Environment 1 - Where There's Smoke ....

For some time, recently, I have been searching the Internet for some details related to an intended visit to the U.K.  Specifically, renting accommodation.  My search reveals an alarming trend that is spreading throughout Europe, the increasing use of burning carbon creating fuel in private homes.

I grew up in a lower/middle income family and we had a three-bedroom home.  One thing that I remember was the situation of a fireplace in every room (except the smallest room).  And at times, every fireplace was in use, and I can still picture the sound and sight of our black-faced coal-man driving his horse and cart full of our weekly sacks of coal.

Eventually, people became aware of the pollution and, more importantly, the ease of simply switching on an electric fire.  This continued to the present day, and introduced air-conditioning systems capable of using gas, oil, and other forms of heating.  Then, costs rose and double-glazed windows became essential.  In addition, a chimney on the roof became a heat-loss device and fire places were quickly blocked and plastered over (or remodelled as a bookcase).  A few were retained to house simulated fire inserts, but only switched on during weekends ... or when the vicar came to call.

But, now, guess what?  The cost of energy has 'gone-through-the-roof' ... if you'll excuse the pun, and the term 'kilowatts per hour' has become as unclean as coal.  Innovation has taken over.  Now, there are hundreds of fire-place shops opening in every town selling caste iron, wood-burning (or anything) stoves for use in the home.  Real-estate agents highlight the advantages of such devices, and holiday cottage renters are always supplied with a "free" supply of logs.  Once again, it is possible to buy coal but, this time, the coal is a "clean" type ... another oxymoron, I suggest.

Is this the sign of the ingenuity that we can be proud of?


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Quotation - He lived for Peace —

Nelson Mandela

He lived for Peace - May he rest in Peace

Acknowledged to Getty Huffpost