happy new year

Well, a very happy and green new year to everyone. I am really excited about 2009 - it feels like a time of great change and potential. I am looking forward to continuing to share the positive message of The Green Parent magazine, bringing inspiration on parenting issues and green ideas to an even wider audience. We have lots of fabulous things planned for this year along with a new website, launching next week that will be packed with articles, comment, reviews, competitions and much much more. The next edition of the magazine is also out next week and has some great new features including a reader's panel where our lovely readers share their opinions and ideas.

I hope that the festive season was full of light and joy for all. We spent most of our time celebrating with family and friends which was absolutely wonderful and has reaffirmed a resolution that I made to myself at the Celtic New Year in November that I should spend more time enjoying my loved ones company and less time fretting over work, household chores, shopping and other activities that involve separation rather than connection. 

After all the festivities Jez and I found ourselves with a free weekend (children happily ensconced at their grandparents) and we indulged in a spa weekend, which was out-of-this-world. We ate, slept, went for long walks and lounged around in hydrotherapy pools for two days. I think it will be become our new New Year ritual and maybe we'll have to commemorate the Chinese and Islamic New Years in Feb and March, respectively, in a similar fashion! 

I am leisurely re-reading Tom Hodgkinson's How to be Idle at the moment and I think this has, in part, affected a sea-change in my previous workaholic state. I'd recommend every time-poor, overstretched person get a copy of this book and take it to bed at some inappropriate time, like in the middle of the afternoon. It's quite revolutionary!

Anyway, love and light for an abundant, healthy, happy and slow 2009,

Melissa

xxx

homes for wildlife

The RSPB have just released results from the first year of their Homes for Wildlife campaign and have reported that 300,000 actions have been taken to create habitats for garden creatures. Apparently, more than 25,000 gardeners have done an average of 12 things each that help frogs, toads, bats, insects, hedgehogs and birds. Providing seed mixes, growing flowering nectar-rich plants and planting dense thorny bushes are just some of the top actions people have taken as part of the project. Alongside the campaign the RSPB is offering free, tailored wildlife-gardening advice to help people transform their homes and gardens into mini nature reserves. The RSPB’s Richard Bashford, said: “Wildlife is increasingly reliant on our gardens for food, water and shelter so it’s fantastic that people are so committed to making their homes and gardens wildlife friendly. “Through Homes for Wildlife, we’re trying to reverse the alarming declines of familiar birds such as house sparrows, starlings and song thrushes. Large numbers of these birds make their homes in our gardens. The time committed by people in taking actions will help create a better future for them and other wildlife in the not too distant future.” One of the most popular activities in the project - growing plants in tubs to attract insects – shows that regardless of size or shape of garden everyone can take part. More than 4,000 people took action on balconies or in gardens smaller than squash courts. In even a tiny space, you can make a real difference for wildlife. On average, 60 bugs were seen in each garden. Snails were most common with an average of 12 per garden. Ladybirds were seen more often in the south and east than the north and west. Other results show that three-quarters of gardens surveyed had frogs, more than half had bats, a third had hedgehogs and newts and a quarter had toads. Richard added: “We’ve made a fantastic start but it’s really important that more people get involved. Now is a great time to think longer term about turning your garden into a haven for wildlife. The more people who sign-up and take action, the bigger effect we will have. By taking simple wildlife-friendly steps in our gardens, collectively we will make a real difference for many of our birds and other wildlife.” To get involved you can sign up on the Homes for Wildlife site and you will receive seasonal advice sheets and surveys that the whole family can take part in.

vegan celebration three

Well at number three it has to be Yaoh, home of a large range of hemp goodies, organisers of the world's biggest vegan event and now publishers of new funky vegan magazine, Off the Hoof. The Bristol Vegan Fayre which Yaoh organise takes place next year on May 30th - 31st, complete with musical entertainment, workshops, demos and lots of yummy vegan goodies to sample. And next year will see the start of a Brighton event in March too. Expect to find juice bars, an eco boutique, showcasing the latest in ethical vegan fashion and a dedicated kids area. This vibrant vegan vessel is expertly captained by Timbo, who I'm sure has many other cunning plans up his animal-friendly sleeves. Send us a copy of your exciting new magazine Tim and we'll write a proper review! Also check out the Oct/Nov 08 edition of The Green Parent for your chance to win a set of luscious products from Yaoh.

vegan month

November is Vegan Month, organised by animal welfare charity, Animal Aid, to raise awareness of an animal-free diet and lifestyle and to improve availability of vegan food.

Visitors to the site can download a vegan recipe book and action pack, enter a competition to win a hamper full of vegan goodies, find out about events taking place in the local area, source recipes, watch videos and find out why going vegan is good for animal welfare, the environment and our health.

