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BGI Newsletter |
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Issue 14 - December 2009 |
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From the Editor…
It’s not easy being green at Christmas. Consumerism abounds – shops are trying to tempt us to part with our hard earned cash and the pressure to provide the ‘advert perfect Christmas’ weighs us down each year. But, whatever your religious persuasion, this is a time of year for family and friends, being together and celebrating that fact. And as far as I can see that doesn’t involve spending vast amounts of money. Or any money at all really. Brigit and the BGI team’s article on how they have a greener Christmas has some really useful and practical tips to have a festive season that doesn’t cost the earth. Down here in the South West we will be celebrating Yule and our first Christmas in Cornwall as a family. Who needs any other presents! Whatever you are doing, I hope you have a peaceful, happy and healthy festive season. Jo x Note: It has been quite a struggle to get this newsletter out, and so many kind, lovely people have helped me by pulling out all the stops. So thank you all from the bottom of my heart! Brigit and the Team’s Tips for a Greener Christmas
A (free-range) partridge in a pear tree? Well maybe, but hardly practical, so Judy looks into the world of ethical Christmas gifts that you can give or receive without feeling guilty! And it’s surprising that, once you know where to look, there are so many options available. Find out what The Benefits of Home Composting
The words ‘oil’ and ‘green’ don’t usually go together but an award winning Kent-based company, called Green Oil UK Ltd, supplies bike oil that is environmentally friendly, biodegradable and palm oil free. We were intrigued so caught up with their founder Simon Nash to find out more
Book Review - Hens in the Garden, Eggs in the Kitchen
Having looked at the plight of intensively reared turkeys last Christmas, Jo couldn’t decide what to write about this year. Whilst she was mid ponder, an email plopped into her inbox and it was so sad it made her cry… Find out why
Children’s Books for Christmas
Jim’ll, self-confessed grumpy old man, doesn’t let the winter weather put him off and can always find plenty of jobs to do in the garden, even at this time of year. After all, it beats Christmas shopping! Click here
Green Tip of the Month Caroline Etheridge from Camborne wrote in to say ‘Avoid shop-bought crackers. Wrap a small gift for each of your guests in recycled paper, tie it up with hemp string and decorate with a sprig of ivy, holly or any evergreen. Rosemary works particularly well as it smells gorgeous.’ If you have a green tip you would like to share, an idea for something you would like to read about or any comments on this newsletter please email me: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) To unsubscribe from our newsletter click here and type ‘unsubscribe’ in the subject line © The Big Green Idea 2009 - Content Editor: Jo Barlow The Big Green Idea registered charity no. 1123650 Disclaimer: All views expressed in the content are those of the relevant author or sources they draw upon, and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Big Green Idea or its Trustees. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of any information in this publication, readers should not rely upon it and should verify the detail for themselves before acting upon it.
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About Us The Bus How You Can Help The Big Green Bus at Primary Schools!
After the Bus’s most recent school visit to Eastnor Primary School, Brigit tells us what goes on during these special days!
‘Hi ! My name’s Brigit and today I want to tell you about…’ Thoughts from Brigit and the team as 2009 comes to a close. Other blogs we think you may like: There’s plenty going on around the UK, so why not dip in? Many of these events are free or very reasonably priced! We are also starting to include weekend and longer courses on a wide variety of ethical, eco- or green-related subjects. Regular Features Ideas sheet of the month: Organic Food A little Green thought… ‘The diligent farmer plants trees, of which he himself will never see the fruit.’ Cicero Website of the Month At this time of year when there should be a spirit of peace and goodwill to all, we have chosen Peace Direct funds local people working at the heart of communities affected by conflict, as they understand the causes of conflict and what needs to be done to stop it, and they refuse to give up on peace, because it’s where they live and raise their families.
Affiliate shopping
Important Notice: Although The Big Green Idea does not encourage consumerism, we do appreciate that everyone shops for essentials and the occasional treat they cannot create themselves. If you choose to shop with any of the merchants via the links above, they will donate between 7% and 10% from the sale to us. This does not affect the price you pay. |
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Where does the time go? It only seems like yesterday we were enjoying the summer sunshine and now we are almost at the shortest day, the magical Winter Solstice, with Christmas lurking just round the corner. 
‘It’s all a far cry from the waste and excess of Christmas today, but this isn’t how it has to be. In my experience, having a greener Christmas has so many benefits that it’s hard to know where to begin ...’ Brigit tells us about Christmas when she was young and the BGI team share their tips for a greener Christmas. 
‘Composting at home is one of the most important aspects of living a sustainable lifestyle as it is one of the most effective ways of recycling and reducing your carbon footprint…’ Master composter and BGI friend John Cossham 
Tempted to get your own chickens? Do you like the idea of rescuing some ex-battery hens as well as having your own eggs? Well, according to chicken keeper Rachel, this is an essential book that will help you care for your new birds. 
Don’t say we don’t treat you here at the BGI! Two book reviews in one newsletter!! Books, especially second hand or pre-loved ones, are great presents and the two reviewed here also help educate young minds about the environment. Becks finds out 
