Don’t worry, this blog isn’t going to be full of scary facts and figures or ‘you have to change now’ tactics. But I do hope it might instill some sort of change in some of us (although, to be honest, mainly myself as most of you are even hotter on this topic than I am!).
The amount of waste our society goes through is beginning to scare me
I’m including myself in this as I am by no means perfect – the amount of disposable nappies we have gone through these past 8 months doesn’t bare thinking about – but this isn’t about pointing fingers or doing a complete 360 in 5 days. I hope that, by sharing a few things I am consciously doing to help the environment can open a discussion and others can provide tips and maybe we can change a few habits together.
I suppose some of the issue with a lot of ‘sustainable’ options are that they are pricey to set up, so I can see the issues with lower earning families and it’s hard to explain/believe that it will be cheaper/worth it in the long-run, especially if you are living day by day. A few of these options we’ve started to introduce gradually and will keep topping up every month to fully integrate it into our lives. For us, it can’t be an overnight process but it’s a start to cutting down on waste.
BATHROOM WASTE
I briefly mentioned Terracycle in my post on recycling and have since been looking into it further. You’d be surprised at how much waste can actually be recycled – huge brands such as Garnier and L’Occitane have partnered up with Terracycle so you can post or pop into store with your used shampoo/bodywash bottles (Garnier are accepting bottles from ANY brand, too).
Obviously, the next step is NO waste at all – I swear by hand soap in our house and have heard good things from Lush’s hair soap, but small steps here….
Toothbrush-wise, I use a bamboo one for my brace at night, and have a silicone reusesable one (I spent a small fortune on the Foreo one but am liking it so far) – it’s not 100% eco friendly but you only need to change the head once a year as opposed to every 3 months and its charge lasts 6 months).
I have just this week ditched cotton wool pads for these via Etsy (as recommended by a reader via Instagram!).
And now I’ve made the switch to Thinx pants
This was probably something unthinkable to me a year ago (period pants – gross!) but especially after having Peggy I was aware of how much waste I was going through during my period and post-birth (again, the pants are pricey and you still need to wear something extra during heavier flow days – I will gradually buy one a month to build up a stock of them). I have also switched to Ohne – 100% organic tampons (did you know that regular tampons even use harmful bleach to make tampons look prettier?!) with no plastic packaging or applicators and is the only reasonable item I can actually think of that I would ‘need’ on subscription!
A few friends have recommended the Mooncup, too, which is zero waste so this is my next step.
BABY WASTE
This has probably been the biggest turning point for me, as I am so aware of our household waste. We are starting to make more food for Peggy ourselves but it has been a slow and unnerving process, mainly because we’ve been scared as first time parents to give too much salt, not enough protein etc etc so have relied on a few pouches when out. For Ella’s Kitchen pouches you can download a prepaid label from Terracycle (Ellacycle), use a box from home and package up your pouches to help with cutting down on waste (they do take Lidl ones, too, we checked!).
But recently and going forward, we’ve invested in reuseable pouches from Doddle which have been tricky to wash but worth it!
I’ve got to be honest I am not ‘there’ yet with reuseable nappies, and selfishly it’s more the time it takes for me with working full-time, renovating and drying things in a building site kitchen etc….but for the time being we are looking into biodegradable nappies like Kit & Kin. And since even writing this post someone on Instagram has recommended Bumgenius and to start using at night so it feels like an easier transition – so off we go! For London dwellers, check out Real Nappies for London which offers impartial advice on making the switch to reuseable nappies and most London boroughs offer vouchers and incentives to help you to switch and start cutting down on waste!
We have finally made the switch to Cheeky Wipes
Instead of throwaway wet wipes – we bought the kit of white cloths for nappies and then use coloured ones in the kitchen for face and hands (we also use small muslins dipped in water at home). Again, it’s not cheap at first and we’ve had to buy a few gradually over time but in the long run, obviously, it does work out cheaper, too.
FOOD WASTE
For once, I can say proudly, we don’t waste food (but we obviously recycle shavings ends within our local council food recycling scheme). However, perhaps a little more right now as Peggy is starting to form opinions on food she doesn’t like! But in terms of packaging, again, it’s hard but we always take our own eco bags out everyday, and I’ve done this for over 10 years. We rinse and recycle as much packaging as we can and recently, have been buying more from market stalls using our own bags, too. This is an easy step towards cutting down on waste I’ve also been thinking about these reuseable sandwich bags once we need to start doing lunches for Peggy. Luckily for us, Wood Green has an abundance of great fruit and veg and meat stalls and you can buy a whole bowl of fruit for £1 and just tip it into your own bag.
A few people recently told me that Morrisons encourage shoppers to bring their own tupperware to the meat and fish counters, which is excellent, and there are a few zero waste stores opening up, and one even locally to me – Harmless – where you can take your own cannisters and fill up with grains and pasta etc – and we will try it this month.
We have switched to Eco Egg for laundry and absolutely love it, and use their bamboo cloths around the kitchen for spillages and quick cleaning instead of kitchen roll, and we have completely stopped using cling film and plastic straws therefore cutting down on waste.
