Greenliving Winter

greenliving Your lifestyle guide to all things eco...

Winter 2011/2012

magazine

Win! EDEN PROJECT FAMILY TICKETS

Time to step it up a gear?

Make those New Year’s resolutions count by pledging to travel more sustainably

Shine or shade?

A fascinating investigation into the benefits and drawbacks of home solar-power

Win!

A Team-Building Experience at Folly Farm Centre

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151-153 Wick Road, Brislington, Bristol BS4 4HH Tel: 01179 779188 Visit: www.greenlivingmagazine.co.uk For general enquiries: Peter Francomb Email: peter@greenlivingmag.co.uk For competition entries: Email: nick@greenlivingmagazine.co.uk For advertising enquiries: Helen Kembery Email: helen@greenlivingmagazine.co.uk © Copyright 2011 greenlivingmagazine.co.uk All rights reserved. Material may not be reproduced without permission of Greenliving. While we take care to ensure that reports, reviews and features are accurate, Greenliving accepts no liability for reader dissatisfaction arising from the content of this publication. The opinions expressed or advice given are the views of the individual authors, and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of Greenliving Greenliving magazine provides effective communication through design. We specialise in brochures, corporate identity, advertising, direct mail, marketing and design for print.

We have a reputation for clear, creative solutions to communication problems for a number of corporate, sports, financial, charity and leisure industry clients.

We maintain the highest of standards, throughout each individual project and our client relationship. We pride ourselves on delivering distinctive designs and ideas that will get you noticed.

For more information, please contact Peter Francomb Tel: 01179 779188 Email: peter@greenlivingmag.co.uk Visit: www.greenlivingmagazine.co.uk Competition Terms & Conditions In addition to any specifically stated terms and conditions, the following applies to all competitions. All information forms part of the rules. All entrants are deemed to have accepted the rules and agree to be bound by them. The winner will be the first entry drawn at random from all the entries sent back after the closing date and will be notified by either post, email or telephone.

The prizes are as stated; they are non-transferable and no cash alternative will be offered. All entrants must be at least 18-years-old. Competitions are open to UK residents only. One entry per person.

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The name of the winner will be published in the next edition. The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Prizes do not include unspecified extras (such as travel).

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Welcome…

Hello and welcome to Greenliving magazine, encompassed within this month’s bumper issue of flavour.

Our team of hardy eco-warriors have been working hard to help offer you practical, smallscale solutions to leading a greener lifestyle.

We aim to show you the direct benefits that minor modifications can have for your well-being, your family, your pocket and, most importantly, your planet.

Here at Greenliving we are always interested to hear of any ideas, features or news stories that have caught your attention, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your snippets.

Email nick@greenlivingmagazine.co.uk with your thoughts…

Change starts with us.

Louis Labron-Johnson

Inside...

Eden Project

Sustainable Travel

Folly Farm

Green Park Station Winter 2011/2012

greenliving

News River Cottage Branches Out Ethical investment specialist Triodos Bank has successfully raised sums for the expansion of River Cottage Canteen & Deli beyond its Axminster base.

The new Canteen is located in the ex-Royal Navy Victuallers Yard, in a Grade 1 listed brewhouse building next to Plymouth Sound, with views of the beautiful Rame Peninsula.

It is based on the successful River Cottage Canteen & Deli in Axminster, which was originally set up by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, whose River Cottage TV series on

Win a team-building experience at Folly Farm – with added sheep!

Win a Team-building experience with a difference for you and your party – Folly Farm’s Shepherding challenge with expert shepherd Chris Farnsworth.

Channel 4 has captured British viewers’ interest in food provenance and sustainable living.

The new River Cottage Canteen & Deli in Plymouth offers a unique combination of high-quality seasonal, local, organic and wild food in a relaxed ambiance, to eat-in or take away.

Challenge your team’s dynamics with this great and quirky activity, then return to the conference suite for homemade cake and Fairtrade coffee. Together with Chris, you review footage shot during the event (from all angles including a ‘skycam’ and a ‘sheep-cam’) to better understand how your team operates both individually and collectively. This is a relaxed yet effective way to get the team focused for the year ahead!

For your chance to win, simply send your contact details in an email headed GREENLIVING12 to nick@greenliving.co.uk Subject to availability and minimum/maximum numbers apply.

Prize offered as half-day event in conjunction with booking a conference at Folly Farm Centre.

