Following on from my previous article, it’s time to take a look at Christmas trees from a sustainability perspective. Should you get a Christmas tree and, if so, which is the most sustainable type? Should you get a real tree or an artificial one? The truth is, unfortunately, that both artificial and cut Christmas treesContinue reading “Sustainable Christmas Trees?”
Tag Archives: sustainability
Natural Christmas Decorations For a Zero Waste Home
It may still feel too early to be talking about this. But this year, many people are choosing to begin decorating their homes for Christmas earlier than usual. It has been a difficult year for many. And a number of households are trying to bring back some cheer with holiday decorations. Whether you are thinkingContinue reading “Natural Christmas Decorations For a Zero Waste Home”
Tips for an Existing Community Garden
Inspired by a recent outreach, I thought I would take some time to talk a little about community gardens. Community gardens are a wonderful thing. Whether they are on public land, brown field sites, local authority spaces, school playgrounds, beside a church, or other community space, they can make a big difference in a community.Continue reading “Tips for an Existing Community Garden”
Ecosystem Restoration and Community Development Must Go Hand in Hand
I’ve been working on an ongoing project in Somalia, and this has led me to think a lot about the fact that, all too often, efforts in conservation and ecosystem restoration are divorced from efforts in the social and economic spheres. We often talk about the fact that economic sustainability involves looking at the environmentalContinue reading “Ecosystem Restoration and Community Development Must Go Hand in Hand”
Avoiding a ‘When and If’ Mentality in Sustainability
“When we can afford our homestead then we’ll….” ” If work slows down then I can…” “When I have more time it will be possible to…” When and if can be useful – it is important to dream about and plan for the future. But a ‘when and if’ mentality can sometimes become a roadblockContinue reading “Avoiding a ‘When and If’ Mentality in Sustainability”
Avoiding Anthropocentric Bias in Sustainability
As humans, we all have a tendency to see everything from our point of view. We have a tendency to think of ourselves as ‘other’, separate from, and above the rest of the natural world. But though we are (as far as we yet know) a unique evolutionary form, it is important to remember thatContinue reading “Avoiding Anthropocentric Bias in Sustainability”
Why Buying Wrapping Paper is a Bad Idea
I’ve already written a post with some sustainable gift ideas for the holiday season. But in addition to thinking about alternative, sustainable gifts, it is also important to think about how you wrap any physical presents. When you really stop to think about it, the way we pack gifts for the holidays is a trulyContinue reading “Why Buying Wrapping Paper is a Bad Idea”
The Future of Farming
Food system reform is a hot topic. It is essential that agriculture changes, if we are to successfully tackle the environmental and social challenges we face. As a permaculture designer, I often focus on the basics – energy use, water, fertility… But as we develop sustainable growing systems, we need to recognise that while weContinue reading “The Future of Farming”
Why Sustainability is Good For Business
Businesses often feel that they have to focus on the bottom line. And it is certainly the case that businesses have to operate within existing economic systems. Put simply – a business needs to make money. But increasingly, it is clear that sustainability is more than just ‘the right thing to do’. Operating in aContinue reading “Why Sustainability is Good For Business”
Why Carbon Offsetting is Not Enough
Many individuals and businesses are lulled into a false sense of security by the idea that they can simply offset the carbon they emit or are responsible for emitting with a carbon offset scheme. But the truth of the matter is that carbon offsetting alone will not tackle the climate crisis, not solve the otherContinue reading “Why Carbon Offsetting is Not Enough”