Long time no type
I've been away on holidays! We drove down to East Gippsland for a lovely relaxing holiday, where we didn't do a whole lot except sit around the fire, reading books and bike riding.
I have been working on crossing a fair few items off my Practically Green list - so many, in fact, that I have jumped into number 1 spot for Australia! Wanna know what I have done?
Switched to all-natural sunscreen (Badger)
Switched to all-natural toothpaste (AloeDent)
Switched to all-natural foundation (The Body Shop)
Switched to all-natural powders (The Body Shop)
Switched to all-natural body lotion (Badger)
Switched to all-natural moisturizer (Badger)
Switched to all-natural blush (etsy)
Switched to all-natural eye shadows (etsy)
Switched to reusable utensils for on-the-go dining (etsy)
Switched to reusable sandwich bags (etsy)
I swear there was something else I have done also, but I can't remember what it was. Basically I tackled a lot of the personal care items this month, as I had an urge to shop, and I thought this was the best way to channel my spending. Here are some pics of the goodies I have bought - I can't wait for my letterbox to begin overflowing with these goodies. Then it'll be time to Freecycle all my remaining makeup and body products to new homes.
I have been working on crossing a fair few items off my Practically Green list - so many, in fact, that I have jumped into number 1 spot for Australia! Wanna know what I have done?
Switched to all-natural sunscreen (Badger)
Switched to all-natural toothpaste (AloeDent)
Switched to all-natural foundation (The Body Shop)
Switched to all-natural powders (The Body Shop)
Switched to all-natural body lotion (Badger)
Switched to all-natural moisturizer (Badger)
Switched to all-natural blush (etsy)
Switched to all-natural eye shadows (etsy)
Switched to reusable utensils for on-the-go dining (etsy)
Switched to reusable sandwich bags (etsy)
I swear there was something else I have done also, but I can't remember what it was. Basically I tackled a lot of the personal care items this month, as I had an urge to shop, and I thought this was the best way to channel my spending. Here are some pics of the goodies I have bought - I can't wait for my letterbox to begin overflowing with these goodies. Then it'll be time to Freecycle all my remaining makeup and body products to new homes.
Practically Green, week 4 (sorta)
So, I've had an off week or two. Off as in lack of motivation, as in super busy with university study, and as in just plain lazy. I didn't achieve most of the goals I set myself, but I did achieve the following:
♥ Switched to a green dry cleaner
♥ Switched to all-natural lip balm (I was actually already using a natural one and didn't realise)
♥ Consistently select two-sided printing when required to print (I hate printing but when I absolutely must, it's always double-sided)
♥ Switch to all-natural conditioner (I was already doing this. Switching shampoos is next)
♥ Switch to a natural toilet bowl cleaner
♥ Switch to organic tea
I swear some of those are new inclusions on the list, because I've never spotted them before. I love the changes to the Practically Green website, it's definitely an improvement. I particularly love the "groups" part - I am third overall in the Australian group, see!! That's very exciting for competitive types like myself. And knowing that cleaning the mold in the house will move me to second place is just the motivation I need.
I trust you all enjoyed your Easter? I spent my extra long Easter weekend pottering around the vegetable garden and Freecycling lots of stuff. I've also decided to sell one of my cars (and it won't be replaced).
Stay green!
♥ Switched to a green dry cleaner
♥ Switched to all-natural lip balm (I was actually already using a natural one and didn't realise)
♥ Consistently select two-sided printing when required to print (I hate printing but when I absolutely must, it's always double-sided)
♥ Switch to all-natural conditioner (I was already doing this. Switching shampoos is next)
♥ Switch to a natural toilet bowl cleaner
♥ Switch to organic tea
I swear some of those are new inclusions on the list, because I've never spotted them before. I love the changes to the Practically Green website, it's definitely an improvement. I particularly love the "groups" part - I am third overall in the Australian group, see!! That's very exciting for competitive types like myself. And knowing that cleaning the mold in the house will move me to second place is just the motivation I need.
I trust you all enjoyed your Easter? I spent my extra long Easter weekend pottering around the vegetable garden and Freecycling lots of stuff. I've also decided to sell one of my cars (and it won't be replaced).
