One thing I really dislike about Christmas are the cheap Christmas crackers that people buy which are made from plastic-coated papers, nylon ribbons and other non-recyclable elements, and which come with tacky plastic gifts, paper hats and cheesy jokes inside. Many people love to have Christmas crackers on their Christmas tables, and for many, ChristmasContinue reading “Christmas Crackers”
Tag Archives: sustainability
Upcycled Furniture For Our Barn Conversion
Yesterday I spent some time sanding back an old chest of drawers for our new bedroom in the barn conversion or steading conversion that we are working on. This was already second hand when a good friend passed it on to us when we were in need of something to put clothes in a numberContinue reading “Upcycled Furniture For Our Barn Conversion”
Sustainable Christmas Tree Options
If you are thinking about getting a Christmas tree this year, you might be wondering which option would be the most sustainable choice. When it comes to Christmas trees, there are five main options: Choose a fake (synthetic) tree. Get a real, cut Christmas tree. Opt for a living Christmas tree in a pot. MakeContinue reading “Sustainable Christmas Tree Options”
Sustainable Sunday Lunch Idea
Today, we have had a lovely visit from my mum and dad. I made some lunch for everyone and we enjoyed a good chat over a vegetable pie, and an apple and caramel cake. While for many it may be more traditional to enjoy a Sunday roast – you do not necessarily have to eatContinue reading “Sustainable Sunday Lunch Idea”
Sanding Reclaimed Floorboards
Today I had a day off work and we have started lightly sanding the reclaimed floorboards that we’ve laid in the upstairs of our barn conversion. We absolutely love the variation and patina, so won’t be sanding down to a fine finish. We are just sanding to achieve a reasonably smooth finish. This character isContinue reading “Sanding Reclaimed Floorboards”
Make Giving a Habit
Today is ‘Giving Tuesday’ – a time when many charities and non-profits with have a fundraising push and a day on which many people choose to donate. I would, of course, urge anyone to give what they can to the causes they believe in. But charity should not be only about one-off donations on specificContinue reading “Make Giving a Habit”
Rewilding on a Domestic Scale
Some more ‘traditional’ gardeners who look at parts of my garden may be horrified by the un-manicured state of things, and the wild and natural ‘disorder’. But for me, rewilding on a domestic scale, as well as on a larger scale, is hugely important. We need far fewer neat lawns, of course, and far moreContinue reading “Rewilding on a Domestic Scale”
Painting Walls With Clay Paints
Today we’ve had another tiring but very satisfying day painting the walls in the upstairs of our barn conversion. We did the first coat in what will be out bedroom yesterday, and finished that off today, and we also got the first coat on walls we are painting in the bathroom, and the second bedroomContinue reading “Painting Walls With Clay Paints”
This Black Friday, Remember What Your Purchases Really Cost
Black Friday represents the very worst of consumerist culture – the societal systems which encourage people to go out and buy, buy, buy. All the advertisements and gimmicks that companies use to try to coerce people into purchasing their products, or even worse – to make people think that they actually need them, are darkContinue reading “This Black Friday, Remember What Your Purchases Really Cost”
Giving Thanks
I know that many in the United States will be celebrating with family and friends, and I hope that celebrations will go well. Of course, not everyone feels that this holiday is an occasion for celebration. It is important not to be blind to the historical realities behind the polite fictions that are a partContinue reading “Giving Thanks”
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