Avoiding Extractive Industry as a Gardener

One key thing for those who want to live a more sustainable way of life is moving from an extractive to a regenerative mindset. We need to think about using and valuing renewable resources rather than continuing to take and take finite resources. Even gardeners who try to avoid an extractive mindset in their gardensContinue reading “Avoiding Extractive Industry as a Gardener”

Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a day celebrating the native peoples of America, has been recognised by the federal government in the US, and this is a day to recognise their contribution and, crucially, to listen to what they have to say as we transition to a more sustainable future. But as well as celebrating, we shouldContinue reading “Indigenous Peoples’ Day”

Our Dumfries and Galloway Trip

We’ve just got back from our wonderful few days away in south western Scotland, in Galloway Forest Park and the surrounding area. We were staying here: And here are a few pictures of highlights of the trip, as we walked, relaxed and, on the last night, enjoyed a campfire under the stars.

Clay Paints in Our Barn Conversion

No progress has been made this week on our barn conversion since, as I mentioned before, I am away for a few days. But we are almost finished with the clay plastering upstairs now and will soon be ordering the paint. We are using clay paints for this. The clay paints will create a mattContinue reading “Clay Paints in Our Barn Conversion”

Walking Dogs Responsibly

While I am away on a trip with my husband and my dog, we will of course be taking steps to make sure that we walk our dog responsibly. So I thought I would share some sustainable tips today for those who also have dogs, to help them make sure they are not causing anyContinue reading “Walking Dogs Responsibly”

The Importance of Seasonal Connection

In the modern world, it is all too easy for us to lose our connection to the natural world and to feel adrift from the natural shifts in the seasons. One of the most important things in living in a healthier and more sustainable way is rediscovering that sense of connection. We all need toContinue reading “The Importance of Seasonal Connection”

Taking a Sustainable Trip

Today, my husband and I are heading off for a trip from our home here in Fife, Scotland to a different part of Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway (where my family come from on my Dad’s side). We will be staying in a Shepherd’s Hut in a tranquil location close to the dark skies area ofContinue reading “Taking a Sustainable Trip”

Farming Subsidies

A recent UN report, which I wrote about recently in Treehugger has found that almost 90% of the subsidies given to farmers around the globe each year are harmful to people and the planet. Thinking about how we can overhaul current farming subsidies around the world is crucial to creating the future we all wishContinue reading “Farming Subsidies”

Sustainable Gift Ideas

I had my birthday recently, and my husband’s birthday is coming up soon. Today, I’ve been thinking about gifts and thought I would take a moment to explain the types of sustainable gift ideas we choose. First of all, on our household, we won’t usually rush out to the shops. But we do, of course,Continue reading “Sustainable Gift Ideas”

Fragile Systems Hamper Sustainability

One need only look at the issues relating to the energy supply, and fuel supplies here in the UK at the moment to recognise that fragile systems are an issue for any society which aims for true sustainability. I have spoken quite a lot about the importance of building resilience and reducing fragility at allContinue reading “Fragile Systems Hamper Sustainability”