Hello lovely readers! Welcome to Life and Lavender’s first ever full blog post! I am super excited to share some uplifting news stories and free eco DIY recipes with you all - Emily x
Spring has sprung - it almost feels like summer here in the UK! There have been some beautifully sunny days in the last week or so.Â
Unfortunately, main news outlets have not been so sunny! I hope that I can brighten your day with these bitesize news stories.Â
Here’s what went right in the past few months:
Eco Plastic that Gives Back to the Earth
Scientists from the RIKEN company in Japan have created a plant-based plastic that will dissolve completely in seawater within hours, leaving no microplastics behind!Â
When this plastic dissolves, it leaves behind nitrogen and phosphorous, which plants can absorb. Experts say this development is “a promising alternative to tackle marine pollution.” (Source: Sustainability Magazine)
Scotland and Wales’s New Ban on Greyhound Racing
Scottish greyhounds rejoice! Following the Welsh government’s lead, Scotland has listened to the many animal rights activists campaigning to end this cruel sport, and has made racing greyhounds an offence – with a maximum prison sentence of 5 years, and a fine of up to £20,000. (Source: BBC)
If you aren’t aware, greyhound racing can cause deaths, and terrible injuries such as paralysis and broken bones. Let’s celebrate Scottish greyhounds’ newfound freedom, and make our voices heard in supporting greyhounds everywhere to have freedom from racing.
How you can help
If you are looking to add a new furry friend to your family, consider adopting an ex-racing dog – there are so many greyhounds out there looking for their forever homes.Â
If you are UK based, get your voice heard and sign this petition, to ban greyhound racing in England!Â
Click the link to sign: https://act.38degrees.org.uk/act/ban-greyhound-racing-2025
Chile Fully Protects One Million Square Kilometers of Ocean!
Chile have successfully created one of the world’s largest fully protected marine areas! The President of Chile, Gabriel Boric, signed a decree to fully protect the ocean surrounding the archipelagos and the Nazca-Desventuradas Marine Park. These strong protections will safeguard a healthy habitat for whales, dolphins, turtles, seabirds, and many more!  (source: oceanographicmagazine.com)
The native Juan Fernandez fur seal (pictured below) will now be able to live in a peaceful, cleaner habitat thanks to this new marine protection area.
© Sarah and Fernando
Eco Made Easy – DIY Recipes for a Fresh Home
Eco Made Easy is my new segment where I share easy eco recipes, tips and tricks on how to live more sustainably, cheaply, and more in tune with nature.
It feels so great to be able to share my knowledge with the world, and to inspire others to be kinder to themselves and the planet by ditching products that cost more, and products that have unnecessarily high levels of harsh chemicals.Â
🌱Making even one small change in what you buy, and how you live still makes a positive difference 🌱
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Eco Friendly Alternative to Shake & Vac!
Corporations love selling products in unnecessary plastic packaging for maximum profit. Why spend money and contribute to plastic waste, when you could make your own?Â
Here is my recipe for freshened carpets/rugs, which only needs a couple of ingredients!
Eco Friendly Carpet Freshener
Ingredients:
- Â Â 2 cups Bicarbonate of Soda
- Â Â 5 drops Rosemary Essential Oil
- Â Â 5 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil
Scale recipe up/down depending on what quantity you require for your spring clean.
You can use any combination of essential oils you would like, or just use bicarbonate of soda, as it is naturally deodorising!
Top tip: try Peppermint essential oil instead, to keep the spiders at bay.
Method:
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, store in airtight container to keep the scent strong.
Usage:
Sprinkle on your carpets/rugs, leave for 5-10 mins, and then vacuum the powder up for a fresh and clean home.
Store in a cool, dry place and keep away from small children and animals.
Homemade White Vinegar Cleaning Spray
My homemade cleaning spray is easy, cheap and quick to make. Â
Ingredients:
- Â Â Distilled white vinegarÂ
- Â Â 1 empty spray bottle (reuse an old spray bottle if you can for a thrifty and sustainable spin)
- Â Â Essential oils of your choice (I love using lavender, rosemary, and eucalyptus!)
- Â Â Funnel/jugÂ
Method:
Pour the distilled white vinegar into the spray bottle with a funnel or jug, with a little room left at the top for the essential oil blend. Then, add your essential oil blend into the bottle.
Shake it all up together and voila! Your cheap, easy to make eco cleansing spray is ready to use around the home, to clean and freshen up your home.
Note: You can also just use straight distilled white vinegar instead if you prefer an unscented version; the unscented version is suitable to clean pet related items.
Store in a cool, dry place and keep away from small children and animals.
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I hope you all have enjoyed my selection of positive, uplifting news stories, alongside my useful DIY natural cleaning recipes! I look forward to sharing June’s edition of Life and Lavender soon.
I hope you have had a delightful spring so far, and wish you all an even better summer when it arrives!
Warm wishes - Emily x