Comments on: I gave up hot drinks for the environment!

By: aranya

aranya — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 10:30:54 +0000

Because of the social implications it requires some sort of reasoning to refuse such hospitality, which leads me into a few interesting conversations. I drink little other than water these days and because that is relatively easy to provide, hosts can feel like they aren’t doing enough for me. As a result I have often got into this conversation as a result. It’s certainly a personal choice that gets noticed!

By: Helen Williams

Helen Williams — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:21:47 +0000

I’m glad its not just me who recognises the radio thing!

I’ve started to think now every time I’m offered a hot drink about whether to accept (normally the answer would be ‘yes’ automatically as it provides a sort of prop to socialising). So its a start at least- thanks for the nudge!

By: aranya

aranya — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 11:29:34 +0000

Thanks Helen,

I recognise the radio thing too. I eventually realised that it was probably mimicking a childhood comfort; hearing the muffled voices of my parents in an adjacent room. Once I had that realisation I found it easy to stop turning it on in the first place.

Some good ideas regarding giving up too, especially the vacuum flask which also limits the number of kettle boils by keeping the water hot. I guess if we can identify what comfort our tea and coffee drinking mimicks, then we might find that easier to let go of too.

Ironic that a habit, initially the preserve of the rich and fuelled by slavery, should ultimately through our own need for status, enslave us all…

By: Helen Williams

Helen Williams — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:24:08 +0000

Giving up hot drinks on health as well as environmental grounds is worthwhile I agree. However, despite our technological knowledge as a species, our actions are only partly determined by reasoned thinking. Giving up hot drinks (an apparently a simple change) may require us to master an extremely ingrained habit which often produces a false feeling of comfort so there may be a sort of psychological dependence going on. For example, when I get home, I turn on the kettle and radio automatically, rarely asking myself whether I am thirsty, etc. Its more of a reflex than a considered choice. As for the radio, unless my attention has been grabbed within a few seconds, I don’t even listen to it, and it becomes a source comforting white noise until I realise what is happening and turn it off.

It takes vigilance and discipline to first become aware of the semi inoluntary habitsthis in ourselves, and then to break unwanted habits. The good news is (if we can do it) that we have succeeded in becoming better masters of ourselves and therefore also our environment. ( see Duane Elgin’s book: ‘Voluntary Simplicity’).

Perhaps some sort of ‘half way house’ might make it easier for those who want to give up hot drinks, but who find it difficult. Maybe rationing the no of cups, or boiling up a kettle, putting the unused hot water in a thermos, and making that water last for the rest of the day might help.. Its just a thought.

By: Lorna Walker

Lorna Walker — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 13:09:33 +0000

I couldn’t resist your plea to leave you a comment so here goes!
I had a blog myself for a while and failed miserably at regularly updating it, so I took it down. Your blog has given me the incentive to try again.
I have recently become interested in Permaculture and I am reading all I can about it. I have felt very drawn to issues like this in the past but I didn’t realise it had name
Keep up the good work.

By: Stu--

Stu-- — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 11:38:42 +0000

That’s a great tip that got me thinking…

How many other things do we do in our daily lives that are environmentally irresponsible?

Could make a good blog…