On a side note: in terms of meat consumption, we actually don’t eat that much in our household. Mainly through budget, we started researching more tasty vegetarian meals and now they are often our go-tos. We probably eat meat about twice a week and it will be a big meal where we make a chilli con carne or a stew and save and freeze over the next few weeks.
I have completely stopped using plastic bottles of water, and now carry my own wherever I go – I love Chillys as they keep it cool or hot for up to 24 hours. And I have my own ecoffee cup, and when I forget to take it with me, I am not allowed coffee – so it pays to carry it! The only downside is that my bag is a lot bigger and heavier these days but luckily for the time being I have a pram I can hang it from!
OFFICE WASTE
Unfortunately, my job is probably one of the top producers of waste and excess packaging. I get sent a lot of products, and while I do have to try some as part of my job as ‘Tester’ and ‘Editor’, I am trying my hardest to cut down on what is sent to my office. I try and ask PRs to think about what is necessary to send, turn down a lot of ‘gifts’ which aren’t relevant or necessary for me to create content and then where possible, separate to give items to charities and have started saving for Beauty Banks.
Even small things such as consciously stopping myself from using vocabulary such as ‘need’ and ‘must-have’ is a step I’ve taken towards consumption, and avoiding the topic of Black Friday sales.
I reuse and recycle all packaging and boxes which go to my office and I am always asking questions when I meet PRs: what is this brand doing towards sustainability and packaging? We’ve got a long way to go but if we approach our jobs with these questions in mind, we can try and force change from the inside.
I think that’s about it! Wow, this actually made me feel a slight bit better about what we are doing to help. I know we have a way to go but research is definitely the answer here – and community – if we all encourage each other in a non-judgemental way then we can make a difference and work towards cutting down on waste.
Bec says
I absolutely love reading your blog Alex! I swear by reusable produce bags for putting my fruit and veggies in. I’m based in Australia, so I use these ones
https://www.onyalife.com/product/reusable-produce-bag-8pack/
I’m sure there are similar in the UK though 🙂
Jade says
I loved this post Alex! I like to think I’m pretty eco but have learnt a few tricks here! I’ve been searching for a soap which doesn’t give that ‘tight’ feeling to replace shower gel so if anyone has any suggestions let me know!
And with Christmas coming up it’s good to remember not to buy foil wrapping paper… as it isn’t recyclable! 😉
Food for thought. Very interesting, thanks for sharing.
thanks for this! I have just purchased an eco egg because of you!
I had a huge collection of small cotton draw string bags which shoes, purses, jewellery seem to come in (or that I’ve been given to pack my underwear in when you travel!) – so we have started taking these to our fruit and veg shop and to markets, to put loose fruit/veg in these instead of using the plastic and paper bags on offer. Cuts down on lots of waste and makes us feel a little bit smug.
Thanks for this. Really interesting, definitely paper towels. We go through a lot. Where we are are hood on recycling, but doing more in our life wn space is good too. You’ve inspired me to do more.
Wow, brilliant article! So many great ideas and much food for thought !
Can you provide link for the replacement cotton wool pads .. I would certainly start using those!
Many thanks!
Such useful tips and so inspiring to read this! Thank you!!!
It is linked – the navy blue Italic words are linked – so the word etsy – but have added it here (as probably a bit subtle – oops!) https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/576187431/reusable-cotton-pads-12-makeup-remover?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=reuseable+cotton+round&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&organic_search_click=1&bes=1&source=aw&awc=6091_1543311783_f98a076c19f6d6a5b830b752fe0a109d&utm_source=affiliate_window&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=uk_location_buyer&utm_content=136348
Thank you Alex! With the recent report released here in the US about climate change, we all need to do what we can. I’m sure I can do better and will find US products to follow your lead. 🙂
Yes we recycle loads but it’s still going somewhere (and have heard stories that we don’t really know what happens to it once it leaves our house) – keeping it inside and closing the loop is the answer xx
Yes and sooooo much chicer! x
Oh yes – I’m trying not to wrap ‘too’ much and purposely didn’t buy the foil paper yesterday in Tiger! I have linked the free people shampoo and bodywash as think maybe I’d trust their stuff? x
Perfect! And was reading about reusesable sandwich bags on Goop the other day! x
This is brilliant. Like everything you write, you manage to make it relatable to everyone and you are also realistic. I love that you are using your platform to spread this message.
The Lush shampoo soap blocks are great. I’ve been using them for years. They last a long time and so easy to pack!
There was an interesting article in the FT weekend magazine a couple of weeks ago on the recycling industry and how it’s struggling since China decided to heavily cut down on importing our “recycled waste”. It’s an industry in flux.
Great blog!
great post and so refreshing to see of late with a lot of people I follow on instagram going for the ‘red cup’ trend. All the little things we can all do will contribute and help 🙂
Yes it really is, odd, isn’t it?!
