Sustainabilty & Permaculture

There has been a big buzz in our home lately. Why? I think I have finally sorted out a great location as a home base for our Permaculture courses!

My brain has been running overtime planning bits and pieces - where would we go for site visits, who would be our guest tutors, can we get funding to subsidise places for low income earners, the design of our certificates (Bill Mollison used to issue the certificates but no longer does it so it is up to individual educators to take care of this), what little extras can be included in the course cost (text book/s, course notes, Permaculture Melbourne membership, beverages, snacks, etc).

What is "Permaculture" I hear you ask - well it is jsut the most suitable and practical philosophy and methodology to live a truly sustainable life. It can be applied to a household, a suburb, a town, a farm, a country, the entire globe!

"Permaculture is sustainability in action." Josh Byrne, Gardening Australia



We want to spread this knowledge far and wide to anyone who is willing to learn. Please join us - tell others about it. This planet will not have a healthy future if we don't take action and change the way we do things.

Please see the sustainability page of our website for more details -

http://betweenskyandearth.com.au/store/pc/viewContent.asp?idpage=14

You can also join us on Facebook -

https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/PermacultureAust.NZ/

We look forward to chatting with you soon.


PEACE to all,
KISS for life,
Miriam.

We ARE all FREE

Today I came across a wonderful song I was unaware of by an artist I love.


In light of the tumultuous times around the globe, I felt compelled to use it for my blog today. ENJOY.

PEACE to all,
KISS for Life,
Miriam


Please enjoy and share “Free” by Stevie Wonder. The images in the video are fantastic and the lyrics are below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCxo6BUG4JI&feature=share

Free like the river

Flowing freely through infinity

Free to be sure of

What I am and who I need not be

Free from all worries

Worries prey on oneself's troubled mind

Freer than the clock's hands

Tickin' way the times

Freer than the meaning of free that man defines

Life running through me

Till I feel my father God has called



Me having nothin'

But possessing riches more than all

And I'm free

To be nowhere

But in every place I need to be

Freer than a sunbeam

Shining through my soul

Free from feelin' heat or knowing bitter cold

Free from conceiving the beginning

For that's the infinite start



I'm gone - gone but still living

Life goes on without a beating heart



Free like a vision

That the mind of only you can see



Freer than a raindrop

Falling from the sky

Freer than a smile in a baby's sleepin' eyes



I'm free like a river

Flowin' freely through infinity

I'm free to be sure of what

I am and who I need not to be

I'm much freer - like the meaning of the word free that crazy man defines

Free - free like the vision that

The mind of only you are ever gonna see

Free like the river my life

Goes on and on through infinity

Summer is approaching here in Australia. That means lots of Aussies will be using more personal care products for a few months - sunscreen and after sun exposure skincare products. Also, they are likely to use more makeup as they tend to party a bit more.

Can you go a day without makeup?
Do you read the labels on the products you use - whether they are makeup, skincare or bodycare products? Can you understand those labels?




Did you know your skin absorbs about 60% of what goes on it into your system?



Did you also know that the skin is the largest organ of the body?



Are you fully aware of the ingredients in your makeup (and personal care products) you and your family members use?



Most of them are of dubious origins and potentially negative impacts on human and environmental health.



Want to find some alternatives?



We carefully choose what we sell. See www.betweenskyandearth.com.au or email us info@betweenskyandearth.com.au - we're looking forward to helping you.


Peace to all,
KISS for Life,
Miriam.

Do You Really Need to use a Shampoo?

http://www.betweenskyandearth.com.au/



Do you really have to use shampoo or is it just a habit that is second nature?

I have been washing my hair with plain warm water for a few weeks now.

Due to allergies and sensitivities I have been using an unscented shampoo for over 16 years. But it was quite harsh on my hair and I could not find an alternative that was gentler that I could tolerate.

I have a friend who had gone shampoo free a couple of years ago and was very happy with the results. I also knew of a number of people who did the same.

Hmmm ... ? I pondered it on and off for a long time. Then I forgot about a haircut appointment. This had happened before. Was it an omen?

So, now I do without both shampoo and haircuts. At least for a while.

My decision sits well with me as an environmentalist and on account of my health issues and also, to a lesser extent on my hip pocket.

Time will tell if it is a physical benefit to my hair. It certainly doesn’t damage it.



