How good do you feel when you drop your milk bottle into your recycling bin?

Do you think 'ahhh, doing some good to the world!' as you stuff your newspapers into the recycling bank?

FANTASTIC! KEEP GOING!

However, I want to challenge you today about your recycling habits. More and more people are recycling in the UK, and that's excellent, but it is time for moving forward and doing more.

"Recycling can be a cop-out for consumers, making us feel justified about buying stuff in excessive packaging." That's what Katherine, writer for Treehugger says. I know what she means - so what if you're doing the norm and recycling your household waste like a good resident? That's not the 21st century point of waste management!

Have you heard of waste minimisation?

It's what comes when you've been recycling happily for a while and have got the hang of it. The idea of this is, yes, recycling your waste wherever possible is great, but not producing the waste in the first place is even better. 

Some ideas to get you going...

1. Let's start with an easy one... Choose to use reusable bags when you go shopping. This will reduce the amount of plastic bags created, used, and thrown away. There are some dead trendy reusable bags out there, but your old backpack will work just as well. 

2. Try to buy products with less packaging. The coconut, for example, solves shipping problems by having it's own perfectly suitable packaging in the husk, so avoid shrink wrapped coconuts or ones sold in boxes. And if you can't reduce the packaging, try to choose materials whoch are more readily recycled - check with your local Council for info on your area, but most places seem to accept glass, card and paper, and plastic bottles.

Do be aware of packaging myths though - most packaging is there to keep the food fresh and protects it in transport.

3. What to do with old jam jars...? Know someone who's into pickling or making jam? They will welcome your donations. 

4. Donate your unwanted but completely fine clothes/furniture/household goods to charity shops. There's a huge market for second hand items, both from the more and less affluent members of society. Not throwing these items in the bin saves them from landfill and puts them to good use. You'll also be helping out a charity - a double 'feel-good' whammy!

5. Cut down on unwanted mail by putting a small sign on your front door politely asking for no more junk mail or free newspapers. This also applies to Junk Mail. Visit MPS ONLINE to register for mail preference services (UK only). You can also register previous addressees and people who have passed away so this mail no longer comes through your letterbox.  

6. Use rechargeable batteries to save on disposal of old batteries - but even better, use the mains wherever possible. If you're worried about the old 'leccy bill increasing, copy my cheapskate-ness and charge your phone at work!

There are still some people who don't recycle, but most of us are making the effort. And if you go one step further with waste minimisation ideas, you can start to be aware of how much waste and recycling you're generating and work on reducing it to a more healthy, sustainable level. 

Feel that joy in recycling - just try to expand on that and make your world a greener more joyful, self-satisfied place!

If you want to know more, a good place to have a read is “Zero Waste Home” by Bea Johnson and “Garbology” by Edward Humes. They come well recommended. 

Lou x

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SMASH - Swindon Mentoring And Self Help. It's a fantastic charity based in Swindon, UK. 

Why do you need to know about this organisation? Well, since 1999 SMASH has been 'bringing young people together with willing and committed volunteers who can support, advise and listen to them in a sustained long term mentoring relationship.' The charity gives young people at risk the chance to develop and reach their potential, giving them confidence to grow into responsible and happy adults - sometimes when no one else believes that this is possible. 

How do SMASH do this amazing job? With their amazing volunteer mentors, that's how! This month saw a new intake of mentors who spent a day mixing with their potential mentees and other new mentors. The lively group took on challenges like raft building, archery contests and assault courses, all with the aim of matching up the young people with an appropriate mentor. Kind of like mentor speed dating, they had a fantastic time meeting each other, and word has it, mentors and mentees alike are excited to find out with in the near future who they've been paired with. 

Exciting activities aside, SMASH encourage the volunteer mentors to befriend the young person they're paired with. The idea is to be someone they can trust, someone they can possibly use as a role model, someone they can confide in - if they wish. Mentors are trained to recognise signs of abuse, and they are briefed on child safety (among other important issues). They are told not be step in to cover an absent or disinterested parent, but simply to 'hang out' with their charge and give them something they can depend on. If the mentee chooses to open up about problems they may be having, the mentor is there to offer an ear - but no advice. The mentors are only linked to their young person for 12 months, but the benefits to both mentor and mentee are significant. 

