Summer Reading

Forget Dan Brown and J.K. Rowling and make this Summer a greener one with Karavan Eco and a range of new Eco and life orientated titles including:

Grow Your Own Drugs by James Wong

Whether you’re struggling with insomnia, the kids have eczema, or your partner is feeling under the weather, this book could have the answer. With easy recipes ethnobotanist James Wong shows how to make simple creams, salves, teas and much, much more from the stuff growing in your window box, the local garden centre or in the hedgerows. Using the flowers, fruit, roots, trees, vegetables and herbs that are all around us James provides preparations to help relieve a whole range of common conditions, including acne, anxiety, cold sores and general aches and pains – plus great ideas for beauty treats such as bath bombs and shampoos. Inspired by his grandmother in Malaysia who taught him about the health-giving properties of plants, James uses his top class academic knowledge to show how easy – and cheap – it is to make creams, lotions, lozenges and more which can help relieve the symptoms of a variety of common complaints. He reveals how many plants contain the same active ingredients as over-the-counter drugs and chooses his Top 100 plants to grow or buy, complete with ideas for a whole range of uses. So unleash the power of plants and soothe the symptoms of everyday ailments the natural way.

The Forager Handbook by Miles Irving

At any time, in any place, food is there for the taking – if only we knew how and where to look. Miles Irving makes his living out of foraging – in this unique, authentic guide, he reveals the how, why, what and where of this lost art, a way of life that is becoming increasingly popular as more and more of us pursue an eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle. This ground-breaking handbook tells you how to recognize the rich possibilities that surround us, whether in the city or countryside. From waste ground to woodland, from cliff top to coast land, plants flourish year in, year out. Spring is when wild garlic flourishes in shady woodlands; summer is the time for marsh samphire in the salt-marshes; autumn heralds an abundance of fruits and nuts; . Many of these plants – nettles, dandelions, fat hen, sorrel – grow so profusely they are considered a nuisance. Yet they offer fantastic food possibilities and are rich in nutrients. Assiduously researched, packed with information and enlivened with anecdotes and more than 330 photographs, “The Forager Handbook” is a milestone publication marking the way forward for the future of British food. And for each plant family, Miles gives ideas for using foraged ingredients in the kitchen. With recipes from some of the most exciting chefs working in Britain today, including Sam and Sam Clark, Mark Hix and Richard Corrigan, and coverage of techniques like drying, pickling and making cordials, this book will take readers on a voyage of discovery. Foraging was something our ancestors did instinctively – this book truly connects us with our past and our future. Discover a secret world of edible possibilities – all freely available.

Eco Babies Wear Green by Michelle Sinclair & Nathalie Dion

The urban babies have gone green! Whether living life in the fast-carpool-lane, or eating locally grown produce, you’ll find these trendy tots going the extra mile to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

So while you’re out enjoying the sun don’t let the Earth overheat! All titles are available either in store or on our website.

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