Thank you – yes there’s such a fine line between preachy and conversational! Relieved I found the balance xx
Oh gosh it’s such an intricate topic! x
Oh yes, sorry to do only UK links – there are SO many amazing US brands doing great things xxx
This is an amazing post, loads to take in and think about – thanks! One thing I have recently bought is a Face Halo from Boots: a reusable make-up remover instead of cotton pads, I’ve used it a couple of times so far and it’s great!
I loved this post, did not know about bamboo kitchen towels, will definitely be ordering, and also want to try out the ecoegg.
Method are no longer considered to be an ethical environmentally friendly company unfortunately – they sold out to an American corporate who have a very bad history with cutting down forests for palm oil. Found this out yesterday from Enbrogue. However – you can put white vinegar, water and essential oils in an old method bottle and use that as a multipurpose cleaner – cheap and chemical free! x
Great article and useful tips! I’m buying the reusable cotton pads for all my girlfriends for Christmas! I think that’s what people are missing – education and easy ways to cut waste. Most people probably have no idea how to change their habits.
Hi! What a great post, thanks for the suggestions and encouragement!
I just want to make a note that real Christmas trees are better for the environment than fake trees! (Unless you use your fake tree for 35+ years). Real trees are farmed for Christmas and quickly decompose afterwards, but a plastic tree will be used for a handful of years and spend eternity in a landfill! Real trees are pricier and seem wasteful at first glance but in the long run are much better! Plus they smell lovely 🙂
Keep up the good work, it’s great seeing people promote small-medium changes in habits and lifestyle overtime, it makes a difference in the long run!
Xo
I love this post! I’m trying to be more aware myself, and I understand how daunting it is when you first start thinking about it but this post has lots of good ideas and if everybody began by just changing ONE thing the difference would be huge! I’m starting with our shower and aim to be plastic free by Feb (just using up what we already have) I’ve got shampoo/cond bars on my christmas wish list x
Thanks Alex, loved this post. Totally agree that although there are things we’ve been doing well for ages, there’s always a little more we can do. I’ve bought some Christmas presents from your suggestions as well as updated my own personal collection and contributions to better living!
Hi Alex,
Love this post, just a quick question about the Eco Egg – do you still use softner?
Thanks,
Chloe
Food for thought the real vs fake tree argument. Supposedly real trees are better for the environment as they do break down. Whereas fake trees are plastic and while you do use them for years and years (well we do at least) when you finally do throw them away it is like any other garbage. I struggle with this one myself as we have had a fake tree for years and I am not just going to get rid of it but it is a tough one.
Great post with so many good tips 🙂
The New York Times wrote an article about real vs artificial trees yesterday which was interesting, with good debates for both sides. The Christmas tree farms provide a lot of good for the environment with clean air and good environments for animals. But I agree the tree skeletons that hang around on the streets in January are a depressing sight. An artificial tree used for +5 years will have a lower impact on the environment but most are made in China so shipping them over by plane or boat maybe doesn’t have a good impact and poor quality in the past meant a lot ended in a landfill (but I think you can get much better quality now to last decades).
For those who love a real Christmas tree (especially the smell of them), my mum has a potted one that lives in her garden. All you need to do is give the pot a wipe down, fling off any slugs and you are good to go every year. If you plant it in a terracotta pot it doesn’t look too much like Christmas year round in your garden and then you can just put a giant bow or tinsel on the pot when it comes in the house. You can support local farmers and provide a perch for birds, win win 🙂
Sorry for all the tree chat, I’m off to purchase some Thinx (already a mooncup convert) and the reusable cotton pads. The food tips were great too, as the excess plastic packaging makes me feel guilty everytime I open the bin.
Great blog post.
Have you heard of Pela? https://pelacase.com
They also send a weekly email with tips on how to be more eco-conscious etc.
x
there’s really nothing difficult about resuable nappies – wish more people would getvon board. have you seen how lobg thsy take to even start to degrade, and human waste should not be put in landfill. and if your worried about the chemicals in tampons, think how much are in nappies and your putting them on tour baby’ s sensutive skin???
they’re so easy to use. a little liner goes in the nappy, so poo can be flushed away treated properly. and washing them couldnt be easier.
im a full time gardener, and i took my daughter to work with me til she was 1, and then she went to nusrery, and through out used wasable nappies.
its really not difficult, people need to get over the lazy factor – there are NO excusrs
I can vouch for Morrison’s supermarket- you just turn up with your own Tupperware at their deli counters and I think you get loyalty points for doing so as well. They have also switched from using plastic bags in the fruit and veg section to using paper bags instead.
The biggest switch I have done recently is starting to use a milkman again with glass bottles.
PS I’ve just looked at the georganics site and their bamboo toothbrushes are out of stock currently.
I loved this! Realistic, thought provoking and relatable to anyone else going “how can one person make a difference?” It’s all about the bigger picture and if you’re able to make changes in your day to day with a small child and house renovations ongoing, then why can’t everyone else?