Taken from a recent news article on SMASH:

Luke Withington, 17, was matched with one of the charity’s mentors two and half years ago. Since then he has become a SMASH trustee and a spokesman for the organisation. He is one of the many youngsters preparing for the [10 mile run] challenge in September.

“The charity helped me come out of my comfort zone and I got the help I needed to get my own problems sorted,” he said. “I was diagnosed with depression after they helped me out and it turns out I had had it for four years without knowing it. They taught me not to give up on myself. The service they provide is astounding and I am a living, breathing success story.”

Do you think you have it in you to help a young person discover their confidence?

Can you offer the companionship just one boy or girl needs to develop?

SMASH are looking for Swindon area volunteers who wish to become a mentor for these young people (normally from 13-16 years old), so if you think you could offer friendship and adult role model competencies, get in touch!

Contact SMASH:

Tel: 01793 729748

www.smashyouthproject.co.uk

Find SMASH on Facebook or check out their Twitter page.

Have a fulfilling weekend guys, see you next Friday! 

Lou x

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Images courtesy of SMASH

Phew - almost forgot my Friday blog this week! And that would have been a shame... I have a great project to share with you this week. Thanks for stopping by! x

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The HeART of a Woman

Most people now have a smartphone of some sort, and even the older models have a camEveryone gets frustrated with mobile phone 'photographers' at some point. They hold up queues of people getting 'that' shot. You end up being the unwitting subject of their disposable photos. And you know the images of your hungover on your tube commute will get onto Facebook. 

But here's another part to the boom in mobile photography: an enterprising project which seeks to give a louder voice to women in developing nations, as well as teaching them skills to build a sustainable small business. Working in the commercial recycling sector, sustainable business is something close to my heart. I'm also a believer in the UN Millennium Development Goals which seek to create a better, fairer, more environmentally friendly world. 

The Heart of a Woman Project (THOAW) is a mobile photography initiative that empowers women impacted by poverty. It was founded by Andrea Rees, a professional photographer of 11 years based in Toronto, Canada. Andrea is a  mom, wife, entrepreneur,  iPhoneographer, travel blogger at wanderingiphone.com and Global Citizen.

Donated iPhones find their way to women in South Africa. They are not used for twittering around on Twitter, or playing Candy Crush on Facebook, but for a much larger, forward thinking cause. The women have become entrepreneurs taking photos of their much-loved country; issues, landscape, wildlife, community... the photos are all there. The budding photographers then have their images made into postcards which they can sell to supplement their family's income in a future-proofed way. 

What a great idea! Take a look at the postcards for sale here!

The current project from this enterprising initiative is based in South Africa. Their mission is "to educate women in developing communities impacted by poverty in photography, mobile technology and social media to empower, have a voice and create sustainable income and small business through the sales of their photographic art products."

Financial donations are requested, and they have a clever widget on the project website which shows how far they are away from their target amount. The money goes directly to the project, and pays for things like:

• Display stand(s) & printed materials for retailers
• Marketing and printed materials (business cards/brochures)
• Production of additional products (greeting cards & coffee table book) and sample products
• Transportation or petrol for offsite trips (printer, distribution, internet cafe)
• Internet for on-going social media
• Photography Exhibition for Month of Photography (October 2014)
  
  

This all seems to tie in quite nicely into Millennium Goal no. 7: Promote gender equality and empower women. It's a simple idea, but it has such effect to the lives of these women and their families. They can pay for food, clothing, better housing and healthcare, and send their kids to school with the extra income they're making through selling postcards. 

We need more people like Andrea Rees and her THOAW project team! Keep up the good work, guys.

Make a donation today!

Visit The Heart of a Woman online today and help make a difference to a young family's life.

Not got much time? Just share this post! They, and I, would be very grateful. 

