Last year was a bit of a wake up call for me. For years I’ve been promoting shopping secondhand on my blog trying to keep items out of landfills. Last year I started making more environmentally positive changes to the way I live my life and the decisions I make.
Recycling
We’ve been doing this for as long as I can remember. We have both green bin (biodegradable or compostable) recycling and blue bin recycling.
I didn’t realize until a few months ago that items which go into our blue bin need to be clean and 100% free of any food residue otherwise they contaminate all the recyclables around them and none of it is acceptable for recycling. Be sure to pay attention to recycling rules where you live and make sure you are using the correct bin for your recycling.
Food
I haven’t eaten red meat since I was about thirteen. Six years ago I gave up chicken and then a year ago I gave up fish. Now I’m full on vegetarian leaning towards veganism. The only thing I haven’t given up is yogurt and eggs. My husband is on board with the idea so it isn’t difficult to make meals we can both eat and enjoy.
Eighty million tons of waste in America alone comes from food packaging each year.
A few months ago I started buying many of my groceries from Bulk Barn to cut down on packaging waste. Buying from bulk bins while using my own containers is saving me money and I’ve discovered some exciting new ingredients to include in my homemade overnight oatmeal.
I avoid more packaging by cooking and baking rather than buying prepared convenience food. I can put a healthy salad together in just a few minutes, faster and better than any restaurant or takeaway.
In this year alone every man woman and child will consume about 300 pounds of single use plastic.
I’ve started keeping glass Tupperware and two sets of cutlery in my car in case we do get take-out to avoid single use packaging.
Beverages
The United States throws away 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour – about 42,000 per minute, or about 695 per second. 63 billion gallons of oil are used every year just to supply the US with plastic water bottles.
It goes without saying that for many years I’ve had my own water bottle that I keep with me. That is a no brainer. Is there anything worse than seeing an ocean full of plastic water bottles? Maybe seeing plastic caps and microplastics in the stomachs of birds and marine life. We are killing them with our garbage. Over 100,000 marine animals die every year from plastic entanglement and ingestion. In one of the documentaries I watched one baby bird had 276 pieces of plastic in their body, 15% of their body weight. Once you see that you’ll never see any plastic the same way again. The destructive power of our culture of mass consumption, and humanity’s damaged relationship with the living world is devastating. There are 25 trillion pieces of plastic debris in the ocean. Of that, 269,000 tons float on the surface, while some four billion plastic microfibers per square kilometer litter the deep sea. The entire surface of the earth is turning into on massive garbage dump. It is sickening.
Shopping
I try to buy secondhand first.
Over 11 million tons of recyclable clothing, shoes, and textiles make their way into landfills each year.
Consignment stores, Etsy, thrift stores, Kijiji, Craigslist and Ebay make buying secondhand easier.
Voting with our dollars is the only way we will make the retail industry wake up and be responsible. Fast fashion is the second largest polluter in the world. I’ve stopped buying fast fashion and promoting them in social media.
A closed loop system where companies are responsible from the production of a product to the recycling of that same product when it is no longer wanted is imperative. It is up to us to make our governments wake up and impose regulations and fines on industries that pollute and exploit the planet’s resources.
Worldwide we use an estimated one trillion plastic bags each year, nearly two million a minute.
For years I’ve carried my own reusable shopping bags or bins for thrifting or grocery shopping. The typical time a plastic bag is used is for just twelve minutes. This is a real easy step to take for our environment.
Did you know that in the last 10 years we have created more plastic than the entire century before that?
10 years versus 100. That is how much our use of plastic has surged. Half of all plastics created are single use. There are 2 million tons of plastic going into US landfills every year. In this year alone every man woman and child will consume about 300 pounds of single use plastic.
By 2025 ten times more plastic each year is estimated to be dumped into our oceans.
Start changing your view of plastic.
It doesn’t disappear or deteriorate when you throw it away. It’s here forever. Reduction of usage is our only hope.
Household
I’ve switched to using soap nuts or Laundry Soda for our laundry and drier balls instead of fabric softener sheets. I was using soap nuts all the time but I found I prefer the Laundry Soda. I also often use vinegar when doing laundry. It helps remove bad smells sometimes associated with pieces bought secondhand.
We’ve cut way back on our use of chemicals for cleaning. Many cleaners contain toxic chemicals which go into our water systems and our lungs as we are cleaning. It’s healthier for me and the planet to clean with safe alternatives. I also save money. I now use baking soda or vinegar instead. Vinegar added to some water works on many surfaces and is a great substitute for Windex. Baking soda is used as an abrasive to clean stubborn build up in kitchens and bathrooms.
In the kitchen we now have reusable covers for food and some beeswax fabric sheets instead of plastic wrap. They both work great!
Our thermostat is set to reduce heat and energy at night while we are sleeping.
