Recently in teapigs ethics and green stuff Category

Now, I really don't get this latest "innovation", the plastic wrapped banana from Del Monte. Yes, they've taken a product that is perfectly wrapped by nature and added a non biodegradable plastic covering. The reason? To stop it going brown too quickly. It's being tested in 7-11 convenience stores in Dallas. Let's hope the citizens of Dallas tell the man from Del Monte to keep his bananas naturally fresh. Or maybe you think otherwise? (posted by Nick)

I stumbled across this sight in Trafalgrar Square at the weekend. "Ghost Forest" is an arresting piece of art that seeks to raise public awareness of the connections between deforestation and climate change. It certainly got my attention and you can check out more about this campain by clicking here. Next stop for the stumps is Copenhagen in time for the Climate Change Conference in December. (posted by Nick)

pigeons keep off

Of course teapigs always enjoy drinking tea but we know that out of home, bottled water can be more convenient when on the go. The best ideas are often the simplest and I like this flexible water bottle from Vapur designed to fit in your pocket, handbag, backpack or briefcase. Initiatives like this plus the partnership between Waste Watch and Hydra Chills may start to make a dent in the 13 billion plastic bottles sold in the UK last year of which only one third were recycled. Doesn't appear to be available in the UK yet. Must be an opportunity there for someone? (posted by Nick)

nifty little bottle

That's exactly what I intend to do since doing a little foraging with professional forager Miles Irving. At the recent Thames Festival Miles managed to locate at least 15 edible plants, nuts and berries in a tiny bit of land, in the centre of The City, just off busy Thames Street. So there must be plenty to eat in my rather overgrown garden. If you're keen to know more check out his fabulous book or maybe attend one of his special courses which includes a lunch made from foraged food. Our ancient ancestors knew all about living off the land. Nature can still provide for us - if we respect it.

tasty urban jungle

261 miles on the clock. Money in the bank for Noel Orphanage. Just back from an amazing long weekend at the 2009 Do Lectures (more about that another time). Thanks to all those who supported me on my bike ride there. Now must start thinking about what to Do next. (posted by Nick)

Our nick (aka crazy bike man) reached Ross on Wye last night and despite the torrential rain has set off again this morning. He has completed a further 32 miles this morning, having done 85 miles yesterday.
He is in a cafe, having a cup of tea and some well deserved cake.

He has a further 95 miles to do today travelling through the wet hills of Brecon - less cake and more cycling!

The ride is in aid of the pufnda orphanage - keep up the good work nick ( from the cosy office!)
To sponsor Nick

Nick setting off on his 250+ mile bike ride to the Do Lectures in South West Wales. Raising money towards Noel orphanage in Rwanda. Just 49p a day feeds, clothes, shelters and educates a child so if you'd like to sponsor just click here. We'll keep you posted as to how he gets on.

not saddle sore yet

Dusting off the old bike ready for a 250 mile ride to near Cardigan, West Wales to attend the Do Lectures. By cycling there, I'm trying to raise money towards our support of Noel Orphanage in Rwanda, home to over 600 children. Just 49p a day will feed, clothe, shelter and educate a child at Noel. If you'd like to lend your support then please click here to go to my JustGiving webpage which explains more. I'm setting off on Tuesday 1st September and hope to do it in 2 days. I'm also hoping for a tailwind and dry weather. (posted by Nick)

Take one old pallet from a recent delivery of teapigs to the office, some compost, a few herb seeds/plants, a sunny location, water and leave for a few months. Result? A compact little herb garden. Another few thousand spare pallets and I could grow enough peppermint for teapigs. Any other useful ideas for using unwanted pallets welcome - check these out too (posted by Nick)

herb heaven

It's Green Britain Day today and there's lots of advice around about how to help the planet. We've said this before but as responsible tea drinkers and hence kettle boilers the best we can do is to just fill the kettle to the amount we need. Apparently if everyone boiled only the water they needed to make a cup of tea instead of "filling" the kettle every time, we could save enough electricity in a year to run more than three quarters of the street lighting in the country. Wow! And you can also save up to 90 seconds in boiling time. There's a number of energy saving kettles on the market, but we like this "eco kettle" best. So in future, not so heavy with the water tap when filling the kettle and you'll save time and energy.(posted by Nick)

eco kettle