I am going to be celebrating a different vegan company every day on the blog this month so keep reading to find out which companies have animal welfare at their heart.

buy nothing month starts tomorrow

Tomorrow we begin our Buy Nothing Month (BNM), an extension of Buy Nothing Day, which takes place on 29th November. We will not spend any money for a whole month. We had a BNM last year and it was rather successful - a chance for us to explore our relationship with money and really assess our needs and wants. Last year we experienced more time together as a family and a greater sense of resourcefulness, especially in the kitchen. Given that my biggest financial indulgence is good quality organic food I am hoping to be able to take this resourcefulness a step further this year. So what are we going to do without?

• No food purchases apart from our standard family-sized box of vegetables and fruit that is delivered every week. We will use the last harvest from the veggie garden and clear our storecupboard items. I will get more creative with food that we have foraged for and will probably spend a good proportion of my time in the kitchen!

• No newspapers, books, magazines, or similar items. We will make our own family news for a month, concentrate on reading our accumulated library rather than buying more and spend time trusting innate knowledge rather than looking to books, etc for answers.

• No clothes purchases - easy one really since we only shop in charity shops and with ethical clothing brands periodically. However, I will make more of an effort this month to repair clothes rather than giving them away or textile recycling them. These will become last resort options.

• No trips out that cost money - this will be quite tricky as part of our home education schedule is a day out every couple of weeks or so, either up to London to the museums or to local historic sites. I expect to use the bikes to explore deeper into our local area instead.

• No gift purchases - there are a couple of friends' and family members' birthdays coming up in November. We will be making presents and cards for all the lucky gift recipients!

There are probably other areas too - I shall cover those as they come up during our month of freedom! Hope you enjoy reading about our experiences during the coming weeks... And if you fancy joining us, I'd be delighted to hear from you.

happy halloween

It's Samhain, the ancient pagan festival and the eve of the new year according to the Celts. So, what are we up to in the office? Well, we are having a big sort out and making sure that all loose ends are tied up before we enter the next phase of the yearly cycle. This will hopefully create space for lots of new exciting developments to come into fruition, like our sparkling new website, which will be launched in the New Year. In the meantime, we have just finished a beautiful edition, which is published in a couple of weeks. It's our craft special and is stuffed with projects to get stuck into during the winter months. You can order a subscription to make sure you don't miss out!

Time for fun

As well as finishing off the latest edition of The Green Parent magazine we have also been having fun, we spent a frosty night in a yurt set in the middle of a beech wood and held a pumpkin party last night attended by a coven of small witches, cats, ghosts and even a fox! We played murder in the dark, went on a treasure hunt in the woods, carved pumpkins and bobbed for apples. Lots of fun was had by all. 

Full of energy

We also have a new companion in the office for a few days - a Bedlington terrier puppy called Jasper, who was rescued by a friend a couple of weeks ago - we are looking after him whilst she is away. His puppy energy is very engaging and he is full of joy, leaping about like a lamb in the fallen leaves. I am feeling slightly less energetic myself, having been woken for a walk at 5:30 this morning. Yawn! The sunrise was exceptionally beautiful though and it feels great to get outside when all the rest of the world is silent. At the moment he is sleeping by my feet in a box, between walks. Bless him!

apple day

October 21st is officially Apple Day and although many events have already taken place there is still lots to get your teeth stuck into this weekend. And plenty to get the juices flowing!

Make your own cider

At the Cider Museum in Hereford, visitors on Sat and Sun can roll up to make their very own cider. Learn about the history of cider making, how the apples were milled and pressed and the resulting juice fermented to produce cider. 

Enjoy some beautiful orchards

Home to the UK's largest collection of fruit trees, Brogdale Trust in Kent is hosting an Apple Festival this weekend with lots to do for all the family. Visitors can wander in the orchards, taste different varieties, buy Kentish crafts and watch cookery demos.

View an A to Z of apples and squash

At Luton Hoo walled garden in Bedfordshire there will be stallholders, an exciting array of alphabetical produce (?!), storytelling, apple printing and pumpkin decorating.  

Play Apple Games

Take your children along to Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire on Sunday and they can plant their own apple tree to take home, try apple printing, help dress the apple tree and hunt for giant alphabet apples. Adults can take part in a course on pruning and training fruit trees.

Meet the Apple Lady

Hilary Wilson holds court at Beetham Nurseries, in Cumberland on Sun. Her interest in apples began as a child and led her to research varieties suited to the climate in her area. She enjoys helping people identify their apples and is available for advice. Other activities include tastings, and competitions. 

Take part in the longest peel competition

Join competitors at Eggesford Gardens in Devon to pit your peeling skills against some of the county's finest on Sat and Sun. Afterwards, check out the tasting tables, home made cakes and preserves or get your own apples pressed into juice.

