eBook - Users - Do Good, at home

Do Good, at home The big book of inspiration Sustainable DIY - Books - Movies - Recipes

Welcome!

First off, on behalf of our nonprofit partners - THANK YOU! You're reading this booklet because of a donation you made on the Alaya platform. Thanks for your generosity!

WIth many of us spending significantly more time at home, we've prepared this book with lots of ideas and activities you can do to make this time at home enriching for yourself, your family and friends.

Browse through, pick an idea and bring it to life!

And if you're feeling inspired, feel free to drop us a note at hello@alayagood.com or share it on social media using the hashtag #Alaya and #DoGoodatHome so we can cheer you on!

You can also share photos on the Alaya platform - we can't wait to see what you get up to!

Have fun and take care, The Alaya Team

Books "That's the thing about books. They let you travel without moving your feet." - from The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri

Silent spring Author:

Rachel Carson

Genre:

Non-fiction

Theme/cause:

Environment

Great for:

Understanding biodiversity losses and its impact on human life

In 2 lines:

Carson’s passionate concern in Silent Spring is with the future of the planet and all life on Earth. She calls for humans to act responsibly, carefully, and as stewards of the living earth.

Source: Rachel Carson

Eating Animals Author:

Jonathan Safran Foer

Genre:

Non-fiction

Theme/cause:

Environment, Animals, Responsible consumption

Great for:

Learning about what's wrong with modern ways to produce and consume meat.

In 2 lines:

Eating Animals discusses the moral and environmental costs of industrial meat production.

Source: Payot.ch

The Sixth Extinction Author:

Elizabeth Kolbert

Genre:

Nonfiction popular science

Theme/cause:

Conservation science, wildlife

Great for:

Learning about our effect on the rest of life on Earth.

In 2 lines:

Elizabeth Kolbert tells us why and how human beings have altered life on the planet in a way no species has before.

Source: Goodreads

Sapiens Author:

Yuval Noah Harari

Genre:

Nonfiction, History

Theme/cause:

Humanity & society

Great for:

Learning about the history of our species from a completely fresh perspective.

In 2 lines:

Sapiens takes us on a breath-taking ride through our entire human history, from its evolutionary roots to the age of capitalism and genetic engineering, to uncover why we are the way we are.

Source: ynharari

Climate Justice Author:

Mary Robinson

Genre:

Nonfiction

Theme/cause:

Environment, Climate Justice, Activism

Great for:

Learning why climate change should be taken seriously.

In 2 lines:

An urgent call to arms by one of the most important voices in the international fight against climate change, sharing inspiring stories and offering vital lessons for the path forward.

Source: Goodreads

We should all be Feminists Author:

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Genre:

Essay, biography

Theme/cause:

Gender equality, Women's studies

Great for:

Understanding what is means to be a women in our society

In 2 lines:

Adichie offers readers a unique definition of feminism for the twenty-first century, one rooted in inclusion and awareness.

Source: Chimamanda

Women & Power Author:

Mary Beard

Genre:

Non-fiction

Theme/cause:

Feminism, gender equality

Great for:

Learning about women's relationship to power

In 2 lines:

In Women & Power, she traces the origins of this misogyny to its ancient roots, examining the pitfalls of gender and the ways that history has mistreated strong women since time immemorial Source: Goodreads

My Own Words Author:

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Genre:

Nonfiction, collection of essays

Theme/cause:

Gender equality, discrimination, politics

Great for:

Learning more about RDG, one of the most influential justices of the Amercian Supreme Court.

In 2 lines:

In this collection RBG discusses gender equality, the workings of the Supreme Court, being Jewish, law and lawyers in opera, and the value of looking beyond US shores when interpreting the US Constitution.

Source: Goodreads

Jack Author:

Marilynn Robinson

Genre:

American Fiction

Theme/cause:

Diversity, Inclusion

Great for:

Learning about American history and social context.

