Climate Change – Time to Act

Climate Change – Coming to You Soon

Too often we at Top Banana concentrate on consumer goods. We strive to focus on items that add a certain value to the quality of our lives but a recent blog post we were sent reminded us of the escalating problems around the world due to rapid climate change.

Addressing the issues of climate change is clearly a job that we all should take s

eriously.  Indeed  Campaigner for Climate Change is listed as one of the safest jobs on this list of jobs to survive the recession.

Incoming US President Obama has put climate change at the top of his list of jobs and we too need to show support for any innitiatives that will raise awareness and get people involved in change.

Here we will attempt to persaude people to “stop doing jobs they dont like to buy stuff they dont need”- quote Tyler in Fight Club

What causes climate change?

The continued use of our planet’s natural resources for energy by burning coal, gas and oil all of which release huge amounts of carbon dioxide into the earth’s atmosphere at a rate that cannot be “recycled” by plants.  Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is one of several so called ‘greenhouse gasses’. The build up of excess carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses contributes to what is known as the greenhouse effect – where the heat from the sun is less able to float back into space and causes the planet to slowly, but surely warm up.

What are the effects of climate change

A warming planet such as earth with its vast polar ice-caps faces the danger of these colossal amounts of frozen water melting.  The increase in sea levels that will result threaten entire regions and communities with devastating floods – destroying homes, crops and spreading terrible climate related diseases.

Another effect of climate change is disruption of weather in areas that have little rainfall – ironically the weather patterns here tend to see even less precipitation – drought, crop failure and irreversible creation of deserts result.

See the effects in this climate change video animation.

What can we do to stop climate change?

Here’s the rub.  No one wants to give up on the dreams and aspriations they have been bombarded with throughout their lives.  New cars, frequent flights and energy greedy appliances ar enjoyed by many in the developed world and now will be eagerly sought by those in developing countries – ironically these are some of the most at risk place who will feel the devastating effects of climate change first and worst.

Whilst we should all continue to be educated to do our bit by reducing waste and saving energy  the latest thinking is to turn towards sustainable development which aims to meet human needs while preserving the environment so that these needs can be met in the presentand the future.

In the next article on climate change Top Banana will feature climatechangecorp that focuses on climate change for business.

Save in 2009

Figures released this week confirm the country is now officially in recession, and it seems that saving the odd penny or two is a topic firmly on people’s minds. I suit of this Top Banana is giving you a quick and dirty run down of some top deals that are currently available, meaning you won’t have to cut every luxury in your life out just yet.

With January coming to a close it maybe time to reward yourself for tightening up those purse strings in the new year, and if you don’t have to spend a great deal in doing so, you can continue the saving well into February too.

There are only a few days left on this 2 for 1 offer at you have until Sunday Night to take advantage. Also not mentioned with this offer on many forums is the fact they are currently running 2 for 1 on all cocktails too, saving even more pennies should you wish to indulge even further.

Therefore leave you bottle at home on the shelf for this price and take advantage while you can.

As the housing market is being particularly hard hit the new trend for home owners finding themselves in negative equity is to stay put. Waiting for the housing market to recover in the future, (which it undoubtedly will at some point) means that you could be staying put for a good few years.

With news of this redecorating a home is the best way to give you that change that is needed, whilst remaining financially sound. To this end there are copious amounts of deals around the home furniture sector, one of the hardest hit in the current financial climate.

There has never been a better time to get that new bedroom furniture the other half has been nagging you for.

Lastly on our must have January deals round up is a treat for the children. With ‘pocket money’ toys expected to make it big in 2009, it seems that even the little ones will have to cut back on the amount they are spending. To that end why not treat them with a free trip to the cinema.

The following companies all offer large amounts of free tickets to publicise films prior to their official release. It is simple ho wit works, when preview screenings become available, you’ll receive a code in an email which you can use to redeem tickets on the relevant website.

Sign up at the following agencies.

* SeeFilmFirst.

* The Film Factory.

* Momentum

There you have it, treat you partner to a meal, your home to a furniture face lift, and children to a free night out without bursting the bank balance in Jan 2009.

Out with the Old – In with the New

Welcome one and all to 2009 on Top Banana.

We left you last year with the grim news of massive redundancies and the prospect of further  job losses as the credit crunch continues to grind. We’re sorry to report that little has improved.  Although the Bank of England has again dropped interest rates there seems to be no respite for struggling businesses with daily news of closures and prolonged holidays.

The Banking System – Bananas

Few understand the decision by the Bank treasury to reduce interest rates to this incredible all time low. Rate cut after rate cut and still this isn’t passed on to the public whilst its t the public coffers that repeatedly are emptied to support the ailing corporate treasury and financial institutions.

Well bananas to the money men we say! Lets make the most of the paid holidays while you can.  Take the opportunity of cheap holidays and escape the misery of the UK and its grim financial state.  The credit problems are global but at least holiday destinations tend not to wallow in the downturn gloom – sunshine is free after all.

If you are planning a trip or holiday we can recommend this fact sheet for those with medical concerns who want to travel.  Blood pressure is one of the common issues for travellers and there’s some ideas for arranging travel insurance on  Moneysaving expert

Another top banana idea we picked up for those going on holiday and want to keep an eye on their blood pressure is to pick up a cheap home monitor from somewhere like Lloyds Pharmacy or online. A Lloyds blood pressure monitor only cost ten quid so no great loss if it gets lost or broken whilst away and you’ll be able to keep your valuable long term data stored on the regual machine you leave at home.