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If you are looking to take some steps towards living in a more green and sustainable way let me help you with enough ideas to fill a year!  Based on my series of Weekly Green Tips I have now combined all the weekly tips I gave into one post giving you a new idea for every day of the year .... 365 ways to help you save the planet.  I appreciate you may already do some or others are either irrelevant to you or maybe impossible to tackle right now - but hopefully there are plenty here you can action.  And imagine what a difference we could make to the world if we all took up these tips.

To make it easier for you to find them I have linked to all of them below in 7 main groups.  And of you are wondering why there are not 52 I did a few super blogs of 14 and even 21 tips to cover when I had time away from blogging! Oh and the last one had a list of nine as try as I may I couldn't lose 2!!

A years worth of planet saving tips

Theme - REDUCE

Disposables to go - 7 throw away products you do not need to buy
Saving water - 7 ways to save water around the house
Don't buy - 7 products you really should NOT be buying
Christmas Waste - 7 ways to reduce waste over the festive season

Theme - GARDENING and WILDLIFE

Get Growing - 7 useful tips for new gardeners
Veg for everyone - 7 places you can grow veg even without a vegetable plit
Helping bees - 7 ways to attract bees to our garden
Helping Beneficial Bugs - 7 ways to get good bugs in your garden
July veg - 7 vegetables you can sow as late as July
Water Wise Watering - 7 tips to use less water in the garden
Organic Gardening - 7 tips to turn organic in the garden
Helping the birds - 7 tips to attract birds to your garden
Bird Friendly plants - 7 plants that birds love
Home-made plant labels - 7 plant labels you cna make yourself
Green Lawns - 7 ways to grow a greener lawn
Storing the Harvest - 7 ways to store your home grown produce

Theme - FAMILY and LEISURE

Green Holidays - 7 ways you can still be green when on holiday
Green Hobbies - 7 ways to keep your leisure time green
Get outside in Winter - 7 ways to tempt you outside in the middle of winter
Foraging - 7 fantastic foods to forage for
Avoid All inclusive holidays - 7 reasons you should not go all inclusive
Green Holiday Ideas - 7 type of holiday that are great for the planet
Green Baby - 7 tips to bring up a green baby
Green Pets - 7 ways to keep your pets green
Back to School - 7 tips to help keep school bags etc green
Halloween - 7 spookily green Halloween ideas
Christmas Presents - 7 festive present giving ideas
Easter - 7 tips to help keep the Easter Bunny green

Theme - FOOD

Bread - 7 ways to use up old bread
Fish - 7 sustainable fish you can eat
Avoiding Supermarkets - 7 other places where you can food shop
Cooking - 21 ways to cook efficiently
Christmas Food - 7 foods that are in season at Christmas (UK and northern France)
Avoiding Palm Oil - 7 ways to not consume palm oil
Cooking from Scratch Part 1 - 7 tips on how to cook great food from scratch
Cooking from Scratch Part 2 - 7 more tips on how to cook great food from scratch

Theme - HOME and WORK

Green Renovations - 7 ways to keep your DIY green
Dealing with Clutter - 7 ways to keep clutter out of landfill
Newspapers - 7 uses for old newspapers
Heating - 21 ways to heat your home (and work) using less energy
Old Clothes - 7 tips for keeping old clothes out of landfill
Paper - 7 ways to reduce paper use
Buying Tropical products - 7 tips to buy tropical products sustainably

Theme - TRANSPORT

Greening your car - 7 tips to keep your car as green as possible
Driving Tips - 7 ways to drive efficiently

Theme - MISC

Quotes - 7 green quotes to live our lives by
7 Random green things we should all do this week
The 9 Rs - 9 words we should think about in everything we do

Have you got any more great ideas we can take on board to help save the planet?

Week 48 - 9 Green Rules

9 Green Rules to Live by

1.  REDUCE

We live in a consumer society where we all buy far more than we need and use too much energy.  This level of Western consumption is quite simply unsustainable and the most important step we can all take to help is to reduce how much "stuff" we buy and how much energy we use. Advertising bombards us with the message that we need so many things but we don't and reducing how much stuff we have and energy we consume in our every day life is critical to reducing humanity's impact on our planet.  To give you some inspiration here are 100 ways to reduce your plastic use.

2.   RE-USE

We need to ditch single use items and switch to quality items that can be re-used time and time again.  We are becoming lazy and will happily chuck things away after using them once without so much as a second thought because it is so easy to just buy another one.  This is not sustainable. 

