Be The Change. Every Drop Counts

Today is World Water Day and marks the start of the UN 2023 Water Conference, which aims to unite the world around solving the water and sanitation crisis. Living in the rainy West Country, I never really understood why saving water was an issue. If you live somewhere wet, I imagine you probably feel the same. So, it’s time to get educated… “The world is facing an imminent water crisis, with demand expected to outstrip … Read more

15 Amazing Uses for Inedible Food Waste

When you’re cleaning your kitchen cupboards or fridge, the chances are you will find a few items that are past their ‘use-by’ or ‘best before’ date. Use-by dates are important to acknowledge as foods may make you ill if you ignore them. For anything marked ‘best before’ it’s fine to use your common sense to see whether it’s still edible*. However, some things that are past their best for eating can still be useful in … Read more

Help Ukraine – using social media for good

If you are struggling and feeling powerless viewing the horrific images and reports from the war in Ukraine, I’ve got a few ideas for small positive actions that will help people affected by the war. And the weird thing is, that it’s all come about through Instagram… Last year, through following the hashtag #plasticfree I saw some footage of an incredible river clean up and rubbish catching operation called Trash Killer. I started following Artyom Prihodko … Read more

Is zero-waste actually possible?

Today marks the beginning of another Waste Free February, a great campaign by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.  I first took part in 2019 – you can read my blog post about it here. I find it very helpful to remember that zero-waste is a goal rather than a restrictive rule. The current food system makes it hard to achieve, and every tiny step that you take is better than doing nothing. Don’t get hung up on … Read more

Spring, Tap, Filter?

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

Extremely Excellent Ethical Easter

Spring is here! Tiny lambs are leaping, birds are building nests, the blackthorn is in blossom and the wild garlic is ready to pick. It’s still pretty flippin’ cold. But that’s OK. From here until the autumn equinox, days are longer than nights – wooohooo! In a couple of weeks it’s gonna be Easter, and it’s time to get prepared! Here are a few ideas about how to have an eco-friendly Easter. *As usual, any … Read more

5 Eco Back-To-School Tips

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

Ethical Gift Guide: Supporting Artists & Makers

9 pictures of handmade gift ideas

Do you always seem to kid yourself that you don’t need to do any Christmas shopping until it’s nearly too late? It’s great to avoid the shopping frenzy and make homemade gifts instead. If you haven’t got time to make your own this year, why not support your friends with small businesses, or other local artists and makers? Just in case you are stuck for ideas, here are a few people who I know that … Read more

Stocking Fillers Without The Plastic

The first thing that you need for a plastic-free christmas stocking is an extra large 100% wool sock. As a child, me and my brother would raid our dad’s sock drawer and pick out the biggest, longest sock we could find to hang at the bottom of our beds. These knee-high organic wool Fair-Isle socks from Cambridge Baby would work a treat! Buying locally from actual shops is always a preference for me, and I’m … Read more

Winning and Losing at Organic & Second Hand September

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