Enjoy morris dancing displays

On Sat and Sun morris dancers will be entertaining the folk at Thames Chase Community Forest in Upminster, Essex. There will be 20 varieties of apple on offer, a wildlife treasure hunt in the forest and bee keeping demos.

Find out how to decrease your carbon footprint

Spitalfields City Farm, London, wants to encourage visitors to buy local at their Apple Day event this year on Sunday. Also try your hand at apple bobbing, the longest peel competition, apple crafts and lots more besides.

Visit the Pip Inn and camp out

On Sat and Sun, Middle Farm, nr. Lewes, East Sussex will play host to thousands of folk coming to enjoy the special brand of magic that makes their apple festival so memorable. You can camp overnight, watch morris dancers, indulge in local ciders at the Pip Inn, taste a whole cornucopia of apple varieties and much more. Last year there was even a mouse circus. Might see you there!

There are about a gazillion other events going the length and breadth of the country and it seems that everyone must have an apple celebration nearby. Check out all the other events on offer and if you are free do explore one. This festival is an important celebration of our food heritage and an important step in relocalising food production, therefore reducing environmental impact.

Happy scrumping!

eco yoga

I love yoga - my practice has helped me through so many challenging patches and has made me much more in tune and aware of my body and it's strengths and limitations. In preparation for an article in The Green Parent magazine at some point I wanted to round up some of the great eco yoga products out there. 

Of course, you don't need any of these products to practice yoga but if you are thinking of getting a mat, for example, it's worth looking for one with minimal environmental impact. Same goes for clothing - look for organic items and you can be sure that they are less damaging to the environment, and your health, than conventional garments. It's a good idea to consume as little as possible but when we do purchase things to shop ethically and look for durability in the items we choose.

Eco Yoga Mat

This mat is completly PVC free. It is made from natural jute fibre with a pure rubber backing to prevent sliding. It uses plant based materials in its construction and is also biodegrable although manufacturers admit that composting trials are still in operation. Eco Yoga beleive that practicing on a plastic mat made cheaply for maximum profit is the antithesis of yoga and that this jute mat brings you to be closer to nature. It costs £31.50 from Yoga Matters.

Bamboo Yoga Block 

Bamboo is light, strong and sustainable. This yoga brick is hollow and is made from laminated bamboo using FDA approved adhesives. Use in numerous standing and seated postures to provide lift or grounding. With three distinctly different dimensions to vary the height, the yoga brick offers firm support and is available from Yoga Studio for £8.99 

Natural Rubber Tree Mat

This is made from natural rubber from the Havea Brasiliensis tree, on a 100% cotton mesh. Natural rubber and cotton are biodegradable making this an ecologically sound yoga mat. It's available for £29.95 from Yoga Studio.

Eco Smart Yoga Bag from Gaiam

Yoga bag made from recycled plastic bottles with a handy adjustable shoulder strap, breathable mesh to allow your mat to air dry after practice and a roomy main compartment.  

Bamboo Yoga Pillow

This bamboo pillow offers the head & neck ideal support when lying down during meditation or relaxation. Available for £17.50 from Yoga Studio.

Fairly Traded Energy Wear Tunic top from Everyday Alchemist

Natalie Fee crated this range of clothing to help boost people's energy, help them feel more alive and chilled out, have better concentration and be happier. She recommends this for yoga bunnies as it helps keep the stomach and kidneys covered and warm. Each top carries a

special symbol that has been charged by a chi-light resonator - an instrument that infuses chi (or energy) into various objects or substances. Available for £19.99 from Weaving Star.

Organic yoga trousers from Ethical Superstore

I really rate these fold-over yoga trousers for their comfort, softness and durability. Available for £35 from Ethical Superstore.

Organic Sports Bra

An organic cotton sports bra made from super soft organic jersey cotton so it's comfy to wear and great for yoga. It has adjustable shoulder straps and is made in Turkey from 95% organic cotton with 5% elastane. Available from Spirit of Nature for £19.95.

Fairly Traded Mohair Blanket

We are getting into luxury relaxation territory here but this sumptuous soft mohair blanket looks just the thing for aiding savasana. It is handmade in a weaving co-operative in Southern India and comes in raspberry, ocean blue and green. Available for £33 from Biome Lifestyle

Minds Eye Opera CD by Anahata

I received this CD for Christmas a couple of years ago from my mum and it is truly blissful - a journey from the deep rhythmic roots of the earth and ourselves, through the heart centre and up to the ethereal space of the crown chakra. Perfect for relaxation and deep connection after a yoga session. Recorded in Glastonbury and available from Red Temple Records.