Stay green!
Easter - why must it be so hard?
I ask the same question every year, and every year my family vetoes it - "can we not exchange presents/Easter eggs?" ... "No". I don't mind buying presents or eggs for everyone else, I just don't want to receive them!
This year, I aimed to buy everyone fair trade, organic chocolate eggs without plastic packaging, but apparently that was too much to ask for. I couldn't find any eggs that ticked all three boxes - fair trade in plastic, yes. Organic in plastic, yes. But hardly any eggs with plastic-free packaging.
I ended up settling for Lindt bunnies for everybody - they came without plastic packaging, and my trusty little Ethical Shopper iPhone app told me I can trust Lindt. Next year I aim to buy organic chockie eggs online - have people in the States found green Easter eggs easier to source than I have?
This year, I aimed to buy everyone fair trade, organic chocolate eggs without plastic packaging, but apparently that was too much to ask for. I couldn't find any eggs that ticked all three boxes - fair trade in plastic, yes. Organic in plastic, yes. But hardly any eggs with plastic-free packaging.
I ended up settling for Lindt bunnies for everybody - they came without plastic packaging, and my trusty little Ethical Shopper iPhone app told me I can trust Lindt. Next year I aim to buy organic chockie eggs online - have people in the States found green Easter eggs easier to source than I have?
(image from ask.com)
Practically Green, week 3
Ahh, I am behind thanks to being sick Monday and Tuesday this week. So here is a quick catch-up. Last week's challenges were:
♥ Switch to organic chocolate
♥ Install one low-flow faucet
♥ Clean/mitigate any household mold
♥ Track your trash for one week
I did quite poorly this week - I only achieved 2 out of my 4 goals. I switched to organic chocolate (and boy, was that a tasty challenge!), and I tracked my trash for the week. I didn't get around to cleaning my mold or installing a low-flow faucet, so they're rolling over onto this week. I'll also tackle this week:
♥ Get an energy audit
♥ Avoid food packaging and cling wrap containing PVC
My energy provider doesn't offer energy audits, but they have a DIY one on their website, so I will do that myself. And I've already been minimizing our reliance on food with plastic packaging, but I could further.
♥ Switch to organic chocolate
♥ Install one low-flow faucet
♥ Clean/mitigate any household mold
♥ Track your trash for one week
I did quite poorly this week - I only achieved 2 out of my 4 goals. I switched to organic chocolate (and boy, was that a tasty challenge!), and I tracked my trash for the week. I didn't get around to cleaning my mold or installing a low-flow faucet, so they're rolling over onto this week. I'll also tackle this week:
♥ Get an energy audit
♥ Avoid food packaging and cling wrap containing PVC
My energy provider doesn't offer energy audits, but they have a DIY one on their website, so I will do that myself. And I've already been minimizing our reliance on food with plastic packaging, but I could further.
My carbon footprint
I calculated my carbon footprint over a year ago, but damned if I can remember what I scored. All I remember is that it was much higher than I anticipated - I think I was actually a little offended, to tell you the truth - I thought I wasn't impacting the Earth that much.
So it's time for a new calculation. To tell you the truth, I'm slightly overwhelmed by the number of carbon footprint calculators out there, and how their results all differ! If you think there is a better one out there than the site I've used, please let me know.
I choose the One Degree of Change calculator (it's an Aussie one) and that calculated my carbon footprint to be 21.93 tonnes of CO2!
Well, it was. I say "was" because just last week I signed up to a green power plan with my energy provider, so now 50% of our energy comes from accredited green power sources. We're planning on getting solar panels installed later this year (thanks to a Green loan from our local bank - they offer lower interest rates to help greenify your home.)
So, taking into account my 50% green energy, my footprint is now 12.61 tonnes. Is that a lot? Obviously it's a whole lot better than my earlier footprint, but I need some
Apparently if I make the following small changes, my footprint will drop to 11.09 tonnes.
- install low flow restrictors on taps
- drive 20% less each week by walking, cycling or car pooling.
