A Super Easy and Practical Way To Reuse Orange Produce Bags

It is amazing what you discover when looking for practical ways of reusing or recycling perfectly good items rather than just sending them to landfill. This is a simple #DIY idea and actually, with just a quick modification, these bags can continue doing exactly what they were designed for - carrying produce!
Posted on October 26, 2014 by Shea

If it can’t be reduced, reused, repaired, rebuilt, refurbished, refinished, resold, recycled, or composted, then it should be restricted, redesigned or removed from production.

Pete Seeger

Making your own produce bags is a simple idea and actually, with just a quick modification, these bags can continue doing exactly what they were designed for – carrying produce. So they really are perfect to take fruit & veggie shopping!

If my ‘people’ knew years ago that in the unforeseen future Shea would be reusing orange produce bags (which had somehow found their way into her house), they would’ve had a good old laugh.

Actually, they probably are reading this right now and doing just that – how times have changed!

It is amazing what you discover when looking for practical ways to reuse or recycle perfectly good items rather than just sending them to landfill.

As promised, all new discoveries made along my journey of Keeping It R.E.A.L will be road-tested first before sharing with you. So here we go…

To Make Your Own Produce Bags You will need:

Read more »
Categories: Talking Rubbish | Tags: , , , | 6 Comments

Website Update

Posted on October 12, 2014 by Shea

Hi there,

This week a few area’s of my website have enjoyed an update.

First up:

Those of you who follow through Facebook and Instagram will have seen the building blocks to my new website ‘Header’ unfolding. If you can’t see this at the top of the page click on the title (of this post) to view through your browser.

Secondly:

The introduction section has had a complete re-write, click HERE to be taken directly to this page.

After writing every day for a year and a half I have become a lot clearer as to what is important to me and what I hope to achieve through this blog. I just needed to take the time to put these thoughts into words.

If you rarely comment today would be a great day to start as, with all new things we embark on, constructive feedback is greatly appreciated!

Thank you all so much for your continuous support,

– Shea

 

 

Categories: Uncategorized | 5 Comments

The Cardboard Box – Inspired Creative Play

The simple cardboard box has always provided hours of fun with kids, which is why it has been inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame. 'Makedo' and 'Imaginbox' are 'props' designed to add support to the cardboard box and create endless possibilities. Allow me share some ideas around how you can help develop your childs imagination by creating movable characters to spice up their eco-friendly play.
Posted on September 28, 2014 by Shea

“Imagination is more important than knowledge.”

Albert Einstein

The Cardboard Box and The Stick are two out of 53 toys which have been inducted into the Toy Hall Of Fame.

The Toy Hall of Fame is located next to The Strong, the National Museum of Play in Rochester, NY. Anyone can nominate a toy which they feel has stood the test of time and inspired creative play but, it is the Historians and Educators who have the final say on what is to be inducted.

Brilliant news!

As cardboard boxes and sticks are recognised as prestigious items and meet the criteria for the Toy Hall of Fame, they have been awarded the ultimate tick of approval. Save your cereal boxes and parcel packaging, collect those sticks from the garden, wrap and pile them up under the tree for Christmas.

Let’s spare no expense – after all, we want nothing but the best for our little cherubs. This year’s gifts are sorted!

You’re welcome! (in advance).

You might, or might not, just want to add a couple of ‘props’ such as a box of ‘Makedo‘ to spice things up a bit! Read more »

Categories: Family Life, Hunting & Gathering, Talking Rubbish | Tags: , , , , | 2 Comments

#DIY – Repurposing Your Jars in Four Easy Steps

Are you ready to embrace this newly revived and environmentally friendly craze of drinking out of a jar? This repurposing #DIY idea is a fun, simple and sustainable way to jazz up any party or gathering. It will appeal to creative people who are always on the hunt for something a bit quirky and/or are consciously making an effort to reuse single-use items and minimise their contribution to landfill.
Posted on September 14, 2014 by Shea

There is no such thing as ‘away’. When we throw anything away it must go somewhere.

Annie Leonard 

Repurposing your jars is a fun, simple and sustainable way to jazz up any party or gathering. It will appeal to creative people who are always on the hunt for something a bit quirky and/or are consciously making an effort to reuse single-use items and minimise their contribution to landfill.

Are you ready to embrace this newly revived and environmentally friendly craze of drinking out of a jar?

