Actions

30 March: 3 months, 456 actions, 72 contributors

STEP 1: 365 actions – achieved in 2.5 months!!!

STEP 2: Let’s try for 365 actions in one day 

on World Health Day 7 April 2022

Ideas for one or more actions you can take 

on World Health Day 7 April

January 1

1. Removed seeding broom plants at Rhododendron Gardens Blackheath to stop its spread into bushland (Lis) Read about it and join our blog here: https://bmpluriversity.org/january-1/

2. Committed to not printing, by writing details of references I need in my notebook, or taking a photo (Cayte)

3. Separated all the plastic bags we had under the sink, and collected the ones we could take back to dedicated recycling stations at Woolworths (Oscar and Hannah)

4. Deposited old coffee grounds on a dead bit of garden bed. In the future we’ll also be able to put some food scraps on top to make a small compost pile! (Oscar and Hannah)

5. Planted seeds in my home garden and food forest including pumpkin, watermelon, rock melon, lab lab, cowpea, chickpea, beans, buckwheat, scarlet runner beans, beetroot, basil, carrot, spinach, loofah, amaranth and strawberry plants. (Melissa)

6. Replaced old bed linen with bamboo – more sustainable fabric, anti-microbial, super soft, easy to wash in cool water, quick dry on the washing line, and loving the rose-pink colour on sale. Old sheets repurposed as dust sheets, shoe cleaners, and window cleaning. (Debra)

7. Watched a very interesting programme on ABC this morning regarding consumerism and other ways to live with less stuff. “Too Much Stuff” via Compass is very well presented, with lots of practical information. Might be of interest to some people. (Karen)

Available via this link: https://iview.abc.net.au/video/RN2011H020S00

8. Watered the herbs I’ve planted as a bee terrace – the plan is to add more flowers and a wall with nesting sites for native bees (Carla)

9. Left large, designated plots of weeds – dandelions etc around our beehives or in our garden for pollinators (Libby)

January 2

10,11. With the help of Blue Mountains Garden Groupies, compiled a list of wildlife-compatible edibles we can grow in the Blue Mountains without netting to encourage more food growing; and created a three-course meal with these locally grown edibles. (Lis) Read blogpost here: https://bmpluriversity.org/january-2/

12.  Installed a long overdue connection between our rainwater tank and the toilet inlet. Installed by local DB Plumbing in Blackheath. (Ian)

13, 14, 15. Removed black eyed Susan and some asparagus fern & tended to veg/herb patch in a friend’s garden, and later in my garden I planted a packet of flower seeds as a bird attractant. (Christine)

16, 17, 18. Personal- go for a swim; Social – pray for a friend who has shingles; Environmental – fill up our new veggie plot with composted green waste (Elizabeth)

19.  Switched to using laundry sheets instead of laundry liquid or laundry powder. No spillage of powder, no single use plastics. Even the box the sheets come in is fully compostable. The sheets are made from coconut, gentle on sensitive skin – Paraben, phosphate & chlorine bleach free. The ultra-lightweight product and packaging means transport pollution is decreased by 94% compared to traditional laundry detergent. (Debra) https://www.spacewhite.com/au/

20.  Inoculated a collection of sticks with Wine Cap Mushrooms and covered with wood chip to break down and build soil to recreate a terrace to slow, sink and spread water including some of the grey water from our washing machine. (Melissa)

21, 22, 23. Tea leaves and coffee grind for the garden; buying second-hand, and today trying to reduce emails in the inbox (digital footprint) (Verity)

24. Added egg cartons and coffee grounds to our worm farm (Libby)

January 3

25. Started using refillable fountain pen instead of ink cartridges and biros (Lis) Read more at the A Year In A Day blog here: https://bmpluriversity.org/january-3/

26. Recently started propagating plants for my local Landcare group! These will be planted in farms from next spring. I’m excited to be taking this action to help combat climate change, repair degraded landscapes, and protect our native species! (Kelly)

27. Treated crocosmia today by weed wiping before it puts out flowers. Slowly reducing the population. (Larry)

28.  Dug and levelled a new home for these second hand raised garden beds that I picked up from someone locally, ready for some home-grown veggies. (Melissa)

29. Posted a glass door that is surplus to requirements after we built our greenhouse. The link is on Facebook in the ‘Buy nothing – Blackheath, Medlow’ group (Ian):https://bit.ly/3Ixbp3R

30, 31. After reading the blog I was reminded about the refillable markers. We were needing some new dry erase markers, so I ordered some right away! I was also so inspired by your fountain pen use that this morning I went and dug out the calligraphy pens and inks that I used as a kid and started using them (even the inks are still good after sitting around for over 25 years!) (Meredith)

32. What a lovely idea. I have my father’s very old ink pen. He’d love to know it still has environmental cred! (Elizabeth)

33. Completely regenerated a section of my garden and part of the driveway by planting a large selection of native plants and a few non-invasive exotic ones. I used tubestock to make it more affordable. It has been a long while since I have been able to devote a whole day in the garden. It has lifted my mood – I am so looking forward to noticing the changes in wildlife and the emergence of new shoots and flowers. (Debra)

34. Added hessian coffee sacks as pathways between our vegetable garden to keep weeds down. (Libby)

January 4

35, 36, 37. Boiled thermos and used it all day for cups of tea to reduce energy – grid and mine; planted lemon verbena and mint at Planetary Health site; shared article on sustainable Ajiri Kenyan tea and Blue Mountains City Council’s electric kettle animation. (Lis) Read more at the A Year In a Day blog: https://bmpluriversity.org/january-4/

38. We’ve had a cooking roster running for a few months now and today, as I dropped yet another cucumber into the compost, I decided it was time to extend that into actually planning the shopping around what we intend to eat. So today I’m working on that. (Carla)

39. Today I have subscribed to purchasing bamboo paper towel and laundry detergent sheets online via a company called @spacewhite_eco (Melissa)

40. Took large water container and cups when out with the grandkids so they didn’t have to buy water in plastic bottles and this also started a dialogue around planetary health. (Libby)

41. I had lots of fun decorating a Street Library with quotes from my favourite authors … even adding bling. Looking forward to #buildingcommunity sharing my book collection with others. My clever husband has even designed a way of making it secure while creating another mini planting space for cacti and succulents – so excited by our teamwork. (Debra)

January 5

42. Accelerated succession to planetary health by mentoring permaculture teachers and teaching our first ever online Permaculture Design Course in order to reduce spread of Covid (Lis) Read more at A Year in a Day Blog here: https://bmpluriversity.org/january-5/

43. Today was my first day involved in co-teaching a permaculture design course collaborating with an amazing group of people. (Melissa)

44. Shared photo of Acacia species seedlings which I have growing – they are excellent Nitrogen fixers! (Kelly)

45. Replaced all toothbrushes with bamboo ones. Bamboo is a sustainable plant, easily grown and replaced without fertiliser. Although the bristles on the head of the toothbrush are plastic these can be removed and recycled. Alternatively, I have decided to write on the bamboo when it needs replacing and use it as a cleaning instrument for the grout in the bathroom. When the plastic no longer functions, I will use it as a plant marker or place in the compost heap – it may take a while to break down but it’s still better for the earth than throwing away plastic toothbrushes. (Debra)

46.  Picked up rubbish whilst out walking – making sure we had hand sanitizer in our bags. (Libby)

January 6

47. Forked and loosened 6 square metres of compacted soil at the top of the old Katoomba Golf Course to allow water and air to begin building soil to create a slow-release sponge to protect life and protect our City against drought and bushfire; shared info about Swampcare. (Lis) Read more in our blog: https://bmpluriversity.org/january-6/

48. I finally got the plumber in to set up a pump (electric) and tap on my rainwater tank so that when it does stop raining, I’ll be able to water veggies etc with stored rainwater. (Carla)

49. Today was my first day teaching and facilitating a session in an actual permaculture design course. Gratitude to Lis Bastian, Meg McGowan and Robin Clayfield for allowing to use some of their content to facilitate our course going ahead in an online format. (Melissa)

50. Put a second re-usable Husky cup (recycled from coffee husks) in the car for use of water or takeaway coffee/drinks. (Libby)

51. I have replaced paper towels with a range of beautiful handmade cloths that can be washed and reused while also supporting a small business connected to Buy From a Bush Business which is building a wonderful community. They cleverly connect together with poppers so that you can store them ready to use on a roll. (Debra)

January 7

52. Tackled procrastination to become a Citizen Scientist; registered for Frog ID app; identified Eastern Marsh Frog through FB; and shared pond building instructions. (Lis) Read more at our blog: https://bmpluriversity.org/january-7/

53. Teaching the soils units on Friday for the online Permaculture Design Course was an absolute joy and was a very new action for me. (Meredith) 

54. Shared free online conference event R-future arranged by @thepermaculturestudent, running from 10th-17th January bringing together over 50 speakers to discuss ways to make a regenerative future. (Melissa) Http://R-Future.world

55. I have a heap of cardboard boxes left over from Christmas, so I have decided to upcycle it and reuse It in my garden. It will provide compostable material, kill pesky weeds, and develop a bumper crop of earthworms. I am hoping that the cardboard in the garden will also kill lawn grass and help me get a new bed ready for veggies. Cardboard is just a form of paper and comes from a natural source, trees. As a natural source, it will break down and release carbon into the soil. I also plan to use it to start a garden path. Read more at Gardening Know How: Cardboard Garden Ideas – Tips on Reusing Cardboard For The Garden (Debra)

56. Harvested potatoes. There are always too many and far too many usually end up in the compost…but not this year! I spent a day making and freezing roast, jacket, chips and hash browns. They are all just-cooked which means you can cook them from frozen! Ready meals. (Carla)

57. Today I read some of Costa’s World and learned more about composting! (Kelly)

58. Used net produce bags, homemade shopping bags from leftover materials. (Libby)

January 8

59. Reduced food waste by making yoghurt with of out-of-date cream. (Lis) Read more in our blog: https://bmpluriversity.org/january-8/

60. Today’s action was to support our #koala population that was devastated during the bushfires. Thank you @scienceforwildlife (Debra)

61. Today I baked some candied ginger cookies for my mum for her birthday instead of purchasing a treat. (Melissa)

62. Purchased foods (fruit and vegetables) in bulk not in plastic. (Libby)

January 9

63. Sons were diagnosed with Covid so I made dumplings as comfort food. Instead of buying a pack of imported gyozas as we usually do, I made them from scratch. They were vegan, reduced packaging waste, and used all home-grown ingredients, reducing demand on supply chain while people are sick in the pandemic. (Lis) Read more in our blog at https://bmpluriversity.org/january-9/

64. Now running our new electric vehicle on 100% Green Energy (when using locally) from excess rooftop solar production from our house. (John and Fiona)