Movement kit

And for small yoginis I love the concept behind Tattybumpkin - their philosophy and clothing is just so positive. They produce a Bendy, Giggly, Clever and Strong movement kit for £40 with a natural organic cotton mat, a CD and a bendy yoga doll.

Go to the show

And lastly, for all things yoga, under one roof - why not visit the Yoga Show, taking place in London from 31st Oct to 2nd Nov.

the cacao bean

I have been alerted to the pleasing news that we are in the midst of Chocolate Week, which runs from 13th to 19th October. What a perfect time for a post on one of nature's superfoods - the marvellous cacao bean. 

Pure and simple The purest form of chocolate is the cacao bean. Cacao is one of nature's superfoods, with a wide array of unique properties, many of which get destroyed during the cooking process. Standard chocolate bars get a bad press because of all the stuff that’s mixed in with it; sugar, hydrogenated fats, and dairy products, for example. 

Chocolate - health benefits?

The raw cacao bean, on the other hand, has amazing health-giving properties; it is the number one dietary source of magnesium - one reason why many women crave it around the time of menstruation. It is also exceptionally high in sulphur, the 'beauty mineral'. Added to that, it is rich in antioxidants, it's a natural anti-depressant, and an aphrodisiac! In fact, it contains over 300 identifiable chemical compounds, making it one of the most complex foods known to man. 

Energy boost

So not only does it taste divine, it makes you feel like a goddess too! And instead of feeling low in energy after eating raw chocolate, you actually feel an energy boost and some people report a cacao high. Although cacao does contain small amounts of caffeine, experiments conducted by homeopaths found that the effects of caffeine in cooked chocolate (raised blood blood pressure and excitement of the nervous system) differed greatly from those of caffeine in raw chocolate, where the effect was not noticeable. This led the experimenters to conclude that the physiological changes were caused by aromatic substances released during roasting. So this is chocolate that you can enjoy at any time and positively revel in its health giving properties.

Our Favourites

We take our duties seriously here at The Green parent magazine and therefore when it fell to us to sample some of the raw chocolate available we rose to the challenge with not a whisper of complaint and here are some of our finds:

Pitch Dark from the Raw Chocolate Company, 44g, £2.99

This bar has a grainy texture and is quite sweet, using mulberries to achieve the sweetness with not much bitterness. I love really dark high cocoa solid chocolate so this wasn't one of my favourites. However the same company produces (or certainly used to produce - I can't find it on their website now) a double bar pack for children with animals on and my kids love them. So different strokes for different folks, I guess.

Real Raw Chocolate Bars from Total Raw Food, 40g, £1.99

Total Raw Food produce a range of bars that have a similar taste to those from the Raw Chocolate Company. They do a silver bar with maca and a red bear with goji berries for longevity. The mint one is pretty tasty and my kids love all of them! Total Raw Food also offer all the kit needed to make your own raw chocolate on their site too.

Raw Chocolate Pie from Raw Intent, 90g, £4.99

Oh my goodness, this is simply divine! I could have eaten this delectable morsel all by myself but testing meant sharing it. Shame! This also got the thumbs up from Jez, who is hard to please in the field of raw chocolate. Raw Intent also offer lots of other superfoods and luxury items like raw chocolate spread - yes indeedy!

Choca Mocha Magic from Conscious Chocolate , 40g, £2.50

Wowzer, now I have to admit I have a bit of a thing for coffee - I can wean myself off for months on end, then catch a whiff of a well brewed espresso and I'm off again, needing a daily fix. Well, this bar meets my needs in a much healthier and all round lovely way. This is my favourite raw bar! The kids didn't get a look in - but that's okay because they had their own bars of Nicely Nutty and Hint of Mint. I gave my last piece to Jez - true love eh?! They make a bar called Love Potion No 9 and any company that honours The Clovers musical masterpiece in such a sweet way gets my vote.

Enjoy the rest of chocolate week!

full moon antics

Is anyone else out there feeling the effects of this full moon? I'm getting myself in a right old pickle and feel incredibly emotional to boot. At 3 minutes past eight tonight the glorious silver orb in the sky is at her fullest and boy, is she having fun this cycle in a fiery, vibrant Aries manner. 

Rebirth and new beginnings

As Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, this moon is about rebirth and new beginnings, so it's a wonderful time to start new projects and to let go of old hurts, feelings and beliefs that no longer serve us. We can embrace the fire aspect by having a fire ritual to release the old and welcome in the new. I am going to write a list of things that I am ready to release and burn them in a candle later on tonight. I am also going to focus on my own inner fire during my yoga class tonight and then continue to kindle it through creative projects in the coming weeks. Of course, Aries also signifies playfulness, fun and joy so there is much to be said for enjoying and celebrating the lighter side of our nature around this time.

