living lightly in ireland

Have Yourself a Merry Eco Party 2026

A lovely aspect of the Christmas season is the impetus to spend time with those we care about. I often think it’s strange that we wait until the busiest time of the year to do this. It’d be nice if we started the new year with a plan not to leave it until next December to repeat this tradition. If you’re hosting a soiree over the next few weeks here are some tips on how to make it a tad more sustainable.

Learn to Crochet Toys

This article is for the wonderful participants in my ‘Crochet Cuteness’ class at a previous Zero Waste Festival in Dublin, and anyone else who wants to have a go at making their own amigurumi toys. Here’s the little fella I made in his new home, my daughter’s doll house.

Sustainable Ethical Candles 2026

Pinpoints of light shining out from the blackness of early nights is one of my favourite sights during winter. There is something primeval about the need to illuminate our environs, it lifts the spirit and is a great source of joy for me. Nowadays such a vision is typically created with fairy lights but we’ve been creating the same effect for centuries prior with the humble candle.

Sustainable Christmas Gifts (2018)

So for those of us who haven’t yet moved to a gift-free Christmas here’s another article in a series on sustainable ethical gifts. The list includes items made from existing materials, low or package-free items or gadgets to extend the life of stuff. If none of these float your boat there are more option on my article on Sustainable Christmas gifts from last year, which includes suggestions for beauty queens, crafters and hobbiest.

Sustainable Ethical Toys 2026

Toys generate a huge amount of waste in the world and in my experience it’s the hardest area to reign in, particularly if the horse has already bolted. Like most kids in the overdeveloped world mine have too many toys. This wasn’t done intentionally but they just seemed to pile up after birthdays and Christmases despite my efforts. If you find yourself having to buy toys here are some suggestions on how to make more planet positive choices.