Packaging

This is more of a vent. I get confused by packaging and storage. I want environmentally sound options but can't work out which methods are the worst. Why isn't there an environmental rating system or something like the heart foundation tick? I get that single use non-biodegradable stuff is bad. However i think tupperware has its place as it is used for so long and saves the use of single use items - however will never break down in landfill and its production produces lots of chemicals blah de blah. I have weaned myself off alfoil and clingwrap but my failings is ziplock bags. Not that i use them very often and Simon does laugh when i wash them and re-use them but they are a vice that i need to give up.

I also need to sort out the whole lunchbox idea. A bamboo bento box i am assuming is better environmentally than your bog standard plasctic style box. I do use a few paper bags. But why do paper bags come in a plastic bag FGS - how hard would it be to put them in a paper wrapper?
Someone suggested an army surplus store may have stainless steal canteen style lunchboxes so i will check there next. I also need new SS bottles for the kids.

Well i am trying to get back to basics. I am cooking as much from scratch as i can. I really need to start thinking about winter veggies. At the moment we are cropping lettuce, tomatoes, cherry toms, limes, rhubarb, eschallots, rocket and of course all the herbs.

I need to plant more eschallots, carrots, spinach maybe some beans and sugar snaps. The fig tree i planted down the side of the house is going completely crazy and so hopefully next year we will be feasting on figs. Simon's favourite salad is blue cheese and fig. Still no mangoes which is very sad - seems like we have had storms when they have been flowering for the last 4 years which seems to be the cause of the lack of fruit.

I am really looking into frugal living. Not because we need to financially but more for our spiritual well-being. I hate waste and packaging and damaging the environment. So i have gone back to meal planning, walking as much as possible and focusing on the garden.

Today i have baked mascapone and blueberry tarts and some mini quiches. The mascapone and blueberries were really marked down (blueberries $1.49 and the mascapone $1.29) So all up 24 tarts cost about $3 to make.

1st Blog

Well this is my first post in my first blog.

There is no theme as i seem to always be changing what i am into to. I love growing things, exercise, soduko and cooking in no particular order. I have no specific religion although i do hold many pagan beliefs. 

I am currently detoxing on my usual 12 week stint. I am trying to be as fit and healthy as i can and hopefully drop a few kg's along the way. I have signed up again for netball so really really have to work on my cardio prior to the season starting in March. I don't know why i keep doing it as i am dreading it already. The older i get the more i realise i am not a team player. 

So i have been walking the dog a lot and walking the kids to school and pre-school. We make quite a sight - boy on scooter, girl on bike (with handle pushed by me) and a manic dog leaping all over the place. When i meet knew people they always say "ooh you are the one that walks the kids to school with that massive fluffy dog" uhuh apart from he is now Naaaakiiid. He looks like a different dog. I don't miss his dreadlocks but its nice for him in this weather.

Well i am kid free so am off to have some me time at the beach. I am going to take the Iain Banks book i am reading "the Steep approach to Garbadale" and i may even have a snooze - what luxury.

Well i have done an hour and a quarter walk today and i will do the dogs usual 1 hour walk tonight - so all is good in my little world.