little eco footprints

What I don’t need to do

I had today’s post all ready, but then after reading this recent post from Amber at Unstuffed on all the things she ‘don’t do’, I decided it was worth sharing. I highly recommend checking it out.

There are far too many things on that list that I still do. Maybe in 12 months time I won’t be doing more :-)

[Blogtoberfest day 8]

A little of what has inspired me recently

I used to regularly post about what inspires me and enjoy having these to look back on when I need inspiration or when I want to remind myself of things I have wanted to create.

So I thought I would share a little of what has inspired me recently.

This video of a flash mob, brought to my attention by Hayley over at Heidi and Seek, bought tears of optimism to my eyes.

We got rid of tissues in our household months ago and have slowly built up our collection of vintage hankies. They sadly sit crumpled in a kitchen draw. I’d been contemplating ways to store the hankies when I saw SouleMuma's absolutely brilliant handkerchief bag. I’m really going to have to make one of these!

I’d been struggling to come up with storage ideas for Little eco’s room, when I came across this great tutorial for fabric covered boxes by Kootoyoo. I have some floral vintage sheets that will look lovely.

I was going to share much more…but I’m thinking blogtoberfest is going to have me running out of posts soon, so I’ll save a few for later in the month :-)

[Blogtoberfest day 6]

Herbs, T-shirts and undies

Photo sources:  From top to bottom, left to right: 1. unstuffed, 2. The Simple Green Frugal Co-op, 3. Inside Urban Green, 4.Alpha + Mum, 5.Crafting a Green World, 6.Belle and Burger.

Herbs, T-shirts and undies are just some of the things I have been thinking about this week. I thought I would share with you some of what has inspired me recently.

Amber shared pictures of how she dries herbs in her home. Practical and gorgeous! I have already selected a perfect spot in my kitchen to add some herb hooks.

I was ecstatic when I came across Heather’s cloth, reusable zipper pouches to make budgeting using the envelope system so much prettier. I cannot believe I didn’t think of this! We use the envelope system and I hate the scrappy paper envelopes we use. I cannot wait to make some of these pouches.

I was inspired by a video over at Inside Urban Green about the Brick City Urban Farms Project. If they can grow vegetables on vacant contaminated land in the middle of the city – then I surely can in my urban lead contaminated backyard.

I’ve been thinking about making yarn from old T-shirts recently...and also need some large floor cushions – so was inspired when I came across this cushion made by weaving T-shirt yarn. Cool!

A birthday Banner made from reclaimed fabric was something I wanted to make for Little Eco’s last birthday – but as per usual i didn’t get around to it. So this post on making a scrap fabric banner reminded me that maybe I should start thinking about next year...

Undies – I need some new ones bad - but have not yet found an ethical or eco option I am happy with. Maybe I should try making some from recycled T-shirts? This great tutorial makes it look really simple. At least I could custom make them for my bum :-)

With all these creations crowding my to-do-list, I was very relieved to read Gina's tips for curing craftsipation.

I was also inspired to do some baking this week (maybe a little too much - hence the bum needing custom undies LOL!) and made a batch of Naturewitch's crumpets (YUM!!!!) and Julie's Lavash Crackers.

Also - don't forget my competition to win a copy of the Australian Sustainable Seafood Guide. It's the full guide (rrp $9.95) that i'll be giving away - not the pocket version that is free with the current edition of G magazine. I use my copy regularly and love that it allows me to enjoy seafood without any eco guilt.

So show us your clothes line. I want to see your chaotic crowded clothes horses. I want to see how far you will go to dry your clothes without using a clothes dryer.

We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors....

Time for another dose of Monday eco inspiration to get you through the week. This week it is a quote:

We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.

Given that Little Eco has been the inspiration for my journey towards living a sustainable life, I can really relate to this quote at the moment.

In honor of Australia Day, and a younger Australia, here are some photos of the way my Dad and Grandparents lived.

Have a lovely Australia day!

 

  

  

You dont know what you've got till its gone

Time again for another Monday dose of eco inspiration....This week I have chosen the song Big Yellow Taxi. I don't think this post needs any additional words, the lyrics say it all (although, if you do want more words, find out about the history of the song here). I love the Counting Crows version, but have also included the original version by Joni Mitchell as it is so sweet. I can't decide which one I like better.

Still need more inspiration? Read my previous weekly inspiration posts.