Slow Living Speeds Up

It has been a beautiful long weekend of glorious Spring weather here. My slow living went out of the window with the events of the past few days, which reminded me how hard it is to live an eco friendly life when involved in the hurlyburly of social interaction on a big scale.

That's me on sax at the Paihia food and wine festival

Crowd of 2,000 people, beautiful Spring day.

Our band played two very different gigs, which was fabulous for us. On a different note - in line with my blog - the weekend has been uncomfortable to someone who is trying to keep away from the disposable world.
It has made me more determined that the big birthday party we are throwing next year will be as green as possible. I am already sourcing compostable plates and giving thought to reducing waste.
I also ended up buying a birthday present a bit last minute so that I could give it personally and not send it - which meant it got beautifully gift wrapped in the shop. That felt at odds with my ethics, my no gift wrap pledge, so I have determined to be better organised for Christmas - because that is the key to being able to hold the green stance. 
Last year for Christmas we went with a low-key Pacifica theme. We decided a purpose raised Christmas tree which can be composted at the end was the greenest option, especially as it supports the St John Ambulance.
It felt really refreshing not to have the artificial decorations.

Pacifica themed tree, with my own painting "Pacifica" in the background

my driftwood angel

mini flax kete, with flax flowers

The gift wrap was made from large white sheets that someone had written one line on, then thrown out in our paper recycling at work.
There will be more Christmas ideas to come in later blogs