Hi Alex, thanks for the post! I’ve been transitioning to a “greener” life recently and was reading about Christmas trees. They said the best would be to have a DIY one (made of whatever you can think of that you already own) and if not have a real one! Mainly because the production of fake trees is so much worse for the environment (chemical, transport etc…). And for wrapping presents, I’ve discovered the “Furoshiki” to reuse cloths, it’s more work, but looks really nice! Xx
Thanks, great blog. I managed to use reusable nappies for part of the time with my daughter. Tried to return to them now she is now only in nappies at night but she’s now rejected them as too big (fair point, they’re enormous!). I find old muslins are good replacement for kitchen roll.
Thanks Alex, this is so helpful. Will definitely check out Harmless, as we’re not far from Wood Green too.
I’ve been thinking about switching to reusable wipes for make-up and the Etsy ones look great. Do you use something with them to get mascara off, or do they work just with water?
Another thing we’ve done this year is spoken to family and asked for nothing plastic for Christmas! We have a 3year old and a 7month old, so plastic toys are always arriving…
Hello! Great read but I have to disagree with you re Christmas trees, artificial trees cannot be recycled and they are not biodegradable. So it will still be hanging around somewhere in landfill for centuries.
This is true, also! We’ll have ours for life and hope to never put it in landfill, however – ours is actually my parents’ old one so we’re doing our best x
Yes! A great vow! I will use my usual product to get the eye make-up removed x
Oh yes – ours is actually one passed on from my parents’ so we’re stopping it from landfill at the moment but maybe we don’t even have a tree from now on?
Thank you x
Fab! Makes me think of going to Morrisons again….!
I think everyone has their limits personally, and I know I am pushed to the limit myself right now mentally and physically – yes, these are excuses (and I have just bought some!) but we have to allow people to change one step at a time – we’re all trying our best x
No – it sounds amazing!
No, this is great – I have added that our fake tree is one leftover from my parents house from years ago so we have hopefully helped in someway and will pass it on rather than throwing away! And yes, my parents have all our old trees in their garden x
Yes, but from method – or sometimes essential oils x
Amazing x
Amazing xxx
I have added that ours is second-hand so its stopping it from landfill – sorry! Forgot to mention which does change it slightly x
Yes, and i didn’t until recently and researching this post has made such a difference!
I thought this was Ecover, and not Method? And do we know that this will 100% happen to Method, considering its origins and ethos? Just asking as know it’s very easy to assume….and I like to know all the facts before boycotting! x
So I got loads of messages last time I used a microfibre cloth as apparently it releases things into water when it’s washed and kills fish and it’s made from non biodegradable materials….I know – it’s a minefield…! xx
This is is so awesome and perfectly timed, we’re also in a big drive to improve our waste this year. My best hack so far has been menstrual cups. I got into them just for environmental reasons but they’re so much better on all fronts.
This month has been “find a good bar shampoo month”. Haven’t got to trying the Lush one yet but I was introduced to these shampoo “cubes” (beautykubes.co.uk) by a girl running a stall at a market by Camden Common tube at the weekend and they are amazing. Definitely better than the bar shampoo I tried off Amazon and I think better than my expensive Pureology liquid-in-a-bottle one! I used the Shampoo and Body Wash, Normal Hair *without any conditioner at all* and it left my hair so bouncy and shiny. I also love that they’re made in Cornwall (yay for supporting small local businesses). Travelling at the moment and it’s brilliant not having to bring bottles of shampoo and conditioner or a wet shampoo bar!
No idea how to kick my biggest environmental guilty treats though – buying stuff on Amazon, flying and my love affair with our clothes drier…
Great article. Also good to see Thinx underwear avail in UK now. Can also say that Lush shampoo bars are fab . I’m planning a swap to ecoegg in laundry may be a daft question but do you use fabric conditioner still with yours?
This is is so awesome and perfectly timed, we’re also in a big drive to improve our waste this year. My best hack so far has been menstrual cups. I got into them just for environmental reasons but they’re so much better on all fronts.
This month has been “find a good bar shampoo month”. Haven’t got to trying the Lush one yet but I was introduced to these shampoo “cubes” (beautykubes.co.uk) by a girl running a stall at a market by Camden Common tube at the weekend and they are amazing. Definitely better than the bar shampoo I tried off Amazon and I think better than my expensive Pureology liquid-in-a-bottle one! I used the Shampoo and Body Wash, Normal Hair *without any conditioner at all* and it left my hair so bouncy and shiny. I also love that they’re made in Cornwall (yay for supporting small local businesses). Travelling at the moment and it’s brilliant not having to bring bottles of shampoo and conditioner or a wet shampoo bar!
No idea how to kick my biggest environmental guilty treats though. Buying stuff on Amazon, flying and my love affair with our clothes drier…
Hi Alex, Some interesting tips and links here – thanks for sharing! Babi pur and beaming babies also have great products for parents and babies, and it’s definitely worth checking out their websites. Also – it’s apparently very easy to make beeswax wrap as an alternative to cling film. 🙂
What are your thoughts on sustainable fashion and the clothing industry? While it’s great to make small changes to our daily habits (wipes, packaging etc.), our clothing habits and fast fashion industry produce so much unnecessary waste. Do you try to shop at vintage fairs? Pass on clothes to others? Buy in charity shops? It would be great to hear how you try to mitigate the impact of fast fashion. Thanks!
