Dishwashers and Climate Change

It's a critical time as we build up to the COP26 summit in Glasgow and the world looks to the UK as hosts to set a world beating example in terms of initiatives and commitments to tackle climate change. Recent extreme weather events are beginning to worry even the most pig-headed climate change sceptic. There is no time to waste (etc. etc.). 

So it was with some surprise that I read Allegra Stratton - Number 10's COP26 spokesperson - had apparently said something really stupid in The Telegraph. Conveniently (and evidently very pleased with herself), she repeated it on Twitter:

Could not rinsing dishes b4 the dishwasher be your #onestepgreener ahead of #COP26? If that’s too hard a habit to kick, pick something else. At COP26 we have big asks for the world on cash, coal, cars and trees but the micro matters too. Change is coming.

I don't know where to even start with this. It's funny because it's so imbecilic, but actually it's not funny at all. The more I thought about it the more depressing it got. 

Anyway, Allegra, before I have a large drink, go to the bottom of the garden and start shouting at rabbits I thought you ought to know about a couple of wheezes which might actually help.

As you're looking for really simple, painless and effective ideas that we can all buy into, once you've finished loading the machine have a wander over to these websites:

https://grasslandsplus.org.uk/

https://hedgelink.org.uk/news/climate-change-committee-report/

Grasslands and hedges. Probably a bit too macro for you, but not too hard a habit to kick and no arguing about stacking. 

Photo by Castorly Stock from Pexels