My Sister and I repurposed these four jars as a unique gift for our Mum – one for each of the Grandchildren for when they head over to her house for a visit and a play. The jars were ready to go for a family party on the weekend and the kids just loved the novelty of using them. They came up a treat and led to interesting conversations throughout the afternoon.

8 Green #DIYProjects - Gift Inspirations You Can Make With Love_ conversationswithmysister.com.au

Of course, you can pay next to nothing for mass-produced jars in stores all over the country but, why buy something new when you can upcycle your own?

Shop bought ones aren’t ‘made with love’ and they definitely don’t come with a big dose of satisfaction and pride which can only be gained after spending a couple of hours being creative. There’s really nothing like producing something stamped with your own personal handmade touch.

You know how the saying goes:- “If I can do it, anyone can!”

To Begin Repurposing Your Jars You Will Need:

Read more »

Categories: Family Life, Out of the Man Cave, Talking Rubbish | Tags: , , , | 10 Comments

Recognising Australian Native Stingless Bees

This weeks post is designed to give a big plug to the busy little insects who are responsible for 60% of our food and crops - the bees. If we are all going to protect these important little insects (and they desperately need us to), we first need to be able to recognise them. Can you tell the difference between native stingless bees and a common house fly?
Posted on August 31, 2014 by Shea

Would you be able to tell the difference between native stingless bees and a common house fly, or would you reach for a fly swat or can of insecticide spray regardless?

“The future depends on what you do today.”

Ghandi

Tomorrow, 1 September, is the first day of Spring – ‘YAY’, so this weeks post is designed to give a big plug to the busy little insects who are responsible for 60% of our food and crops – the bees. If we are all going to protect these important little insects (and they desperately need us to), we first need to be able to recognise them.

Facts About Australian Native Stingless Bees

There are around 1,500 species of native bees in Australia. The above feature picture is a native stingless bee, aka Tetragonula Carbonaria, from the colony which lives in our back garden.

This species is found in the more tropical climates of Northern and Eastern Australia as they prefer warmer environments. This curious little bee (yes alive) was, during the colder winter months, less active and therefore quite sociable. When it landed on my arm long enough to photograph, it struck me how similar they look to flies and the idea for this post was born. Read more »

Categories: Eat Throw Grow | Tags: , , , | 11 Comments

Innov8 – Handcrafting Beautiful Pieces of Unique Furniture

Inspiring handcrafted furniture from INNOV8. Sustainable living involves bringing many environmentally friendly aspects together and, designing our furniture from recycled timber, is just one of the many projects we have successfully integrated to shape our eco home. Wood is a renewable building material that tackles climate change. It's beautiful, sustainable and the only material made from the sun. This is how our bedroom furniture and bookcase came together.
Posted on August 17, 2014 by Shea

Wood; a renewable building material that tackles climate change. It’s beautiful, sustainable and the only material made from the sun. Make It Wood –

Planet Ark

Scott McKenzie from Innov8 brought this blackbutt timber (as seen in the feature image) back to life by reusing it to make a bookcase for our Baby Girl’s bedroom – and what a job he did!

When Scott sent through this photo he was chuffed with his find and his enthusiasm quickly rubbed off on us. He then set to work finding the perfect timber to complete our bedroom furniture – a queen-sized bed and two bedside tables.

The outline to Scott was that the timber he sourced for each of the pieces was filled with character (recycled would be ideal) and the end result showcased all the knots and grains which occurs in feature grade timber. He took our ideas on board, incorporated his own unique touches and produced beautifully handcrafted and functional pieces for our home.

Up until now the majority of our furniture has been handed down to us from older generations, pieces which are filled with past stories and family history. Designing a piece from scratch gave us an opportunity to have a hand in beginning a new story. Not only could we ensure a perfect fit for our daily use but, we had such a great time coming up with the concepts and designs.

Handcrafted Recycled Timber Bookcase By Innov8

Read more »

Categories: Hunting & Gathering | Tags: , , , | Leave a comment

3 Easy Steps to Making a Rubber Band Ball

Saving and storing rubber bands into a rubber band ball is not only an environmentally conscious activity, it is also a practical money-saving idea. It is not necessary to spend money on a bag of new ones at the supermarket or stationery supply store when you can reuse the ones being delivered to your home for free. Here are the simple steps to follow to start your own.
Posted on August 3, 2014 by Shea

Saving and storing rubber bands into a ball is not only an environmentally conscious activity, but it is also a practical money-saving idea. It is not necessary to spend money on a bag of new ones at the supermarket or stationary supply store when you can reuse the ones being delivered to your home for free.

