Eco Green Spirit Farm update, Bee Keeping and a Giveaway!
Eco Green Spirit Farm update, Bee Keeping and a Giveaway!
Here we grow folks…..
There has been so much climate awareness and coverage in the mainstream media of late. Exciting times, important shifts in thinking, the world is speaking up on behalf of the planet and progress is being made. But have we left it too late?
Leading up to the UN’s Emergency Climate Summit, September 20, 2019, saw the Global Climate Strike, where hundreds of thousands of Australian students took the day off school in protest, showing their politicians how serious they are about climate action. The impacts of climate change are already being felt, and the younger generation wants the world to know it is hurting and we need proactive measures -- and fast. It is unfair and irresponsible that they face inheriting an earth that is facing extinction. The Australian strikes were part of a large-scale movement which was taking place around the world. Millions of people turned out worldwide in 150 countries. Young activists like Greta Thunberg and our very own Daisy Jeffrey: your passion is truly inspiring.
Speaking of agent of change, a shout out goes to our fellow Eco heroes, the Elwood Plogging Group who have been very impactful along Port Philip Bay. https://www.facebook.com/elwoodbeach3184/ They gather at Elwood beach weekly incorporating fitness and picking up rubbish along the shore (good for the body, good for the spirit). Plogging is a term coined in Sweden; a combination of jogging with picking up waste (Swedish: plocka upp). By the end of the year, it is expected they will have ridden the beach of one tonne of trash! We solute your commitment.
And now, a giveaway.
Remember to keep your daily waste to a minimum, as every day’s excess really adds up. Try opting for reusable water bottles, non-disposable cutlery, and give plastic straws a miss. I have made a conscious effort to take along my own coffee cup on my daily latte run. It is estimated that Australians use 1 billion disposable coffee cups every year. Gulp… We are giving away three EGS Bamboo Stainless Steel Reusable coffee cups, perfect to reuse on the go. It will keep your coffee warm for longer. DM me for a chance to win.
Remember I had mentioned I just bought a farm?
In my last post, I told you I have purchased a farm in Victoria’s Kardella South, South Gippsland, making a conscious effort towards a sustainable living lifestyle and putting into place my long-term plans. This purchase was very exciting for me and my family, as it is an expression of my commitment to the sustainable and naturally resourced way of life. We have so many awesome plans regarding the growth of our Eco Green Spirit farm and a naturally cultivated, fruit-of-the-land existence. Works in progress include planting fig trees, olive groves, grapevines, growing bee colonies, bringing in Dorper sheep to mow the grass, and running online eco programs and workshops. Thank you to all of you who have already expressed interest. If you’d like to learn to make your own products, please let me know what kind of workshops you want to be part of.
My young kids are certainly on board when it comes to learning DIY skills. I enrolled us all in a bee keeping and introduction to honey course at the local beehives, to teach them the importance of these mighty hard little workers. They donned their bee suits and (under expert guidance) fearlessly handled the beeswax trays like real troopers.
Bees are one species that we cannot afford to lose. The bee has been declared the most valuable being on our planet by The Apiculture Entrepreneurship Center of the Universidad Mayor, as it was determined that bees are the only living creature that does not carry any kind of pathogen (neither fungus, virus nor a bacterium). Due to factors such as lack of safe environments for nesting, deficit of flowers, the utilization of uncontrolled pesticides, large-scale deforestation, and soil fluctuations -- bees are now on the extinction list. The world’s agriculture is very dependent on these critters. The intervention of bees via pollination enables the plants to reproduce. Without bees, the fauna would soon begin to die off, causing major devastation in the chain of life. If you know any apiarists, thank them for the very important work they do.
The Eco Green Spirit farm plans to accomodate the needs of bees by planting much needed herbs. Rosemary, Thyme, Basil, Oregano and Parsley are all very important for pollination and encouraging bee colonies. Have you planted anything for the Spring that fosters insect colonies? Let me know on our FB page, would love too hear from you. Speaking of planting it is garden time and I know my family and I are working on our vegetable and herb gardens. Please consider the same as now is the perfect time of year in Australia. Im growing all of the above noted herbs, but also veggies like Heirloom Tomatoes (love them: huge and hearty) and cucumbers are perfect to have planted now in time for Summer.
We respect and acknowledge the life sustaining work of the bee. We will be utilising the bees on our farm by using the beeswax for our botanic eco goods as well as selling their glorious, preservative-free honey. Check out our beeswax products including our Rich Honey Skin Balm (an absolute life saver for dry skin). https://www.ecogreenspirit.com/products/rich-honey-skin-balm
The real benefit of this balm is that it’s made with pure beeswax and raw honey so it’s thick enough to trap moisture while the honey helps heal wounds and calm irritation. If you try it out, let us know what you think. With the change of season, comes changes in our skin. My lips are a mess between seasons and Melbourne’s constant weather fluctuations are not helping. Currently in the works is a formula for a honey beeswax lip balm. Because it is slightly acidic, honey helps regulate skin pH, promoting wound healing and regeneration of chapped skin.
If you would like to be part of our next beach clean-up, join us on Saturday November 30th, 2019 at Mentone Beach (check our FB page for details). These are all my updates for now, my eco chums. Please share my post if it speaks to you. Signing off and wishing you: “Bee green, bee kind to the earth, and bee well!”
Maria Faki.