info@greenerkirkcaldy.org.uk   8 East Fergus Place, Kirkcaldy, KY1 1XT   01592 858 458

Greener Kirkcaldy

Going Greener Together

Halloween Upcycling Workshop

Halloween Upcycling Workshop

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Halloween Upcycling Workshop

Posted on 26 September 2016 by Lauren Brook

Halloween felt craft embellishments

Monday 24th October, 6.45pm – 8.45pm

St Bryce Kirk Centre

Instead of rushing off and buying a generic Halloween costume that will be the same as everyone else’s (and you’ll only wear once!), come along to our upcycling workshop with sewing experts Gabbi and Claire and discover how to transform old clothes and fabrics into scary and unique costumes!

Gabbi and Claire will have lots of great tips, and the equipment to get you started – just bring your old clothes along!

The event is free to attend but spaces are limited. Please contact us to book your place – call 01592 858458 or email info@greenerkirkcaldy.org.uk

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Watch our Volunteer Film

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Food & GrowingArchives , VolunteeringArchives

Watch our Volunteer Film

Posted on 28 September 2016 by geraldine

Currently we have a fantastic team of volunteers that help us achieve our aim of helping our community ‘go greener together’.There are many ways that volunteers can get involved with Greener Kirkcaldy from meeting people in our High Street Hub, to blogging, to getting your hands dirty at our two growing projects. Our volunteers use and learn new skills, develop community resources that benefit everyone and build up valuable work experience, all while doing their bit to help our local community and the environment. There is a great sense of working together for a good cause, and most importantly it’s great fun!

Watch our new film, all about life volunteering at Greener Kirkcaldy here:

Greener Kirkcaldy Volunteers from Greener Kirkcaldy on Vimeo.

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What is Permaculture?

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Food & GrowingArchives

What is Permaculture?

Posted on 30 September 2016 by Steven

Greener Kirkcaldy are running a 2 day Introduction to Permaculture course next weekend – 8th and 9th October. In this blog I will give a little taster on what Permaculture is all about. Permaculture is an integrated approach to designing healthy, productive, wildlife friendly environments. Permaculture is being used all around the world.

The Basics

Permaculture combines three aspects. These aspects are:

  • An ethical framework
  • An understanding of how nature works
  • A design approach

It is possible we can get much more out of life by using less. We just need to think carefully about the way we use resources we have such as food, energy, shelter and other material and non material needs. We can be far more productive using less effort and at the same time benefiting ourselves and the environment.

Ethics

Permaculture has three ethics. Those ethics are

  • Care for People – As part of this planet you matter!! Care for people asks that our basic need for food, shelter, education, employment and healthy social relationships are met.
  • Care for Earth – Permaculture works with the natural systems rather than in competition with them. In everyday life this could involve:
    • Buying local produce
    • Eating in season
    • Cycling rather than driving

It is about the choices we make and how we manage the land.

  • Fair Shares – Permaculture’s third ethic is about living within your own limits. By living within your own limits you all can create surplus resources for the first two ethics. Key social strategies include:
    • Access to family planning
    • Helping people to meet their basic needs of clean water
    • Adequate food
    • Shelter
    • Warmth
    • Basic healthcare and education

The Permaculture Association says permaculture seeks to create and distribute life-giving resources fairly amongst people, animals and plants while keeping in mind the future generations.

These ethics don’t just apply to permaculture but permaculture applies them to their design process. Their aim is to take the ethics away from the philosophy and use them practically in people’s life.

Principles

Permaculture has twelve design principles that they use to allow them to re-design the environment and our own behaviour using less energy and resources. The twelve principles are universal but the methods used could vary depending on where you are and the circumstances.

The twelve principles are –

  1. Observe and interact – Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
  2. Catch and store energy – Make hay while the sun shines.
  3. Obtain a yield – You can’t work on an empty stomach.
  4. Apply self regulation and accept feedback – The sins of the fathers are visited on the children of the seventh generation.
  5. Use and value renewable resources and services – Let nature take its course.
  6. Produce no waste – Waste not, want not. A stitch in time saves nine.
  7. Design from patters to details – Can’t see the wood for the trees.
  8. Integrate rather than separate – Many hands make light work.
  9. Use small and slow solutions – The bigger they are, the harder they fall.
  10. Use and value diversity – Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
  11. Use edges and value the marginal – Don’t think you are on the right track just because it is a well-beaten path.
  12. Creatively use and respond to change – Vision is not seeing things as they are but as they will be.

