Hope Cottage Blog

At hope cottage, our household of two adults, three small-to-medium size children and four chickens has been trying to practice low-carbon living for many years now.  We are helped along by our semi-rural situation, love of retro-living, and general techno-phobia.  A few years ago we ripped out our ancient gas boiler and replaced it with biomass heating (stove).  It was a moment of bravery which led to the odd domestic dispute, but is gradually paying off with energy-saving fringe benefits.  Boiling a kettle on the wood stove, for instance, and cooking sunday lunch whilst heating the house. 

So many of our appliances have broken down through lack of love that we are gradually lowering our carbon footpring by default.  We used to run two fridges, for instance, but since one broke we ran just one of them and gradually forgot we ever needed two.  The toaster went the same way, but I am currently wondering whether its really more efficient to grill your toast, or buy an eco-toaster (one with a lid).  Any answers?

Went along to the Hampshire Green fair at the Sustainability Centre, Clanfield last weekend, and would recommend it next year for anyone looking for a laid back afternoon; there was an excellent children's storyteller, some great live music, wholefood cafe, and chilled atmosphere.  Bought Patrick Whitfield's 'Forest Garden' book in the bookshop, which advocates a permaculture approach to growing your own food.  Watch this space!