Greenme: Sustainable Living Blog

Community Gardens

I’m working for the council in Nottingham. “Here take this”. Jim, the foreman of the local parks gardening team throws me something shiny. “It’s a golden key”. He says with a smile. “With this key you can get access to any padlocked council owned area in the town, look after it well”. This was a big [...]

Govt investment plan will create a smarter, greener economy – Gormley

Statement from leader of the Green Party John Gormley introducing the Government’s Capital Review Programme. Location: National Convention Centre in Dublin. Minister Gormley says: This Capital Review takes a strategic, long-term view of what we need to do now to get the maximum return on capital investment into the future for jobs and economic growth. State infrastructure [...]

Mosquito repellent

With the holiday season upon us, why not pack a more natural mosquito repellent on this trip. Citronella, basil, anise oil, balsamic vinegar and fresh garlic are all effective mosquito repellents (all in their own right – you do not have to mix them together you’ll be glad to hear). They are all less harsh on your [...]

Can tatoos be green?

Hearing of the “world’s first eco-friendly tattoo parlour” last week almost brought on my first tattoo. But then I realised it was, predictably, in LA, and that while the studio’s architectural values sounded fully sustainable (passive ventilation, green roof, etc), there wasn’t much that was eco friendly about the actual body art. Therein lies the rub. [...]

Sunday morning Miscellany

I’m driving along the road listening on a beautiful Sunday morning listening to Sunday Miscellany on RTE Radio 1. Usually I just let the voices drift over me but today I’m taking notice as a woman reminisces about how their parents used to grow vegetables. She was pondering on how they managed to find the [...]

New EU organic logo

New EU rules on organic food labelling including the requirement to display the new EU organic logo, have come into force since 1 July, 2010. The so-called “Euro-Leaf” will now be obligatory on pre-packaged organic food products that have been produced in any of EU Member States and meet the necessary standards. Other private, regional [...]

UN climate change panel promises more open view

The UN body on climate change, accused of ignoring critics and allowing glaring errors into its work, today declared a broader range of experts will write its next report on global warming. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change included more women and scientists from developing countries, but also selected authors with a wider range of backgrounds [...]

Make your own Water Butt

Yea Butt No Butt yea Butt…. “It’s nothing really, just an old wheelie bin and a downpipe”. I’m talking to Mickey Donaghay from Carry Garden Sheds in Fallask on the outskirts of Buncrana and he’s being very modest about his inventive water butt design. The idea is simple enough. When he needs water from the butt, [...]

Win on Gardening.ie

Two Acupressure Mats worth €35*to be won Gardening.ie have joined up with Shakti.ie and have two Acupressure Mats to win. What are Acupressure Mats? Acupressure Mats have thousands of tiny spikes on a soft cotton base that release endorphins in your body when you lie on them. They are a great way to relax and ease the muscles [...]

Participation in Cycle to Work scheme increases by 125%

Green Party Minister for Sustainable Transport Ciaran Cuffe has welcomed new statistics showing a large increase in people taking part in the Cycle to Work scheme. A survey carried out by www.bikescheme.ie shows: • Cycle to Work Scheme participation has increased by 125% since 2009 • Bike shops report average of 43% of bike sales coming through [...]