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I try to follow the rules reduce reuse refill repair and then recycle
in that order
Doesn’t always happen but it makes a difference 90% of the time
i try to walk if I can instead of the car
at a push the bus
i buy from charity shops
shampoo bars/soap
turn lights/heating off
energy saving light bulbs
never leave anything on standby
always turn off at plugs
I think ‘will I wear this at least 50 times?’ If not I don’t buy it even from a charity shop
my bloke reuses paper for his shopping lists
i give away thing to friends/charity shops
i use white vinegar as a cleaning product-it smell fades fast
white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda down the loo for limescale
hope this helps a bit
in that order
Doesn’t always happen but it makes a difference 90% of the time
i try to walk if I can instead of the car
at a push the bus
i buy from charity shops
shampoo bars/soap
turn lights/heating off
energy saving light bulbs
never leave anything on standby
always turn off at plugs
I think ‘will I wear this at least 50 times?’ If not I don’t buy it even from a charity shop
my bloke reuses paper for his shopping lists
i give away thing to friends/charity shops
i use white vinegar as a cleaning product-it smell fades fast
white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda down the loo for limescale
hope this helps a bit
I use a razer with recyclable blades.
I love ocean Saver pods for cleaning. Ecoegg for laundry.
I agree with turning the lights /heating off.
Meal planning.
You can find refill stations for cleaning and beauty.
I wait before I buy clothes, makeup etc
I love ocean Saver pods for cleaning. Ecoegg for laundry.
I agree with turning the lights /heating off.
Meal planning.
You can find refill stations for cleaning and beauty.
I wait before I buy clothes, makeup etc
Thanks guys.
@Itsallaboutmememe what shampoo bars do you use and how do you find them? I tried and found it left a waxy film on my hair. I did a final wash first with baby shampoo to remove all old silicones etc and tried rinsing in filtered water, doing an ACV rinse and just about every other tip google threw at me but I just couldn’t get on with them. I’d love to give them another try as shampoo bottles etc make a good portion of our recycling bin.
I do meal plan, dogs and cats get any leftovers that can’t be used. Or the chickens. I compost too.
@Itsallaboutmememe what shampoo bars do you use and how do you find them? I tried and found it left a waxy film on my hair. I did a final wash first with baby shampoo to remove all old silicones etc and tried rinsing in filtered water, doing an ACV rinse and just about every other tip google threw at me but I just couldn’t get on with them. I’d love to give them another try as shampoo bottles etc make a good portion of our recycling bin.
I do meal plan, dogs and cats get any leftovers that can’t be used. Or the chickens. I compost too.
Great thread. I’ve been making changes slowly over the past few years, keen to do more. So far:
- Use washable oven tray liners, I’ve had mine for years now. No need for single use baking paper/foil
- Get a stack of cleaning cloths to use in the kitchen, ditch the single use paper towel
- Use glass containers for leftovers (I use the ikea ones) - no need for cling film
- Switch from liquid hand soap to bar soap - I like the Waitrose unscented one
- I struggle to use shampoo bars so my compromise currently is buying liquid shampoo in bulk and decant into a smaller pump bottle (I like Faith in Nature)
- Switch to oat milk - ridiculously lower environmental footprint than animal milk
- Switch to eco egg for laundry
- Using up existing beauty/makeup before buying new - the IG account Estee Laundry has a great campaign for this - #shopmystash I think
- Bundle up the thin plastic the council won’t take (eg bread loaf wrappers) - take the bundle to a local supermarket that takes them for specialist recycling
- Buy loose veg at the supermarket - use the thin reusable mesh bags instead. Lidl and Sainsbury’s sell them now, probably others too
- Keep a list of clothing, shoes etc I’ve bought. When I’m tempted to buy something new, look over the list and realise how much I buy
I love this thread!
I use reusable nappies and reusable wipes for my little one.
I use a Mooncup for periods.
But loose fruit and veg instead of plastic wrapped.
Try and buy from the reduced section in supermarkets.
Meal plan to reduce food waste.
That's all I can think of at the moment, but I am looking forward to the responses.
I use reusable nappies and reusable wipes for my little one.
I use a Mooncup for periods.
But loose fruit and veg instead of plastic wrapped.
Try and buy from the reduced section in supermarkets.
Meal plan to reduce food waste.
That's all I can think of at the moment, but I am looking forward to the responses.