Find out more on the principles.

Permaculture is about low carbon, eco-friendly and having plenty. It is also an ethically based design system for people who want to not only transform their lives and the lives of the people around them, but also to play their part in bringing an ecologically balanced, fair and kinder world into existence.

Design methods

Permaculture has used may useful thinking tools from different places which include design frameworks from other disciplines. The framework can help guide through the process of the design which means you are less likely to miss something. The different stages of the design process can be very detailed but below are the main things to keep in mind:

  • Surveying
  • Analysing
  • Designing
  • Implementing
  • Maintaining
  • Evaluating

More information on the design methods.

One thing is for sure. It’s a fascinating subject, with many aspects, and it’s still evolving. If you would like more of a hands on approach and to learn more about permaculture then we have a course on Saturday 8th October and Sunday 9th October with practitioner of permaculture principles and design, James Chapman. There are limited spaces available so be quick, find out more and book your place now.

References

Permaculture Association

https://knowledgebase.permaculture.org.uk/

https://www.permaculture.co.uk/what-is-permaculture

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Greener Kirkcaldy Book Swap

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Greener Kirkcaldy Book Swap

Posted on 13 October 2016 by Devoran Driske

Every Wednesday to Saturday Greener Kirkcaldy host a book swap at the High Street Hub.

pexels-photo-176103_

So if you have any books that have not been read for a long time, you can bring them along and exchange for a book that you have not read before (then you can bring back the books you got and swap them again!)

What are the benefits to you of a book swap?

The benefits that you will get by taking part in the book swap are:

  • You will get to read a new book at no extra cost
  • You will be getting rid of books that you do not want to read again
  • An easy way to pass on an unwanted present that you received
  • You can get the opportunity to read something that you would not have normally read
  • You will get the chance to meet new people at the event

 

What are the benefits to the environment?

As well as benefiting you, there are also benefits to the environment when you get involved with a book swap. They are:

  • Less books going into the paper bucket (and sadly even the landfill bucket)
  • When people share books, it reduces the need for people to buy new. This in turn will then reduce the amount of books that need to re-printed by the publisher

You can even call into the Hub if you either forget to bring books along, or you just walk past. You can take books that you would like and bring in books to be swapped later.

We look forward to seeing you in the Hub!

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Getting Your House Ready for Winter

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Energy AdviceArchives

Getting Your House Ready for Winter

Posted on 21 October 2016 by Steven

It’s that time of the year again. Winter is approaching fast and it will be time to get your house ready for whatever the winter brings. Now is a great time to take advantage of our free and impartial Cosy Kingdom energy advice service which will help you and your family stay warm and save money. Here are some more handy tips on getting your house ready for the winter.

1.      Get your boiler checked

Not having your home properly heated over the winter months is the last thing you want. Also a poorly maintained boiler can use up more energy and end up costing you more money. A good idea would be to get your boiler checked before the really cold weather kicks in. You can also check if your boiler is working properly by checking if the pilot light is on, checking all the switches are on so the boiler is getting power and trying a new fuse in the plug.

As well as checking your boiler works, check you know how to use it! Make sure you understand your heating controls including how to work your radiators properly and how to set the timer. This will mean your house is cosy at the right times.

Which?.co.uk diagram
Which?.co.uk diagram

2.      Check you Insulation

A good place to start checking on your insulation is in your loft as, according to money supermarket, a quarter of your heat in your home is lost through the roof. Cavity wall insulation is also worthwhile considering. Having this will keep your house warm and will use less energy.

3.      Draught Proofing

The cold winter breezes can make their way through any gaps in your doors and windows, so it is important to check them to see if any draughts are coming through. If there are gaps, you can seal them up with draught strips or draught excluders, as shown below.

