tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29284826.post5296867266948075567..comments2024-01-27T11:40:35.680+00:00Comments on Bean Sprouts: Confession of an Eco-SinnerMelanie Rimmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05871992146568559100noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29284826.post-84090937225561644042008-04-17T08:13:00.000+01:002008-04-17T08:13:00.000+01:00We all need to do our bit, no-one does everything,...We all need to do our bit, no-one does everything, certainly it seems to be impossible to be perfectly environmentally friendly within the context of society as it is. Everyone who is sharing their journey like you are is an inspiration to loads of other people and hopefully ideas spread. <BR/><BR/>The Ecologist advertises Eco Paints by the way, not that I've ever tried them. We're too lazy to decorate, which we can pretend is an environmental choice.Crafty Green Poethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02486633917197181851noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29284826.post-63557771126712668712008-04-13T11:16:00.000+01:002008-04-13T11:16:00.000+01:00Mel, I feel the same way too with my blog - it is ...Mel, I feel the same way too with my blog - it is baring yourself and your thoughts to the world and that is a very brave thing to do. Keep on writing like this, because you're changing the world.<BR/><BR/>With lots of love,<BR/>Rob xAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29284826.post-18484945906481529062008-04-13T08:27:00.000+01:002008-04-13T08:27:00.000+01:00Excellent post! 'I cant do everything, but I can d...Excellent post! 'I cant do everything, but I can do something' is a thought worth hanging onto. <BR/><BR/>We're all making our own way, works in progress. Each of us can decide what is important for US, regardless of what is important to friends, family, neighbours, bloggers, blog visitors et al. <BR/><BR/>Great blog! I'll be back :)RosieBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08854580933210191702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29284826.post-87622715788733589552008-04-13T07:39:00.000+01:002008-04-13T07:39:00.000+01:00I always wish to live like thatI always wish to live like thatFredhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05907093097419981728noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29284826.post-30638319625409475782008-04-11T01:50:00.000+01:002008-04-11T01:50:00.000+01:00Girl, I'm thrilled you wrote the truth. We're all...Girl, I'm thrilled you wrote the truth. We're all just trying to live as eco-friendly, life friendly, blogging friendly as possible. At least I hope so. You keep doin' what you're doin'. I'll keep reading. Maybe we'll all learn something.~~DeeThe Divahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13640870056010190961noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29284826.post-45377987297126401922008-04-09T10:14:00.000+01:002008-04-09T10:14:00.000+01:00Of course I'm not dissappointed. I read your blog ...Of course I'm not dissappointed. I read your blog (and I'm another one reading my way through your achives) because you are not perfect. You don't make me feel guilty because I've eaten a pizza or turned the heater on when I'm cold. You just make me think, give me ideas about ways I can change, one step at a time.<BR/>You make me feel good about the things i do do, not too bad about the things I don't.<BR/>I try a little hard because of you.<BR/><BR/>Pippa (only anonymous because I can't workout the other options)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29284826.post-3437512607115533192008-04-08T21:21:00.000+01:002008-04-08T21:21:00.000+01:00"Are you disappointed in me?"Of course I am! You'r..."Are you disappointed in me?"<BR/><BR/>Of course I am! You're supposed to be a perfect supermum/superwoman/superhuman thoroughly infuriating paragon of virtue.<BR/><BR/>Don't be silly Mel, of course we're not disappointed in you. We love you just the way you are. Don't stop being 'you' please :)<BR/><BR/>FranAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29284826.post-34812266965209568492008-04-08T16:04:00.000+01:002008-04-08T16:04:00.000+01:00I wouldn't even have thunk it. I didn't assume th...I wouldn't even have thunk it. I didn't assume that you were the end all be all. But I do appreciate reading about all that you are trying to do. Helps me to keep going and trying too.<BR/><BR/>Just take those 'aren't you perfect' comments and use them in your next blog. I guess you could add eco-paint to your to do blog list for those times when your tapped out of ideas to write about. <BR/><BR/>Top 50 bloggers? Wow! Congrats! <BR/><BR/>Keep up the good work and know that most of us are hoping that your not perfect. That's just way to much to aspire to. Makes me tired just thinking of it.