http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/Everyday tips and advice on going green or just doing your bit to help the fight against climate change. Everyone has heard of global warming and carbon footprints; in my blog I'm giving free tips on how to be eco-friendly without giving up your 'essentials' or costing you a fortune.en-EUMokoFeed10http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/92/c341f632c6b8a695fbab0547f1cbc3_160x200.jpghttp://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2009/04/07/walk-the-wight-5906808/tag:greenliving.blog.co.uk,2009-04-07:/2009/04/07/walk-the-wight-5906808/Tue, 07 Apr 2009 20:37:38 +0200 <p>Just for a laugh I thought I'd take part in walk the Wight this year. It's an annual 26 mile trek across the spine Isle of Wight from Bembridge to Tennyson down (with many ups and downs on the way!!)in aid of the Earl Mountbatten Hospice here on the Island. BUT as I've got two toddlers it's a little difficult for me to get anywhere so instead I'm going to take part in the walk the flat Wight, an 8 mile walk along the site of the old railway line from Sandown to Newport. A breeze you may say, but unfortunately I will be taking along two toddlers and probably end up pushing them both in the pushchair making the 26 mile walk seem a doddle!!</p> <p>The Earl Mountbatten Hospice is the only hospice on the Island and if you are lucky enough not to have had to come into contact with the work hospices do then you are blessed. But for the people that make use of their services they are vital. I have my own reasons for supporting them, and if you fancy helping me out with a small sponsorship donation I would be eternally grateful. Please visit my site at <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/donnanewnham">www.justgiving.com/donnanewnham</a> for more details. And think of me on 17th May, trekking all that way with two grumpy toddlers and a probably even grumpier husband! But it is worth it. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2009/04/07/walk-the-wight-5906808/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>leisurehttp://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2009/04/07/walk-the-wight-5906808/#commentshttp://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2008/12/13/weebles-wobble-5216241/tag:greenliving.blog.co.uk,2008-12-13:/2008/12/13/weebles-wobble-5216241/Sat, 13 Dec 2008 21:01:52 +0100 <p>........but they don't fall down!</p> <p>Do you remember the Weebles? Fantastic egg shaped toys that had a whole range of things to do - camper vans, schools, playgrounds, farmyards..... the list was endless. But do you think I can find the blessed things?</p> <p>ToysRus have one type available which is fine, unless you are looking for something other than a fairytale castle. Ebay had a few bits but not much that you could give as a main present. So what has happened to them? They were so popular when I was little and the kids (of both sexes) fight over the ones we have at the toddler group. Obviously they are still well thought of, by kids and parents alike, so why can't we find them? And I can't even look on Woolies site anymore (sob). Oh well, I suppose I'll have to go back to the drawing board on this one. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2008/12/13/weebles-wobble-5216241/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>family-presents-kids-weebles-laughhttp://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2008/12/13/weebles-wobble-5216241/#commentshttp://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2008/11/26/christmas-games-5114389/tag:greenliving.blog.co.uk,2008-11-26:/2008/11/26/christmas-games-5114389/Wed, 26 Nov 2008 21:03:37 +0100 <p>Oh Help!</p> <p>It's my own fault, I know, but it really gets my goat when you buy a game from a charity shop or jumble sale and when you get it home you find that it hasn't got the rules sheet included!</p> <p>I've always found that car boot sales, jumble sales, school fetes and charity shops are the best place to buy games for the family, especially at this time of the year. Most are old favourites that I used to play as a kid like Cluedo, Scrabble or Monopoly, but you occasionally come across some strange gems such as the Treasure Hunt Game (remember Anneka Rice?!) or the add on boxes for that die hard favourite Trival Pursuit. But why oh why can't people, when kindly donating, remember to either find the rules or hand write some out. Even the ones that they have being playing by is better than none at all. </p> <p>So now, I am the proud owner of Dingbats, but without knowing how we're supposed to play it (it's for my husband and I, a bit of fun when the boys are at last in bed). Perhaps I'll look through my old ganes and start making a note of the rules. You never know when someone might need them. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2008/11/26/christmas-games-5114389/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2008/11/26/christmas-games-5114389/#commentshttp://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2008/11/07/birdy-tweet-tweet-5001213/tag:greenliving.blog.co.uk,2008-11-07:/2008/11/07/birdy-tweet-tweet-5001213/Fri, 07 Nov 2008 22:32:34 +0100 <p>The time has come to think of our feathered friends again (they don't understand the credit crunch!) For some more info on how you can help (on a budget) please check my hub at <a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/How-to-help-the-wild-birds-in-your-garden">http://hubpages.com/hub/How-to-help-the-wild-birds-in-your-garden</a> Everyone can do something to help. