Monday 6 September 2010

Brighter Days

Some of you in the UK might have heard about the Lighter Later campaign, as part of the 10:10 project that I've mentioned briefly on here before. The idea behind Lighter Later is to change the clocks forward by one hour for the whole year, to enable us all to benefit from extra daylight hours. We would still change the clocks twice a year as we do currently, but an hour of daylight from the morning would have been moved to the evening.

The benefits of this initiative are numerous. Here are just a few:

  • We'll reduce our electricity consumption whilst enjoying extra daylight.

  • People will have more opportunity to exercise outside in the evenings after work before it gets dark.

  • It'll help those people suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

  • Lighter evenings make for happier people and a better quality of life for those who are fearful of venturing out on a dark evening.


Other benefits are listed on the Lighter Later site and include employment benefits, a reduction in crime, and of course, reducing a significant amount of CO2 pollution.

I personally think it's a good idea and have done what I can to demonstrate my support. I've signed up to the campaign online and joined the Facebook group. I've written to my local MP asking for her support and her vote for the forthcoming Private Members Bill on 3 December when the government will review the evidence for the campaign and decide whether to change the clocks for a three-year trial period.

The prospect of another long winter and days drawing in early is a bit depressing. Having enjoyed long afternoons outside with my son during the summer, it'll be hard to give that up when it starts getting dark around 3pm. The Lighter Later campaign gives us all the opportunity to benefit from an extra hour of daylight in the evening whilst helping save energy and cut carbon.

Have any of your signed up to support the campaign? Do you think it's a good idea?

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A brief note on another topic....today is the start of National Zero Waste Week and as per my pledge, I have planned my meals for the week ahead with the aim of reducing food waste in our household. I'll let you know how I got on at the end of the week but so you all know that I really have planned our meals ahead, here's what we'll be eating this week:

  • Monday: Noodles and stir fry (using spring onion, swiss chard, cabbage, carrot and a few runner beans)

  • Tuesday: Broccoli quiche with salad

  • Wednesday: Potatoes, carrots and garlic runner beans

  • Thursday: Lentil and cabbage bake

  • Friday: minestrone soup using any leftover veg (on Friday's I get our organic veg box delivery for the next week so I will have used everything up by then)

  • Saturday: Spiced broccoli & halloumi couscous

  • Sunday: Leek pie with carrots, potatoes and French beans


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Photo credit

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4 comments:

  1. I loved reading about your meal plans for the week - very inspiring as I find planning very difficult. The broccoli and hallouimi couscous sounds lovely and minestrone soup is such a stomach warmer. Enjoy the week! Have linked to this post on my site today: http://myzerowaste.com/2010/09/8-food-waste-hacks-never-throw-food-away-again/

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  2. Yes I signed up a while ago, it's a brilliant idea. It would be wonderful if it actually happens.

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  3. I fully support this idea. I will put my name to it as well and hope it changes!

    As for your meal planning, I do the same every week. We have noticed we rarely throw out old food + we save money. it's been brilliant!

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  4. Thanks ladies!

    Mrs Green - I really appreciate the link on your site and glad you liked reading about my meals for the week :-)

    Kate - thanks for leaving a comment. Pleased to hear you also signed up some time ago. Like you say, it would be great if it happens.

    Urban Mums - so glad you are also keen to support the idea. I just got a reply from my MP today, saying she is in full support of the campaign, so that's encouraging.

    Good to hear about your meal planning too. You're right that it can save you money, as well as helping cut down on food waste.

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Thank you for reading. I'd love to have your comments and thoughts!