In an effort to drive less, I have started parking my car a good distance away from work so I can walk in the rest of the way. Last week I walked 15km instead of driving. That's probably about my limit at the moment though, as I have a knee injury.
As for the low flow tap valves - I'm working on it!
So it's time for a new calculation. To tell you the truth, I'm slightly overwhelmed by the number of carbon footprint calculators out there, and how their results all differ! If you think there is a better one out there than the site I've used, please let me know.
I choose the One Degree of Change calculator (it's an Aussie one) and that calculated my carbon footprint to be 21.93 tonnes of CO2!
Well, it was. I say "was" because just last week I signed up to a green power plan with my energy provider, so now 50% of our energy comes from accredited green power sources. We're planning on getting solar panels installed later this year (thanks to a Green loan from our local bank - they offer lower interest rates to help greenify your home.)
So, taking into account my 50% green energy, my footprint is now 12.61 tonnes. Is that a lot? Obviously it's a whole lot better than my earlier footprint, but I need some
Apparently if I make the following small changes, my footprint will drop to 11.09 tonnes.
- install low flow restrictors on taps
- drive 20% less each week by walking, cycling or car pooling.
In an effort to drive less, I have started parking my car a good distance away from work so I can walk in the rest of the way. Last week I walked 15km instead of driving. That's probably about my limit at the moment though, as I have a knee injury.
As for the low flow tap valves - I'm working on it!
Practically Green, week 2
So, I think a catch-up is in order to see what I accomplished in week 1, and to set my new goals for week 2.
Last week I set myself the following challenges:
♥ Sign up for green power from your utility
♥ Watch Annie Leonard's online video, "The Story of Stuff"
♥ Install shower timer or water-monitoring device
♥ Switch to recycled paper tissues
♥ Switch to a recycled plastic toothbrush (I'm actually switching to compostable toothbrushes)
I can safely say I accomplished 4 out of the 5. I watched "The Story of Stuff", and also "The Story of Cosmetics", I signed up for 50% green power from my utility, I bought a shower timer (actually, I swiped it from my parents' place, as they never use theirs), and I switched to compostable toothbrushes.
The only thing I failed on was switching to recycled paper tissues, because I can't find them! I'm beginning to wonder if they even exist in Australia. I will keep hunting though.
So, this week's goals are as follows:
♥ Switch to organic chocolate
♥ Install one low-flow faucet
♥ Clean/mitigate any household mold
♥ Track your trash for one week
Tune in next Monday for my results, and for next week's goals!
Last week I set myself the following challenges:
♥ Sign up for green power from your utility
♥ Watch Annie Leonard's online video, "The Story of Stuff"
♥ Install shower timer or water-monitoring device
♥ Switch to recycled paper tissues
♥ Switch to a recycled plastic toothbrush (I'm actually switching to compostable toothbrushes)
I can safely say I accomplished 4 out of the 5. I watched "The Story of Stuff", and also "The Story of Cosmetics", I signed up for 50% green power from my utility, I bought a shower timer (actually, I swiped it from my parents' place, as they never use theirs), and I switched to compostable toothbrushes.
The only thing I failed on was switching to recycled paper tissues, because I can't find them! I'm beginning to wonder if they even exist in Australia. I will keep hunting though.
So, this week's goals are as follows:
♥ Switch to organic chocolate
♥ Install one low-flow faucet
♥ Clean/mitigate any household mold
♥ Track your trash for one week
Tune in next Monday for my results, and for next week's goals!
Vic Market
Yesterday I did my grocery shopping at the Vic Market - a little naughty of me, I know, because the Vic Market is just over an hour away from where I live. I was already in Melbourne for some serious op-shopping, and to pick up an eBay purchase, so I stopped by.
I simply love it there - so many stalls and so much fresh produce. I brought my own vegetable bags, and bought up big. All up I only spent around $15, but that included enough fruit and veggies for nearly two weeks.
Of course, not all fresh produce will last two weeks in the fridge - that's why I came home and made up a few meals to freeze until next week - like a spinach and mushroom lasagne, and some herbed chicken drumsticks.