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2008/11/07/birdy-tweet-tweet-5001213/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>garden-birds-environment-health-funhttp://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2008/11/07/birdy-tweet-tweet-5001213/#commentshttp://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2008/07/25/food-glorious-food-4498948/tag:greenliving.blog.co.uk,2008-07-25:/2008/07/25/food-glorious-food-4498948/Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:52:58 +0200 <p>We all do it; buy too much of things we don't want or really need, and then at the end of the week we throw it all away. But with food prices soaring and the threat of global food shortage looming can we really afford to do this anymore?</p> <p>Here's some tips to help you save money and waste!</p> <p>Make a shopping list, and stick to it!</p> <p>Don't be drawn in by the old 'buy on get one free' ploy. Very often it's things you don't need, won't use and is purely the supermarket's way of getting you to spend more money.</p> <p>Plan your recipes ahead. That way when you shop you know what you need for the week.</p> <p>Look for foods that at coming to their sell by date, especially if they can be frozen. But don't just buy for the sake of it; make sure you will actually use it first.</p> <p>Make the most of what you've got. Don't throw food away if it can be made into another meal. Our problem is that we've all got too lazy. In my family a chicken would have been Sunday lunch for the six of us, sandwiches and even a meal the following day. Old fashioned recipes like bubble and squeak, bread and butter pudding (or bread pudding), stews soups and casseroles are all old favourites for using up leftover food. </p> <p>So next time you have a meal have a think before you bin the rest. Could you make it into a tasty meal? Could you feed it to the birds (such as bread and pastries). You may be pleasantly surprised at how much you can save by making the most of what you have.</p> <p>I've been putting some recipes together on my <a href="http://hubpages.com/profile/tjmum">hub pages </a>that make the most of leftovers. If you've got any more you can think of I'd love to hear them. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2008/07/25/food-glorious-food-4498948/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>lifeeconomyhttp://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2008/07/25/food-glorious-food-4498948/#commentshttp://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2008/05/06/what-is-happening-to-our-bees-4139872/tag:greenliving.blog.co.uk,2008-05-06:/2008/05/06/what-is-happening-to-our-bees-4139872/Tue, 06 May 2008 19:34:36 +0200 <p>Something is happening to our bees. Please visit my <a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/What-is-happening-to-our-bees">hub</a> to find out more on this really quite worrying subject. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2008/05/06/what-is-happening-to-our-bees-4139872/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2008/05/06/what-is-happening-to-our-bees-4139872/#commentshttp://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2008/04/25/a-big-thank-you-4094701/tag:greenliving.blog.co.uk,2008-04-25:/2008/04/25/a-big-thank-you-4094701/Fri, 25 Apr 2008 19:31:25 +0200 <p>I would like to say a big thank you. Firstly for those lovely men at Grangemouth that are going to strike this weekend. If you haven't heard it is a refinery in Scotland and it means that we will have a fuel shortage for possibly the next four weeks.</p> <p>I would like to say thank you too to BP who are going to shut off a main line in that will affect gas and oil coming into the country, which will begin to cause panic down south too.</p> <p>And my final big thank you is to the idiots who have started panic buying fuel (filling up gerry cans, topping up their cars every five minutes) so that now we DO have a fuel shortage in Scotland, even though we were told by just about every expert that if people were sensible there would be adequate fuel for everyone.</p> <p>So why the Thank Yous? Two reasons. Firstly I have a little boy who has a health problem. If he needs hospital treatment there will now be difficulty for us to get to the hospital (it's over 30 miles away) or for the Ambulances to get to us as there is a fuel shortage. And secondly we are moving in three weeks time: for my son's benefit we are relocating back to the South coast, but how are we supposed to do that when there is little enough fuel for us to travel, let alone a funiture lorry.</p> <p>So thank you to all those selfish people who are thinking purely of their own benefit and not of the rest of the country. Thank you for the inconveience, the extra worry and stress that this strike will bring. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2008/04/25/a-big-thank-you-4094701/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>fuestressl-petrol-strikeangercarsgrangemouthvehicleshttp://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2008/04/25/a-big-thank-you-4094701/#commentshttp://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2008/03/25/horrible-horrible-year-3939968/tag:greenliving.blog.co.uk,2008-03-25:/2008/03/25/horrible-horrible-year-3939968/Tue, 25 Mar 2008 21:56:06 +0100 <p>I'm so sorry to have a moan like this but I'm having an awful year. Since my absolutely dreadful Christmas things have gone downhill. Most weeks one of us, if not all of us, have been ill - with colds, coughs, stomach bugs, ear infections and myself having an abscess in my breast, twice! My dad has to go in for a heart bypass and I'm over 600 miles away without a chance of getting to see him. He's 76. And to top it all I've now lost two of my cats; one died during the night. She was in the kitchen when I came in in the morning. My other cat passed away on Sunday. I am absolutely gutted as this has happened within three weeks and they meant the world to me. At the moment we are completely snowed in, my darling little Tim has had to be put in a freezer in the shed as the nearest pet crematorium is over an hour away (and the roads are impassable) and we rent so he can't be buried in the garden, and both my boys and myself are suffering from awful head colds that have lasted for around four weeks now. At least my husband hasn't got man flu yet; I'm just waiting for this to happen!