Warrior spirit

Perhaps the emotional turmoil that I recognise in myself and others right now is due in part to the Aries connection with our warrior spirit, the raw animal nature in each and every one of us. The warrior is a powerful force, who needs the balance of the playful child on his shoulders to temper the raw and almost blind strength and force. 

Affirmations

Starweaver, who created the beautiful full moon image for this post, has a suggestion for a ritual that can be held tonight to honour each person's uniqueness, incorporating the following affirmations:

I am unique.

I act from my own centre. My will is pure and strong. I stride forward toward my future.

Meanwhile, the lovely Mrs Green shares her insights on this full moon and a meditation over at Little Green Blog, focusing on healing and releasing blocked anger. 

Bright blessings and a magical full moon to all, especially all you other lunar bunnies who are feeling a little shaky!

the climate rush

One hundred women dressed as suffragettes will cram the Lobby Room of Parliament today as part of the 'Climate Rush,' 100 years after the historic parliamentary rush, demanding 100% cuts in the UK's carbon emissions by 2030. Dressed in Victorian bloomers and bright red sashes reading 'No new coal' and 'End airport expansion', the women will press their MPs to take tougher action on climate change - demanding the de-carbonisation of the UK power and transport sectors by 2030. Where the original Parliament Rush helped win women's rights to vote, today's event will mark an energetic protest for stronger action on climate change. Suffragette Diane Selway said: "I want my daughters to look back to 2008 and say that this was a turning point. We've done enough talking about climate change. Once it was politically unacceptable for women to have the vote. It will require the same courage and commitment to decarbonise our society as it took to gain women their basic rights. " The new Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Miliband, has the opportunity to push for radical reform of the UK's energy and climate policy, to deliver on the kind of emissions cuts scientists now agree are necessary to prevent dangerous levels of global warming. Recent reports from researchers at University College London have shown how the UK can be powered using clean renewable technologies. In fact the UK has the largest renewable resource of any country in Europe, but has the second-smallest installed renewable capacity, after Malta. Sarah Bricknall, another woman attending the event, said: "The creation of the new Department for Energy and Climate Change is a powerful opportunity for Ed Miliband to step up to the challenge, be the visionary climate leader we need, and get on with decarbonising our country. 100% emissions cuts in the UK by 2030 would make us world leaders and create hundreds of thousands of jobs - but it will take action, not just words, from the Government."

Fancy joining them? Be there at 6:00pm - the rush takes place at 6:30 this evening.

reduce nappy waste

Three billion nappies a year - that's eight million a day - are thrown away in the UK. 90% end up in landfill. Landfill space is running out and local authorities face tough targets to reduce waste. Real nappies can be reused time and time again so they don’t contribute to household waste. The Cornish Real Nappy Project are giving parents the chance to try washable nappies for free during Zero Waste Week from 20-26th October. CRNP are supporting the week long challenge by asking parents to sign up for a free real nappy trial, allowing them to try out washable nappies in their own home and on their baby, before spending any money on purchasing washables. Zero Waste is impossible for parents to achieve whilst using disposable nappies (which account for around 2.6% of all household rubbish). Washable nappies are an easy to use alternative which not only have environmental benefits but also look great, are made from soft fabrics and save parents hundreds of pounds.

Approximately 27% of Cornish parents already use washable nappies, which I think is a high percentage compared with other areas. The project has been running a county wide trial scheme which has proved popular with parents who are often overwhelmed by the amount of different types and brands that are available. Bec Thomas, who runs the scheme as well as looking after her three children said: “One of our volunteers delivers the kit, talks through the different types and how to use them and then leaves the kit with the family for a month. 83% of the parents who use a kit then go on to use real nappies which is a fantastic conversion rate.” She continues, “The service is great value at £10 as it helps parents make the right choice before investing any money. However we are pleased to be able to offer the service free to parents and expectant parents signing up during Zero Waste Week, as it will help parents address a huge source of their household waste.”

In addition to the trial kits, CRNP are able to offer parents access to interest free loans which help spread the costs of buying real nappies and allow families of all financial means to benefit from the overall savings that can be made. The loans are not dependent on credit checks and are paid back at as little as £5 per week.

