Apparently we spend a third of our lives in bed. When you’ve got a young child it doesn’t always feel like it, but hopefully I will get to catch up on lost lie-ins later on! With so much time spent in bed, it’s important to value the quality of the materials that surround us when we are asleep. ***Affiliate links are marked with an asterisk. If you buy anything after clicking on one of these, … Read more
Natural spring water is a luxury that few can afford, but I used to use five litres a day. I’d even hand wash my knickers in it. Before you jump to conclusions, I’d like to say that I’m not a diva. For the seven years I lived off-grid on a narrowboat, my drinking water mostly came from a spring that flowed from the hillside into the canal, and I collected it by bicycle every few … Read more
Today marks the end of the new Lent: well done to anyone who managed to achieve Dry January and Veganuary during lockdown this year. I have not managed either, although as usual I have eaten a vast amount of tofu, and had very little to drink. Today also marks the start of Waste Free February – a brilliant campaign organised by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. I took part in 2019 and it really has had … Read more
It seems like forever since we were in a school routine, and it’s hard to believe that we’re going back in a week! Here are a few links to some places where you can find ethical and sustainable school kit. As always, affiliate links are marked with an asterisk. I earn a tiny commission if you click through and buy something. Frugi* have a great selection of colourful water bottles, backpacks, pencilcases and more Chalk … Read more
When you’re dealing with grief and loss, it’s hard to make decisions. Anyone who has undertaken the difficult task of trying to organise a funeral sustainably will know how stressful it is. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by catalogues of MDF coffins with plastic ‘brass-effect’ handles, imported flowers, catering choices, and more. Thankfully, sustainable funeral choices are becoming more common. Fellow blogger and Ethical Hour buddy Claire Lyons (from The Frugal Family) has written The … Read more
The summer holidays are over! I’m welcoming September and the changes it brings. Time to reflect on the year so far, and time to get on with some more work, as my five year old started Year One earlier this week. September is the start of a new school year, and a great time to make some positive lifestyle changes. Perhaps you are trying #ZeroWasteWeek or joining #OrganicSeptember or #SecondHandSeptember? If you haven’t heard of … Read more
Twenty years ago I travelled to London for the Carnival Against Capital. I was a graphic design student trying to reject advertising. A young idealist who took inspiration from Adbusters magazine. I was too stoned to have any proper answers, but I knew that I didn’t want a career as a ‘creative’ trying to sell unnecessary ‘stuff’ to hungry consumers. Capitalism was the enemy. The sun shone. We marched. We danced. It was a riot. … Read more
Everyone told me that it would be stressful. I was hoping they would be wrong. But they weren’t. Having a loft conversion is a gigantic pain. But it was definitely worth it! I’ve decided to share some of the choices we made, to help to others who want to expand upwards and keep the process as green as possible. Bathroom Our loft room has an en-suite toilet and shower room. I probably looked at a … Read more
Do you know where things actually go when you throw them away? Until last year I didn’t have a clue what happened to my rubbish after it had left the wheelie bin. I assumed that everything that went into my bin was buried somewhere in a landfill site, so was surprised to find out that some waste from the UK (including mine) is incinerated abroad. In West Wiltshire, the contents of our black wheelie bins … Read more
It can feel like a struggle to celebrate your child’s birthday without damaging the environment. These tips will help you to host a guilt-free, low plastic birthday party! *Affiliate links are marked with an asterisk. If you buy anything after clicking on one of these, a teeny-tiny percentage goes to support the running costs of my website at no extra cost to your lovely selves.* Food & Drink: It amazes me how much sweet food … Read more
