It feels like we’re going to have an unrelentingly rain-soaked winter here in the Pacific Northwest. One storm after another has barreled in, blowing…
Burrowing into the Depths
Burrowing into the Depths
Category: frugal green
10 Tips For A Zero-Waste Life — existential ergonomics
Are you pursuing a zero-waste life? Is this the first you’ve heard of it? The low waste and zero waste movement is having a huge moment right now. Consider learning more. Start with this list of beginner-friendly tips. Take or leave the pieces that work for you. Maybe just give some thought to the time and effort getting rid of junk mail and packaging you have to get rid of every day and week.
My zero-waste journey began as a broke college kids with an allergy to the one-time-use plastic in grocery store bags and very few possessions, over a decade before the idea of sustainability even became popular. The developed world is filled with stuff, often more stuff than we really need. In my mind, zero-waste comes down […]
10 Tips For A Zero-Waste Life — existential ergonomics
Oregon Permaculture Garden — EWSP Consultancy
Check out this Oregon permaculture garden in an accessible, illustrated case study.
The primary goals for this permaculture design were to create a plan that would allow the residents of this historic property in coastal Oregon to grow food and other resources for themselves and guests that they will welcome onto the site in a sustainable way. The goal was also to create a garden that could […]
Case Study: Oregon Permaculture Garden — EWSP Consultancy
Winter Forest
There are three main ways I like to enjoy the winter forest.
There is no bad weather, just bad clothes.
Traditional saying
The first is taking a walk or run. If I run, I use winter gear including trail shoes that are just shy of being cleats; which is still no particular insurance against ice. If I walk, I may take the dog with me, and I put her jacket on her as well as protective gel on her paws before we go out.
The second way is taking photos. My favorite thing is hoar frost which does not happen as often. Someday it would be fun to get into wildlife photography.
My third way is to put out some extra dried cranberries, suet, or what have you, at the bird feeder because it is rather slim pickings for the small birds after a big snow or ice storm. They enjoy the extra calories, and I enjoy watching the increased number and frequency of different species visiting. (And practicing some citizen science on Merlin Bird ID App by Cornell Lab as a citizen ornithologist, aka amateur birdwatcher.)
I’ve always enjoyed winter in the forest for the decrease in color and the accompanying increase in texture and contrast. It also makes the Great Indoors more fun when it is inclement out. A roaring fire and hot drink is the way to go.