Small ways to save the planet

“Save the planet” – it seems like the new “in thing” a bit like Veganism, which funnily enough has now been scientifically linked to saving the planet. I have read lots on the subject of Sustainability and climate change, and here are my thoughts.

Is Climate Change Real?

I have always thought that weather patterns are on some sort of cycle. We had really hot summers when I was younger in the ’70s but equally, we also had bad winters with knee-deep snow. So I was never one for believing that the hole in the ozone layer was new and it was our fault. But even I cannot deny that things like the polar ice caps melting certainly seem to be something that’s being accelerated by something. And I guess that something is us, humans.

This post on climate change was interesting and if some of the facts are true it’s scary.

This year there was sustainability in action at Glastonbury. Sandwiches were sold where all elements of the packaging, from the base card to the transparent film and the label – were compostable. They were also selling recyclable aluminium cans of spring water. If that wasn’t your thing you could buy refillable water bottles which could be filled from water taps on the site. If this was successful hopefully other festivals will do the same. And hopefully, they will roll out the sandwich packaging to ones they sell in-store too.

12 Small Ways we can help to “Save the Planet”

• Grow you own – now I am by no means a good gardener. My Tomato plants are a testament to that! but growing herbs, lettuce etc are not too difficult and also do not take up much space. You can even grow them on a windowsill.

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• Only buy what you need, but if you buy too much freeze leftovers. Make breadcrumbs from stale bread, make soup from soft veggies,
• Cook from scratch – its healthier and there is no excess packaging. Read this post on homemade healthy pizza.
• Always carry shopping bags when you pop out – the fold up small ones fit so easily into a handbag and it saves buying more.
• Peg out if you can – I love the smell of washing that’s been dried outside and it doesn’t cost a penny in electricity either!!
• Moon Cups – this is one for the ladies. Its a cup you use for your monthly “lady time”. I have used one and actually thought it was pretty good. At that time, where I worked did not have good toilet facilities (so I didn’t like checking on it whilst at work). You are able to leave it in all day, but I didn’t feel safe doing that. I might revisit this one though.
• Preloved/freecycle – don’t throw things away, people can find a use for most things, even if you have gone off it! I also am in favour of make do and mend where possible.
• Reusable cups – I love these and have my own. I am good at taking a coffee from home in my cup, but not so good at remembering to take it into town so I can get a Nero’s or Starbucks in one.
• Reusable straws – now these I do carry as they fit in my bag. I have metal ones that come with a little cleaning brush.
• Walking – I try and walk if I pop to the shops, those little journeys still make a difference, plus it gets my steps in!!
• Laundry Balls – I am yet to try these, I am just not sure it will getting washing as fresh, but I am adding them to my wishlist and will let you know.
• Packaging – this is one I struggle with as everything comes prepacked where I shop. I want to use the greengrocers, but Aldi is cheaper. Come on Aldi, get rid of the packaging! If you can afford to shop local at your butchers and greengrocers it helps your local economy too (I just need a lottery win with my big family!)

I know they may seem like small things but if we all do that, then it’s bound to make a difference!!

Next things I want to try & things I don’t

Getting some sort of compost bin in my kitchen. That way I can make my own compost with peelings and tea bags etc

I am going to make some reusable face pads for cleansing and make up removable instead of cotton wool.

Eat less red meat. I won’t be turning Vegan but I don’t think it hurts the waistline or purse to eat less meat.

In my next house, I want to look into Solar panels. They are expensive and this isn’t our “forever home” so I won’t be getting them on this house.

I already share a car to work with Eddie. My car is an Ecoboost so it’s a low emission car so I refuse to feel bad about using it.

We also use a lot of electric in our house, but that won’t change for now either. When the kids leave home it will go down, and if I get the solar panels it will help. But for now, I am going to enjoy my electronic gadgets.

Shop the things mentioned in this post

Let me know the little changes you make to help save the planet 🙂

Julie x

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