Very small environmental win-what’s yours?

[JudgeRindersMinder]

I’m in no way a green zealot, but believe that all the small things, one thing at a time, adding up, will make a difference.

Dh always takes sandwiches to work. He’s always wrapped them in cling film rather than just putting them in a box, which has always bugged me, but if I go on about it, he’ll dig his heels in.

This week it must have sunk in. The sandwiches are now in a Tupperware! And by Tupperware I mean an actual genuine 50 year old used to belong to my mum, Tupperware!

Whats your little environmental “win”?

Except for underwear and various sundries, I don’t think I’ve bought more than a handful of new items of clothing from a shop in the past five years. It started when I was randomly browsing one day, saw exactly the same party dress I’d just bought from Hobbs for about £200 selling for £30, worn once, and realised what a waste of money buying new is - I can go onto eBay or Vinted and often buy exactly what I’m looking for, for a tenth of the original cost, very often brand new with tags; and it also has the added bonus of meaning that none of my clothes are still available in the shops so I end up with a very esoteric style. And I get to not add to the environmental terror that is fast fashion, nor broader clothing waste in the process. Win win.

I’m also a Vinted fan…I’m on a huge weight loss journey (as in losing huge amounts 😂) so am going down sizes rapidly. I’m making huge use of Vinted amd can’t get over the amount of BNWT clothes on there!

We use wax wraps now for packed lunches, I love them

I switched back to a cafetiere from my pod machine, have a sodastream to support my sparkling water habit (2l+ a day is a lot of bottles!) and got a milkman.

trying to cut down on food waste. I gave up my car after seeing it on the road untouched during lockdown, I’m vegan, use reusable Sanpro, created a wild area in the garden.
At a work function the other day there were quite some veggies and vegans. I also found out a big hunk of a man I never expected was vegan too. I have a new admiration for him!!
I’m trying really hard not to buy new things but have bought some things this year. This is the thing I’m working on next. I wouldn’t say I’m a massive purchaser of things anyway.

Mine is probably cycling the 16 mile round trip to work and back. Petrol has become so expensive that I have limited myself to a tank a month max. Saves on petrol, saves £7.50 a day parking, saves on gym fees and helps the environment. I still drive - we nip up to the Lakes once a month to go walking, but only if we have half a tank. No cycling to work = no trip to the Lakes.

I haven’t needed Sandro for 20+ years due to a mirena and am now menopausal, but I’d have definitely gone down the reusable route years ago if I used it-it must feel far nicer against your most delicate area!

Didn't use aphid chemical spray, instead ordered some lady birds - much more fun to apply too!

I’ve accumulated enough period pants and washable pads to get through a whole period (it was too much ££ to get them all in one go so I’ve been buying a pair or two at a time).

I bought a mooncup a few months before getting a mirena. Wish I'd got one years ago! So much less faff and far cheaper than buying and remembering to carry around a selection of different sized tampons.

You can order ladybirds?? How do you stop them flying away if they decide they prefer your neighbours’ aphids??

I take a small tea towel to work so I don't have to use paper towels in the kitchen.

For the last two months I’ve used no disposable period products at all! I feel really proud of it but there’s not really anyone to brag to IRL.
I have heavy periods, and I’ve been using a Lunette cup for a few years but still using pads as backup/for overflow. So I bought some period pants (really like the Love Luna ones from Sainsburys and they’re £10 a pair) and now I can easily be disposable free.
Admittedly won’t offset the many nappies currently going to landfill, but the toddler will be potty training this summer.

Its not really 'my' win but I love that Lego is transitioning to paper bags instead of plastic bags.
The 4 pack of beer I bought DH had card not plastic connectors.

Getting DDs experiences rather than toys as presents

@ComtesseDeSpair ideally you put them in a greenhouse, but if they fly away to greener pastures at least their out there.

I buy shampoo and conditioner bars on a subscription. They come in a cardboard box, no plastic bottles and no waste.

Milkman, he does eggs too

Sodastream

Always take a packed lunch

Take a flask or reusable cup put

Cycle or bus or walk

Shop at a 'bring your own container' shop for as many things as we can

Tins of fruit/ veg rather than frozen

Choose fresh fruit/ veg individually rather than plastic wrapped

Shampoo bar

Soap bar

Epilator rather than disposable razors

Don't dye my hair

Get as many clothes for me and DC 2nd hand

Give DCs clothes to friends with younger kids