Creative Recycling: Art Workshop Day

Drop into the Visual Arts Cheshire Gallery in Barons Quay (opposite WildWood) next Saturday to see the new 20x20 exhibition and try a free 'Creative Recycling' art workshop. Inspired by my own journey to Zero Waste, I will be showing you how to make some art by upcycling scrap materials we all have at home! These can then be entered into the art exhibition or taken home! All ages welcome!  (I will also have some Zero Waste Llama items for sale, for those looking to fill their stockings early!). Perfect for all ages and abilities with all materials provided. Local makers will show you how to get started. More details about the workshop day here, and info about the 20x20 exhibition can be found on the Northwich Guardian website.

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Sustainability Festival, Northwich, 23rd July 2022

West Cheshire Museums are partnering with Eco Communities to host a sustainable Festival and craft fair, on the 23rd July 2023.

The event is part of West Cheshire Museums’ Festival for the Future, a month-long celebration of sustainability and climate action held accross museum sites Chester, Northwich and Malpas.

The Festival of the Future is a free one day event at the Northwich museums – ideal for families who love nature, performance , craft and free workshops!

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Read more about the article Plastic Categories Explained (and how to recycle)
Photo by Nariman Mosharrafa on @Unsplash

Plastic Categories Explained (and how to recycle)

There are seven main types of plastic that you use around your home. These are broken down into the following categories. The numbers, in three looped arrows, are called their ‘plastic resin codes’. These are often stamped on plastic packaging and can be used to quickly identify what type of plastic you’re dealing with.

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Read more about the article #PlantBamboo, #UseBamboo, #CompostBamboo
Photo from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/photos/grown-up-born-earth-nature-soil-1637302/

#PlantBamboo, #UseBamboo, #CompostBamboo

So… what do you do when your bamboo item has reached the end of its life? Is bamboo compostable?

Well, this depends greatly upon what the item is composed of… Composting is a great way to recycle yard waste such as leaves, twigs, grass clippings, weeds, and dead houseplants, as well as food scraps from the kitchen. And if you have ever grown bamboo yourself, you will know that some (compostable) garden waste is produced.

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Read more about the article Home Made Reusable Sanitary Products
Home made sanitary towels / menstrual pads, by Cathrene

Home Made Reusable Sanitary Products

Following my Product Review on Reusable Sanitary Products in March last year, I have been producing my own Sanitary Towels. Not only have these been much more comfy to wear than those purchased, but the homemade ones have proven to weather the wear far better!

Originally, I made 2 test ones for myself (one for day and one for night), which I have used alongside those purchased, then numerous friends and businesses showed interest, so I made up more (far prettier than my “mock ups” from scrap fabrics). Now, a year later, my 2 sanitary towels still look and feel amazing, the purchased Earthwise towels look a little tatty, but are still functional, and the Eco-Femme Cotton Sanitary Night Pads have worn very badly, and although still functional, the fabric has become rough against my skin.

Compared to the brand of disposable pads I used prior, I would never go back…. No irritation and excellent absorbency!

So I set to to make some nice new towels for me for a change (haha – it was the same story with the COVID-19 masks – I have made nearly 100 for others… and still have not finished my own!).

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Product Review: Georganics Oil Pulling Mouthwash

Having used the same mouthwash for several decades, trying a new one was daunting. I decided to give the Oil Pulling Mouthwash – Activated Charcoal by Georganics a try (in addition to the Georganics Mouthwash Tablets which I reviewed last month).

Georganics added 1g/100ml of activated charcoal from coconut shells to this blend of virgin organic coconut oil and peppermint essential oil gives it a unique mildly abrasive quality. The highly porous activated charcoal traps bacteria and removes stains, cleansing and whitening teeth naturally. .

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Product Review – Georganics Mouthwash Tablets

Having used the same mouthwash for several decades, moving to “tablet” forms was daunting. I decided to give the Georganics Mouthwash Tablets – Thyme – by Georganics a try.

Georganics mouthwash tablets are made from entirely natural and non-toxic ingredients. The fluoride, glycerin and SLS free formula helps to restore a healthy pH balance to your mouth, maintain good oral health and freshen your breath. The tablets are perfect for travelling as they are a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional mouthwashes avoiding the unnecessary transportation of water (i.e. perfect for hand baggage!).

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Product Review: Georganics Natural Toothpowder

I was a tad nervous, it must be noted, to try toothpaste powder… but, having used a charcoal (traditional) toothpaste for years now, I decided to give the Natural Toothpowder – Activated Charcoal – by Georganics a go.

Georganics naturally whitening toothpowder, with additional activated charcoal, works by absorbing and polishing away stains and plaque that naturally form on our teeth. It’s a completely safe and fast-effective formula made without the use of any chemicals like peroxides, fluoride compounds or synthetic flavourings. They blend this fine pharmaceutical activated charcoal with high quality mineral powders, all of which food grade so completely safe if accidentally ingested.”, the Activated Charcoal variety seemed a good choice (although it should be noted that there are many other flavours and variations of this product on offer… see below!)

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Bamboo Toothbrushes

I have bought a variety of Bamboo Toothbrushes over the past 6-9 months, all of them wear well, do the job, are nice to hold, and I can dispose of them in good conscience. I have to admit, though, my favourite so far has been the Bamboo Toothbrush with Charcoal Bristles by TEVRA - my teeth feel a lot cleaner with the charcoal bristles! Additional Attributes Plastic-freeZero waste - ie packed in all recyclable material!Dentist Approved: Not only is this toothbrush excellent for the environment, but it is also good for you. The toothbrushes all feature high-quality dental grade bristles, just like your plastic toothbrush at home. You will get the same clean, healthy teeth without any of the waste.Medium Bristles: They are stronger but gentle enough to not to cause enamel damage while delivering plenty of polishing power. GUARANTEED – If you do not like this toothbrush, TEVRA will refund the full purchase price - basically, you have no excuse not to try it! They also have their own Vegan Dental Floss and Refill Pack! This will be reviewed later! EDIT: I have recently read that the toothbrushes which I bought most, and favoured, from Tevra are "BPA-free Charcoal" - tested with a flame, and they melt rather than burn, so I suspect that there is some polyester in them. So, It is sadly it is not 100% compostable - despite what is openly advertised . I did, however, find a blog post on this subject which may be…

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TerraCycle® – The First European Pet Food Recycling Programme

Whilst looking at my rubbish this week, and figuring whether or not it would be possible to recycle James Wellbeloved dry dog food bags, or even upcycle them, I discovered that James Wellbeloved already had a strategy in place!

They have partnered with TerraCycle® and Whiskas to launch the Pet Food Recycling Programme, a free recycling programme for your empty pet food pouches and for other flexible plastic dry food and treat packaging. In order to ensure that the packaging for your pets delicious products can be recycled into new products in order to prevent them to from ending up in landfill!

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