In the next few weeks, my spring onion and cos lettuce will be ready to harvest from my veggie patch, so that will help extend the food budget. I also planted some more seedlings - lettuce, snow peas, spring onion and beetroot.
I'll have to do a post soon about my veggie garden - it's a work in progress, but it's my pride and joy.
I simply love it there - so many stalls and so much fresh produce. I brought my own vegetable bags, and bought up big. All up I only spent around $15, but that included enough fruit and veggies for nearly two weeks.
Of course, not all fresh produce will last two weeks in the fridge - that's why I came home and made up a few meals to freeze until next week - like a spinach and mushroom lasagne, and some herbed chicken drumsticks.
In the next few weeks, my spring onion and cos lettuce will be ready to harvest from my veggie patch, so that will help extend the food budget. I also planted some more seedlings - lettuce, snow peas, spring onion and beetroot.
I'll have to do a post soon about my veggie garden - it's a work in progress, but it's my pride and joy.
Practically Green
I love the Practically Green website, I think because I am a ferocious organiser and as such, a checklist really appeals to me. I am yet to go through the entire list, but I am slowly getting there. Right now my score is 4061, and I'll really need to make some changes to get much higher at the moment.
You can see my profile here, if you'd like. I have a fair few actions I need to work on, and some are much more achievable than others. I figure I'll just work my way through the list bit by bit, until the BIG things are left (like replacing appliances with energy efficient ones).
This week I am singling out the following things to achieve:
♥ Sign up for green power from your utility
♥ Watch Annie Leonard's online video, "The Story of Stuff"
♥ Install shower timer or water-monitoring device
♥ Switch to recycled paper tissues
♥ Switch to a recycled plastic toothbrush (I'm actually switching to compostable toothbrushes)
I think that's enough for this week! I will let you know next Monday what I accomplished.
(image taken from practicallygreen.com)
You can see my profile here, if you'd like. I have a fair few actions I need to work on, and some are much more achievable than others. I figure I'll just work my way through the list bit by bit, until the BIG things are left (like replacing appliances with energy efficient ones).
This week I am singling out the following things to achieve:
♥ Sign up for green power from your utility
♥ Watch Annie Leonard's online video, "The Story of Stuff"
♥ Install shower timer or water-monitoring device
♥ Switch to recycled paper tissues
♥ Switch to a recycled plastic toothbrush (I'm actually switching to compostable toothbrushes)
I think that's enough for this week! I will let you know next Monday what I accomplished.
Yoink!
I just came across the Yoink! website while searching for green apps for my iPhone. I love Freecycle (I currently am a moderator for my local Freecycle group), but I find that sometimes people don’t want my freebies! So another website I can give stuff away on is OK in my book. I think it is still gaining momentum – at the moment around 3050 items have been given away worldwide – so if it’s not being utilised in your area yet, I’d suggest waiting for it to become more popular. Australia is roaring though, as I believe it was created by some chaps in Perth.
So hop to it, and get giving!
So hop to it, and get giving!
(image from I Can Has Cheezburger)
Produce and purchases
I love my veggie garden. My most recent harvest - lots and lots of bok choi. I am still only a newbie when it comes to veggie gardening, so it's a bit of hit and miss at the moment. But I'll get there!
On the weekend, I rode my new bicycle to the local farmers market to grab some fresh produce. I am really beginning to love bike riding (after a 15 year hiatus following one particularly nasty bike crash on gravel).
Dad's workmate gifted us a plethora of tomatoes, so I made some chutney. I also made stewed tomatoes to use in other recipes. I heard that the tomato crops in Victoria this year weren't that great thanks to the less-than-sunny summer we had, so I'm very glad to be on the receiving end of some delicious, organic tomatoes. Next year I will try growing my own.
And finally, I almost spent $200 on a brand new coat from a store in Melbourne. Thankfully I couldn't bring myself to spend that much money on one garment of clothing, so I went op-shopping and found this vintage coat for $65 - and strangely enough it is uncannily similar to the $200 coat! Now my winter wardrobe is complete - here beginneth a clothing spending ban.
Why bother?
That's the question my boyfriend posed to me last night when we arrived at the local bush to go for a ride on our bicycles. There was rubbish dumped everywhere. Fridges, eskies, burnt out cars, bags of household rubbish, and oh, the beer cans.
