The Gift Registry

By making a gift registry that people can access online or receive with their invitation is one way to avoid unwanted gifts. Usually people are just unsure what to buy, and choose things that may be inappropriate.  By choosing a fair trade store, or an online gift account can help with unwanted wrapping, plastics and mindless gifts.

Make sure you select only items you need and try to avoid things that are overly packaged!

You could ask people to donate on your behalf to charities and foundations, ask people to donate so you can purchase a laptop for children in poverty via 1 laptop per child program. There are countless charities that set up registries for weddings that people can donate to simply online.

If you are saving for a honeymoon, you can set up a fund that people can donate money to help with paying for flights or hotels or even ask people to donate money to carbon offset your honeymoon.

One of the simplest ways to avoid any kind of issue with a gift registry is to say from the start no gifts allowed. A lot of people may not like this option, but if you strongly believe in no gifts, really let people know from the outset. It is your wedding and your decision.

If people are adamant about gifts, talk to them one on one and explain you would rather have an afternoon tea and cake with them in a park, or taking a walk and sharing some time with them. Many elder people in families may not like the no gift policy, so in exchange for no physical gift  you could take time and visit their home and see their wedding album and share their treasured memories together. These gifts are much more memorable. Taking the time with people who you love is the best present you could get.

The Wedding Bomboniere (favours)

Wedding Bomboniere are small gifts given as a gesture of appreciation or gratitude to guests from the bride and groom during a wedding ceremony or a wedding reception. This is a tradition that has carried on for many centuries and this is a great opportunity to do something environmental and to get your message of love of environment across to your nearest and dearest.

There are so MANY options you can easily be swamped with choices! You could give a small potted plant or seedling to each guests, this is something people can take home and enjoy and is ever lasting (as long as they water them!). If your guests are coming from faraway or even by plane, you might need to give those people something else as this may not work in their local region.

You could simply choose to a small gift of organic locally made chocolate wrapped in recycled paper and ribbons, a personal favourite is Loving Earth.

Home made cookies, or jars of brownie mix or small jars of rock candy are also cute gifts – make sure they are locally made or if you choose to give jars of brownie mix you can use recycled jars and organic ingredients – see recipe here

You could give reusable bags that you have made or had made in canvas with a cute logo, jars of homemade chutney or relish, biodynamic local wines or organic local wines, you could donate money on behalf of each guest to a foundation that means something to you.

Off setting their carbon for attending your wedding can also be a part of the gift for attending your wedding – this might be costly if you  have 400 people attending, but you may be able to donate half and they donate the other half.

Even things like a gift card to local nurseries or wildlife sanctuaries are a great way to encourage people to do something after your big day. Encourage couples to have a special picnic in a park that you have donated to on their behalf.

Small soy candles are also a cute gift for people! Make sure they are locally made and made of soy or beeswax. You can select candles with wonderful fragrances that people will love in their home.

There are just so many options available – you really just need to sit down and think what you would like to get and what you are able to achieve. If you simply want to thank your loved ones for sharing your special, make the memory something that they will treasure and you will be honoured to give.

MY GREEN AUSTRALIA’S – GREEN WEDDINGS
Green Weddings – Part 1 – The Invitations
Green Weddings – Part 2 – The Location
Green Weddings – Part 3 – The Dress
Green Weddings – Part 4 – The Flowers and Decor
Green Weddings – Part 5 – The Food & Drinks
Green Weddings – Part 6 – The Make up & Hair

As more-efficient compact fluorescent lights save you money, you might have old or unused incandescent bulbs lying around. With a little effort and less than a dollar, you can put outdated bulbs to good use and have a miniature flower vase you’ll be proud to show off.

Check out the instructions on how to make these here via ReadyMade

Image via ReadyMade

With around an hours work you can turn those old shirt cuffs into these wallets. You will need to have some basic sewing skills but it appears to be a simple set of instructions. Check out the instructions here at RePlayGround

Check out more of their recycling projects at RePlayGround

Images via RePlayGround

It has been entirely successful and she is fully recovered from 2 ear abscesses and a terrible bout of summer itch, both, I believe, caused by the Doggie Wash.  She may have had water in her ears.  Anyway, now that is all behind here but I thought I would make a short list of green doggie behaviour.

1.    When you are out walking pick up doggie poo and, unless your dog has had a recent worm treatment, add to your compost bin with some additional green and dry matter (eg. Leaves and cardboard).  If your dog has been wormed, wrap up the droppings and put in the garbage.

2.    Hose away any doggie urine.  Especially for female dogs, it can burn your lawns.

3.    Add a half cap full of Ti-Tree Oil to a bucket of dog washing water to prevent mites and to keep the skin sanitized.

