Climate Action Across the Pond—a Photo Essay from My Recent Trip to England, by Chris Benz

Getting out of town-in this case, across ‘the Pond” to England--was great for seeing a different approach to a problem that affects us all—Climate Change.

Heathrow Airport

Heathrow Airport

At Terminal 3 I was shocked-in a good way-at billboard-sized displays addressing climate change-the “elephant in the room” (and on the posters). Heathrow’s 2.0 plan includes switching to low carbon sustainable aviation fuel and using electric vehicles on the ground.

 

London black cab going green

Transportation in London

I didn’t feel guilty about taking a cab when I discovered the iconic black cabs are now electric.  London and other British towns have Ultra Low Emission Zones that require vehicles in the central area to meet emission standards or pay a fine.  It certainly made the air easier to breathe and walking more enjoyable.  We also saw dedicated bicycle lanes on several of the many bridges crossing the Thames.

plastic bottleDealing with Plastic Rubbish

I came across several new-to-me approaches: yogart packaging that consisted of a removable cardboard label and recyclable plastic container, a station to deposit used take-away cups on Carnaby Street, and a barge that gathers trash on the river.

Chris Benz at London pubAnd, finally, the food!

Vegan and veggie restaurants and menu options were everywhere and proudly proclaimed.  Our first night’s dinner was a new take on the classic meat pie—a wild mushroom and leek pie in a superb crust served with a local cider at a 400-year-old pub.

On the right path.

As the wall art shows, below, the Brits are demonstrating a good understanding of the situation!British wall art


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