3.  REPAIR

Don't just chuck it because it is broken - so many things are easy to repair.

4.  RECYCLE

If something cannot be reused or repaired then recycling is the next best option.  But recycling comes with it's own set of environmental problems so where possible always reduce and re-use first.   You can read more about the impact of recycling here - A Future for Recycling.

5.  RESPECT

If you respect something you will not want to harm it.  We all need to have a greater respect for the world that has given us our lives and will give future generations their lives. 

6. RESPONSIBLE

We are all responsible for the damage to our world.

It is as simple as that.  The pollution and degradation of our wonderful planet is not someone else's problem and we are all responsible.  Products we use cause pollution.  Our rubbish fills up landfill, breaks down into harmful substances, kills wildlife and our fellow humans.  If we want a future for this planet we all have to accept our responsibility for the damage and we all need to become more responsible.

7.   REJECT,  RE-EVALUATE and REWRITE the RULES

And this is the crux.

We must reject what is seen as normal when in fact it is so damaging, re-evaulate how we live our lives and rewrite a new set of environmental rules to live our lives by.

We must rewrite the Rules.


We will all do anything to protect the ones we love - our friends and family.  Now we need to extend that protection to the planet as a whole, for our future family and for their friends.  Putting these 9 words put into action means you will help be part of the movement that saves the planet rather than destroys it.

These 9 words have been the backbone of my #WeeklyGreenTips series?  To read them all, Click on "Weekly Green Tips" in the labels section in the right hand column.

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Week 47 - How to have a Green Lawn

7  Tips to Grow a Green Lawn

1.  Cut the grass longer

Unless you are centre court at Wimbledon you really do not need to mow your grass so short.  Cutting it no shorter than 6cm (2.5") will keep it looking green with less energy expenditure and it will survive any periods of drought much better.

2.   Leave the clippings as fertiliser

When you mow, so long as there are not too many, leave the clippings to fall back into the lawn and they will act as a natural fertiliser.  If there are lots though, then they are better composted but do make sure you mix the clippings with lots of drier material such as leaves or paper/cardboard to stop your heap becoming a black, sludgy mess!

3.  Avoid all Lawn Chemicals

Do not use chemical fertilisers or weed killers on your lawn - rake out moss and dig our individual dandelions and large weeds ... and try to be a bit less worried if the odd weed takes up residence.  I love seeing daisies in lawns and I let our dandelions flower once in spring to collect their petals for dandelion jelly.  To feed your lawn rake in a fine, natural compost.

4.  Make a meadow or area for veg

Why not let some of your lawn grow long and make a wild flower meadow?  This is absolutely fabulous for bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects which in turn feed the birds.  And a meadow in full flower is simply stunning to look at.  If you can't give up a whole area for a meadow (and it only needs to be small) then leave a strip of grass in front of hedges/walls to grow long.  This will be a great habitat for all sorts of creatures and all you need to do is cut it once in the autumn.

5.  Grow Veg not Grass

You must know how wonderful fresh vegetables taste so you can turn a small section of your lawn into a veg patch and grow your own.

6.   Do Not Water the Lawn

Even in a drought when the lawn starts to turn brown, the grass is not dead and in almost all cases it will green up when the rain falls again.  If you absolutely cannot go without watering then make sure you water thoroughly just once every 7-10 days and allow the water to penetrate deep down and encourage strong, deep roots.  Watering only the surface every day will do more harm than good and be a waste of valuable water.  Avoid watering in the heat of the day when the grass can be scorched and water loss to evaporation will be higher.

7.   Invest in a Push Mower

If your lawn isn't too huge then the greenest thing you can do is invest on an old fashioned rotary push mower.  The quality of the cut is way better than any electric or petrol mower and you'll get a great work out every time you mow the grass.



Have you mown your lawn yet this year?  I have and as a result I have some very happy pigs who get the extra grass clippings:



Have you seen all the other posts in my #WeeklyGreenTips series?  Click on "Weekly Green Tips" in the labels section in the right hand column for loads more green inspiration.

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Week 46 - 7 Eco-Easter Ideas

7  Ways to have A Green Easter

1.  Choose Easter Eggs with Minimal Packaging

Easter Eggs are one of the worst products on the market for excess packaging.  A much smaller than expected foil-wrapped egg in a plastic mould, in a cardboard box that is finally wrapped in clear plastic.  Ouch!  That is a lot of non recyclable single use plastic for a quick treat.  So choose eggs with less packaging or simply don't give as many. (See pt 4)

French Easter eggs generally have less packaging

2.  Go for Fair-Trade and Organic Chocolate

If you are going to buy chocolate buying fair-trade and organic is the best option for workers and the environment.