Lots of good info but was waiting to read about changes you are trying re: fashion. Your blogs are often about buying clothes and given recent publicity about how un eco friendly fashion industry is , was looking forward to reading this.
I guess your job kind of depends on not tackling that to the same extent?
I imagine it to be quite a difficult place for a lot of influencers to find themselves
Sorry, tried to reply to Jade’s question about soap – but ‘reply ‘wasn’t working. I swear by Oliva soap, and my skin’s a lot better since I started using it. It’s 100% olive oil, doesn’t go mushy in a soap dish and available in places like Holland & Barrett – cheap as chips too and lasts ages. No chemicals , no fuss.
Hadn’t thought about wrapping, another thing to consider. Will be buying the beeswax paper in the small shop in Manchester, genius . Thanks for telling me about it.
Great post! I carry a bamboo spork everywhere as I’m constantly eating salads etc on the go. It’s small but efficient so it just goes in my bits and bibs wallet in my bag! It comes in a cute cork sleeve.
My other amazing discovery is ‘who gives a crap’…recycled toilet paper that comes wrapped in super cool paper with lots of different designs…you can take the wrapping paper off the roll and then reuse it for Christmas. Double win! They’re doing a free trial at the moment.
And I swear by my mooncup…so much less waste and faff and all in the comfort of your own home as only needs ‘dealing with’ morning and night.
And lush shampoo bars are ace! And convenient for hand luggage only – no liquid!
I’ve also started buying loo roll from Who Gives A Crap… sustainable & it gives 50% of the profits to charity… & it’s also in really cool packaging with zero plastic!
Hi Alex- great article and very useful. Quick question… Any recommendation for nail varnish remover pads? I use cotton wool but don’t think reusable pads would work.
Thank you
Tropic used to do an amazing cleansing body pebble, wrapped in paper. It was pretty cheap and lasted for ages. For some bizarre reason it’s no longer available and I can’t find out why ☹️
Lovely post Alex!
I am the founder of Mitzie, a company that is trying to reduce the amount of plastic waste and toxic chemicals we use in our homes. I have developed an organic and completely plant based Multi Purpose Surface cleaner that comes in an amber glass bottle.
I would love to send you a bottle. I know that you have included Method in your suggestions but despite what you may think from their marketing, if you read their ingredients on the plastic bottle they aren’t as eco as you may think.
Hopefully I can get a bottle to you soon!
Lucy x
Fabulous ideas thank you! I am getting some of those bamboo clothes to replace my kitchen towels.
I am already very sustainable fashion wise being a huge vintage and charity shop fan but like you am working to reduce other waste too.
Love the bamboo towels – there are always new things to try – it’s actually quite exciting! xx
I was sent some tropic stuff lately, so will ask them xx
No idea – that is a great question! Will try and find out x
Hi Pamela, this post is particularly on household waste – if you want to read about my fashion ideas, try this post from a few months ago https://the-frugality.com/re-use-re-wear-recycle/
Thank you for this. You have suggested several small steps that we all can make to lessen our waste footprint on the world, and at varying price points which I appreciate too. A quick note on Method and Ecover (which have been the same company,People against dirty, since 2012) they were bought by SC Johnson, a huge US conglomerate, at the start of the year who has a dismal record on animal testing and use of palm oil. However both Method and Ecover retain their cruelty free and eco-friendly status despite this, they have not changed any formulas, nor do they use the other factories used by SC Johnson. However, whether you want your money and profits (both Ecover and Method are growing in popularity) to ultimately go to a parent company that is cruel and detrimental to the environment is another whole ethical nightmare….
Christmas trees: We live quite near a small zoo which collects Christmas trees for the big cats to play with!
Great post, I definitely need to do more re our waste, and be more mindful of purchases and the packaging surrounding them. I’m always dismayed by ordering online and the sheer amount of plastic that is used to transport garments. Surely big companies can do more to transport clothes in a more sustainable manner.
Oh great! Thank you – yes next stop is shampoo bars (maybe I’ll start Chris first!!) x
I use essential oils or fabric softener (but Method – although a few people are saying they’re not as eco as they used to be!) x
Yes to all of this – this post is specifically about household but I am a big recycler – have a read here https://the-frugality.com/re-use-re-wear-recycle/
have heard a lot about this brand today!
Yes you have to carry a lot more around with you but worth it! x
Yes! I completely agree – when I tagged Tiger in an Instagram story about how much plastic was used in their packaging, they replied by saying they were looking into alternative options – so at least we’re making *some* progress x
This is great! x
Aaah thanks for clarifying – yes this does sound a bit tricky indeed x
Thanks Lucy – what are the pricepoints? Sounds great x
Great post and one that’s timely for me. I went to an environmental conference for primary school children recently and whilst I already consider myself fairly ‘green’ I was inspired to do more, as soon as possible. I have since made several changes at home, including using ‘Earthwise Girls’ sanitary products, local market stall for fruit and switching to Ecover washing liquids – kitchen roll is next on the list! I am particularly interested in plastic reduction and the issue of palm oil. Thanks for your post and yet more inspiration!