See you next week. 

Lou x

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Images courtesy of THOAW website

Ladies, it’s time to take the fight to cancer at Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life. 

Cancer doesn’t care who it affects. It can ruin lives of individuals and families without thinking twice. Cancer will 
affect one in three of us, so we need to unite and fight this disease. Together, we will beat it. 

"Cancer’s going down. And every single pound we raise pushes it closer to the floor." ~ Race For Life.  

That’s why I'm volunteering at Swindon's Race for Life event this weekend. I am no runner, but this isn't stopping me from getting involved and taking delight in telling cancer that I'm in the fight, and we're coming to get it. Giving a few hours of my weekend is the least I can do. You can do the same, if not more.

The team around the country are still looking for volunteers at this and other Race For Life events. Volunteering can be a valuable personal experience, in which you can receive the benefits of:

 Meeting new people who are as keen to give cancer the finger as you are. 

 Hands-on experience with people from all walks of life.

 Personal satisfaction of knowing you’re helping to make a real difference in the fight against cancer - a very worthwhile cause. 

 The opportunity to help out in your local community. 

Let’s bring cancer to its knees. Sign up to volunteer at Race for Life today; raceforlife.org/volunteer

Until next week,

Lou x

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Image courtesy of Race For Life

This week on MISS WRITE I'm featuring the charity "Beanstalk".

Beanstalk is a British organisation who says their visions is "a nation of confident children who can read and grow up to lead successful lives."

I grew up with having a bedtime story every night - and if I'm honest, I'd still take one before bed if I could! Every child should have this opportunity, for family bonding as well as education and teaching them how fun books can be. I hope you enjoy hearing about their valuable work, and that it inspires you to give a little more (books, time, your skills - anything!) this week. 

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What’s your earliest memory of reading? Did you read by torchlight after your parents strictly put you to bed? Which author makes you think of your childhood? These are the memories every child deserves.

About Beanstalk

Beanstalk is a national charity that recruits and trains local people to volunteer to go into a local primary school to support children who are struggling with their reading. Beanstalk has been
working with schools for almost 40 years to help raise literacy standards. 

Why are we needed?

 • Almost one in eight children leaves primary school behind in their reading in England.

• Research has shown that literacy leads to low employment prospects, disengagement and is
closely linked with poverty, educational under-achievement, crime and long term unemployment.

Beanstalk helps by providing sustained one-to-one literacy support to children who are falling behind the expected reading level for their age. By sharing dedicated reading time with a trusted adult on a weekly basis, a child can build their confidence around literacy.

In Northamptonshire we are currently supporting over 100 primary schools and nearly 400 children across the county but we currently have more schools and children waiting for reading helpers than we do have volunteers.

What's the impact of the service?

Children are selected for a variety of reasons:

 • They may have low confidence in reading

 • They may have English as a second or third language

 • Their reading may be below the expected national curriculum level

 • They may have insufficient reading opportunities (e.g. no books at home, no one to help encourage them to pick up a book).

• They may be a "Looked After Child" who needs a bit of extra guidance.

 Who are our "reading helpers"?

Our reading helpers come from all walks of life. They are independent, committed individuals with a genuine interest in helping children achieve. Reading helpers spend 30 minutes with each child twice a week, chatting, reading and playing games. They will have the chance to build up a great rapport with the children and tailor the sessions to their individual needs.

We provide training to our reading helpers before they start and further development training in areas such as dyslexia awareness and phonics. We ensure they have resources for their sessions which are suited to the children they’re helping by providing them with Beanstalk book boxes. 

 ‘ The children give me immense joy and pride in seeing children develop during the course of the school year is amazing. I enjoy their smiles, the fun, the stories and their humour’.

                        ~ one of Beanstalk's existing reading helpers

How can you help? 

At Beanstalk we look for people with a passion for reading who can give their time to help inspire the next generation of readers.

If you can spare a couple of mornings or afternoons a week during school term time this could be the ideal opportunity for you.

