It's Not Easy Being Green - self sufficiency in the 21st century.

Mrs_Poyser

Thank you doddsy and competitionscafe - I was going to ask if anyone knew who the green man was and has he written a book! I'd love him to come to my house and tell us what we need to do to be greener.

I think you can be green in different ways in town and country. We live right out in the wilds so we run two cars because there is nothing except a post box in walking (or biking) distance. But we have a big garden so grow vegetables, keep chickens and can hang the washing outside. I also use more electricity because I run a big fridge and freezer and stockpile food in case of getting snowed in and to avoid using the car to shop more than once a week. In a town you could shop daily on foot, and the children could walk to school. We don't even have a bus stop nearby.

So it's swings and roundabouts and everyone just has to do what they can given their circumstances but I did enjoy the programme as they are a jolly lot and it's interesting to see people living the life I dream about. It does inspire you to do more even if their scale of house and land is not achievable. And our DIY skills would never be up to waterwheels!

jordylass

I caught it by chance after it had started, kids were moaning ..."not another green programme", but got involved and it prompted loads of discussion during and after the programme.

I loved it, I want to marry him and have his babies, he was so upbeat and positive, when someone asked him about things going wrong with the water wheel, he replied "nothing will and if it does we'll fix it"...why can't I meet a guy who thinks like that

It was idealistic but thoroughly enjoyable, can't wait for next weeks.

angela110660

Mrs_Poyser wrote:

we have a big garden so grow vegetables, keep chickens and can hang the washing outside. I also use more electricity because I run a big fridge and freezer and stockpile food in case of getting snowed in and to avoid using the car to shop more than once a week. In a town you could shop daily on foot

I have been having a look at some of the websites from Penny's books listed earlier and did a Google too. Found something called a Savaplug for energy efficiency in fridges - does not work with all fridges but they have a list on their site or you can ring them up. Web address is https://www.savawatt.com/productdetails.
Another site worth a look for being a bit greener is https://www.est.org.uk (energy saving trust)
I am deff thinking of getting one of these fridge plugs.

Frugal_Fox

I enjoyed this programme, and whilst much of 'it' is well out of my reach, if it inspires just a few people to do something 'green' in terms of how they live their life, then its a good thing.

I'm not perfect - we recycle, I don't shop at supermarkets, we grow a few things (small garden), we use renewable electricity, but we also run two cars... but if we all could do a little, it would have a huge impact and really thats what I would like this programme to achieve.

gunnyandbob

Can anyone point to solar panels (for electricity and water heating) at a good price in the UK? I see they are a lot cheaper in the USA. Also a practical advice site?

doddsy

http://www.cat.org.uk/index.tmpl?refer=index&init=1

gunnyandbob - try the above link to my favourite place in the universe! The Centre for Alternative Technology. You can do a search on the main page for solar energy and loads of info comes up.

I LOVE this place and go as often as I can!

Hope this helps.

calleyw

angela110660 wrote:

Mrs_Poyser wrote:

we have a big garden so grow vegetables, keep chickens and can hang the washing outside. I also use more electricity because I run a big fridge and freezer and stockpile food in case of getting snowed in and to avoid using the car to shop more than once a week. In a town you could shop daily on foot

I have been having a look at some of the websites from Penny's books listed earlier and did a Google too. Found something called a Savaplug for energy efficiency in fridges - does not work with all fridges but they have a list on their site or you can ring them up. Web address is https://www.savawatt.com/productdetails.
Another site worth a look for being a bit greener is https://www.est.org.uk (energy saving trust)
I am deff thinking of getting one of these fridge plugs.

I spent £21 on a sava plug and found it made no difference. My fridge/freezer is not on the list. And it was a few years ago.

Not even sure if I still have it.

But I now have A rated fridge/freezer and chest freezer. And have found that my electric bill is normally less in a 3 bedroom house then it was in a 1 bedroom flat.


Yours


Calley

squeaky

gunnyandbob wrote:

Can anyone point to solar panels (for electricity and water heating) at a good price in the UK? I see they are a lot cheaper in the USA. Also a practical advice site?

There are several threads on this, including a sticky on grants on the Fuel board:-


Fuel and other heating board.

competitionscafe

This Green Show looks interesting for anyone who lives in the Midlands:
http://www.daisychainlive.co.uk/

"Organic Events produce Daisychain Live, on 22nd and 23rd April 2006 in the Midlands bringing a brand new green experience to the region.

An annual international showcase held at a prestigious venue incorporating businesses, government bodies and community organisations within the green movement all showing in one place providing information and solutions to you face to face.

We all want to be more Eco-friendly, but it is difficult knowing where to start, so Daisychain Live gives the chance to find out; 2 days of shopping, information gathering and meeting like-minded people. All you need for going or being greener for yourself, your family and your home, inside and out.

An indoor public show filled with traders and organisations from all areas exhibiting environmentally friendly solutions. Green solutions are out there to consumer issues but they can be hard to find, this event is your green marketplace. Scrutinise your shopping!

“Being green is easier to do than you think; it feels great doing something positive.” "

By the way, there is also a book to accompany the TV series - 'The House that !!!!!! Built' :
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0563493461

thriftlady_2

Now that's handy for me! :T