In The Bathroom
I’ve switched from buying lip balms to a small container of Vaseline and my lips prefer it. It’ll probably last me five years.
I buy shampoo bars from Lush and use them for my hair, my body and shaving.
I used to buy disposable razors and switched to a real razor where I only replace the blade. I tried using what they call a safety razor and quickly cut a big slice out of my leg. Be warned. They may call it a “safety razor” but I found it to be a safety hazard.
I bought some reusable makeup removers in fabric that get washed after use.
I’ve tried using Toothy Tabs by Lush instead of toothpaste but they take some getting used to. I don’t use them all the time.
We have low flow toilets and shower heads.
Our lights are LED. We try to pay attention to our use of electricity and only use what we need.
Transportation
We only own one vehicle (which we’ve had for many years now) and my husband takes public transit into work.
Docs To Watch
I’ve been watching some excellent documentaries about the environmental crisis and how it is impacting our world. The future of our planet is in jeopardy and it is up to us to educate ourselves and take action.
If you only watch one documentary on the environment and climate change make it Before The Flood.
It is eye opening.
I can also recommend The True Cost, River Blue, An Inconvenient Truth
, A Plastic Ocean.If you have the opportunity to see the art exhibit Anthropocene don’t miss it. Photos, videos and interactive displays explain how man has changed the surface of the earth and impacted the future of the planet. If you can’t catch the exhibit you can watch the film Anthropocene.
I’ll be honest, when I began binging on all these documentaries and informing myself of the dire situation of our planet I became despondent.
This article and the quote below best describe how I feel.
We can’t address an existential threat with our fellow citizens standing in our path. They rob us of the hope we need to save ourselves.
David Moscrop
Realizing we’ve permanently altered our planet and its future is heartbreaking. The planet doesn’t belong to us. We are but one species living here and we have ruined it for all. We can no longer turn our backs on this. Educate yourself and take responsibility for your choices. It is a step in the right direction and in the process you may motivate someone else to do the same.
My Journey To Environmental Consciousness
I’ve made a conscious choice to take positive steps on a personal level to ensure I’m helping the planet rather than hurting it. Every day I’m learning more and trying to make better choices.
Social media and blogging is encouragement for over consumption.
It is very difficult to be an environmentalist and a style blogger. Even showing secondhand items for sale my Etsy store can be construed as promoting consumption. Consumption reduction is the ultimate goal however buying something that already exists on this earth rather than using valuable resources to create something new is a sustainable option. By saving items from a landfill and giving them a second chance I know I am doing more good than harm.
Do I feel guilty if I buy retail or over-consume?
Absolutely but I don’t think that feeling guilty is a negative emotion in this circumstance. Being aware of my choices, how they affect the environment and how they make me feel is important. Feeling guilty makes me carefully consider the consequences of my actions and discourages me from making future purchases. That is a good thing.
Although I try my best to educate others to the severity and urgency of our situation ultimately I can only be responsible for my own decisions.
Many people don’t want to be told how to consume or live their lives choosing instead to close their eyes and ignore the problem. It is beyond discouraging. Trying to remain hopeful is crucial. This is when I lean on my husband and friends the most.
Small choices in life can create big changes for our world.
It’s not about feeling bad about what you’re not doing, it’s about feeling good about what you are doing and making positive changes towards a better future.
Linking up with Visible Monday, Turning Heads Tuesday, Fancy Friday, and Spy Girl
It really is a journey. I always thought of myself as an environmentalist, but it’s only recently that I see how much more I could/should/must do. We are very, very wasteful, and it rarely makes our lives better (the big complaint about environmentally friendly choices tends to be inconvenience).
I spent two years in Africa as a Peace Corps volunteer in the mid-1980s (We Are the World had just come out and I did see starving children). No electricity or running water. It made me appreciate mod-cons, but I also saw that a very small portion of the world is consuming and polluting the most. And for what? Fast fashion?
There is a generational change on the way. My kid is obsessed with the environment and walks the walk–giving up meat, refusing to buy new stuff. The problem is, the older generation, who are responsible for the mess, are the most reluctant to change. When I talk to friends, the reactions range from uninterested to hostile.
Knowing that future generations are more enlightened and actively making changes gives me hope.
Like you I have come across some very hostile responses to my message from people that really surprised me. It has saddened me.
We shouldn’t be deterred by those responses though. It was a comment by another blogger years ago on my blog that made me re-evaluate my consumption and stop buying fast fashion. At the time I thought it was quite harsh of her to leave such a comment but then it made me stop and think and I began to change my ways. I now thank her with all my heart for taking the risk to state her mind and in turn opening my eyes to a problem I was contributing to.
Well said, Suzanne! Your dedication to reducing your impact upon the environment is both amazing and inspiring. I’m trying very hard to reduce my impact, too. It’s all we can do really as individuals and of course lobby, protest and complain about packaging, plastics etc.
