Minimalism, simple living and sustainability: The start of a journey.
Four nearly five years ago, we reduced our plastic consumption. Launching ourselves right into it we aimed for zero waste! I would we are “nearly” and “aiming for” zero waste rather than actually zero waste. The first thing we did is we got rid of our large bin (it became a recycling bin) and replaced it with one a fifth of the size. I made my own make up, cleaning products, tried to find alternatives to what we were buying and cut things out. It took some adjustments and some practice and some things didn’t stick like making my own Make up and beauty products. My skin is not the best and it just got worse, cracking and bleeding. I have been able to find products that come in glass and more are appearing on the market now in alternative packaging. Plastic free items are definitely on the increase since we started reducing our sustainability journey and a shop has popped up near us.
Our plastic free swaps:
Our vegetables are delivered weekly by a farm near us and meat is bought at butchers and locally sourced – we have a flexitarian diet and have reduced our meat consumption to very low levels. We pay a little more for our vegetables but have traded the convenience and higher quality. Spending less on other things has counteracted this.
We make our own bread. We only buy things in glass, cardboard or tin. Sometimes this means you have to pay a premium to do this and you should consider budget first and foremost. I’d love to be able to do it all but just can’t.
We swapped our plastic toothbrush for bamboo ones but toothpaste has been an issue and we still get them in tubes. That can’t really be avoided for children. Colgate will however recycle their tubes.
Shampoo and conditioner. We tried shampoo bars (so many) and came round full circle. We now buy Paraben free shampoo and conditioner in large recyclable containers. They last a long time.
We gave up Cow’s milk and replaced it with Oatley milk. It took some time to find an alternative we all liked though.
Living more sustainability has involved a redirection of effort, time, and money put into purchasing items, completing tasks, and generally living life. Some meals have become family activities like making tacos. The shopping is list is very straightforward and pretty similar week to week.
We aren’t perfect, far from it, but I don’t think the world needs a few people doing things perfectly but rather of us doing things imperfectly. I feel like I am making a small difference and living more in line with my values. My son is learning to live sustainably. My family have also tried to make adjustments since we started our journey and we have also impacted on friends. My workplace has also made more sustainable choices. Every little change can make a difference.
“It is the greatest of all mistakes to nothing because you can only do a little. Do what you can.” – Sydney Smith
Some things you can do today:
1. If you haven’t already stop buying water in plastic bottles and other drinks in plastic bottles.
2. Carry a reusable water bottle and travel mug wherever you go. You get a discount on your coffee too.
3. Swap your washing powder from one in plastic packaging to one that is recyclable such as cardboard.
4. Swap your hand wash gel for soap.