My home was literally driving me crazy.
After weeks of the first Covid lockdown in 2020, being in our home for so much time, I could see all of the things we didn't use or need, the plastics, the single use stuff that we'd churn through week in, week out.
And it was making me question why this was normal - and how our two girls were growing up to think that this was acceptable.
Don't get me wrong - we recycle. We have always been fairly eco-conscious. But looking around our home, I could see that convenience had overtaken our ethics. The frenetic work-kids-sleep cycle had meant that online shopping, next day delivery and minimal effort had taken central place in an attempt to make our lives easier. Ironically, instant gratification online shopping seemed like the answer to simplicity.
But weeks - then months - actually living in our home was a wake up call. Seeing the amounts that were going into our recycling bins on a weekly basis - it was obscene.
Somewhat ironically, my background is in sustainability. Along the way, I've consulted in sustainability and it is my passion - though it seemed to have been buried for a while. without focus, with a job in a different sector, and having an out-of-whack work-life balance, focusing on what is right and aligned with my central world view seemed to have drifted. Somewhere on the road that is life, I've become a convenience consumer, valuing speed and ease over ethics and impact. It has to stop. Just because I did it last week - and every week before that - doesn't mean I should just hit "buy favourites" on my weekly shop.
So last year, we started doing two things.
First, was to start buying and owning less - far from being minimalists, we're seeking to own what we need, and what makes us happy, and getting rid of (responsibly of course) the excess that we've accumulated - you know, the clutter. The things we bought be barely used. The shirts that I'll never wear. The electronics that went obsolete a few years ago.
Second, was to buy responsibly. Looking for more reusable, environmentally friendly and durable alternatives. Away with the single use plastics and toxic chemicals. In with the guilt-free, effective solutions. But we're also a family of four and I don't want our weekly bills to go up - to we're looking for alternatives to be economical as well.
So that's what this blog is about. Step by step trying to be more planet-friendly in the things we buy for our home and the way we live. We'll also try to explain why we're doing things -hopefully some of our science backgrounds and sustainability knowledge will be useful! - this isn't about buying brands, its about choosing wisely.
Small, baby steps at first. We're far from perfect - and this is going to be quite a journey, but we wanted to share our experiences, the things we try, what works for us and what doesn't.
Enjoy the journey!
If you have any products or tips you'd recommend for more eco-conscious living, just let us know and we'll give it a try!
Toby
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