Save the planet!!! What small steps have you taken today?

[Mrscog]

Following on from a thread where we were all discussing how we wanted to reduce our impact on the earth I thought I would start this thread for us to share ideas/motivation etc.

This is a non-judgmental thread and is about whatever steps you want to take to reduce consumption. None of us are perfect and we've all got to start somewhere.

My small steps today -

1. Morning school run incorporated as part of DH's commute.
2. Afternoon school run due to be done on foot.
3. Didn't bother going to Aldi as to be honest I have enough food in to cobble some stuff together.
4. Just used microfibre cloth with water to wipe down kitchen rather than dousing with chemicals (hadn't chopped any raw meat etc so no need to be too clean).

I've litter picked. I'm always litter picking these days.
Even by hand on my way to the office. If I see a bottle or empty packet I'll bin it. I get amazingly grumpy about it .

Ref. subsidies; the govt' should subsidise ORGANIC food , to encourage ethical use of the land and humane treatment of animals. And put huge VAT on crappy highly processed food wrapped in plastic.

That'll be the day Did any one see Horizon on Monday called The Honest Supermarket? It was shocking.

I missed that ppeat. I'll have to catch up with it.

I mended a broken rubbish bin yesterday (inner bin) they are so badly made and cost a lot I don't get why the manufacturers have to use such cheap materials. My mum's broke too It cost £70.

I'm turrning off the hot water section of the new boiler. it's ridiculous to keep it on all day, we can't work out how the timer works . Oh and I'm having very shallow baths (not every day either).

I've stopped buying bottles of carbonated water and lemonade. Still tap water with ice is healthier and cheaper as well as more eco friendly.
Decided not to replace some sandals I ruined as I have other pairs. Normally I'd automatically buy more.

Looking for facial wash and conditioner in non plastic form... Any recommendations please?

I'm working on DH to stop buying those bloody bottles of water. Apparently the water itself has more plastic in it than tap water. I filter tap water because I don't like chlorine! There was a scientist testing the waters on The Dishonest Supermarket Horizon programme.

Thinking about lunchbox items at the moment - my DCs have a sandwich in a recycled paper bag. Usually they also have fruit, cucumber sticks, a yoghurt tube and packet of crisps, cheese string or cereal bar. Any ideas for plastic free alternatives to these please?

Maybe use a reusable plastic box, with separated areas (if they're trusted to return them ) Yoghurts are tricky unless you make a large batch and decant into small screw top reusable pots. Cut up slices of cheese and put in greaseproof paper. The fruit\veg. sticks can go in the other areas of the box

Great idea thanks!

Loved THE DISHONEST SUPERMARKET programme-bit shocked re the plastic in bottled water!

I’ve reused the screws holding a door hinge in my camper van

I’ve started using cleaning materials from Splosh. They are working well so far! If anyone is interested here is a code for money off your first order

I'm making sure that each wash is properly full. (This is not as easy as it sounds because dh has been doing his own washing for many years and it's hard teaching an old dog new tricks ) For some reason he thinks his socks need washing separately !!!

Today I used my reusable coffee cup instead of picking up a single-use one at the coffee shop, walked and used public transport to get to work instead of driving, and recycled everything I could from todays waste!

I have a reusable water bottle now and carry a reusable carrier bag, spork and straw with me to avoid picking them up when out and about! That was my worst habit.

I don't have a garden to plant trees in so I donate to 'MyTrees', who plant and protect trees with Conservation International. Plus, they enter their donators into a weekly prize-draw so it's fun and helps combat climate change- win win! Here's their website if you're interested: bit.ly/My-Trees

I'm making a point of using up leftovers from the fridge and larder before opening new packs or tins. I'm lucky because we live close to 2 organic farms which sell really fresh veg. We're buying less and using it all.

Got a pair of pyjamas for christmas that had several holes in them. Tried getting a replacement pair, but there were none in stock, so instead of getting a refund, i fixed the pyjamas. Saved them from landfill in any case.

Today I cycled to Parkrun through the woods, instead of either driving or driving and taking public transport.

Trying to recycle more
Looking for way to convince lazy friends to recycle more
Eat less meat

Mainly just proud of myself for getting the fridge down to nearly empty before my trip to the shops... interesting meals have been had! But the mushroom cheese spring onion omelette was such a winner

In this section, I'm among friends, but it isn't easy to know where to find it, because it isn't listed in the all topics, nor traceable by search bar. I'm only a newbie, but maybe the ranks of people who care about the planet would be larger if this section was easier to find.Does any old hand know how to make the suggestion?