KISS for Life,

Peace to all,

Miriam

Food Security

We can EASILY feed the world. We DON'T NEED any GMOs or CHEMICAL laden farms. While vastly reducing our carbon footprints.

Today I saw this story about a fellow in America growing a monumental amount of organic food.

He's doing it on only 3 acres.

How can he do this? Well, he uses greenhouses and acquaponics, together with vertical plantings. The heat from compost is used to regulate the temperatures. Fish ponds incorporate a low carbon quality animal protein into the system. More specifically, the system :

* By producing 10,000 fish


* Using 300 to 500 yards of worm compost

* By utilizing vertical space

* Having 3 acres of land in green houses

* Using 1 simple aquaponic pump

* Food is grown all year by using heat from the compost piles




This can be copied. It would make a great community project.

Watch this video -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfScfxkmWw4&feature=player_embedded

Please share this great video around with family and friends.

KISS for Life,
Peace to all,
Miriam.

Stock take sale on selected items

Hi

Welcome to winter if you are in the Southern Hemisphere!

We are in Melbourne and we have had a pretty ordinary day weather wise.

So to cheer us all up I wanted to tell you about our mini winter sale - YAY!

You can see our specials here:

http://betweenskyandearth.com.au/store/pc/showspecials.asp

So, come and check out what we have to offer - if what you want is not on sale you can always ask us for a slightly better deal - we can't promise anything but you never know your luck!

Ok I will keep it short & sweet tonight.

Here's the page again:

http://betweenskyandearth.com.au/store/pc/showspecials.asp

Thanks for reading - please tell your friends & family about the sale.

Peace to all,
KISS for life,
Miriam.

Clearance Sale on Selected Items

Winter is upon us here in Australia. However, don't be fooled by cooler weather - you still need to stay hydrated. To help out our valued customers we are offering a saving on Cheeki Stainless Steel Drink bottles via a "Lucky Dip" stock clearance.

These bottles are food grade stainless steel and BPA free. There are great designs you or family and friends will love.

Just go to our website and click on the specials button or the lucky dip option:
http://betweenskyandearth.com.au/store/pc/viewCategories.asp?pageStyle=h&idCategory=204

This offer is limited to current stock only - no backorders plus it is a lucky dip (you can specify a preference for a girl or boy focussed design but we cannot guarantee that it will be available).

Peace,
KISS for Life,
Miriam.

Water - Access Denied?

Water is a finite resource. Each generation uses the same water as the generations before it. However, the water degrades over time. Why? Because we pollute it with our chemicals from industry, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, livestock, mining and everything else we do.

Many people in the world do not have water authorities to ensure their water is "potable". Making water potable involves adding various chemicals.

The following video is about an Indian community that was able to reverse their drought. The drought was a product of man's activities and arrogance that we know what we are doing. Please take a few minutes to watch it. It is inspiring.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-tQ1xl8Z0c&feature=youtu.be

Peace to all,
KISS for Life,
Miriam.

Eco Mum Deals

We are excited to announce our new bulk buy deals - Eco Mum Deals. We have uploaded four (4) deals so far. Please check them out (see link below) as they are really great deals.

http://betweenskyandearth.com.au/store/pc/viewCategories.asp?pageStyle=h&idCategory=202

We want people to change their lifestyles to be as sustainable as possible and we are willing to help you out as much as possible.

We have lots of products on our site that we can potentially offer to you via our Eco Mum Deals facility. More deals will be added over the next fortnight.

All you have to do is buy in bulk. You may not always get a choice of colour. So, get your friends, relatives, colleagues, and/or club members together and SAVE, SAVE, SAVE while you GO GREEN!

If there is a product on our website (or not) you would like to see with an Eco Mum Deal, please contact us

http://betweenskyandearth.com.au/store/pc/viewCategories.asp?pageStyle=h&idCategory=202

and we will do our best to help you out.

KISS for Life,
Peace to all,
Miriam.

Permaculture is Sustainability in Action

Permaculture Day - 1st May 2011 - is rapidly approaching. There are many activities scheduled in Australia to promote and educate people about permaculture. (http://www.permacultureday.info/)

Here is a really good video to get you in the zone, thinking about the issues involved and how useful Permaculture philosophy and sytems are to us all, no matter what our circumstances.

 http://youtu.be/8nLKHYHmPbo

Permaculture is a wonderful KISS philosophy.