I got mine online but will have to check the brand when I get home from work
if you add a cupful of white vinegar to your final rinse it should get rid of and film in your hair
i promise you won’t smell like a chippy!it fades as it dries
I’ve just rang home and my bloke says it’s by rush organics
i got the rose bar and I think I was about £7
i didn’t buy a tin as I don’t take it out anywhere
if we go away to my in laws I just use theirs
(I did use a lush one but after about 3 goes my hair started to feel dry and it made my scalp sore-it didn’t lather either)
I don’t know about their soaps as I just bulk buy pears from savers or b&m
hope that helps
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Thanks everyone some great advice here.
I have a stack of cloths. I only use paper towels for things that I would consider an infection control risk ie: immediately after someone has vomited and the inside of the loo.
I have a 13kg washer that doesn’t use a lot of water compared to other models and I always make sure it’s full. I try and time the cloth wash times with giving the machine a good hot wash with some soda crystals.
I’ll definitely look into the glass containers to save on film. I was also reading about beeswax cloth.
Newspapers and junk mail I’m going to start turning into logs for my parents aga I think.
I’m trying to hang as much laundry as possibly to dry, and just finish off in the dryer. Though when I’m on nights in a block I do end up using the washer and dryer quite a bit. Must buy more uniform when I have the money actually
I have a stack of cloths. I only use paper towels for things that I would consider an infection control risk ie: immediately after someone has vomited and the inside of the loo.
I have a 13kg washer that doesn’t use a lot of water compared to other models and I always make sure it’s full. I try and time the cloth wash times with giving the machine a good hot wash with some soda crystals.
I’ll definitely look into the glass containers to save on film. I was also reading about beeswax cloth.
Newspapers and junk mail I’m going to start turning into logs for my parents aga I think.
I’m trying to hang as much laundry as possibly to dry, and just finish off in the dryer. Though when I’m on nights in a block I do end up using the washer and dryer quite a bit. Must buy more uniform when I have the money actually
I use our dryer in winter more than I care to admit
if we leave it hanging around we get damp
first sign of spring I’m out there hanging it out praying we don’t get any April showers
our new washer has a 9kg drum so I do about 3 loads a week now
our old one was more like twice a day
we use an old jam jar for fat that comes off food and once 3/4 full my fella uses a spoon to get it out and into the bin-it’s one job I can’t do-dry fat makes me heave
unless someone’s been sick we wash at 30
if I’m doing a load of towels 2 capfuls of white vinegar in the fabric conditioner drawer brings em up a treat-my lot will only use fluffy towels and that seems to make them extra fluffy even if they are line dried and they seem to last a few years longer
they don’t smell of it either
(just don’t use malt vinegar like my daughter did once-they honked!)
my dad the eco warrior used to ’help‘ with the weekly shop and he’d stand at the check out and rip off and unwanted packaging and hand it back to the checkout girl
that was a hoot when you came to cook it and there wasn’t any information there like how long to cook it for or what It was!
I’m amazed we managed cos we didn’t have google then
my mother made him stop and sent him off to a friends of the earth meeting
hes been a proud active member since
if we leave it hanging around we get damp
first sign of spring I’m out there hanging it out praying we don’t get any April showers
our new washer has a 9kg drum so I do about 3 loads a week now
our old one was more like twice a day
we use an old jam jar for fat that comes off food and once 3/4 full my fella uses a spoon to get it out and into the bin-it’s one job I can’t do-dry fat makes me heave
unless someone’s been sick we wash at 30
if I’m doing a load of towels 2 capfuls of white vinegar in the fabric conditioner drawer brings em up a treat-my lot will only use fluffy towels and that seems to make them extra fluffy even if they are line dried and they seem to last a few years longer
they don’t smell of it either
(just don’t use malt vinegar like my daughter did once-they honked!)
my dad the eco warrior used to ’help‘ with the weekly shop and he’d stand at the check out and rip off and unwanted packaging and hand it back to the checkout girl
that was a hoot when you came to cook it and there wasn’t any information there like how long to cook it for or what It was!
I’m amazed we managed cos we didn’t have google then
my mother made him stop and sent him off to a friends of the earth meeting
hes been a proud active member since
I use Modibodi period knickers (I never liked tampons so can’t get my head around the thought of sticking a mooncup up my foof!). I’ve not used a sanitary towel in months because of these (they are pricey though - I started with a couple of pairs for overnight and then bought new ones when I could afford it).
