Scott Chase

With regard to a potential shortage of water, living in Scotland I would have thought that would not be an issue. However, there was some temporary disruption to water supplies in parts of Glasgow earlier this year, due to fire hydrant vandalism; and some areas in the countryside were also affected by water shortages--possibly due to the lack of rain we experienced.
So water conservation is important: using less water, e.g. for bathing and washing up; reusing water, e.g. watering plants with dishwater and finding ways to collect rainpipe water.
Finding water substitutes (this one I'm not sure of, other than substituting different drinks for water. As far as cleaning or other uses of water, I don't know).
Stockpiling water--if feasible--to provide a temporary alternative supply.This could be as simple as keeping a supply of water in bottles/tanks/etc. for times when the supply is cut off (and a good idea to regularly use up and replenish this supply so you're not stuck with stale water). And keeping a supply of water decontamination tablets.
If relevant, finding efficient ways to carry water over a distance (still common in Africa).
The quality of water is also key, i.e. having regular access to a supply of clean water. This is likely the responsibility of the local authority or region, with alternative sources put in place when the water supply is contaminated.

The results (using the Scotland Home Energy Check) were a bit different to what I was expecting: initial estimated electricity costs considerably higher than my actual bills, and results (after filling in all of the detail) that showed not as much saving as I expected--£84 (9.4%) off of an annual bill of £895, after a suggested expenditure of almost £2100 for moving to low energy lighting and replacement of my almost 20 year old combi boiler (both of which are at the top of my list for energy saving improvements). And I don't quite understand why the survey didn't ask for energy usage in kWh as opposed to (or in addition to) the £ amounts that were asked for.

I believe that perhaps what might have skewed the results are a) inaccurate answers to some of the questions (not being entirely sure of the correct answer); and b) energy usage that probably differs from the norm (e.g. two of my three bedrooms are used primarily for storage, and never heated during the winter).

I feel that with more detail to the questions and accurate answers the results might be more enlightening. I'll likely go and have a chat to Home Energy Scotland to find ways to improve the accuracy of the audit.

A challenge in switching to reusable cups/mugs is always having one available when you need it. Anticipating this need is key; acting upon it requires carrying one around, adding bulk and weight, and bringing it back home (dirty or washed) after use. For me, I often carry some sort of shoulder bag (with necessities like umbrella and collapsible shopping bag) when going out, so not too much of a problem much of the time. Alternatively, bring your own drink (in a reusable container) or decline a drink when offered.
Any good feelings would come not only from knowing I'm doing my bit for the environment, but also serving as an example to others. I've seen this at work over 20 years ago with my rabbi bringing his own reusable plastic plate to a weekly communal luncheon, rather than using the disposable ones provided. This led to me and others doing the same thing, eventually leading to the synagogue selling its own 'branded' reusable plates to members to bring along to the luncheon.

I sometimes use my exercise time for serious thinking, so prefer the solitude. Love music, so listening to that whilst exercising is a plus. Being efficient, e.g. multitasking by doing an additional task/activity if this can work in tandem with your exercise (usually involving different parts of the body to that which is being exercised). Examples: watching TV, walking (advised for my shoulder exercises, so I often do this when out walking). Using walking exercise to get from point A to point B, alleviating the need for public transport or a ride--also benefitting the environment.

Just walking from A to B gives one a much better sense of place than riding in any vehicle, even bicycles. You now have a good idea of how A and B are connected. You can also take the time to stop, look around (looking up is Rule #1 in Glasgow City Centre!), take a photo, chat to someone you encounter. You get a much better sense of the three dimensionality of the space you're walking through: I took a woodland walk today, and I could really feel this under the canopy of the forest, something I knew that none of the photos I took could ever capture.

Woodland walk in Pollok Country Park