E is for . . .
e-bikes
These bikes are so much fun; riding one (even on Dartmoor) feels like you have superpowers in your legs!
Electric bikes are a great way to save energy: your own and the planet’s. It has been calculated that (including extra food intake) the energy used to power the bike is 5-15 w-h (watt -hours) per km compared to 15-20 w-h by foot and 400 w-h per km for a person in an average sized car.
Though riding an e-bike requires less energy input than a regular bike it still increases fitness levels; bikes for British roads have a speed limit of 15.5 mph of assistance so once you reach this limit you are on your own!
This website has lots of information on electric bikes and the environment conversation
Greta Thunberg - "No one is too small to make a difference"
Part of the beautifully illustrated ‘Little People, Big Dreams’ collection, this children’s title offers an inspirational take on the planet’s climate issues. Readers young and old can find empowerment in Greta’s famous words: "No one is too small to make a difference."
Pee Power
Spending a penny may save you a fair few with this technology; quite simply, it’s technology that converts urine into electricity!
Urine passes through a series of Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs). The microbes feed on the organic materials found in urine, releasing electrons and generating electricity.
The PEE POWER® system was developed at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) and has been used to provide some of the power at Glastonbury Festival for the last four years. It’s now providing electricity in poor communities in Kenya, Uganda and South Africa.
See the news article for yourself here: UWE NEWS
Ramble for energy
These local walking groups are the perfect way to boost your fitness while meeting new people and exploring the beautiful countryside and coastlines of Devon. Walking is free, and gets you out into nature, which also has health-giving properties.
Local groups include:
Static Energy - See it before your very eyes - try this activity at home
Most kids have witnessed what happens when you rub a balloon on your head – your hair stands up! This easy experiment illustrates how this static energy is real power and not just a crazy hairdresser substitute.
You will need:
Balloon
Fluorescent light bulb
Hair!
Then, follow these steps:
Blow up the balloon and tie it off.
Rub it vigorously against your head (or your child’s).
Touch the balloon against the metal prongs on the bottom of the light bulb. The static electricity discharges from the surface of the balloon into the bulb, powering it to create light.
Sleep Routine
Did you know that a few simple changes to your bedtime routine can give you a better night’s sleep?
Why not try some of these tips below, recommended by the Sleep Foundation:
- Go device-free before bed! Turn off televisions, phones, tablets and computers, all of which can cause mental stimulation and hinder your ability to go to sleep.
- Avoid caffeine in the afternoons and evenings – it can seem like a good idea at the time, but caffeine is a stimulant, which will make you feel the opposite of wanting to sleep!
- Make your environment suitable for sleep – try some calming scents like lavender, make sure your mattress and pillows are comfortable, and shut the curtains or blinds to block out any light.
Better sleep leads to more energy, and can improve your mood and ability to focus – give one or all of these a try, it might just make a difference!
Learn all about sleep hygiene on the Sleep Foundation website: Sleep Foundation
The Sleep Book
Are you worried about sleep? Do you experience anxiety at bedtime? According to Dr Guy Meadows, a third of the population sleep badly! So, he has put together a plan using ‘pioneering methods’ to tackle the problem.
If you have anxiety or worries concerning getting to sleep, check out The Sleep Book: How To Sleep Well Every Night. Perhaps Dr Meadows’ plan could work for you?
Available from Devon Libraries.
Yoga
For those wanting to slow down a little, why not try a relaxing yoga class? Yoga offers many benefits to those who practice it – increased muscle strength, increased flexibility, and improved respiration and energy.
Learn all about the benefits of Yoga by reading the NHS guide
Or, sign up to a class with local Yoga instructor, Rebecca: Revkahyoga
Zumba Mumba
This local Zumba group is for anyone looking for a ‘giggle and a wiggle’. A real energy-booster - and you can even take along the kids!
A sociable, fun and friendly class for all ages, check out the class on Facebook