Web: www.triodos.co.uk

WHERE DID THE SUN GO? Solar panels look set to be a far less lucrative investment for many householders, as a result of new government proposals.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change will halve the payments made to homeowners generating their own solar electricity.

These proposals could mean far fewer firms will offer “free installation” deals. This could mean the scheme becomes the preserve of the middle classes with only those who can afford the £10,000 plus installation looking set to be able to use solar panels to cut their own domestic fuel bills.

Winter 2011/2012 26

GREEN HOUSE HOTEL LIVES UP TO ITS NAME The Green House Hotel is the only hotel in Bournemouth to be awarded the highest gold level by the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) for its outstanding performance as a sustainable tourism business.

for demonstrating a great commitment and staff awareness to being green and for its outstanding progress in energy and water management and dedication to purchasing from local suppliers, wherever possible.

The audit report commends the Green House Hotel

www.facebook.com/ greenhousehotel

Spring 2011

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WIN!

Eden Project Family tickets

The Eden Project in Cornwall was built in a disused clay mine, transforming it into a rich, global garden where people can learn about nature and get inspiration about the world around them.

Eden uses music and art to excite and inspire people about the world around them. Year-round they offer a rich programme of events onsite that engages people in environmental issues, helps them develop their own creative talents, and reminds us that, together, we can make amazing things happen.

Spring 2011

Greenliving has teamed up with the Eden Project to offer three sets of family tickets to readers for a fabulous day out in Cornwall. For your chance to win, simply email your name and contact details to nick@greenlivingmagazine. co.uk under the heading GREENLIVINGEDEN. www.edenproject.com

Winter 2011/2012 37

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Folly Farm S

o what can people do at the Folly Farm Centre? Perfect for business, the four purpose-built conference suites – all blonde wood, smart chairs, bare bricks and gleaming floors – offer every gizmo you could need for the business-end of things, providing the perfect venue for your conference and training needs.

The charming period farmhouse offers 10 comfortable en suite bedrooms, and 10 self-catering studios are available in the centre’s beautifully converted cow sheds, so delegates can wake up to glorious views over Chew Valley lake before heading to the Dairy restaurant for some delicious (and locally sourced) home cooking.

Winter 2011/2012 36

Located in the heart of a stunning 250acre nature reserve close to Bristol and Bath, the award-winning Folly Farm Centre has everything you’ve been looking for in a green and away-fromit-all venue for conferences, weddings, leisure time and team-building days.

Whether you want some serious staff training, need space to do your own thing, or could simply do with some outdoors fun, the Folly Farm Centre is ideal for your next team-building event.

Folly Farm offers a wide range of engaging activities – everything from Business Training Academy programmes (including accredited ILM courses), to shepherding out on in the surrounding fields.

The farm is a place for learning – educational programmes have

been designed for children of all ages and abilities to learn about science, sustainability, history, geography, art and food & farming.

Folly Farm is ideally suited to larger families, weddings and retreats looking for a venue that offers sole-use of

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explains: “I can quite easily ramble on about the modern meeting rooms and the impressive glass ceiling in reception that joins four buildings together but, instead, I would like to share with you our commitment to progressing in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner.

accommodation (sleeps up to 45 people), function rooms and catering facilities.

Sustainability is at the heart of what they do at the Folly Farm Centre, so it’s no surprise that they offer a range of BioConferencing services, including sustainability speakers from the worlds of CSR, sustainable development, ecology and environmental education. If you build furniture, they can bring in an inspiring green designer. If you sell paper, how about an expert in sustainable forestry? Work in planning or construction? Let them find you an ecobuilding maven to inspire your people.

The opportunities are limitless.

‘It’s not what we do really, it’s where we are - when you first walk in to Folly Wood you realise how magical and enchanting this piece of Old England really is. The distant call of a buzzard reminds you that we share this place with so many different creatures, and we have the responsibility to take care of them all by doing our best to minimise our impact on nature. Folly Farm is the perfect venue to prove that you can host weddings, conferences and family groups and still introduce a positive footprint on your surroundings. We have designed the centre to be as eco-friendly as possible with lamb’swool insulation,

biomass boilers, glass ceilings and solar panelling. Picture frames are made from wood reclaimed from our own Folly Woods.