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12491546330737898593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29284826.post-52482967058928953572008-04-08T12:52:00.000+01:002008-04-08T12:52:00.000+01:00Now I see that you are not the person who visited ...Now I see that you are not the person who visited my blog...(my last message might have confused you) but I'm glad I stumbled upon you somehow.archivesinfohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11173735671172866919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29284826.post-34599247283014370412008-04-08T12:31:00.000+01:002008-04-08T12:31:00.000+01:00fabulous! I'm glad that you found my blog because...fabulous! I'm glad that you found my blog because it steered me to yours. I'm learning to take little steps toward more environmentally conscious living. I"m far from perfect and have a big carbon footprint, but I'm making it a little smaller one day at a time. I'm learning a lot through reading too. keep up the great work!archivesinfohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11173735671172866919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29284826.post-83999716484316775072008-04-08T10:14:00.000+01:002008-04-08T10:14:00.000+01:00Thanks for your messages of support everyone. The ...Thanks for your messages of support everyone. The best thing about blogging is the feeling of community that comes from the feedback in comments and emails and trackbacks etc. I had no idea this post would get such a reaction. I'm very happy to learn you don't all expect me to be St Melanie of GreenVille. If you did, then I really would want to go and live in a cave, just to hide from the pressure!<BR/><BR/>I didn't realise the original comment was from you, Ceridwen, and I didn't think you were knocking me at all! I'm glad you said it because I hadn't thought of eco-paints. It's given me something new to explore and learn about. I'm sure I'll write a blog post in future about my adventures tracking down the perfect eco-friendly-paint and using it to redecorate the hallway, or something. And anyway, it inspired this blog post which seems to have struck a chord with lots of people. So thanks very much for your comment, Ceridwen, and your kick up my backside - keep them coming!Melanie Rimmerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05871992146568559100noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29284826.post-21615097288877511272008-04-08T09:43:00.000+01:002008-04-08T09:43:00.000+01:00I had to think about the paint I used for the down...I had to think about the paint I used for the downstairs rooms here as I had lime plaster put on the walls after the concrete was chipped off & was told by someone who'd got it wrong that you then need lime based paint or it bubbles off the wall. The paint I used did come from B & Q! On the radiators & bathroom ceiling (plasterboard) I used ordinary paint ~ well bathroom & heat paint! I never thought about eco-paints. My mother is very intolerant of paint & gets quite ill when rooms are painted, but she was doing the cold-press with this "odd" paint & having fun.<BR/><BR/>Disappointed in you ~ NEVER. I love your blog & have learnt so much. Please could you help me put my briquette maker together ~ Annon unpacked it & mum & I are arguing over how it goes. I'm sure I'm right! It was my birthday present ~ inspired by you.<BR/><BR/>I was in Atlantic Homecare & Homebase yesterday, buying the shops up ~ plastic underbed storage for bedding, kitchen bin for dog food (Annon wanted her toy bin back & new doggy has learnt to open swing bins!), guttering bits, repair tape, dowel to mend my beloved clothes horse, shoe rack to keep them off the floor & maybe stop the dogs using them, coat pegs...Killihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13175513884016706612noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29284826.post-5422043018002042872008-04-07T20:24:00.000+01:002008-04-07T20:24:00.000+01:00HiWell - as put by another commenter - no, I wasnt...Hi<BR/><BR/>Well - as put by another commenter - no, I wasnt "knocking" you when I put my query re whether B & Q is doing paint sample tins yet - I genuinely thought that they must be doing so now and I hadnt noticed them.<BR/><BR/>My take on matters of a "green" nature is sometimes I am forced to do "wrong" as the opportunity to do "right" just isnt there yet (as in I knew I was buying the "wrong" dustbin liners, as that was all that was available then - though I guess if I had been trying really hard I wouldnt have got dustbin liners at all). Now, however, I can do "right" - as the correct ones have now started to become available - ie made from plant material or some such. They cost LOADS more - but I am getting them).<BR/><BR/>The most important things to get "right" environment-wise are:<BR/>a. not to have more than 2 children.<BR/>b. Not to use a car if you can possibly help it (ie dont have one at all unless you live somewhere distinctly inaccessible and then keep use to a minimum).