Small Things You Did Today to Reduce Your Environmental Impact

Ummmm the state government is requiring that all councils shift over to three bins… I don’t know how your council is getting away with this?!

3 Likes
  • I walked, biked, and bussed everywhere. Biking doesn’t change much in the short-term over taking the bus, but long-term, extending my reach will help me avoid cabs/friend rides.
  • I ate foraged leftovers.
  • I wore foraged clothing.
  • I avoided using the dryer for my workout shorts and wore leggings instead.
5 Likes

Me either. I can send you the link if you want. I’m pretty sure they’ll have a stink up with State govt over this later.

2 Likes

I would indeed like the link, thank you!

Contemplates career change into waste management strategy

My younger kid has always been interested in going into the trades. The other day he was asking how he could have a career that combats climate change. We talked about him being an electrician that specializes in installing solar panels or a plumber that does greywater systems.

My kid is rad.

9 Likes

Purchased meat directly from the supply store, meaning no additional packaging, repacking, or inappropriately discarded recyclables.

2 Likes

I avoided/delayed buying shaving cream. I’ll try bar soap first. Maybe Nair since I already have it, but I’m not excited about spending ten minutes holding my hands over my head.

2 Likes

Went to a picnic and instead of using the provided disposable utensils, brought my own regular utensils from home.

2 Likes

I ordered produce bags (new swap) and containers online (new glass ones, plastic ones are increasingly missing or broken… I’m not sure if I’m a responsible enough adult to keep any containers for life)

3 Likes

We’ve transitioned to shampoo bars, no more plastic bottles! Love love love, hoping the conditioner bars are just as good.

6 Likes

Rehomed two (seems new in package) fluorescent tube lights that I found in the basement during pre-renovation cleanup. The guy who contacted me about them seemed really happy, said he uses them in his garage. Do they even sell tube lights anymore?

3 Likes

Request for environmentally friendly deodorant recommendations available in the US. Anti perspirant unnecessary. (Recipes for good homemade stuff also work.)

2 Likes

I’m also interested in this! There was some rock crystal deodorant that I heard about a while back but I haven’t gotten to investigating further.

2 Likes

I made a long list of all the little normal things we can do to reduce our utilities bills. I’ll put the ones that are habits on the pantry to remind us, and the one-offs I’ll work through over Spring.

3 Likes

I shopped local! And no plastic stuff

3 Likes

My homemade recipe/method:
1 part cornstarch
1 part baking soda
2 parts coconut oil (preferably in solid form)

Start with that ratio and stir with a fork until the texture of frosting. I’ll then add a couple drops of lavender and tea tree essential oil.

You can adjust the ratio of coconut oil based on your skin sensitivity (sometimes baking soda can be irritating), time of year (a little less coconut oil in the summer), and general preferences.

1 Like

Do you find the essential oils irritating at all, or is the coconut oil enough carrier oil to stay okay?

Do you just apply with your hands?

I have not found the EOs irritating. Sometimes the baking soda causes a bit of a rash if I apply right after shaving, so I will put a base layer of plain coconut oil on first.

I just keep it in a small wide mouthed jar and apply with my fingers. If you try a deodorant container, I would store it in the fridge so the oil doesn’t melt everywhere. I think there are also recipes with beeswax in it to help keep it firm…

2 Likes

Walked for a buy nothing pickup. Got baby blankets and towels, so less to buy new or source from elsewhere.

6 Likes

Today we found out that one of the vocational schools has a co-op program focused on renewable energy. My dude is very excited.

6 Likes