So J posed the question 'why bother?' Bogans are always going to dump rubbish in the bush. There will always be people who don't give a damn about the environment. And the majority of people won't think twice about the amount of plastic they're throwing away into landfill. So why bother?
Really, I don't give a damn about what other people do. (Well, I do, but I really don't have much faith in humanity left these days, and I realise there is nothing I can do to change their ways). But I can sure change MY ways. I feel guilty when I buy takeaway in plastic containers, or forget my green shopping bags and need a plastic one instead. I love my little piece of green Australia, and I want to keep it that way.
Tonight the local council is holding a town meeting on the state of the local bushland, and we're going. I've never been to a town meeting before, but this issue is close to my heart.
I also plan on spending some time on the weekend picking up some of the rubbish and recyclables - they can go in our near-empty collection bins. Keep you updated!
So J posed the question 'why bother?' Bogans are always going to dump rubbish in the bush. There will always be people who don't give a damn about the environment. And the majority of people won't think twice about the amount of plastic they're throwing away into landfill. So why bother?
Really, I don't give a damn about what other people do. (Well, I do, but I really don't have much faith in humanity left these days, and I realise there is nothing I can do to change their ways). But I can sure change MY ways. I feel guilty when I buy takeaway in plastic containers, or forget my green shopping bags and need a plastic one instead. I love my little piece of green Australia, and I want to keep it that way.
Tonight the local council is holding a town meeting on the state of the local bushland, and we're going. I've never been to a town meeting before, but this issue is close to my heart.
(image from Echo News)
I also plan on spending some time on the weekend picking up some of the rubbish and recyclables - they can go in our near-empty collection bins. Keep you updated!
Whole foods - Chicken Tetrazzini
I'm the first to admit that I'm lazy when it comes to cooking. I just don't enjoy cooking a delicious meal. I certainly enjoy devouring it though! So, due to said laziness, I normally cook from a jar, a can or a sachet, resulting in oodles of rubbish.
So I thought I'd give whole foods ago. It's better on all accounts: fresher, healthier and cheaper.
Monday night I made stuffed mushrooms with sundried tomatoes and fetta, served with rosemary and mint lamb sausages, and boy was it delicious!
Last night was Chicken Tetrazzini, and I took the recipe from the Whole Foods website (don't get me started on how I wish we had Whole Foods here in Australia). I never got to the baking stage though; J decided he was too hungry to wait so we ate it as pasta, and not a casserole!
Waste? Only the plastic bag I froze the chicken breasts in, and the tiny wrapper for the chicken stock cube. I am going to start using ziplock bags to store my meat, and sanitize them after each use.
Tonight we are feasting on "autumn lamb casserole", also from the Whole Foods website. It's already cooking in the slow cooker, so it will be ready to eat when we get home from work. I love coming home to a delicious smelling house, with tea already cooked!
So I thought I'd give whole foods ago. It's better on all accounts: fresher, healthier and cheaper.
Monday night I made stuffed mushrooms with sundried tomatoes and fetta, served with rosemary and mint lamb sausages, and boy was it delicious!
Last night was Chicken Tetrazzini, and I took the recipe from the Whole Foods website (don't get me started on how I wish we had Whole Foods here in Australia). I never got to the baking stage though; J decided he was too hungry to wait so we ate it as pasta, and not a casserole!
Recipe:
Natural cooking spray
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 pound whole wheat or spelt angel hair pasta
1/2 tablespoon butter
1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
1 (8-ounce) package sliced mushrooms
1 cup frozen peas
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 1/2 tablespoons flour
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup low-fat milk
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cups chopped cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast
6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided
4 tablespoons finely chopped chives, dividedMethod
Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray; set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 5 minutes; drain well and transfer to a large bowl.
Meanwhile, heat butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add onions, mushrooms, salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in peas and cook 2 minutes more. Transfer to bowl with pasta and set aside.
