We’re all trying to do our best to keep plastic to a minimum and recycle everything. It can be hard as a busy family, but there are some ways we can easily do our bit with very little effort. I have made a list of the ways we as a family do to be more eco conscious that are not too much to cope with.
1. Use Beeswax wraps or silicone wraps
We’ve tried a couple of different brands of beeswax wraps. Islay wraps and Ecohabit wraps. Ecohabit beeswax wraps from Etsy are the firm favourite, they last well and don’t transfer any taste to the food. I liked the ethos of Islay wraps, but one of the wraps didn’t work too well. I like the look of the silicone reusable wraps for use in the microwave.
2. Declutter responsibly
We all love a good de-clutter, but don’t just chuck things away. When de-culttering or house clearing, use a responsible provider like E-reuse who will re use, recycle and responsibly dispose of your waste.
3. Reduce and compost your food waste
Reduce your food waste by meal planning and prepping before shopping when you can. Work out what you have already, what you can use up and what you need to buy according to the meal plan. You’ll end up saving money and being kind to the environment. Any food you do waste, keep in a separate food waste bin. In some areas, your food waste will be taken every week by the council and used to make energy. If not, keep your own compost heap in the garden, you can use it as compost for the plants.
4. Don’t buy plastic water bottles
Water from the tap is fine to drink. Buy a re-usable water bottle that is metal, glass, bamboo or BPA free that you can reuse. If your children have packed lunches, get them a bottle they can reuse for squash to avoid buying throw away drinks.
5. Get a reusable coffee cup
If you’re fond of buying coffee out, get your own reusable cup that the coffee shop can fill up.
6. Don’t forget the reusable shopping bags!
The amount of times I’ve done this! Keep a stash of reusable shopping bags in your car or cupboard, just don’t forget them when you go shopping. Most stores will offer an exchange when your bag wears out so they really are a bag for life.
7. Buy secondhand
Kids hardly wear their clothes sometimes, especially when they’re babies. Buy secondhand clothes and you will be saving the energy it takes to make new clothes and ship them. Not just clothes but it can apply to anything. You’re also saving things from going to landfill.
8. Don’t waste bathwater
Instead of just draining the bathwater, use it to water plants, hand wash clothes, or flush the toilet (keep a bucket handy).
9. Use energy saving light bulbs
Change all your light bulbs to energy saving where possible. They last longer and save you money on electricity.
10. Turn down the heat
Keep the heating to a minimum when you can. Also think about how efficient your heating is, including the boiler and the insulation.
I hope you’ve found this list helpful, have I missed anything out? Let me know in the comments.
Disclosure: collaborative post
1 Comment
I’ve had to start keeping reusable bags in my car, handbag and in the cupboard with the shoes now just to try and force myself to actually remember to take some with me ha!
September 17, 2019 at 6:56 pm