We source local and organic food and wines and we promote healthy living by giving all resident guests the opportunity to join adult course programmes, or simply by just providing directions for them to stroll in the 250 acres of natural reserve. A local grazier maintains the surrounding fields, so no noisy lawnmowers will trouble your stay.”

Choosing Folly Farm is an excellent way to demonstrate your organisation’s commitment to protecting the planet.

The Folly Farm Centre is owned by the Avon Wildlife Trust. All profits from the organisation are donated to charity.

The Folly Farm Centre Stowey, Pensford, Bristol BS39 4DW Tel: 01275 331590 Web: www.follyfarm.org

Folly Farm also hosts ecological tours of the wildlife and habitats of the stunning nature reserve surrounding the conference centre.

As Centre Director, Philip Niemand,

Winter 2011

Winter 2011/2012

greenliving

Not looking forward to your heating bills this winter?

There is an alternative and with the proposed government incentive the chances are you may have no heating bills at all.

Heating fuel for the future will be biomass and at Bioheat we promote and develop all things biomass, from installing simple log boilers to highly efficient and sophisticated automatic wood pellet boilers as well as providing consultancy and test facilities for the development of future biomass fuels.

Tribes Travel

All your hard work and efficient planning has been enjoyed on the happiest day of your life. Now it is time to relax and enjoy your time as a newly-wed couple on your well-deserved honeymoon.

If you fancy something unique, exotic and a touch luxurious for your honeymoon whilst revelling in the feel-good factor of knowing that your honeymoon is helping to benefit other people, the wildlife and the environment, then you should consider Tribes Travel, the award-winning sustainable tour operator.

Tribes works with you and advises you every step of the way so that you get the honeymoon you’re dreaming of. Tribes plans holidays in Africa (safaris and beach), South America (Galapagos cruises, tours of Peru and Ecuador, jungle trips, beach and wildlife trips in Brazil), India and Nepal (wildlife, culture, beach, hiking, retreats), plus Jordan and Morocco for culture and adventure.

Talk to the friendly, well-travelled consultants about what you want and they’ll work out an itinerary especially for you. If it’s right, perfect. If it’s not, they will tweak it until it is, or you can decide it’s not for you, there’s no obligation. Tribes also offer a honeymoon gift voucher service.

Tribes Travel Web: www.tribes.co.uk Tel: 01728 685971

We have been in the biomass industry for over ten years and have extensive knowledge of the different types of biomass fuel available and the best equipment to burn it.

Bioheat is independent and work with many industry partners enabling us to provide you with the most suitable system for your home or business.

Bioheat Ltd “Providing affordable energy for a sustainable future”

www.biomassheating.co.uk 01963 32604 or Email sales@biomassheating.co.uk

Monkton Wyld Court is dedicated to the education and enrichment of guests and residents alike.

The centre promotes sustainability for all ages through cooperative living and learning, practical skills and personal growth. Meals are lovingly prepared using fresh organic ingredients from our own organic walled garden and other local producers. We also offer B&B and specially tailored holidays for family celebrations.

Make 2012 your green skills year

. .

PERMACULTURE DESIGN

28TH JAN 11TH FEB HEDGELAYING

2ND MAR 4TH MAR

0 1 2 9 7

5 6 0 3 4 2

www.monktonwyldcour t.co.uk Winter 2011/2012

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Ethical Solar

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Installing solar panels – are they still worth it?

On December 12 the lucrative subsidy that was offered to homeowners installing solar panels was cut by a half. The shock announcement caused panic across the solar industry as the mad rush to get systems registered with the higher rate kicked off.

The question now that the cut-off date has been and gone is; is a solar Installation still worth doing?

There is no doubt the incentive is not what it was. Luckier homeowners who caught the deadline will be expecting a 7-14 per cent annual return on their initial investment compared with the 5-10 per cent return that homeowners installing solar panels now will receive.

The decision to cut the feed-in tariff was in response to the rapid fall in PV prices, which took a dramatic drop of over 30 per cent in the last year. The government insists that the scheme was never designed to be as generous as it became.

While the choice is not as clear-cut as it was, panels are always going to be worth

investigating. They still offer you a healthier financial return on investment then many banks will ever offer. Another bonus is the feed-in payments will rise with inflation (linked to RPI) and you’ll save more if energy prices jump significantly. With the prices of electricity as they are the Energy Saving Trust (EST) estimates a typical 2.9kWp system can knock £90 to £180 off a family’s bills each year. That figure depends a lot on system size, electricity use, whether you’re at home during the day and other factors.