65. Created a Kiva loan for a woman who has created a micro business to support her family (Debra). https://www.kiva.org/lend-by-category/loans-to-women?page=3

66. Mulched the moat around the mound of some fruit trees with wood chip to help retain water and encourage mycelium fungi growth. (Melissa)

67. Took advantage of the cooler weather to rearrange my home office for more natural light and better airflow around my desk. Today I might make potstickers! (Carla)

68. Composted all food scraps into compost bins. (Libby)

January 10

69. Salvaged mistakes: sourdough that poured over stove because I forgot to put it in the fridge; potatoes that had sprouted months ago; and made broad beans on purple potato gnocchi in sage cream sauce with salvaged cream yoghurt and sage. (Lis) Read more here: https://bmpluriversity.org/january-10/

70. Buying all our fruit and veggies locally to make dinner from them, and our garden edibles. (Juliet)

71. Shared info on how to make and use cloth sanitary pads. (Debra)

72. Developing a complete permaculture design for our home zone 0 to solve for many issues that we have with the needs of 5 adults in a relatively small home. (Melissa)

73. As there’s been a great crop of blackberries this year, I’ve been cooking them in lots, freezing the cooked portions in takeaway boxes, for future blackberry and apple crumble. We don’t buy takeaways as a rule but there still are a few boxes around for some reason. (Elizabeth)

74. Cooked excess vegies into soups, pesto, quiches to freeze. (Libby)

January 11

75. Inspired by Debra Mainwaring and Melissa Chambers I also purchased Space White laundry sheets – they reduce plastic packaging and transport pollution by 94% (because they’re ultra-light-weight) (Lis) Read more in today’s blog: https://bmpluriversity.org/january-11/

76. Instead of throwing out my husband’s old work shirts, I’m wearing them as sun protection in the garden. These shirts have been a dilemma: frayed collars mean they can’t go to op shops, synthetic blends mean they won’t biodegrade in the compost bin, landfill is unsuitable and I’m not aware of any local places that take worn out garments to recycle. (Rachel)

77. Today I helped to build a fence for Upper Snowy Landcare Network to monitor the native species at Gegedzerick TSR in Berridale, NSW. (Kelly)

78. Today I purchased 20L of organic olive oil from a local grower and producer out west. It will be divvied up amongst my family to save on packaging and buying in bulk helps to make it accessible to us all. (Meredith)

79. Placed an order for toilet paper that is sourced ethically with less impact on the environment. I have ordered this time with Who gives a Crap. (Debra)

80. Today I choose to mend all the plastic sheets in my display folder rather than purchase more. (Melissa)

81. Started sprouts to avoid having to buy them in plastic. (Carla)

82. Made three days’ food from ingredients which had not been purchased from a supermarket and not wrapped in plastic – and organic – and delish. (Elizabeth)

January 12

83. Made my first attempt at growing microgreens with sunflower, broccoli, kale, red mustard and red cabbage seeds. Also started sprouts in a jar and planted black kale, borletta onions, Violet Sicilian cauliflower and parsley. (Lis) Read more at our blog: https://bmpluriversity.org/january-12/

84. Took a supply of home-cooked meals to my 91-year-old mum so she didn’t have to eat processed packaged meals. Better for her and our planet. (Libby)

85. I made a month-by-month plan for planting veggies in my garden through the year. The outside ring is Plant, the middle is Grow and the Centre is Harvest. (Carla)

86. Protested about a plan to pollute our beautiful World Heritage environment: Stop the Rehabilitated Bell Quarry from being filled with waste (Debra) – https://bit.ly/33ZF32M

87. Today I’ve prepared classes to teach young people about plants, seed saving and wildlife this week at the free Permaculture Design Course through the Planetary Health Pluriversity. Along the way I learnt a lot more than I previously knew about the importance of seeds in planetary health and many other types of health also, including social and cultural. (Meredith)

January 13

88. Repaired a disintegrating patch of a precious 40-year-old nightie that I still love to wear with one of my now-grown-up boys’ old socks! (Lis) Read more at our blog: https://bmpluriversity.org/january-13/

89. Used one of those plastic string bags as netting on my kiwi fruit crop. The vine is huge but only has two fruits on it LOL and I’m determined to protect them from parrots. The aim of individually netting fruit is to avoid bats and smaller birds getting caught up. (Carla)

90. Recycled water from dehumidifier onto balcony plants. (Libby)

91. My clever husband has come up with an ingenious way for me to be ready for any size of shopping expedition and for displaying my beautiful shopping baskets – fishing line is so handyand super easy to unhook. (Debra)

January 14

92. Watched and wrote my first ever movie review for ‘Don’t Look Up’ because of its attempt to analyse inaction on climate change using the example of inaction on a comet hurtling towards earth. (Lis) You can read more and share your action at our blog: https://bmpluriversity.org/january-14/

93. Cleaned inside my car and placed a basket on the back seat filled with: my shopping bags, produce bags, umbrella, sun cream, hats, water bottles, hand sanitizer, cloths, food container/ cutlery. I’m now prepared to bring my own containers to take away shops. (Libby)

94. I rejuvenated loved furniture by recovering it. These chairs have had special significance to our family so rather than throw them out I had them recovered locally @c_l_home using fabric designed locally @mountvicandme. They’re bring me joy every day. (Debra)

January 15

95. I opened a new email account with a more secure and open-source email provider that isn’t going to read my emails and bombard me with advertising. (Meredith)

96. Repaired old paper telephone directories, wrote down my most important phone numbers and learnt first one off by heart to be less dependent on Big Tech which is brainwashing us into The Great Forgetting. (Lis) Read more and share your actions at our blog:https://bmpluriversity.org/january-15/

97. Shredded paperwork to put directly in our compost and worm farms. (Libby)

98. Divided and took cuttings of herbs from my garden to share with @bluemountainsplanetaryhealth for their upcoming student permablitz to create a herb and and tea garden. (Melissa)

99. The last two days I’ve been focusing on social permaculture – starting to bring people together to put on “COVID the pantomime”. I think it’s important to laugh at what scares us, to make images of our monsters and control them. I was trying to explain to people how I’m bringing together two theatre traditions/ methods: Theatre of the Oppressed from the 1960s that is about giving voice to the less empowered and the ancient Mystery Tradition which ran annual rituals to take whole communities through a story that helped them to understand the past year and prepare for the new year. I decided it’s Quantum Theatre – you can be a part of it or just wave at it; and if you’re entangled in it, you can do both.  This year’s panto will be about looking back at how we survived COVID and forward to finding climate solutions  (Carla)

100. Took the time for #peoplecare. We have walked alongside so many people with additional challenges associated with COVID-19  through Cared4 by DJM Psychological Services so we created an opportunity to pause, step out in style and acknowledge all the invaluable support Vanessa provides in the background. Thank you with all our heart. (Debra)

January 16

101, 102. Today I stopped using plastic bags to collect dog poo and used a bucket and trowel instead. Because I’m now bringing secateurs on my walk I also cut out a buddleia flowering on the side of the road to stop it spreading into the bush. Took the beautiful flowers back home to enjoy. (Lis) Read more and share your action in today’s blog: https://bmpluriversity.org/january-16/

103. I put two quail in a cage in the garden that’s easy for me to move around so that they can be a ‘quail tractor’. I’m guessing this is going to make life a lot happier, healthier and more interesting for them as they have fresh places to scratch around and find tasty morsels, and they can help improve the soil with their poo while they’re at it. (Meredith)

104. I’m trying to get back to making dog food again (meat, offal and some nutri-bullet blended up veggies) so that I can stop buying cans of dog food. (Carla)

105. Today I went around the suburb of Maroubra with friends to collect seeds from some of the herbs and plants going to seed in people’s front fence lines. (Libby)

106. Made a video about my experience with experimenting with small scale aquaponics in a PVC tube to filter the pond water to feed the herbs. Will share with the current students doing their permaculture design course with @bluemountainsplanetaryhealth. (Melissa)

107. Shared some amazing advice from a fabulous NZ based GP – I urge you to create your COVID-19 Safety Plan/ Harm minimisation plan today https://youtu.be/2ZoBb-ngk5k (Debra)

January 17

108, 109. Today I started saving energy while sleeping – by switching off the hall light at night and using solar lights instead; and by putting my laptop to sleep whenever I left my desk. This reduces energy being consumed by the screen saver and extends the life of the computer as well. (Lis) Read more here: https://bmpluriversity.org/january-17/

110. Today I gave my neighbours some spinach and lettuce from the garden and they left me their containers, about 20. That $2 will go to the Australian Wildlife Conservancy. (Ian)

111. Today I sprayed the ant farm (aka my office desk) with peppermint. I’m trying to avoid poisoning them… (Carla)

112. I’ve been thinking a bit about stacking new habits onto existing ones. Each time I go for a walk I see rubbish lying around and I don’t do anything about it. I have lots of excuses, like not having any way of carrying it. So when I went for my walk I took a bag and a glove with me and picked up rubbish I saw along my way. My 10-year-old got really into it and helped out by pointing out bits I’d missed and even carrying a square of carpet that was too big for our bag all the way home. Along the way I told him about the earn-and-return program and he’s committed himself to collecting bottles and cans he sees lying around so he can earn a little extra pocket money. (Meredith)

113. I signed this petition along with fellow neighbours for #ClimateAction https://bit.ly/3FRqImw(Debra)

January 18

114. Created all the materials to help our teacher trainee, and anyone else, run a Permablitz! It’s part of succession planning to up-skill more people to restore planetary health. (Lis) Read more and share here: https://bmpluriversity.org/january-18/

115. I have offered to mow my neighbour’s yard to keep the weeds down. Unfortunately they used poison after a council weed inspection last year  Hopefully they take me up on the offer. (Melanie)

116. I was feeling frustrated about the situation of the refugees in the Park Hotel Melbourne and posted a Time to ACT post on face book and Instagram. Since then I have connected with Blue Mountains Refugee Support Group who have begun a letter writing campaign to support Craig Foster’s Free the 33 Refugees in the Park Hotel Melbourne. I have now written to the Prime minister, Minister for Home Affairs and their opposition counterparts as well as my local member. Next I shall call the offices of these people. And start looking at the Blue Mountains Refugee Support Group’s campaign to support Wilkie’s Bill Ending Indefinite and Arbitrary Immigration Detention for which submissions are called for by January 28. Lots to do. Hope others will join me. (Margot)

117, 118.  I gathered and delivered materials for the Permablitz. I also felt inspired by the post about the solar lights, and while I haven’t found any good ones yet, we started to use old candles we’ve got to light our bathroom in the evening when we’re getting ready for bed. Placed in front of the bathroom mirror they light the room more than enough for us to see by. It’s reducing our electricity use by a tiny bit, and it also means we’re not under bright electric lights before bed, which helps us settle for the night. (Meredith)

119. I made a Kiva loan to support a hardworking woman who is creating a business that not only helps feed and clothe her young family but also supports #pollinators. (Debra)

120. I resisted driving down the street! (Paul)

January 19

121. As part of my research to find inspiring new social enterprises to share with young people, my new action for today was to sample my first ever vegan cheese, made from cashews and created by a local family business in Hazelbrook called Blue Mountains Creamery. (Lis) Read more here: https://bmpluriversity.org/january-19/

122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129.   Built a community compost hub, a herb spiral, a pond and a vege garden bed. (8 young people took action together, working on a Permablitz at the old Katoomba Golf Course for Council’s Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative.)

