A well designed garden or farm does not require external inputs once established. Many growers have become reliant on fertilisers (synthetic or bought organic options) and external materials such as composts, mulches. Most buy new plants, seeds etc. over time. But once a truly sustainable system has been established, the garden should be a closedContinue reading “Breaking Reliance on External Inputs”
Tag Archives: sustainability
How to Build Resilience: The Key Challenge for Farmers and Growers
Today we are experiencing a deluge, and some areas fairly close to us have experienced some flooding. And this comes after a spring that was very difficult for farmers in our area, with a late, cold start to spring, followed by a near drought. While dry weather in spring is quite common here, this yearContinue reading “How to Build Resilience: The Key Challenge for Farmers and Growers”
Sustainable Hair Rinses From the Garden
I have very long hair, and I have not bought shampoo or conditioner in years. Many people are now realising, like me, that they do not need to buy lots of bathroom products in plastic bottles. You can take a ‘no poo’ approach. People get used to using commercial products in their hair. But likeContinue reading “Sustainable Hair Rinses From the Garden”
How I Spend My Summer
I know that many people are keen to get away, yet many will not be enjoying their usual summer holidays away this year. So I thought that some people might appreciate learning a little more about how I typically spend my summer, for some inspiration about how to enjoy summer breaks in a more sustainableContinue reading “How I Spend My Summer”
Sustainable Picnic Ideas
Picnics are a wonderful way to enjoy time outdoors during the summer months. So whether you are planning a picnic in your own garden, or will be taking a picnic to a natural beauty spot in your area, here are some sustainable picnic ideas to consider: First of all, take a look at the foodContinue reading “Sustainable Picnic Ideas”
Sustainable Coffee?
Fairtrade? Rainforest alliance?… where should you turn when looking for a sustainable coffee for your morning cup? It can be challenging trying to navigate the minefield and find the most sustainable options for all the foods and drinks you enjoy. And when you do not live in a coffee producing area, it is worthwhile alsoContinue reading “Sustainable Coffee?”
Sustainable Ideas for Summer Days Out
Cautious optimism for many as the vaccine rollout proceeds means that many people’s minds are turning to summer days out. Whether or not your world is opening up again now, you might be looking forward to getting out a little more as summer progresses. But it is important to think about where you go andContinue reading “Sustainable Ideas for Summer Days Out”
Sustainable Pest Control in an Organic Garden
One of the biggest mistakes which people make when making the switch to organic gardening is thinking about pests as a problem which can be solved with a topical application. As a consultant, I fairly regularly receive questions about pests. And people often expect an answer which involves a specific formulation for plants infested withContinue reading “Sustainable Pest Control in an Organic Garden”
A Climatarian Diet is Not Just About Eating Less (Or No) Meat
Of course a big part of living more sustainably is thinking very carefully about what you eat. What ends up on your plate contributes a great deal to your carbon footprint – and changing your food habits is one of the best ways to live in a more sustainable and eco-friendly way. If you areContinue reading “A Climatarian Diet is Not Just About Eating Less (Or No) Meat”
There Is More to Productive Gardening than Just Food
As I have mentioned before on this site, a garden can be far richer in resources than many people imagine. And even if you do not have a garden, nature in your surroundings may afford more opportunities for foraging than you might think. When we look around us, we find that the plant life aroundContinue reading “There Is More to Productive Gardening than Just Food”