If you are interested in the environmental benefits, solar power will always be a good option. Your choice of panel however is important. A typical domestic system can save 42 tonnes of carbon over 25 years. Some are manufactured using more sustainable resources and requiring fewer carbon miles to transport than others. Some panels take only two years to generate the same amount of energy they took to produce compared with other often Chinese panels that take as many as 14. The quality of panel is inevitably important as well as this will affect how much electricity your system produces.

sustainability Ethical Solar are installing the most sustainable panels on the market that are not going to cost consumers the earth either. They are installing panels of European quality, at Chinese prices.

Ethical Solar won the prestigious Installer of the Year Award 2011 for taking a true ‘lifecycle thinking’ approach to the products they install and for maximising the positive social output of the company’s operations as well.

As a solar PV installer and advisor based in Bristol, Ethical Solar can help explain how your property can benefit from solar panels.

They provide free advice on all aspects of solar PV installation, including details on your potential system’s generation and returns.

Ethical Solar support customers throughout the whole process – from installing panels to setting up payments.

Web: www.ethicalsolar.org

With a commitment to both ethics and

Winter 2011/2012

greenliving

New Year Resolutions Travel Sustainably The New Year is a good time to travel more sustainably, save money and get healthy

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t’s that time of year when we have all enjoyed the excesses of the festive season, and are now starting to think about New Year’s resolutions to make fresh starts in various aspects of our lives.

We often consider changing our diets to shed a few of those extra pounds gained from too many mince pies and turkey, or joining a gym to get more active – but how often do we think about the impact of how we use transport, or the routes we take to carry out our daily activities? Have you ever considered that making a change in the way you commute could positively transform your health, your well-being and your bank balance as well as help our local environment?

Winter 2011/2012 36

A new government-funded initiative known as the Local Sustainable Transport Fund is helping our local authorities in the West of England work with businesses and commuters to encourage the use of alternative ways of travel to work with an aim to reduce the amount of single occupier car journeys across the region.

year in fuel alone – and the obvious benefits to the environment. Visit www.2carshare.com and register for free, then find out how much money you could save by car sharing and see if anyone is going your way. With over 8,000 people already registered on the site, you could help save money and the planet – and even make new friends.

There are some mind-blowing statistics that demonstrate just why we need to rethink the way we travel. For example, did you know that there are 38 million empty seats on our roads each year? Or that if all motorists car shared one day a week then congestion would be reduced by 20 per cent? Not to mention that the average person can save up to £1,000 per

As well as car sharing there are a number of other ways that we can change the way that we travel. Catching the bus in Bristol has become much easier recently through the introduction of new bus lanes and priority traffic lights, which are speeding up journey times. You may have noticed new improved bus stops around the city with real-time

greenliving

There are some “ mind-blowing statistics

that demonstrate just why we need to rethink the way we travel. For example, did you know that there are 38 million empty seats on our roads each year?

”

information boards making it easier to see when the bus is on its way.

If you haven’t considered using the bus for work before, why not have a look at your local authority website where you’ll find comprehensive route planners. Type in your home and work postcodes at www.travelbristol.org/bus to see how easy a bus commute can be in Bristol.

You can also find local travel information at www.travelplus.org.uk. If you need some time to yourself to unwind at the start or end of the day you’ll find a bus journey can offer a chance to catch up with the news or escape in a good book. Alternatively, if you live a shorter distance from your place of work

Winter 2011

why not consider travelling to work under your own steam? Both walking and cycling are excellent ways to keep fit and healthy, and provide you with the freedom to choose your own routes, and be in control of the time it takes to undertake your journey.

Gill, a Marketing Manager, has made the shift from driving to work alone to using the Park & Ride at Portway. “The Park & Ride at Portway has proved to be a great solution for me. The buses are regular and fast into the city, and out again at home time. I am able to catch up with the news or read a book during my journey, and I feel much more relaxed and less stressed when I arrive at work than I ever did sitting behind the wheel! I’m also

using significantly less fuel so as well as saving money I’m also doing my bit to relieve congestion and help the planet.”

There are so many benefits for both you and those around you in considering more sustainable travel, and Better By Bike in partnership with Bristol Council are constantly striving to make transport in the city greener and more affordable. Make sustainable travel a New Year’s resolution, and make a difference.

