Do It Yourself
We're all converts to olive oil and the health-giving properties it brings to our diets. But there are many more uses for the Mediterranean staple than you might think, and it can be used as a greener alternative to all kinds of everyday household products. Follow the jump for the full list.
1. Shave. Olive oil can provide a closer shave when used in place of shaving cream. This reduces your 'chemical splash' and stops you having to use dubious chemicals on your skin.
2. Shine stainless steel. Many cleaning standbys, such as ammonia, can dull and even corrode chrome and stainless steel. Olive oil, however, is a safe and effective shining agent.
3. Remove eye makeup. Dab a little under the eyes and rinse off with a washcloth. Quick, easy and no parabens!
Related: Top 10 eco-friendly uses for lemons
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Do It Yourself
You don't need an allotment and a giant fork to grow your own fresh and delicious herbs these days. In fact, it's easily done from the comfort of your own home, provided you've got a window...
And to be green as green can be, you can plant your herbs in biodegradable pots that can be put straight back into the earth after use. These charming 'mini gardens' from Uncommon Goods are made from renewable grain husks (mainly rice hulls) coloured with organic dyes and are suitable for use either indoors or out. They'd make a great housewarming gift, and come complete with soil, seeds and growing instructions. Choose between emon basil, garlic chives or parsley.
[Via Popgadget]
Do It Yourself
It's all very well living an eco-friendly life, but if you're going to blow it all by going up in a puff of polluting smoke or clog up the 'landfill' in one of Britain's over-crowded cemeteries when you pop off, it can all seem a bit like a wasted effort. So what can you do to ensure a green death? (Hmm.)
First of all, you have more choice as to where you are laid to rest than you might realise. If you're lucky enough to own a private plot of woodland, for example, or can gain permission from someone who does, you can legally hold a burial there. There are surprisingly few stipulations on what you can and can't do (mostly to do with not putting a body too near any water supplies for obvious reasons) and as well as being a greener option, being closely involved with the burial is said to be very helpful in the grieving process. If the idea of a woodland burial appeals, but all you have is a small patio (and no desire for any Brookside type moments) then it is possible to find rural burial sites you can use for your ceremony for a fee. More information on conducting your own private burial can be found here.
Of course, a body is only as green as the coffin its buried in, so it's important to find one made from earth-friendly materials, which will enrich rather than poison the soil when it decomposes. There's a big market in these now, and many are far more attractive and less gloomy looking than their traditional counterparts. They include wicker coffins from the Somerset Willow company (above). As well as making really quite bright and cheery-looking coffins (now there's a sentence I never thought I'd write!) willow is a very sustainable material and a renewable source that does not need to be re-planted once established.
Another option is Ecopod, whose caskets look more like funky surfboards than anything dracula would want to be seen dead in! Every Ecopod comes in bright, jewel-like shades and — unlike a traditional "box" — is completely biodegradable. There is also an acorn-shaped urn available, though it comes with a disclaimer urging those considering cremation to reconsider, as it 'inevitably causes pollution'...
Do It Yourself
Believe it or not, these shiny and colourful beads were once ordinary sheets of newspaper; they've been fashioned into rough globes using a papier-mâché technique that's incredibly simple provided you've got some time to play with.
The full instructions on how to make beads of your own is here, but the basic ideas is pretty simple: once you've made your mash and sculped it into bead shapes you'll need a few days to let them dry, so maybe plan this as a holiday project. The only materials you'll need other than your daily paper are a drill to make the holes, craft paint and a bit of varnish to give your beads an extra sheen. [Via A Storybook Life]
Fashion & accessories
Sometimes, people's sheer creativity just makes me go 'wow', especially when the raw materials they're working with are what many of us would consider to be old tat.
This vintage coat, with its appliquéd tree motif is one item that got me very excited about the possibilities of using old fabric to make unique and wonderful garments, so I thought I'd share it here. The coat would be pretty dull and granny-ish as it was, but the addition of the tree makes it cool, quirky and outwardly eco-aware. After all, it might otherwise have ended up (at best) being shipped out to be sold in a developing country or (at worst) clogging up landfill. A great reminder to give new life to your old clothes. (You can also buy it for $112)
Do It Yourself
I'm loving this owl-shaped handbag, new at Eco Centric. It comes part made as a kit to let you indulge your creativity, which contains locally produced,100% pure recycled felt shapes that are pre-punched with ready to sew holes, wool thread, embroidery skein, ultra thick safety needle, thick cord and instructions. Ideal for children or adults into the indie look, it costs just £15.
Do It Yourself
Want to get down to some sweet planet-lovin' this weekend? You've come to the right place. Here's our weekly roundup of green things to do this weekend.
Leicester
This one sounds like fantastic fun if you enjoy making things and want some unique and environmentally friendly decorations this Christmas. Leicester's Eco House is running an 'Organic Christmas decoration-making' workshop on 9th December from 2pm - 4pm. Why not pop along and make your own ornaments from natural materials found in the EcoHouse's beautiful organic garden? The event is free, and it's suitable for adults and children from age 5. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Central London
For the slightly more hardcore eco-worrier, Saturday's focal point may well be the National Climate March through Central London. Organised by the Campaign against Climate Change, it's part of a global day of action with demonstrations and events taking place in more than 50 countries, designed to coincide with the UN Climate Talks in Bali. Assemble at 12 Noon in Millbank for the main march; details for the rest of the day's activities are here.
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We're all converts to olive oil and the health-giving properties it brings to our diets. But there are many more uses for the Mediterranean staple than you might think, and it can be used as a greener alternative to all kinds of everyday household products. Follow the jump for the full list. 
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