Yes – palm oil is another huge issue I am yet to tackle. The woman who works with me says that their school has this great project whereby all the kids save little toys they no longer use into large jamjars – marbles, kinder toys etc – and every end of year they have a tombola and the kids win someone’s jar – and they all think it’s amazing! Just reminded me of this mentioning the school xx
Very interesting – will re-read your post as once is not enough, quite a lot to take in
Good for you Alex. You have definitely got your head screwed on when it comes to minimal waste and sustainable fashion. Every small change makes a difference especially when the bigger picture is so overwhelming! Hopefully you will influence many others to think about making a change and being more mindful about their lifestyles. Peggy is lucky to have a mum like you ?
Such a great post! I thought we were quite good, have been recycling for years but recently I’m realising I have a long way to go. Things like sponge cloths, cotton pads and toiletries packaging I use regularly but I’m slowly making more conscious choices. Thanks for all the great info in this article, so helpful!
Great article Alex – lots of things I didn’t know about and am keen to try. On reusable nappies, also look at The Nappy Lady website, it’s a family run business with huge amounts of knowledge and advice, and fab customer service (they stock Bumgenious along with lots of other brands). It can seem a bit overwhelming when starting out as there are so many different options but with their advice and getting a decent wash routine going, using cloth nappies has been a great experience for us. I think it can be a bit tricky to start with only a very small number of nappies, as you will probably wash them separately to your usual clothes etc so seems a disproportionate amount of faff for limited benefit (although obviously every nappy saved from landfill is a bonus!). That website does various hire kits etc so you can try different types out before you buy, as may local nappy libraries. Definitely do your research on biodegradable nappies before forking out the extra cost – I’ve seen some suggestions that they won’t degrade in landfill conditions (plus, whilst perhaps not an issue with Kit and Kin nappies, I’ve always wondered what most degrade into – micro plastics?!).
This is a really helpful article. Again, since having our daughter it’s been a huge wake up call about how much waste we produce. We do use cloth nappies and whilst we used them religiously for about nine months we have slipped recently because of the amount of being out and about we are doing. This has reminded me we need to get back on it.
Some really helpful ideas about how to do a bit more. My Christmas list this year is radically different from last year because of the amount of reusable stuff I’ve ordered. I would also recommend the lush shampoo bars and even the conditioner I’ve been pleasantly surprised by!
Also, take a look into ecobricks if you don’t already know about it. A really useful way of dealing with the plastic that you can’t recycle. Thanks for the post ?♻️??
Not heard of ecobricks! Will look at it now x
I think I linked it – I just bought our reuseable nappies from there! But only 2 to start with as they’re pricey! xx
Yes – sorry!! x
Thank you! My husband is way more conscious than me, and makes me think more about it! x
Yes it can’t happen overnight – it’s about educating yourself slowly – I’ve learnt so much just from talking about it more on stories etc!
Great post. I’m interested to see how you find the eco egg with washing cloth nappies. I partly used cloth nappies some of the time when my two were babies & I found only regular laundry detergent would shift the wee stink. A shame as it forever put my husband off the eco egg, I think I should give it another whirl now.
In terms of baby food I think less packaging waste is another major avabtage if baby led weaning. No need fo punches etc, you just give the baby small pieces of ‘regular food’, though to be honest I went this route as it was way less work with no mashing or driving required! The floor after can be a bit of mess though!
That’s great that you are using your parents old one (It can keep fulfilling its Christmas destiny year in and out : ) x
Love your blog, Alex! Hand soap convert because of you. (And embarrassed I never thought of it). I’m a US reader and will share my eye doctor accepts used contacts and the blister packaging to recycle!
A
Great post!! As a US reader I wanted to share that my eye doctor recycles used contacts and the blister packs they come in.
Thanks Alex. I also have massive guilt about baby waste. Top tip on Ella’s kitchen pouches. Have just ordered resusable wipes for cleaning sticky faces and hands and reusable cotton pads for my own mug ??
Yes, even just to use wipes at home is something! I couldn’t imagine using disposeable ones now in the kitchen! x
Oh this IS new to me! x
And hopefully someone will pass it on when I die!!
Oh yes, I think I’m a bit scared of baby led weaning but it does have so many benefits!
Oh I didn’t think of the egg with reuseable nappies….let’s see how we go!
This is for Emma (I couldn’t make the reply work) – ages ago I was told to use old stockings to remove nail polish and I have ever since. They work really well and as a bonus you get to use all up those pairs that annoyingly ladder the first time you put them on!