</p> <p>I would say it can't get worse, but know from experience it can!</p> <p>Sorry to moan like this but am really feeling down and fed up at the mo. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2008/03/25/horrible-horrible-year-3939968/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>deathpetsdepressionfed-uphttp://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2008/03/25/horrible-horrible-year-3939968/#commentshttp://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2008/02/05/pancakes~3684486/tag:greenliving.blog.co.uk,2008-02-05:/2008/02/05/pancakes~3684486/Tue, 05 Feb 2008 20:31:35 +0100 <p>So, it's pancake Day today - or to give it it's proper name Shrove Tuesday. Making pancakes actually came about by emptying your cupboard of all 'fancy' items (milk, eggs, flour, butter) so that your meals for the next 40 days (the Lent period) were simple and plain. Nowerdays people 'give up' more extravegant things such as chocolate, alcohol and cigarettes. Some of the top religious figures are asking that instead of giving up these items you give up something that will reduce your carbon emmisions - don't use your dishwasher, your tumble dryer or car. Make sure your chargers are switched off when not in use, that sort of thing.</p> <p>But that isn't all you can do. You can also change something as well: choose fair trade goods such as chocolate, bananas, sugar, jam etc; buy recycled goods; buy something eco-friendly to clean your house with; avoid those 'luxury' goods that do more harm than good (pate fois gras for example).</p> <p>Whether you are Christian, Muslim, Jew, Hindu, athiest, agnostic, Bhuddist, Jain, Sikh or Pagan (I hope I haven't missed anyone out), we can all do our bit, for forty days, forty weeks, forty months. Do one thing and see how good it is for your soul as well as everyone's wellbeing.</p> <p>PS, I'm giving up chocolate which will be a real struggle with the stress of looking after two young children! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2008/02/05/pancakes~3684486/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>lentpancakehealthfamilyenvironmentlifehttp://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2008/02/05/pancakes~3684486/#commentshttp://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/12/21/who_killed_father_christmas~3476058/tag:greenliving.blog.co.uk,2007-12-21:/2007/12/21/who_killed_father_christmas~3476058/Fri, 21 Dec 2007 20:38:34 +0100 <p>Ok, so now I'm a mum I'm taking a bit more notice of children orientated things and to my horror I find we've been 'Americanised'! Father Christmas no longer exsists to kids; now it's Santa on absolutely everything. How I hate that! And then I looked a little closer; when did schools start having proms? Why has halloween been hijacked into a trick or treat fest? Why are our children emulating their cross Atlantic cousins and just shoving our culture under the carpet?</p> <p>Britain is very multicultural and we absorb so much of other peoples ideas, and whilst this isn't a bad thing it is sad that at the same time we seem to lose a little of our background snd heritage. In my household Father Christmas is still quite alive and I am teaching him to the boys - if we can hold off Santa for another couple of years I will be happy!! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/12/21/who_killed_father_christmas~3476058/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>christmasmoanfather-christmashttp://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/12/21/who_killed_father_christmas~3476058/#commentshttp://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/12/13/it_s_electric~3438064/tag:greenliving.blog.co.uk,2007-12-13:/2007/12/13/it_s_electric~3438064/Thu, 13 Dec 2007 15:17:49 +0100 <p>Scottish Hydro switched my electric off yesterday - they had to change part of the line. Not too much bother, you would have thought; they gave me advance warning and yes, the work was completed and the power back on an hour earlier than they stated. But it opened up a whole range of problems for me.</p> <p>Firstly, I had started to fill my freezer with Christmas food before I got the letter. I was worried that the power being off from 9 till 4 would ruin it, but I didn't open the freezer and was told it would be OK. If I get food poisoning from it at Christmas I'll let you know!</p> <p>But where I live, a mile out from a very small village in Aberdeenshire, we do not have gas (very few places here do), nor are we on mains water or sewage. So when the power goes not only do I have no electric but the water can't be pumped from the well so we have no water, I also cannot flush the toilet. I can't cook - the cooker is electric, in the dark winter months it is difficult to see, and I also had no heating as although the boiler is fueled by oil, the ignition for it is electric. I couldn't even make a cup of tea!