Web: www.travelbristol.info

Winter 2011/2012

greenliving

Sustainable Travel Solutions

With fuel costs rising, and the need to look at greener forms of transport becoming more apparent everyday, Sustainable Travel Solutions may just have taken a big step forward.

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ustainable Travel Solutions (STS) are forever searching to find easier, lower-cost, lower-emission transport solutions, and have struck gold with their latest high-quality ‘pedal-assist’ hybrid electric bikes. These can be leased out to help businesses and commuters find their way across the city with a minimum of hassle.

The benefits of hybrid electric bikes are numerous: they help reduce rising fuel costs, as well as parking costs and pressures. Also, the bikes have very low carbon emissions compared to almost any other form of motorised transport, and pedalling helps promote an active and healthy workforce.

Avoiding traffic jams is a huge bonus as the bikes can nip in-between lanes, vastly reducing in-town travel time.

The bikes come complete with lights, panniers, odometer, cycle lock and insurance, and the lease agreement includes

Winter 2011/2012

a comprehensive maintenance and support package with complete repair and parts or whole bike replacement. Each lease (usually two or three years) is tailored with the right support package to meet the needs of each organisation.

Each bike is powered by a 36v battery fixed to the back, which will give up to 40 miles of travel. A control panel on the front handlebars is used for ignition and the lights and supplies information on speed and distance travelled as well as telling the time.

STS provides on-site maintenance, servicing, repairs and a call-out service to keep you cycling, as well as fitting each bike with a unique identifier with the emergency number for users.

A fast and ecologically-friendly way to get around, as well as keep fit when you pedal, Sustainable Travel Solution’s pedal-assisted hybrid electric bikes are a must-have for the discerning commuter or the green-friendly business.

Their skilled mechanics train new users how to take care of their bikes but will always be available to come out should anything go wrong.

Occupational therapist Victoria Johnson waxes lyrical about the virtues of hybrid electrical bikes. Victoria says, “I’m a complete convert. I hate sitting in my car in traffic. I’d much rather be on my bike. With these bikes you still have to pedal but it makes it easier and I don’t get sweaty going up hills.”

Tel: 0845 213 0200 Web: www.sustainabletravelsolutions.co.uk Twitter: www.twitter.com/pedalassist

greenliving

Inntravel offer wonderfully slow holidays on two wheels amid some of Europe’s most captivating scenery.

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hat better way to experience a region ‘up close’ – just as the locals see it – than by spending a leisurely week journeying by bike, with cycle hire included and your luggage transported from hotel to hotel? The wide choice of self-guided routes will appeal to everyone: whether you wish to meander along the country lanes of Menorca, immerse yourselves in the tranquility of rural France, or discover the magical landscapes of Bavaria, you will find this is the perfect way to travel, while minimising your impact on the local environment.

You stay at small, charming hotels, and as good food is another vital ingredient of any Inntravel holiday, expect to enjoy memorable dinners of delicious regional cuisine.

Inntravel is an idyllic option for those who love the freedom of cycling, with the comfort of a soft bed at the end of each adventure.

Web: www.inntravel.co.uk

Blackboy Hill Cycles Blackboy Hill Cycles is an independent, family- run cycle shop situated on Whiteladies Road in Clifton, Bristol Stockists of Specialized, Claud Butler, Falcon, Mongoose, Haro, Wethepeople.

Blackboy Hill Cycles offer a repair workshop for all repairs big or small, full services and general check ups for all bikes.

We hire bikes at £15 for 24hrs or £50 a week.

10% discount given to students on spares bought (not bikes)

180 Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2XU 0117 9731420 www.blackboycycles.co.uk

greenliving

Bath Vintage and Antiques Market at Green Park Station

Some things just get better with age, so take pleasure in all things vintage, antique and recycled at the monthly Bath Vintage and Antiques Market (aka BathVA), at Green Park Station in the heart of Bath.

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athVA – which runs on the last Sunday of every month ­– is an enjoyable, affordable market that promises a great day out whatever the weather!

The now established market is proving very popular with the public, who have been coming in great numbers to search the Aladdin’s cave of 60 quality market stalls. All sorts of bygone treasures can be found including beautifully made, high-quality furniture, as well as unique jewellery, ‘brantiques’ (upcycled furniture), vintage fashion and accessories, decorative homewares, kitchenware, silverware and chinaware, upholstery, garden ephemera, recycled products, clocks, phones, cameras, books, militaria, crafts and paintings by regional artists.