130. My dear friend, who is a wise Elder, and I, have started a Pilot Group with five people to do a Course together called ‘Calling in The One’, which is a book by Katherine Woodward Thomas. A nine-week Course, preparing oneself to be ready when love arrives in your life. The Course uses self-enquiry, Yoga, Meditation, visualisations, setting intentions, listening and letting go of the past, relating to oneself and others in new ways, wise choices and commitments, developing emotional literacy … Our aim is to help the world be a less lonely place. (Juliet)

131. I switched my electricity to Powershop – a green energy supplier. (Debra)

132. Inspired by the young people who built a world in a day, I imagined an uncolonised world and how the planet would feel … my #ayearinaday action is to open dialogue around decolonising our minds on Jan 26th, particularly for white fellas. Please join us on Wednesday night if you feel called. https://bit.ly/3AnIcFT (Juli)

January 20

133. Today, only 8 days after sowing the seeds, I harvested and tasted our first sunflower microgreens. They were just delicious. We garnished our mushroom soup with them to add a lovely fresh crunch, and a nutritional punch. And I didn’t have to go outside in the rain to harvest them. Too easy. I also shared what I’d learnt so far about growing microgreens. (Lis) Read more here: https://bmpluriversity.org/january-20/

134. I’ve been harvesting sprouts that I started 8 days ago. (Carla)

135. I signed up for the #GreeningOurCity initiative and was heartened to learn that there has been such a huge response that they have run out of trees so I am on a waiting list  (Debra)

January 21

136. Thanks to lots of tips from Blue Mountains Garden Groupies I settled on a solution for trying again to compost our dog poo. I cut off the bottom of an old garbage bin, drilled holes in the side, and buried it in the garden to create an in-ground compost. (Lis) Read more here: https://bmpluriversity.org/january-21/

137. I spoke to the wonderful group of young people on the Blue Mountains Permaculture Course about sustainability and running social enterprises. (Libby)

138. I consciously collected rubbish on my walk and also stacked functions by listening to a zoom class I wanted to catch up on. (Melissa)

139. I copied Lis Bastian and reverted to a fountain pen to write my Self-Care Plan for 2022 – my final assessment piece for the Diploma of Nature Based Therapy I have been completing. I especially love that the inks I chose are called Tender Purple and Serenity Blue. (Debra)

140. Went into the nearby bush to remove the agapanthus flowerheads. Entered my first post on this blog!! (Sue)

January 22

141. I did lots more research about solutions for the challenges of dog poos and decided to go one step further than I did yesterday, so turned my new underground Dog Poo Compost bin into a Worm Farm. (Lis) Read more at our blog: https://bmpluriversity.org/january-22/

142. Today I cleaned out the chook run and mixed manures with compost and spread it throughout our vegetable gardens. (Libby)

143. My hubby created a shoe  insole out of a used cardboard box  (Debra)

144. Left positive feedback amidst some complaints for the bread company deciding to convert to cardboard tag clips. I think companies need to be commended for moving to more and more environmentally based choices. Particularly on high volume single use items for such minimal convenience. But I hope to learn how to learn to bake my own bread as an action in the future, hit me with your knowledge or recipe on how. (Melissa)

145. In an attempt to keep us all healthy and reduce pressure on the healthcare system, I’ve been exploring different ways to boost our immunity. I made fire cider for the first time! This is a potent brew of horseradish (I swapped another local gardener some duck eggs for her lovely horseradish roots), ginger, garlic, onion, turmeric, rosemary, chilli, lemon and apple cider vinegar. It’ll be steeping for a month before it’s ready to mix with some honey and use to keep our immune systems strong and also to boost our systems if we get sick. I’ll let you know how it turns out! (Meredith)

146. Supported and gave time to friends who I know are lonely so that there will be less loneliness in the world. (Juliet)

January 23

147. Reading about bird lead bush regeneration and thinking about “garden link”. Gardens for food, bio-regeneration and community. So like Farm It Forward, but with bio-regen (and basic maintenance) as well! People would pay a subscription, and chip in on volunteer days. (Ian)

148. Put out cuttings and plants from the garden on the freebie table out front near the nature strip for local community to help themselves too when walking by. #fairshare (Melissa)

149. For the last week or so there’s been a screen dumped on the side of the road in the bush where I walk every day, so today, when I finally had a little bit of spare time, we drove there and picked it up. It fitted easily into our bin. I also shared information on what to do if you see any illegal dumping. (Lis) Read more and find out how to report illegal dumping in today’s blog at https://bmpluriversity.org/january-23/

150. Today our action was to feed our bees sugar water as the heavy rains have washed a lot of the nectar out and they are starving. Happy bees today  (Libby)

151. My action today is in honour of our nation’s First Peoples #peoplecare#traditionalowners I am adding the Aboriginal Country to addresses when I write letters and cards for posting. Like me you can join the @place_names_in_addresses campaign. (Debra)

152. Made a poster with all the ideas we have been having about a Communal Interactive Market Stall. (Juliet)

153. Shared for the first time on A Year in a Day about my daily practice of using a Gazette plastic wrapper as a glove and bag to pick up fruit labels, wrapper corners etc when I go on a bushwalk and bring it out. (Tracie)

154. I saved some tomato seeds from my garden for the first time and learned a process for doing this successfully so I can use them next season and share some around. (Meredith)

January 24

155, 156. I’ve signed the petition calling for Australia Post to honour traditional place names, and I’ve ordered spawn to grow my first crop of oyster mushrooms. (Lis) Read more and share your actions here: https://bmpluriversity.org/january-24/

157. I watched a film about agriculture, soil and food called ‘The Need to Grow’  https://grow.foodrevolution.org/(Meredith)

158. I’ve realised it’s really hard to come up with new things every day. I’ve set up the sprout system, I’m maintaining the veggie garden and food forest … I’m going to start a list … Meanwhile, today I put some of the piles of holly and other weed cuttings into a special compost bin. (Carla)

159. I installed our 2022 Family Calendar. In the busyness of life we can forget to share plans as we create appointments on our individual phones. It can also be a way of sharing responsibility for attending events e.g. at our children’s school, or taking our family pets for check ups. I chose this one as it is #plasticfree, made in Australia from 100% #recycledpaper and acknowledges selected national and international days that encourage #socialconnection and #reflection that supports #earthcare and #peoplecare (Debra)

160. My action for today, as silly as it seems, is not be discouraged by fact that a cockatoo got into my first little crop of corn. Rather I will save the seed from the cob I could salvage and try again next year with a netted in area for the garden. (Melissa)

January 25

161. I harvested flat leaf parsley from cracks in our driveway, self-sown from the huge free-range planting on the verge of the lane at the back of our block of units. (Paul)

162, 163. I was inspired by your post on the 24th so I also signed the petition to recognise every area in Australia by its original place name. I also had a really interesting conversation with my children and niece and nephew about food webs and ecosystems over lunch, which was quite delightful. (Meredith)

164. My action was to purchase a refillable pen rather than a biro. (Melissa)

165. I made a tote bag out of leftover fabrics as a gift for my friend’s birthday today. (Libby)

166. I enjoyed facilitating a Sandplay and Symbol work session and was reminded of how powerful and effective it is (and challenging during COVID). Sandplay Therapy is over 100 years old. Dora Maria Kalff, Jungian Psychologist and student of Margaret Lowenfeld, developed a therapeutic method she called Sandplay Therapy in the 1950’s. It is a way of expressing feelings and personal experiences. It is a nonverbal, therapeutic intervention that makes use of a sandtray, symbols and sometimes water, to create miniature worlds that reflect a person’s inner thoughts, struggles and concerns.

Symbols are arranged in the sand and in doing so provide visual representation of emotions, relationships, issues or material from the unconscious. Significant emphasis is placed upon safety, self-discovery and awareness of physical and emotional processes. It taps into the unconscious mind, releasing any thoughts, feelings or emotions that have been hidden or buried. Sandplay enriches the traditional talking counselling process by inviting us to attend to the non-verbal communications that emerge spontaneously from our hands and body as a picture that “feels right” is created. One of my actions was to spend time reviewing and replenishing a symbol display at headspace Katoomba from miniatures I have been gifted or foraged around the world.

As part of maintaining my practice I attend sessions myself. Another action I took was to reach out to my Sandplay therapist to book a session for the coming term. (Debra)

167. Today I experimented with baking our first-ever vegan plant-based quiche with vegan pastry (and tried our kale, broccoli, red mustard and red cabbage microgreens for the first time). (Lis) Read more in today’s blog post:https://bmpluriversity.org/january-25/

January 26

168. Instead of throwing out my large bulk rice bag today I gave it a second life and turned it into a container to grow potatoes. (Lis) Read more and share your action at our blog: https://bmpluriversity.org/january-26/

169. I picked off slugs from my veg seedlings on our balcony in the city instead of using pellets. (Libby)

170. I love to #reuserepurposerecycle and am always looking for ideas and encouraging others to do the same and have found an amazing space close to home to learn new ideas – the Hawkesbury Remakery. (Debra)

171. Today I planted 4 pepperberry bushes. If they survive and fruit, I’ll never need to buy pepper again! (Carla)

172. I started to read On Eating Meat:The truth about its production and the ethics of eating it by Matthew Evans. I knew there was some shifty stuff going on, and eat very little meat anyway (and am generally fairly selective about where it comes from when I do) but 6 chapters in and there have been many eye-opening moments. (Meredith)

January 27

173. I packaged up a selection of locally acclimatised seeds and stored them in a fireproof safe for future food security; and bookmarked Council’s new Emergency Dashboard which has been set up to help residents during future disasters or emergencies. (Lis) Read more at our blog here: https://bmpluriversity.org/january-27/

174. Today I switched to tissues made from bamboo. We are a family who are allergic to dust mites, cats, leaf mould, acacias, so always sneezing. I bought in bulk. Delivered to your door in 100% plastic-free packaging via Space White. (Debra)

175. Today we nurtured a new Scoby that had formed in our own fermentation setup. We passed it on to a friend and taught them how to make their own kombucha at home. (Libby)