</p> <p>It really made me think how much we rely on electricity, and how much we waste. Yes, I know I my situation is a lot different from most people, but with most of our labour saving gadgets using electricity it makes a big difference when you no longer have it. There are alternative forms of electricity production; from solar to wind power, even wave power. If everyone was supplied with a small wind turbine and solar panels it would dramatically reduce the drain on the power grid, as well as saving a fortune on electric bills. But I think we would have a hard time convincing the Government of it's worth, as they can't tax you for power that you produce yourself.</p> <p>Oh well, at least I have my PC back now. Hopefully I wont get another power cut the next time the wind blows or we have a big fall of snow! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/12/13/it_s_electric~3438064/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>savingmoneyturbineselectricitypowerhttp://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/12/13/it_s_electric~3438064/#commentshttp://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/12/08/baubles~3413906/tag:greenliving.blog.co.uk,2007-12-08:/2007/12/08/baubles~3413906/Sat, 08 Dec 2007 16:40:58 +0100 <p>As this is a site looking at green issues (and this is something I'm glad to say we are doing at 'messy play' with my son next week), why not try reusing some of those cardboard items and have fun with your kids/grandchildren at the same time.</p> <p>How about taking some old egg boxes, glitter, glue and tinsel to hang and make tree decorations? Or toilet roll tubes and cotton wool to make snowmen? There is no limit to what you can do and not only will you be reusing, you will also have some hand made memories to keep and bring out every Christmas. </p> <p>My mum (God rest) kept all the things we made in play school and faithfully trotted them out each year - much to the embarrassment of my brother. However, when we were all in our twenties) she decided to give them a rest one year, but my big, strapping, police officer brother demanded to know where his snow man and three wise men had gone! Needless to say the next year they came out, tattered and a little worse for wear, but pride of place in the window again.</p> <p>Have some fun, use your imagination and get the kids involved. The weather is ideal for indoor pursuits too!! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/12/08/baubles~3413906/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>environmentcraftchristmasfunecologykidsrecyclingchildrenhttp://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/12/08/baubles~3413906/#commentshttp://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/11/30/christmas_jokes~3375243/tag:greenliving.blog.co.uk,2007-11-30:/2007/11/30/christmas_jokes~3375243/Fri, 30 Nov 2007 16:19:26 +0100 <p>I just had to copy these from theholidayspot.com - it's just like opening Christmas crackers early! Enjoy.</p> <p>What do monkeys sing at Christmas ?<br> Jungle Bells, Jungle bells.. ! </p> <p>Why are Christmas trees like bad knitters ?<br> They both drop their needles ! </p> <p>What's Christmas called in England ?<br> Yule Britannia ! </p> <p>What did the bald man say when he got a comb for Christmas ?<br> Thanks, I'll never part with it ! </p> <p>Why is a burning candle like being thirsty ?<br> Beacause a little water ends both of them ! </p> <p>What do you get if you cross an apple with a Christmas tree ?<br> A pineapple ! </p> <p>What do you give a train driver for Christmas ?<br> Platform shoes ! </p> <p>What did the big candle say to the little candle ?<br> I'm going out tonight ! </p> <p>Whats happens to you at Christmas ?<br> Yule be happy ! </p> <p>How long does it take to burn a candle down ?<br> About a wick ! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/11/30/christmas_jokes~3375243/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>christmashumourfunholidayjokeshttp://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/11/30/christmas_jokes~3375243/#commentshttp://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/11/22/a_bit_on_the_lighter_side~3336200/tag:greenliving.blog.co.uk,2007-11-22:/2007/11/22/a_bit_on_the_lighter_side~3336200/Thu, 22 Nov 2007 16:21:25 +0100 <p>I know you all think I'm very serious but after two days of being stuck inside with my boys (such awful rain) I decided to find something to keep me amused! This comes courtesy of Riddles and Jokes.com so enjoy.</p> <p>Murphy's Laws Of Parenting...</p> <p>A child will not spill on a dirty floor.</p> <p>A lot of time has been wasted arguing over what came first, the chicken or the egg. It was undoubtedly the rooster.</p> <p>A young child is a noise with dirt on it.</p> <p>A youth becomes a man when the marks he wants to leave on the world have nothing to do with tires.</p> <p>An unbreakable toy is useful for breaking other toys.</p> <p>Celibacy is not hereditary.</p> <p>Familiarity breeds children.</p> <p>For adult education, nothing beats children.</p> <p>God invented mothers because he couldn't be everywhere at once and God invented guilt so mothers could be everywhere at once.</p> <p>Having children is like having a bowling alley installed in your brain.</p> <p>Having children will turn you into your parents.</p> <p>If a child looks like his father, that's heredity; if he looks like a neighbor, that's environment.</p> <p>If you have trouble getting your children's attention, just sit down and look comfortable.</p> <p>Ill-bred children always display their pest manners.</p> <p>Insanity is inherited; you get it from your kids.</p> <p>It now costs more to amuse a child than it once did to educate his father.</p> <p>It rarely occurs to teenagers that the day will come when they'll know as little as their parents.</p> <p>Money isn't everything, but it sure keeps the kids in touch.</p> <p>Never lend your car to anyone to whom you have given birth. - actually from Erma Bombeck</p> <p>One child is often not enough, but two children can be far too many.