In 2 lines:

Jack tells the story of a much-loved son of a Presbyterian minister who in segregated St Louis falls in love with Della, an African-American school teacher.

Source: Goodreads

Poor Author:

Caleb Femi

Genre:

Poetry & photography

Theme/cause:

Diversity, inclusion

Great for:

Learning about racial issues in 21st-Century South London.

In 2 lines:

In Poor, Caleb Femi combines poetry and original photography to explore the trials, tribulations, dreams and joys of young Black boys in twenty-first century Peckham.

Source: Goodreads

Movies Stories told in movies are incredibly powerful. From laughter to tears, get inspired with our selection of movies that will be sure to move you.

Kiss the Ground

Directors:

Johnny O'Hara, Joshua Tickell, Rebecca Harrell Tickell

Genre:

Documentary/Science & Nature/Ecology

Theme/cause: Environment Great for:

This film is positioned to catalyze a movement to accomplish the impossible – to solve humanity’s greatest challenge, to balance the climate and secure our species future.

Summary:

Narrated and featuring Woody Harrelson, Kiss the Ground is an inspiring and groundbreaking film that reveals the first viable solution to our climate crisis.

It reveals that, by regenerating the world’s soils, we can completely and rapidly stabilize Earth’s climate, restore lost ecosystems and create abundant food supplies. Using compelling graphics and visuals, along with striking NASA and NOAA footage, the film artfully illustrates how, by drawing down atmospheric carbon, soil is the missing piece of the climate puzzle.

‘This film will change the world and our lives.’

Ian Somerhalder Source: Kiss the Ground's website, https://kissthegroundmovie.com/

David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet

Director:

David Attenborough

Genre:

Documentary/Science & Nature/Ecology

Theme/cause: Environment Great for:

Honest, revealing and urgent, David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet is a powerful first-hand account of humanity’s impact on nature and a message of hope for future generations.

Summary:

In his 94 years, Attenborough has visited every continent on the globe, documenting the living world in all its variety and wonder.

Now, for the first time he reflects upon both the defining moments of his lifetime as a naturalist and the devastating changes he has seen.

‘If we can change the way we live on Earth, an alternative future comes into view. [...] We will finally learn how to work with nature rather than against it.’

David Attenborough

Source: DAVID ATTENBOROUGH: A LIFE ON OUR PLANET – TRANSCRIPT, https://scrapsfromtheloft.com/2020/10/14/davidattenborough-a-life-on-our-planet-transcript/

The Untouchables

Directors:

Eric Toledano, Olivier Nakache

Genre:

Drama/Biopic

Theme/cause: Disabilities, Reinsertion Great for:

This french film shows that a strong and sincere friendship is possible for people coming from two "different worlds".

Summary:

Following a paragliding accident, Philippe, a wealthy aristocrat, hires Driss, a young man from the suburbs who has just been released from prison, as a home help. In short, the least suitable person for the job. Together they will make Vivaldi & Earth Wind and Fire, the verb and the joke, the costumes and the sweatsuit stockings... Two universes are going to collide, to tame each other, to give birth to a friendship as crazy, funny and strong as it is unexpected, a unique relationship that will make sparks fly and make them... Untouchable.

‘Tell me, don't you feel like going out to sea?

You want to get away, don't you? And where are we going?

To breathe a little.’

Philippe & Driss Source: Première's website, https://www.premiere.fr/film/Intouchables

Tomorrow

Directors:

Cyril Dion, Mélanie Laurent

Genre:

Documentary/Science & Nature/Ecology

Theme/cause: Environment Great for:

This film is interesting because it gives real solutions at a global level to climate change, destruction of the earth surface, and population growth.

Summary:

Following the publication of a study announcing the possible disappearance of part of humanity by 2100, Cyril Dion and Mélanie Laurent set off with a team of four people to investigate in ten countries to understand what could cause this disaster and, above all, how to avoid it. During their trip, they met the pioneers who are reinventing agriculture, energy, the economy, democracy and education. By putting together these positive and concrete initiatives that are already working, they are beginning to see what tomorrow's world could look like...

