Letters archive

Regarding your look at the benefits of self-transcendence ( 5 March, p 44 ). Simply losing yourself in a good book can be a benefit in this world of constant outside stimuli.

Is it the case that transcendental experiences could counteract the depression and anxiety generated in most people by the reports of daily horrors in Ukraine?

Eric Kvaalen argues that scientists have exaggerated the impact of a 5-metre rise in sea levels, and says we can adapt over generations so a "massive refugee crisis" doesn't transpire ( Letters, 12 March ). I disagree. There is no exaggeration and the refugee crisis will be real, but it may remain hidden to many …

Michael Marshall mentions types of medication that have been identified as possibly protecting against long covid ( 26 February, p 38 ). These include aspirin and atorvastatin. I have been taking these daily for several years since having a heart attack and I believe they are routinely prescribed for this in the UK. I caught …

You report research on the barn owl's tail that could inform aircraft design ( 19 February, p 22 ). But whether efficient aircraft should have tails at all has been long debated. There are many examples of tailless aircraft and drones, plenty successful. Ultimately, whether a flying machine or creature will benefit from a tail …

Your article on climate change mentioned some farmers in the UK replacing cereal crops with fast-growing Paulownia trees ( 19 February, p 20 ). This is a highly invasive species in the US that is already destroying native ecosystems there. Although the prospect of a hardwood tree that can grow nearly 5 metres in a …

We can't assume manufacturers will willingly get on board with a circular economy, given the temptation of planned obsolescence ( 12 February, p 38 ). I had a flat-screen TV fail. The maker quoted £300 for a new circuit board, also suggesting I could replace the TV. On opening it (I have some competence in …

The elephant in the room as far as waste goes is sewage. We produce huge amounts of it and it creates methane as it decomposes. In large sewage works, the methane is used to power machinery and to mix material by bubbling it up through new sewage. If surplus methane were sold and injected into …

Recent articles and letters have highlighted the importance of "waste not, want not" to reduce our environmental impact. Even more powerful is an approach we might call "want not, waste not": by reducing our desire for ephemeral or short-lived possessions for which we have no real need, we can have an even greater effect. Such …

While agreeing that equipment should be longer-lived and repairable, I suggest that your readers who wanted a new spice and nut grinder ( Letters, 26 February ) invest in a pestle and mortar for the spices and a strong knife and chopping board for the nuts. Good quality versions will last a lifetime and require …