Idea for the Weekend – Egg Box Seedlings

Following on with this week’s theme of green and reuse of things that might be thrown away this weekend we have a fun activity that will help you bring greenery to your home!  You will need: Egg Carton (s) Soil Seeds Used Coffee grounds or Tea leaves (optional) Water EventLambeth is having a go at using egg cartons for seedling containers – this is a great way of sprouting seeds which can then be potted out later.  We have saved the Chili and Pepper seeds from recent cooking, but you can use other vegetables or fruit (if you tried last week’s Apple Crumble you could use the apple pips) and flowers for a splash of colour. If you have coffee grounds mix with the soil and then fill the “cups” of the egg carton 4/5 full.  then add your seeds (3 or 4 per cup spread out depending on the seed size you might want to put fewer in there for example the Nasturtiums are large seeds so only one per cup). Cover with soil and water well.  As egg cartons are porous, they soak up the water which will help to keep the soil damp. It’s a good idea to pop it in a waterproof container – you can also then put water in the container so that the moisture is maintained (not too much!).  Pop them on a sunny windowsill and watch for sprouts.  Your seedlings will be ready to pot out after around 8 weeks – have a look out for how much water they are taking in and the size of the plant (wider and...

Make greener choices this Christmas

Christmas is fast approaching and we’re all rushing around trying to get organised, but we still need to consider the environment. When it comes to food, decorations, trees, gifts, travelling, hosting events and everything else this December, be mindful of your choices. According to a recent study by waste management company Biffa: The Christmas period is set to see a whole lot go to waste in the UK, including around 277,000 miles of wrapping paper, up to 2 million turkeys and 74 million mince pies. Here are some ways to reduce the impact at your home, business or event: Christmas Trees and Decorations Reuse an artificial Christmas tree if you have one. Source a second hand tree (and decorations) from gum tree, eBay or charity shop. Make an alternative tree using reused items or materials – Google for ideas. If you’re buying a real tree look for the FSC-Certification logo. Use LED Christmas lights and timers to reduce energy use. Make decorations using things you already have or can forage from outdoors (broken branches or pine cones on the floor). Food Plan ahead to minimise waste. Choose organic and free range meat. Try some veggie and vegan alternatives. Buy items with less packaging, especially plastic. Don’t use plastic straws, plates or cutlery. Donate to your local foodbank. Recycle leftovers using Olio Gifts and Cards Send e-cards or make from material you already have. Don’t wrap in plastic or plastic ribbon. Try wrapping with a scarf or recycled materials. Avoid glitter! Wrapping paper and cards can’t be recycled if contain glitter. Use second hand/charity shops to find Christmas gifts (and...