Been at home today - always a mistake; too much time for reflection as the pile of tissues mounts at my side. Bit of a personal challenge this one, self audit looking at how green we are in the lead up to Christmas, as I've asked myself the questions I will be avoiding the difficult ones.
Reduce | ||
Miles | Bit of a mix | I cycle lots but with family all over the country car and train essential |
Waste | Trying | Try to buy loose rather than pre-packed so only buy what need Do freeze and use leftovers |
Fuel consumption | Trying very hard | Bought an Owl which has been interesting. However one of the towel rails is firmly back on as better than mouldy towels and using the tumble dryer [and I avoid ironing] Buy a green tariff and awaiting quote for solar water heating |
Chemicals | Gone very eco | Tend to use ecover/simple/method and co-op 'eco' ranges. Also use borax, bicarb and non chlorine bleaches and washable dusters and cloths |
Water | Butts | 3 water butts on the go but still not enough |
ReUse | ||
Waste | Compost crazy | Shred receipts and use as chicken bedding Bokashi bin for non meat kitchen waste Homemade Wormery – which you can hear working! Wet and dry compost bins Council compost (takes ages to fill) |
Cards | Christmas cards | Recycle into the next years cards see my SCD posts |
Recycle | ||
Waste | Council bins and village hall bins | Glass, paper, tins – sad that we have to drive to get rid of tetra packs |
Clearly I should start with fabric hankies and a copper to boil them in after use!
OK it's not perfect; it is a fairly solid start though. To everyone on my Green & Gardens Twitter list you are invited to the #12DCP and of course anyone else who would like to join in – Twelve days of Christmas party, a virtual party, open to everyone. Call back during the 12 days for all sorts of nonsense. If you are coming, what 'green' thing will you bring? Also choose some music for the #12DCP playlist on Spotify – I will see if I can also blip the tracks for non-spotify users.
Spotify playlist for this post is on a different note. – Audit of harlequin ladybirds on a window frame – Thanks to @flashmaggie who made me aware of this in her post.