There was much excitement this summer when one of the big discount stores opened in my home town. Providing yet another opportunity for some cheap retail therapy, this new outlet offered a bit of excitement for many in the midst of COVID gloom. Others welcomed the chance to hunt for bargains to help stretch their…

You can make your own instruments using items you probably have at home. Here we show you how we make key jingles. They’re a great way to upcycle some of the spare keys you undoubtedly have lying around! You will need -An even number of old keys. Yale-type keys are ideal. -Circular plastic lids- e.g.…

One of the topics I like to cover in my environmentally-themed music workshops is up-cycling. I talk about the merits of reusing and up-cycling over recycling, then I introduce participants to a range of ‘trash’ musical instruments. In my workshops I usually demonstrate a cuica (Brazilian/Monkey drums), shakers, an ocean box, key jingles and a…

Spring can feel like the ideal time to declutter and simplify your life and home. Books and blogs suggesting how best to do so have been popular for the last few years. The most famous, Marie Kondo’s The Life-changing Magic of Tidying, has even spawned a TV show. But can a book really inspire you…

I remember reading the story of The Enormous Turnip to my children when they were small. It’s a Russian tale that has been rewritten and adapted many times over. It’s a lovely, simple story with timeless messages for everyone, not just children. The Story An old man tries in vain to pull an enormous turnip…

Halloween is here again and with it comes a chance to think twice about the impact we make on the environment. As the shops fill up with decorations, costumes and trick or treat sweets, it’s easy to forgot how much waste is created. Here are a few spooky tips to ensure a more environmentally-friendly Halloween…

The seasonal wardrobe September heralds the end of summer time in Ireland, and all that entails in terms of sorting out the wardrobe for the onset of autumn and winter. It reminds me of the seasonal clothing collections launched throughout the year by the clothing industry, and the foolishness of fast fashion. I consider fast…

Environment the Musical (ETM) was written and produced in Ireland by Annette McNelis and a team of skilled musicians, singers and artists. Annette took inspiration from her native country and wanted to inspire others to look after the environment and the countryside around them. As a result shee decided to develop her own environmental resource.…

When you’re busy, stressed or distracted, climate change or the state of the planet can be the last thing on your mind. You might have enough on your plate at this time but it doesn’t take much to make a difference. Need some inspiration? Read on! Earth needs your help so don’t delay, begin today.…