Please excuse the hiatus over the last couple of days. I do try to post here most days but did not manage to do so over the weekend. As COP26 starts, and the world’s attention turns to these pivotal talks, those of us involved in sustainability and permaculture are busier than ever. Do check outContinue reading “Sustainable Halloween & Very Busy as COP 26 Starts”
Author Archives: Elizabeth Waddington
The Importance of Art and Music
I am posting rather late tonight because we have had a lovely evening of guitar and singing with friends and some family. Art and music are important in our lives. They can help us to give expression to our feelings and our thoughts. For me, that is never more important than when we are facingContinue reading “The Importance of Art and Music”
Pre-COP 26, NDCs Are Not Enough
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) pre-COP 26 have been updated and, as UNEP’s The Emissions Gap Report 2021: The Heat Is On reveals, these are not enough to meet the targets of the Paris Agreement and keep anthropocentric global warming below 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels. With COP 26 just a couple of days away, evenContinue reading “Pre-COP 26, NDCs Are Not Enough”
Prepare Now to Protect Plants From Winter Frost
I would not be without my polytunnel for winter growing. Now is a time when I check this structure over, and make sure everything is ready and secure to see my winter crops and overwintering crops through the colder months to come. Winter is not here yet, but it really is just around the corner.Continue reading “Prepare Now to Protect Plants From Winter Frost”
Are Your Financial Dealings Helping or Hindering Climate Efforts?
When you think about living in a more sustainable way, you are likely to begin by looking at those things that are closest to home – food production, energy, recycling. You’ll likely look at how you get around, and, of course, at what you choose to buy (or to avoid buying). Often, however, people tryingContinue reading “Are Your Financial Dealings Helping or Hindering Climate Efforts?”
Why a Slow Cooker is Great for Sustainable Living
I’m just finishing up work after a busy day and I am reminded once more just how useful my slow cooker is for sustainable living. Some days, when I have been flat out at work (like today) I really don’t feel like cooking an elaborate meal. But as we all know, cooking fresh, local orContinue reading “Why a Slow Cooker is Great for Sustainable Living”
Sustainable Halloween: Prepare to Prevent Pumpkin Waste
Many love to carve pumpkins and squash for Halloween, and we are no exception. But in trying to live a sustainable life, it is important to avoid food waste whenever we can. We should make sure we use as much of the pumpkins and squash for food as we can before we carve them. AndContinue reading “Sustainable Halloween: Prepare to Prevent Pumpkin Waste”
Case Study: South Carolina Permaculture Plan
This is a recent concept design for a property in South Carolina, where the needs of a family of three and their dogs must be met. This garden in USDA hardiness zone 7b slopes down very slightly from the south west to north east, with a slightly more pronounced slope down from the front ofContinue reading “Case Study: South Carolina Permaculture Plan”
We Must Lobby As Hard For Climate Action as Some Do Against It
If you have not yet seen this story, then I urge you to read it. As politicians gear up for COP26, an expose of leaked documents reveals just how hard it will be to change the status quo. Brazil, Argentina, Australia, Japan, Saudi Arabia and OPEC have pressed to water down a key UN scientificContinue reading “We Must Lobby As Hard For Climate Action as Some Do Against It”
Plant Spring Bulbs Around Fruit Trees
Spring bulbs are a wonderful option for fruit tree guilds in many temperate zones. Today, I thought I would share with you some of the reasons why you should consider planting spring bulbs around fruit trees in your garden: Spring Bulbs Help Suppress Grass Growth Grass can be overly competitive with shallow tree roots, andContinue reading “Plant Spring Bulbs Around Fruit Trees”