‘They are solutions, [...] and if we all join our forces and hearts, we can all start to change the world, tomorrow.’

Mélanie Laurent Source: Tomorrow's website, https://www.demain-lefilm.com/

Erin Brockovich

Directors:

Steven Soderbergh, Susannah Grant

Genre:

Biographical comedy-drama

Theme/cause: Environment Great for:

This film is a good example for people to practice ethical leadership and conviction when one knows that what one is fighting for is for a selfless good cause or for the benefit of common good.

Summary:

Erin Brockovich, succeeds in convincing her lawyer to give her a job as compensation for the loss of the case of a car accident that happened to her. While no one takes her seriously, with her trashy clothes and earthy manners, that soon changes when she begins to investigate a suspicious real estate case involving the Pacific Gas & Electric Company. What she discovers is that the company is trying quietly to buy land that was contaminated by hexavalent chromium, a deadly toxic waste that the company is improperly and illegally dumping and, in turn, poisoning the residents in the area.

Source: Brockovich's website, https://www.brockovich.com/the-movie/

Green Book

Directors:

Brian Hayes Currie, Nick Vallelonga, Peter Farrelly

Genre:

Comedy/Drama/Biopic

Theme/cause: Racism, Inequality Great for:

The film shows the racial segregation very present in the United States in the 1960s as well as the struggle for civil rights.

Summary:

In 1962, Tony "Tony Lip" Vallelonga, is looking for work when his nightclub is closed for renovations. The most promising offer turns out to be the driver for the African-American classical pianist Don Shirley for a concert tour into the Deep South states. Although hardly enthused at working for a black man, Tony accepts the job and they begin their trek armed with The Negro Motorist Green Book, a travel guide for safe travel through America's racial segregation. Together, they can barely get along with their clashing attitudes to life and ideals. However, as the pair witness and endure America's appalling injustices on the road, they find a newfound respect for each other's talents and start to face them together.

‘You never win with violence, you only win when you maintain your dignity.’

Don Shirley Source: IMDB, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6966692/

Hidden Figures

Directors:

Allison Schroeder, Margot Lee Shetterly, Theodore Melfi

Genre:

History/Drama/Biopic

Theme/cause: Gender equality, Civil rights Great for:

This film shows the struggle of 3 African-American women against sexism and racism in the United States under the segregationist law of the time and during the Cold War between the United States and the USSR.

Summary:

As the United States raced against Russia to put a man in space, NASA found untapped talent in a group of African-American female mathematicians that served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in U.S. history. Based on the unbelievably true life stories of three of these women, known as "human computers", we follow these women as they quickly rose the ranks of NASA alongside many of history's greatest minds specifically tasked with calculating the momentous launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit, and guaranteeing his safe return.

‘Would you try to be an engineer if you were a white man? I wouldn't have to. I'd already be one.’

Marie Jackson Source: Hidden Figures' website, https://www.hiddenfigures.com/

Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom

Directors:

Justin Chadwick, William Nicholson

Genre:

Drama/History/Biopic

Theme/cause: Apartheid, Equal rights Great for:

This film shows Nelson Mandela's struggle against the institutional political system of racial segregation.

Summary:

Born and raised in the countryside, Nelson Mandela went to Johannesburg where he opened the first black law firm and became one of the leaders of the ANC. His arrest separates him from Winnie, the love of his life, who will support him during his long years in captivity and in turn become one of the active figures of the ANC. Through clandestinity, armed struggle and prison, his life is more than ever intertwined with his fight for freedom, gradually giving him a mythical dimension, making him the key man to get his country, South Africa, out of the impasse that locked him up for forty years of apartheid. He will be the first democratically elected President of the Republic of South Africa.