Heat oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth then slowly whisk in broth and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened. Stir in milk, nutmeg, salt and pepper and cook 1 minute more. Add milk mixture to bowl with pasta and mushroom mixture along with chicken, 4 tablespoons of the cheese and 2 tablespoons of the chives and toss gently to combine. Transfer to prepared dish, sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons cheese and 2 tablespoons chives and bake until hot throughout and golden brown on top, about 30 minutes.
Waste? Only the plastic bag I froze the chicken breasts in, and the tiny wrapper for the chicken stock cube. I am going to start using ziplock bags to store my meat, and sanitize them after each use.
Tonight we are feasting on "autumn lamb casserole", also from the Whole Foods website. It's already cooking in the slow cooker, so it will be ready to eat when we get home from work. I love coming home to a delicious smelling house, with tea already cooked!
Dilemmas
I know going green isn't easy, but I am really struggling with a few things. I definitely need to work on these- suggestions most welcome.
Online shopping
I buy most of my clothes online - mostly vintage from etsy, bras from Victoria's Secret, and the occasional Forever 21 order. I buy online for a few reasons, but mainly because prices (and customer service standards) here in Australia are atrocious, and I prefer shopping from the comfort of the couch while wearing PJs.
Dog food
I have two lovely munchkins, who eat both tinned food and dry biscuits. They're both active sheepdogs so they eat a fair bit too. I hate how dog biscuits only come in plastic bags, plus I am throwing out (into the recycling bin, mind you) one large tin a day. I have been thinking about making my own dog food, but I will need to investigate it further to see if we can afford it - you see, we're on a very strict budget too!
Cling wrap vs reusable plastic containers
I take my lunch to work most days, and I use either a Tupperware container or a bowl with cling wrap. I know some people are utterly anti-plastic for storing food, but I'm not (maybe I should be though?). I figure if I already own a bunch of plastic storage containers, shouldn't I use them? I think that would be better than using cling wrap every day to cover my salad or leftovers.
Driving to work
I live about 20km away from my work. The majority of it is 100km/hr highway, then about 5km of town. I was thinking of permanently leaving my bicycle at a relatives house who lives on the fringe of town, so I could leave my car there each morning and peddle the rest of the way. I don't know if this will save much fuel, and I'm a bit apprehensive as there aren't any bike tracks (I'd be riding on the road).
Online shopping
I buy most of my clothes online - mostly vintage from etsy, bras from Victoria's Secret, and the occasional Forever 21 order. I buy online for a few reasons, but mainly because prices (and customer service standards) here in Australia are atrocious, and I prefer shopping from the comfort of the couch while wearing PJs.
- Pros:
- It's much cheaper than buying in Australia
- Buying vintage clothes is a form of recycling
- I can ask etsy sellers to use minimal/recycled packaging
- Cons:
- Plastic packaging from stores is usually excessive
- Carbon emissions - but I live in the country so I would be driving for half an hour to shop in person anyway (I'm sure a plane uses much more fuel than my car though!)
(image from Art.com)
Dog food
I have two lovely munchkins, who eat both tinned food and dry biscuits. They're both active sheepdogs so they eat a fair bit too. I hate how dog biscuits only come in plastic bags, plus I am throwing out (into the recycling bin, mind you) one large tin a day. I have been thinking about making my own dog food, but I will need to investigate it further to see if we can afford it - you see, we're on a very strict budget too!
Cling wrap vs reusable plastic containers
I take my lunch to work most days, and I use either a Tupperware container or a bowl with cling wrap. I know some people are utterly anti-plastic for storing food, but I'm not (maybe I should be though?). I figure if I already own a bunch of plastic storage containers, shouldn't I use them? I think that would be better than using cling wrap every day to cover my salad or leftovers.
Driving to work
I live about 20km away from my work. The majority of it is 100km/hr highway, then about 5km of town. I was thinking of permanently leaving my bicycle at a relatives house who lives on the fringe of town, so I could leave my car there each morning and peddle the rest of the way. I don't know if this will save much fuel, and I'm a bit apprehensive as there aren't any bike tracks (I'd be riding on the road).