</p> <p>Summer vacation is a time when parents realize that teachers are grossly underpaid.</p> <p>The best thing to spend on your children is time.</p> <p>The first sign of maturity is the discovery that the volume knob also turns to the left.</p> <p>There are three ways to get things done: do it yourself, hire someone to do it, or forbid your kids to do it.</p> <p>You can learn many things from children...like how much patience you have. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/11/22/a_bit_on_the_lighter_side~3336200/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>humour-family-life-fun-parentshttp://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/11/22/a_bit_on_the_lighter_side~3336200/#commentshttp://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/11/15/christmas_is_coming~3301176/tag:greenliving.blog.co.uk,2007-11-15:/2007/11/15/christmas_is_coming~3301176/Thu, 15 Nov 2007 16:33:40 +0100 <p>Sorry this may seem early but as a mum with two young kids I have to think ahead!</p> <p>Love it or hate it, whether it's a religious celebration or an excuse to drink and eat lots you can't get away from it, christmas is on it's way. But this festive time of year is not only a drain on the pocket but also on the environment. Did you know that around 83 square km of wrapping paper will end up in the UK's bins (wasteonline.org.uk). And that up to one billion Christmas cards will be binned, estimating that 200000 trees will be cut down just to make the cards and envelopes in the UK alone (aberdeencity.gov.uk). There is a way you can get a 'greener' Christmas and it wont add extra to your bank balance. Here are a few tips:</p> <p>Buy a plastic tree - most are very realistic now and can be re-used year after year. If you want a real tree why not go for pot grown (make sure they were grown in the pot not just dug up into). After Christmas you can put it out in the garden (keeping it in a pot will keep the tree small). Or you could even plant it.</p> <p>Restrict those lights - we are British after all! Your house doesn't have to be lit up light the Blackpool illuminations and remember to keep them off when they're not needed (during the day). Your electricity bill will be grateful too!!</p> <p>Why not send ecards this year instead of real ones - especially to people you work with that you see every day.</p> <p>Save time and fuel by getting your presents online - thet are just as cheap as in the shops (even with postage) and you wont have to fight through the crowds. </p> <p>Consider buying someone a membership to a group such as the <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/admin/scripts.affiliatefuture.com/AFClick.asp?affiliateID=99805&merchantID=917&programmeID=3146&mediaID=0&tracking=&url=">RSPB</a>. The <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/admin/scripts.affiliatefuture.com/AFClick.asp?affiliateID=99805&merchantID=1571&programmeID=4594&mediaID=0&tracking=&url=">World Land Trust</a> buys land to replant trees - a great way to spend that Christmas money. Alternatively why not find eco-friendly shops and have presents sent to your loved ones direct - I have listed many such companies on my site (<a href="http://www.ecoready.info/">www.ecoready.info</a>) and most will do Christmas hampers.</p> <p>When chosing your Christmas fare buy local - most places now have farmers markets where the produce is fresh, seasonal and local. Support your local organic farmers too as well as trying to buy free range poultry and meat. Christmas isn't a happy time of year for the Turkeys!</p> <p>Very young children don't need expensive electronic toys. You'll find great stocking fillers on the internet and car boot sales - lots of mine have come from ebay.</p> <p>Get rechargeable batteries. They are expensive initially but will save you a lot in the long run. ALWAYS dispose of your batteries through proper facilities - dumped batteries release a lot of toxic products into the air, earth and even the water system.</p> <p>Always recycle what you can't reuse; take unwanted gifts to charity shops or put on ebay.</p> <p>And don't forget the birds as the weather turns colder. Leave a little something for them and make their Christmas too! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/11/15/christmas_is_coming~3301176/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/11/15/christmas_is_coming~3301176/#commentshttp://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/11/06/water~3254723/tag:greenliving.blog.co.uk,2007-11-06:/2007/11/06/water~3254723/Tue, 06 Nov 2007 16:07:21 +0100 <p>Water water everywhere and not a drop to drink. You only need to have seen the flooding earlier this year to see how real this can be. No matter how much rain water falls, fresh water is one of lifes essentials - did you know that a man can survive for a month without food but only seven days without water? If we lose just 1% of our body's water we become thirsty. Here are a few tips to help conserve our precious resource and perhaps save some money (especially if you have a water meter).</p> <p>Take a shower rather than a bath, but try and limit you shower time to three minutes. It can be done and you are just as clean.</p> <p>Avoid power showers - they use up just as much if not more water than a bath.</p> <p>Don't run the shower before you get in - it wastes pecious water and the cold blast is good for you.</p> <p>Try washing your hair, then soaping your body, then rinsing all off at once. It does save time.