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”
Author Archives: Elizabeth Waddington
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”
Case Study: Malaysia Permaculture Concept Plan
This is a concept plan that I have just created for a family in Malaysia. I am still working on some of the details with the client, and have yet to complete the full planting plans, but this concept design gives an overview of the diverse uses to which the area will be put. TheContinue reading “Case Study: Malaysia Permaculture Concept Plan”
Sustainable Houseplants?
Houseplants can be beneficial in a range of ways – improving the air quality in your home, and helping you feel calmer. But they might not always be quite as sustainable or eco-friendly as you might think. Those who are interested in living in a more sustainable way often begin by thinking about re-greening theirContinue reading “Sustainable Houseplants?”
Competition’s Role in Garden Design
Competition is something that we tend to think about in different contexts. But in garden design, it can be useful to think about competition too. Competition is a normal part of nature – and just like in a social context, it is something that can be beneficial or something which can hinder progress. One ofContinue reading “Competition’s Role in Garden Design”
Projects to Aid Winter Growing
While winter can still seem quite far off some days, we are nearly in October, and for us where we live, that means that we are likely to experience the first frosts in around a month to two months time. It can vary quite a lot. Sometimes our first frosts are in late October, sometimesContinue reading “Projects to Aid Winter Growing”
Sustainable Autumn Activities
Autumn is, in many ways, my favourite season. Even though the weather is turning and the nights are drawing in, I find this one of the most beautiful seasons. I love the changing foliage, the soft, golden light, and the warm tones of late season flowers. Of course, I also love the fruit-filled abundance ofContinue reading “Sustainable Autumn Activities”
Practicing What We Preach
In the run up to COP26, the UN Climate Change Conference of Parties, it is more important than ever that we move from paying lip service to sustainability and tackling our climate crisis to real and lasting action. It is very easy for politicians and those in the public eye to say the ‘right things’.Continue reading “Practicing What We Preach”
Sustainability – From Scratch
I am always trying to persuade people how rewarding it can be to make things for yourself and do things for yourself from scratch. Often, taking a DIY approach and taking that little extra time to work from scratch rather than buying things in can be the best way to start to live more sustainably.Continue reading “Sustainability – From Scratch”