Welcome to Day 1 of the Big Green Blog Gathering 2010! Today we are looking at the issues surrounding our global use of water, but we’re also having lots of fun :)

Today’s Solar Powered Cinema is being hosted by Allotment Envy, who are showing the first ever episode of that 70s self-sufficiency classic The Good Life (aka Good Neighbors in the US) and Rebecca Hosking’s A Farm for the Future.

In the Permaculture Garden, the Alternative Kitchen Garden team are talking about Water-Wise Gardening, and Mr. H will be joining us by video link to demonstrate some interesting preserving techniques to make the most of your plentiful summer produce.

The cafe today is being run by Suma, who are making Healthy Vegan Breakfast Muffins for the early-birds. Later on in the day, look forward to Kidney bean and vegetable risotto and Sweetcorn fritters. Those of you with a sweet tooth will be glad to here they will also be serving Fair Trade Coffee Tarts throughout the day!

The Knitting Circle will be meeting in the Living Willow Dome to discuss books and other useful resources for anyone who wants to make sure this useful hobby is as green and ethical as possible.

The Big Green Flashmob are heading over to the WaterAid site to help with their petition to get everyone access to safe, clean water and thereby stop people dying for the toilet.

As we speak, Permanent Publications are setting up their book stall in the yurt. While you are at the BGBG (Monday 26th until Friday 30th July 2010), you can order the following three titles for at least) 25% off. Simply quote BIG GREEN BLOG GATHERING 25% OFF PRICE when you place an order either via email (orders@green-shopping.co.uk) or via telephone (01730 823 311):


  • The Alternative Kitchen Garden: An A to Z, by Emma Cooper. RRP £14.95, BGBG price = £10.95

  • Getting Started in Permaculture, by Ross & Jenny Mars. RRP £9.95, BGBG price = £7.45

  • Do It Yourself 12 Volt Solar by Michel Daniek. RRP £9.95, BGBG price = £7.45

As the sun sets the PP team will be making way for the Botanicals Bar crew, and this evening their special is the Big Man’s Fabulous Redcurrant Kir.


Tomorrow’s theme is Energy, followed by Transport, Waste and Climate later in the week. If you have relevant links, or would like to contribute ideas for the Yurt, Permaculture Garden, Flashmob, Solar Cinema, Cafe or Botanicals Bar then email me :)