How to save the world

Who remembered to switch off for Earth Hour? If you haven't, fear not. There are many ways to contribute to saving the planet that will also help you keep fit and save you money! Here are a few easy-peasy tips:

1) Recycle. Your local council might provide a collection service. If you're unsure, contact them and find out. Otherwise, walk to your local recycling bank. The fresh air and exercise will do you some good. My mum and I like to recycle every last bit of paper and the amount of paper we collect by collection day is just unbelievable.

2) Don't use plastic bags unless necessary. Invest in a shopping bag, which are really cheap. High Street shops have some from 99p so you can be a chic eco-warrior without breaking the bank. If you already have plastic bags at home, take them with you on your next grocery shopping trip.

3) Buy a reusable bottle and refill it instead of purchasing bottled drinks.

4) Turn off any lights and appliances you're not using such as the odd phone charger.

5) Never leave anything on standby unless you really need to.

6) Leave the car when you don't really need it. Walking can provide you with good exercise and using public transport means you don't need to pay parking fees at the car park.

7) Don't be a litter bug! If you have rubbish, throw it in the bin. Or put empty wrappers in your handbag or pockets until you do find a bin.

8) Turn off taps when you're not using them even whilst brushing your teeth.

9) Put on a jumper. I might sound like your dad but he's right.

10) Don't throw away food. Leftovers can be reinvented and eaten the next day. Leftover chicken? Make a chicken sandwich or salad for lunch tomorrow.

Don't worry about following all of these tips. Just incorporate one tip into your daily routine at a time.

Good luck saving the planet!

xx

Earth Hour Reminder

Just a quick reminder that Earth Hour will take place at 8.30pm (wherever you may be) tomorrow. Also remember that if you'll be lighting candles, go for natural wax instead of paraffin.

So, what will you be doing during Earth Hour?

xx

PFCs and menopause

Perfluorocarbons (PFCs), which are found in many household items such as non-stick pans, have been found to increase chances of an early menopause in women. Read more here.

xx

Is recycled food packaging safe?

I have found an interesting article about how mineral oil from recycled cardboard packaging can contaminate our food. Eek!

Read about it here. There is also a similar article by the BBC here.

Will you continue purchasing food packaged in recycled cardboard?

xx

15% off at Amarya.co.uk and Mother's Day ideas

Amarya.co.uk is an online store specialising in natural skincare and cosmetics. They carry a wide range of brands such as John Masters Organics, Neal's Yard Remedies and Dr Hauschka.

I have bought some products from them before and I find them a pleasure to shop from. As well as providing free 1st class delivery, they also allow you to return any unused products if you decide not to keep them (See returns policy for more info).

Right now, you can get 15% off your order until 21st March by using the discount code 'marchnews'. This is a great opportunity to stock up on some of your favourites as well as to take advantage of their free gift wrapping service, perfect for any Mother's Day treats.

Here are a few gift ideas...

Travel Kit by John Masters (£9.99)

Bath Care Kit by Dr Hauschka (£12.77)

Try Me Gift Set - Manicure by Pinks Boutique (£21.50)

Summer Palette 01 Cool Breeze by Dr Hauschka (£40.85)

Real Luxury Organic Lifestyle Collection by Neom (£45)

xx

What's for dinner?

I wasn't in the mood for cooking today so I decided to buy some nutritious soup. Not the canned variety. Never the canned variety. I love my soup completely natural without all the strange ingredients that I can never pronounce.

Sainsbury's currently have an offer (£1 instead of the normal price of £2) on selected New Covent Garden Food soups including their soup of the month. This month it is Goa Carnival. I absolutely love the bright funky packaging which immediately caught my eye. Upon reading the description of the soup, I had to have it! I love veggies and spinach and cauliflower are some of my absolute favourites. I love coconut too and have always wanted to try it in a savoury dish.

Just like the rest of the range, it was very easy and quick to cook. Whilst leaving it to heat up on the stove for 5 minutes, I toasted some slices of ciabatta then grilled it after adding a sprinkle of mature cheddar.

For a small carton, I was surprised that there was enough for me to share with others. They loved it and I did too.

The texture was thick, smooth and creamy so it filled me up quite quickly without feeling heavy afterwards. I was a little disappointed to not taste the coconut but it was still very tasty due to the lovely combination of veggies such as potatoes and cauliflower and the mild mix of spices.

Nutrition-wise, as well as being full of veggie goodness a 300ml portion is only 145 calories and 8.4g fat.

So there you have it, a healthy and warming meal in 5 minutes.

Have you had anything healthy for dinner tonight? Or are you having a weekend treat?

xx

Japan Tsunami Appeal

As promised, I have found a way to help the people affected by the tsunami in Japan. Just visit The Red Cross to donate.

Even better, visit Groupon to donate and they will match your donation up to a total of £70,000.

xx

My thoughts and prayers with Japan

It was saddening to hear about how the earthquake and tsunami in Japan affected so many lives. My thoughts are with all those affected. Once I find any ways of donating to help these people, I will surely add some links so keep your eyes peeled for the next post.

More photos

Urgent appeal

Source

As you may already know, the unrest in Libya has left many without their basic needs such as shelter, food, water and hygiene. Medical supplies are also urgently needed due to many people being injured.

It's not easy watching the news and feeling helpless but there are ways you can help.

The Red Cross, Islamic relief and UNICEF are collecting donations to provide help such as sending food and medical supplies to Libya. You can help just by donating £1 to any of these charities. If 50 people did this, 10 people in Libya can be supplied with a hygiene kit from Islamic Relief. If you can donate more than this then even better!

So please visit the following links to learn about how these charities are helping and to donate.

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) (click on Libya (Medical assistance) to donate to this cause)

Islamic Relief

UNICEF

Also, share this with your friends and family.

Thanks!

xx