Good news for pocket and planet… apart from being a great day out, the market taps into our current need to be resourceful, green and thrifty in these times of recession. By buying quality pre-loved items, you’re getting something that’s built to last, has enduring appeal and is an eco-conscious alternative to the throwaway society we’re all trying to put behind us.

The buzz on the street is upcycling! Tired but trusty old pieces are given a new lease of life with a modern makeover, to be cherished by a new owner. It’s an upward cycle of rescue, restore and rehome.

BathVA also aims to encourage existing

Winter 2011/2012

antiques buyers, as well as attracting a new audience who may not have bought vintage and antiques before. Affordable pieces that have endured the decades represent the quality and nostalgia of a past era, and deserve to retain a place in our homes and hearts.

Bath – a World Heritage city – is famed for its Roman ruins, Georgian architecture, its boutiques and its artistic and artisan output.

It also has a long tradition as a centre for antiques, which The BathVA aims to help revive. A quality, city-centre specialist vintage market has been long awaited.

The venue is Green Park Station, itself an antique and steeped in history. This undercover market space is protected by the soaring glass roof that once housed platforms and steam trains, and boasts all the essential facilities required for a regular market throughout the year.

There is no time like the present to be inspired by the past.

Green Park Station Green Park Road, Bath BA1 1JB Tel: 01225 787910 Web: www.greenparkstation.co.uk

The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread Have you ever wanted to lose a few vital inches without going on a crash diet? Do you fancy losing weight healthily while feeling more energetic? Do you dread bread because it makes you feel bloated?

If you answered a resounding ‘yes’ to one or all of these questions, why not try Village Bakery’s brand new, easy-to-follow ‘Try Rye’ challenge?

Including rye bread in your daily diet helps to support healthy weight loss or weight maintenance. Because it is 100 per cent wheat free it can also help alleviate bloating and discomfort helping you feel generally better on a daily basis. Furthermore it has four times the fibre and 20 per cent fewer calories than standard white sliced bread.

Web: www.village-bakery.com

Experts in sustainable and high performance solar electric systems

FIRST KUNDALINI CENTRE IN THE WEST!

Wilder St Studio is launching the first Kundalini centre in the west, specialising in Kundalini yoga, and other forms of yoga and dance all designed to wake up your Kundalini; your life force.

Get out of the mind, into the body and the present moment at the Kundalini Centre.

Activate and release your hidden potential, the Kundalini. Unlock unlimited energy and creativity and rediscover deep serenity in your true nature.

Located in Bristol’s most bohemian quarter, Montpelier, Yogasara is a yoga studio that focuses on high-quality yoga and the community!

Bristol’s only not-for-profit yoga organisation, Yogasara puts yoga, people and the planet before profit.

Yogasara 10-12 Picton St Bristol BS6 5QA 07789 501884 www.yogasara.co.uk

Yogasara is home to a group of talented teachers who offer classes, courses and workshops in diverse styles of yoga, movement and meditation.

Whether you are new to yoga or an experienced practitioner you will find a session at Yogasara that satisfies your needs.

Yogasara: The art of well-being

Classes available every day throughout the day and evenings. Please do get in touch whether you have something to offer or if you wish to take part.

For bookings and more info contact Mark Keane, Yoga Studio Manager and Teacher Kundalini Centre, Wilder St Studio, 27-29 Wilder St, St Pauls, Bristol BS2 8QA Tel: 07522 522 723 www.wilderststudio.co.uk

greenliving

Yogasara is the Essence of Yoga’

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Yogasara focuses “ on creating the

ogasara Studio was founded by Christopher Gladwell and Sarah Harlow and is Bristol’s only community yoga studio. As a community interest company, Yogasara puts yoga, people and the planet before profit. Yogasara is a unique synergy born out of total dedication to the path of transformational yoga.

With teachers of quality, some of whom have been teaching yoga for over 20 years, Yogasara can offer you the very best in yogic insight, practice and skills.

Yoga is about cultivating strength, integrity, flexibility, power, well-being and loving awareness in your body, your heart, your mind and your soul. Authentic yoga also emphasises the importance of the ‘quality of presence’ in every posture, every

situation and every moment – whether that is a handstand in a yoga class, sitting in meditative absorption or standing in a supermarket queue!