Food for kids is really hard if you’re trying to be “low to zero waste”. I have 3 kids under 5 and they eat no packaged food now. Our first did but I’ve become more confident in making sure they have nutritious snacks on the go. There are some great blogs like one handed cooks and goodie goodie lunch box they have amazing recipes that my kids love. So now they don’t except the packet of biscuits or chips they are totally cool with their little stainless steal bento box with cut up veg and a healthy biscuit. My 3 year old also loves coming to the bulk store with me (I’m in Melbourne) he always picks one “treat” normally a dried apricot or chocolate covered strawberry from the bulk store that he weighs out the gobbles up once it’s paid for. The greatest thing you can do for your kids is protect this planet and teach them to do the same. Be warned though they are little sponges and now getting from A to B with the 3 year old takes twice as long as we need to pick up litter anytime we see it and dispose of it correctly ??♀️
Fabulous post, very inspiring. My Christmas shopping may have just taken a turn. Thankyou!
Great post. I’ve recently started teaching about eco bricks, need to read more but seems to be an interesting initiative for dealing with plastic waste ecobrick.org
Such a helpful article!
I especially love the move away from phrases like “must-have” (I mean…says who?!)
I recently launched Onloan, a rental service for women’s fashion so we can all enjoy incredible clothes without having wardrobes full to the brim of stuff we hardly ever wear. (@onloanco)
Apparently the equivalent of one truckload of textiles is burnt or sent to landfill EVERY SECOND! Which is frankly crazy.
We can all do our bit. Thanks again for so many great suggestions ?
I think this is a good post. Any thinking/initiative towards letting go of plastic is worth sharing and talking about. In my house we let go of using napkins and instead use cloth towels or cloth napkins.
Thanks for sharing this Alex, great to see how you’re making changes and how we can to! Lots of fab tips. I’ve been interested in the eco cup so maybe now’s the time to give it a go. We’ve just made the switch to cloth nappies and you know what, it’s ok. My little girl is 7months now and definitely easily than with a newborn I imagine. We’ve had no leaks and she seems fine with them. Once you’re doing a nappy wash chucking in the wipes is no extra bother, it’s amazing to see how much it’s reduced out household waste. The Nappy Lady offers a great service to help you choice which ones to buy and navigate the many options.
There’s quite a debate about ‘biodegrade’ items, including nappies, because the landfill conditions in the UK do not aid the decomposition. Plus, in north London our waste is burnt so it maybe not be worth paying the extra. I was buying Kit and Kin for a while until I read more about it, see here – http://www.mamalina.co/why-biodegradable-is-a-false-label-and-solution/
I also found this article interesting about landfill vs. Incineration. It’s actually really hard to find out what happens to our rubbish/ recycling once it leaves in the rubbish trucks. Reduce is defos the way forward. Thanks again for sharing, it’s definitely a journey. As David Attenborough said, what we need now is big businesses and industry to make some seismic changes too!
Thanks for sharing this Alex, great to see how you’re making changes and how we can to! Lots of fab tips. I’ve been interested in the eco egg so maybe now’s the time to give it a go. Another easy switch is no more hand soap in plastic bottles, just good old soap bars, or the nice ones from Lush.
We’ve just made the switch to cloth nappies and you know what, it’s ok. My little girl is 7months now and definitely easily than with a newborn I imagine. We’ve had no leaks and she seems fine with them. Once you’re doing a nappy wash chucking in the wipes is no extra bother, it’s amazing to see how much it’s reduced our household waste. The Nappy Lady offers a great service to help you choice which ones to buy and navigate the many options.
There’s quite a debate about ‘biodegrade’ items, including nappies, because the landfill conditions in the UK do not aid the decomposition. Plus, in north London our waste is burnt so it maybe not be worth paying the extra. I was buying Kit and Kin for a while until I read more about it, see here – http://www.mamalina.co/why-biodegradable-is-a-false-label-and-solution/
I also found this article interesting about landfill vs. Incineration. It’s actually really hard to find out what happens to our rubbish/ recycling once it leaves in the rubbish trucks. Reduce is defos the way forward.
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/science-environment-43120041
Thanks again for sharing, it’s definitely a journey. As David Attenborough said, what we need now is big businesses and industry to make some seismic changes too!
Great blog post! A realistic approach to cutting down. I have been trying to live more sustainably in the last two years and it has been SUPER gradual, which lots of people don’t seem to understand or not judge. All steps are good steps 🙂
One thing I would love to see as a blog post: tips on buying second hand (vestiaire, ebay, etc), like how to pick pieces, tips for finding items, etc.
Brilliant article- thanks for spreading awareness!
Gallinée’s cleansing bar is worth a look for a plastic free option and can be used on face and body. Maldon Soap Company make solid shampoos and conditioners without nasties like SLS.
Keep up the good work Alex- I love your blog ?
Hi, I just wondered if you can explain the problem of real Christmas Trees? I always thought surely better than a plastic one that will exist forever? And they are renewable? I always thought they were ok, but would love to learn why not? Thankyou 🙂
I have done lots of posts on recycling and reselling clothing on here but as a seller, not really a buyer, I’m probably not the best person to ask! I have planned on doing a post on how to shop vintage furniture as it’s more my thing x
I think it’s personal – the idea of cutting thousands of trees down every year so we can photos of them and hang things on them for two weeks of the year isn’t my idea of ethical – but most people argue that it is more ethical than plastic – which of course, they do biodegrade! But all the trees I have passed in the street this year but have been wrapped in plastic and not all the people selling them cut them down or transport them in an ethical manner….grow your own and replant is the best – or just don’t have one which is my plan!
