Kitchen
10 handy natural cleaning hints from Aunt Daisy
Aunt Daisy had it right (sometimes) When it comes to doing the right thing for the environment, I often think we need to look back to what our grandparents or great-grandparents were doing. The days before crude oil was readily available and made into everything from petrol & plastic to fabric & medicines. The days…
Read MoreEco Tip #7 Reuse your water
We are heading into the third week of no rain for Wellington and it is still only November. (Just) It would be wise to start conserving water, so I thought I would share some of my water conservation tips. Reusing your water doesn’t have to mean installing an expensive grey or black water system that…
Read MoreTips for Plastic Free July
Mr Verdant thought I was on a personal crusade this month when I mentioned we were going Plastic Free this July. But no it’s a real thing that others are also doing, not just me. So to celebrate Plastic Free July, I thought I would share what we have done so far in the Verdant…
Read MorePlastic Free July
Stuck for ideas on how to go Plastic Free this July? Here is Plastic Free Julys newsletter with some ideas on reducing your plastic in the kitchen. The only thing I would avoid is tinfoil for your frozen meat. Go straight to reusable glass instead. Pyrex do some great glass containers with lids that can…
Read MoreEco Tip #6 Choose recycled over recyclable
Choose recycled over recyclable. What’s the difference you may ask? Well a lot when you think about it. In simple terms, something that is made from recycled materials means the materials have been reused and have already has a previous life. Something that is recyclable means it could go on to have a new life after…
Read MoreEco Tip #5 – Be a Scrooge
Be a Scrooge and use things up. Squeeze every last bit out of your toothpaste. Mop up the last of the mayonnaise and tomato sauce. Use the crusts as breadcrumbs Use your meanie, rubber scraper, spatula, whatever you call it, to scrape every last bit of food out of the pot. Yep, I am a…
Read MoreEco Tip #3 Use re-useable water bottles
Buy a decent re-useable water bottle like the ones from Eco Tanka. Don’t re-use the one-use plastic ones. They are designed just for that: one use only, meaning if you continue to use it, the plastic will leach into your water. Not nice. Invest in a stainless steel one which is dishwashable and can take a…
Read MoreEco Tip #2 Wash your recyclables
Yes you really do need to. Real people sort our recycling by hand so be considerate and think of them. Plus food remnants contaminate whatever you are trying to recycle. Don’t just rinse your meat trays either. Their clever design holds all that ‘juice’ in its cavities so they need a good scrub.
Read MoreEco Tip #1 Reduce Reuse Recycle Repair
The 3 Rs of Green Living. In order of priority:
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