</p> <p>Use environmentally friendly products. Don't forget everything you use to clean, be it yourself or your house, will end up in the water system. Some ingredients use in cleaning products and cosmetic products are really quite harmful - sodium laueth sulfate (SLS) for example is in most shampoos, body washes, toothpastes etc but is a known carcinogen. It is used because it is cheap and makes the item foam. It also is the ingredient that makes your eyes sore if you get it in them!</p> <p>Grey water (bath water or washing up water) can be used on the garden (check what you have put in it first), to wash your car or even windows. You could even fill up a bucket and use it to flush your loo!</p> <p>It takes between 2 and 7 gallons of water to flush your loo (depending on the size of your cistern). Reduce this amount by putting an inflatable 'brick' in your cistern to stop it overfilling. If you have a dual flush try to use the half flush. It used to be advised to use a half brick in your cistern but it has been reported that over time these crumble and block things up.</p> <p>Turn the tap off when brushing you teeth.</p> <p>Don't rinse your dishes under a running tap.</p> <p>Try to avoid dishwashers - if you do use a dishwasher make sure it is full before operating; the same applies to washing machines.</p> <p>For more great water saving tips check out my site at <a href="http://www.ecoready.info.">www.ecoready.info.</a> I have also sourced some great UK stores that give the best eco-friendly products; please give them a visit. Don't forget that everything you put into the water system will eventually come back to you via your tap. Makes you think doesn't it? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/11/06/water~3254723/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/11/06/water~3254723/#commentshttp://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/11/05/guy_fawkes_night~3249394/tag:greenliving.blog.co.uk,2007-11-05:/2007/11/05/guy_fawkes_night~3249394/Mon, 05 Nov 2007 16:10:03 +0100 <p>Remember, remember the 5th of November, gunpowder, treason and plot!</p> <p>But here are another couple of things to think about before you start your fireworks party:</p> <p>Check your bonfire carefully - a nice pile of wood and leaves is an ideal place for wildlife (especially hedgehogs) to consider as a bed.</p> <p>Secure your pets - they don't like loud bangs.</p> <p>Consider the plant life around, make sure you aren't going to cause any damage to trees and plants with your fire or fireworks.</p> <p>Always keep a bucket of water (or sand) close by, just in case.</p> <p>If the wind is blowing strongly make sure your fire is safely away from everything else.</p> <p>If your firework doesn't light, don't go back to it - you'll be amazed how many accidents have happened through returning to smouldering fireworks.</p> <p>Keep your fireworks safe in a metal tin.</p> <p>Protect your children at all times and keep them away from the fireworks.</p> <p>Please be considerate of others - there are elderly people and familes with very young children who don't want to be disturbed!</p> <p>Have a great Guy Fawkes Night - wish I could join in but a 6 month old doesn't like them! Oh well, there's always next year, or the year after, or the one after that.....! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/11/05/guy_fawkes_night~3249394/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/11/05/guy_fawkes_night~3249394/#commentshttp://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/10/30/happy_halloween~3221073/tag:greenliving.blog.co.uk,2007-10-30:/2007/10/30/happy_halloween~3221073/Tue, 30 Oct 2007 21:52:36 +0100 <p>Oh no. It's the time of year for ghosties and goulies and long legged beasties and things that go bump in the night!! If you're making a pumpkin lantern why not try making spicy pumpkin soup?</p> <p>Simply put the pumpkin, a small peeled and chopped potato, about a pint of vegetable stock and some chilli powder and pepper (to taste) into a saucepan and simmer for about half an hour or until the veg are soft. Then blend and voila, a delicious and warming soup, ideal if you're going out trick or treating. Just don't forget to put your pumpkin into the composter on 1st November!</p> <p>Have a good one! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/10/30/happy_halloween~3221073/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/10/30/happy_halloween~3221073/#commentshttp://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/10/22/feed_the_birds_day~3178685/tag:greenliving.blog.co.uk,2007-10-22:/2007/10/22/feed_the_birds_day~3178685/Mon, 22 Oct 2007 19:34:53 +0200 <p>On Saturday 27th October the RSPB are asking everyone across the country to feed the birds. If you don't already help out our feathered friends why not get a bird feeder and give them a head start in the oncoming winter. If you already help why not put up another one. Even if you live in a place without a garden you can get window feeders which stick directly to your window offering you a great view of the birds feeding.</p> <p>For more information and great tips on what and how to feed the birds in your area visit <a href="http://www.rspb.co.uk">www.rspb.co.uk</a> and do your bit to help save our threatened garden birds. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/10/22/feed_the_birds_day~3178685/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/10/22/feed_the_birds_day~3178685/#commentshttp://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/10/16/can_you_build_a_forest~3147109/tag:greenliving.blog.co.uk,2007-10-16:/2007/10/16/can_you_build_a_forest~3147109/Tue, 16 Oct 2007 20:50:46 +0200 <p>can you help me build a forest and raise money to plant trees? By clicking my link below you will add a leaf to me forest. When 100 million leaves have been 'grown' over all the forests the company will give back 10,00 euros to re-plant trees. You can click every day and watch the forest grow. You can even start your own forest - let me know your link and I will reciprocate. Please click <a href="http://jackswoods.un-clic-pour-la-foret.com">http://jackswoods.un-clic-pour-la-foret.com</a> </p> <p>Lets grow some trees for such little time. