Recent Comments

1. Sign Up Online To Become An Organ Donor - 12 Apr 2006

   I’ve done this – I wavered at first about corneas for squeamish reasons, but then pulled myself together and signed it all away – it’s not like I’m going to be bothered by the time it matters.

   I’ve carried a donor card for years but I love the idea of being on an online register – just in case the card isn’t found.

   I think having to opt-out rather than opt-in would be a great thing.

2. Become A Blood Donor - 12 Apr 2006

   I so wish I could do this, but I have a needle phobia – not too bad when being injected but I usually pass out when having blood taken – it’s a ‘veins’ thing! If only there was another way…

3. Buy Presents That Make A Difference - 12 Apr 2006

   This Christmas, my parents, sister and I reduced what we’d normally spend on each other and pooled the ‘saved’ cash to buy toilets and clean water for someone via Oxfam Unwrapped: http://www.oxfamunwrapped.com

   I aim to think more carefully about buying brand-new material goods as gifts – all the suggestions above are useful, and I’m good with me hands so some folk get knitted or sewn stuff (from wool or cloth bought in charity shops, if poss!)

   My church homegroup have been saving up for a year now and buying items such as sewing machines, bicycles (for pastors or teachers) and livestock via Interational Needs: http://www.ineeds.org.uk/index.php?page=giftsofcompassion

4. Recycle Your Greetings Cards - 12 Apr 2006

   We’re able to recycle any paper or card via the council’s collection system, so they get thrown in the recycling box with everything else.

5. Switch off and unplug appliances and chargers - 12 Apr 2006

   I used to plug my phone into the charger overnight if it needed it. But one day when I was charging it during the day I noticed that it only took an hour or so – so now I only charge it when I’m awake to switch it off after the minimum required time, and don’t leave it overnight!

6. Recycle Your Inkjet Cartridges - 12 Apr 2006

   I’m responsible for ordering and disposing of them at our (small) office. We don’t get through loads, but am very glad to hear about the Oxfam scheme and will be sending our empties their way!

7. Make Your Own Greetings Cards - 12 Apr 2006

   I use to make some cards and buy some but I haven’t bought a card in over a year now. I enjoy making cards instead… and people are really touched that you’ve devoted an hour or however long specifically to making something for them!

8. Give Your Unwanted / Unworn Clothes To Charity - 12 Apr 2006

   I love getting a carrier bag or two together for a charity shop! I never just bin things unless they’re in such bad condition that they wouldn’t be saleable. Everything else – books, clothes, music, vids, crockery etc – goes to a charity shop.

9. Stop Taking Plastic Bags From Shops - 12 Apr 2006

   I always have a fabric bag screwed up inside my handbag, so it’s there if I buy something which won’t fit in my handbag. I just say, ‘Oh, don’t worry about a bag, thanks – I’ve got one.’

   Sometimes they’re too fast for me but I’ve even got brave enough now to remove an item which has already been bagged up!

   Of course, I still do take a lot of carriers – I can’t carry 3 or 4 fabric bags around with me all the time and sometimes I have to buy more than my one bag can carry. But once I have a carrier from one shop I turn down others until that one is totally full.