iris stories

I saw this on http://eco-ideas.net/story/id/13/ and think they should have more shops like these... great idea to cut down on all the useless packaging...

Question to you ... Would that work here where I live in the UK? And why aren't there more shops like this out there?

(as seen on www.eco-ideas.net
'Everything in grams'
by Mari Clothier on December 10th, 2009

By trying to research the latest eco-trends and see what I can adapt realistically in my home, work and other environments...

Here is a great site for eco-trends and green gadgets

http://eco-ideas.net/ :)

Always worth browsing
Have a good week
Iris :)

THE RECYCLED CEREAL BOX CRAFT EXTRAVAGANZA

'One shallt not forsake ye ol' empty cereal box ... ;)'

My boyfriend likes his posh organic, fair-trade cereals and mueslis a lot, so there is never a shortage of lovely cardboard boxes in the house for me to get crafty and transform into something pretty rather then add to the rubbish.

You can of course use any cardboard, even get your friends/neighbors/postman to donate some for your green craft ventures yet to come. T'is also a great way to get the wee ones involved.

Hear ye, hear ye - to make some lovely upcycled cards, picture frames, place mats, gift tags etc. etc. ... one will need
(see pic: this was the xmas experiment, but you can adapt it for all occasions)

- Cardboard container
- scissors
- glue
- old cards or magazines/newspapers (to cut suitable words and well wishes out from)
- ribbon remnants (optional)
- decoration and small glitzy things from old cards for example
- glitter glue (optional)
- old wallpaper/craft paper or shiny cellophane re-used from sweeties
- hole puncher

STEP 1 - GET CEREALISTIC
Decide which cardboard container you want to use and dismantle it on the glue lines gently...

STEP 2 - CUT IT UP
Cut some of the cardboard to the size you want your card/frame etc. to be (ensure it fits in some standard envelopes if you plan to send it as a gift)

STEP 3 - KEEP YE OLD CARDS
From old get well/christmas/ birthday/ easter cards (ask ye friends) I generally cut out the text and glitzy deco to be re-used
(you can also handwrite or cut out something suitable from a magazine that fits the occasion)

STEP 4 - STICK IT, GLUE IT
Glue your text/wishes onto your card - and be patient for it to dry properly (make yourself a nice cuppa organic tea)

STEP 5- USING ALL THE CARDBOARD
Use the rest of the cardboard box to make some other neat things like, place-cards, gift tags, fridge magnets, scrap book toppings .... the opportunities are endless!!!! :D

STEP 7 - DECORATION DECORATION
Take some glitter glue or stickers or craft left overs & decorate your card/frame, gift tags, place cards, fridge magnets to add some sparkle

STEP 9 - RIBBON AND ALL THINGS NICE
Use some ribbon or cord remnants for your picture frame for example, so it can be hung up

VOILA, your card/frame/gift tag/place card/fridge magnet whatnots are ready to receive the green Ahhhhh effect!!

It's a great way to upcycle your household rubbish and design a truly personal and unique gift for all sorts of occasions.

Good luck and happy crafting!
Iris :D

CRUNCH-TIME
From workplace "unwellness" to a greener, vibrant and altogether more detoxed work environment...

I have implemented a lot of these initiative below with clients and they did make a real difference to spread the 'green-message', so I wanted to share some of those green-efforts :)

How about....

>>Create a 'Green event' calendar with different awareness days/week/month regularly and put together 'green brunches' ever so often, to bring staff together and debate the issues at hand (maybe over some wheatgrass juice and organic muffins!) And if there's enough in the budget, even 'green' incentives, quiz-prices etc. can be a good way to get buy-in.

>>Make it personal! Yup, even in the workplace - why not get leadership to agree to a 'green week', where staff can bring their kids into work and let the kids assess what they find not ok with the company's eco-friendliness... it might even tie in with a school project.

>>Motivate, persist, persist, persist (and smile) in all your green efforts, it needs time and endurance and repetition, repetition, repetition, repetition.... for these things to sink in.

>>Find free wall space and create a 'Green Wall campaign' (print rooms, canteens etc. where staff are frequently passing through) Stimulating pictures and concise info should reflect realistic aims.
NOT that the whole world is heading straight for Apocalypse central, try to use positive word associations and cover issues that staff can relate to easier... oh, and of course ensure that whatever you print is eco-friendly, non-toxic or recyclable etc. - gotta walk your talk to be believable and inspirational!

I have been walking MY 'green talk' for over 30 years privately and business-wise and being from the pristine country of Austria, am still shocked about how backwards certain processes in the UK are (GASP!) :O - even simple things like recycling... there's only one way to change that.... roll up your sleeves and start somewhere ;) and don't give up... carpe diem!

Iris :D