Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Refuse Unconscious Consumption
A cheap and cheerful way to benefit the environment is to buy less stuff.
The 'buyerarchy of need' suggests using what you have, or trying to borrow, swap, thrift or make what you need, before buying something new. It takes time, but saves money and can feel better than wasteful, debt-inducing shopping.
I am trying to spend less money on fast fashion, plastic wrapped produce and pointless tat, and more time smelling the roses and planting for the future. I love flowers, but I don't like the carbon footprint of imported bouquets.
Homegrown blooms can brighten the day without costing the earth.
The buyerarchy of need: Use what you have, and borrow, swap, thrift or make before you buy.
More trees please!
Free Trees for communities
I've heard that the best best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, but the second best time is now. There's a great satisfaction in planting trees. They absorb carbon, enrich the landscape and provide a beautifully shady spot to sit in.
Many local councils and environmental groups will help people plant trees in their local area. Community groups and schools can apply for free trees to enhance their environment
"For any community groups or schools interested in planting their own trees, you can apply for free tree packs from the Woodland Trust." said Frome Town Council.
More info here: https://tinyurl.com/yx95q2bc
Frome Tree Group
The Frome Tree Group are developing plans to plant many more trees. Join the Frome Tree Group on Facebook for more information.
Screenshot from Facebook about Frome Tree Day
Shop local!
Frome Independent market
On the first Sunday of each month, the Frome Independent market hosts independent craftspeople, designers, makers, food producers and vintage traders from the South West.
Sustainable skin care
Purple Pollen offers hand crafted, environmentally friendly, gorgeous and effective skin care. Find their suitcase stall on Catherine Hill at the independent market. You can also buy the range online.
Homegrown bouquets and vintage vases
Frome Blooms: flowers from the garden
A bunch of fresh flowers can brighten the day. Using garden foliage, seasonal flowers and vintage vases to enhance your home is an eco-friendly hobby.
A story so far...
Frome Blooms began as a blog about a cottage garden in Frome. I moved here in 2017, and started making a daily bouquet of homegrown flowers - to celebrate the changing seasons. and get to know our new garden.
In one year I made over 100 garden bouquets - you can see them at the Frome Blooms gallery.
I started collecting vases and baskets from charity shops and car-boot sales, and learned how to weave willow baskets.
Over time, Frome Blooms developed into a website that celebrates green-goings on in Frome, a market town that does things differently. Frome has an interesting history, an independent outlook and independent markets, and many of its residents are working towards a more sustainable future. There are sustainable flower farms, eco-enterprises, learning co-ops, and microgreen micro-businesses, making interesting things happen in this Somerset town.
See my 'latest likes' for some of the best things I've found in Frome (so far).