Yesterday I spoke about drying clothes – but what about washing them? Do we really need to use harmful chemicals to get our clothes clean? The answer is an emphatic no! We can adopt a natural and sustainable laundry routine. One of the ways that you can be more sustainable in your home is toContinue reading “Washing Clothes Sustainably”
Author Archives: Elizabeth Waddington
How Do You Dry Your Clothes?
I do actually have a washing machine that is also a dryer, but I very rarely use it to dry my clothes. We have 100% renewable energy here, so the occasional emergency load is not too much of an issue. But if you are still reliant on fossil fuels for energy needs, drying clothes canContinue reading “How Do You Dry Your Clothes?”
Preparing For Winter Growing
We’ve already previously discussed the idea that growing your own is something you can do year-round. No matter where you live, with the right strategies, you can grow at least a little food all year round. So to help you prepare for winter growing, here are a few tips: Keep Sowing It is not tooContinue reading “Preparing For Winter Growing”
Utility and Beauty in a Permaculture Home
“If you want a golden rule that will fit everything, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” William Morris. In my mind, everything in your home should be useful or beautiful – ideally both. In permaculture, we think carefully about every elementContinue reading “Utility and Beauty in a Permaculture Home”
Case Study: Fruit Tree Circles For Small Space Temperate Gardens
The image above was a simple illustration that I drew to explain the concept to a client. This fruit tree ring is a variation on the idea of a banana circle, and is a concept used most frequently to incorporate fruit trees in areas with an arid climate. It is an idea, however, that isContinue reading “Case Study: Fruit Tree Circles For Small Space Temperate Gardens”
Where the Wildwood Went
The wildwood is a term used by historical geographers to describe Britain’s dominant landscape type when there were not yet managed, distinct areas of ‘greenwood’ but just one massive, uncultivated, untamed woodland/ forest ecosystem. We began to see the destruction of the British wildwood far earlier than many people imagine – from the very earliestContinue reading “Where the Wildwood Went”
Trees – Worth More in Growth Than When Felled
Those making money from growing trees often tend to view their stands in financial terms. They often define value based on the financial profits that can be gained by felling those trees for, for example, timber, pulp or fuel. But to transition to a more sustainable future, we need to begin seeing that trees areContinue reading “Trees – Worth More in Growth Than When Felled”
Fruit Trees For a Temperate Climate
As I watch the fruits ripen on the trees in our own forest garden, I thought this would be a good time to explore the various fruit tree options for a temperate climate garden. Of course, the best trees for your own specific garden will depend on: Your climate zone and the micro-climate in yourContinue reading “Fruit Trees For a Temperate Climate”
Growing Nuts in Your Garden
Nuts can be an excellent source of plant-based nutrition, of course. When choosing trees or shrubs for your garden, it is worthwhile thinking about nuts as well as about fruits. The options available to you will of course depend on where you live. In my climate zone and on my property , there is aContinue reading “Growing Nuts in Your Garden”
Planning a Protein-Providing Garden
One of the key things to think about when trying to live a more sustainable life is where the protein in your diet comes from. One key strategy for reducing your carbon footprint is to eat less meat. Whether you give up animal-derived altogether or source only local, sustainable meat and dairy, plant-based protein sourcesContinue reading “Planning a Protein-Providing Garden”