‘A Nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones.’

Nelson Mandela Source: IMDB, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2304771/

Wadjda

Director:

Haifaa al-Mansour,

Genre:

Drama/Family

Theme/cause: Women's rights Great for:

This film shows us, rather than being told, the thousands of indignities endured by girls and women in the Middle East.

Summary:

Wadjda, twelve years old, lives in a suburb of Riyadh. Although she grew up in a conservative environment, she is a lively girl who wears jeans and trainers, listens to rock music and dreams of only one thing: buying the beautiful green bicycle that will allow her to race with her friend Abdallah. But in the Wahhabi kingdom, bicycles are reserved for men because they are a threat to the virtue of young girls. Wadjda is therefore refused by her mother the sum necessary for this purchase. Determined to find the money on her own, Wadjda decides to take part in the Koranic recitation contest organised by her school, with the winner receiving the amount she so desperately wanted.

‘Did you know that girls don't ride bicycles? You're just saying that so you don't lose to a girl.’

Abdallah & Wadjda Source: Première's website, https://www.premiere.fr/film/Wadjda

Mulan

Directors:

Barry Cook, Tony Bancroft

Genre:

Animation

Theme/cause: Gender equality, women's empowerment Great for:

Instead of being rescued, the courageous female protagonist in the princess movie does the rescuing.

Summary:

The fearless and spirited eldest daughter of an honored warrior, Mulan is the apple of her father’s eye. When the Emperor mobilizes his troops to fight the onslaught of invaders from the North, she masquerades as a man to take the place of her ailing father under the name Hua Jun, setting her on an adventure that will transform her into a legendary warrior.

‘How about a girl who's got a brain, who always speaks her mind?’

Mulan

Source: AlloCiné's website, https://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=18793.html

Recipes Taking care of the planet doesn’t have to mean becoming vegan or growing your own vegetable garden. There are simple steps you can take to make your meals more environmentallyfriendly. With your family, as a couple, or for a solo treat, give these recipes a try!

Parm broth

Save your Parmesan rinds from going to waste, they've got plenty of flavour left in them! A rich and versatile broth that works well for vegetable soups, instant-dinner pastas, or to infuse beans with a little more flavour.

Active time: 15 mins

Makes: About 4cups

Total time: 2 hours 15 mins Ingredients

Steps 1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-

2 tablespoons olive oil

high heat. Cook onion, garlic, thyme, bay leaf,

1 onion, peeled, quartered

parsley, and peppercorns, stirring often, until

1 head of garlic, halved crosswise 1 bunch thyme 1 bay leaf 3–4 parsley sprigs 1 teaspoon black peppercorns 1 cup dry white wine 1 pound Parmesan rinds

garlic is deep brown, about 5 minutes. Add wine, bring to a simmer, and cook, scraping up any brown bits, until liquid is reduced by half, about 4 minutes.

2. Add Parmesan rinds and 8 cups water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent cheese from sticking to bottom of pot, until broth is flavourful and reduced by half, about 2 hours.

3. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl (or an airtight container if making ahead).

4. DO AHEAD: Broth can be made 4 days ahead.

Let cool; cover and chill.

Source: Bonappetit.com

Carrot ginger soup

Great for warming up on cold nights. Use the green carrot tops to make a zesty pesto and with a creamy texture from the blended carrots, it's totally vegan no dairy or nuts required! See the next page for the Carrot Top Pesto recipe!

Active time: 15 mins

Makes: 3-4 servings

Total time: 45 mins Ingredients

Steps 1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Add onions and a generous pinch of salt and

1 cup chopped yellow onions

pepper and cook until softened, stirring

3 garlic cloves, smashed 2 heaping cups chopped carrots 1½ teaspoons grated fresh ginger 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 3-4 cups vegetable (or parm) broth Sea salt and fresh black pepper

occasionally, about 8 mins. Add the smashed garlic cloves (they’ll get blended later) and chopped carrots to the pot and cook about 8 mins more, stirring occasionally.

