of the UK’s electricity (Vaughan, 2016). From the website Electric Insights you can see the current mix of energy being provided in the UK.
However, solar and wind renewable energy sources are intermittent (but easily predictable) – they are only available when the sun shines or the wind blows. As supply does not always match demand, this means energy storage technologies such as large scale batteries are likely to play an increasingly important role in the grid in the future.
Renewable sources also require far smaller capital investment than traditional power stations, which means that generation of electricity can take place in homes and communities. The Bristol Energy Cooperative is a good example of this.
Storage is also becoming possible as batteries come down in price. This gives the opportunity for people to be far more intimately connected with energy, and to actively get involved in its generation and management.
There is a move towards a ‘Smart Grid’. Digital technology can increasingly be used to monitor and control energy both on a local and a wider scale. This, in particular, can be used to help match demand with supply, by storing energy locally when too much is supplied nationally or regionally, and using that locally when too much is demanded. The University of Bristol is experimenting with such approaches across the campus.
According to the UK National Statistics office (BEIS, 2017), around 11% of households in England are fuel poor. This means that high energy costs would push them into poverty should they heat and light their home to an adequate level. The highest level of fuel poverty is found in the private rented sector, and among lone parents with dependent children. The government has committed to reducing fuel poverty by improving the energy efficiency of homes.
Energy efficiency can reduce energy costs for the nation, and also reduce the size of ‘demand peaks’, meaning that less generation and storage capacity is needed.
Intrapreneurship is the act of behaving like an entrepreneur while working within a large organization. Intrapreneurship is known as the practice of a corporate management style that integrates risk-taking and innovation approaches, as well as the reward and motivational techniques, that are more traditionally thought of as being the province of entrepreneurship.

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/08/is-this-japanese-concept-the-secret-to-a-long-life/

Happy City have used findings from positive psychology, the scientific study of the strengths that enable individuals and communities to thrive. They use a model developed from a research review carried out as part of the UK Government’s Foresight project on Mental Capital and Wellbeing.

This model proposes a set of five evidence based actions which can improve personal wellbeing and help people lead happier lives (Aked et al, 2008). Happy City refer to this model as the ‘Five Ways’ model, and sum it up in five words:

Connect
Learn
Active
Notice
Give

The first word, connect, asks us to think about communities of people and how connecting with others is a route to happiness. The second word, learn, asks us to try new things and new approaches. By opening our minds to new ways of thinking, we can enrich our lives. Being active, the third word, encourages us to go outdoors, to exercise and develop fitness levels for wellbeing. The fourth word, notice, challenges us to pause in everyday moments and appreciate the world around us. Finally, the fifth word, give, promotes the concept of spreading happiness to others. It’s good to help other people and simple acts of kindness can bring us joy.

Happy City suggests some ideas on how we can start boosting our wellbeing and happiness. Sitting quietly for five minutes can promote mindfulness. A walk in the fresh air can refresh our mind and body. Getting in contact with an old friend for a friendly chat can boost our sense of connection.

You can contribute to your own happiness and wellbeing, as well as that of others, in myriad ways: ask an elderly neighbour if they would like help with their shopping, take the stairs instead of the elevator to get some exercise and reduce energy consumption, join activities at your local community centre, or start some of your own!