I feel like we all are striving to live a more sustainable life. Or we at least want to start. Sometimes sustainable living seems like such a big task and I often used to find myself wondering where to even begin. Plastic has become such a huge part of our everyday lives and how do you even start to eliminate such a huge chunk out? Well, I find by taking small little steps. I would love to go completely plastic free in my life, but realistically, I instead found little things I can implement in my day to day life that leads me towards a more sustainable life. Rather do what you can (even if it is only a little bit) than not try at all! So here are methods I found have helped me lead a more earth-conscious life:
1. reusable straws
Once I switched to reusable straws I actually realised how many plastic straws I would use before. I bought myself a pack of hard silicon straws and I keep about 2 in my handbag at all times. I whip one out when I need it and then just put it in a little bag to take home and wash and re-use again! You can use metal, silicon or cardboard. Just by not using plastic straws is already a big small difference!
2. reusable cotton pad
I have BEEN looking for these around South Africa. I eventually found the Garnier ones at Dischem and my life has been forever changed. I used to use 2 cotton pads a day with my toner and makeup remover and now I haven’t used one in 2 months. The Garnier ones are so soft and don’t absorb your product too much. They are also so easy to wash – you can machine wash them but I just run them under some warm water and a teeny bit of my facial cleanser then the pads are all clean and ready to go.
3. reusable coffee mug
I really enjoy coffee and almost always get a takeaway coffee when I am out and about doing errands. By taking my own reusable mug I have reduced the amount of lids (and cups which are lined with plastic themselves) drastically. I also actually prefer using my own mug as you sometimes get more coffee at certain stores, get a discount for bringing your own mug and also its more hygienic as its your own lid and hasn’t been touched by any strangers. Win win win win if you ask me.
4. Reusable water bottle
Water honestly tastes better when it isn’t in cheap plastic. Warning – once you buy a reusable water bottle it becomes an emotional attachment (at least mine did!). I bought one with a straw from Typo and it has been such a good buy. I carry my water bottle with me everywhere and not only have I reduced my waste, but I also ended up drinking more water and now I’m in such a good routine of drinking 2-3 litres of water a day! Another win win if you ask me.
5. reusable shopping & produce bags
Anyone else have that plastic bag filled with other plastic bags that just keeps growing with more plastic bags? Same. But not so much anymore. Ever since I started using tote bags or re-usable bags that you can get at most grocery stores, I hardly ever have plastic bags lying around anymore. I keep a bunch of them in the backseat of my car so I never forget to take them to the grocery store. You fit more things in them, they are easier to carry and they help you reduce your plastic usage – sustainability is always just a win!
A change I didn’t realise how much I needed was a reusable produce bag. I bought one from Woolworths for R7 and have used it so much for my loose fruit and veg. Those little plastic bags are only one use and such a waste so do yourself a favour and get a reusable one! Works just as well (if not better).
Conscious living is the best living
Sustainable living can be easy if you just make a conscious effort to implement small changes because eventually those changes add up! We only have one earth so looking after it is kind of a big deal.
What are some ways you implement a more conscious living? I’d love to hear more ideas and we can all help each other out.
All the love, Jay.
Just Jay 