2. Stir in ginger, then add apple cider vinegar,

1 teaspoon maple syrup, or to taste

and then add 3 to 4 cups of broth, depending

(optional)

on your desired consistency. Reduce to a

Coconut milk for garnish, optional

simmer and cook until the carrots are soft,

Dollops of carrot top pesto, optional

about 30 minutes.

3. Let cool slightly and transfer to a blender.

Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings. Add maple syrup, if desired.

4. Serve with a drizzle of coconut milk and/or a dollop of pesto, if desired.

Source: Love and Lemons

Mashed root veggies

Leftover root vegetables in your fridge? Or maybe you've got some that are starting to get a bit sad-looking? Use them up with this delicious rosemary, sweet and savory blended mash! Creamy, flavourful, and planet friendly!

Active time: 15 mins

Makes: 4 servings

Total time: 30 mins Ingredients

Steps 1. Place the sweet potatoes, white potatoes,

1 sweet potato, peeled and chopped 2 white potatoes, unpeeled and chopped 8 baby carrots or 1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped ⅓ cup unsweetened dairy-free milk beverage (they used almond milk) 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped finely 1 teaspoon dried chives

and carrots in a pot, and cover with water.

2. Place the pot over medium-high heat, and bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and let bubble until the vegetables are fork tender. This usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.

3. Remove the pot from the heat and drain the vegetables.

4. Place the vegetables into a medium bowl, and

¾ to 1 teaspoon salt, to taste

add the milk beverage, rosemary, chives, salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

(to taste), and pepper. Mash the ingredients together with a potato masher or lightly blend with a hand mixer to combine.

Source: Godairyfree

Carrot top pesto

To bring some zest to your soup, top it off with a pesto made from the tops of your carrots. You can also toss it with pasta, beans, or eat straight up as a dip.

Say no to waste, and hello to taste!

Active time: 10 mins

Makes: 1 cup of pesto

Total time: 10 mins Ingredients

Steps 1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Add onions and a generous pinch of salt and

1 cup chopped yellow onions

pepper and cook until softened, stirring

3 garlic cloves, smashed 2 heaping cups chopped carrots 1½ teaspoons grated fresh ginger 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 3-4 cups vegetable (or parm) broth Sea salt and fresh black pepper

occasionally, about 8 mins. Add the smashed garlic cloves (they’ll get blended later) and chopped carrots to the pot and cook about 8 mins more, stirring occasionally.

2. Stir in ginger, then add apple cider vinegar,

1 teaspoon maple syrup, or to taste

and then add 3 to 4 cups of broth, depending

(optional)

on your desired consistency. Reduce to a

Coconut milk for garnish, optional

simmer and cook until the carrots are soft,

Dollops of carrot top pesto, optional

about 30 minutes.

3. Let cool slightly and transfer to a blender.

Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings. Add maple syrup, if desired.

4. Serve with a drizzle of coconut milk and/or a dollop of pesto, if desired.

Source: Love and Lemons

Beet & black bean burgers

Eat your heart out with these delicious bean-based burgers. Beets give them a pink colour and an earthy flavour, while the black beans give it that meaty texture. Topped with sprouts, friend onion, mushrooms for a decadent treat!

Active time: 45 mins

Makes: 8 servings

Total time: 1 hour 20 mins Ingredients

Steps 1. Rinse and drain beans and add them to a

For the burgers:

saucepan with water. Cook for 1 hour until

3 large beets

tender and soft.

1 cup uncooked black beans Generous 1 1/2 cups gluten-free oats 1 teaspoon sweet paprika 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon dill For toppings:

2. Pre-heat the oven to 180°C. Peel and chop beets. Place on a baking tray, drizzle with a little oil, sprinkle with dill, and season with salt and pepper. Mix and cover with foil, roast for 45 mins, then set aside to cool slightly.