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/10/16/can_you_build_a_forest~3147109/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/10/16/can_you_build_a_forest~3147109/#commentshttp://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/10/14/winter_warmers~3136056/tag:greenliving.blog.co.uk,2007-10-14:/2007/10/14/winter_warmers~3136056/Sun, 14 Oct 2007 20:31:34 +0200 <p>It is that time of year when the trees bring out their autumn colours, the nights draw in and our thoughts turn to the central heating. STOP! Before you touch that thermostat have a look at these green tips to help you keep warm in winter as well as being eco-friendly and saving cash in the process.</p> <p>This October is forecast to be bright and warm, so make the most of our most natural heater by opening your curtains and letting the sun stream in through clean windows (vinegar and newspaper are great for keeping windows sparkling). If you can take down those net curtains; you'll be amazed at how warm even the weak winter sun can make your rooms feel.</p> <p>Check your pipes are lagged properly. Inadequate lagging and insulation contribute greatly to heat loss in your house. These days there are numerous green alternatives you can choose, such as wool, as although the cost is initially high you will notice the difference when your fuel bills start dropping!</p> <p>If you have unused rooms in your house turn off the heating and close the door.</p> <p>Block up drafts around windows and doors; simply changing to heavy curtains can make all the difference at night. Ensure that you draw them as soon as it gets dusk so that heat isn't lost. </p> <p>If you can't afford double glazing you can obtain cheap, secondary glazing that will help reduce heat loss. For a real, cheap alternative why not try cling film. Sounds mad but it does the job.</p> <p>Before you touch the heating look at yourself. Could you just put on a jumper instead?</p> <p>Please visit my site at <a href="http://www.ecoready.info">www.ecoready.info</a> for more tips and advice on getting a greener lifestyle. It isn't as hard as you might think. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/10/14/winter_warmers~3136056/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/10/14/winter_warmers~3136056/#commentshttp://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/09/24/cars_aamp_carbon~3033966/tag:greenliving.blog.co.uk,2007-09-24:/2007/09/24/cars_aamp_carbon~3033966/Mon, 24 Sep 2007 20:47:19 +0200 <p>There is a lot of news and talk about carbon emissions from cars and ways to save the planet. If you want to help reduce your carbon footprint without swapping your car for a bike why not try these few simple tips:</p> <p>Drive smoothly - charging around like a boy racer and breaking excessively can use up to 60% more fuel, and you look like an idiot too!</p> <p>Don't rev the engine - you don't need to and you waste fuel too.</p> <p>Keep to the speed limit - doing 80mph on the motorway will use between 10 and 15 percent more fuel than keeping to the speed limit (and it is illeagal!). Even driving at 70 mph uses 20-30% more fuel than at 50mph.</p> <p>Check your tires - not only will this save your life and that of others but it will help reduce your fuel consumption.</p> <p>Don't use the air conditioning, especially when you don't need to. If you drive at speed with your windows open this also increases drag and fuel consumption.</p> <p>Take off that top box when it's not needed - the extra drag just uses more fuel.</p> <p>Ditch the car for that short trip to the shop - you'll feel healthier if you walk, jog or cycle and it help the environment too.</p> <p>If you're buying a new car why not consider a hybrid or one that will take either biofuel or LPG.</p> <p>Keep your car in good order and get it serviced regularly. A well tuned engine will be more efficient and save you money too.</p> <p>For more tips on saving pounds as well as the planet why not check out my site at <a href="http://www.ecoready.info.">www.ecoready.info.</a> It really doesn't cost much to save the world. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/09/24/cars_aamp_carbon~3033966/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/09/24/cars_aamp_carbon~3033966/#commentshttp://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/09/13/food_and_waste~2975439/tag:greenliving.blog.co.uk,2007-09-13:/2007/09/13/food_and_waste~2975439/Thu, 13 Sep 2007 20:20:20 +0200 <p>Waste is a hot subject these days with landfill becoming scarce and most councils opting for fortnightly rubbish collections to try and combat the problem. According to the Department of Environment, Food and Rural affairs the UK produced 335 million tonnes of waste in 2004. Much of the waste we produce could be re-used or recycled, it is simply a case of watching what you put in your bin. Reducing the amount of rubbish we produce also helps the amount of CO2 produced, thereby cutting our carbon footprint dramatically. Here are a few choice tips to help combat our growing waste problem:</p> <p>Don't use plastic carrier bags; invest in some reusable fabric or hessian ones, or even an old fashioned shopping trolley.</p> <p>When selecting fruit and veg try to avoid putting things into plastic bags; bananas come in their own packaging after all. If you do need to put your groceries into bags try and use the paper ones that are there for the mushrooms - these can then be recycled.