Going Green Podcast, Video blog and Daily News

  Train, Bus or Bike? Greener Commuting Without Tears ( A tale of pedals, puddles, and public transport survival ) Commuting: the unavoidable ritual of modern life. But every mile we travel has a footprint — and how we choose to get to work, school, or the shops can make a surprising difference to our environmental impact. If you're trying to cut carbon without cutting corners (or crying into your soggy bus timetable), here’s how to make greener commuting work for you. What’s the Problem? Transport accounts for around 27% of UK greenhouse gas emissions , and a huge chunk of that is from private car use . The average petrol car emits about 180g of CO₂ per km — even more in stop-start traffic. That quick drive to the shops adds up fast. Greener Options (Ranked from Heroic to Slightly Damp Hero) 🚴‍♂️ Bike Zero emissions. Cheap. Fast in traffic. Gets you fit (whether you wanted that or not). Downsides: Rain. Potholes. Lycra. 🚶‍♀️ Walk Even green...

  Digital Declutter: Reducing Your Cloud’s Carbon Footprint ( Because your inbox is hoarding more than just spam ) We like to think of the cloud as weightless and infinite. In reality, the cloud is just a network of giant data centres, each one packed with servers that need constant power and cooling. Every email, photo, and file you keep online contributes to their energy demand. It turns out, a messy digital life can have a surprisingly large carbon footprint. Why Digital Clutter Matters Data centres account for around 2–3% of global electricity use. Every stored file = more energy needed for storage and cooling. Streaming and constant syncing add even more to the load. Deleting a single email won’t save the planet. But collectively, our digital hoarding has a real cost. How to Declutter Your Digital Life 1. Inbox Detox Unsubscribe from newsletters you never read. Delete old emails and attachments. Set rules to auto-sort and archive what matters. ...

  Going Green: Should You Ditch the Dishwasher? A Water-Saving Showdown ( Because washing up shouldn’t feel like an environmental crime ) For years, the dishwasher has carried a reputation as an energy-guzzling luxury. But is handwashing really better for the planet? It turns out the answer is more complicated than “ditch the dishwasher.” Let’s put the two methods head-to-head. Round 1: Water Use Dishwasher : A modern A-rated dishwasher uses about 9–12 litres per cycle. Handwashing : A running tap can use up to 9 litres per minute. Unless you’re super disciplined with a washing-up bowl, you’ll almost certainly use more water by hand. Winner: Dishwasher. Round 2: Energy Use Dishwasher : Most energy is used to heat the water. Eco-cycles and full loads are the key to efficiency. Handwashing : Heating water in your boiler or kettle can be equally energy-hungry, especially for big loads. Winner: Tie, depending on habits. Round 3: Hygiene Dishwasher : Hotte...

  How to Make Your Own DIY Natural Air Fresheners ( Because your home doesn’t need to smell like “Mountain Breeze” from a chemical factory ) Walk down the cleaning aisle and you’ll see rows of aerosol sprays, plug-ins, and candles with names like “Ocean Escape” or “Spring Meadow.” The problem? Most of them contain synthetic chemicals, heavy plastic packaging, and questionable ingredients that linger in the air you breathe. The alternative is simple, cheap, and far healthier: make your own natural air fresheners . They smell better, cost less, and won’t send mystery compounds floating around your living room. Why Go DIY? Commercial air fresheners can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) linked to headaches and allergies. Aerosol cans and plastic refills add to landfill. Making your own lets you control ingredients and customise scents. DIY Freshener Ideas That Work 1. Citrus Simmer Pot Slice lemons, limes, or oranges. Add to a pot of water with cloves,...

  Eco-Friendly Cleaning Hacks (That Actually Work) ( Because vinegar and baking soda really can do more than make volcanoes for school projects ) The cleaning aisle in the supermarket resembles a chemistry lab — featuring neon liquids, single-use wipes , and sprays for every imaginable surface. However, the truth is that most of those bottles are made of plastic, contain chemicals, and are not great for the planet. The good news is that you don’t need them. With a few eco-friendly hacks , you can keep your home sparkling without a cupboard full of toxic potions . Vinegar: The Unsung Hero Mix vinegar and water in a spray bottle for glass, mirrors, and kitchen surfaces. Add lemon peel or essential oils if you don’t want your house smelling like a chip shop. Works as a limescale remover on taps and kettles. Baking Soda: More Than Just for Cakes Sprinkle on carpets before vacuuming to absorb odours. Use as a gentle abrasive to scrub sinks, ovens, and even ...

  Caffeine With a Conscience: Sustainable Coffee at Home ( How to keep your brew strong but your footprint light ) For many of us, coffee is less a drink and more a survival mechanism. But behind every comforting cup is an industry that comes with a hefty environmental and social cost. From deforestation to exploitative labour , the true price of coffee can be far higher than what you pay at the till. The good news? You don’t have to give it up. You just need to drink it smarter. The Hidden Cost of Coffee Coffee production is linked to deforestation, water waste , and pesticide use . Global demand encourages intensive farming that depletes soils and biodiversity . Billions of single-use cups and pods end up in landfill every year. Your morning pick-me-up doesn’t have to be part of the problem. Choose Better Beans Look for certifications that mean something: Fairtrade : Farmers get a fairer deal. Rainforest Alliance : Supports biodiversity and sustainab...