After more than eight years and 360 articles published in the Herald Group of newspapers I have decided to call time on Greenwatch.
It has been a remarkable journey, from the chance conversation that started it all back in 2001.
The world then was rather a different place, with 9/11 and the resultant conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan yet to happen.
Green issues were jus
t starting to be regarded as mainstream, with many environmentalists still regarded as nothing much more than muesli-crunchers.
Nowadays it is hard to find any TV or radio news bulletin or newspaper that doesn't carry an environmental story, such is the interest in matters green.
Of course, not all of it is positive coverage as a backlash against dealing with some issues has developed.
We have seen the rise of the climate change sceptic, a rethink on wheelie bin chipping and the curbing of CCTV use for dealing with some environmental crimes.
Yet despite some of the negativity there is no doubt that most change has been for the better.
Energy efficiency within homes and businesses continues to get better, recycling rates have increased enormously, more public transport journeys are being made and all the world's governments are talking about how to combat climate change.
Whether the last issue focuses on the worst problems globally or continues to tinker around the edges is anybody's guess, but at least a dialogue between all parties seems to be underway.
Over the years I have tried to deal with esoteric as well as major issues and some articles were the result of questions asked of me, while one or two people went one better and provided the basis of articles for me.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of the very kind support I have had over the years.
For both the council and the Herald it was quite a risk allowing me to write a weekly article, not knowing whether it would be any good and without the usual checks by the press office.
Most of all though I would like to thank all the people that have read the column over the years and all the positive feedback I have received.
Without you I would not have wanted to continue for as long as I did!
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