On princesses...

I've been thinking recently about how much we need to imbue our children with our own principles. I'm not talking morals or ethics, I think most people want their children to be on the same moral compass as they are, whatever that might be. I'm talking politics really and feminism in particular.

Waste not, want not...

Once upon a time, I used to be a bit of a greenie. While I'm not sure whether I was an "eco-feminist" (believing that the Western scientific and capitalist framework marginalises women's connection with nature) I certainly felt concerned about the future of the planet in terms of global warming, waste strategies, energy policy and nuclear weapons. Sadly as a haggard mother of two, my eco warrior credentials have taken a poor second to my struggles to get through the day. Recently, a couple of people recommended I read Zero Waste Home by Bea Johnson (2013). It has become a cult hit, a book about an American family's attempt to produce zero waste in a year. I read it in a weekend and was inspired, finally a writer who can knock me out of what she calls "eco-depression" and "action paralysis".