Your last sentence gives me incentive and hope, a sense of progression. A call to action.
Our building recycles everything – plastic bags, batteries, light bulbs, styrofoam, cans, glass, containers, paper, cardboard, everything in a separate bin. I noticed a building across the way also has lots of recycle bins but when the truck comes everything is chucked into the same place. We need to hold these companies accountable as well. It takes time and effort to prepare recyclables and seeing that made me pissed off. I should look into my building. Secondhand is one step, definitely.
That is terrible Melanie. It seems like there is so much mismanagement of waste and recyclables. We do need to to hold the companies responsible.
Secondhand shopping is just one step in a series that I hope to add onto in addition to what we are already doing.
Your knowledge, commitment and passion for this cause/topic encourages me to continue to modify my behavior and work to adopt a lifestyle that more closely reflects my concern for our environment.
It’s disturbing that we’ve reached such a crucial turning point and that it’s already too late to retrieve some aspects of our natural world.
I’m delighted to hear that Jude. Inspiring others to take action was my goal when I wrote this.
compared to the common lifestyle in northamerica & western europe you and your hubby are very forward eco-wise!
do not give up to inspire the people – even if some are to stubborn to see the reality. and for me its very encouraging to know you – and other environmental conscious bloggers – because sometimes i feel very alone in a sea of blind consumers…..
thanx for posting!
xxxx
I don’t understand how many people can simply choose to look away. It’s a global problem that isn’t going away. It’s only getting worse.
I feel your frustration and your loneliness. I had to pull way back on IG because I couldn’t stand to look at everyone promoting fast fashion. It’s overwhelming and depressing.
We need to stick together : )
You’re an inspiration to us all, Suzanne. Although I thought I was already doing my bit, I’ve still got a long way to go. Recycling has become second nature here in Belgium, although I’m sure lots of people only do it because it’s compulsary. I’m always carrying a shopping bag, and I try to avoid plastic packaging whenever I can. We only have one car too, and I take public transport into work. Plus, we try to buy second hand whenever possible. That said, I do have the occasional retail wobble, especially when I’m in the dumps, but yes, I do feel guilty about it, and it’s that guilt that will make me think twice most of the time. xxx
I’m so happy to see that many of my readers are doing their bit to help the environment.
Although I am not as far as you are, I am on the right road. Using my own water bottle, always carrying my own shopping bag and not using plastic bags, recycling plastic, biodegradable/compostable, paper, glass. Cycling more and more instead of taking the car, hardly eating any meat nowadays and if we do, from free range animals. We cook our own meals and I am shopping my own wardrobe more and more, especially lately, spending less and buying second-hand as well. OK, I can still do better and I am aware of it.
Greetje
I think all those steps you are taking are wonderful! I know that Northern Europe is so much more advanced that North America when it comes to the environment.
I feel guilty all of the time Suzanne.
I studied Environmental science as part of my degree and have spent most of my years (from about the age of 10) worrying about the state of the world from the environment to animal welfare.
I feel to blame for the plastics mess too (I’m the generation where plastics weren’t a problem at all… they were a good thing!) now I feel guilt every time I buy food.
There is SO much waste, even when I try my best to make good choices.
HOWEVER… the main source of my despair is my daily work in the hospital lab.
The packaging and waste there is obscene.
Disgusting.
Nothing is recyclable because of contamination.
This is probably why I’m never at the doctor!
One less blood test to be performed has to be a good thing.
Our planet is aching under the strain of our consumption and we are all to blame, no matter how “good ” we are.
All we can do is our best.
I try.
A great read Suzanne!
Thank you.
XXX
My sister works in a hospital and also told me about the amount of garbage created daily. It is awful.
I want to lobby my local grocery store to start thinking about removing all the plastic packaging they have. Why is fruit in plastic? Totally unnecessary. Big business needs to get behind this. If I’m going to support their store they need to support my values.
I agree, every day I feel like I can try a little harder.
Good good good! Thank you for spreading the word. We all need to increase our awareness of the multiple ways we are wasting/hurting the environment. There are so many simple, easy changes we can make in our lives which actually even improve things for ourselves. Over the past two years, I’ve started cooking more and more at home which is better for my health (physical and emotional), less expensive and less impactful to the world. Educating ourselves and others is key. You’re so good!
I’m delighted to learn this. Keep up the great work!
Gosh, this is so good to read. I don’t think we even realize all of the waste that happens in our own house until you start adding it up. The packaging is incredible. We did start using more bulk food in the last couple of years, but I know we could do a lot more. It’s that convenience thing…at least for us. And getting in the habit. I can’t tell you how long it’s taken us to not only have our own shopping bags, but to remember to take them into the stores…LOL!!
