Babs to Brisbane
Barbara Haddrill faced a dilemma. She had been invited to be a bridesmaid at her good friend's wedding in Brisbane, Australia, but flying over there long-haul went against all her green beliefs. The answer? Planes, trains and automobiles (and a few boats too). We caught up with her in Singapore on her return journey.
You can read more about Bab's adventures on her
So what was the combined carbon footprint of this jolly that this blessed carbon contributor made?
How much carbon footprint does five minutes of radio time and associated power for listening to this drivel generate?
This item is part of an alarming whinging trend that is really not needed as Tony is working up a storm all by himself.
Complain about this postI was fascinated to hear about Babs' trip to Australia by surface transport - avoiding aircraft. Well done!
I play guitar in Aardvark Ceilidh Band, who toured New Zealand in January. We flew, which was a bit of a cop-out (time constraints, costs) but a 'surface' route would have solved several problems for us - we could have taken more of our own equipment and my wife (who could not face 24 hours on planes because of mild claustrophobia). OK - time constraints would still be an issue, but I could not find a viable surface route.
P.S. - our next holiday will be in Normandy; we are looking forward to driving and the ferry crossing.
Complain about this postThis was an interesting piece. I note that she gave up her job to do the trip. On what is she now living? Not, I trust, any benefits paid for by those of us who may recently have flown to Australia to attend weddings but who returned in time to retain their employment and to continue to contribute to the exchequer.
Complain about this postThe barmy woman who led her crusade to Brisbane seems to miss the point that many miss - particularly our politicians who are becoming boringly zealous.
Unless everyone makes a contribution to the so-called Globale Warming (and I am yet to be convinced!) that womans' endeavour was pointless.
Tony Blair was persuading us all to change our light-bulbs to the so called energy efficient bulbs but has anyone compared the cost of manufacture of these bulbs? And how much energy is being wasted in the manufacture and disposal of the replaced (old bulbs).
While on the subject of consumption of energy I have to say I drive a 4x4 (shock horror). Perhaps it's less energy efficient than a Reliant Robin but only if its DRIVEN. Nobody seems to consider the length of journeys/mileages clocked up in the alleged enery efficient cars. The smug self-righteous bunch of evangelists who drive 200,000 miles commuting to work each day in their 'energy efficient' car contribute far more co2 than I do.
Lets get the thing in perspective and apply a little logic folks!
Complain about this postinspiring.
Complain about this postOvercome with admiration for her.
Thanks for making breakfast so memorable.
What was this story actually about? It was about one person indulging a hobby but it was presented as a model to which others should aspire. I'm not even going to consider the skewed calculations involved relating to energy.
I'm not criticising Barbara, just this programme. I haven't made a point of listening in the past. I won't in future.
Complain about this postDid I hear right today. A woman who went to Australia without flying, but got on a plane to get out of Austrailia- that makes it a a non-story. What next; glowing admiration for someone who gave up whaling and deforestation for the whole of Lent???
This made for poor wireless-
Complain about this postIn case anyone is interested I would like to set people straight regarding some complete lies which people have just typed in here without knowing anything about me. I am not claiming any benefits whilst I am travelling, as I am aware this is not possible and I wouldn't do that anyway so that seems a pointless jibe at me. Thousands of people save up and travel around the world everyday, why do they not get this criticism? I haven't worked out all the calculations yet but I anticipate my journey using about 1.8 tonnes on the outward journey and less on the return (probably 1.4) compared to over 12 tonnes of co2 (www.atmosfair.com) used in a return flight Cardiff - Brisbane. The outward bound calculations are found on my website. Even 5 minutes of radio isn't going to make a huge impact on this difference. I never said that everyone should do this to go to Australia, although if you are planning to go for a long time then this method starts to seem more reasonable, but consider alternatives to travel closer to home. I had a huge dilemma making the decision to fly out of Australia and I don't think it makes the rest of what I have done pointless and it still keeps my co2 footprint pretty low and below my limit for the year. I am doing what I can and am not claimning to be perfect but trying to do my bit.
Complain about this postWow, I can not believe the negative comments posted by some of the very sad people above!
Whilst you may or may not agree with the idea that we influence global warming with our activity (or even whether it matters), to cast aspersions on someones actions that have been inspired by altruism seems small minded in the extreme.
How funny that someone would jump to the conclusion that you were a benefit scrounger!
Well done for your dedication Babs. I'm sure you wont find it difficult to ignore those people.
Complain about this post