Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

The Boxing Day Tsunami of 2004 and the aftermath of the seaquake made Jennifer think long and hard about the world and its limited resources. Although events of this nature are not directly related to climate change, a tsunami wave is generated by 'earthquake' on the sea floor, the effects of climate change are being felt.

Jennifer believes as do many in the scientific community that current production processes and waste generation are harming the earth through climate change. She says we should be taking steps to reduce consumption. Accepting that economic level of activity is necessary to maintain society, it's the excessive consumption that she feels is something that everyone can address.

Even though an accident at work left her with a broken back and is now unable to work, using the skills she learnt as a mature student she's started a new group called Give and Take Reusables. The aim is to give people an opportunity to swap their unwanted goods. She says, what may be useless to one person could be perfectly serviceable to someone else. Clothing, furniture almost anything can be exchanged.

September saw the launch of the group and now they meet each Saturday between 10 am and 2 pm at the Quaker Meeting House on Bean Street, opposite Hull Royal Infirmary car park. The basic idea is that people bring something along they no longer need and take away something they do. There's always a 'standby' stack of goods at the start of the day so that there's always something there for people to browse through even if they arrive first thing.

Electrical items are taken to the Lions charity shop where they are tested before being sold in the shop. Jennifer says that although she's taken the extra step of cutting back on Christmas presents she feels that re-using can help as even recycling involves a process that uses energy. Plus, at the moment as the current economic crisis is affecting everyone, Give and Take Reusables might also help them financially.

And Jennifer's picture? She said: "This photo was taken recently at Bridlington beach showing the beauty of the sea. The Tsunami showed the destructive power." A reflection of the times and the world in which we live.