Brown Owl news is brought to you by the team at Upper Hutt Leader
Recent posts
Thank you for using Neighbourly
When it comes to making decisions that are more environmentally-conscious it can feel a bit overwhelming knowing where to begin. As the heart and hub of our homes, we think the kitchen is a good place to start. Don’t worry about embarking on a major lifestyle makeover, you’ll find that small, … View moreWhen it comes to making decisions that are more environmentally-conscious it can feel a bit overwhelming knowing where to begin. As the heart and hub of our homes, we think the kitchen is a good place to start. Don’t worry about embarking on a major lifestyle makeover, you’ll find that small, thoughtful choices can add up to make a difference. Here a few easy-to-adopt habits that can help you live a bit more sustainably.
1. Create a compost bin
From compost bins and tumblers to worm farms and indoor Bokashi buckets, there are a range of compost solutions available these days to suit your home and lifestyle. Starting your own compost is a great way to reduce the amount of food waste ending up in the landfill and will keep your garden soil happy and healthy. Plus, it’s a great way to teach your kids about waste and how to be responsible for their impact on the environment.
2. Swap your sponges
When it comes to kitchen waste that needs an eco-friendly makeover, sponges aren’t usually the first thing that springs to mind. Often containing synthetic fibres, your everyday sponge can actually end up contributing to landfill waste that’s harmful to the environment. The best thing to do is to swap your sponges, scourers and cloths for sustainable alternatives.
3. Try natural cleaning products
Swapping regular cleaning products for natural alternatives reduces the level of harsh chemicals in your home and also helps to keep these nasties out of the waterways. An easy and inexpensive solution is to just create your own DIY cleaning products at home. Stock your cupboards with white vinegar, salt, baking soda, lemons and you’ll have everything you need to create a multitude of different eco-friendly cleaning remedies.
4. Shop seasonally
Shopping seasonally and buying locally grown produce is another important way you can be environmentally sustainable. Produce that’s not in season has to either be imported from overseas which racks up carbon miles or grown in greenhouses which consume a lot of energy to achieve the right climate. The best part about buying seasonal fruit and veg is that produce is usually fresher and much cheaper. Buying in bulk is also a clever way to limit packaging. Stock up on airtight containers to ensure any bulk items you buy can be stored properly to prevent food waste.
5. Make green choices
Achieving an eco-friendly kitchen comes down to the choices you make. But this doesn’t mean you have go off-grid and lead an inconvenient life, it’s all about changing your habits a little and finding a sustainable alternative. Some greener choices any busy family can make include:
Always keeping a stash of reusable shopping bags in the car.
Saying no to straws or swapping to metal or bamboo alternatives.
Storing food in airtight containers to reduce the amount of food waste.
Swapping to energy-efficient light bulbs.
Choosing products made of renewable materials.
Choosing energy-efficient options when buying new appliances.
Taking your soft plastics to your local supermarket if they offer soft plastic recycling.
Looking for recycled, second hand materials if you’re planning on renovating.
The lead up to Christmas and New Year is such a busy time for so many of us...
Feel like you have a million different things on your mind all the time?
Feeling worried about the upcoming holidays and want to take some time now to quiet your mind, feel more clarity ... and return to peace and … View moreThe lead up to Christmas and New Year is such a busy time for so many of us...
Feel like you have a million different things on your mind all the time?
Feeling worried about the upcoming holidays and want to take some time now to quiet your mind, feel more clarity ... and return to peace and calmness when you need to?
Hypnotherapy can help - and this is work I love to do with people...
To help you head into the end of the year and everything it brings:
... With confidence
... With the ability to take time out when you need
... With your own personalized, recorded meditation - to focus that subconscious mind on how you want to feel (...clear? calm? energized?)
I’m offering **30 % off** Hypnotherapy or coaching sessions and packages for all bookings made before 8th December - for sessions in December and January.
Sessions available online - or at my Trentham clinic.
I’m making a number of times available in December for a complimentary consultation (no obligation and completely confidential).
You can book your call on www.nextchaptercoaching.co.nz... - I’ll look forward to talking to you soon! 😊✨
We are continuing to manage containing the sewer leak from discharging to stormwater network and have removed the no fishing and swimming signs from the inner harbour.
Crews are continuing with investigations and repairs, and work is projected to carry on for an additional week. We are working … View moreWe are continuing to manage containing the sewer leak from discharging to stormwater network and have removed the no fishing and swimming signs from the inner harbour.
Crews are continuing with investigations and repairs, and work is projected to carry on for an additional week. We are working with affected residents and businesses to keep them up to date and ensure.
Bring your home to life with a hanging plant holder.
It’s a gorgeous way to display your indoor plants.
Use your favourite Resene colours to complement the rest of your home. Make the most of this weekend with this easy step by step project idea from Resene. Find out how to create this quick … View moreBring your home to life with a hanging plant holder.
It’s a gorgeous way to display your indoor plants.
Use your favourite Resene colours to complement the rest of your home. Make the most of this weekend with this easy step by step project idea from Resene. Find out how to create this quick and easy project yourself
20 Kowhai Ave - 10.00am onwards
Sofa, Clothes (lots with Tags still), Books, DVD's, Toys, Outdoor Lounger & Side Table, Bric a Brac, Household Items and more...