Image result for draught excluder
Image from http://www.which.co.uk/energy/creating-an-energy-saving-home/guides/draught-proofing/

For your skirting boards you can use sealant to fill in any gaps that may have appeared. Also if your letter box doesn’t have a second flap or brushes then it could be an idea to cover it, or get something like an Ecoflap, which acts as a draft excluder.

Ecoflap
Image from ecoflap.co.uk

4.      Clearing your gutters

Probably not the most enjoyable task in the world but it’s important that it’s done. At this time of year, your gutters could be full of leaves and dirt which could cause blockages. If blockages become too much then they might build up and leak into your roof and into your walls. Also leaves and mud can block your drains which can also cause leaks into your roof and walls, so make sure they are clear.

Gutters
Image from pnwwg.com

5.      Protect your pipes

As the temperature drops during the winter months burst pipes are pretty common. The best way to avoid having burst pipes is to keep your pipes warm with their own foam cardigan which is called lagging. This will reduce the amount of heat loss and will also insulate the pipes which will stop them freezing. Also if you have any plants surrounding your pipes, then it’s a good idea to remove them from that area as they can also cause damage to your pipes.

6.      Bleed radiators

If you are finding that your radiators are colder at the top than at the bottom then it’s time to bleed them because they have trapped air inside them which is stopping the heat from circulating properly. When you bleed radiators the trapped air gets released which allows the radiator to work properly. Follow the link here for a step by step guide on how to bleed your radiators if you don’t know how.

 

File:Bleedscrew in use.jpg

7.      Check your energy deal

It is good idea to check what kind of energy deal you have and then see if there is a cheaper deal for you available. Make sure you find the right deal for your household and don’t worry, switching suppliers is easy – if you do need to switch then there won’t be any disturbance to your service as you will be just paying to a different company when your bill is due.

8.      Lighting

The winter months means much less daylight and more emphasis on using your lights. Luckily you can use energy saving lights such as LED’s. LED’s would be very useful for you outdoor lights too as they can withstand the snow and rain. If you don’t know much about LED’s then these past blogs on what they are and the misconceptions surrounding them might help.

led 2
Image from energy.gov

Remember – we’re here to help!

Our Cosy Kingdom energy advisors can give you advice on any of the above tips, and more. They can visit you in your home so the advice is specific to you and can also give advice on fuel debt, Warm Homes Discount and help with benefit checks. If you’re eligible, we have a free handyman service to fit energy saving measures such as LEDs and curtains in your home. We cover the whole of Fife, and can visit you whether you’re tenant or homeowner. Email info@greenerkirkcaldy.org.uk or call 01592 858458 for more information.

References

Age UK     Money Supermarket     Right Move    USwitch    Tesco Bank     Which? Switch       Which?

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Computer Maintenance Classes

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Computer Maintenance Classes

Posted on 28 October 2016 by Lauren Brook

PYour computer or laptop will last longer if properly maintained, and many common computer and laptop problems can be easily fixed yourself if you know how. Sign up to one of our Computer Maintenance classes and learn new skills to solve common issues and faults. There are three classes – you can sign up to one, two or all three.

 

Class 1: Computer Basics – getting to know your device

Monday 7th November, 6 – 8pm, St Bryce Kirk Centre Kirkcaldy

  • Definitions and parts of a computer
  • Introduction to operating systems
  • Folders, files and the recycle bin
  • Web browsers & email
  • Installing peripherals and accessories

 

Class 2: Basic troubleshooting – cleaning and speeding up your computer

Monday 14th November, 6 – 8pm, St Bryce Kirk Centre

  • Cleaning the hardware
  • Diagnosing problems
  • How to run a disc clean-up, defragmentation and system restore

 

Class 3: Basic troubleshooting – securing your device

Monday 21st November, 6 – 8pm, St Bryce Kirk Centre

  • What are viruses, malware and spyware?
  • Diagnosing problems and running checks
  • Anti-virus software
  • Internet security
  • Backing up your device and cloud storage

 

Booking is required for the classes as spaces are limited. To book your place contact us on 01592 858458, email info@greenerkirkcaldy.org.uk or drop into our High Street Hub at 254a High Street, Kirkcaldy, Wednesday to Saturday 10am – 4pm.

The classes will be hands on. Please bring your laptop with you. Future classes will focus on tablets and smartphones. More information soon.

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