The History and Evolution of Sustainability

Though the word sustainability has come to prominence in recent years, the concept is nothing new. The concept has been around as long as people have been concerned about the future of resources. The idea that we must take care over the basic resources – food, water, energy – that provide our most basic needsContinue reading “The History and Evolution of Sustainability”

Giving – Charity for Sustainability

One of the theories for the origins of the term Boxing Day is that this was the day when alms or charitable boxes were traditionally distributed. I thought this might be a good time to talk about the role that charity or giving can play in furthering sustainability. Today is that day that I likeContinue reading “Giving – Charity for Sustainability”

Zero Waste Christmas Dinner

You may well have already bought in the food you need for your Christmas dinner and other meals over the festive period. Zero waste begins with what you choose to buy in the first place. But it does not end there. As you enjoy the holiday period with your family, I hope that everyone willContinue reading “Zero Waste Christmas Dinner”

Reassess Work/Life Balance for 2021

As many of us will shortly be taking a break over the festive season, I thought this would be a good time to talk briefly about work/life balance. Many people share the sense that work, worry about work, or pondering the future when it comes to our careers can be rather too consuming. It isContinue reading “Reassess Work/Life Balance for 2021”

Choose the Right Candles This Christmas

Many of us like to bring a festive spirit to our homes over the festive period. Candles are an age-old way to bright light to the dark evenings. They are great to create a cosy ambiance inside, especially, I feel, at this time of year. But whether you are lighting candles in your own home,Continue reading “Choose the Right Candles This Christmas”

How Do We Fix Fragile Systems?

A fragile system is one which will break rather than bending. One which will fail to thrive when conditions get tough. One which cannot change and adapt to changing needs, but which is brittle and will not survive whatever the future brings. Fragile systems, both in the garden and in society, can be identified andContinue reading “How Do We Fix Fragile Systems?”

Simple Lavender Beeswax Balm

One way to live more sustainably is to make your own balms, soaps and other cleaning and beauty products. Making your own and taking a DIY approach obviously means that you will buy less (and won’t bring more packaging into your home. It also means that you will be able to avoid harmful or pollutingContinue reading “Simple Lavender Beeswax Balm”

The Green School Movement

Following on from yesterday’s case study, I thought I would talk a little more about why it is so important consider education, and examine the green school or nature school as an alternative to the box ticking education so many children today are offered. The green school movement is all about making sure that childrenContinue reading “The Green School Movement”

How a Garden Building Can Help You Live More Sustainably

In thinking about garden design, it is not always all about the plants. There are times when we may wish to add some kind of garden building to help us to live in a more sustainable way. A garden building constructed from reclaimed or sustainable materials can be a great choice in many gardens. HereContinue reading “How a Garden Building Can Help You Live More Sustainably”

Power Cut and Snow – Building Resilience

Today we awoke a little late because the alarm clock did not go off. Looking out the window, we saw that it had snowed overnight – just a thin covering but enough to cause a few problems. We and lots of other households in our area are without power, and it will take them aContinue reading “Power Cut and Snow – Building Resilience”