learn all about it

It is one of my missions to get up to Bucks to meet the folk at the Low Impact Living Initiative at some point in the near future. I have just received a course list for 2009 and the breadth of workshops on offer is quite incredible. Fancy trying your hand at straw bale building or making your own natural beauty products? How about unearthing the secrets of tree bogs? Or discovering how to make your own pedal powered generator. It makes me feel so good to know that there are such passionate people out there busily actioning powerful positive change. Here are some ideas from LILI about how we can make a difference: First of all, take a deep breath - there are so many things you could do, but you can't do them all at once. Doing things slowly, one at a time until you get used to them will probably increase your chance of success, and help you stay sane.
 Energy: make sure your home is well insulated, and that you have energy-efficient appliances, and low-energy light bulbs. Then you can think about installing solar hot water, photovoltaics or even a wind turbine; or you can switch to a renewable energy supplier.
 Transport: walk or cycle to work or school; use public transport; work from home; car share; use biodiesel.
 Housing: use eco-paints, lime, linseed oil putty and other environmentally friendly materials; if thinking of self-build, consider natural materials like straw-bales, wood, rammed earth or cob; join a community/housing co-op.
 Food: grow your own; keep chickens or bees; eat less meat; buy organic; use farmers’ markets, veg boxes and local suppliers (reduce food miles).
 Water: install water-saving facilities such as rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and a compost loo.
 Waste: start a compost heap; recycle; re-use or repair things instead of throwing them away.
 Consumerism: you have the ultimate power of deciding where or whether to spend your money. Don’t believe the hype. Research tends to show that populations with an average income of around $10,000 (eg Portugal) are happiest – basic needs are met, communities and traditions are intact, and there isn’t an emphasis on fulfilment through making more money and buying more consumer goods. 
 Local/small-scale: join a LETS scheme; use your local farmers’ market and credit union; reduce the distance that the things you buy travel, and keep money in the local economy; DIY is of course the most local of all!

green birthday parties

It's our birthday tomorrow - The Green Parent will be six years old - hurrah! You can read a bit about how and why we started the magazine on our website.   Well I figured that with celebrations in the air I'd write about how to host a magical eco-friendly party.

The heat is on

Everyone wants to host a great birthday party for their kids, but the pressure to provide a spectacular party with equally spectacular party bags full of plastic toys and sweets creates a lot of waste, as well as a lot of hyperactive energy. Wrapping paper, boxes, disposable plastic cups, plates, plastic toys that will never get used… all these things get thrown away - it’s enough to send an eco-minded parent quite crazy.

What's the alternative? There is another way, and with small changes and a little creative thought, you can create a wonderful and inspiring celebration for your children without harming the planet. There are many added benefits to holding an eco-friendly party for kids. Children can learn so much about the impact of their choices while having fun helping to plan their ethical party with you. There is great joy to be had in educating kids in the joy of helping others and protecting our planet. The key is to combine green choices with the themes that your child will love, and involving them in the whole process of creating a party that will inspire them, their friends and their parents to think of the planet, not just the party. 1. Venue: Have the party at home, or if you don’t have space, think about using a local park or village hall where you can provide your own food and drinks. If you have the space to hold the party at home the birthday child will enjoy inviting all their friends to share their familiar environment.

2. Invitations: Send out recycled card invitations if possible. Make your own by cutting out shapes from recycled card and encouraging the birthday child to decorate them. Remember to include the date, time, venue and RSVP details. Otherwise, send an email with all the important details - a little impersonal but much more eco-conscious.

3. Gifts: How to avoid the onslaught of tons of plastic junk that will end up in the bin? That can be a tricky one. If any of the party guest’s parents makes enquiries about gifts, you might tactfully suggest something that your child needs, e.g. paints, paintbrushes, crayons, colouring books, books, jigsaw puzzles. If your child is older and interested in this idea, you might consider asking other parents to make a donation to an environmental charity on his/her behalf. You don’t want to ruin your child’s birthday so tread carefully with this one!

4. Food: Make your own party snacks. It’s a great way to prevent kids going bonkers after ingesting lots of artificial colours and flavourings, not to mention the sugar overdose. There are books on making children’s party food in most libraries if you lack ideas, and here are some suggestions: sandwiches, cut-up fruit arranged into a platter, homemade dips, such as humous and guacamole with vegetable sticks, small squares of homemade pizza, cheese straws and popcorn. For drinks you could serve diluted organic fruit juice, or make a fruity punch.

5. The cake: There are lots of good books on the subject of cake making, but it’s even more rewarding to use your imagination. By making your own cake you can control what’s in it by using organic flour, eggs, etc. and you can really customize it for your child. There are a growing number of books offering ideas for wheat, sugar and dairy- free cakes. I love some of Nomi Shannon's ideas in The Raw Gourmet or for baked cakes try How it All Vegan.

6. Activities: Depending on the ages of the children, you might include an eco-friendly activity in the party, like planting a tree in honour of the birthday child or going for a nature walk. Or stimulate their creativity by offering watercolour painting or providing a dressing-up box and encouraging them to dress-up, Older children will enjoy making their own personal pizzas, decorating T-shirts or making a dream catcher. Story-telling is also a magical shared experience.