Very interested in this! x
Ha! This is brilliant! x
Amazing! I’ll pass it on x
Someone has just suggested this: This is for Emma (I couldn’t make the reply work) – ages ago I was told to use old stockings to remove nail polish and I have ever since. They work really well and as a bonus you get to use all up those pairs that annoyingly ladder the first time you put them on!
Really helpful post!
It makes me so sad to see the effects that waste and plastic have on the environment and it really makes me want to cut down, but it seems so hard!
Definitely going to implement your tips. One thing I have done is buy a Swell reusable water bottle so that I’m buying less plastic ones when I’m on the go.
x
Brenda | Sundays and Somedays
I’ve just bought a moon cup – feeling slightly freaked out but determined to give it a go. I’ve also been thinking about doing ‘plastic free’ kits as xmas presents – maybe not super exciting but as alternatives often are more expensive I thought it would be kind of nice (so am thinking nice soaps, beeswax wraps – instead of cling film -funky Tupperware etc). We also get milk delivered in old fashioned milk bottles and my kids have yum boxes for lunch which are great – kids mini packlunch snacks are terrible for unnecessary packaging.
It saddens me because once again I come to the realization that we still have a long way to go when it comes to living a more eco friendly lifestyle, especially here where I live in Greece. But we need to start off somewhere and your pointers are spot on.
Great read! I bought Good Things facewipes from TK MAXX the other day, 25 for £2 and they’re biodegradable. Can I just ask, are you sponsored by EcoEgg? Thank!
Ha! I wish! No, not at all – I always declare sponsored content x
Thankn you – just wanting to start is a good start x
This is great and yes, all the packaging in pre-packed snacks! x
Yes, i think it is about doing what is achievable for you….the Swell bottle is a great place to start! x
For those on a budget: Friendly Soap does great soap and shampoo bars that use minimal ingredients and no sls, sulphates, palm oil, etc and cruelty free and vegan. Everything is under £3. They have travel soap, shaving soap and facial cleansing bars as well. And all packaging is recycled and recyclable (no plastic either).
I used to use lush but their shampoo bars contain sls and palm oil and when I use them I get an itchy scalp. Plus their prices are extortionate now.
Primark cleansing cloths are £3 (pack of 3) and remove all make up with just water. They can be thrown in with the towel wash to clean them.
Thank you so much! I’m thinking about switching to shampoo soap and I will definitely try the Lush hair soap.
Great post. Not sure which you recommend then, real or plastic Xmas tree or just neither? Agree it’s sad seeing them on the street after Xmas. We have a plastic one we’ve been using for over 10 years!
Have you tried oddbox? We’ve used them for a zero waste veg box for several months now and we love it. I’m cooking loads of veg now I wouldn’t normally have chosen!
Personally I’m against cutting down trees every year, especially when they come covered in plastic to hold them together, which is more throwaway in my opinion than a tree you keep your entire life…but that didn’t go down well! x
Great article, thanks so much Alex. I will def be switching to the reusable cotton pads, paper towels, baby wipes and eco egg. Also, had avoided buying Ella pouches due to recycling so will be able to consider these now! Makes life a little easier! X
I try not to do too many pouches but when it’s crazy like now and you’re out and about it does make life so much easier -especially as I know there are flavours she really likes! x
Really recommend the Mooncup – total game changer.
Also I spent a lot of time looking into biodegradable nappies and testing them on my little boy – who leaked through lots of brands. My top recommendation is Moltex (German engineering) that you can buy in bulk boxes from https://www.spiritofnature.co.uk/products/moltex/
Also the added benefit of not having any nasty chemicals in them so my bub has never had nappy rash.
Keep up your good work!
Great post and some food for thought. I am the family ‘Eco Warrior’ trying to teach good habits to the next generation, there were tears when I banned Happy Meals for their monthly treat I can tell you but those little plastic toys were ridiculous!
I have a milkman/person who delivers glass bottles of milk and orange juice as well as fresh eggs in a cardboard box at my doorstep twice a week, a real treat. We even keep the foil bottle tops, some for craft projects (they make great monster eyes) and then squish the rest into a ball for recycling (individually they are too small for the sorting machines but a ball of them is ok I’m told).
We only have canned drinks, nothing in plastic bottles including my tonic water!
I clean with white vinegar and sodium bicarb, gets great results. I add a few drops of lemongrass or orange essential oil and maybe tea tree for its antibacterial properties. I bulk buy vinegar from Amazon in and the large containers from the I use for plant pots or storing rice when a large bag has been opened. I also use yoghurt pots for planting seeds, just poke holes in the bottom.
Oh brilliant! Hoping this will soon be the norm and I think the current situations will really open everyone’s eyes – I know I still have a long way to go! xx