3.  Buy Real Eggs

Head to your local farm shop and buy some locally produced free range eggs.  Have fun using natural dyes to colour them and use these for your Easter Egg Hunts.

4.  Buy Other Presents

Why not get a bit creative this year and buy some different Easter gifts.  How about some organic carrot seeds so your children can grow tasty carrots for the Easter Bunny?  Or an Easter themed book or china Easter cup.  Once the chocolate is gone, it's gone but other gifts will last much longer.

5.  Support Local Businesses

I have already mentioned buying real eggs from a local producer and you can extend this to more of the food you eat this Easter.  Head to your nearest farmer's market or farm shop this Easter and help support local producers.  Also look out for Easter events being run by National Trust properties and businesses in your area.  Your local open farm may have real chicks, baby rabbits or lambs for you to coo over.  Or what about a family holiday at an Eco-Gite?  Do remember though, that if you are walking in the countryside with your dog that it must be under control and not chase livestock.

6.   Make your own Easter Bonnets etc.

For bonnets, table decoration, baskets etc you can make your own and avoid over-packaged and overly plastic items.  Whilst you can get some lovely Easter craft kits it is even better if you make your own from items you've already got in the house.

7.   Make you own Easter Treats

Pretty much as soon as food retailers get Christmas out of the way then the first Creme Eggs appear on the shelves, followed all too soon by all sort of Easter foods to tempt those with a sweet tooth.  OK, by now you MUST know the score - they'll be over packaged, high in sugar and fat and packed full of e-numbers and chemical additives.  You can avoid all of these by making your own.  Home made and decorated Easter cupcakes are so much more tasty and the kids will love helping you to make them.

Do you have any more tips to enjoy a more Eco-Easter?  Or any favourite craft ideas?  Please do let me know in a comment.

Have you seen all the other posts in my #WeeklyGreenTips series?  Click on "Weekly Green Tips" in the labels section in the right hand column for loads more green inspiration.

Week 45 - How to buy Sustainable Tropical Products

7  Tips for Buying Sustainable Tropical Products

1.  Why we need to buy Tropical Products.

Tropical products provide the backbone of the economy for many tropical countries and if the West were suddenly to stop buying them we would put millions of people further into poverty.  However there are ways we can buy tropical goods that help these countries and ways that harm.

2.  Buy Fairtrade

Fairtrade is about paying farmers and workers a fair wage and ensuring decent working conditions.  By supporting fairtrade products you are helping to develop thriving communities that are in control and not reliant on charity, whose futures are secure.

3.  Buy Organic

Put in the simplest of terms, products that are grown organically will not contain pesticide residues and the farmers and workers who produce them will not have been exposed to these health damaging products.

4.  Don't buy Cheap Pineapples

Whilst it is said the thick skin of the pineapple, which isn't eaten, protects the inner flesh from having pesticide residues the far bigger problem with non organic pineapples is the damage by pesticides to both the farmers growing them and the environment as a whole.  Many are also working for very low wages without any union support.

Fernando Ramirez, an agronomist from Costa Rica's  National University explains the problems of pineapple production in his country.

"Pineapples need very large amounts of pesticides, about 20kg of active ingredient per hectare per cycle. The soil is sterilised; biodiversity is eliminated. Fourteen to 16 different types of treatment are typically needed, and many have to be applied several times. They use chemicals that are dangerous for the environment and human health."

5.  Buy Bananas

Unlike most fruits, bananas ripen off the plant.  They are therefore picked when green and transported by boat which is more environmentally friendly than flying.  They ripen on the longer journey without spoiling.  Oh and organic bananas really do taste so much sweeter.

6.  Buy FSC Certified Hardwoods

FSC stands for Forest Stewardship Council, an not for profit international organisation with the remit of promoting responsible forests where the highest environmental and social standards are maintained.  Buying FSC certified hardwoods will ensure the wood is not illegally felled from virgin rainforest and that the forests where it is grown are managed sustainably.

7.   Never Buy:

There are certain tropical products that you should never buy as they can never be sustainable.  These include coral, tortoise shell, fur and palm oil.  In contrast, buying fairtrade and organic tea, coffee, chocolate, spices and nuts etc can be sustainable.


Have you seen all the other posts in my #WeeklyGreenTips series?  Click on "Weekly Green Tips" in the labels section in the right hand column for loads more green inspiration.