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Beanstalk needs reading helpers - badly. However, not everyone has this time to give. Please do check out Beanstalk on Twitter and Facebook  though, and see where it takes you. If you don't feel you can give any of your time, get in touch with Beanstalk anyway - there may be other ways you can help (e.g. donating money or books, or helping to spread the word about their excellent and worthwhile work).

Thanks Greg - it's wonderful to hear about such great charity work involving books and literacy here in Northamptonshire. I am all for this! Also, as a bonus, I think my readers will be pleased I'm back to writing and book themed topics after a couple of weeks of environmental issues and... bacon! 

See you next week!

Lou x

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Two international events have inspired me to write this week. 

1. The new film "Noah" is being promoted all over the place. It's THE biblical Hollywood tale of the year, apparently!

2. The unusual air pollution levels we're experiencing here in the UK.

So what?

We've all heard of Noah. He was a man, fictional or not, who faced a huge challenge when the God warned him of an epic flood. Realising the bigger picture, Noah took some on a whole lot of work and made some tough decisions, leading the way to save his family and neighbours, not to mention the animals who came onto his arc "two-by-two". 

Now, I treat Bible stories with a pinch of salt. I believe they are picture stories constructed to teach us life lessons. Noah's story is of someone who was strong enough to take on a huge challenge and who ended up saving the 'world'. (I say 'world' because I think the flood in question didn't affect the whole world, but a localised area. It may have seemed like the whole planet to Noah's folk though!)

And what about air pollution? Why is this on my mind (and on the news)?

Air pollution has been a hot topic in the UK this week. These unusual levels of pollution are much more than the normal home-grown pollution a country like ours creates on a daily basis, and the emissions we import via European winds. This situation has been exacerbated this week by Saharan winds blowing particularly strong and effectively dropping part of the African desert into our atmosphere. Many people (mainly those with allergies, asthma, and the elderly) have had their health affected, but even on the smallest level, Brits are noticing the impact. Cars are filthy with a layer of the dirt, and visibility has been reduced due to the dust in the air. Take a look at how hazy Northamptonshire looked yesterday afternoon. These fields are normally a green and pleasant vista, but are now fogged in air pollutants. It's not the resolution of the photo - this really is smog. 

I find it a bit scary that this might be the future of our air quality...

Air pollution is one of the biggest environmental issues our planet is facing, and has been facing, since the introduction of industry, transport and development. And it isn't only the UK which is having problems. Only 1% of China’s 560 million city residents breathe air that is considered safe by the European Union. And, this severe air pollution problem, which has led to cancer becoming China’s leading cause of death, is no longer affecting the Chinese people alone - it's spreading globally. 

So what does the advent of a new blockbuster and increased air pollution have in common?

The story of Noah and his arc was a tale of foreseen disaster and preparing for the 'hit'. Noah was successful in saving humans and wildlife from the threat of extreme flood waters through planning, the support of his family, their understanding of the issue, and faith in his mission. 

You've probably worked out my point already: The situation Noah found himself in can be applied to tackling environmental issues - case in point, air pollution. Clean air is getting harder and harder to find as the years go on, and WE KNOW something has to be done.  We know there's a problem, but it seems we're sitting by and letting it get worse.

Like many environmentalists and scientists, Noah had his skeptics, but eventually everyone saw what was coming and pulled together. Sure, in this instance, all they did was jump on an arc when the hard work had already been done, but the point is made. When we all accept there is a problem and a serious threat to our environment, we can make a difference and fend off disaster. 

Question: Have you given some thought on how you can reduce the amount of air pollution you're creating?

I dearly hope that enough can be said and done in the next months and years to help the powers that be recognise finally that if we lose our planet, we lose everything.

Working together, like Noah and his family, we as mere inhabitants of this Earth can overcome the issues of air pollution. Technology is out there which can help. Campaign groups have huge support for combating the problem. Ideas are forthcoming from our great minds. There's certainly enough evidence to say something should be done!

CAUTION! We can't stop at solving air pollution. It's no secret that we humans have been causing damage to the planet for years. 