7. The party bags: Gone are the days of a slice of cake in a serviette. If you can't manage to ditch the concept of party bags altogether (it takes a strong woman!) there are some options other than the plastic bags and plastic favours that are so widely available. There are a number of eco-friendly and ethical party bag suppliers offering recycled or reusable bags filled with fairtrade chocolate and fairtrade or recycled gifts.

8. Waste: It is best to use ordinary crockery for parties and avoid disposable items altogether as these just use up resources in the manufacture and again in their disposal. If you really can’t face all the washing up after the party, there are some other, less eco-friendly options. You can get disposable plates, cups and cutlery that are biodegradable and made from renewable resources. 

9. Clearing up the mess: What can you recycle or re-use? Wrapping paper, gift bags, unwanted gifts. See what you can salvage?

And a couple more ideas because us adults like to have parties too!

10. Food: To save you time and effort ask friends to bring a little food with them - you could specify homemade, organic or local only.

11. Drink: Organic wine and beer are widely available now, both from specialist retailers and supermarkets. It may be a bit more expensive, but it tastes better and is healthier for the soil. Wine carrying the fairtrade mark is also growing in popularity. Drinking this means that you are protecting worker's rights and welfare in the developing world. Make sure that you provide plenty of tempting non-alcoholic drinks too - I really like the new Blueberry Sparkle from Organico but a homemade hedgerow fruit punch would be lovely too.

12. A helping hand: If you are looking for an eco consultant to manage a big bash or a small intimate do, a wedding or a launch for example then I have to recommend the fab folk over at Eco Events Ltd. They are pioneering eco experts that are hoping to green the world, one party at a time. Happy partying!

love your heart

In recognition of World Heart Day on 28th Sept I thought I would post about having a healthy heart. Our hearts are the organ of emotion and stress management and are just as important and require the same level of care as other more visible parts of our body to ensure good health and wellbeing. 

Hugging for Health

According to herbalist, James Green, boys are hugged 60-80% less than girls when growing up and this cultural inheritance plays into adulthood with many men being more emotionally reserved and less spontaneously affectionate than women. But the good news is that hugging and communicating through physical touch nourishes the heart muscle. And childhood wounds can be healed through lots of physical affection in adulthood.

Ambrosia of the heart

Tears are shed a s a health response to life's stimulations and are to be encouraged. Too many of us ( and especially men, though I don't wish to generalise) subscribe to the belief that it's weak to cry. Crying helps us to release held emotions and stress. In fact studies have suggested that suppressing tears can cause illness and diseases of the heart. Cardiac disease statistics show that cultural expectations of men have taken their toll; this now needs to change and crying in response to stress, grief, joy and empathy must be embraced as a manly response. 

What you eat

In addition to reclaiming emotions, diet plays an important part in heart health. Eat unadulterated, whole foods whenever possible. Plenty of fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables and lots of water are vital. Avoid excess salt, sugars, additives and processed foods. But rather than cutting things from your diet, which can aggravate our pleasure-seeking monkey minds, try adding good stuff to your life instead. Want to give up coffee/smoking/alcohol? Indulge in something that's good for alongside and make it part of your daily routine. Always have a drink when you get home from work? Have a fresh fruit smoothie and a drink aswell. Keep adding the good stuff at the rate of about one new thing a week. Think a daily walk, cycle ride, time to read a book/meditate, hot bath etc. Eventually unwanted habits will start to drop off the radar and you'll be a more healthful, energetic, happier version of yourself.

Go for garlic

And lastly, garlic and other alliums, such as onions, support heart health - try and include them in every meal. Except perhaps breakfast, unless you're a bit weird, like me.

By the way, I wrote this with a bar of chocolate besides me on one side and a pint of water and lemon juice on the other. Am hoping that if I practice what I preach, the chocolate might slip off into the ether. Maybe I'll replace it with a little bowl of sprouts or something - mmm!

local food facts

Saturday sees the start of British Food Fortnight from 20th to 5th Oct. In celebration of local food here are a few juicy facts:

1. There are more than 2000 varieties of apple grown in Britain.

2. Britain's seasonal climate produces one of the greatest varieties of vegetables in the world and each season's crop gives us all the nutrients, minerals and trace elements that our bodies need at particular times of the year.

3. There are 350 types of potato grown in the UK, each with its own unique taste, texture and flavour

4. There are now over 500 regular farmer's markets around the country, where you can buy food direct from the producers and often from within a 30 mile radius.