<BR/>c. Try not to buy a house that has been built on a greenfield site, someone else's garden or a flood plain.<BR/>d. Buy as high a proportion of food as possible as organic.<BR/>e. Dont use plastic bags.<BR/>f. Use natural cleaning materials only.<BR/>g. Refuse to have anything to do with resource wars.<BR/><BR/>My eco-sins I confess too are last year I had my first holiday for quite some years and I went by plane and I havent yet found the courage to do without make-up and hairdye (though I know these arent necessary) or the odd glass of wine or two.<BR/><BR/>anonymous (aka ceridwen)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29284826.post-5545165840611929342008-04-07T19:41:00.000+01:002008-04-07T19:41:00.000+01:00I am not disappointed at all! I love reading your...I am not disappointed at all! I love reading your blog and have added it to my daily blogroll. You seem very down to earth and honest and this is what appeals to me. Keep on blogging and most of us will keep on reading!Tiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04409005614756083593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29284826.post-46475723440295662992008-04-07T19:17:00.000+01:002008-04-07T19:17:00.000+01:00Hi Melanie!!!I read your eco-suggestions from Ital...Hi Melanie!!!<BR/>I read your eco-suggestions from Italy everytime! <BR/>I am trying to make my life more sustainable, and you are a guide to me. <BR/>But I think that every person who strives to make a better world is a hero, even if it isn't possible to achieve perfection!<BR/>Without people like you (and other simple wonderful bloggers I knew) whose simple everyday life brings a contribution to environmental sustainability, we would be lost! <BR/>So go on your way, caring about your life and bringing us your example as you need! ;-)dandaworldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03539992452778511972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29284826.post-32692343235479003672008-04-07T16:14:00.000+01:002008-04-07T16:14:00.000+01:00I think you are awesome and inspiring and honest.I think you are awesome and inspiring and honest.Alliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16603700427096296937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29284826.post-66351160000266734092008-04-07T14:34:00.000+01:002008-04-07T14:34:00.000+01:00It can be exhausting trying to remember to always ...It can be exhausting trying to remember to always think about the ecological side of things when you do anything. <BR/><BR/>I went through a phase of buying energy saving products, before releasing that just buying a whole load of stuff made from plastic just because they use less energy is often worse than making the most of what you've already got.<BR/><BR/>I'm not disappointed and I don't think you should feel bad about the odd slip up! After all, there are more things to consider than simply the eco paint - a lot of supposedly eco products have been air freighted in, you often can't buy it from a local store, and the stuff we've used has proven not to be as waterproof as claimed (so we've had to cover with non-eco gloss anyway!)<BR/><BR/>That said, it doesn't smell and it's really lovely to paint with.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29284826.post-19143259185211791992008-04-07T14:04:00.000+01:002008-04-07T14:04:00.000+01:00One of the things I like most about you blog is ho...One of the things I like most about you blog is how it isn't at all preachy, and is very much rooted in a real life (yours!) <BR/><BR/>Getting the tone write as an eco blogger is actually pretty difficult. I know from some of the comments I get that some readers will assume anything prefaced by 'green' is designed to make them feel guilty, when that isn't my intention at all. It's a bit like those people who immediately get on the defensive when you say you're vegetarian, assuming you're about to embark on a lecture. But I think you tread this line very carefully, and that's one of the good things about your blog.Absinthecityhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05619459922948988646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29284826.post-25952228701963788542008-04-07T13:45:00.000+01:002008-04-07T13:45:00.000+01:00Disappointed?! Far from! I used to get so freaked ...Disappointed?! Far from! I used to get so freaked out because I couldn't do everything all at once - I couldn't afford all-organic food, I couldn't be a perfect vegetarian, I still can't get into a cold bed without running a hairdryer in it first (isn't that awful?), I ocassionally purchase new clothes, despite swearing never to do so again.<BR/><BR/>And you know what? Having all those expectations of myself and saying, well if I don't replace every lightbulb in my house with CFLs then I may as well not recycle then I may as well not try to buy one or two organic things... just made me lazier. Blogs like yours help me to stop expecting everything at once and to just take it one step at a time and do what I can. I absolutley adore your 'everyone can do <I>something</I> attitude'!