We run courses and NPOs for those interested in learning more.

KISS for Life
Peace to all,
Miriam.

When is Sunscreen dangerous to use?

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/04/22/new-study-shows-many-sunscreens-are-accelerating-not-preventing-cancer.aspx



We can supply the ingredients for making your own nontoxic, nano free sunscreen. Contact us:
http://69.46.17.99/store/pc/contact.asp
for details and recipe ideas.

Peace to all,
KISS for life,
Miriam.

The Word Press Exercise Challenge

Hi everyone

Well, it's been some weeks since my last post. Our family has been very busy. We had a little trip, by car. Our kids are now homeschooling 100% and that is more time consuming as a parent.

Life is pretty good in many ways.

I'd like to take a moment to pass on good thoughts and wishes to all those who have survived the various natural disasters that have occurred in the last 3-4 months, not just here in Australia, but also New Zealand and especially Japan. The ramifications of the situation in Japan is quite overwhelming - nuclear radiation contamination. We must all help each other, even if it's just some useful information to support coping with the added toxic load that is eventuating.

What I was intending to tell you all about was the great idea the guys at Word Press have put together - a 5Km exercise challenge - walk/jog/run/swim/ride..... whatever your ability and preference, as long as you try to do something if you are physically able.

The idea (from the Automattic WP blog) :

WHAT IT IS: A 5k run/walk (approximately 3.1 miles). You can run, walk, or skip. It’s up to you. There’s no time limit and there’s just one requirement: that you participate! [Updated: You can do it inside or outside, on a treadmill or on a track, or even do a swim or a bike ride instead of running/walking - just get moving!]




It’s roughly equal to:



•3.1 miles

•12 laps around a track

•approximately 6000-7500 steps

•approximately 50-60 minutes of brisk walking

WHEN: We’re all busy, but we want you to participate, so we’re giving you some flexibility, too. The WWWP5k is set for Sunday, April 10th, but you can do your walk anytime from April 4th -10th (you’ve got a week to fit it in). Just post about it and use the tag “wwwp5k” so we can find you (and for a chance to be Freshly Pressed).


OK - so people of Australia and the World - get training and exercise! Make it a habit - a lifelong habit, "cos if you don't use it you lose it!

If you are in Melbourne - The Tan is 3.8km, so one and half times around will do nicely. With the beautiful Gardens beside you all the way.


Peace to all
KISS for Life
Miriam.

Gardasil - is the promise too high risk?

Gardasil is the vaccine for the Human Papiloma Virus that is linked to cervical cancer. However, there are serious doubts about its safety. After viewing this short for a documentary, would you feel safe to have your child vaccinated without doing more investigation



KISS for life.
Peace to all,
Miriam.

Sheer stupidity by Aussie Attorney General

Can you imagine the banning of acacias?
Well, moves are afoot in Australia to do just that under certain circumstances (and they are very broad).
The current list contains five (5) species but the plan is to expand it by hundreds if not thousands! It will affect the backyard enthusiast right up to commercial nurseries and Landcare groups.

PLEASE go and read these links:

http://permaculture.com.au/online/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=225%3Aproposed-legislation-would-make-most-gardens-and-farms-illegal&catid=1%3Alatest&Itemid=65

and

http://www.gardenfreedom.com/

The Minister for Justice is asking for your opinion on this issue and is requesting anyone who is affected to make a submission. The deadline for submissions is the 11th of March 2011.

Please make a submissions and write to the major newspapers and even your local one to publicise this rediculous attempt to control drug trafficing.

KISS for life
Peace to all

Miriam

Our website will be temporarily unavailable

PLEASE NOTE:

OUR WEBSITE WILL BE UNAVAILABLE FOR ABOUT 6 HOURS ON THURSDSAY 17/2/11 FROM APPROX. 3PM (AEDST) DUE TO SERVER MAINTENANCE. WE APOLOGISE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE.

KISS for life,

Peace to all,

Miriam.

http://www.betweenskyandearth.com.au/

 

Human and planetary survival and climate change are intertwined

Climate Change is doing severe damage all ready (latest example in my country is Cyclone Yasi).

The way we operate broadscale agriculture is one thing that urgently needs to change. It is doable, it is not so difficult, it is rewarding for those doing it and it can be applied practically anywhere.




