It is Earth Hour time again on Saturday 31 March 2012.

So that means it is lights off and all non essential electrical equipment to be switched off. Take time out in the dark from 8.30 pm to 9.30 pm to support this cause...... and enjoy a relaxing and calming time with the gentle flicker of candles or lanterns.

Get creative with bowls of floating candles ..... this is the ideal way to relax and unwind after a busy Saturday . Add a few drops of essential oil to the water for the added benefit of the aroma from the oil.

 

Decide on a theme for this year, be it Oriental, Moroccan or African...... decorate your entertainment area accordingly and enjoy the beauty of Earth Hour.

Be a little eclectic and create a mix of Cultures....here I have a blend of Oriental and Moroccan decor, with possibly an Indian Tandoori Chicken roasting in the weber! The choice is yours....just do it and be green and earth friendly.

Should you decide on an African theme, collect all your ethnic bowls, prints and dishes and mix and match your cutlery and crockery to give a true Vintage feel at the same time. One is allowed to break all the rules these days!

Half the fun of working around a theme is unpacking all your treasured collections. Together with the blue and white Oriental  bowls and serving spoons, I will mix the Dutch Delft bowls and platters. It all sets the tone of the day, be aware of the earth, re- use, recycle and do not waste anything.

Be sure to use linen serviettes as well. It is also fun to get back to the old ways when each family member had their own servitte ring with their name engraved on it. Should you be forced to use paper serviettes or kitchen paper, ensure that you place it in the compost heap.

Continue to collect all thos ecorks from your wine bottles. If you stay in the Cape Town area, deliver them to the Vineyard Hotel and Spa in Claremont. They are supporting a project where the corks are recycled and used to make flooring for various community projects in the townships. Visit their site to learn more about their green living and social responsibility programme.

 

 

Should you be handing over any gifts, remember to wrap and decorate with nature. Use natural raffia or re-use string or ribbon. Decorate with herbs and flowers or Vintage brooches and hat pins! It may take a little longer to gather everything, but it is much wiser . Just imagine the joy when the gift is handed over. Delight and surprise your family with your creativity.

Continue to grow your own herbs and vegetables.... it can be a fun activity for the entire family. Should you not have the space or time for this, then support your local farmer's market and buy fresh, local produce. Remember to save all the pips, seeds, peels and husks for the compost heap. That goes for tea bags and filter coffee grounds as well.

Continue to turn to nature for healing and natural remedies. Use the juice of the Aloe plant on any skin allergies, scrathes or bites. Use Tea tree sprigs to cleanse the air in your home. Place sprigs under your pets' bedding to chase fleas away. Vietnamese Coriander is also used to rub on dogs fur to chase fleas away. It is also used on the floors in temples to chase away flies and insects. Try it! Should you need to relax in a hot bath at the end of the day, place a few sprigs of  Tea tree into the water to relieve aching legs and feet. The fragrant water will also soothe any itches, bites or allergies.

Say NO to plastic carrier bags! This Starbucks paper carrier says it all.....  literally use it until it falls apart and is only then destined for the compost heap. Remember to tear up or shred any newspaper when placing in the compost heap. Have a look at their site to read more on their Global Responsibility Report..... they are setting the trend!

Sit back, relax with a glass of wine and watch those candles flicker. Just think how good it would be IF  we ALL supported Earth Hour every year ? Remind your friends and family to do the same. Enjoy the magic of the candle light!