4.    Add a tablespoon of Epsom Salts occasionally and soak the dog well.  Not too often as it is drying.

5.    Look for eco friendly doggie products.  There are many on the web.

6.    Recycle old dishes for dog bowls.  You DON’T need ‘Fido’ written on the side…. But if you want your doggie dish named then you can get that added by a potter.  The op shop has fab basins etc. for dogs.  You can do the whole shabby chic thing or be a Clarice Cliff doggie owner.

7.    Food: I noticed while working in Thailand that the dogs there are mostly fed on rice-based food.  Of course, some non-buddhists throw them the occasional injurious chicken bones but mostly the food is vegetarian.  Here is a good dogfood recipe:

• 1 kilo whole boiling chicken or beef or lamb or anything really. On the bone.
• A chunk of oily fish.  Salmon, cod, whatever you like.  If you go at the end of the day to the market you may get a big discount but cook it immediately you get home.
• ¼ cup chopped fresh garlic
• 4 cups of any green and yellow vegetable
• Parsley (bunch)
• NO ONION as this can cause anaemia.
• 16 cups water
• ½ kilo brown rice, barley and some rolled oats to thicken it.
• Some large, gelatinous bones.

Boil the meat and bones to extract the gelatine for about an hour.  Then remove them and pick all the meat off.  Add chopped veges and cook all together until it is soft.  Pack into your single portions with adequate liquid which will go to jelly (aspic) and freeze.  If you forget to take it out of the freezer in time for dinner, you can reheat safely.  I like to sprinkle a little Brewers’ Yeast over the top for some extra zing. You can vary this by adding chicken livers etc.  Be creative!

If you have a Fowlers-Vacola unit, check out their meat bottling procedures.

The best way to feed your pet is a little at each end of the day. (Brekky & Dinner) so split a container across the 2 meals.  When you cook this it will make A TON!  Leave a few packs out ready for the next few days.  Don’t freeze it all. Label it or you may eat it.  But that wouldn’t really be a problem as it is just a nice stew and safe for human, unlike the mystery meats in cans

Look at the plate, not at the dog with those melting large brown sad eyes ‘Woof, I’m STARVING! Gimme more!” as they are mostly great actors.  An overweight pet is not a happy pet.

8.    Doggie toys.  Make sure that your dog is not chewing dangerous substances.  Tennis balls can actually be toxic.  Golf balls are DEFINITELY a no-no.  think about the size of your dog in relation to its toy.  Don’t give them cooked bones.  Make your own chew/tug toy from old cotton rope.  Steer away from anything synthetic.  Old, long cotton socks with some cotton tied into a ball at the bottom make good toys and if they get lost, will just rot down into soil.  Don’t be irresponsible leaving balls around parks.  Those Kong toys last a lifetime except that maybe your dog will do what one of ours did and bury it.  We found it years after she died.

9.    Take your dog for at least one walk a day (this will be good for you too!)

10.  Give them a chicken wing (RAW) to chew on each day or at least a few times a week for great tooth cleaning.  You can buy these very cheaply from a butcher.

11.  Bones:  Only raw ones are safe.  Cooked bones will splinter and lodge in the dog’s intestines causing ailments such as perforated bowel.  Very painful!

12.   Make your own chewy ‘leathers’ from gristle and hide.  Dry them at the end of your baking day or BBQ so that you avoid having to heat the oven specially.  You can get a whole pig’s head from the market very cheaply and it will make MASSES of chewy sticks for your dog and you can use the rest to make Pho or other soup!

13.   Cleaning doggy teeth – don’t use toothpaste.  Just give them a chicken bone or take them to the vet.  Fluoride is poisonous to dogs.  Many dry dog foods contain high levels of this chemical.  You can make your own dog biscuits.  Use the dog food recipe as above and add 4 eggs and some wholemeal plain flour and a spoon of molasses.  Mix and put into a plastic bag and roll this out while it is in the bag to avoid mess.  Rip the top layer of plastic off and turn it out onto a baking sheet.  Score into pieces around 2 centimetres x 6 cm. Cook.  Then cut it with a sharp knife along your scored lines.  Re-bake until the dog bikkies go brown and hard.  Leave in the oven to completely dry.  This is a very cheap recipe to make and runs rings around the bought product.  If your dog is a creature of habit, you may need to break him or her in by adding a smear of vegemite till they get used to the new food.

14.  When your pet dies, bury the body if you can (at least 3 feet deep) and plant a passionfruit.  Believe me, you will get wonderful fruit and your dog will ‘live on’.   Donate all the bedding, leashes etc. to the Lost Dogs’ Home.