I also use wax wraps and stretchy silicone lids to cover things in the fridge and don’t ever use those little plastic bags when I buy fruit and veg.
Meal planning has cut food waste massively. I go through the cupboards and freezer before I do the shop and try to plan meals using what I already have before buying anything new.
I’ve also started buying pouches to refill my cleaning products. I tried Splosh but they didn’t have a multipurpose cleaner (not sure if they do now). The bottles can all be reused though. I also cut up old clothes (t-shirts stained with hair dye etc) to use as cleaning cloths. Old bedding and towels go to the animal shelter for bedding.
I also use wax wraps and stretchy silicone lids to cover things in the fridge and don’t ever use those little plastic bags when I buy fruit and veg.
Meal planning has cut food waste massively. I go through the cupboards and freezer before I do the shop and try to plan meals using what I already have before buying anything new.
I’ve also started buying pouches to refill my cleaning products. I tried Splosh but they didn’t have a multipurpose cleaner (not sure if they do now). The bottles can all be reused though. I also cut up old clothes (t-shirts stained with hair dye etc) to use as cleaning cloths. Old bedding and towels go to the animal shelter for bedding.
If your budget can stretch to a dehumidifier, they are great for drying washing in winter. Shut the wet washing in a room with the dehumidifier on and it’s dry in no time. Helps with damp throughout the house as well.
I used to buy bottled water as I hate tap water but now I've bought a water filter jug so don't have to keep buying bottled water. I also use those mesh bags for my veg when doing a shop.
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Love this thread. I love that it's giving tips without being preachy.
I also forgot to add that I put stuff on freecycle or offer it for free on GB marketplace when I might normally have taken in to the tip before. It’s a bit of faff waiting until someone can come and pick it up but I feel better knowing that someone else is getting some use out of it (or upcycling and selling it!)
Ooo, they look good. And nice ‘flavours’ too. Ta.Try ocean Saver pods
Excellent tips!
- cloth nappies and wipes for my girls.
- cloth sanitary pads
- I’ve switched to bar soap for hand washing
- I use shampoo and conditioner bars - I use the Lush ones and love them. If you try them and don’t like them, they will take them back and help you find one more suitable which is brilliant I think.
- Also use a bar cleanser for my face and bar deodorant, all Lush
- I take a reusable coffee cup out for buying coffees, keeps it so much hotter and most places give you a bit of money off for using your own cup.
- Have just had to replace our washing machine so gone for the EcoEgg which I absolute love.
- use washing powder instead of liquid as it comes in boxes.
i have loads more I want to change, but that’s a bit of what I’ve done so far.
- cloth nappies and wipes for my girls.
- cloth sanitary pads
- I’ve switched to bar soap for hand washing
- I use shampoo and conditioner bars - I use the Lush ones and love them. If you try them and don’t like them, they will take them back and help you find one more suitable which is brilliant I think.
- Also use a bar cleanser for my face and bar deodorant, all Lush
- I take a reusable coffee cup out for buying coffees, keeps it so much hotter and most places give you a bit of money off for using your own cup.
- Have just had to replace our washing machine so gone for the EcoEgg which I absolute love.
- use washing powder instead of liquid as it comes in boxes.
i have loads more I want to change, but that’s a bit of what I’ve done so far.
Love this thread. Can anybody recommend organic and eco friendly websites?
I want to try using more organic beauty and hair products. Also looking for reusable cotton or bamboo items like cloths etc.
Would prefer to pay a bit more and support environmentally friendly products and sites
I want to try using more organic beauty and hair products. Also looking for reusable cotton or bamboo items like cloths etc.
Would prefer to pay a bit more and support environmentally friendly products and sites
me too. I’ve been looking on amazon at washable bamboo and cotton face pads, but want to buy from a company that works with the environment iywim.
I’m definitely going to look into washable sanpro too if anyone can recommend any? I used reusable nappies and wipes for my kids so to me it’s no different.
I’m going to go and check these out nowTry ocean Saver pods
I literally bought a filter jug off amazon yesterday. Did a taste test and didn’t realise how grim our tap water tastes until i compared it. I’ll buy a reusable water bottle when I come across one and remember to grab it. I’m using a battered Evian bottle from when I bought a bottle of water to take pain with Christmas shopping.
I have a bamboo travel mug in the cupboard too. I need to get in the habit of taking it out with me
I got my facial cloths from Holland and barrett
By websites, do you mean shops or a page with tips?