Challenge: Reducing Waste!
So I finally reached the point where I felt like I needed to do more. Like ok, yes, being vegan is great for the environment but what more can I? I am a religious recycler (ask my flatmates!) and I try to re-use things like old jars, plastic bottles and take my tupperware everywhere. I carry around a refillable water and coffee bottle. I take my own bags shopping and do my best to not buy the plastic ones. But... there's still a lot of room for improvement. I have recently stepped up my tooth brushing regime so I have a full compostable bamboo toothbrush and powdered toothpaste from Lush which is much more eco friendly. As I'm learning new things and the googling/ tweeting began (by far the best way to get tips), I have come up with a few ideas that I will implement in the coming months.
1. Reusable sandwich bags instead of plastic food bags.
This is a big thing I really want to change. The amount of plastic food bags I through away is ridiculous. I use them quite regularly for storage in the fridge and to take sandwiches - one reason for this is because it tends to take up less room/space. I'd like to make more effort storing food in my tupperware, even if it takes up more space and I will investment in some washable sandwich bags/wraps. Two options I am considering are here. I think this will be a great investment and will make my lunch also look cute (always down for that!). No more plastic in the ocean, please.
2. Composting food waste
I have expressed that this is hard to do living at university on campus but, as soon as I move back home I will be trying to compost food wastage a lot more. This is something I do irregularly (i.e. chuck my banana peel in the herbs or weeds) but, it's something I would like to make a habit out of and do on a regular basis.
3. Stainless steel razor
I would like to thank ... for this recommendation. This is something I would NEVER have thought of myself. My bathroom products are really the main area I think I need to work on - do you ever look at your hoards of plastic bottles and question whether it is really necessary? I know you can recycle them but still.. I do currently use disposable razors so I think investing in a reusable stainless steel razor (they're supposed to last a realllllly long time) will be a very worthy investment. Roll on pay day.
4. Taking my reusable items EVERYWHERE.
Do you ever get to Aldi and think 'Oh crap, I forgot my bags'. I always forget to put them back in the car after taking the groceries in. I really need to stop doing this. My solution - I'd like to start packing a mini reusable kit: a tote bag, water bottle, cutlery, reusable straw, steel thermal bottle (for coffee/tea), handkerchief and a tupperwear/reusable sandwich wrapper. This sounds like a lot but it's actually really easy to shove into my backpack and means I am prepared for all different situations.
- Educating myself.
Netflix: A Plastic Ocean
Sky: Sky Ocean Rescue
Ok, so there they are. My intentions for the coming months. Let's do this. Join me in an attempt to reduce waste; do good for the environment, the ocean, the animals and your bank balance.