Yogasara focuses on creating the body-mind as a strong container so that it becomes both a safe haven and a place of wild adventure, a sanctuary of strength and a source of wisdom, an ocean of respect, kindness, harmony and joy that will become the guiding compass in your life.

Yogasara celebrate an integral approach to yoga, embracing the many paths of yogic wisdom, methods and practices, which aim to awaken each individual to their greatest potential. Great value is placed

body-mind as a strong container so that it becomes both a safe haven and a place of wild adventure

”

upon encouraging individuals to inquire and realise through direct disciplined experience, translating the traditions of thousands of years into practical, functional methods. These methods enable you to apply them in modern living and thus celebrate and share this awakened sense of truth, power, connection and love in every moment of every day of your life.

Yogasara 10-12 Picton St, Bristol BS6 5QA Tel: 07789 501884 Web: www.yogasara.co.uk

Winter 2011/2012

greenliving

Healthy & Tasty Essentials, an ethical health food brand based in Bristol, have employed renowned nutritionist Christine Bailey to create a number of delicious dishes using nutritious, natural ingredients that are widely available at health food stores.

The recipes aim to inspire people to try new, healthy ingredients but also to experiment with familiar ingredients – such as pesto and tahini – in a new way.

Here is one of our favourites, a delightful vegetable curry – hearty and warming for those winter months ahead.

Butternut Squash, Coconut and Chickpea Curry With Toasted Coconut Flakes Suitable for vegetarians and vegans, gluten free, wheat free, soy free, egg free

Ingredients

1 tbsp cumin seeds 1 tbsp coriander seeds 1 tsp fennel seeds 3 large garlic cloves Small piece fresh root ginger 1 red chilli, deseeded 1 tsp turmeric 1 tomato Pinch of sugar 2 tbsp Essential virgin coconut oil 1 red onion, finely-chopped 1 tsp garam masala 250g butternut squash, chopped 1 red pepper, chopped 225g green beans, sliced 400ml can Essential organic coconut milk 400g can Essential chickpeas 400 can Essential chopped Italian tomatoes 1 tsp tamarind paste Handful of chopped coriander leaves 30g Essential toasted coconut flakes

Method

1 Place the garlic, ginger, chilli, turmeric, tomato, seeds and sugar in a food processor and process with a little water to make a paste.

2 Heat the coconut butter in a large pan.

Sauté the onion for 2 minutes until lightly coloured. Add the chilli paste to the pan and reduce.

3 Stir in the garam masala, coconut milk and tomatoes with the butternut squash.

Simmer for 15 minutes. Add the red pepper, green beans and chickpeas and cook for a further 5 minutes.

4 Stir in the tamarind paste, season to taste and scatter with the coriander leaves and coconut flakes to serve.

Web: www.essential-trading.coop

Serves 4

WHY PAY MORE?

Save Up To 50% On Fuel Costs

by Converting To LPG

£50F OF

WITH THIs ADVERT TERMs & CONDITIONs APPLY

VALID OffER INCLusIVE Of VAT

4cyl from £1050 6cyl from £1250 8cyl from £1450

LPG 71p/Litre Annual Safety Check

t Es 9 9 19

LOA N CA R

AVA IL

Call Today For Fantastic Savings

AB

LE

Freephone

Price valid march 2011

0800 071 7001 0117 9537000 155 W s , B Bs3 3PN EsT

T

EDMINsTER

Avon Autogas Ltd

Web: www.avonautogas.co.uk

Email: info@avonautogas.co.uk

Try the bus

We are improving your local bus network. Three new showcase bus corridors have recently opened, Cribbs Causeway to Bristol, Weston-super-Mare to Bristol and Filton to Emersons Green. The new showcase corridors are part of a network of 10 with: • New buses • New bus stops • Real time information that tells you when the bus is due • Improved reliability from bus priority measures such as bus lanes and traffic lights that turn green when the bus approaches For more information about the project and the latest offers and competitions visit www.travelplus.org.uk and www.traveline.info for bus timetable information.

Winter 2011/2012

Do you know where your electricity comes from?

Ours comes from the sun and the sea, the wind and water.

Produced by a community of over 6,000 independent generators.

And because we’ve held our prices since April 2009, we tend to cost less than the ‘Big 6’ standard tariffs.

Local, natural, everlasting.

This is Good Energy.

Together we do this 0845 456 1640 goodenergy.co.uk

GEY1.088_GreenLiving_advert_03.indd 1

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