If our homes are responsible for 25% of the UK's contribution to global warming and we've taken all measures possible to adequately insulate the building, what else can we do? Simply turning things off - unnecessary lights or standbys can save pounds in a year; likewise turning the heating thermostat down a degree or two. Silver foil attached to the wall behind radiators helps to reflect out all possible heat. Remember to put lids on saucepans, make sure flames just cover the bottom of the pan, and change to energy saving bulbs. Don't boil a whole kettle full of water for only one cup of tea!
Garden and DIY products are enjoying growing markets thanks to TV programmes, but do we really need a makeover? In 2002 Gloucestershire County Council had to find an extra £300,000 to deal with the disposal of fridges, and as one councillor noted, the tragedy was that most of them were in good working order. When it is necessary to buy a new fridge, washing nachine etc. look for the energy rating label. This will tell you how energy efficient the appliance is. Cheaper machines are usually less energy efficient so in the long run they will prove to be more expensive to run.
Much of what we consume focuses around celebrations or rituals - Christmas, birthdays, weddings and funerals. There are plenty of alternatives to ending up with mounds of used wrapping paper, discarded trees and wilting flowers. Gifts of local art, a subscription to a magazine, a ticket to something special, sponsorship of a tree through an organisation like the Woodland Trust have a much more lasting impact.
Avoid buying flowers out of season and buy seasonal plants instead - this cuts down on air miles travelled. Most of the funeral directors in the Forest will accomodate the wishes of people who want a willow, cardboard or bamboo coffin, although there is no woodland cemetery in the Forest as yet. Transport for weddings and funerals could be by horse and carriage, or an LPG limousine!
A life-choice that can really make a difference to the environment is that of using cotton nappies rather than disposables. Personal hygiene is another ad man's dream. We spend more and more on keeping "clean", but what does this actually mean? Mostly using lots of chemicals and disposable paper products that we flush away or dump in the bin for someone else to deal with.
Gardens
There are plenty of things that can be done towards making a garden truly environmentally friendly. For new fencing, or garden furniture, make sure it's local or complies with FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) standards. Look out for signs advertising free manure, many people who keep animals are only too glad to give it away. There are many organic remedies for pest control, or try and use natural methods juggling with species. If you encourage frogs and toads into the garden they will be effective slug controllers. Broken egg shells surrounding the plant or beer sunk in the ground are other methdos and long planks of wood laid between rows of vegetables are a magnet for slugs during the day - catch them all in one go by inspecting the underside of the plank in the middle of the day. The more diverse the mix of plants, animals, insects and birds in the garden, the more chance you stand of keeping everything in balance. Collect rainwater from roofs in butts to keep you going during dry spells.
Dried tea mixes for ailments. Tinctures, oils, creams, lotions and ointments from our organically grown herbs. One to one consultations. Talks and workshops held. (PhD in alternative medicine, Member of British School of Yoga and Register of Nutritional Practitioners).... more
Flowform water vessels are shaped to embody rhythmically eddying water movements. Although they are often used purely for their beauty, the patterns of flow are able to assist the formative forces at work in plants and animals and in this way they can influence the health of the ecology around them... more
Professional advice on health and vitamin remedies; 5 fully qualified therapists offering: Bowen, reflexology, aromatherapy, reiki, body massage, Indian head massage, accupuncture, Hopi ear candles, physiotherapy and non-surgical face lifts.... more
Penny and Anita are often available in the pharmacy to give advice and dispense herbal medicines for minor ailments. Full consultations are available by appointment for more complicated or serious conditions. The pharmacy stocks a good range of homeopahic and herbal medicines, essential oils, flowe... more
A New Project in the Forest of Dean aiming to provide a one stop facility that will act as a Gateway to more specific Mental Ill health resources. Initially we will be looking to support people experiencing depression by providing facilities, mediation, and advice for a self help group.... more
Flower essence therapy for positive change. Reiki healing and attunements. Providing a caring, holistic and professional service for the whole family.... more
30,000 people die each day in the developing world for want of medicines which are too expensive or unavailable. As multinational drugs companies hold 90% of patents they effectively control the global market in drugs. Oxfam is petitioning the WTO to reform the intellectual property rights so that c... more
Holistic therapist offering: Swedish massage aromatherapy massage Indian head massage Reiki healing Fines oils used.... more
Complementary therapies are widely used as an alternative to taking drugs, and in many instances are very successful in helping people to lead a healthy life style. Therapies on offer include: counselling, McTimoney Chiropatic, massage, hynotherapy, acupuncture, allergy testing, reflexology, homeopa... more
Physiotherapy... more
Builder of reconstructions of the Wye Coracle, which vanished from the river before WW1. Bespoke coracles made to order, from traditional materials - knotless ash, seamless calico and bitumen/mineral waterproofing. Wye coracles can now be found on the River Tees, Test, Severn, and as flat bottomed t... more
Mrs. Pip Deave and Associates, MSCP, SRP. State registered Chartered Physiotherapists. Quick Professional Advice, Pain Relief, Mobilisation/Manipulation, Treatment of Back or Neck Pain, Joint Pain, Arthritis, Sport injurues Also available: Therapeutic Massage and Reflexology with Fiona Drummo... more
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Experts say that if we continue to waste energy at the rate we're currently doing then UK households will be throwing away £11 billion worth of energy every year by 2020. Offsetting this level of carbon emissions would take over 29 million acres of rainforest - the equivalent to taking 49% of cars off UK roads.