Friday, 21 June 2024

IS the Problem With Taylor Swift Her Carbon Footprint ?

There is much in the news about the carbon footprint of the global superstar Taylor Swift and this lady is a phenomenal as she seems to have the power that no other star has had in history. And there has been much about offsetting her Carbon footprint through one thing and another. Taylor does travel by private jet everywhere and does not travel by any commercial flights as far as I know.


Taylor Swift, the global pop sensation, has captured the hearts of millions with her catchy songs, emotional lyrics, and relatable persona. However, in recent years, she has also found herself under scrutiny for a different reason—her carbon footprint. The question arises: Is Taylor Swift’s carbon footprint truly a significant issue, or is it a symptom of a larger problem within the entertainment industry and society at large?





The Public Outcry

In 2022, Taylor Swift faced backlash when her private jet usage came to light. Reports indicated that her jet was one of the highest CO2 emitters among celebrities, sparking a debate about the environmental impact of such luxury. Fans and environmental activists alike questioned the necessity and frequency of her flights, highlighting a stark contrast between her image and her actions.

Understanding Carbon Footprint

A carbon footprint measures the total greenhouse gas emissions caused directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product. For celebrities like Taylor Swift, private jets, extensive touring, and large-scale productions contribute significantly to their carbon footprint. Private jets, in particular, are known to emit substantially more CO2 per passenger compared to commercial flights.

The Broader Issue

While it’s easy to focus on Taylor Swift, it’s essential to recognize that this issue extends far beyond one individual. The entertainment industry as a whole is a significant contributor to carbon emissions. Concert tours require massive transportation logistics, energy-intensive light and sound systems, and large-scale waste generation. Furthermore, the lifestyle of many celebrities often includes high-consumption habits that contribute to their overall carbon footprint.

The Role of Accountability

Public figures like Taylor Swift have a platform and influence that can drive change. Their actions can set an example for millions of fans. Swift has shown support for various social causes, and addressing environmental concerns could further enhance her positive impact. Celebrities taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint—by opting for commercial flights, investing in carbon offsets, and supporting sustainable practices—can inspire broader societal change.

Collective Responsibility

Blaming a single individual, even a high-profile one like Taylor Swift, oversimplifies the issue. Climate change is a collective problem requiring collective action. While it’s crucial for celebrities to lead by example, systemic changes are necessary. This includes stronger environmental regulations, industry-wide shifts towards sustainability, and greater public awareness and engagement in environmental issues.

Steps Forward

For Taylor Swift and others in similar positions, here are a few steps that can make a significant difference:

  1. Transparency: Publicly sharing efforts to reduce carbon emissions can increase awareness and accountability.
  2. Sustainable Touring: Implementing greener practices in touring, such as using energy-efficient equipment and reducing waste.
  3. Advocacy: Using their platform to advocate for environmental policies and encourage fans to adopt sustainable habits.
  4. Carbon Offsetting: Investing in projects that offset their carbon emissions, such as reforestation or renewable energy initiatives.

Conclusion

Taylor Swift’s carbon footprint is part of a much larger conversation about environmental responsibility in the modern world. While her private jet usage is a visible and impactful example, it serves as a reminder of the broader changes needed across industries and lifestyles. By shifting the focus from individual blame to collective action and systemic change, we can work towards a more sustainable future. Celebrities, fans, and industries alike have roles to play in this crucial endeavour.

Now my own carbon footprint is low and I haven't been abroad in nearly 4 years much of that down to the pandemic but the other day I took the plunge and book a few days to San Francisco in December . I could have gone to somewhere in Europe but I wanted to go further afield and with the allure of a free breakfast at the hotel I will be stopping in I thought why not.

Ideal Toys For a Labrador

You will have seen that recently myself and my husband dog sat for my inlaws and it was such fun but you know how it is you not like to visit friends empty handed . We didn't want to turn up and not have any gifts for Murphy so very kindly we were sent a few toys for Murphy to play with whilst wee were looking after him. Keeping toys fit and active is very important to their health and wellbeing and a happy dog is a content dog.


Murphy was thrilled with his toys , Labradors  are a very very enthusiastic breed and love to play and are always into your business as they don't like to miss out.Labradors are very loyal though some say they are particularly loyal if you are holding some sold of food ! Murphy absolutely loved his floating ball and this is a bonus as Labradors adore water . You can find this Floating ball priced at only £9.99 from Petlove on Amazon and it is a worthwhile investment as it it tough as old boots or even tougher than that even! The other Extreme toy came from Nylabone and they have an extensive range you can choose from .

I have to say even though I am not a dog owner myself , I was super impressed with the quality of both the toys and would happily buy from them as a special gift for Murphy and there doesn't have to be a special occasion to treat him. And even the price of inflation this toys are a worthwhile investment as they will last and last giving you more money in your pocket to of course treat your dog !


