Oil company profits have increased out of all proportion and it is natural to assume they are profiteering.Ā Ā There may well be gas shortages in the EU for those countries who, foolishly IMHO, made contracts with Russia for major gas supplies but it is no more expensive to produce oil in the rest of the world and they actively burn off butane gas at oil wells rather than go the trouble to contain it and sell it.
Water companies in the UK are no better - payinghuge dividends to share holders but failing to invest in infrastructure to simprove supplies and reduce pollution which means that when it rains heavily they dump effluents in seas and rivers to the detriment of us all, human and wildlife.
Building companies have the means now to build energy efficient houses which have zero emissions but they don't.Ā Why?Ā The extra costs in better materials is not that huge and would be offset by low energy costs for the purchasers.
There just seems to be an increasing "me me" Americanisation going on - how much more can I have, regardless of the cost to the envoronment or others, rather than how much more do I need to be safe and comfortable?Ā
As you know, I'm German, and so I read German and English newspapers.
In September 2021, I watched the forecast in Focus by Jan Schenk who said "As early as November [2021], temperatures are predicted to be below average." as a result of the Polar vortex break in December 2020. I can't remember what newspaper it was but an English meteorologist said that it happens often also in the second year.
As a result of the general prediction that we get a cold winter 2021/2022, I read in a German newspaper about the sudden rise in gas prises that the gas was bought by speculators who were hoping that there is a higher demand due to the cold temperature. That newspaper didn't say what people that were but when I tried to find out more, it was impossible.
Since you find my posts interesting and take them with a pinch of salt, just to let you know, all my managers and colleagues have always found it quite amusing what I tell them all along, but at some point they started listening
We've just bought a front door curtain and what a difference that has made. Stopped all those little draughts that may come in from underneath the door at the bottoms or those that get in down the sides. I'd seriously recommend it.
Creating a Vapour Barrier is a method used in winter camping and mountaineering. You can purchase whole suits using the system. You can create a simplified method by wearing 2 pairs of socks, with a plastic bag in between the layers. You'll be surprised how warm this makes you feel.
I have been thinking about the best ways to keep warm, be efficient with heating sources and managing humidity/ condensation etc in the home.Ā
I noticed that public information has recommended just heating one key room in the day and the used bedrooms at night. Some of us have been doing that for years (frugal or efficient?).Ā
The big one for me is managing condensation. My gut is too open windows to create air flow and a route out for moisture, but then the cold air rushes in (and warm air out). Damp washing is a nightmare as the tumble drier uses an eye-watering amount of electricity but leaving damp washing/towels creates humidity.Ā
I bought an over-sized fleece jumper last year and that is wonderful. Same for thick fleecy or knitted socks. I have been known to have a hood or hat on to warm up too. Blankets/throws are a must.Ā
What do you all do to manage heat and moisture in the home? Any top tips for keeping warm?Ā
I saw an article somewhere recently, saying Ā that a dehumidifier is a lot cheaper than a tumble dryer to run. They dry clothes as well as preventing mould. Thereās the initial cost if you havenāt got one of course.Ā
Carmarthenshire (mild, wet, windy). Loam over shale, very slightly sloping, so free draining. Mildly acidic or neutral.
Down here on the Isle of Wight we got down to -2.6Ā°C last night,lowest so far this winter. For the next 2 weeks at least temperatures will be above freezing night and day and Monday could be as high as 13Ā°C during the day and 11Ā°C at night! However Monday will also have heavy rain and gale force winds,so we can't have everything!!!
āEvery day is ordinary, until it isn't.ā - Bernard Cornwell-Death of Kings
I heard on the news some developers are rushing to complete projects now before new standards of insulation are made mandatory.Ā Depressing isn't it,Ā as someone said before the extra cost will be minimal compared to the total build cost. Short term money grabbing again š¤¬
These adverts have been in the GW magazine for the past 2 months. If they are as effective as they claim might be the answer for people who have to work outside. Expensive tho.
Posts
Water companies in the UK are no better - payinghuge dividends to share holders but failing to invest in infrastructure to simprove supplies and reduce pollution which means that when it rains heavily they dump effluents in seas and rivers to the detriment of us all, human and wildlife.
Building companies have the means now to build energy efficient houses which have zero emissions but they don't.Ā Why?Ā The extra costs in better materials is not that huge and would be offset by low energy costs for the purchasers.
There just seems to be an increasing "me me" Americanisation going on - how much more can I have, regardless of the cost to the envoronment or others, rather than how much more do I need to be safe and comfortable?Ā
As you know, I'm German, and so I read German and English newspapers.
In September 2021, I watched the forecast in Focus by Jan Schenk who said
"As early as November [2021], temperatures are predicted to be below average." as a result of the Polar vortex break in December 2020. I can't remember what newspaper it was but an English meteorologist said that it happens often also in the second year.
As a result of the general prediction that we get a cold winter 2021/2022, I read in a German newspaper about the sudden rise in gas prises that the gas was bought by speculators who were hoping that there is a higher demand due to the cold temperature. That newspaper didn't say what people that were but when I tried to find out more, it was impossible.
As you can see, the gas prise was in December 2021 almost as high as today and this before the war started.
We heard in January 2022 on the BBC news that the gas price had risen dramatically and we stopped using gas by 50%.
The Worldbank knew already that the gas price will be at it's peak in 2021, again before this Putin used it as a weapon:
Since you find my posts interesting and take them with a pinch of salt, just to let you know, all my managers and colleagues have always found it quite amusing what I tell them all along, but at some point they started listening
I ā„ my garden.
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
You can create a simplified method by wearing 2 pairs of socks, with a plastic bag in between the layers. You'll be surprised how warm this makes you feel.
For the next 2 weeks at least temperatures will be above freezing night and day and Monday could be as high as 13Ā°C during the day and 11Ā°C at night!
However Monday will also have heavy rain and gale force winds,so we can't have everything!!!
If they are as effective as they claim might be the answer for people who have to work outside. Expensive tho.