15.  Dog wash – if you have your dog professionally washed, make sure they recycle the water or at least put it on the garden.  Dog clippings are excellent mulch for roses.

16.  Ensure that any dog kennel is made of sustainable, non-toxic materials.  You can buy some that are recycled plastic ‘wood’.

17.  Pet hotels – if you have to leave your pooch while you are away, check the kennels before you place your dog there.  Many leave lights on and waste water.  Be sure that the one you choose has the same philosophy of pet care as you do.  Make sure that you have up to date injections, flea treatment, worming etc. and get a vet card stamped before taking your dog.  That’s just common sense.  You may have to have something more radical than ti-tree oil when a number of dogs are together.

18.   Flea-borne diseases can be deadly.  Neem based products are pretty good.  (Look for ‘Ark Naturals’).  Garlic is good as a wormer. (cooked). A safe, chemical free parasite control, Wholistic Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is an all-natural alternative to chemical-based de-wormers. The fine powder works by absorbing lipids from the cuticle, the waxy outer layer of insects’ exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and die.  Fish Oil is also good.

There are many ideas on the internet for looking after your dog in a green way, and it is well worth doing your research on every aspect before reaching for a non-green easy solution from the supermarket shelf.  You may even save money!

Today I plan on heading to the beach for my clean up day.

I love, love LOVE the beach, swimming, scuba diving, amazing marine animals and corals! I do however loathe, loathe LOATHE rubbish on the beach. The horrible plastic bags, cigarette butts, bottle tops, plastic bottles, abandoned fishing line, left over food containers, beer bottles, those horrible pink vodka mixed drink bottles and the odd lost thong!

People tend to get a little careless when by the beach – I have heard people complain about no bins being on the beach and they have no where to put their litter (uh, how about back to your house to be recycled or thrown out). It appears to be the simple task of taking your lunch with you but not be able to come to terms with putting your rubbish in a bag and taking it home with you! This just is so difficult for some people!! argh!

I digress, so for my beach clean up I have tongs, plastic gloves and 2 bags (one for recycling and the other for rubbish) ready to go.  Then to celebrate the clean up day I plan on taking a swim and getting thrown about by the waves!
ahh you have to love a surf beach!

Have a great clean up day, and if you are not participating in your community, why not just walk up and down your street and pick up any litter you see. You could even spend the afternoon creating a worm farm or catch up on ways to reduce your carbon footprint!

Let us know how you spent your day.

Many brides spend a lot of money on this aspect of their wedding – money that is spent on not only hair and make up but also on gym memberships to gain a svelte bridal body, yoga and pilates classes, facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing, body wraps, etc etc! There is a lot of expectation on brides to look picture perfect on the big day!

So, why not consider the natural approach when it comes to your bridal beauty.  Don’t dramatically change your appearance for the day, no need to try a new haircut or radical hair colour unless you are sure it is going to look right on the day.

As for make up, a simple approach is usually best. Ask your make up artist to highlight your natural good points, if you have dramatically blue eyes or if you are highlighting your sexy pout! I would avoid bright make up colours so that you look timeless in your wedding album.

Don’t switch fragrance on the big day, make sure it is a fragrance that works with your skin – try it out before you use it and also try it in similar weather to the day you have planned! You don’t want to break out in hives or your skin have a weird chemical reaction and you smell unusual.

When looking for make up and cosmetics for the day, make sure you seek our organic and animal cruelty free products. There are many on the market, and your make up artist will be able to advise you. If you are doing your make up yourself, then do some internet research first and see what is available in your area and price range.

Inner beauty and health means exercising and eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Limit caffeine and alcohol intake in the week before so you look as relaxed as possible on your big day, and keep up your water intake! Remember to apply your sunblock every day before and after your wedding, you don’t want any sun damage.

My Green Australia’s top tip:

• Your skin will be wonderfully radiant if you don’t wear any makeup for a week before the wedding and keep your skin well moisturised.
• Drink plenty of water and remain hydrated
• Avoid coffee and alcohol a week up to your wedding
• Select products and make up artists that use organic and cruelty free products
• Don’t make dramatic changes the day before your wedding to your hair or skin routine
• Relax and during the planning of the wedding try to maintain low levels of stress

Up next – The Gift Registry & Favours

MY GREEN AUSTRALIA’S – GREEN WEDDINGS
Green Weddings – Part 1 – The Invitations
Green Weddings – Part 2 – The Location
Green Weddings – Part 3 – The Dress
Green Weddings – Part 4 – The Flowers and Decor
Green Weddings – Part 5 – The Food & Drinks

A worm farm is a container made up of plastic, wood or any other lightweight, waterproof material. You can buy a worm farm from a gardening or hardware store for less than $100 or make one. A worm farm is actually nothing more than a couple of boxes where your composting worms live.