3. When cooked, drain beans and run under

Brea rolls

cold water. Add to food processor with the

Salad leaves

beets, oats, and spices. Pulse for a couple of

Alfalfa sprouts (or another local sprout)

mins, scraping down the sides until you have a

Fried onions

fairly smooth consistency.

Fried mushrooms

4. Shape into burgers and place on a lightly oiled baking tray. Place in the fridge for 30 mins to give a firmer consistency.

5. Bake for 25 mins, flipping halfway through.

Source: Onegreenplanet.org

Serve on a bun with toppings of your choice .

Beany shepherd's pie

A British classic, this vegetarian version is sure to be a hit on a cold winter's evening. Sweet potato and beans are full of flavour!

Active time: 45 mins

Makes: 4 servings

Total time: 1 hour 20 mins Ingredients

Steps 1. Pre-heat oven to 250°C. Boil sweet potatoes

600g sweet potato, cut into small cubes

until tender, approximately 25 minutes. Drain

1 red onion, finely chopped

and set aside.

2 garlic cloves, crushed ½ tbsp olive oil1 ½ tsp smoked sweet paprika 1 tbsp ground cumin 150g chestnut mushrooms, sliced 1 tin (400g) of adzuki beans, drained and rinsed

2. While the sweet potatoes cook, fry onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat for 5 mins, until the onion softens. Stir in paprika and cumin and cook for 2-3 mins more. Add mushrooms and stir well to coat with spices.

3. Add beans and saute for another 5 mins. Add

1 tin (400g) of red kidney beans, drained

tin of tomatoes, tomato puree, black pepper

1 tin (400g) of chopped tomatoes

and Knorr Vegetable Stock Pot. Mix.

1 tbsp tomato purée 1 Knorr Vegetable Stock Pot ½ teaspoon black pepper

4. Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, drain and mash using a potato masher until smooth.

5. Spoon bean mix into an ovenproof dish and top with sweet potato mash. Cook for 20-25 minutes. Allow to cool and serve with crispy green vegetables.

Source: WWF

Jam with overripe fruits

Did you know that some foods, even if a little past their due-date, can still be eaten? Which is great because it helps to fight against food waste! Here is a super easy recipe that you can do with any forgotten fruits.

Active time: 45 mins

Makes: 8 servings

Total time: 1 hour 20 mins Ingredients

Steps 1. Clean the fruits, cut them in half and remove

500g of overripe fruits, like apricots 250g of sugar 2 glass jars

the pits.

2. Pour boiling water into the jars before drying them well.

3. Simmer the fruit with half its weight in sugar for about 20 mins.

4. Once the desired consistency is obtained, pour the liquid into the jars, close them and turn them over while they cool.

Strawberry rhubarb crisp

Easy to make and to enjoy, this is a great seasonal dish for the spring and summer months when strawberries and rhubarbs are in full seasonal bloom!

And it just happens to be gluten-free.

Active time: 20 mins

Makes: 10 servings

Total time: 1 hour 15 mins Ingredients

Steps Crisp:

For the crisp: 2 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats 1/2 cup coconut flour (sub in: almond, gluten-free blend, or all-purpose) 1/2 tsp cinnamon ground 1/2 cup brown sugar 3/4 cups butter cut into pats For the filling: 5 cups strawberries topped, and

1. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a pastry cutter), mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

2. Cut in chunks of butter. Process until the butter is incorporated and the mixture is nice and crumbly.

Filling: 1. Add strawberries to a bowl. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp of sugar, and stir to combine. Set aside.

2. Place rhubarb in a small bowl and sprinkle with

quartered

the remaining sugar (1/2 cup minus 2 tbsp). Stir to

2 cups rhubarb sliced into 1/4 inch pieces

combine and set aside for 20 mins.