Murphy was sent these toy and his opinions are his own 


Thursday, 20 June 2024

Secret York You Need to Visit

When I thought about writing about secret York I thought should I really share with you after all it is secret York in fact there is so much secret York that there is really to much to put all into one blog post.I truly and deeply love York from the Vikings to of course the well renown Betty tea rooms which is a sheer and necessary indulgence.My son is up at York university studying archaeology and when say we are in a pub with him having a meal we don't look twice at the Viking sitting next to us it it par for the course in York.Now we are always up in York and we are getting to know York very very well it is a delight to just wonder round just letting your feet take your whether you may wish.


One of the hidden places that is in York will surprise you and it's not what you expect it is English Heritage and no it's not a grand house or a ruined castle or fortification.It is in fact a Nuclear Bunker








and it's not what you 'd think would be a tourist attraction but it is very interesting and well worth a visit.York is such a beautiful place you will will want to come back time and time again to this stunning city and should you want to escape York for a few days then Yorkshire is a stunning place with so much to offer.The magnificent York will still be waiting for you and will welcome you back with open arms the glow and warm of the stones is breathtaking.

Even within the centre of York you can step off the beaten track and be transformed into another world one that will bewitch and beguile you.I am talking about the Treasurers House in York that is practically next to the monumental York Minster and it’s a National Trust property.And the Treasurers House holds a secret within a secret which is that of the CafĂ©.






And even Bettys of York yes that must famous tea room in the world has its secret side from shop where you can step back and seems like your in some sort of Harry Potter cake shop to the Tea rooms both the one where anyone can go to ( and more than likely queue ) to the upstairs tea room where you must defiantly have to book.And the upstairs tea room is a whole new world of pure luxury and tea and cake decadence.

Collete Burgess who grew up in York and blogs at We’re going on an adventure at has some ideas for what to do in York 

“Growing up in York means that I often take the city for granted. I used to walk past the Minster every day and barely notice it.  Now that I've moved away I'm regularly struck by the beauty of this city and can totally see why it attracts so many visitors (even if they did used to drive me mad taking photos in the middle of the street and getting in my way when I was trying to go about my business!) 

There's literally so much to do in York - from climbing the city walls (this is really lovely walk and doesn't cost anything though isn't very pushchair friendly) to taking a horse and cart ride around the city centre (something I wanted to do my whole life and finally managed the week after Dave & I got married!)  

If the weather is nice you can't beat hiring a Little Red Boat and taking a ride down the River Ouse (you can go on bigger boats but it's not as much fun as driving the boat yourself!)  And, don't forget to try out a Ghost Walk (this is better done in the Autumn when the evenings are drawing in - it's not really as spooky when it's broad daylight!)  You'll laugh, jump and learn all sorts of random stuff about the history of York and its inhabitants!"

Leyla from Motherhood diaries also has suggestions for  how to spend 48 hours in York 

The Green Prescription Perfect For Your Mental Health

 The Green prescription for me is getting about and exploring and seeing the countryside round me and exploring , I am not won for sitting still and twiddling my thumbs even now as I type this I feel like running free into the canopy of Green.There is such freedom in the green prescription and you don't need a doctor to prescribe it , the Green prescription isn't limited to green of course flowers do come under this umbrella but dear reader or hopefully readers I quite simply can not describe every possibility !


There is just something that allows to take that heavy breath of burden and release it like a wild animal when you step out into the Green and every subsequent breath is a sweetness upon your soul. Now I can not influence you to take the step into the Green but maybe just one day and then see how your life is after being in the relax of the Green for a while.



The Best Squidgy Chocolate Brownies In the World


I had never ever cooked brownies before as I thought their bobble hats would get stuck in my teeth ( you would have had to have been a brownie from the 1980s to understand that one)
So it is with the kind permission of Lurpak that their Brownie recipe is below:

These classic brownies are just what you need to satisfy your sweet tooth craving. They’ll taste even better the next day!
Instructions
1. Heat the oven to 190°C /170°C Fan / Gas Mark 5 and line your 
Lurpak® brownie tin with greaseproof paper.
2. Fill a small saucepan 1⁄4 full of water, lay the chocolate and Lurpak® in a heatproof bowl 
resting on top of the saucepan, but not touching the water. Warm on a low heat, stirring occasionally, until everything has melted.
3. Whisk the eggs in a bowl until they’re pale and fluffy, but not too stiff. Add the sugar and whisk until it thickens up. Gently fold in the chocolate mixture and then sieve in the flour. Continue to fold until smooth.
4. Slowly pour the mixture into your tin and bake for 30-35 minutes. When you see the satisfying crust on top they’re done. They should be all squidgy inside too.
5. Cut into 16 squares and leave to cool in the tin.
Ingredients
• 200g Slightly Salted Lurpak®
• 350g 70% dark chocolate, chopped 
• 3 eggs
• 250g dark muscovado sugar
• 50g self-raising flour
• Greaseproof paper
• Lurpak® Brownie Tin


I haven't been compensated for this post , I bought it all myself. The world is a better place now I can bake brownies.