...included:
-Using a shopping bag rather than plastic bags when I buy groceries
-Recycle plastic bags as bin liners
-Make wish lists instead of impulse buying: this works particularly well with CD’s, DVD’s, books. Also, when people ask me if I have any birthday or St Nicolas wishes, I have a list handy.
-Quality over quantity = sustainability. Case in point: I always buy leather shoes of good quality. They are more expensive, but they’re prettier, better for my feet and they last longer. So rather than buying 4 pairs of cheap shoes I buy 2 pairs of expensive shoes: I consume less, but I enjoy more.
-Repairing instead of replacing. Again, the case of shoes: I cannot count the times that I had heels or soles replaced in order to make my shoes last longer. I repair my own clothes/socks as well.
-Consume what’s in my fridge before its sell-by date. I’m actually doing quite well; have thrown away much less food than before.
Areas that could improve:
-Cook instead of eating out/ordering in. I’m a decent cook, but I am lazy… I need to focus on doing this more.
-Take pre-packaged lunches instead of eating in the cantine. Still. Can’t. Bring. Myself. To. Keep. This. Up.
-Make pots of tea rather than cup after cup. (need to stop waisting expensive teas…)
-Buy fresh veggies and fruit from the market rather than pre-packaged stuff from the supermarket. Fresh produce = tastier, and involves less packaging material. I really want to do this more (see also cooking point).
This is what I can think of for now… Surely there are many more ways to reduce consuming. Tips, anyone?