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Week 44 - 7 Green Reasons to Cook from Scratch (Part 2)

7  Green Reasons to Cook from Scratch (Part 2)

1.  Less salt and Sugar

Ready cooked meals and takeaways are often high in salt and sugar making them a pretty poor food  option.  Eating too many can lead to health problems whose treatment is a drain on valuable resources.

2.  Avoids chemical additives

Likewise such food is often laden with all sorts so chemical additives.  Whether these are unhealthy is argued at length elsewhere but do you really want to be filling your body with masses of man-made ingredients?  Home-made food also tastes fabulous!

3.  Greater understanding of where food comes from

If you cook from scratch you can start to understand where your food comes from and how it was produced.  Buy a takeaway chicken dinner and you have no connection to the fact that the chicken  probably led its entire life in a factory farm, was fed with all sorts of growth hormones etc before being killed in a huge inhumane abattoir and then the meat pumped with water.  But make that same chicken dinner yourself and you can choose a outdoor reared bird that is not full of chemicals and was despatched quickly in a humane way and not full of water.  You will also be able to choose food that is local and seasonal.

4.  Slows life down a bit and holds friends and families together

The 21st century is a fast place where everything, including food is instant.  Bung an over-packaged meal in the microwave and gobble it down a few minutes later.  In contrast cooking from scratch helps slow things down a bit.  It gives you time to really appreciate what you are eating and you are much more likely to eat the meal together with friends and family around a table - a simple way to foster great relationships with the people in your life.

You may also find yourself talking to food producers about the best way to cook certain ingredients, what is in season and how the food was produced.  When you know more about who produces your food you are more likely to want to cook with and eat ethically produced food.

5.  Puts you in control of where your food comes from

Much ready cooked food is manufactured by multinational companies whose interest is profit-centred not food-centred.  They control what the farmers grow and how.  They have huge buying power and can reject produce and force down the price paid to farmers who in turn cut corners to try and make a profit themselves.  When you cook from scratch you can choose where your food is produced and how.  You are in control and you can  choose organic, ethical, fair-trade and local food

6.   Retains vital skills

Popping a ready cooked meal in the oven may be quick and convenient but what if you can't do that?  How are you going to feed yourself and your family if you don't know how to cook.  What if ready cooked food becomes too expensive for you to buy?  Cooking from scratch means you retain these vital skills.

7.  It's fun and gives you a sense of achievement

And that has to be a good thing!


Do you have any more reasons why we should be cooking from scratch.  Do please let me know in a comment.

Have you seen all the other posts in my #WeeklyGreenTips series?  Click on "Weekly Green Tips" in the labels section in the right hand column for loads more green inspiration.

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Week 43 - 7 Green Reasons to Cook from Scratch (Part 1)

7  Green Reasons to Cook from Scratch

1.  It saves you money

Ready cooked meals and takeaways are expensive.  Cook from scratch and with the money you save you'll be able to buy what can be more pricey organic or fair trade ingredients and still be spending out less money for infinitely better quality food

2. You can use organic, fair-trade and local ingredients

All of which are better for the environment and for you.  Less chemical use, better working conditions for agricultural workers and minimal food miles.

3. Use your own home-grown ingredients

Now that really in the way to have zero food miles and you cannot getter fresher than produce from your own garden/allotment.

4.  Eat Seasonally

By following the above points you will begin to eat seasonally, not relying on ingredients flown in form the other side of the world.  Yes, enjoy those strawberries in your desserts in summer and savour that apple crumble in mid winter when strawberries are not local and are expensive and tasteless.

5. Less Waste

Huge amounts of food is wasted in the manufacture of ready cooked meals etc from food rejected at the farm through the production methods.

One exception to this is cheap processed meat products where every available piece of the animal can legally be shoved in a sausage under the term "meat".  You will also find incredibly high fat levels.  Read this article for more about the way cheap sausages are made. 

5.  Less Packaging

Processed food comes with so much packaging much of which cannot be recycled.  Dump the ready meal and watch your bin slim down!

7.  Avoids Palm Oil

You won't find palm oil on the oil aisle in your local supermarket but you'll find it is so many ready made foods from cakes to curries that is is almost impossible to avoid ... but easy to do so when you cook from scratch.  Read this post to see why how else you can avoid palm oil.

Have you seen all the other posts in my #WeeklyGreenTips series?  Click on "Weekly Green Tips" in the labels section in the right hand column for loads more green inspiration.

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