Time is running out to enter your nomination! With just over a week to go, don't miss out on the chance to win enough Resene paint and accessories to colourfully transformed your community.
We've had dozens of entries into the Resene Colour Your Community competition - you can … View moreTime is running out to enter your nomination! With just over a week to go, don't miss out on the chance to win enough Resene paint and accessories to colourfully transformed your community.
We've had dozens of entries into the Resene Colour Your Community competition - you can check them out here.
Now's your final chance to paint a new mural for your community hall, clean up graffiti or refresh your local playground's paint job.
Every day, New Zealand teachers are creating brighter futures for children and young people, with lessons that can seem small, but are significant in terms of their impact.
These are lessons about important life skills such as confidence, identity, respect and persistence.
Become a teacher … View moreEvery day, New Zealand teachers are creating brighter futures for children and young people, with lessons that can seem small, but are significant in terms of their impact.
These are lessons about important life skills such as confidence, identity, respect and persistence.
Become a teacher and take your place alongside our children and young people. You’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in their lives; to strengthen communities and build a better future for our next generations.
As part of the recent sewer works on Willis Street/Dixon Street, a water leak was identified. We will be completing this repair tonight between 11pm-3am, this will involve water being shut off. Water is expected to be back on at 3am, however if there are any delays we will notify Wellington City … View moreAs part of the recent sewer works on Willis Street/Dixon Street, a water leak was identified. We will be completing this repair tonight between 11pm-3am, this will involve water being shut off. Water is expected to be back on at 3am, however if there are any delays we will notify Wellington City Council who will share this information on their social channels.
Noise will be minimal, and affected businesses/residents have been informed.
Full traffic flow will be maintained through the intersection, with existing traffic management in place due to the closed shoulder on the Northern Western corner of the Dixon/Willis Street intersection.
Are you travelling to the Christmas Parades happening across the Greater Wellington region 🎅🎄🎁?
Saturday 30 November there are parades in Wainuiomata 10:00-11:00am, Stokes Valley 12:00-1:00pm and Carterton 12:15-1:30pm. On Sunday 1 December Upper Hutt Christmas parade starts at 12:00pm … View moreAre you travelling to the Christmas Parades happening across the Greater Wellington region 🎅🎄🎁?
Saturday 30 November there are parades in Wainuiomata 10:00-11:00am, Stokes Valley 12:00-1:00pm and Carterton 12:15-1:30pm. On Sunday 1 December Upper Hutt Christmas parade starts at 12:00pm and finishes at 5:30pm.
Sadly 😔, our buses won’t be able to join in the fun and festivities and will have to be diverted during this time for routes 110, 120, 121, 160, 170 and 200. Check out MyMetlink or download the Metlink App. For more information visit www.metlink.org.nz... #knowbeforeyougo #Christmasparades
Want to reduce your waste but not sure how? Check out www.sortwaste.nz
What we are doing
Hutt City Council and Upper City Council have partnered to help support our residents to reduce their waste. Let’s sort out waste is about educating our residents to think differently about waste – from… View moreWant to reduce your waste but not sure how? Check out www.sortwaste.nz
What we are doing
Hutt City Council and Upper City Council have partnered to help support our residents to reduce their waste. Let’s sort out waste is about educating our residents to think differently about waste – from purchase, to storage and transport, to reuse and re-purpose so that we can work towards living lives that are waste free.
What you can do
Start by reading some of the tips, tricks and inspiration to see what you can do to reduce waste around your home. Help others on their journey by contributing your own tips and tricks to help your community. Not only will you be doing your part to look after your country, but by making some quick and easy changes to your everyday life you could also save yourself time and money.
Why we all need to do it
New Zealand is facing big issues and changes when it comes to waste – for starters, we’ve been identified as one of the most wasteful countries in the developed world with Kiwis producing over 3.6kg of waste per person every day, 734kg per year each! But it doesn’t have to stay that way, we can all do our part to help reduce the waste generated, live more sustainable lives and look after our country.
Check it out at www.sortwaste.nz
Here's an update of what's been happening with the pipelines work that will connect the Omāroro Reservoir to the network.
Work is progressing well in Hargreaves Street, as we pour the concrete floor and walls in the chamber, and finish off the pipe installation. We are on track to open … View moreHere's an update of what's been happening with the pipelines work that will connect the Omāroro Reservoir to the network.
Work is progressing well in Hargreaves Street, as we pour the concrete floor and walls in the chamber, and finish off the pipe installation. We are on track to open up the bottom of Hargreaves Street by the end of the month in preparation for the Wallace Street road closure happening from December 8.
We’ve taken a few photos from around the current work site, as well as inside the chamber at Hargreaves Street so you can see what it looks like under the surface.
Learn more and keep up to date with the project on our website.
Moving house - have books to give away. Are there any book fairs happening soon?
A Colmar Brunton survey showed one in three New Zealanders (34 per cent) were reducing their meat consumption or eating no meat at all. Baby boomers were leading the meat-reduction charge, while most vegans and vegetarians were millennials, they found. What about you? Would you try a plant-based … View moreA Colmar Brunton survey showed one in three New Zealanders (34 per cent) were reducing their meat consumption or eating no meat at all. Baby boomers were leading the meat-reduction charge, while most vegans and vegetarians were millennials, they found. What about you? Would you try a plant-based diet? Vote in the poll below.
© Neighbourly 2024
Loading…