<BR/><BR/>And yes, I def. think you're one of the fifty most powerful bloggers ;)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29284826.post-78848064358123996772008-04-07T13:08:00.000+01:002008-04-07T13:08:00.000+01:00There is the temptation to make out your life is p...There is the temptation to make out your life is perfect.. god knows i've fallen into that trap before now, feeling that something had to be perfect before i could post it. but i keep trying to grab myself by my shirt collar and shake myself and say "NO! it doesn't need to be! its your blog! post it!". ahem. :)<BR/><BR/>I think everyone else has said it far better than me, about the whole.. being green isn't about doing it 100% of the time, its about doing what you can, and i know if you were a preachy eco-saint then i probably wouldn't be reading you. I've been turned off a few blogs because they were preachy; i think you strike the right note of being inspirational while still being human. :)<BR/><BR/>speaking of being human: i think maybe we could all do with a "confessions" post. i know i could. so i'm gonna post one later, just so you know you're not alone. :)<BR/><BR/>keth<BR/>xxAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29284826.post-88191103336321689592008-04-07T12:20:00.000+01:002008-04-07T12:20:00.000+01:00Hi MelPLEASE don't feel as though you're letting ...Hi Mel<BR/>PLEASE don't feel as though you're letting people down by not being perfectly green at all times! You do SO much and your blog is full of brilliant ideas for lessening our impact on this beleaguered planet.<BR/>Reading your blog has frequently cheered me because I've realised there are actually lots and lots of us out there all doing our little bit, and that adds up to a lot of little bits....and that might make a real difference.<BR/>...and while I'm here, I just want to make a public confession to three cans of paint, a can of varnish and a small plant pot from B&Q yesterday. In my defense I just want to say it can happen to anyone! Honest Guv.<BR/>Best wishesNickyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00052217481971670174noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29284826.post-64475141604059235932008-04-07T11:19:00.000+01:002008-04-07T11:19:00.000+01:00Hi Mel,I am not disappointed at all, and I really ...Hi Mel,<BR/><BR/>I am not disappointed at all, and I really enjoyed this post. I totally believe that not everyone can be 100% eco friendly or live a 100% sustainable life. But we can ll try a little more and we should all inspire and encourage each other, not criticise people at the first opportunity...<BR/>Keep inspiring us and don't worry about not being "perfect" - no one is and certainly not me! :)Pepettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16114689913068150147noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29284826.post-47266302826700591672008-04-07T09:58:00.000+01:002008-04-07T09:58:00.000+01:00Don't worry Mel. None of us are ever going to be e...Don't worry Mel. None of us are ever going to be ethically perfect. People are always discovering new problems with the ways we're living, or discovering holes in our current ethical approaches (biofuel from crops, anyone?).<BR/>It takes a while for this stuff to filter down and get applied to our lives. Also, we all have limits, in terms of time and money, which hinder our uptake of some approaches. <BR/>However, I do think though that we tend to reach a comfort zone, and everyone now and then we need to be prodded to move on. That's why your monthly challenges are great.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29284826.post-30092666021889694032008-04-07T09:16:00.000+01:002008-04-07T09:16:00.000+01:00Oh and I don't think the original anonymous post a...Oh and I don't think the original anonymous post about B&Q (Not me) was trying to knock you. Just asking as it wasn't the obvious eco route.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29284826.post-66320763643730177092008-04-07T09:14:00.000+01:002008-04-07T09:14:00.000+01:00I don't think it is a cop-out to buy from B&Q, per...I don't think it is a cop-out to buy from B&Q, perhaps a little surprising to hear that you hadn't thought about it (at least before writing about it ;) ). No it's not disappointing, I am sure we all eco-sin and it means the information flow is two way.<BR/><BR/>Yes, most green paints are more expensive, but as I mentioned before, the lack of fumes as you apply it is almost worth it by itself. The colour range for most is very good. Availability is the big issue. As a compromise, I believe B&Q are doing a much larger range of low VOC paint now.<BR/><BR/>nAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com