MAKE YOUR OWN WORM FARM

What You Need

* 2 polystyrene boxes with lids the same size
* A strip of insect screen to fit into the bottom of the boxes
* Shredded newspaper
* A bucket of garden soil, or potting mix
* Water
* Food scraps
* 1000 composting worms (available from garden centres).

What To Do

1. Take one box and make some holes in the lid and in the bottom of the box using a pen or screwdriver. Make your holes evenly spaced. The bigger the container, the more holes you will need.
2. Spread the insect screen in the bottom, over the holes. This lets liquid through but stops the worms falling out.
3. Fill your container about 3/4 full with shredded newspaper. Dampen your newspaper with water before you add it to the box. All the newspaper should be soaked through but there should not be extra water collecting in the bottom of the bin.
4. Put some garden soil or potting mix in for grit. This will help your worms digest all the scraps you add to your bin.
5. Add your worms to the container. Place the container with the worms over the second box, allowing the liquid to drain down into the second box. This liquid can then be applied directly to your plants.
6. Add a small amount of food scraps to one corner, underneath some newspaper. See how long it takes your worms to break it down to understand how much your worms can handle at one time. Place your food scraps in a different spot each time.
7. Lay a sheet of damp newspaper on top of the food scraps and keep a cover on your box. Worms like damp and dark. conditions so store your worm farm in a cool outdoor location, like a laundry, shed or garage.

Some Things Composting Worms Like To Eat

* Cooked vegetables
* Fruit peelings (not too much orange or lemon peel)
* Vegetable scraps and peelings (not too many onions)
* Hair clippings and vacuum cleaner dust
* Stale biscuits and cakes
* Coffee grounds and tea bags
* Crushed egg shells
* Saw dust
* Soaked cardboard

Simple actions can make a huge difference to our environment – like cleaning up your local area. For 20 years hundreds of thousands of Australians have got together every year to protect the health of our environment. Be part of the national event this year, registration is easy. Just head to Clean Up Australia Day and sign up!

The best way to germinate the teak seeds is to soak them for twelve hours and then dry them, repeating this process for two weeks.  Then sow into trays or better still, jiffy pots and when they have germinated after a month or so, keep them watered and give them lots of sun until they are big enough to plant 1100 of your  little trees per hectare.   Thin the trees out to keep them straight and to grow them tall and small trees you weed out can also be potted and moved elsewhere.  They actually are beautiful trees and could be planted along roadsides in stands of say about four deep and their blossoms and seed pods provide great interest.

While it is optimum to keep the soil well fed with nitrogenous fertilizer and cleared around the tree-base, letting the undergrowth thicken up a bit adds to the environmental effect and makes habitats for lizards while the flowers are great for butterflies.

After 15 or 20 years, cut only every third three and plant more in between after you clean up and refertilise the soil. Along the way, harvest more of the seeds and keep the seedling forest going!  If you don’t have land, why not see if your local council can plant teak in the local streets and parks?

You will not only have a fabulous money-spinner in the timber you can sell but also the environment will have been enhanced.  Believe me, 20 years goes by in a flash and 1100 of these trees are worth a fortune.

Recycling old crayons (sans the wrappers) is a simple way of using those broken bits of crayon that can haunt pencil cases and crayon tubs for years!

Basically the materials you need are:

Broken crayon pieces (remove the paper wrappers)
Muffin Tin / Ice Cube Tray / Silicone moulds in fun shapes such as stars or numbers

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 250 degrees.
Peel all of the paper labels off of your broken crayons and separate them by shades of colour — keeping oranges and yellows together, blues and greens together, and pinks and reds together. It’s best not to mix all the colours together as they will turn into a mess of colour.

Spray your moulds, muffin tins, etc. with cooking spray. You can use paper muffin liners, you will just have a ridge around your crayons. And don’t use your favorite muffin tins, buy one from a second hand store or use an old one.

Put them in the oven for about 8 min. You will need to remain close by and check in on them periodically because they will melt quickly.

Once your crayons have melted, take them out of the oven carefully, and then take a toothpick and swirl the wax around. Let them cool. Cooling takes a while, so to help the process along, you can put them in the freezer. Just be sure that they are flat so they harden evenly. Once they are hard, pop them out of your moulds! (If you put them in the freezer, they will have condensation on them, so allow them to air dry for a bit.)

You can also use a flat tray and lay the crayons out flat, then after you have removed the tray of melted crayons from oven, allow to harden slightly so you can push a cookie cutter into the wax and make different shapes.

Images via Petite Planet