Going ’green’ doesn’t have to happen over night. We can make small changes that will eventually become habits.
Personally, I think it’s better to make small changes, let them become habits, and then add more small changes. Go ’green‘ one small change at a time. Way better than jumping in with both feet and ending up feeling overwhelmed.
I love Bea Johnson’s 2013 book ‘Zero Waste Home’ The Ultimate Guide to Simplifying Your Life.’ If you’re going to buy any book on Zero waste I highly recommend this book. You’ll probably find some of what Bea suggests, you are already doing. Work on what you are already doing, and add a new small routine. Remember - routines become habits.
The 5 R’s to Zero Waste
Refuse - this is a big one for me as I find it really hard to say no to people when they offer me things they no longer need. I need to learn to thank them politely, and say "thanks, but no thanks." Refuse throwaway plastic when you can, and use reusable. Try to use cloth bags when shopping.
Reduce - think about where you can make small changes. Be more selective about what you bring into your home.
Years ago I learned something really helpful on Flylady. "Take baby steps. You can do anything for 15 minutes." If you need to do some serious decluttering in your home, start small. Declutter for 15 minutes a day. If you can't manage 15 minutes do 5 minutes, or simply declutter 1 item a day. It's completely up to you how you do it.
Reuse - Rethink the way you view things. Use natural kitchen wrap such as Beeswax food Wrap instead of clingfilm. Rather than of throw away a pretty bottle you could repurpose it and use it as a flower vase.
Recycle - Use charity shops when you can. I've found some fantastic bargains in charity shops. It's a great way of extending the life of an object which would otherwise end up in Landfill.
Donate items that you no longer need. Look out for local groups who may be collecting things for local people in need. I find it's a great idea to join local social media groups, that way you can find out about local collections.
Rot - Allow things to return to nature by composting. My dad was very keen on composting. I think we were the only family in the street I grew up on who had a Compost Heap in their back garden. Since then it has become a lot more popular.
I will be sharing a post soon about starting your own compost heap.
My mother was brought up with the 'Make do and Mend,' mentality, and passed that on to me and my brothers.
During the Second World War the government needed everyone to help and join in the war effort. This included people back at home, not just the soldiers who were away fighting.
It's up to us today to have a similar attitude to the crisis we face with the overwhelming amount of waste that modern society generates.
We can all do our part, no matter how seemingly small. The proverb 'great oaks from little acorns grow,' springs to mind.
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