A couple of years ago, the kids asked could we “send some money to poor people in Africa” and it has now become a regular thing to do a bit of fundraising on the run in to Christmas. The two years we gave to SolarAid, this year the kids wanted something related to water so WaterAid was the obvious recipient. As with last year, we ran a yard sale, and although we didn’t shift that much stuff, we raised over £100.00 and caught up with the neighbours over a glass or three of mulled wine. It’s a nice antidote to the traditional consumerism and gluttony, of which we partake liberally.

When I was clearing the garden to put up the stalls, I realised I needed to clean the decking as it gets very slippery during the winter. So I filled a bucket with hot soapy water and gave it a scrub. I went back to the kitchen to get some cold water to sluice it down. Just as I was about to fill the bucket, it dawned on me. “We’re raising money for WaterAid and you’re about to throw buckets of drinking water quality water at your decking, you idiot.” I went back out into the garden and filled it from the water butt.

Goes to show how behavioural change requires interruptions, even for someone who eats, lives and sleeps sustainability every day!