1/2 cup sugar divided

3. Scoop rhubarb out and add to strawberries.

1 tsp lemon juice

4. Gently toss the strawberry/rhubarb mixture with

3 tbsp cornstarch sub in arrowroot 1/4 tsp almond extract

Source: Sustainablecooks.com

lemon juice, cornstarch, and almond extract.

Strawberry rhubarb crisp continued

Steps Assemble Your Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp 1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees C. 2. Butter a 9x13 or deep 8x8 baking dish.

3. Add the fruit filling to the baking dish.

4. Top generously with the gluten free crisp topping.

5. Bake for 50 mins or until the crisp is lightly browned and the fruit is bubbly.

6. Check the crisp at 35 mins - if it is browning too quickly, lightly place a piece of foil over the baking dish.

Source: Sustainablecooks.com

Sustainable DIY Whether you're entertaining restless kids, looking to reduce your ecological footprint, or just want to try something new we've got you covered with these DIY ideas for your home.

Deodorant

Reduce your use of plastic by making your own all-natural deodorant. In no time you will be away from the toxins and closer to a healthier life.

Don’t worry, you will still smell fresh!

Total time: 20 mins

What you need

Makes: Jar of 100 grammes

Steps 1. Melt the coconut oil in a double boiler, if

50g of liquid coconut vegetable oil 30g of cosmetic baking soda 20g of corn starch 10 drops of peppermint or palmarosa essential oil

necessary.

2. Off the heat, add the rest of the ingredients.

3. Leave to cool and wait until it re-solidifies a little to mix it all together to prevent the powders from ending up at the bottom of the pot.

Facial mask

Give your skin a new youthfulness thanks to this easy homemade mask.

Lemons contain two types of hydroxy acid that remove dead skin cells and help clear up blackheads, acne, and discoloration.

Total time: 15 mins

What you need

Makes: 1 facial mask

Steps 1. Squeeze the juice of the lemon and mix it

A few drops of lemon juice 1 teaspoon of olive oil or sweet almond oil

with the olive or almond oil.

2. Apply to your face, wait 15 mins, and rinse off with warm water.

Source: theindianspot.com

Aromatic herbs in tin cans

There are many aromatic herbs which are good for both the nose and body.

Upcycle tin cans into appealing herb planters!

Total time: 30 mins

What you need

Steps 1. First, take your cans, turn them around and

Tin cans A hammer and nail Soil Small stones Herbs of your choice: basil, rosemary, oregano, chives,...

Source: balconygardenweb.com

make a few holes with a hammer and nail.

2. Then add a handful of small stones and some soil up to three quarters.

3. Finally, transplant the aromatic herb of your choice into your can. Water your cans about every 2-3 days.

Wine cork garden markers

After finishing a nice (or two) bottle(s) of wine, keep the corks, they can be useful. And if you don’t drink wine, no worries, you probably know someone that loves it and that can give you a few corks.

Total time: 10 mins

What you need

Steps 1. Using the marker, write the plant name on the

Wine corks A black marker Some wooden plant stakes

side of the wine cork.

2. Insert sharp end of your stakes right into the center of the cork.

3. Finally, push the wine cork plant markers into the soil of their respective plants.

Source: balconygardenweb.com

Mason jar wall decor

Here is a nice idea to decorate your wall. You can either put some dry flowers, candles or bathroom items such as brushes, cotton swabs or toothbrushes.

Total time: 60 mins

What you need

Steps 1. First, cut the wood to the desired length by

Wine corks A black marker Some wooden plant stakes Wood 2 mason jars A table saw 2 Hose Clamps Drill & Screws Dry flowers

using a table saw.

2. Drill a hole in the hose clamp and in the wood where you’ll screw in the hose clamp.

3. After you’ve created the hole in the wood and the hole in the hose clamp, line them up and drill the hose clamp into the wood.

