In Your Backyard: Sustainability Tools and Online Resources
Further reading and additional online resources for our special edition Sustainability Through the Seasons.
Autumn
Temperatures may be cooling but things are heating up in the kitchen and garden. In this chapter, learn how to prepare soil, minimize food waste, grow nutritious fruits and veggies and then turn them into delicious dishes sure to become family favourites.
More autumn gardening ideas
New Zealand growing guide: 9 tips for your best-ever broccoli crop
Additional autumn eco-ideas – Food waste
Dr Compost’s secrets to healthy compost without back-breaking labour
Dr Compost Ben Elms’ recipe for a good life and tips for top compost
How to best feed your chickens (it’s time to put down the treats)
Useful links and further reading on compost and food waste:
See the Compost Collective’s bokashi page for further bokashi tips
The Share Waste website matches those who have scraps and lack compost, with others who have compost and need scraps.
Auckland’s commercial composting service We Compost
Further reading on food choices and carbon emissions:
Meat eaters, vegetarians, vegans: How much does diet impact the environment?
A study on the difference in dietary greenhouse gas emissions between self-selected meat-eaters, fish-eaters, vegetarians and vegans in the UK.
Further reading autumn Eco-travel
The New Zealand Tourism Sustainability Commitment initiative spearheaded by Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) has eight goals and 14 commitments focusing on the economy, visitors, host community and the environment. More than 1000 tourism businesses had signed up by April 2019; however, the TIA’s goal is for all tourism operators to be on board by 2025. Find a full list of companies at sustainabletourism.nz
TIA is also one of seven organizations behind the Tiaki initiative, which asks travelers in New Zealand to be mindful of their surroundings. Other supporters include Tourism New Zealand, DOC and Air New Zealand. Travelers commit to: “Care for land, sea and nature, tread lightly and leave no trace; travel safely, show care and consideration for all, respect the culture and travel with an open heart and mind.” tiakinewzealand.com
Winter
Learn how to grow frost-resistant produce, reduce waste, improve the environment for birds and beat the chill with craft and flavoursome recipes.
More winter gardening ideas
Kath Irvine’s pruning fundamentals: When to prune and the three golden rules of pruning
Winter biodiversity ideas to help native birds
Winter rat and rodent catching tips
How Goodnature’s self-resetting traps are changing predator control in New Zealand
The secret life of nocturnal pests (and how to capture them on camera)
More winter eco-ideas
Plastic free grocery shopping made easy: Eco experts share tips on how to cut down plastic waste
Nicole Barratt: How I went plastic-free for a month (it’s not as hard as you think – promise)
Two plastic-free projects: How to make an origami paper bin liner and a paper kete (basket)
Winter craft ideas
How to cast on:
Free knitting pattern: Cotton Wool Booties for New Zealand babies in need
Winter eco-ideas: Sourdough making
Spring
Boost the health of bees and other beneficial insects, grow a variety of fruit and veggies, cook from the garden, spring clean the wardrobe and shop sustainably.
Spring gardening ideas
10 tips to growing cucumbers (hint: they hate frost and love fertiliser)
Spring biodiversity
Spring eco-ideas further reading sustainable fashion
A good overview of the supply chain and challenges of the fashion industry
Tearfund’s ethical fashion guide rate’s NZ clothing brands on their sustainability
Information of fabric choices and the environment
Summer
Summer gardening ideas
The 10 best lettuces for the healthiest 365-day salad supply
11 tips for growing runner beans in New Zealand: Why runner beans should be a staple in your garden
How to control and prevent pests in the garden the natural way
Homemade gift ideas
How to infuse vodka at home PLUS 5 infused vodka cocktail recipes
