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”

Cooking From Scratch

Since so many people have been inspired this year to grow their own for the first time, I thought I would return to basics once again and write a little about the importance of learning how to cook healthy, fresh ingredients from scratch. In our modern world, where so much convenience food is available, itContinue reading “Cooking From Scratch”

What is a Sustainable Business?

Whether you are running your own, thinking about setting up in business, or choosing from whom to buy, it is important to think about what sustainable business really means. Sustainability is about creating something that endures. But more than this, it is about thinking of the planet, and of future generations, in every decision thatContinue reading “What is a Sustainable Business?”

Contagion – Spreading Sustainable Ideas

Waking up today to news that President Trump has coronavirus, I began to think about contagion. Of course, this is something we have all been forced to think about more in the last months. Faced with a virus that spreads so easily, we all have to think about the responsibility we have to prevent spread.Continue reading “Contagion – Spreading Sustainable Ideas”

Sustainable Gift Ideas for the Holiday Season

It might seem like it is still far off, but the holiday season is fast approaching. And the consumerist machine is already ramping up to sell, sell and sell some more. This year, as you think about gifts you would like to give – think about more sustainable options. If you grow your own, yourContinue reading “Sustainable Gift Ideas for the Holiday Season”

Green Tomatoes – How To Ripen Them and How To Use Ones That Don’t

Those of us with relatively short growing season often find that growing tomatoes is a race against time. Even though I take steps to make green tomatoes ripen more quickly, we are always left with green tomatoes at the end of the season. But just because the tomatoes are not fully ripe, that does notContinue reading “Green Tomatoes – How To Ripen Them and How To Use Ones That Don’t”

The Benefits of Clay Plaster

In our steading/ barn conversion, we are aiming to use materials and finishes that are as eco-friendly and sustainable as possible. One step we are taking to make a healthy and sustainable build is using clay plaster. In finishing one wall prior to the arrival of our Rayburn (delivery has been delayed but it isContinue reading “The Benefits of Clay Plaster”

Preserving Food – Deciding What To Can

Canning your own home grown food can be a great way to enjoy the nutrients of summer over the winter months. It is of course important to make sure that you are canning safely, and adhering to guidelines to make sure that the food you preserve lasts and is safe to eat. But in thisContinue reading “Preserving Food – Deciding What To Can”

Sustainable Fashion: Repair

Of all the ‘R’s of sustainability, repair is one that is most often overlooked. The emphasis is often on reducing consumption, on reuse, and recycling. But when it comes to sustainable fashion, repair is another ‘R’ that can be very important. One of the complaints or ‘road blocks’ that comes up frequently in discussion isContinue reading “Sustainable Fashion: Repair”