Every day a roll of promotional material (junk mail) and local magazines are delivered to each house in the neighbourhood; most of these rolls are secured with at least one rubber band. Fresh produce and bunches of flowers are also packaged together using rubber bands whether they are purchased from a Farmers Market or local supermarket.

It was many years ago that Mum introduced us to the simple concept of a rubber band ball, so it is thanks to her that this (constantly growing) collection is contained and much more organised.

While they are accumulating in our kitchen drawer they aren’t posing any potential harm to our environment or ending up tangled around, or swallowed by, our innocent wildlife.

Saving and storing rubber bands into a rubber band ball is not only an environmentally conscious activity, it is also a practical money-saving idea. It is not necessary to spend money on a bag of new ones at the supermarket or stationery supply store when you can reuse the ones being delivered to your home for free. Here are the simple steps to follow to start your own.

Here are the simple steps to making a rubber band ball.

To make a rubber band ball you will need: Read more »

Categories: Talking Rubbish | Tags: , , , | 1 Comment

The Not-So-Perfect Plastic Free July Moments and How To Do Better

My name is Shea, I have used single-use plastic AND it's PLASTIC FREE JULY! The little evening clutch which accompanies me during a night out won't hold a reusable wine glass so, is that the end of having a glass of wine while enjoying great live music - NOOOOO! Check out what I discovered while researching music festivals around the world looking for an alternative to using single-use plastic. How do you reduce your impact while enjoying a music concert?
Posted on July 27, 2014 by Shea

“We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions doing it imperfectly.”

Zero Waste Chef

Hi, my name is Shea, I have used single-use plastic AND it’s PLASTIC FREE JULY   ☹️

PHEW – what a relief to get that off my chest!

Concerts are my undoing as they generally have a ‘no glass allowed’ policy, therefore, all drinks are either poured in a single-use plastic cup, handed to you in a plastic bottle or worst case – both! Being passed a small plastic bottle of wine is a double blow because, unless you are comfortable walking around swigging out of a bottle (not me thanks), you reach for a plastic cup.

One can be excused of thinking single-use plastic and nights out listening to live music, seem to go hand in hand. However, this is not the case for all live music venues.

Single-use Plastic Free Music Concerts

Treading My Own Path, shared an article from the Guardian newspaper last month regarding the environmental commitment of The Glastonbury Festival held in the UK. The article begins with explaining the festival is committed to becoming ‘The worlds most environmentally friendly outdoor musical event‘ and this year was all about eliminating the plastic water bottle.

400 drinking water taps are located across the site and the 140,000 people who attend were encouraged to bring Read more »

Categories: Talking Rubbish | Tags: , , , , | 3 Comments

Review: Who Gives A Crap – The Bottom Line…

Who Gives A Crap (WGAC) toilet paper is the latest discovery for this Hunter Gatherer - but have I tried it, you ask? The colourful roll was looking so great sitting in the bathroom I was reluctant to open it, but since you asked I do aim to please...
Posted on July 20, 2014 by Shea

For those who missed the post on Facebook this week, ‘Who Gives A Crap’ (WGAC) toilet paper is the latest discovery for this Hunter Gatherer – but have I tried it, you ask?

Introducing Who Gives A Crap Toilet Paper

There are so many reasons to get excited about a company such as this:

  • 50% of profits go to Wateraid and other companies working to develop high impact sanitation products in the developing world
  • Australian owned. Ethically produced
  • Made using 100% post-consumer waste paper sourced from local schools
  • Contains no chlorine, inks, dyes or scents
  • Biodegradable
  • Safe for septic tanks
  • Individually wrapped in snazzy paper – not plastic
  • Free delivery to over 70% of Australia
  • Regular subscriptions available

But you don’t need to hear all that from me, you can jump on their website to read how they are determined to –

“WIPEOUT POVERTY ONE ROLL AT A TIME”.

The inspiration for this post is in response to the question put to me by a few readers of the CWMS Facebook page:-

“Have you tried this yet?”