The world's population is 7.2 billion, many of whom are intent on living unsustainable lives. 
Humans caused this. 

An area of rainforest the size of England, Scotland and Wales combined is being lost every year.
Humans caused this. 

538 million tonnes of waste is dumped globally every year. 
Humans caused this. 

African elephants will become extinct in 10 years time. In fact, 1 in 4 mammals is at risk of extinction. 
Humans caused this. 

We have borrowed time on disappearing land as sea levels rise - a result of climate change. 
Humans caused this. 

It's not easy to find out who originally said this, but it makes a brilliant point, one of my favourite quotes ever. 

Get the picture? We're destroying our own home, one leap at a time. And this is just the start. Treehugger has more if you want more gut wrenching facts about how human activities are damaging the planet. 

Like the story of Noah, I believe not all hope is lost. I believe with hard work, some investment and education, and some serious political barriers being broken, we can leave this planet in a better state than how we found it.

If the metaphorical flood comes, it won't be just the third world who suffers. It won't be a problem for descendants we will never meet. It is real; it is now. 

We're all in this together - just like the animals and humans on Noah's arc. 

I hope you enjoyed this post. If it's made you think, please share it on Twitter, Facebook or send someone an email with a link in it. Last week's post on bacon was a little bit informal, but I couldn't be more serious about the issue I've written about today. 

Lou x 

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Tomorrow is International Women's Day. Anyone not know what that's about (other than women around the world!!)?

International Women's Day is a global, annual event which inspires change  and empowers women. It covers everything from basic human rights (e.g. sex workers, access to education) to equality in finance (e.g. equal pay). The taboo of feminism is dropping from the faces of women around the world, and this is incredible to see. 

The Guardian says the campaign is 'more than just a cover story', and having surfed around to learn more, I agree.

Feminist or not, every woman should be aware of his event, and in turn, the issues their gender faces around the world and in their own country. Women's inequality and mistreatment is not just something that happens in lesser developed countries - it's here in the UK too. 

The internet and the world is buzzing about this: take a look at my pick of the crop of blogs, links and events!

Why we need International Womens' Day

My post from this time last year: Women Writers Who Inspire Me

5 Inspiring Quotes For Womens' Career Progression

Interesting BBC blog by a mother, new to raising a daughter

Blog: Who Inspires You?

10 reasons I'm a Feminist

The Ripple Effect: What's good for women is good for the world!

Check out the latest news for International Womens' Day

BBC's 100 Women event - very inspiring women share their story and contribute to the event

Still looking for more?Check out the Facebook page for the event and see what you can discover, and have a look to see if there are any events happening near to you this weekend.

Until next week, 

Lou x

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It's International Book Giving Day, so a perfect time to tell you which books I was given on my birthday last week. 

You should know this - if in doubt, buy me a book! It was my birthday last Saturday and my mum pulled it out the bag again with a great title. 

STONER ~ John Williams

'Stoner' was book of the year 2013, according to Waterstones. I'm currently finishing the second of my two Christmas book presents, but I look forward to getting stuck into this new one. Having not read a lot in the last few months (Christmas, work disruption, fiance in the country with me!), I'm really looking forward to getting a few volumes under my belt before Easter. 

I have yet to buy myself a birthday present (personal tradition, not to be missed!), and I'm thinking I might try to clear out some of my Amazon Wishlist of books. I'll try to limit myself!

Have a great weekend all, see you next Friday. 

Lou x

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Last month saw Make a Difference Day (26th October), and this is a cause close to my heart (see my post on Volunteering Abroad: Valuable and Rewarding). Sooooo, here are 10 things you can 'do good with' in just 10 minutes of your time. 

1. Find a charity you're keen on and set up a direct debit. You won't even notice a couple of quid leaving your account each month, most likely, so find one which resonates with you and go for it. If you're worried about where the money's going, check out these tips on Monday Supermarket. 