176.  I’ve planted lots of comfrey in the yard as “chop n drop” fertiliser-mulch. The bees seem to have mostly finished with them so now I’m chopping them back and dropping the cut leaves around the fruit trees. The comfrey will grow back and probably flower again this season. Also leaving some to set seed because I’ve never collected comfrey seed before. (Carla)

177. Today I redirected used commercial seed packets from going to landfill to be reused in community seed saving projects with the Planetary Health Initiative. (Melissa)

178. After all the talk of dog poo in A Year in a Day and with our permaculture students, I thought I’d better investigate the safety of composting the bedding and poo of our pet rats, so I did that today. A lovely rat breeder I got in touch with let me know that as long as they don’t eat meat, or eat only a small amount of human food quality meat, they won’t carry any dangerous pathogens. Phew! Onward with the rat poo composting! (Meredith)

January 28

179. Four days ago I picked up a screen that had been dumped in the bush on my favourite walk. Today, for my new action, I took it to the Katoomba Resource Recovery & Waste Management Facility. Thanks to TechCollect, it’s FREE to drop off e-waste for recycling (you can drop off in Blaxland and lots of other centres too). (Lis) Read more in today’s blog here:https://bmpluriversity.org/january-28/

180. I replaced baking paper with silicone baking sheets. I can confirm that they are super easy to clean. (Debra)

181. I also took an action to keep something out of landfill. My son very recently got a pair of Keen hiking sandals, and within a week the plastic bit at the end of the elastic lace had broken. I was trying to figure out when I’d be able to return them to the shop for a replacement, and suddenly realised that if we returned them to the shop they’d most likely just be tossed out. It seemed like such a huge waste for one little broken piece of plastic. So instead I rang Keen and they were incredibly helpful and have posted out a replacement piece with instructions on how to fix it. I feel so grateful that this brand has the awareness to provide such a simple and impactful service, and also so pleased that we’ve managed to keep a pair of perfectly good shoes out of landfill and we saved an extra car trip. (Meredith)

January 29

182. My action today for #ayearinaday was volunteering at Cliff View Community Farm and helping propagate seedlings for winter brassica crops. (Michelle)

183. My action today has been to mulch as I go when weeding the swale pathways – one small section at a time – so that I was not leaving the soil and microbiology exposed to the elements to die off unnecessarily and omit CO2 into the air. Plus I managed to get both paths done. (Melissa)

184. Today I stumbled across an amazing fungus, Abortiporus biennis, and contributed to biodiversity science by downloading the @inaturalistorg app and posting my first observation. The app identified it within seconds. (Lis) You can read more here: https://bmpluriversity.org/january-29/

185. Today my action was to support one of my fabulous long term clients alongside an amazing equine assisted learning facilitator. What could be better than spending a morning in the sunshine speckled Megalong Valley with beautiful horses as well as lovely people. Mindfulness practice and being attuned to such stunning creatures offers powerful reciprocal healing ‘ I-Thou Horsemanship’ is an approach to Horsemanship that teaches an understanding of horse psychology, herd dynamics, and training principles that is grounded in ” ‘I-Thou relating’ – Meg Kirby (2012). It builds beautifully on the nature based therapy and other therapies I offer. For more information check it out here: https://bit.ly/3GgKSXh  (Debra)

186, 187. Scrubbing and spacking – I noticed the fountain in Frog Pond 3 had stopped working so I cleaned off all the weed and unclogged its filter; and the fruit fly trap has had a hole in it for ages – I fixed it with spackfilla and now it will last another season. (Carla)

188. My action on Saturday was to teach our grandkids not to use plastic bags whilst shopping. I forgot the net bags so I placed fruit directly in the trolley to later put in my large bags. Kids said- just use plastic bags! I said we didn’t need them and don’t use them- they said just throw them in the bin when you get home! This started a great conversation on planetary health (Libby)

January 30

189. Today I tackled the barriers that have stopped me cycling and kept me driving, and finally rode my bike to Blackheath Community Farm, with tools and party food for the Farm’s 5th Birthday celebration in my backpack. (Lis) Read more here: https://bmpluriversity.org/january-30/

190. I downloaded iNaturalist and also the BirdNET app to identify birds by their calls. (Meredith)

191. I am loving covering our leftover food with colourful, flexible covers as well as waxed fabric. I particularly like my pink one that resembles a shower cap  and also the cheerful lunch bags I purchased a few years ago from https://www.metooplease.com.au/ (Debra)

January 31

192. Inspired by Tracie McMahon’s post I used a plastic Gazette wrapper as a glove and bag to pick up a discarded face mask, cigarette butt, spoon and wrappers. (Lis) Read more here: https://bmpluriversity.org/january-31/

193. I picked up a facemask today (barehanded!) (Rachel)

194. My action today has been to split my kombucha scoby to share with the neighbour when making a new batch and got an unexpected new low sugar recipe in return. (Melissa)

195. I have been experimenting with different toothpastes to ensure they were palm oil free in support of the orangutan  and although I know I can recycle  toothpaste tubes I was excited to source toothpaste in a jar which prevents two toothpaste tubes going to landfill.  #mysteptoprotect I also joinedhttps://orangutanalliance.org/(Debra)

196, 197. This weekend. Watered the garden with the shower water today – arrangement as shown by barrel. Took vegies next door for containers and cooked wth the ingredients myself. Also bathed in the cold pond down the back x 2 (after soaping & rinsing up a tad with rainwater). It has a very good aquaponic style filtration system and plants growing in it. Collected 120 glass containers from a mate. That $12 will go to AWC. (Ian)

February 1

198. Today a whole new world opened up for me when I bought my first ever Vegan Cookbook – hot off the press – by Katoomba writer and fabulous cook, Teja Brooks Pribac. (Lis) Read more and share your actions at our blog or below in comments: https://bmpluriversity.org/february-1/

199. I wanted to share the fabulous process of making Bunya flour from the plant that can be used to make Bunya Damper unknown to me previously and the person who shared it with me has given me permission to share it here. I also found an Aboriginal Art story about the history of making Bunya https://japingkaaboriginalart.com/articles/damper-seed/ (Debra)

200. My action today is to share the good news of Blue Mountains City Council Newsletter and all the work that is being done @bluemountainsplanetaryhealth in planning and stepping into being a planetary health leader. I am so happy to be a part of this initiative and encourage everyone to get behind a council that wants to work with community to create #planetaryhealth. (Melissa)

201. I started sharing a new vegetarian recipe whilst training with a women’s group at the beach- I’ve committed to sharing a new recipe each Monday  (Libby)

February 2

202. Today I finished the last of my microgreens and tackled what to do with the soil. Decided to capitalise on the seedlings I had left and used the soil, now full of organic matter, to pot them up and grow them on, including the sunflowers and a black kale I identified in the microgreens. Hoping there’ll be enough sunshine to get the sunflowers to maturity to provide the next round of seeds for microgreens. (Lis) Read more at our blog https://bmpluriversity.org/february-2/

203. I’ve just discovered the Lawson library takes batteries for recycling so I’m off to drop ours off. Much easier than taking them to the tip which I what we usually do. (Susan)

204. My action today is to acknowledge this special time of year for my lovely friends who celebrate Chinese New Year.  恭喜发财 — ‘Happiness and prosperity’ In Mandarin: gōng xǐ fā cái /gong-sshee faa-tseye/ In Cantonese: gong hay fat choy (Debra)

205. Picked my third bunch of flowers from garden rather than buying them at the shop. (BMCC City Planning)

February 3

206. Today we ended 28 years of habit and chose to #LoveLocal. We moved to ordering coffee from Blackheath’s Roasters With Altitude which supports the Timor Learning Centre.(Lis) Read more here https://bmpluriversity.org/february-3/

207. My action was to not to replenish the stock of mandated COVID safe cups and plates with plastic for Headspace Katoomba  – chuffed I managed to find on theme green paper ‘crockery’; hoping to add them to the compost. (Debra)

208. Today we harvested our own potatoes for bangers and mash. (Carla)

209. Put in a wildlife compatible garden for the Planetary Health Initiative (Detta)

210. Today my new action was to purchase my first vegan cookbook locally from the wonderful Teya Brooks Pribac! Thanks to seeing your post yesterday I want to cook more plant-based foods and I love buying local. (Libby)

211. From today I commit to catching the train to my new job. (Katie)

212. This week I bought 10kg of fresh local seasonal tomatoes from a local farmer for $4/kg. Instead of freezing them in the way I have done in the past, I jarred them with my jars from last year’s produce. I ended up with 20 jars and two passatta bottles as well as tomato consume for 4 meals (just add seasonal veg and wait for a hot day serve chilled), and a bowl of fresh tomatoes. The result was cheaper and will take me through 20 weeks in colder months, at less than $1.75 per jar. They don’t require ongoing energy in refrigeration, and, reduced the resources used by buying canned tomatoes. And – it was a fun afternoon project as well as feeling good and tasting great. I should add that he gave me a discount for bulk purchase so I paid $3.50/kg. Also a lot of tomatoes in tins etc are shipped from overseas – so there is also the reduce mileage. (Elizabeth)

213. Decided to use bar shampoo instead of bottled soap. (BMCC City Planning)

February 4

214. Today I felt intense relief that after over 40 years of using disposable sanitary napkins I finally said ‘NO MORE!’ and ordered beautiful reusable cloth pads made by small local business Bird in Milk in Woodford. (Lis) Read more at our blog here: https://bmpluriversity.org/february-4/

215. I am starting a ‘care box’ for my tween and have added some reusable pads and a bag. (Beth)

216. A volunteer from the SES phoned, encouraging me to buy raffle tickets. In an ongoing effort to reduce paper, I declined the paper tickets and bought some online. I donated some money too. SES volunteers have been working so hard to support people with all the rain and storm damage. (Kathleen)

217. Today I did our main pantry restock of groceries at Nom Bulk Foods meaning that 18 packets will not be going into landfill.  Such a nice experience too. (Melissa)

218. Weatherproofing my house – installed a draft guard on my front door. (BMCC City Planning)

February 5

219. It’s been such a cold wet week that we’ve resorted to hot chips and log fires. That’s meant, however, a big jar of used olive oil that I couldn’t bear to just throw out. So today my new action was to turn used olive oil & ashes to soap. (Lis) Read more at our blog here: https://bmpluriversity.org/february-5/

220. I kept an old 100% cotton business shirt to put in our worm farm instead of landfill- go business shirt worms  (Libby)

221. The one action I took today to help our planet was to go to my local Landcare group. We chopped the heads of agapanthus and other invasive plants in the bushland to slow their spread. Every little thing we do helps. (Cayte)

222. My action was to record the thriftiness of my lovely husband who refuses to discard a broken umbrella and successfully fixed the mechanism for holding it up and open with a paper clip and some fishing line after drilling a hole in the stem. (Debra/Eric)

