|
BGI Newsletter |
|||||
|
Issue 7 - March 2009 |
|||||
|
From the Editor...
This winter has been one of extremes - blizzards on one side of the world, forest fires and heatwaves on the other. It reminds us of the delicate balance that our planet operates in. And just as we are caring for those tender young shoots in the garden, so we need to nurture and protect our fragile planet. Its future is in our hands and every little thing we do will make a difference. So this newsletter is full of the promise of spring - it is focused on gardens and animals, creating new life and getting 'out there' to appreciate our wonderful planet. Spring is (almost) here in all its beauty. Enjoy! Jo x Green Projects - So You Want To Keep Bees?
But if keeping bees is not a practical solution for you then how about creating a garden that attracts wildlife? It's easy and Peter Yeo shows you how here
In the first of our Green Heroes series, we meet Kim Cotton, who is raising money for the BGI. But Kim hasn't settled for a sponsored silence or a cake sale (though if you wanted to raise money for us that way, please feel free!) - she is doing what so many of us would like to do and running marathons. We learn what motivates her here The Flower Patch Company
Read more here
'Many people think of permaculture as being a set of vaguely mystical "gardening techniques", or maybe that they need to "buy some land" before getting started. In fact, permaculture is more of a holistic philosophy, and its practice is open to anyone, whatever their situation or state of their bank balance (or lack of!).' Read what author Graham Burnett has to say about Permaculture here Animal Welfare Review
Did you know, the average European throws away 13kg of tissues a year? That snot good. And certainly not to be sniffed at. OK, enough of the sad puns. Organic cotton hankies are a wise investment that will last for years. How green is that (sorry, couldn't resist). Judy reviews Organic-Ally's wonderful hankies and gives you the chance to win a box of them as well as some fairtrade organic gift wrapper bags in our competition . Find out how here Freedom Clothing Project
It's greener, it's cheaper, it's healthier, it tastes better and it's fun! What more can you ask for? Making your own bread is a no-brainer really. If Jo can do it anyone can...find out how here
Our first letters page is for you - tell us what you think about the work of the BGI, comment on our newsletter articles, or let us know about what you've done (or plan to do) to become more sustainable. We really value your opinions and hope you will be inspired to write in and tell us your views. There are also competition results and answers to our Commons Teaser More details
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. 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 in the right-hand column, they will donate between 7% and 10% from the sale to us. |
About Us The Bus How You Can Help
'Hi ! My name's Brigit and today I want to tell you about...' Chat from Brigit and the team as the 2009 bus tour season takes shape, we visit events, and learn just what it takes to make a green charity tick!
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 Gardening Month by Month: March A little Green thought... It is often the small actions of our daily lives that, over time, have the greatest influence on the world. Anon Green Tip of the Month Isobel Trelawney of St Agnes emailed us to say 'Cut up used and cleaned margarine and ice-cream tub lids to make markers for your rows of young seedlings.' Website of the Month The Fairtrade Foundation
Two billion people – a third of humanity – still survive on less than $2 a day. Unfair trade rules keep them in poverty, but they face the global challenges of food shortages and climate change too. Fairtrade is a people’s movement for change that aims to tip the balance of trade in favour of poor producers. We all need Fairtrade more than ever and we all have the power to create positive change for people and planet. Make it happen. Choose Fairtrade. Take part in Fairtrade Fortnight 2009 and play your part by joining a powerful global movement for change! Affiliate shopping
|
||||
Someone asked me recently which season I liked best. This is a tricky one, for being the fickle creature I am, at the start of every new season I think, 'Oh great! I love autumn/winter etc.' But after thinking long and hard, I decided I liked spring best. All the signs of new life in the plant and animal worlds, the sun's warmth starting to return and the promise of the year to come.
Einstein allegedly said that if bees disappeared, then the human race would follow a few years later. With Colony Collapse Disorder now a fact rather than fiction, what can we do to protect bees? One answer is to keep your own bees and Philip Chandler tells us what we need to 
'
Permaculture, A Beginner's Guide - Book Review
Product Review - Hankies, Not To Be Sniffed At
Spring weather is on its way and last year's clothes have lost their va va voom. But just imagine you couldn't buy anything that was imported. What would you wear? Cotton? No, imported. Bamboo? No, imported. Happy Hippy Nepalese wool then? No, imported. So what does that leave you with? Easy. Go 1920s and 'make do and mend'. Your wardrobe and local charity shops have a wealth of untapped potential. With the help of Joe Turner and the Freedom Clothing Project find out what treasures you can create 
Using Your Loaf
Commons Teaser - Think you know about Common Land? Find out how much you really know 
Letters page
Congratulations to BGI director and trustee Sue Oak, who has just given birth to a baby girl. Welcome to the world Rosalyn!