2. Give a colleague 10 minutes of your day if they look like they need to chat or off-load. In these austere times and days of increased chances of redundancy, moral can be low. However, showing a friendly face and giving someone a chance to rant can help. Be careful to not take their worries onto your shoulders though - just be an outlet and someone to talk to. Angry rants, done privately, are great, according to the guys at Real Life Law of Attraction. I tend to agree!

3. Donate your unwanted books, CDs and furniture to a charity shop. More and more people are selling online nowadays and I imagine the charity shops are losing out. You'll feel so much better for doing it than making a couple of pounds on ebay and there's no postage to pay!

4. Bake a cake for someone sick. You know they'll appreciate the thought, even if it's a questionable bake!). If you google easy cake recipes, there are lots to start you off with - BBC Food is particularly good, and some really do only take 10 minutes to whip up. 

5. Call your local Council to report that unsightly flytip you pass every morning. They might not know it exists and may even clear it up, improving your local area. 

6. A grandparent is for life, not just for Christmas. Call them. 

7. Hunger affects every community. Find your local food bank and donate a few cans of something non-perishable. 

8. If you've got a bumper crop this year on your allotment, why not take your spare veg round to a neighbour or give to a friend? Waste not, want not! #lovefoodhatewaste

9. Test your kids. Give them a quiz to do between main course and dessert round the dinner table. Something will stick and they'll win a pub quiz in the future (or pass their GCSEs more easily...)! 

10. Got a stressed out nightshift worker for a housemate? Why not help her out by doing her washing up which is building up on the side. The house will look cleaner for it too!

Feeling inspired?

Check out 67 things to do in 67 minutes, and action for Mandela Day (18/7/13). Let me know what you get up to in the comments below!

It's International Volunteer Day in less than a month (5th December) so why not get involved? Check out Do It, the volunteer opportunity website. There are many roles to look at, and so many benefits from lending a hand, so take a look!

Lou x

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Image courtesy of The Future Melting Pot

I had a lovely afternoon last Sunday. I went down to Bookmarks Festival, the small Northants village of Helmdon's very own offering to the world of writing and book events. It's in its second year and I can see there will be outcry if this small, friendly, and well-meaning festival doesn't come back for 2014. 

There are two reasons why I love Bookmarks Festival. 

1. The focus of the festival is on local writers. The speakers this year were Adrian Magsun, Alison McQueen and Garry O'Connor, all who hail from Northamptonshire. Engaging, friendly, and very different from each other, they made for a good panel. 

2. Bookmarks raises money for a global charity. It's a different charity each year, and 2013 is the year of Hand in Hand for Syria. Very commendable, in my eyes, and the choice of charity could not be more pertinent given the news from Syria in the last week or two.

I want to show you the fantastic fun I had at Bookmarks Festival, but like the pro I am, I managed to take photos with no SD card in the camera.

However, as you can judge from this blog post title, there is a down side to going to all these wonderful, creativity-filled, welcoming, interesting literature festivals. Yes, while I'm there mingling with other readers and writers, I'm having a great time. Events like this often encourage cake eating, and armed with a slice and a cuppa, I make new friends and acquaintances of bloggers, novelists, journalists and wannabes. However, long-term, literature festivals are indeed detrimental to my social life.

Why?!

Because I've come away with yet more books to add to my 'To Read' list. 

Once again I'll revert to my teenage bookworm state and become completely absorbed into the wonderful world of reading. I'll escape any trials and stresses of the day and enrich my writer's palette. 

I plan to be unapologetically unsociable.

I didn't really need these new volumes to add to the growing collection of books I want to devour, but look at them - how could you resist?! And they were all at the bargain price of £1 per novel. I already have piles of unread beauties at my pad just waiting to be opened, but being the slow reader that I am, I doubt I'll get onto many of them this decade. This means I will spend a good portion of my weekend curled up, sprawled out, perched on a chair with a book. I'm currently reading the beast that is Tom Jones ~ Henry Fielding as part of my 30 Before 30 Challenge, and I really want to get it finished. Then I can start on these fab looking titles.

If you need me, you know where to find me. 

Lou x

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