223. Refocused on consistently composting. (BMCC City Planning)

February 6

224. This week we added a basket to my bike so I could carry more things to Blackheath Community Farm and reduce possible excuses for cycling. My NEW ACTION was to ride there and back IN THE RAIN. Another barrier overcome. (Lis) You can read more at our blog here: https://bmpluriversity.org/january-6-2/

225, 226, 227, 228, 229. Five fabulous graduates of our recent permaculture course took action for #ayearinaday with their first self-initiated permablitz together. (Jonah, Stella, Detta, Sam, Sesi)

230. Shared a longlife soy milk container being reused by turning it into a drink holder. (Sue)

231. Shared that, instead of throwing it out, I have kept the drink holder I picked up in Penrith in my boot so next time I order takeaway coffee I can reuse it! (Mina)

232. My action today is to share the generosity of an extraordinary human being who has planted a tree every day for 35 years – he single-handedly has reforested an area that has provided habitat to many indigenous species – Greenpeace UK share more about him here https://bit.ly/3LRL5nM(Debra)

233. Turned off lights and computer monitors in the office at the end of the day. (BMCC City Planning)

February 7

234. Received my first order from Megalong Grown and shared information about other local growers we can support too. (Lis) Read more in today’s blog at https://bmpluriversity.org/february-7/

235. I signed a petition to protect sacred Aboriginal Land https://bit.ly/351qYmr (Debra)

236. Planted plants in my garden to create native habitat. (BMCC City Planning)

February 8

237. Made the switch to Enova Community Energy, Australia’s first Community-Owned Energy Provider. It just received the highest ranking in Greenpeace Australia Pacific‘s new Green Energy Guide. (Lis) Read more in today’s blog here: https://bmpluriversity.org/february-8/

238. My action was to share the success of Headspace Katoomba with around 45 other headspace sites across the whole of Australia as part of headspace National Innovation Spotlight sessions. It was a team effort to share how we have managed demand with very limited resources and no wait list. We were proud to learn that we have already surpassed the year’s goals in the first 6 months of this financial year. We have been rewarded with 3 new staff members so we will now be able offer outreach services in the form of monthly pop-up single sessions in the mid and lower mountains initially and a range of group sessions to suit young people’s interests from gardening to construction, art, cultural connections, book club, board games and Dungeons and Dragons. (Debra)

239. Instead of putting my Gazette (after reading it of course) in the recycling bin I am shredding it and putting it in the compost to replace some carbon. If you hold the pages long ways they tear into perfect strips. I saw Costa do this on Gardening Australia. Such fun! (Mina)

240. Just finished mowing the lawn on 100% solar power. Our battery powered mower emits lower noise and no greenhouse emissions. Clothes (& I) don’t smell like a petrol station afterwards. And – we’ve charged the mower battery from our solar systems power. (John)

241. Cooked up the regular curry out of the remaining things in the fridge. (BMCC City Planning)

February 9

242. Today, after many decades, I finally stopped using hair mousse. (Lis) Read more at our blog here: https://bmpluriversity.org/february-9/

243. My plant order for the pond I am creating arrived. Excited to start this project at the weekend. (Debra)

244. Afternoon of propagating plants. (BMCC City Planning)

February 10

245, 246. Today I separated and reclipped negative RAT tests to turn them into plant labels AND I decided to stack an action onto an existing activity – my daily walk – by taking my mum’s old shopping trolley and filling it with gardening gloves, secateurs, bags for collecting rubbish and my dog poo bucket (which is now a recycled plastic bucket with a well-sealed lid). I managed to pick up plastic rubbish AND filled a bag with thistle heads to stop them spreading in the bush. (Lis) Read more at our blog: https://bmpluriversity.org/february-10/

247. Picked up my new “speedy sprouters” from the #urbanplantgrowers so I can grow my own organic sprouts in the kitchen. (Libby)

248. This month I’ve been picking up salad scraps from a local restaurant to feed my chickens. My hens love the extra greens (Jules)

249. Made another effort to weatherproof my house – planted out west facing wall to create shading. (BMCC City Planning)

February 11

250, 251. Today the ‘fierce urgency of now’ prompted me to take TWO new actions: one focused on the preciousness of metal, and one focused on doing everything we can to maintain peace. I went on a Treasure Hunt for metal around the house and have started keeping all the metal we use out of our bin, so that ALL of it can be properly recycled; and I registered for a Rotary Climateandpeace Forum next Tuesday 15 February. Read more at our blog here: https://bmpluriversity.org/february-11/

252. Received my new Urban Composter for the kitchen and shared info about it. Realised I’ll need two to make it work efficiently. (Debra)

253. Mindful rubbish removal -I used communal bins rather than individual office bins to save on bin liners. (BMCC City Planning)

February 12

254. Today I decided to pull out all the scrap fabric I had around the house and tackle two issues at once … the huge number of tissues the family uses and discards, and the problem of textile waste. So today I made hankies, started a hanky box, and filled two hanky tins! I want them to be as ubiquitous as tissues! (Lis) Read more in our blog: https://bmpluriversity.org/february-12/

255. Refocusing on the positive aspects of my plant-based diet rather than simply being restrictive. (BMCC City Planning)

February 13

256. Today I ‘left no footprint’ and for the first time in my life gave back to the earth more than I took out of it! For a 24 hour period I used no electricity, used tank water, ate only home/Blackheath Community farm-grown food, used no purchased products (like makeup, face cream, soap, tissues or toothpaste), only rode my bike to the Farm, only cooked using my Sun Oven, produced no waste and planted more food than I consumed. (Lis) Read more in our blog: https://bmpluriversity.org/february-13/

257. Shared the UTAS Sustainability Programs SIPS resources page – it’s all about how a large institution can be more sustainable. https://bit.ly/3BGjph0  (Carla)

258. Visited Wildplant Rescue in Katoomba. (BMCC City Planning)

February 14

259, 260. For Valentine’s Day we went to the tip and made baked beans from scratch! Is it possible to get more romantic than that? We went through our yard and shed to find all the metal that we’ve been hoarding for years. Today we dropped off 200KG or 0.2 of a TONNE! We also made baked beans from scratch, using dried cannellini beans, to AVOID using metal cans – ultimately AVOID is better than RECYCLE. (Lis) Read more in our blog: https://bmpluriversity.org/february-14/

261. I went and helped my sister-in-love (what we call our in-laws in my family) on their regenerative farm to harvest and pack veggies for delivery. (Meredith)

262. Switched electricity providers to ensure green energy. (BMCC City Planning)

February 15

263. In 2020 Rotary International made Supporting The Environment a new area of focus for Rotary worldwide. This is a seismic shift, as evidenced by the powerful Climate & Peace Forum: Climate Risks – Making Choices, Impeding Tipping Points I attended this evening as my action for A Year in a Day. I summarised main points for those who couldn’t make it. (Lis) Read more in our blog: https://bmpluriversity.org/february-15/

264. My action was to try out my new stainless steel pegs – and I love them   my wooden ones had rotted in the rain, staining the clothes and are now being reused in the backyard to hold up plants. (Debra)

265. Purchased a pair of sustainable shoes from Allbirds and shared info on their innovative materials. (Tracy)

266. Installed a timer to the heater in my son’s bedroom to turn off in the early morning. (BMCC City Planning)

February 16

267. Yesterday, Tracy sent me an email sharing that her action for #ayearinaday was to order a pair of shoes from one of the world’s most sustainable shoe companies. So today I did too! (Lis) Read more in our blog: https://bmpluriversity.org/february-16/

268. I joined the TalkBlack community by following their facebook page. It’s a new online platform sharing First Nations stories from a First Nations perspective and how people can take action on issues effecting First Nations people. https://www.facebook.com/talkblackau https://talkblack.org.au/ (Meredith)

269. Today my action was to walk to and home from work. #stackingfunctions and getting much needed exercise and observing local flora and fauna. Not to mention having time to think about the zoom meeting that I will be attending this evening. (Melissa)

270. My action is to learn how to make my own paper in an effort to make my own cards and stationery. (Debra)

271, 272.  Shifted from single use nappies to fully use cloth nappies. Also shifted completely to reusable cloths in the kitchen rather than wipes or paper towels. (BMCC City Planning)

February 17

273. Today I decided to get more serious about leaving a record of the beautiful plants that I love (including on iNaturalist), with their names (and my nicknames for them), and my observations of both climate and human impacts on them. (Lis) Read more in our blog: https://bmpluriversity.org/february-17/

274. Decided not to ‘clean up’ after our mentally ill relative and he has responded well, taking responsibility for himself. We are now there for him in different ways. (John)

275, 276. I have had fun with material scraps – recovered some rather ordinary table lamps and very happy with the outcome AND and I donated to Project Compassion for Caritas Australia. (Debra)

277. Thought to buy food such as leaves, fruits, and seeds and avoided to buy any packaged food. (BMCC City Planning)

February 18

278. I took time after work for the first time to give love and attention to the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative’s new wildlife-compatible edible garden at the old Katoomba Golf Clubhouse. It was created by the young people in the Permaculture and Social Enterprise Design Course we ran in January this year. This afternoon I planted purple congo potatoes, Occa or New Zealand yams, radish seeds, a lemon verbena, parsley and chives. (Lis) Read more in our blog: https://bmpluriversity.org/february-18/

279. A couple of weeks ago I decided to let at least one quarter of the plants in my garden go to seed. Now I have so many native bees. (Margie)

280. Harvesting vegetables from my own garden. (BMCC City Planning)

February 19

281. Today I raised my voice with many others to sign 4 important petitions: 1. That aboriginal history classes become compulsory in schools; 2. That the Australian Government make stronger commitments to reverse the loss of nature by 2030; 3. Call to secure an ocean treaty at the UN this March; 4. Call on CCAMLR to protect Antarctica and secure the largest act of ocean protection in history. (Lis) Read more in our blog: https://bmpluriversity.org/february-19/

282, 283. My action today was to also sign these 4 worthwhile causes – thanks for sharing. Today I also started reading David Attenborough’s book – a life on our planet- his vision for our future- I love this amazing man. (Libby)

284. My action was teaching my 10-year-old son how to take cuttings. He was really fascinated to learn how and took lots of cuttings from our huge rosemary bush, which he plans to share around. (Meredith)

285. I’ve signed all four petitions! Glad to be supporting A Year in a Day and those at the frontline working on these issues that matter so much to all our futures. (Ian)

286. Joined working bee at Cliff View Community Farm. (BMCC City Planning)

February 20

287. I finally called it quits with plastic shampoo bottles and move to a conditioning shampoo bar … who knows, perhaps the next step will be giving up shampoo altogether …. but not just yet. (Lis) Read more in our blog: https://bmpluriversity.org/february-20/

288. Today I also signed those petitions! Thank you for sharing. (Meredith)

289. Another walk another action in honour of #bushregeneration removing beautiful flowers (montbretia) that are #invasivespecies. (Debra)

