Category Archives: Nature

Green health, Green Living, Nature

How to go Forest Bathing

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Yup, you heard right: Forest Bathing. It’s an actual thing, and people are doing it all over the world.

Just the same way you would bathe in water or bathe under the sun, Forest Bathing is the practice of lying, or walking, amongst the trees to enjoy the benefits they bring to your physical and mental wellbeing.

The practice, which originated in Japan (where it is called shinrin-yoku) is actually quite familiar to us. Though it may not have an official name here in the UK, walking in nature  has long been an favourite pastime; with most of us enduring family woodland strolls as children, only to revert back to them eagerly as wildlife loving adults.

And it’s not just a fun day out. Spending dedicated time in the company of trees has been proven to be good for our health. Trees are the Earths original air cleansers; soaking up city pollution, helping to cool increasing urban temperatures, and pumping out fresh new Oxygen which literally keeps us alive. Continue reading How to go Forest Bathing →

General ramblings, Green food, Green health, Nature

Which Plant Holds the Most Magical Properties?

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I have to confess, I happily align myself to a number of (old school) vegan stereotypes; many of which aren’t particularly cool or (in some cases) particularly flattering. I wear ethical – not fashionable – clothing, I stuff beans and greens in almost every meal I eat, I have cats, love purple and I rave about Hemp and Bamboo in all their many forms whenever the opportunity arises. I’d probably have dreads too, if I wasn’t too lazy to grow my hair long.

However, seemingly unlike the rest of the vegan population at large (and many non-vegans when they discover I boycott cheese…), theres one thing I’m not particularly bothered about obsessing over: nutrition. Now, I don’t mean this in the sense that I don’t care about my health – sure I get plenty of Calcium, B12, blah blah… – but I’m not interested in obsessing over it. And let’s face it, I’m sure neither are half of the vegetarians and meat eaters out there either. Continue reading Which Plant Holds the Most Magical Properties? →

Facts and Stats, Green health, Nature

5 Easy and Natural Ways to Beat the Winter Blues

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I’ll be honest with you, I’m feeling pretty blue right now. And it’s not just an average case of autumnal lethargic disengagement. I am sleeping badly, eating badly and watching bad TV.  I’m even struggling to find the motivation to move from the sofa to make myself a cup of tea. I haven’t been writing, have barely exercised, and have gotten a little too aquatinted with packet noodles for my liking. Things are bad.

This situation is familiar to us all, and completely expected. Whether you’ve just returned from an epic holiday back to reality (check), in-between jobs (check), frantically house hunting (check) or simply getting used to the colder season (check); the blues are a natural way our bodies and minds tell us we need to slow down, acclimatise to our surroundings, and give ourselves lots of love and TLC.

I have so much in my life to feel grateful for right now, but I still need a lift to make myself feel happy, healthy and confident for the winter months. My mantra for October has certainly been: ” It’s OK to admit you’re not OK”. Continue reading 5 Easy and Natural Ways to Beat the Winter Blues →

Green news, Green travel, Nature, travel

Explore and protect Australian Animals at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

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Over the past 9 months I have travelled through 6 countries, across the world, each blessed with diverse  wildlife and full of natural wonders around every corner. But being a conscious traveller, who likes to be a green and ethical tourist (whilst on too tight a budget to pay for specifically labelled eco tourism), there is one big thing I have felt I’ve missed out on: a true exploration and interaction with native animals.

For many years I have boycotted zoos, circus’ and animal rides; adamant that my money will not support industries which knowingly exploit animals or prevent them from living a life which is natural to them. My experience of the mistreated camels in Jaisalmer, India, stayed with me long after I encountered them wheezing and tired as their masters dragged them across the desert on continuous tourist rides, with little rest or water.

Continue reading Explore and protect Australian Animals at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary →

Green Home, Green news, Nature, Seasonal

How to Garden for Bees

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Bees are synonymous with the perfect English summer’s day. Any portrait of rural Britain would be incomplete without our plump and furry little friends, but what many don’t know is that these small little insects that works so tirelessly and quietly around us, have played a vital role in the development of the human race.

Without them it’s unlikely that flowers would have evolved their diverse and alluring colouration, and they’re responsible for pollinating a staggering 70% of the food we eat in Britain. Their existence has helped feed both our soul and stomach, and without them agriculture as we know it would collapse.

Alarming statistics from Friends of the Earth suggest that over recent years the British Bee population has declined by a third since 2007, and in the 1950’s there were over 50 native species of bee in the UK, yet now there are just 25. Continue reading How to Garden for Bees →

Facts and Stats, Green Living, Green travel, Nature, Sustainability, travel, War on waste

Hikkaduwa: hippy heaven or polluted beach hell? 

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Luscious valleys, breathtaking mountains and more stunning waterfalls than you can shake a stick at; Sri Lanka certainly has it’s fair share of natural beauty. Outside of the hustle and bustle of big cities, like Colombo, this small island just south of India is the closest you’ll find to a living showcase of how beautiful and diverse planet Earth truly is.

But it’s Sri Lankas beaches – with their clear blue waters and sweeping white sands – which draw thousands of people to the island every year for surf, sun and copious amounts of rice and curry!  Continue reading Hikkaduwa: hippy heaven or polluted beach hell?  →

General ramblings, Green news, Green travel, Nature, travel, Where to shop

The cruel case of the Jaisalmer Camel 

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Silhouetted against a backdrop of rolling golden mountains of sand and a deep orange sunset, a dozen camels stroll just a few metres in front of me. The distant smell of rich spices catch my nose and the fading heat of the day gives way to a cool desert breeze. 

But this isn’t the relaxing Indian sunset dreams are made of, surrounded by hundreds of tourists as I sit fighting back tears for the wheezing camels who are overworked and tired. This is the popular Sam sand Dunes in Jaisalmer, and it’s left nothing but a bitter taste in my mouth.   

Continue reading The cruel case of the Jaisalmer Camel  →

Facts and Stats, Green Home, Nature, Sustainability, War on waste

Infographic – the Growing Global Water Footprint

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I’ve always thought it’s a little odd that despite 71% of the Earth’s surface being covered in water, reports of global water shortages are steadily increasing. Especially when I happen to live in a county that seems to be in a sate of perpetual rain!

But the fact is there’s a huge difference between sea water and fresh water, and the demand for the latter is causing millions to suffer across the globe. The assumption that this is simply an issue for those in underdeveloped countries is a myth. In fact, the United Nations reported earlier this year that predictions suggest within 15 years, the world water supply will fall short by at least 40%, and continue to rise. It will soon affect every single one of us.

An infographic I came across recently shows that those small things our mums always told us off for doing when we were young – like leaving the tap running for too long – aren’t helping the situation either. Luckily, it also reveals that there are quite a few things we can actively do to help reduce our “water footprint”, and make the most of this life giving liquid. Not surprisingly, reducing our meat and dairy intake – which, along with chocolate is one of the biggest drain on fresh water supply – can have significant benefits.

Custom Made, the lovely makers on the below infographic, say:

“Fresh water consumption has doubled since World War II and is expected to rise 25% by 2030. All of this water use takes a toll on the planet and can create water scarcity which effects up to 2.8 billion people around the world at least one month out of the year. Explore ways you can reduce your water footprint in your home.

Dual flush toilets, turning off the tap while scrubbing dishes, and using a rain barrel to collect outdoor water are all great ways to reduce your water footprint. There are many simple changes you can make in your day to day life that can positively impact your water use and lessen the effects of water scarcity.”

Continue reading Infographic – the Growing Global Water Footprint →