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Original poster

anyone interested in a 'green' thread

58 replies

Cappucino · 27/03/2006 10:57

I was just wondering if anyone would be interested in a 'green' thread - I am quite new here so probably have no right etc etc but I have noticed a few times that there are quite a few eco-unfriendly ideas kicking about mumsnet and wondered if there were any likeminded souls - I'm not a woolly hippy by any means but I do like my home to be as chemical-free as possible and I don't like to throw things away if I can think of something better to do with them - would be nice to share ideas - anyone feel the same?

OP posts:
hermykne · 27/03/2006 11:02

i would love to get tips for being more green.
try my best and follow the observer s journalist, cant rem her name , who has a wee column with tips.

Callisto · 27/03/2006 11:02

Isn't it terrible that any time anyone mentions anything eco-friendly we all have to justify ourselves by quickly saying 'I'm not a hippy/tree-hugger/weirdo'? A green thread would be a very good idea. The Saturday Torygraph devoted the property section to being green with housing, heating, power use etc. Very interesting.

babyonboard · 27/03/2006 11:03

great idea

in the meantime..this is a lovely forum full of eco friendly and recycling ideas..

\link{http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.html?f=33\here}

just out of interest..what are the 'eco-unfriendly' ideas on mumsnet you mention?

tarantula · 27/03/2006 11:05

I'd love some more tips on being green. We are quite good on the whole I think but would like some more esp if they are cheap Grin

moondog · 27/03/2006 11:05

Yes.
Hermykne,she's good isn't she.
Callist,I was impressed with that guy who will thermal image your house to show where heat escapes.
When the Telegraph property pages cover this sort of stuff,you know it's getting mainstream.

I had a flyer about solar panels today. very tempted.

Twiglett · 27/03/2006 11:07

only if we can be kind of lime-green ... I don't like bright green too much [girn]

Nemo1977 · 27/03/2006 11:08

fab idea..I would like to be more eco friendly but really tend to have no idea where to start or how to fit it in with my lifestyle.

Twiglett · 27/03/2006 11:08

although being serious .. have just ordered eco-balls .. but that's more on an economy drive than a green drive .. if they work of course .. if they don't work I shall be considerably out of pocket with filthy disgusting clothes

acnebride · 27/03/2006 11:09

i actually think mn can be quite green - to the point when i'm shocked when non-green ideas pitch up - although i'm only a green consumer, no deep green stuff.

I long for a wind turbine. Until dh gets another job or we know we can earn a living, it's not likely tho.

spidermama · 27/03/2006 11:10

\link{http://www.wen.org.uk/index.htm\The Women's Environmental Network} is a good source of inspiration for me. They used to have a page on the site all about how to replace all of your cleaning products with vinegar and bicarb etc but I can't find it atm.

By the way cappucino, of course you 'have the right'. This is a complete free for all. Welcome. Smile

moondog · 27/03/2006 11:11

That's a good start Twig.They are good. I promise you.

How about.....

recycling all paper,glass,textiles and cans
clearing your house out and doing a charity shop run
composting
avoiding supermarkets
walking a bit more
packed lunches for you and yours instead of expensive (and frivolous) shop made sandwiches.

spidermama · 27/03/2006 11:12

I think mn is more green concious than RL on the whole.

moondog · 27/03/2006 11:13

real nappies too
They've saved me a fortune.
(Am in fact going to sell my pile to last from 0-2 years. 70% used,30% new,if anyone intersted.)

Bramshott · 27/03/2006 11:15

We have just switched our electricity to \link{www.ecotricity.co.uk\Ecotricity} and I've been impressed so far. They invest in new renewable energy (mostly wind turbines) rather than just annexing existing green technology for their customers (which aparently is what a lot of the other green tariffs do), and price match your main regional supplier. Switching was very, very simple and efficient.

acnebride · 27/03/2006 11:16

yup. we're with Good Energy which I would also recommend. we picked them because they were also doing more than the minimum 'green' requirement but I can never remember the details when the Scottish Power guy comes by and laughs in my face...

Callisto · 27/03/2006 11:18

Grow your own veggies is a good idea and surprisingly easy. If you grow them in pots it doesn't have to take up loads of space either. Also buying british produce and in season produce. Welsh lamb is so much better than NZ lamb and is better for the planet, english cox apples rather than SA granny smiths, the list is endless. And by supporting British farmers it means less farmland with be turned into supermarkets or motorways etc.

Callisto · 27/03/2006 11:19

'will be'

Tatties · 27/03/2006 11:38

Great idea Cappucino!

babyonboard · 27/03/2006 11:40

mayb post on 'site stuff' asking for a specific board for 'green' ideas...you never know..

purpleturtle · 27/03/2006 11:43

Bramshott - it's worth keeping an eye on Ecotricity. We were with them last year, and when we moved house suddenly discovered we owed them loads, despite paying on direct debit, because they don't seem to bill regularly. First bill covered 2 months, 2nd bill covered April to August (when we moved out) and arrived in November!

JanH · 27/03/2006 11:50

My best green thing currently is cleaning with microfibre cloths - you need no chemicals at all - bliss. They can be stupidly expensive (as \link{http://www.ecotopia.co.uk/index.php?manufacturers_id=58\here}) but a 3-pack is about £2.50 at Lidl.

Also am in the process of switching to \link{http://www.ebico.co.uk/\Ebico} for both gas and electricity - was with Ecotricity for the last year or so but like the sound of this company (well, apart from the Christian Gospel bit).

workathomemother · 27/03/2006 11:50

I'd love a green thread - its surprising what you can achieve with a little inspiration :)

I always used to recycle but this became a necessity after serious financial problems; now its extremely satisfying to think I hardly spend any money or throw stuff away.

I've just made all sandwiches for the next month -didn't take two mins and the crusts that cut off (that i used to throw) now go into a bird bag ... so that gives us chance to get outside and feed the ducks etc.

I recycle all old cardboard packages to use with printable paper dolls and their clothing. Toilet rolls great for paper mache castles and characters.

I used to also send my old clothes to charity, now I save some to do trendy applique using Sizzix machine dies.

Will be good to get some great tips.

Callisto · 27/03/2006 11:52

I think a specific board for green issues would be a great idea.

motherinferior · 27/03/2006 11:54

Oooh yes, I can nip in from time to time. I like greenery.

Callisto · 27/03/2006 12:01

Who asks MNHQ, or do we all?