290. Gave a bench made from a recycled bed head and table a lick of paint. It’s sturdy (and strange) but I love it because it’s a reuse of old broken things. (Marjanna)

291. Changed from cleaning products to using Enjo. (BMCC City Planning)

February 21

292. Today I searched every nook and cranny in our house and shed for chemicals that I could take to the Free Household Chemical Clean Out Event this coming weekend: Friday 25 – Monday 28 February at Attunga Rd Blaxland. A lot of what’s collected gets safely recycled to protect our environment. (Lis) Read more in our blog: https://bit.ly/3v4OIk4

293. Ordered a bulk lot of 30x refill tablets for our foaming hand soap dispenser that I had trialled and liked. Hopefully by next time I need to order there will be an equivalent offer direct from Australian company. (Melissa)

294. Another walk another action in honour of #communityengagement and #fairshare I couldn’t resist capturing the action of my neighbour creating a seed exchange. (Debra)

295. Used the self grown herbs from the garden in my food. (BMCC City Planning)

February 22

296. To reduce textile waste I used thread and a scrap of fabric in my grandmother’s old sewing basket and mended a pair of my son’s old ripped jeans using Sashiko embroidery. (Lis) Read more in our blog: https://bmpluriversity.org/february-22/

297. I am excited to share that patience and inaction when dealing with plants can often be the best outcome. This Ficus ‘Burgundy’ Rubber Fig had started small in my former clinic in Alexandria. When I relocated to Wales to care for my dad I left it with a friend who put it in her mum’s backyard. It fought the heat and I carefully relocated it to Katoomba. Winter last year was a shock and it’s leaves became diseased. I removed them one by one. I positioned it in one of my ‘plant rehab’ areas and kept thinking of using the bare stalks to support other plants… and then… it began to regenerate!!! (Debra)

298. Found my basil plants that were hiding in the cupboard. (BMCC City Planning)

February 23

299. Took toothpaste tube to Terracycle Oral Care Recycling Hub at Integrated Dental Health 61 Parke St Katoomba. (Lis) Read more here: https://bmpluriversity.org/february-23/

300. A small but overdue action – fixing the lid on the letterbox and giving it a coat of linseed oil! (Ian)

301. My action today was triggered by a friend from the UK who is taking part in a similar initiative GoingGreen. Since my late teens when I moved to England and lived out of home I have chosen Fairtrade Foundation produce initially via op shops and merch at Oxfam Great Britain.  To quote my friend Lindsay Pearson: “This year try to switch to some fair trade products. If you already buy some regularly, see if you can find some more to switch to. There are plenty to choose from. Look for the fair trade products logo. Examples are: bananas, chocolate, coffee, clothes, flowers, tea, sugar, and beauty products. There are many many more to investigate. What I have realised is that by buying cheaper products I am forcing others to live in poverty, so I’m having to have a bit of a rethink about some things I buy” https://bit.ly/35rLAUY (Debra)

302. Today I shared sourdough starter with a friend and taught her how to make her own sourdough (Libby)

303. I dropped my toothpaste tubes in to the Katoomba Coop too! (Susan)

304. Planned out my trip with a friend to attend the edible gardens event on 6 March. (BMCC City Planning)

February 24

305. Today as my action I picked up plastic rubbish on the beach. (Anna)

306, 307. I focused on the beauty, not the problems of nature, to help me feel better. I decided to create a mini indoor forest next to my desk, including a mini ‘kitchen’ garden. It was a ‘kitchen’ garden in the sense that I drilled holes into old saucepans, a cake tin, a sugar container and an empty olive oil can, so that I could use them as plant pots. I made a quick trip to the nursery for some potting mix and a couple of indoor plants. I then got a bit drenched after work, but tackled some of my invasive weeds and potted up ivy and aluminium plants, and potted a few of the spiderettes off my spider plants. I also rescued my parsley and kale seedlings, and am treating them as ornamental indoor plants so that I can keep a close eye on them until it gets too cold for the pests. In the face of the perfect storm on a wet and depressing day, I lifted my mood by up-cycling old tins, bringing nature into my office, tackling some weeds and hopefully saving my winter kale crop. It’s been such a beautiful antidote to doom-scrolling and I can’t stop looking at it. (Lis) Read more here: https://bmpluriversity.org/february-24/

308, 309.  My action for the day was that I bought myself a fountain pen and ink, inspired by your post in January. I’m loving using it, it feels so good to write with. And I’m loving not feeling the old Biro guilt! Also, because it feels so special I’m noticing myself being careful to keep track of it, where I usually lose biros all over the place. I also finally sent our collection of used batteries off with my partner to a recycling collection point at one of the supermarkets. (Meredith)

310, 311, 312. Life and everything has been in the way of posting but the skip has been and gone, timber from the dome is either preserved for the Future-Greenhouse or gone to recycling, I’ve given away some cardboard, sorted some cupboards for things to give to op-shops and signed up to find out more about the IPCC Report on Climate Change Impacts and Actions. (Carla)

313. Today I actually repaired my favourite facemask .. the elastic broke .. a dab of white glue and a pin to hold it in place! (Ian)

314. Today I cooked a vegan meal from Teja Brooks Pribac “not just another vegan cookbook” – I made BBQ garlic tofu Thai style and we loved it! Didn’t miss meat at all. I didn’t have all the vegetables so I substituted some bok Choy in the stir fry. (Libby)

315. My spring onions which I’d put in a glass of water started to root. (BMCC City Planning)

February 25

316. Tonight I finished making and sampled my first ever green hazelnut vegan cheese with hazelnuts rescued from the cockatoos. (Lis) Read more here: https://bmpluriversity.org/february-25/

317. I volunteered for the Swamp Care initiative at the old Katoomba Golf Course. Who knew a day ripping out giant weeds would be so enjoyable. (Yohani)

318, 319, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324. Also volunteered for their first Swamp Care Event with the Planetary Health Initiative. (Kim, Tomas, Michelle, Alison, Jonah, Sam and Leanne)

325. My action has been to prepare my winter food stocks – tomato season was difficult with all the rain but we had a good lot of tommy tomatoes in the hothouse- turned some into garlic, onion, basil tomato sauce to freeze in small containers. (Libby)

February 26

326, 327.  Streamed and danced to my first Sounds of Our Towns playlist created by Retro Rehash to begin to support all our fabulous local musicians. I’m going to keep playing them each day to do my bit to give their music a boost. My second action today was to take all our Chemical Waste to the Free Household Chemical Collection at Attunga Road Blaxland (Lis) Read more here:https://bmpluriversity.org/february-26/

328. I have made a commitment the past few years to grow what we can and preserve produce for off season and buy the rest from farmers at the #carriageworksfarmersmarket Saturday I purchased new products I hadn’t tried from Suzy Spoons vegetarian butcher- smoked chilli sausage and vegan pastrami- absolutely delicious. (Libby)

329. Fixed the spokes in my bicycle. (BMCC City Planning)

February 27

330. Tonight, FINALLY, we made the big leap and got started with growing our first crop of oyster mushrooms on recycled paper. We soaked the paper and inoculated it with mushroom spawn. (Lis) Read more here: https://bmpluriversity.org/february-27/

331.  My action for today is to share creative talent of a fellow Blue Mountains community member who has lots of fun giving discarded, neglected, or jaded of furniture and giving them new purpose and beauty – check out her creations here: https://m.facebook.com/quirkyworx/ (Debra)

332. My action is to share this article – every action we take is a step away from doom! : Three climate scientists wrote an encouraging opinion piece for the Washington Post:
One of the biggest obstacles to avoiding global climate breakdown is that so many people think there’s nothing we can do about it. They point out that record-breaking heat waves, fires and storms are already devastating communities and economies throughout the world. And they’ve long been told that temperatures will keep rising for decades to come, no matter how many solar panels replace oil derricks or how many meat-eaters go vegetarian. No wonder they think we’re doomed.
But climate science actually doesn’t say this. To the contrary, the best climate science you’ve probably never heard of suggests that humanity can still limit the damage to a fraction of the worst projections if — and, we admit, this is a big if — governments, businesses and all of us take strong action starting now.
For many years, the scientific rule of thumb was that a sizable amount of temperature rise was locked into the Earth’s climate system. Scientists believed — and told policymakers and journalists, who in turn told the public — that even if humanity hypothetically halted all heat-trapping emissions overnight, carbon dioxide’s long lifetime in the atmosphere, combined with the sluggish thermal properties of the oceans, would nevertheless keep global temperatures rising for 30 to 40 more years. Since shifting to a zero-carbon global economy would take at least a decade or two, temperatures were bound to keep rising for at least another half-century.
But guided by subsequent research, scientists dramatically revised that lag time estimate down to as little as three to five years. That is an enormous difference that carries paradigm-shifting and broadly hopeful implications for how people, especially young people, think and feel about the climate emergency and how societies can respond to it.
This revised science means that if humanity slashes emissions to zero, global temperatures will stop rising almost immediately. To be clear, this is not a get-out-of-jail-free card. Global temperatures will not fall if emissions go to zero, so the planet’s ice will keep melting and sea levels will keep rising. But global temperatures will stop their relentless climb, buying humanity time to devise ways to deal with such unavoidable impacts.
In short, we are not irrevocably doomed — or at least we don’t have to be, if we take bold, rapid action. (Carla)

333. Visited the Good Earth Markets supporting sustainable products, and bought fluffy the soap and nice little shaman spray. (BMCC City Planning)

February 28

334. Yesterday we trimmed back a lot of pumpkin tips and tonight I experimented with making cabbage and pumpkin leaf kimchi (and shared the recipe). If you’d like to learn more about making compost and reducing food waste, Blue Mountains City Council is running free online workshops on the 8th and 26th March. (Lis) Read more here: https://bmpluriversity.org/february-28/

335. My action for today is to petition against the production of single use plastics by the big soft drink Greenpeace Australia Pacific. (Debra)

336. Put my new weeding book to practice. (BMCC City Planning)

March 1

337. In the midst of the ongoing rain and 99% humidity, today I decided to tackle my mood and my mould, all at once. I pumped up the log fire to dry the room out, and pressed ‘PLAY’ on the most wonderful Sounds of Our Town: Blue Mountains Cruizin’ and Bluesin’ playlist created by Retro Rehash. I turned it up LOUD, poured myself a bucket of Cleaning Vinegar, and set to work to tackle the black mould. (Lis) Read more here:https://bmpluriversity.org/march-1/

338. I can’t think of anything to help this wretched planet today except listen to Arvo Part’s Lamentate (Paula)

339. My action for 1 March is to pledge to switch energy provider. This guide has made it much easier to switch to #cleanenergy #generationrestoration https://www.facebook.com/1102540915/posts/10225777926770536/?d=n(Melissa)

