In light of dwindling oil supplies worldwide and an ever-increasing need for plastic food packaging products, very exciting news was recently published in the British press. According to a story in the Telegraph, British scientists have developed a compostable plastic made from sugars derived from non-edible plants. Using various grasses and fast growing trees, Imperial College London researchers have successfully changed glucose from these plants into a polymer suitable for plastic production.
Archive for February, 2010
Compostable Plastic? Made of Sugar?
Friday, February 26th, 2010
Garden Lighting
Thursday, February 25th, 2010
- Image by uberphot via Flickr
Add elegance or create a special mood in your garden with lighting. Available in types and styles to suit any purpose or setting, outdoor lighting is a valuable addition to any home. Imagine enjoying a romantic dinner for two on your own patio, bathed is soft light. Install a series of floodlights where bright illumination is desired or use miniature spotlights to create a focal point of a special garden feature.
A wide variety of outdoor lighting choices are available. Recessed lighting allows for fixtures to be placed unobtrusively, flush with a wall or decking, or level with the ground. Uplights and downlights work well on flat vertical surfaces where stationary lighting is appropriate, such as home or garden walls, while adjustable spotlights can be strategically placed to call attention to trees or other plantings. (more…)
Taking a bath - your relaxing time [recipes]
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010Every woman (and man) knows what a nice bath can do to soothe a tired body. The heated water relaxes aching muscles, calms the mind, softens the mood. This fact was well known even back in the ancient times, we all know that Cleopatra, the most beautiful woman of her times, was fond of bathing in goat milk which softened her skin and made her look vibrant and fresh. Today, not many of us have the possibility to use milk to bathe in but there are many ways of preparing a miraculous bath.
Live More Ecologically Every Day
Sunday, February 21st, 2010
Choosing a lifestyle that has the least possible negative impact on the earth’s dwindling resources makes good sense. Strive to use resources wisely and eliminate waste whenever possible. There is much that each individual can do on a daily basis to live more ecologically.
Buy Quality
When purchasing any new item, consider quality along with price. From an ecological standpoint, it is much better to pay more for a durable, high-quality item than to buy a less expensive alternative that may soon need to be replaced. This often makes good economic sense over the long-term, as well. To even further reduce the use of resources, look for second-hand alternatives or repurpose an existing item to meet the current need. (more…)
How to Prepare the Garden for Spring
Friday, February 19th, 2010
- Image via Wikipedia
After the harsh conditions of winter, preparing the garden for spring is important. For maximum beauty and enjoyment later in the year, follow these five basic steps:
- Perform a general clean up, including a thorough weeding. Remove and discard fallen leaves or branches, dead annuals and any other debris from the lawn areas or flowerbeds. Weed all areas while the ground is moist and weeds are small and immature.
- Prune roses, perennials, shrubs and trees, as appropriate. Consult a detailed gardening guide for specific recommendations based on the age and type of plant. In general, most perennials that were not cut back in the fall can be pruned to ground level once new growth is evident at the base. For roses, prune only if mature. (more…)
Starting a Windowsill Herb Garden
Thursday, February 18th, 2010
- Image by atl10trader via Flickr
Growing a windowsill herb garden is easy and fun! Best of all, if located in or near the kitchen, fresh herbs are always close at hand during meal preparation. All that is needed are a few pots filled with good potting soil, the chosen plants and a sunny windowsill. To make the herbs really happy, add organic liquid fertiliser and a tray with a layer of gravel to the list.
The first step is to select the spot. While there may be only one sunny window available, if there is a choice, select the most convenient window that has adequate sunlight and space for the plants. For best results, a south-facing window is needed.
Next, chose which types of herbs to grow. Consider what recipes are favoured and grow herbs to enhance these dishes. Basil, parsley, oregano, rosemary, sage and thyme are popular favourites. Although herbs can be grown from seed, this takes time. To speed the process, consider buying small plants at the nursery. (more…)
Reducing Paper Waste at Home
Monday, February 15th, 2010
- Image via Wikipedia
Most paper comes from trees, a valuable resource that should not be wasted. Unfortunately, a lot of paper does go to waste. Consider the amount of newspapers, magazines, bags and boxes that are thrown away each day. There are several ways, however, that the average person can reduce paper waste right at home. Just follow these simple tips:
Opt for Non-Paper Alternatives
Use napkins made of cloth and real plates daily for meals and snacks. Purchase several sets of melamine dinnerware for use at casual parties and picnics. Use paper towels only when absolutely necessary for hygienic reasons and consider using a cloth hankie rather than paper tissue. Forego luxury toilet paper in favour of brands made from recycled fibres. Buy or make several reusable cloth shopping bags and have one handy at all times. (more…)
Simple, Last-Minute Handmade Valentine’s Day Gifts
Thursday, February 11th, 2010
- Image by Esparta via Flickr
Although Valentine’s Day is nearly here it is not too late to make a truly special handmade gift. All you need is a few photographs, some simple materials and a little creativity. Try one of these clever ideas to craft a unique, personalised gift for your special Valentine.
A Jar Full of Memories
A photo memory jar is a fun and thoughtful gift that is appropriate for anyone and also provides a creative way to use photographs that may be less than perfect. Simply choose a number of photos from a few memorable activities or excursions. Cut them into strips and write a brief message on the back of each strip. For your messages, consider using a theme such as “Why I love you.” Decorate a jar and the lid based on your theme or simply using Valentine’s Day colours, and put the photo strips inside. Add a tag and you’re done! As an alternative in this digital age, print digital photos on cardstock. (more…)
Gardener’s Calendar for February
Sunday, February 7th, 2010
- Image by Getty Images via Daylife
The main tasks on a gardener’s calendar in February revolve around planning and preparation. The days are getting longer and hold the promise of spring, but winter weather is still very much a concern. Although the warm sun shines brightly at times, another hard frost may be just hours away.
Time to Dream
This is the time to dream and plan. Spend time browsing through seed catalogues. Consider which fresh vegetables are desired for the upcoming season and order the seeds. Plan to rotate edible crops and decide whether to let certain areas rest this year. Remember that even small scale food production may eventually deplete the soil of key nutrients. (more…)
How to Make Your Own Reusable Shopping Bag
Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010
- Image by Design Packaging via Flickr
Recycle tank tops, t-shirts or sweaters into cool, reusable shopping bags. With minimal sewing and just a pair of scissors, a needle and thread, yarn or string, you can create a shopping bag to be used every day. In fact, why not make several? Keep a few at home, at work and in the car so that you’re always prepared. They are so quick and easy to make, you could even give them away while out shopping!
T-Shirt or Tank Top Shopping Bag
Making a shopping bag from a t-shirt or tank top is easy! Just turn the shirt inside out and sew completely across the bottom, either by hand or by machine. For added durability, sew across the bottom again a time or two. Then turn the shirt right side out. If you’re using a tank top, your bag is finished! If a t-shirt has been used, you must now cut off the sleeves right next to the seams and cut the neck opening to the desired size. Voila! A cool, reusable shopping bag! (more…)