As for the cars, we have one each. But they are over 18 years old each. Is that good for the environment?? If so, then we look good. But it’s really because we are cheap! Ha ha.
It can be overwhelming about the mess of our world and we are such a little piece of it. But all those pieces do add up, don’t they??
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
You hit the nail on the head…it is all about convenience and getting into the habit. I’ve gotten really used to having my bags in the car all the time now though, including bags for fruit and veg, and make an extra effort when I know I’m going to the bulk store to have my glass bottles with me. I’m going to increase the amount I buy in bulk. Ideally I’d like all my baking goods to be bought in bulk including spices and dried fruit. Food packaging is such a waste.
I think soon enough we will all be forced to purchase an electric car. It’s coming faster than most people expect. They put a charging station near my bank now. Only a matter of time before petrol will be phased out.
I have watched several documentaries and read several books, and it really does make a difference to your point of view on things.
I have been recycling since I was little- I can’t remember a time when our family didn’t do so- but in the past few years I have been making changes and trying to do more.
Once you see the real consequences of your actions, however innocently and ignorantly made, you just can’t go on doing the same things. As William Wilberforce said of the abolition of the slave trade, “You may choose to look the other way but you can never say again that you did not know.”. I think this quote works equally well in this situation.
That is such a great quote Nicole.
It really has changed the way I see things. When I see small pieces of plastic I see the tiny bird’s stomach full of plastic garbage and turtles with plastic wrapped around them or stuck up their nose. I don’t want that to come from me. It is so disturbing to think about what we have done to all the other species on earth.
Thank you for this, Suzanne. I thought I knew about being eco-conscious but you’ve given me many more ways to curb waste, and be “cleaner”. I didn’t know about soap nuts but now I will switch.
You’re doing an amazing job of raising awareness; I’m proud to call you a friend and inspiration! xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Thanks Patti : )
Suzanne I agree with every point here. I am so glad you are making this argument and going into so many details that many of us do not consider. I also have been changing many of my personal habits. I’m glad that you pointed out meat consumption, as that is having a terrible impact on our environment .
I have learned some new things here today and will certainly be using them – thank you very much for your ethos and wonderful writing !
❤️❤️❤️
Elle
https://theellediaries.com/
Thanks Elle : )
I am inspired by your post to do better. Thank you!
I’m delighted Susan! Thanks for taking the time to visit and read.
Yay! I’m so glad you’re doing this too! I started my zero waste journey two years ago, inspired by blogger Lauren Singer’s year-full-of-trash-in-a-mason-jar. I’m not quite to that point, but our trash output has plummeted, and my kitchen trash can now holds recyclables. (And gets emptied less frequently than trash ever did)
I shop the farmer’s market, bulk stores, and get meat and cheese in my own container at the butcher. (So, yeah, I still eat those things, but considerably less.) I have seriously upped my cooking game and added many vegetarian and vegan meals to the rotation.
It’s understandable that some set out on this journey and feel guilty when we don’t live up to our own expectations, but you have to remember the good you ARE doing. And keep trying.
So exciting that so many of your followers are on the same page!
I agree, it is a journey and every day I try to do a little better.
I would love to be waste free! There are just so many areas in our life where we accumulate waste. Just in the bathroom alone the amount of packaging is horrible. We once bought toilet paper from Costco and each toilet roll was wrapped in plastic and then the whole thing was wrapped in more plastic!!! WHY??? Not buying that again.
I am so happy that many of my readers feel the same way. It is a subject I’m very passionate about.
Thanks for taking the time to comment Sherrie : )
I have a tip for getting odors out of thrifted clothing: I first wash the garment, and then hang it out in direct sun. I make sure to turn the garment around so all sides have had direct sun. The odors are completely gone in one to two days of being in the sun. Stubborn odors are gone in three days. I am really thankful, as I have a very strong sense of smell!
I have tried this as well but found it did not work as well or as fast as other methods I listed in my post about “How To Get Bad Smells Out Of Clothing”. I now use kitty litter to absorb the bad smells. It works even faster than the coffee method.
Hi Suzanne! What a wonderfully informative post! I use dryer balls, but soap nuts are new to me. Do you just put them in the bag and then directly into the washer? I’d love to give them a try. Do you have a favorite brand?
I’ve also started using reuseable makeup remover pads instead of cotton balls and mesh bags for produce instead of plastic.
Thanks for all of these tips and Happy New Year!
xx
Suzanne
http://www.AskSuzanneBell.com
Hi Suzanne : )
I would recommend the laundry soda over the soap nuts. I’ve just updated this post with a couple of things and that was one of them. I’m pretty sure you can buy both on Amazon. I bought mine at Homesense which is like a version of TXMaxx but for the home.
The soap nuts come with their own little bag where you put them when you load the wash.