March 2

340, 341.  Today I registered my protest against war by joining the Nobel Peace Prize-winning International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). I then immediately opened an account with the only Australian Bank they listed which doesn’t lend to corporations that produce or sell armaments. (Lis) Read more here: https://bmpluriversity.org/march-2/

342. I just liked ICAN’s page and shall look into the banks. (Libby)

343. I’m looking into moving my super. I have finally finished self-publishing the book written by the Writers Group I started in Smithton. Proceeds to Smithton Sustainable Living Hub We’ll Save You!  (Carla) 

https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B09T68CVLD/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_SAQV22P74BB58DDABRC1?fbclid=IwAR0RkYB6QOV-ZrfGXsTcAjdYK2yoVoMXm9xx7RAhS7E2P0mxeSRgW8_drmw

344. Signed up to ICAN and shared. (Debra)

March 3

345. Today I took the next step in my ‘becoming a cyclist’ journey. I LOVED LOCAL and picked up the bike rack and a TrolleyTote Folding Basket I ordered so I can bring home produce from the Farm every Sunday – I’m definitely eliminating excuses to drive rather than cycle! (Lis) Read more here: https://bmpluriversity.org/march-3/

346. I made my own tea instead of using teabags- a dear friend brought me this amazing lemon tasting plant (lemon verbena) I love it. Never made tea like this from scratch- now I want to grow this plant. (Libby)

March 4

347. Today I experimented with inoculating a wet book ( ‘Giuliani Leadership’) with mushroom spawn to see if it could digest the content and transform it into oyster mushrooms. (Lis) Read more here:https://bmpluriversity.org/march-4/

348, 349. My action over the past couple of days has been redesigning the drainage across my yard. I’ve built up systems that are really impressive at holding and storing water so now I’m digging deeper swales to store water but adding drainage gravel on top to allow runoff. I’m hoping it dries up briefly tomorrow so I can finish linseeding the steps up to the deck – the ones I’ve done are fine, the ones I haven’t are slimy and slippery and lethal to try and walk on!  I’ve also signed up for a workshop on the latest IPCC report and started talking to a group called Purpose-Driven Business Analysts who are bringing BAs together to lend our skills to the efforts to manage, mitigate and resolve the effects of climate change. (Carla)

March 5

350, 351.  I researched the best way to avoid mosquito-borne diseases, and set about doing something about it. Then I researched the best insect repellants. Last year Aerogard created their first ‘Naturals’ range, which uses oil of lemon eucalyptus. It’s only available in the large supermarkets, so this morning I did a rare trip to one in Katoomba and purchased both the spray and roll-on (which were fortunately on sale!). I shared the spray with the others in our Landcare group today and got a thumbs up. I’ll be taking some to the Farm for everyone tomorrow too! (Lis) Read more here: https://bmpluriversity.org/march-5/

352. I carpooled with a friend to Landcare so we didn’t have to use two cars. (Cayte)

March 6

353. Today I joined the Mozzie Monitors citizen science based mosquito surveillance program which runs until 16 March via the fabulous iNaturalist app. Read more here:  https://bmpluriversity.org/march-6/

354. Mmm Sydney + old, ground floor apartment + rain + badly maintained gutters = Mould mould mould. So I took myself off to the supermarket. Bought some 8% vinegar, bicarb and a soft brush. Thanks for the inspiration. (Paul)

355. As I stomp around the house effing and blinding about one particular political party or the other, or a particular social issue, my in-house moderator constantly reminds me to “seek first to understand and then be understood”. With what is sure to be increased public debate following catastrophic floods here in NSW and massive amounts of storm damage, I made my action today to re-engage with the reasons that there are divergences of opinion in many of the debates. To that end, I found an interesting article and I would encourage everyone to read it: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11229-017-1477-x (Ian)

March 7

356. TerraCycle and BIC® have partnered to create a free recycling program at Officeworks for all brands of used writing instruments, so, for today’s action, I found it very soothing with all the stressful news, to ransack the house and begin sorting the hundreds of pens and textas that have accumulated after many years. I also put a box at my front door and invited community members to drop their pens and markers off too. (Lis) Read more here:  https://bmpluriversity.org/march-7/

357. A great idea and now you have inspired me to go through my pen draws and collect. (Libby)

March 8

358. Today I took another opportunity to declutter and make sure resources are being used to their highest capacity, by sorting through all my sunglasses and reading glasses and only keeping what I really need. The rest will be going to the Glasses Recycling Program at our nearest Specsavers store. I’ve put them in a tub outside my front door for others to contribute (or take any glasses they need). (Lis) Read more here: https://bmpluriversity.org/march-8/

359. Planning to drop off pens to go to Officeworks recycling this Arvo when I come up to Pilates. (Carla)

360. My action for today was to watch Judi Dench’s film- my passion for trees- to understand more about how very precious they are … amazing. (Libby)

March 9

361. Today my action was to search the house for old batteries (which shouldn’t go into red bins) so that I could take them to be recycled by Australia’s first national battery recycling scheme B-Cycle. I also added a tub for old batteries to the recycling I’m collecting outside my front door. (Lis) Read more here:https://bmpluriversity.org/march-9/

362. I ordered a variety of rechargeable batteries for all the items i know I need replacements for atm. (Melissa)

363. Today I have been inspired by my UK friend Lindsay Pearson Going greener to explore better deodorants. Traditional deodorants can contain toxins, parabens (which are linked to cancer), or Palm oil and fragrances. Aerosols are particularly bad for the environment, as they may still contain hydrocarbons and compressed gas, like nitrous oxide, which are known for their contribution to global warming. And of course most off the shelf deodorants come in plastic packaging. Eco-friendly deodorants are vegan cruelty free and organic with environmentally friendly packaging. All types of deodorant are available in ‘green’ versions, sprays (not aerosols) push-up sticks, creams, roll-ons and bars. (Debra)

March 10

364. Today I gathered my ‘dead’ CFLs (flourescent bulbs) which contain mercury and can’t be placed in our red bin, and will take them to Council’s Katoomba Resource Recovery Centre tomorrow. I’ll hang on to my ‘dead’ LED (which could go in the red bin) until I see whether there are any options for recycling close by through Ecocycle. Then I’ll go shopping for more LEDs. (Lis) Read more here: https://bmpluriversity.org/march-10/

365. My action for 10 March was to pack up all my grain pro plastic bags our green coffee beans come in for roasting. Not a new action for us, but sharing to show how they can be recycled and sewn into rain ponchos. (Libby)

March 11

366. Tonight I was feeling really disappointed that the elastic in a pair of my favourite old flannelette pyjama pants had totally given up the ghost, but then I threaded an old shoelace through the band and they are perfectly wearable again. (Lis) Read more here: https://bmpluriversity.org/march-11/

367. My action has been to go op shopping for clothes I needed to #reuse and #reducewaste (Melissa)

368. Our action was to fix a clothes dryer instead of throwing into landfill! Let me make it clear that we hadn’t used a dryer in over a year but as it is there for the odd emergency we decided to research for the problem and for $21 we replace the capacitor! The old part we shall take to Randwick recycling unit- where we take our batteries etc! (Libby)

March 12

369. Read the Declaration to the The Convention on Biological Diversity and added my endorsement because it’s so important! (Kelly)

370, 371. Today I went to the Stitching Post in Katoomba and got a lesson on how to use an old overlocker I had in the attic. Came home then and made 21 reusable makeup remover pads. I also followed Kelly’s lead and and endorsed the Declaration to the The Convention on Biological Diversity. (Lis) Read more here: https://bmpluriversity.org/march-12/

372, 373.  I signed the Declaration to the The Convention on Biological Diversity and I’m looking at the suggestion of my UK friend Lindsay Pearson #Goinggreener to make your own body scrub. For the scrub, simply mix ½ cup aloe with just enough brown sugar, oatmeal (if you need extra moisture), or Himalayan salt to create a gritty texture. Then, rub it on your elbows, heels, arms, or wherever else needs softening in the shower. (Debra)

374, 375. We’ve been given a sewing machine and are learning how to turn t-shirts into baby clothes. (Jessi and Sue)

376. The last few weeks have been taken up with another self-publishing venture – this one to publish a book written by a writers group I set up and ran in Smithton in Tas. My son donated the cover artwork. I’ve been self-publishing on Amazon since 2015 and whatever else Amazon does badly, I will always love them for disrupting the publishing industry by setting up Kindle Direct Publishing! KDP and other self-pub platforms that sell ebooks and print on demand paper books. I’ve been wanting more exposure in Australia though and talking to other online booksellers, like Booktopia, they sell books from Kobo. So this week I’m investigating Kobo Writing Life, the Kobo self-publishing platform. Meanwhile, any proceeds from “We’ll Save You!” which is a kids book about pirates and grandmothers, go to Smithton Community Garden. (Carla)

March 13

377. Today, I set up a version of a ‘mush-room’ to grow funghi in a corner of the bathroom. Step one in making the dream a reality! (Lis) Read more here:https://bmpluriversity.org/march-13/

378. Living part time in a unit in Sydney is not the same as on our property in the Mountains with veggies, chooks, bees etc-but…… yesterday our action was to purchase a vege pod for our balcony so we can grow our everyday veg like lettuce, shallots, bokchoy, herbs etc- how exciting. (Libby)

March 14

379. A few years ago I planted a few Camellia sinensis trees and, though it’s not the right time to try because there are very few young tips, tonight I made my first cup of ‘real’ dried tea with their leaves. (Lis) Read more here: https://bmpluriversity.org/march-14/

March 15

380. Today I unravelled a baggy moth-eaten black woollen jumper so that I can keep the wool circulating and create something else I love as much. (Lis) Read more here: https://bmpluriversity.org/march-15/

381. I rode my newly serviced bike to work. As soon as I finished work it started raining. So … I just waited. And when the rain stopped an hour and a half later I rode home. I remembered that it’s ok to just sit and wait. (Paul)

382. Did research and shared that White House Nursery sells Camellia Sinensis. (Shona)

383. I took my 91 year old mum to her local IGA- as I placed her pieces of fruit in the trolley she asked why I didn’t put them in the plastic bags (I had forgotten my net bags) I explained and demonstrated how easy it was – put them in little groups at the checkout and then the checkout person just weighs them and puts them in the shopping bags we provided. It then opened up a conversation on planetary health and all the plastic that is in the oceans. She then talked about how good we all were years ago when we used big paper bags and things were wrapped in newspaper etc and nothing was ever wasted. My mum was content with how our simple process worked. I don’t think she will use those plastic bags again – I must give her my net bags to have in her handbag. (Libby)

384. I listened to this podcast from the Festival of Dangerous Ideas about the need to find new stories  https://open.spotify.com/episode/6QYRovAgv6fYkpr1OpwFKT (Carla)

385. I had left my husband’s holey jumper in a skip not wanting to throw it out, now I know what to do with it, rescue on the way. (Claire)

386. In response to the post on battery recycling, we also checked through all our batteries, made sure all our torches had good batteries in them, and took the rest to Woolies at Katoomba. (Cormac and Antonia)

March 16

387. To counter the effects of ageing, so that I can keep doing what needs to be done for as long as possible, my action for today was to start weight-bearing exercises. I upcycled a peanut oll container by filling it with water to become a weight, and put a photo of Rosie the Riveter on the side for inspiration. (Lis) Read more here: https://bmpluriversity.org/march-16/

388. Shared the following about EXERCISE FOR  OVER 40’s : 

1. Begin by standing on a comfortable surface, where you have plenty of room at each side. With a 2kg potato sack in each hand, extend your arms straight out from your sides and hold them there as long as you can. Try to reach a full minute, then relax.

