Rekindled

Watch this video from the fantastic Tim Minchin and remember to take your canvas bags to the supermarket (or any other time you go shopping!).  If you are a bit forgetful like me, keep a stash near your coat or shoes, or you could even keep them in your car.

Plastic Facts:

• The world uses between 500 billion and 1.2 trillion plastic bags a year.
• Each plastic bag is used for approximately 12 – 20 minutes on average
• A plastic bag is expected to take at least 500 years to break down in landfill.
• Plastics do not biodegrade normally, they break down into smaller and smaller particles, which then contaminate soil and water, which is then ingested by animals and gets into the food chain, and as plastics have only been around since the 1950’s who knows what the effect of this will be.
• Many plastic bags do not end up in landfill and end up causing harm to wildlife, including marine animals.

For more info see:

• Plastic Bag Free Modbury
• Marine Conservation Society

Growing your own veg is undoubtedly better, for you and the planet, than buying them from the supermarket.  However, the way you grow your vegetables also has its own effect on the environment.  The obvious issue is whether to use chemicals (including fertilizers, weedkillers and pesticides) or whether to go organic.  But beyond that, there are still ways you can reduce any negative impact from your vegetable plot.  These sustainable and thrifty tips will help you save money and reduce waste.

Plant Pots

We all know that we should try to avoid using plastic bags – but what about plastic pots?  Plastic plant pots are actually very difficult to recycle because of the variety of different types of plastic that they are made from, not to mention the number of different colours that are available.  This is where the three R’s come into play.  Firstly, instead of trying to recycle pots, simply reuse them, as many times as you can.  Plastic is quite tough and long-lasting, which is one of the reasons why it is such a problem when it ends up in landfill, but when it comes to reusing, this makes it ideal.

You can also reduce the number of plastic pots you use by buying biodegradable pots like these fibre pots, or even making your own.  For example, this year I am using loo roll tubes as seedling pots.  They are an ideal size, you can write what you have planted straight onto the pot (instead of using plastic labels) and you can just plant them straight into the ground, as the cardboard will rot away, which will minimise root disturbance for the plant.  Plus, you will already have a free supply of them, and if you need lots you can always ask your friends to save theirs for you.  It’s a win-win situation for you and your plants!  Just make sure you press the compost in well so that it doesn’t all fall out the bottom when you pick it up!  Alternatively, you can use a loo roll tube and some newspaper to make your own Newspaper Plant Pots, which do have a bottom.

In addition you can also reuse any type of tray packaging as seed trays.  In the picture shows I have used a tray from a ready meal and the lid from a punnet of fruit.

Composting

If you are growing anything in your garden, you will need compost at some point, either to fill containers and raised beds, or to use as a soil improver.  Making your own compost is a great way of turning your garden and food waste into a valuable resource.  It also requires minimal effort and it all happens a bit like magic!  I chuck all my fruit, veg and garden waste into my compost bin, along with crushed eggshells, teabags and a bit of shredded paper (take that identity thieves!).  I have a two bin system (pictured) which I have just set up.  I have one bin to fill up and one bin to use up.  Once the second bin is empty, I will empty the contents of the first bin into it, as a way of turning the compost.  The only downside is that it does take a long time to get anything useable, but if you can be patient it is well worth it.

These quick tips for being more environmentally friendly take very little time, and in some cases will actually save you time. You might also find they save you money too. They are really easy and I can honestly say that I do all except two of these myself (scout’s honour!). The key is to integrate these little habits into your daily routine so that you end up doing them automatically.

General Tips

1. Unplug appliances at the wall when you go to bed

2. Open the window instead of using chemical air fresheners

3. When filling in any kind of registration forms, tick the ‘no junk mail’ box

4. In restaurants, order tap water, not bottled water

5. Leave grass clippings on the lawn

Heat and Light

6. Turn lights off when you leave the room

7. Fit energy saving light bulbs

8. Turn your thermostat down one degree

9. Close curtains at night to keep heat in

Computer

10.  Shut down your computer when you are finished.

11. Don’t print your emails

12. Send an e-card instead of a paper one

Kitchen

13. Use a lid on pans when cooking

14. Use the smallest pan you can, on the smallest hob you can

15. Use the cool wash setting on your washing machine (30 degrees)

16. Don’t overfill the kettle, just use what you need

17. Fill empty freezer space with bottles of water

Bathroom

18. Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth

19. Don’t flush the toilet for number 1s.

20. Put a hippo bag or filled bottle of water in your cistern

21. Wash your hands with cold water

22. Shower instead of having a bath

Driving

23. Switch your engine off in when queuing in traffic

24. Use as high a gear as possible

Shopping

25. Write your shopping list on the back of a used envelope

26. Reuse carrier bags or bring your own bag

27. Choose eco-alternatives for cleaning and personal care products

28. Choose local fruit and vegetables – just check the label for country of origin

29. Choose recycled paper products

30. Buy in bulk