My progress so far
The good stuff:
♡ I only wash full loads of laundry in cold water, and we don't own a dryer
♡ We use a water saving shower head, and I don't shower every day (sponge bath in between)
♡ We have solar hot water
♡ We don't have mains water connected, only tank water (which isn't by choice, but turning out better now that we're actually getting some rain)
♡ I buy secondhand where I can -around 85% of my clothes are purchased secondhand
♡ I use green grocery bags most of the time
♡ I carry Baggu and Envirosax shopping bags in my handbag
♡ I put on an extra layer of clothes before turning on the heater
♡ I sewed my own netting bags to use for fruit and veggies, but I don't have enough
♡ I make my own laundry powder from borax, washing soda and Lux flakes
♡ All foodscraps go to either the chooks, the dog or the compost bin
♡ I have a veggie patch, but I am new to growing veggies so it's a bit hit and miss at the moment
♡ I recycle fairly diligently
♡ I try to buy my fresh produce from local grocers, butchers and bakers
♡ I use a hot water bottle instead of an electric blanket
The not-so-good stuff:
♡ I drive to work each day by myself. We live over 20km away from work, and there is no public transport available. There really isn't anyone to carpool with either (believe me - I've signed up to carpooling websites).
♡ My partner and I can be pretty slack with cooking meals, so we occasionally have takeaway. Some takeaway = plastic packaging.
♡ We eat a lot of plastic-packaged foods, and use a lot of pre-made ingredients (sauces, marinades)
♡ We have three reptile enclosures that require 24/7 heat - I should insulate their enclosures better to retain more heat
♡ Our fridge is right next to the stove/oven - I need to insulate this too
♡ I still use paper towel / tissues – trying to get out of this habit
What extra can I do?
♡ Unplug unused electrical items at the wall
♡ Buy biodegradable dishwashing liquid, and bucket the laundry / dish water out onto the grass (if safe)
♡ Limit takeaway foods to those with recyclable packaging
♡ Try to plan our meals around mainly whole foods, and not prepackaged items
Can you think of anything else I could do?
♡ I only wash full loads of laundry in cold water, and we don't own a dryer
♡ We use a water saving shower head, and I don't shower every day (sponge bath in between)
♡ We have solar hot water
♡ We don't have mains water connected, only tank water (which isn't by choice, but turning out better now that we're actually getting some rain)
♡ I buy secondhand where I can -around 85% of my clothes are purchased secondhand
♡ I use green grocery bags most of the time
♡ I carry Baggu and Envirosax shopping bags in my handbag
♡ I put on an extra layer of clothes before turning on the heater
♡ I sewed my own netting bags to use for fruit and veggies, but I don't have enough
♡ I make my own laundry powder from borax, washing soda and Lux flakes
♡ All foodscraps go to either the chooks, the dog or the compost bin
♡ I have a veggie patch, but I am new to growing veggies so it's a bit hit and miss at the moment
♡ I recycle fairly diligently
♡ I try to buy my fresh produce from local grocers, butchers and bakers
♡ I use a hot water bottle instead of an electric blanket
The not-so-good stuff:
♡ I drive to work each day by myself. We live over 20km away from work, and there is no public transport available. There really isn't anyone to carpool with either (believe me - I've signed up to carpooling websites).
♡ My partner and I can be pretty slack with cooking meals, so we occasionally have takeaway. Some takeaway = plastic packaging.
♡ We eat a lot of plastic-packaged foods, and use a lot of pre-made ingredients (sauces, marinades)
♡ We have three reptile enclosures that require 24/7 heat - I should insulate their enclosures better to retain more heat
♡ Our fridge is right next to the stove/oven - I need to insulate this too
♡ I still use paper towel / tissues – trying to get out of this habit
What extra can I do?
♡ Unplug unused electrical items at the wall
♡ Buy biodegradable dishwashing liquid, and bucket the laundry / dish water out onto the grass (if safe)
♡ Limit takeaway foods to those with recyclable packaging
♡ Try to plan our meals around mainly whole foods, and not prepackaged items
Can you think of anything else I could do?
Day 1
I've created this blog because my interest in being green doesn't really fit in the scope of my vintage blog, and sustainability is definitely something I want to seriously pursue. So stay tuned!
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