</p> <p>Don't throw out your old clothes, give them to your local charity shop or jumble sale. If they are beyond wearing why not tear them up and use them as cleaning rags.</p> <p>Old margarine tubs, yogurt pots and egg boxes are excellent for rainy day craft toys for your kids.</p> <p>Do a car boot sale or put your old items in the local paper or online. Not only will it go to someone who needs it but you'll make yourself a nice little sum from it too.</p> <p>You can also use <a href="http://www.freecycle.co.uk/">www.freecycle.co.uk</a> to get rid of your unwanted items.</p> <p>For more great tips and advice on becoming eco-friendly why not check out my site at <a href="http://www.ecoready.info/">www.ecoready.info</a>. It lists up to date info on going green as well as some choice 'green' shops to help you in you quest to fight climate change.</p> <p>Get yourself a composter or wormery; if green matter is simply dumped it is put into landfill where, without adequate sunlight to help it decompose, it turns into methane which is 23 times more powerful a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. If used correctly they do not encourage rats or pests and you will have lots of fresh compost for your garden. If you live in a flat see if your local council or even allotment offers composting facilities.</p> <p>Avoid using kitchen towel and go for cloths which can be washed instead.</p> <p>If you eat your lunch in the office why not make your own sandwiches and put them in a sandwich box rather than buying ready made ones in packets. Invest in a mug at work too rather than using plastic cups, especially from water fountains. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/09/13/food_and_waste~2975439/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/09/13/food_and_waste~2975439/#commentshttp://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/09/12/lavender~2970017/tag:greenliving.blog.co.uk,2007-09-12:/2007/09/12/lavender~2970017/Wed, 12 Sep 2007 20:52:10 +0200 <p>This well know herb has a whole range of uses and will dramatically reduce the need for chemicals in your house. Here are just a few things you can do with it:</p> <p>Make your own anti-bac spray. Use 20 drops of essential oil of lavender to one cup of water and put in a spray bottle. Use as required. Lavender has great antisceptic properties and has greater anti-bacterial properties than the main chemical found in most sprays.</p> <p>A few drops on cotton wool placed in your wardrobe will help prevent moth damage as well as making your clothes smell gorgeous.</p> <p>Put a couple of drops into a full bath for a relaxing nights sleep.</p> <p>Make your own baby oil by adding one drop of lavender oil to 10ml base oil (sweet almond, grapeseed or vitamin E are best). Most baby products contain parfum which is a synthetic fragrance as well as using liquid parafin. For the sake of your little ones skin try to keep things as natural as possible.</p> <p>A couple of drops of lavender oil on a sugar cube can help reduce a headache.</p> <p>If you're feeling a little blue put lavender onto a hanky and keep it near. It really will lift your spirits.</p> <p>A few drops of lavender oil (or lemon balm) on your windows will help stop flies and mosquitoes from entering.</p> <p>There are so many things you can do with lavender. It doesn't cost the earth and even this little bit can help reduce climate change.</p> <p>Let me know if you have any lavender tips and call back for some more great eco-friendly tips soon. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/09/12/lavender~2970017/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/09/12/lavender~2970017/#commentshttp://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/09/07/easy_green_tips~2942637/tag:greenliving.blog.co.uk,2007-09-07:/2007/09/07/easy_green_tips~2942637/Fri, 07 Sep 2007 20:42:34 +0200 <p>Climate change and the environment are hot topics at the moment; are we doing enough to help, how can we help or are all the changes to our ecology nothing more than natural eco-shifts? Well, I say if we do nothing we can only blame ourselves. But if each and everyone of us can make an effort to live a little greener, a little cleaner than it can only help, if only to make our beautiful planet a better place to live in.</p> <p>Here's a few hot (and easy) tips for today. </p> <p>Change to energy saving lightbulbs; they're just as cheap as ordinary ones, they'll save you money and they last for ages so once they're in you can forget about them!</p> <p>Cover your saucepans when boiling water; it'll come to the boil quicker and save energy too.</p> <p>Don't leave things on standby or mobile phone or MP3 chargers plugged in. It's a simple thing to switch them off and it saves so much energy.</p> <p>Why not walk to the shop today instead of taking the car? You'll feel better for it as well as helping reduce your carbon footprint.</p> <p>Have a meat free day; more forests are being cut down for meat production than for anything else.</p> <p>Re-use your carrier bags or invest in some shopping bags - in the UK we get through between ten and fifteen thousand carrier bags a year, each!</p> <p>Try to buy eco-friendly cleaning products and organic goods.</p> <p>Visit my site at <a href="http://www.ecoready.info">www.ecoready.info</a> for more top tips to help in the fight against global warming and great advice on how to go green. It doesn't cost a lot and just imagine what you can save! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/09/07/easy_green_tips~2942637/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>green-livingecologyenvironmenthttp://greenliving.blog.co.uk/2007/09/07/easy_green_tips~2942637/#comments