Nancy Birtwhistle - Green Living Made Easy: 101 Eco Tips, Hacks and Recipes to Save Time and Money

For all the children

101 Eco Tips, Hacks and Recipes to Save Time and Money

First published 2022 by One Boat

This electronic edition first published 2022 by One Boat

an imprint of Pan Macmillan

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ISBN 978-1-5290-8858-8

Copyright Nancy Birtwhistle 2022

Cover design and illustration: Mel Four, One Boat Art Dept

The right of Nancy Birtwhistle to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

You may not copy, store, distribute, transmit, reproduce or otherwise make available this publication (or any part of it) in any form, or by any means (electronic, digital, optical, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise), without the prior written permission of the publisher. Any person who does any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damage.

A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

Illustrations by Mel Four

This book contains the opinions and ideas of the author. It is intended to provide helpful general information on the subjects that it addresses. Before following any instructions outlined in this book, it is suggested that the reader undertakes a patch test to ensure suitability and follows any relevant manufacturer or supplier guidelines. The publisher and author disclaim all responsibility for damage, loss or injury of any kind resulting from tips or instructions contained in this book. Handle materials with care. For use under responsible adult supervision only. All necessary precautions should be taken.

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If only I had the time...

Have lives always been packed so full that there was never the time to get everything done? In years gone by, I realize tasks took much longer because there wasnt the luxury of labour-saving devices, cars, computers and the like. So why now, with all of our fancy gadgets, are we not twiddling our thumbs?

I have decided that to make time for the writing of this book my day needs to start that bit earlier, or does it? Should I instead realize that the day should be the same but that something else needs to take a back seat for a while? Ill let you know by the time I get to the last page...

More time, less waste and greener living, in a much broader sense, is what this book is about. Our planet is struggling and we need to use our resources, our money and our time wisely to try to change some of our ways for our own sakes, and for those of the generations that will follow. Our everyday life is under pressure as we continue to pack every minute with things that seem to have to be done or bought. We need to think about waste, and that covers a whole range of topics food waste, energy waste and the tons of decent, cast-aside reusable items that end up in landfill. Is it time to make do and mend again a little more often?

Our climate agenda is a dominant issue and many of us are wanting to make changes to support this. For some it may be a small change, whereas others are wanting to radically alter the way they work and live. The catastrophic Covid pandemic, which turned life as we knew it completely upside down, was also probably a catalyst for change for many.

Working from home and Zooming off to a meeting is now a thing for many people in a way that it never was before. We are learning that no longer can we take anything for granted. We are learning to value our time, value what Mother Nature has to give and understand that we cannot relentlessly take from our planet we have to also give back in order to try to reverse or at least halt some of the damage that we have caused.

I feel excited and inspired to share with you the following chapters. I have tried to put into words the ways I have changed and how I continue to examine my daily life. I will touch on a whole range of topics, including a number of upcycling craft ideas, easy recipes that will save money, time and energy, and a section on growing for those that may be completely new to the magic of nurturing and raising food from seed and cuttings.

Following on from my last book, Clean & Green, where I shared my journey, recipes and methods that have resulted in me switching to an eco-friendly clean home, I have added a number of new recipes, hints and tips that continue to prove to me that there is nothing I miss about harmful chemical cleaning products.

Finally, there are the important areas our family, friends and ourselves. Lets have a little look at the good, simple, everyday food that we all know and love. With a few shortcuts, smart moves, easy to follow methods and recipes, plus a pinch of critical thinking, I can guide you through so that you can make it, love it and substantially reduce your food waste saving money and time in the process.

While were at it we can explore entertaining, but in a relaxed, confident way. You will see that everything in this book is affordable and fun whether its making your own table decorations, helping you to make a plan or offering tips for getting ahead to give you the confidence and time to enjoy being with your guests. I have a number of home-made gift ideas, too, something that has become important to me, plus other tips and ideas that will not go on to cost the Earth!

Join me to take a look in the mirror and like what we see, knowing we are doing our level best for everything and everyone around us.

Lets go!

Nancys enthusiasm and energy shine through... I have learned loads from this book!

Aggie MacKenzie, co-presenter, C4s How Clean is Your House?

From baking, to gardening, to organization, resourcefulness, and just her incredible energy... she creates art out of everything in her life, and takes so much joy in the process.