How we all live our lives - especially in the West - needs to alter quickly.

Reduce your carbon footprint NOW. Even if you all ready do and you don't think you can any further, reflect on it and how you live. Try helping others to reduce their footprint by at least 10-20% over the course of 2011. Explore ways you might reduce your own further if you were able to form groups or partnerships with others to accomplish various things - share garden/farm for fruit and vegies; car share/pool; cargo bike share; share composting and worm farming facilities (have a larger system, collect scraps from local business); create biofuel communally - lots of things are possible.

Want a hand? http://betweenskyandearth.com.au/store/pc/viewContent.asp?idpage=3

KISS for Life,
Peace to all,
Miriam.

Food & Diet & Health & Weight Loss

Are you confused about and by all the different diets?

Go into any bookstore and you will find a section dedicated to these books. Why? They make lots of money. Why? Many of us in the Western world are either overweight or think we are overweight or have a family member who is overweight.

So what IS the answer?

Well, the video in the following link is an overview of where to start:

http://www.therealfoodchannel.com/page/44.html

It is not a "fad" approach at all.

If you would like an free assessment of your diet, please contact us:

http://betweenskyandearth.com.au/store/pc/viewContent.asp?idpage=3

In the meantime, watch the video and explore the concepts for yourself.

Peace to all,
KISS for Life,
Miriam.

http://www.betweenskyandearth.com.au/

Caffeine - topically - can make you look great

Using coffee scrubs on your skin can help your skin to appear more toned and cellulite free.

This is because it stimaulates blood vessels thus improving circulation therefore improving removal of waste products from the body (i.e. toxins, excess fluid, fats, metabolic biproducts).

You can easily make your own:

2 tablespoons ground coffee
1 tablespoon fine salt
2 tablespoons olive oil

Combine the ingredients and massage into your skin in a circular motion away from the heart and towards hands and/or feet.

Be sure to stop if you find it irritating.
People with broken capilliaries shoud not exfoliate.

Peace to all,
KISS for life,
Miriam.

Bottled Water – Is it what it claims to be?

The plain ones generally claim to be pure and clean or from a natural Spring.

Does the maker have laboratory proof?

Where did the water come from?

If it is purified water, what purification process was used? (There is only one method considered true purification – distillation – all the rest are considered types of filtration.)

Has the company had a laboratory test the water for contaminants? If so, what were the results?

 

Did you know that bottled water costs many times more than tap water (comparisons for the USA are a differential of up to 1,900 times!).

There are lots of potentially harmful contaminants in reticulated water – it varies for different towns. The most economical way to avoid them is to get a water purification or filtration system.

To avoid the potential hazards of disposable bottles (and the landfill issue), glass and BPA free bottles and jugs are the best storage options.

 

Ignore the marketing hype and look after yourself and the environment – we can help you with equipment and bottles:

www.betweenskyandearth.com.au

If you can't see what you want, contact us:

http://betweenskyandearth.com.au/store/pc/viewContent.asp?idpage=3

 

Peace to all,

KISS for life,

Miriam.

Back to School sale now on!

Our Back to School sale has started.

Get your kids lots of health enhancing goodies such as BPA free stainless steel drink bottles and lunch boxes.

Get a good water filter for your home - stop exposing yourself and family to potential carcinogens in the reticulated water system.

Get great air purifiers - especially beneficial to the chemically sensitive, hayfever sufferers and other allergy sufferers or just if you want to reduce your toxic load. Remember - indoor air quality is frequently poorer than outdoor air quality.

We also have great self hypnosis CDs by Rick Collingwood and others. They really work.

Come and have a look around our shop:

www.betweenskyandearth.com.au

Peace to all,
KISS for life,
Miriam.

New Year's Resolution

Do you have a New Year's Resolution? Common ones sound something like these:

Lose weight?
Eat right?
Reduce your toxic load?
Live more sustainably?
Grow your own food?
Get involved in your community?
Help the less fortunate?
Start a community group.

Many are totally self centred. That is not always bad but life exists beyond the self and the self will not survive without considering things beyond the self.

Sorry if that's a bit too deep and meaningful and/or cryptic. I want to get you all thinking outside the square and beyond your comfort zone.

Let's get back to basics and support each other and see where that takes us.

Peace to all,
KISS for life,
Miriam.