It's a good time of year for British food - the harvest brings lots of producers and consumers together for food festivals up and down the country. Check out what's happening near you.

car free day

Next Monday, 22nd September, it's World Car Free Day and motorists are encouraged to leave their cars at home in favour of bikes, trains, buses and feet. The event focuses on alternatives to car travel and the need for more and better public transport and pedestrianised areas. According to the ETA, 37% of British drivers feel that there is no practical alternative to driving whilst another 11% have already taken steps to reduce their mileage due to financial and environmental concerns. Other studies show that nearly two thirds of us find traffic in cities unbearable with suggestions ranging from increased public transport in city and suburban environments to a complete ban on car traffic in city centres on certain days of the week. Meanwhile the number of cars on the roads and the amount of urban traffic is steadily increasing, adversely affecting the wellbeing of city and town dwellers, with increase in noise, pollution and stress. However, on Monday we can make a positive change and choose an alternative method of transport. Over 4 million of us commute a distance of less than 3 miles by car every day. Let's get creative; pull out those bikes, dust off those walking boots or get on the bus for an altogether different experience! 

In Brighton on Sunday (always have to be a little bit different those Brighton folk eh?) people will be invited to take to the streets for dancing, music, activities and entertainment, organised by Transition Brighton and Hove. Visitors can hop on a rickshaw for a free ride, create artworks by cycling through paint, picnic in the street or go on a health walk through the city centre. Sound too cool to be true - it's not, and there's loads more stuff planned too.

Leytonstone have adopted the same approach and are planning a car-free extravaganza on Sunday with Geno Washington and Ram Jam band rocking the streets, along with a french market and a chance to try out all kinds of weird and wonderful two wheeled contraptions.

Fancy a free massage? Head to Camden tomorrow for Car Free Friday where you'll find green police on stilts, friendly folk giving away pedometers, the Bike Doctor on hand for cycling advice and maintenance and the chance of a free commuter massage.  

On Monday, you can bike for your breakfast at the BlendaVenda stall in Hounslow. Cyclists can use pedal power to create a free smoothie or flex their vocal cords as well as their leg muscles on a bike powered karaoke unit. Lots of free green transport guides and advice on hand too.

Meanwhile in Devon, prizes of £50 worth of vouchers are being offered for the most creative method of travelling to work. Last year, the prize was won by Mark Bailey who used a mini canoe, mini bicycle and the bus to commute to work.

In Harrogate, travellers on 24th Sept will be offered a free day's bus pass to encourage citizens to see how the service has improved recently. At 11am Toddle Through Town is for all those parents and toddlers who want to get involved. There will also be free rickshaw rides and a community bike ride through the town at 5pm.

Have fun!!

trees glorious trees!

We went to the Weald Woodfair this weekend, which was great, not least because I LOVE trees. As always there was a good community spirit and some fab stuff going on especially for families such as creating your own tree spirits, bushcraft skills, cooking prehistoric style and making apple bird feeders. There was also a space for budding potters to create their own pots, plaques etc and have them fired on site as iron age people would have done. We ate acorn flour patties sweetened with blackberries and elderberries and tried roasted crab apple. Alongside all this activity was another element to the event with a field of incredibly talented craftspeople selling their wares from huge oak tables to beautiful; bowls crafted from a single piece of wood. And Ben Law was there too; home building, woodland dwelling guru - unfortunately I didn't get to speak with him but met lots of other passionate people, leaving me feeling inspired and excited about the autumn months and forging a deeper connection with the earth.

foodie news

This weekend promises to be a food lovers paradise with the Soil Association's Organic Food Festival taking over Bristol's waterside from 6-7th September. With tastings, talks, cookery demonstrations to inspire parents, children are also well catered for with a giant cardboard structure from cardboard toys folks, Paperpod, in the gardening area, a food trail, more tasting and cookery workshops. Elsewhere London Vegan Festival will take over Kensington Town Hall on Sunday and visitors can expect to learn how a vegan diet can reduce harmful emissions that affect climate change. Younger visitors will be treated to storytelling, puppet shows and workshops. On Monday a lecture held by Compassion in World Farming is taking place at Savoy Place in London about the impact of meat production and consumption on our planet. Given by Dr. Rajendra Pachauri, Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and joint winner of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize, this looks to be a fascinating talk with discussion welcomed afterwards.

bad month for bugs

Apparently all this rain hasn't been much fun for the insect population of our fair isles either, with low numbers of dragonflies, hoverflies, ladybirds, bees and moths recorded during August this year. Cold blooded creatures need the warmth of the sun to raise their body temperature and allow their muscles to work. A cold wet day means that they are unable to function properly and a succession of days like this can prove fatal. This also means that fewer flowers are being pollinated resulting in a smaller harvest. According to the Met Office the rain is unlikely to let up for the next few days. But plans for a wild event at Notcutts Garden Centre in Norwich, Norfolk are set to go ahead this weekend where families can meet the crew from conservation charity, Buglife, and find out more about wildlife gardening to benefit bugs. Those who can't make it might like to try these downloadable bug activities instead.