2. Each day, you’ll find that you can hold this position for just a bit longer. After a couple of weeks, move up to 5kg potato sacks. Then 25 kg potato sacks and then eventually try to get to where you can lift a 50kg potato sack in each hand and hold your arms straight for more than a full minute (I’m at this level).

3. Once you feel confident at that level, put a potato in each sack. (Paula)

389. Created ‘mud shoes’ by strapping wood panels onto my shoes to be able to go into the muddy chook pen after all this rain to look after them. (Ian)

March 17

390. I went out and bought the wonderful “Shampoo with a Purpose” soap (The O.G.) and OMG it was lovely to use – with all those lovely argan, shea and coconut oils. Another high recommendation. And, it was bought locally!!!! (Antonia)

391, 392. Today I rode to my first work meeting on a bike, instead of driving. The trip was 1.8km longer than my first forays into riding to the Farm on a Sunday. Realising that I have to be more prepared to accommodate the longer time that riding takes, I took inspiration from Libby earlier this year and prepared a bag with all the things I might need and stored it in my new bike basket on the racks on the back of the bike. I am ready! (Lis)

393. In response to her post on needing to do weight-bearing exercises to get stronger I offered Lis a weight-training session. (Libby)

March 18

394. I sent Lis a parcel with samples and instructions on how to make sanitary pads and a set of handmade face masks for her and her family. (Heather)

395. I finally felt empowered enough to make some sanitary pads using my overlocker, old flannelette and towelling. (Lis) Read more here: https://bmpluriversity.org/march-18/

396. Today I actually picked quinces to make jam instead of letting the birds get them. (Carla)

397. I invited all my friends on Facebook to the Planetary Health Initiative page to get involved in A Year in a Day (I have 682!) (Libby)

March 19

398. Today I tried to visualise everything I’ve taken from this world in my lifetime and committed to taking one additional action in every one of my daily posts about trying to produce more than I consume. I started by planting 120 Mammoth Melting Peas and used an old RAT test as the plant label. (Lis) Read more here: https://bmpluriversity.org/march-19/

399. I donated a battery-powered whipper snipper to Blackheath Community Farm. (Lindsay)

400. I’ve been making reusable nappy boosters and reusable wipes for nappy changes with flannelette sheets and terry towelling. (Sue)

401, 402. I followed Libby’s lead and also invited my Facebook friends to follow the Planetary Health Initiative page to get involved with  A Year in a Day AND I made rich red quince paste and jelly for the first time. (Carla)

403, 404. Planetary Health has sparked my desire to use an ink pen as I cleaned out my biros and I was so shocked to find my old calligraphy set from nearly 30 years ago. I was going to purchase one but now I have my original. I’m getting ready to take my pens to an Office Works Terracycle Australia unit. (Libby)

March 20

405. I committed to sharing a daily Plant-based recipe in my blog for A Year in a Day. Read more here:https://bmpluriversity.org/march-20/

406. I just finished a course with Bird Life Australia on protecting gang gang cockatoos. Part of it was to develop an action plan, which for me will be planting some hakeas. Gang gangs are endemic to the higher altitudes of SE Australia, including parts of the Blue Mountains. In NSW they have a conservation status of vulnerable. 36% of their range was burnt in the 2019-2020 fires and 10% were killed or displaced. Planting natives in our garden not only helps these charismatic birds, but also many other birds and animals that are an important part of our ecosystem. (Larry)

407. We added to our urban balcony garden – a small water tank for watering plants and a compost bin. (Libby)

March 21

408. X-ray films contain silver in the form of halides, which can be extracted and converted into pure silver. I collected all the X-rays in the house to take to Council’s Resource Recovery and Waste Management Facility where they can now be recycled. (Lis) Read more here: https://bmpluriversity.org/march-21/

409. I used Sendle to send a book to WA. They were cheaper than Australia Post and picked up from my door. They advertise themselves as being 100% Carbon Neutral and their slogan is Sendle builds shipping that is good for the world. (Ian)

March 22

410, 411, 412. Today I signed up to participate in Earth Hour and I ordered free Climate Action Now signs and bin stickers. I also joined the Blue Mountains Wombat Conservation Group and organised to go along to a free training session this Thursday. This group is dedicated to finding and treating sick wombats in the beautiful Megalong Valley. Read more here: https://bmpluriversity.org/march-22/

413. I mended a fly screen today instead of replacing it. I have lots more to do and I’m hoping my technique will improve. (Rachel)

414, 415. I continued making a rag rug out of some old sheets that got holes in them and I’m going to make small reusable shopping bags from lace curtains. (Michelle)

416. I booked in to the community workshop event on 29 March for the former Katoomba Golf Course Precinct Plan. (Libby)

March 23

417. Fashion shouldn’t cost the earth, so I took a little time out to play and reimagine a joyous future in which wearing retro was the norm. I rummaged through my old knitting needles for ones that had lost their twin, and made myself a vintage knitting needle bracelet. (Lis) Read more here: https://bmpluriversity.org/march-23/

418, 419. I signed up for Earth Hour too. (Meredith and Libby)

March 24

420, 421. I did personal weight training with Libby to get stronger and I spent the afternoon in the Megalong Valley learning how to help wombats survive mange which is causing them to ‘rot to death’, with a 100% kill rate if left untreated. Read more here: https://bmpluriversity.org/march-24/

422, 423. I gave Lis weight training and shared Perpetual Spinach leaves and seeds with her so she could grow some for the Community Farm. (Libby)

424. I made a knitting needle bracelet too. (Debra)

425. I signed up for Earth Hour on Saturday. (Jen)

426. I took part in the training to learn how to help wombats in the Megalong Valley. (Kieran)

March 25

427. I committed to starting early and making Christmas presents to make it easier for all my family and friends to restore planetary health – presents filled with love to protect their long term health as well as filling their lives with beauty and hope. The first present I made was a recycled lace curtain produce bag inspired by Michelle’s action last week. (Lis) Read more here: https://bmpluriversity.org/march-25/

428. I’ve been doing a video series that’s free at the moment called Wildcrafter’s Toolkit to learn more about the art of wildcrafting medicinal plants sustainably. (Meredith)

429. I made another plant-based recipe from Teya Brooks Pribac’s new cook book ‘Not Just Another Vegan Cookbook’ – salt and pepper tofu with spinach and veg from my garden. (Libby)

430. My mother in-law (95 years) was so excited about the street library we built that she donated a bundle of books to add to it. In less than a week they were gone and now it’s full again. (Debra)

431, 432, 433. I went to Springwood RSL today and wanted to celebrate them for their toilets!!! Re-usable hand towels, no touch taps and general thoughtfulness! I also bought seeds and seedlings to go in as winter veggies and cooked up locally made potsticker dumplings for dinner (Carla) 

March 26

434, 435. Tonight as I switched off the lights for Earth Hour, I crocheted my first granny square in over 40 years, tackling a project that had been abandoned and using up the bits of wool left over from all the things my mother and grandmother knitted and crocheted when I was a kid. Read more here: https://bmpluriversity.org/march-26/

436. For Earth Hour I’m going through my groaningly full old filing cabinet, pulling out stacks of old files and paperwork that’s not been looked at for years, and feeding it through the shredder before mixing it into my compost bins. (Sharron)

437, 438, 439, 440, 441. This week I got on board with Who Gives a Crap who deliver paper-wrapped eco-friendly toilet paper with the added benefit of them contributing to building toilets in countries without them. I’m also going to make an order with Shampoo with a Purpose, an all Australian made company that makes shampoo and conditioner bars that come wrapped in paper – no more chemicals or plastic shampoo bottles. I also emptied the community compost that I helped create and spread it on the community garden beds I helped make in my street in the inner City of Sydney. And from Monday I’m going to just do it and not drive to work anymore. (Katie)

442. I only charged $2 for coffee to those who purchased a reusable cup from our coffee cart at Carriageworks Farmers Market. We only sell Husky cups made from coffee husks that are normally thrown to landfill – this encourages people to stop using disposable cups. All our profits go into running the Timor Learning Centre – win win for planet and people. (Libby)

443, 444, 445. Ian, Meredith and Libby also took part in Earth Hour, switching off the lights at 8.30pm

March 27

446. I used a dehydrator to create veggie stock powder with foraged saffron milk cap mushrooms and our other garden surplus to avoid waste and packaging. Read more here: https://bmpluriversity.org/march-27/

447. I planted two big outdoor pots of chives and spring onions. (Carla)

448. I repaired my broken shovel, even though it broke a number of drill bits to do it! (Tomas)

449. We repurposed old gates into a fence. The old one was too low (dogs, children etc) and will be repurposed vertically as trellises for plants. (Rachel)

March 28

450. I experimented with the sewing skills I’ve been developing over the last few weeks to see if I could repurpose plastic, so I created a lampshade with slide sleeves that gave an old lamp stand new life and has created a changing light show of my favourite painting slides. Read more here: https://bmpluriversity.org/march-28/

451, 452, 453. I planted a mustard green manure crop to fumigate the beds where I’ve had tomatoes growing. This felt particularly important for soil health this year as the wet weather meant the tomatoes weren’t very healthy and were particularly fungus-y. I also watched some videos on how to clean up and sharpen by garden shears so I can successfully chop down the green manure when it’s grown up. And I learnt how to make my own Echinacea tincture. (Meredith)

454. I switched to a more environmentally friendly dishwasher tablet that is biodegradable, no harsh chemicals, no plastic and safe for our waterways. (Libby) 

March 29

455. I cut up an over-sized bath towel to create an old-style bath towel, a washer, a hand towel, a bath mat and a tea towel. I sewed some blue satin ribbon I found in my grandmother’s old sewing basket around the washer to make it so luxurious that less is definitely more! Read more here: https://bmpluriversity.org/march-29/

456. I attended the Blue Mountains City Council meeting about the former Golf Course Precinct Plan to express my views on how it could be developed to explore ways to care for our planet’s natural systems and share these solutions globally. (Libby)