The colourful roll was looking so great sitting in the bathroom I was reluctant to open it, but since you asked I do aim to please…

Who Gives A Crap (WGAC) toilet paper is the latest discovery for this Hunter Gatherer - but have I tried it, you ask? The colourful roll was looking so great sitting in the bathroom I was reluctant to open it, but since you asked I do aim to please...

Read more »

Categories: Hunting & Gathering | Tags: , , , , | Leave a comment

#NameYourYear – A Mid Year Review

If you have just recently found us, 'naming your year' is an annual tradition my cousin challenges me to commit to. At the beginning of this year we invited the CWMS community to join in with this conversation and there was a terrific response! This simple, but not always easy exercise is a positive way to begin the year and can be a helpful point of reference during certain decision making situations and for guidance with achieving goals. It is never too late to start...
Posted on July 13, 2014 by Shea

Many of you took up the challenge in January and decided to ‘Name Your Year’. We are already halfway through 2014 so, right now is the perfect opportunity to check-in and see how you are going honoring your personal focus and hear about the lessons you have you have learnt so far?

If you have just recently found us, ‘naming your year‘ is an annual tradition my cousin challenges me to commit to. At the beginning of this year we invited the CWMS community to join in with this conversation and there was a terrific response!

This simple, but not always easy exercise is a positive way to begin the year and can be a helpful point of reference during certain decision making situations and for guidance with achieving goals.

It is never too late to name your year…

Inspiration For Naming Your Year

Being frustrated with constantly being ‘busy’ is the main reason I decided to name 2014 the year for ‘Striving for Balance’.

Ask anybody ‘how they are’ and the most likely answer you will receive is Read more »

Categories: Naming Your Year | Tags: , , | 7 Comments

How To Build A Treasure Garden For Your Little Collectors

Creating a Treasure Garden is a great holiday activity if you happen to have a child who lovingly collects rocks, shells, sticks, pretty leaves and anything else which grabs their attention when they are out and about. (Or maybe you are all grown up and this above statement applys to you!)
Posted on July 6, 2014 by Shea

Creating a Treasure Garden is a great holiday activity if you happen to have a child who lovingly collects rocks, shells, sticks, pretty leaves and anything else which grabs their attention when they are out and about. (Or maybe you are all grown up and this above statement applys to you!)

Helping your little collector build their own garden gives them a space to proudly house their precious discoveries, rather than accumulating ‘stashes’ all over the house. Win/Win…

Creating a Treasure Garden is a great holiday activity if you happen to have a child who lovingly collects rocks, shells, sticks, pretty leaves and anything else which grabs their attention when they are out and about. (Or maybe you are all grown up and this above statement applys to you!)

Our (now six year old) Environmentalist is constantly absorbing everything which is in his immediate surroundings, blessed with a personality which always allows the time to regularly stop and make discoveries. He was the first to notice our Native Bees carrying pollen with their back legs and who, on one special occasion, Read more »

Categories: Eat Throw Grow, Family Life | Tags: , , , , | 4 Comments

Queenstown is Open for ‘Snow’ Business #2 ‘Honey We’re Here – Where Do We Start?’

All the best family friendly ski fields in and around Queenstown. After 5 years visiting these mountains we thought it was time to share everything we know ...
Posted on June 29, 2014 by Shea

A family tradition is a family tradition and so it felt completely natural to book our very first holiday to Queenstown (back in 2009) with Cousins. What was completely random was unexpectedly running into original members of ‘The Red Brigade’ at the NZSKI Snow Centre, while we were organising our lift passes. One of the youngest members had just arrived on the same day with her Mum for a Mother and Daughter ski holiday. Even more random was that their accommodation was conveniently located at the end of our street.

Quite a few years ago now, a group of eager cousins ranging from the age of around 10 years old and under, dominated the NSW ski fields (intentionally) dressed from head to toe in solid red. We were known as ‘The Red Brigade’ and, as long as we stuck together, we stood out a mile (safety in numbers) and our Parents who were also on the ski fields, could keep an eye on us. Our Parents were the first generation of cousins to develop a passion for skiing and it was time to introduce us kids to the sport. Fast forward a couple of decades and it is our turn, as parents ourselves, to share the love of the snow with our kids and continue the tradition of family ski holidays.

So family holidays and skiing with cousins continues… Read more »

Categories: Family Travel, New Zealand | Tags: , , | 6 Comments