4. Then just tighten the hose clamp to fit the mason jar.

5. Finally, put some dry flowers inside or a candle.

All-natural tie-dye

Give old clothes new life with all-natural tie dye. Add homemade dyes to your list of easy and inexpensive sustainable DIY projects by using fruits, vegetables, and spices you probably already have around the house!

Total time: 120 mins

What you need

Steps 1. Use rubber bands to create a pattern on your

White cotton fabric Rubber bands Gloves Vinegar or salt Water Various pots and containers Small trainer Raw material : i.e turmeric powder for yellow, red onion skins for pink, and red cabbage leaves for purple.

fabric.

2. Then, to fix the color, mix 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water and boil it.

3. Simmer your fabric in this solution for one hour prior to dyeing.

4. When done simmering, run under cool water and wring out a bit of the excess water.

5. Make your dye: Wearing gloves, cut your raw ingredients into small pieces. Put everything in a pot and pour in water.

6. Add 2 parts of water and 1 part of raw ingredients. If you are using a spice, such as turmeric, the proportions will be 1-2 tablespoons of spice to 3-4 cups of water.

Source: playfullearning.net

All-natural tie-dye continued

Steps 7. Bring mixture to a boil and simmer for about an hour. The longer you simmer, the more intense your color will become.

8. When done simmering, strain dye into a container or jar big enough to fit your garment or fabric.

9. Dye your fabric: Wearing gloves, place your fabric into dye containers and allow them to sit for a while.

10. Once your fabric has reached the desired color, pull it out of the dye and rinse with cool water separately until it runs clear.

11. Remove rubber bands and hang to dry. The color will lighten a little as your fabric dries.

Source: playfullearning.net

Tshirt tote bag

Here is a simple way to use clothes that you don’t wear anymore. Instead of ending up in waste or collecting dust in your closet, you can turn them into a bag!

Total time: 120 mins

What you need

Steps 1. First, cut the sleeves of the t-shirt inside the

A t-shirt

seam line. To do so, fold the t-shirt in half and

Scissors

align up the two sleeves. Keep the sleeves, you can reuse them for cleaning instead of paper towels!

2. The second step is to take the neckline and cut a deep “U”. Then, take the shirt inside out and cut along the bottom of the shirt into long stripes. So it’s going to be cut vertically, about 1 inch wide and 3 inches long. Take the two stripes at the end and tie them up. Then, do the same with the other stripes. Next, take one of the stripes at the end and tie it with the one next to it diagonally. And do it all the way down.

3. Finally, turn the shirt inside out again and here is your tote bag!

Source: thethingswellmake.com

Bug spray

Not a fan of the harsh smell of traditional bug sprays?

Try making your own bug spray at home by using an essential oil blend that’s a safe and effective alternative to store-bought insect repellent.

Total time: 10 mins

What you need

Steps 1. Place essential oils in a glass spray bottle,

30 drops citronella essential oil 30 drops lemongrass essential oil ½ cup natural witch hazel ½ cup water 1 tsp vegetable glycerin (optional)

pour in witch hazel and shake to combine.

2. Add ½ tsp vegetable glycerin if using. This is not necessary but helps everything stay combined.

3. Add water and shake again.

4. Shake before each use, as oils and water will separate naturally over time.

Source: www.healthline.com

Detergent

Say goodbye to the industrial detergent to wash your clothes and hello to the homemade one! Your clothes will still be shiny.

Total time: 20 mins

What you need

Steps 1. Dissolve 30g of Marseille soap in a liter of

30g of shredded Marseille soap 1 tablespoon of white vinegar 14° 1 tablespoon of baking soda 5 drops of lavender or tea tree essential oil 1l of water 1 empty bottle of 1.5l

very hot water 2. Add the white vinegar 14°, the baking soda and the drops of essential oil of your choice.

3. Shake the bottle vigorously to mix all the ingredients. For a machine wash, pour the mixture into a dosing ball.

4. Shake your detergent well before each use as it may solidify after a few days due to soap shavings.

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